Full text of "Landmarks of Albany County, New York"

LANDMARKS

Albany County

NEW YORK.

EDITED BY

AMASA J. PARKER

OF ALBANY, N. Y.

SYRACUSE, N. Y. :

D. MASON & CO., PUBLISHERS.

1897.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I 1

CHAPTER II 5

CHAPTER III. 10

CHAPTER IV 20

CHAPTER V 25

CHAPTER VI 44

CHAPTER VII 50

CHAPTER VIII - <'> : '>

CHAPTER IX... 84

CHAPTER X 103

CHAPTER XI, Civil List 121

CHAPTER XII, Judiciary and Bar 130

CHAPTER XIII, The Medical Profession.. 168

CHAPTER XIV, Journalism 233

CHAPTER XV, General Education 253

CHAPTER XVI, Public Institutions and Buildings 268

CHAPTER XVII, The City of Albany 281

CHAPTER XVIII, Town of Watervliet (now Colonie), West
Troy (now Watervliet City), Green Island as Town and Vil-
lage, and the City of Cohoes . 394

CHAPTER XIX, Town of Rensselaerville 461

CHAPTER XX, Town of Coeymans _ 472

CHAPTER XXI, Town of Bethlehem... 480

CHAPTER XXII, Town of Berne 499

CHAPTER XXIII, Town of Guilderland 514

CHAPTER XXIV, Town of Westerlo 528

CHAPTER XXV, Town of Knox 537

CHAPTER XXVI, Town of New Scotland 545

PART II.
BIOGRAPHICAL 1-200

PART III
FAMILY SKETCHES 1-376

INDEXES 377-500

PORTRAIT INDEX

Amsdell, George I. ...facing 378, Part I

Barnes, Thurlow Weed,

facing 159, Part II
Barnes, William, jr. ..facing 238, Part I

Beattie, William facing 12, Part II

Bendell, Herman, M. D.,

facing 168, Part I

Best, George N facing 158, Part II

Bigelow, John M., M. D., Ph. D.,

facing 203, Part I
Blair, Louis E., M. D., facing 10, Part II

Blunn, James facing 420, Part I

Borthwick, James M... facing 83, Part II

Brady, Anthony N facing 160, Part I

Brass, Richard W. facing 86, Part II

Bnggs, John N facing 480, Part I

Bronk, Barent T. Effacing 166, Part II

Brooks, Jonas H facing 68, Part II

Brown, Frank facing 440, Part I

Brown, W. Howard facing 43, Part II

Buchanan, Charles J., .facing 166, Part I

Butch, John G._ facing 140, Part II

Burke, Rt. Rev. Thomas

facing 352, Part I
Burlingame, Eugene A.,

facing 144, Part I
Bvington, William Wilberforce,

facing 356, Part I

Cantine, Edward B. . .facing 54, Part II
Carpenter, Charles Whitney,

facing 108, Part II

Clute, Jacob H _. .facing 143, Part I

Covert, James C facing 422, Part I

Cox, James W., M. D.,

facing 217, Part I
Curreen, George H. ..facing 130, Part II

Delehanty, John A facing 82, Part II

Dickson, Walter facing 113, Part II

Doane, Rt. Rev. William Croswell,

D. D., LL. D., facing 340, Part 1

Easton, Frederick facing 33, Part II

Fisk, Frank II., M. D. facing 167, Part II
Fitzgerald, David C. . .facing 4!), Pari II
Fuller, Howard N facing 292, Part I

Griffin, Rev. William, 1). D.,

facing 344, Part I

Hale, Matthew facing 130, Parti

Harris, Hamilton facing 3, Part II

Hastings, Hugh facing 73, Part II

Hornby, Ralph facing 118, Part II

House, George A facing 163, Part II

Howell, George Rogers,

facing 274, Part I

Jermain, James Barclay,

facing 8, Part I
Jones, Charles Edmund, A. M~, M. D.,
facing 155, Part II

King, Rufus H .facing 24, Parti

Kinnear, Peter.. facing 6, Part II

Lewi, Joseph, M. D facing 172, Parti

Lewis, T. Howard... facing 47, Part II
Liieke, Henry facing 160, Partll

Marsh, Benjamin facing 56, Parti

Marvin, Selden E. , Gen.,

facing 375, Part I
Marvin, Selden E., Col., jr.,

facing 32, Part II
McCormic, Robert H., jr.,

facing 77, Part II

McCreary, Edward facing 17, Part II

McKee, James B facing 434, Part I

McKown, James A. ..facing 141, Part II

Meegan, Edward J facing 50, Part II

Merrill, Frederick J. H.,

facing 271, Part I

Munson, Samuel L facing 358, Part I

Myers, Max facing 14, Part II

Nead, William M., M. D.,

facing 2bi, Part I
Newman, John L facing 20, Part II

Oliver, Robert Shaw, Gen.,

facing 284, Part I

Parker, Amasa J. facing 143, Part II

Parker, Amasa J. facing 151, Part II

Palmer, Edward DeL.,

facing 320, Part I

Pasquini, Audio facing 31, Part II

Perry, Isaac G. facing 105, Part II

Plvmpton, Lucy Ann.. facing 266, Part I
Porter, Charles H.. M. D.,

facing 178, Part I

Pruyn, John V. L., LL. D.,

facing 63, Part II

Root, Josiah G facing 447, Part I

Sanford, John C facing 452, Parti

Sisson, Noel E facing 132, Part II

Slavin, Thomas .facing 91, Part II

Slingerland, John I facing 492, Part I

Spalding, Nathaniel B., facing 87, Part II
Stedman, George L. .. facing 40, Part II

Stern, Louis . facing 92, Part 1 1

Story, George facing 168, Part II

Stovvell, Charles F facing 296, Part I

Sweet, Elias W facing 165, Part II

Sweet, Elnathan .facing 386, Parti

Thacher, George Hornell,

facing 58, Part II
Townsend, Frederick, Gen.,

facing 361, Part I

Tracey, Charles facing 123, Part I

Tucker, Luther facing 239, Parti

Tucker, Luther H facing 240, Part I

Van Alstyne, Thomas J.,

facing 101, Part II
Van Alstyne, William C,

facing 288, Part I
Van Antwerp, John H.,

facing 376, Part I
Vandar Veer, Albert, M. D.,

facing 179, Part I
Van Loon, Arthur B., M. D. ,

facing 25, Part II
Van Rensselaer, Howard, M. D. ,

facing 80, Part II
Van Wormer, John R.,

facing 110, Part II
Vosburgh, Isaac W facing 40, Part I

Ward. Samuel Baldwin, M. D.,

facing 177, Part I

Wilson, James H facing 116, Part II

\Y< ><>ster, Benjamin W., facing 44, Part II

Zeh, M. J., M. D facing 412, Part I

LIBRARY

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

SANTA BARBARA

Landmarks of Albany County.

CHAPTER I.

The history of Albany county begins in 1609, when, as far as can be
known with certainty, the first Europeans visited this locality. If
white men were here previous to that time the fact is not susceptible
of proof; but thenceforward to the present, through a period of more
than two hundred and eighty-five years the historic record may be
clearly traced, and the story is filled with interesting- details of events
of great historical importance. The county of Albany was not formed
until 1683, at which time the early history of this region was far ad-
vanced and the great struggle for conquest and possession of this con-
tinent was foreseen.

Albany county 1 was one of the ten original counties of the present
State of New York, and the other nine being New York, West Chester,
Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Richmond, Kings, Queens, Suffolk. At
the time of its erection the county embraced an immense area, from
which the following counties were erected on the dates named:

Gloucester, March 16, 1770, including what is now Orange, Wash-
ington, Caledonia, Orleans, Essex, Lamoille, Franklin and Grand Isle,
all in Vermont.

Tryon, March 12, 1772 (name changed to Montgomery April 2, 1784),
from which all the counties of the State west of Greene, Schoharie,
Schenectady, Saratoga, Warren, Essex and part of St. Lawrence were
formed.

Charlotte, March L2, L772 (name changed to Washington April 2,
L784), from which were erected Warren, Clinton, St. Lawrence, Essex,
and Franklin.

i At the time of the formation of Albany county nine others were erecl ed from territory now
embraced in the State of New York, and two, Dukes and Cornwall, from Massachusetts and
Maine territory.
J

Cumberland, April I, L786, embracing the present counties of Ben-
nington, Windsor, Windham, Rutland, Addison, and Chittenden, all
in Vermont.

Columbia, April 4, 11 86.

Rensselaer, February 7, L791.

Saratoga, February 7, L791.

Schoharie, April 6, 1795.

Greene, March %5, L800.

Schenectady, March 7, 1809.

Albany countv took its name from the Scotch title of the Duke oi
York and Albany, who was afterwards King James II of England. It
is situated between forty-two degrees, twenty-three minutes, and forty-
two degrees, forty-nine minutes north latitude, and between two de-
grees, forty minutes, and three degrees, fifteen minutes, east longitude
from Washington, and with the erection of the last county from its ter-
ritory (Schenectady) it was left with an area of about 544 square miles,
or 348,160 acres. Its northern boundary is formed by Schenectady
and Saratoga counties; its eastern by the Hudson River; its western by
Schoharie county, and its southern by Greene county.

The surface of this county has a general southeastern inclination and
is undulating and hilly. An intervale of a width varying from a quar-
ter of a mile to a mile extends along the Hudson River, which is
bounded by a series of steep bluffs from 100 to 180 feet high; from the
summit of these an undulating and slightly ascending plateau stretches
westward to the foot of the Helderberg Hills, 1 where it reaches an ele-
vation of about 400 feet above tide. This range of hills rises to a
height of from 400 to 800 feet above the plateau, with declivities some-
times steep and precipitous on the east, but sloping more gradually on
the west. Other minor hill ranges extend through portions of the
county in a general northerly and southerly direction. The loftiest
eminence in the county is in the Helderbergs in the northeast corner
of the town of Berne, and is 1,200 feet above tide. These hill ranges
are spurs of the Catskills, which are the northerly continuation of the
Allegany Mountains.

The principal streams of Albany county are the Hudson, the Mohawk,
the Catskill, the Schoharie, and the Norman's Kill. The streams trib-
utary to the Hudson are the following, which come under the title of

i Tin- name Helderberg signifies i: Clear Mountain," from the fine prospect from the summ

these hills.

either river, creek, brook, or kill: The Catskill, Coeymans, Haana-
Krois, Vlaman's, Norman's, Beaver, Rutten, Foxen, Patroon, Ralger,
Cemetery, Dry, and Mohawk. Tributaries of the Mohawk are the
Schoharie, Lisha's, Town, and Donker's. Those of the Catskill are
Eight-Mile, Ten-Mile, Scrub, Fox, and Wilbur. Of the Schoharie,
Reaver Dam, Foxen and Switz. There are other minor streams which
will be mentioned later in the town histories. In the western part of
the count}- the streams generally flow through narrow ravines, while
those that flow into the Hudson have worn deep gullies in the soil,
some of which are one hundred feet in depth and extend nearly to the
river flats.

The eastern boundary line of this county is through the middle of the
Hudson River, which gives all of the islands lying west of that line to
the county. These are Van Rensselaer's, or Westerlo Island, the
largest, containing 160 acres, lying east of the southern part of the city
of Albany; Haver Island, Van Schaick's Island, and Whale Island, all
near the junction of the Mohawk with the Hudson; Green Island, di-
rectly opposite Troy and now a thickly settled village; Pleasure Island,
a short distance above Albany; Beeren, or Bear's Island, eleven miles
below Albany and belonging to the town of Coeymans; Shad, Scher-
merhorn (or Xeifer), Wooden and Poplar, opposite Coeymans: Sill's (or
Van Woert), Bear, Beacon (or Bisby), Cabbage (or Jolly), Marsh, and
Bogart's, opposite Bethlehem; Lower Patroon, Patroon, Cuyler, Hill-
house (or Glen), and Breaker, opposite Watervleit. On the Mohawk,
above the Cohoes Falls, are Ponda and Cobble Islands. Some of these
islands have an important history which will be found in its proper
place.

The geological formations of Albany county belong to the Upper
Silurian system, and comprise nearly all of the rocks of New York from
the I'tica slate to the corniferous limestone. Above the rocks in the
eastern part of the county are thick deposits of drift consisting of sand,
gravel and clay, while along the river bottoms are rich alluvial deposits.
The lowest rock cropping out on the Hudson, Norman's Kill and Mo-
hawk is the Utica slate. Next above are the graywacke and shales of
the Hudson River group, appearing in the valleys of all the streams
that How into the Hudson, and probably underlying all of the eastern
part of the count)-; this stone is quarried for flagging and building
purposes. The base of the Helderbergs is evidently formed of the red
Medina sandstone, and next above and forming the first ti I the

mountains is the water lime group from fifty to two hundred feet thick,
and supplying both water and quicklime. Next comes the pentamerus
limestone, about fifty feet in thickness, and consisting- of impure gray
and black limestone intermixed with slate and shale. Overlying this
is the Catskill limestone, from fifty to one hundred and eighty feet
thick, the layers being alternated with thin layers of shale; this stone
is also used for building purposes. The Oriskany sandstone is next in
order in a thin stratum which is developed in the towns of Berne, Knox,
and Bethlehem. This is followed by the cauda-galli grit of fifty to sixty
feet in thickness. Although this has a fine grit resembling black and
gray slates, it crumbles upon exposure to the air. Next above are the
Onondaga and corniferous limestones, the latter crowning the summits
of the mountains, and both furnishing excellent lime and building
stone. The highlands west of the city of Albany are covered with a
depth of forty feet of sand which rests upon a bed of clay probably one
hundred feet deep. In this drift bog ore has been found, and springs
of acidulous, chalybeate, and saline water exist. Sulphurous springs
have been found near Albany city, at Coeymans Landing, in Guilder-
land, in Watervleit, and in Rensselaerville. White sulphur springs
exist in Berne and New Scotland which have been visited to some ex-
tent by invalids with beneficial results.

The soil of Albany county is varied in character. Along the rivers is
a rich alluvial loam which is very productive. In Watervleit, Al-
bany, and the eastern part of Guilderland and Bethlehem it is almost
pure sand, with strips of clay along the banks of the streams. Between
this sandy region and the foot of the Helderbergs is a belt of land on
which the soil is chiefly a clayey and gravelly loam, rich and productive.
On the Helderbergs the soil is principally alternate layers of clay, slate,
and gravel, usually with a subsoil of the tenacious clay known as
"hard pan." Much of this latter region is cold, wet and only moder-
ately productive. Pine, oak and chestnut were the principal forest
trees of the sandy region, with a small quantity of red cedar in the
southeast corner of the county. Westward of the sandy tract are the
usual deciduous and evergreen trees of this State.

CHAPTER II.

The pioneers of civilization on the western continent found it inhab-
ited by the native Americans whom we call Indians. The often-raised
question of whence came this copper-colored race has never yet been
answered; their origin is shrouded in mystery, and so it must remain.
Unnumbered ages hence their disappearance from the earth may be
enveloped in the deep oblivion that now hides their origin.

A detailed history of this race cannot be given in this volume, nor is
it desirable that it should be; for it has been written of in the past by
many gifted pens. As to the right or wrong of their conquest and
their possible extinction by the white man, wise men differ. At the
foundation of the question is the fact that in the world's history civili-
zation advances, at whatever cost to the uncivilized; the ignorant go
down before the educated, the weak before the strong; might, if nol
always right, triumphs.

The Iroquois Indians, as they were called by the French, but known
to the English as the Five Nations (and as the Six Nations after their
confederacy was joined by the Tuscaroras in 1714) had established
themselves across the State of New York, beginning with the Mohawks
on the east, and with the Oneidas (with whom the Tuscaroras subse-
quently became amalgamated), the Onondagas, the Cayugas, and the
Senecas next, in the order here stated. At the time the first white men
came up the Hudson River these nations claimed most of the territory
now constituting the State of New York and a part of Pennsylvania as
their hunting grounds. The territory about the mouth of the Hudson
and the valley of the Delaware River was occupied by the Delaware and
Manhattan tribes of the Algonquins. Other nations were located in
distant parts of the country. The Iroquois were superior in mental
capacity to any of their native neighbors. Parkman, the historian,
says, "both reason and tradition point to the conclusion that the Iro-
quois originally formed one undivided people. Sundered, like count-
less other tribes, by dissensions, caprice, or the necessities of a hun-
ter's life, they separated into five distinct nations."

The recollection of their common origin and a wise prevision of what

would conduce to their common welfare, led to the establishment of
their celebrated Confederacy, or League, which insured harmony and
prosperity to all, rendered them a dominant power and a terror to sur-
rounding- native nations and tribes, and in later times challenged the
admiration of civilized statesmen. When this confederacy was formed
is not known, but it is believed to have been early in the sixteenth
century, while some students fix the date at 1635. It was probably
long anterior to that date. The principal characteristics of this league
are too well known to need repetition here.

Distinguished as they were for intelligence, endurance and cruelty
to their enemies, it is still true that the Iroquois Indians received the
first coming white men in the most friendly manner, even while wag-
ing relentless war upon their savage enemies. In 1G18 the Five Nations
entered into a treaty of peace and alliance with the I Hitch on the Nor-
man's Kill, just south of the site of Albany, and this continued in ex-
istence as long as it was mutually advantageous for purposes of trade.

In their war operations the policy of the Iroquois seems always to
have been, not the extermination of their foes, but their subjugation
and adoption. It is said that the Kakuas and the Eries, to the west-
ward, were offered the alternative of extinction or adoption. This
policy enabled them to constantly extend their power and influence,
until about the year 1700, when they dominated a large part of the ter-
ritory of the United States. Long prior to that they had carried terror
into the wilds Canada; had gained victories on Lake Huron; had made
tributary the Delawares and the Mohegans, until their name alone was
a signal of conquest. At the time when Champlain was exploring the
lake that bears his name, and Hudson was sailing up our noble river
( L609) these Five Nations were carrying 011 relentless war against the
Canada tribes. It was with the latter that Champlain joined in his first
crusade against the Iroquois, teaching them the use of guns and pow-
der. Delighted with these implements of destruction and smarting
under the defeat inflicted upon them by Champlain, the Indians wel-
comed the friendly Dutch and cheerfully entered into the alliance be-
fore mentioned, by which the shrewd Hollanders obtained quiet pos-
session of the valuable Indian trade, which was then all they wanted.
The Iroquois with their 3,000 warriors kept the war-path warm with
the blood of their enemies; Champlain was driven back, the Hurons
were mercilessly harassed, the Andastes were exterminated and other
nations defeated, and New France was made to suffer for many years
from the bloody raids of these warriors.

At the time of the coming of the first white men the Mohawks had
rive of their so-called castles, one of which was Moenemines Castle,
situated on Haver Island at the mouth of the Mohawk River; the
others were at Schenectady, Fort Hunter, one called Caughnawaga in
what is now Fulton county, and one at Canajoharie. This nation then
numbered about three hundred warriors.

Their own self-interest and the friendliness of the Dutch, and lat< i
of the English, retained the fealty of the Iroquois, with little interrup
tion, through the one hundred and fifty years prior to the Revolution.

Meanwhile the vanguard of the Jesuits, those self-immolating French
missionaries, arrived in the western world, the first of them in L625;
but their active work among the Iroquois in almost fruitless endeavors
to convert them to Christianity, and at the same time aid in establish
ing French dominion, did not begin until about 1655. Conspicuous
among these missionaries were Fathers Le Moyne, Brebeuf, Joseph Le
Mercier, Paul Ragueneau, Pierre Joseph Chaumont, Jean de Lamber-
ville, and many others. Their work continued until about the year
L700. In 1071 the Mohawks of Caughnawaga were led by the Jesuits
to migrate to Canada and remain thereafter allies of the French in their
bloody incursions into the Mohawk valley. During the Revolution
many of the Iroquois, and especially the Mohawks, allied themselves
with the mother country and under the influence and leadership of Sir
John and Guy Johnson, the Butlers and Joseph Brant, they left desola-
tion and bloodshed in many settlements. Most of the Oneida nation
were allies of the colonists during the Revolution, a result to be chiefly
credited to the Rev. Samuel Kirkland, who labored among them many
years as a missionary.

In their early dealings with the Indians the Dutch were, as before
intimated, actuated solely by a desire to profit by trade Hence there
was almost no land negotiation until the purchase of Rensselaerwvck
in 1629 and later, as described in the next chapter. The fur trade re-
quired and received the entire attention of the Dutch, who extended
it throughout New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and part of the Canadas
and New England. Albany claimed a monopoly in this business and,
through the influence and sagacity of sonic of the earl}- traders there,
controlled it to a great extent. Philip Pieterse Schuyler, of Amster-
dam, settled in Beverwyck (as the little settlement on the site of Al-
bany was called) as early as 1647, secured the warm friendship of the
Indians by his honorable methods in trade, and was often visited by

their chiefs at his farm house four miles up the Hudson; he also had a
building erected for their entertainment in Albany. He was influential
in councils and negotiations with the Five Nations, and more than any
other person was instrumental in establishing the policy of treating
them with kindness and securing their alliance He died in L683, but
his policy was continued by his son, Peter, who also acquired un-
bounded influence among the Indians.

During the Dutch regime Indian affairs were managed by the direc-
tor-general and council of New Netherland. In later years, after the
English conquest in 1(164, it became necessary to have an official resi-
dent at Albany for immediate communication with the Indians and to
act promptly in emergencies. This led to the establishment of the
Indian Department in 1684, for which the magistrates of Albany were
first appointed; in L690 and thereafter a distinct board was constituted
which acted under the governor. In 1755 the English crown assumed
control of Indian affairs, divided the colonies into the northern and
southern departments, and appointed Sir William Johnson superintend-
ent in the northern department. Upon his death in 1774 he was suc-
ceeded by his son, Col. Guy Johnson. Following is a list of commis-
sioners of Indian affairs:

H'.s4, the magistrates of Albany.

1690, Joachim Staats, Johannis Wendell, Johannis Bleecker, Peter Bogardus, Ryer
Jacobz Schermerhorn, and the Mayor of Albany.

L691, Matthew Shankey, George Bradshaw, Peter Schuyler, John Tuder, 1 dick
Wessels.

1696, Peter Schuyler, Godfrey Dellius, Evert Bancker, Dirck Wessels, and the
Mayor.

1(598, the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and Commonalty, Dirck Wessels, Hendrick
House.

1706, Peter Schuyler, Captain Weems, the Mayor, Johannis Abeel, Kiliaan Van
Rensselaer, Myndert Schuyler, Johannis Cuyler. Evert Bancker, Henry Holland,
Peter Van Brugh, Hendrick Van Rensselaer.

171(1, Kiliaan Van Rensselaer, John Abeel, Evert Bancker, Hendrick Hansen, Jo-
hannis Cuyler, John Schuyler, Myndert Schuyler, Peter Van Brugh, Johannis Rose-
boom.

1712, Peter Schuyler, Kiliaan Van Rensselaer, Richard Ingoldsby, Johannis Schuy-
ler, Hendrick Hansen, Myndert Schuyler, Peter Van Brugh.

1715, Peter Schuyler, William Van Rensselaer, Peter Matthews, Hendrick Hansen,
John Schuyler, Myndert Schuyler, Robert Livingston jr., John Cuyler, Peter Van
Brugh.

1720, Peter Schuyler, Hendrick Hansen, John Cuyler, Peter Van Brugh. Evert
Bancker, Henry Holland, Philip Livingston, John Collins, John Wendell, John
Bleecker.

////.v . ^A////////

///////////

1724, Henry Holland, Peter Van Brugh, John "Collins, John Cuylcr, Evert Bancker,
Philip Livingston, Johannis Wendell, Evert Wendell, Hendriek Van Rensselaer,
David Van Dyck.

1726, Captain Cornwell, Captain Norris, Philip Livingston, Henry Holland, John
Cuyler, Peter Van Brugh, Evert Bancker, John Collins, Henry Van Rensselaer.

1728, Philip Livingston, Myndert Schuyler, Evert Bancker, Rutger Bleecker,
Henry Holland, Stephanus Groesbeck, Peter Van Brugh, Johannis Cuyler, Abraham
Cuyler, Hermanus Wendell, Johannis Roseboom, Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, Nicholas
Bleecker, Evert Wendell, Philip Schuyler, Ryer Gerritse, Barent Sanders, Johannis
Lansing.

1732, the preceding list, with Johannis Schuyler, Henry Van Rensselaer, and Dirck
Ten Broeck.

1734, Philip Livingston, William Dick, Myndert Schuyler, John Schuyler, Hen-
driek Van Rensselaer, Rutger Bleecker, Stephanus Groesbeck, Philip Schuyler, Jere-
miah Van Rensselaer, Edward Holland, Nicholas Bleecker, Ryer Gerritse, Dirck
Ten Broeck, Johannis Lansing, jr., John De Peyster, Jacob Glen, Cornelius Cuyler,
John Schuyler, jr., Edward Collins, Abraham Cuyler.

1738, the Commandant at Albany, Members of Assembly for Albany, Rensselaer-
wyck, and Schenectady, the Mayor, Recorder and Sheriff of Albany, and Philip Liv-
ingston and Edward Clarke.

1739, The Council, Commandant, Mayor and Recorder of Albany, Jeremiah Van
Rensselaer, Peter Winne, Stephanus Groesbeck, Rutger Bleecker, John De Peyster,
John Schuyler, jr., Jacob Glen, Arendt Bradt, Edward Collins, Myndert Schuyler,
John Schuyler, Cornelius Cuyler, Johannis Lansing, jr., Hendriek Ten Eyck.

1742, Philip Livingston, John Rutherford, Myndert Schuyler, Abraham Cuyler,
Nicholas Bleecker, Johannis Lansing, jr., Cornelius Cuyler, Mayor Dirck Ten
Broeck, Recorder Hendriek Ten Eyck, Rutger Bleecker, John De Peyster, Stephanus
Groesbeck, Ryer Gerritse, Edward Collins.

1745, the preceding list, and Stephen Van Rensselaer.

1746, Commissary for Indian Affairs, William Johnson.

1752, Commissioners, the Council, Commandant at Albany, Members of Assembly
of Albany, Rensselaerwyck, Schenectady and Livingston Manor, Mayor and Re-
corder of Albany, Myndert Schuyler, Cornelius Cuyler, Hendriek Bleecker, John
Buchanan, Peter Groenendyek, Johannis Lansing, jr , Jacob C. Ten Eyck.

1754, Mayor and Recorder of Albany, Commandant, Myndert Schuyler, Cornelius
Cuyler, John Buchanan, Jacob C. Ten Eyck, John Rensselaer.

Peter Winne, sole Superintendent, April, 1755.

February, 1756, William Johnson, Sir William Johnson, Bart.

July, 1774, Col. Guy Johnson and the State Commissioners, Philip Schuyler, Vol-
kert P. Douw, Timothy Edward, Oliver Wolcott, James Duane.

While in most respects the vState of New York and the general gov-
ernment have been magnanimous in dealing w ith the now fallen na-
tions who once roamed as conquerors over much of this broad land,
there is still much to be regretted in the details of their treatment.
Even to this day our Indian affairs in the far west seem to be conducted
2

more for the benefit of a few heartless agents than to mete out justice
to the natives. Ever hospitable to the first white men, freely sharing
his home and the best he could procure for his entertainment, it seems
at this distance and to the sympathetic mind, a hard condition that
made it necessary to war upon the Indian and drive him from his coun-
try. He could do no less than fight for his home with such weapons and
temperament as his Creator had given him. 1

As far as relates to their connection with Albany county, it is worthy
of note that this territory was almost wholly free from Indian attack
and depredation. The only notable exception took place in what is
now the town of Berne, where a family of eight persons named Dictz
were murdered or carried away captives; this was near the Schoharie
line. 8 This exemption of Albany county from the invasions suffered
by surrounding localities is doubtless to be credited to the fact that the
inhabitants were many of them Tories, who secretly or openly aided the
royal cause, and that Albany itself was well protected by forts and
arms.

CHAPTER III.

For the purposes of this work we need only refer briefly to the dis-
coveries and occupation by the French of the country to the northward
of what is now the United States prior to 1000. These included the
voyages of Jean Verrazzani in 1524, and of Jacques Cartier ten years
later, and a second voyage by the latter in 1540. On this occasion he
was accompanied by Jean Francis de Roberval, who held a knight's
commission as lieutenant-general over the "new countries of Canada,
I lochelaga and Saguenay." Little was accomplished of a permanent
character by these navigators, and further attempts at French occupa-
tion were discouraged until I -MIS, when "New France," as it was
called, was made a place of banishment for French convicts. The real
founder of a permanent colony in New France was Samuel de Cham-

l Colden writes: "The hospitality of these Indians is no less remarkable than theii othei
virtues; as soon as any stranger conies they are sure to offer him victuals. If there be several in
company, and come from alar, one of their best houses is cleaned and given up for their enter-
tainment."

-See History of the Town of Berne.

plain, a man born with the uncontrollable instinct for discovery and
adventure that characterizes all great explorers. His very early adven-
tures have no connection with this work, and it is sufficient to state
that in 1608, after having counseled his patrons that on the banks of
the St. Lawrence was the most favorable site for a new empire, he was
sent over and laid the foundations of Quebec. To further gratify his-
love of adventure, he joined with some of the Canadian Indians and
started forth into the unknown country which the natives had tried to
describe to him. One of the results was the discovery of Lake Cham-
plain (named in his honor), and the meeting of a party of the Iroquois
on the shore of that lake, where he fought them with powder and bul-
lets, giving them their first knowledge of those terrible engines of de-
struction. The Iroquois were defeated with the loss of two of their
chiefs, who fell by Champlain's own hands.

Thus was signalized the first hostile meeting between the white man
and the Indian. Low as the latter was found to be in the scale of in-
telligence and humanity, and terrible as were many of the subsequent
deeds of the Iroquois, it cannot be denied that their early treatment by
Europeans could foster in a savage breast no other feeling than hos-
tility and revenge. It is like a pathetic page of romance to read Cham-
plain's statement that "the Iroquois were greatly astonished, seeing
two men killed so instantaneously," one of whom was their chief;
while the ingenuous acknowledgment of the Frenchman, " I had put
four balls in my arquebus," is vivid testimony of how little mercy the
Iroquois were thenceforth to receive from their northern enemies and
the pale-faced race which was eventually to drive them from their do-
main. It must, however, be remembered that it was an age in which
might was appealed to as right more frequently than in later times,
and the planting of the banner of the cross was often preceded by
bloody conquest. Hence it is, at least to some extent, in the light of
prevailing custom in the old world in Champlain's day, that we may
view his readiness to do battle with the enemies of the northern In-
dians.

It is an interesting coincidence that a part of the territory now em-
braced in the State of New York which is closely identified with this
history, was first visited by white men of whom there is reliable record,
from two different directions almost simultaneously, and from two dif-
ferent European powers. On the Ith of April, 1609, only a very short
time after Champlain had successfully killed his first Indian, Henry

Hudson, an English navigator and a friend of Capt. John Smith, sailed
from Amsterdam in a small vessel, with a crew of about twenty Eng-
lish and Dutch sailors, in the service of the Dutch East India Com-
pany. Crossing the Atlantic he touched at the Maine coast and Cape
Cod, continued on southerly to Chesapeake Bay, which he reached
'early in August. He soon afterward turned his prow northward, and
after making explorations along the coast, entered New York Bay on
September 3, 1609. On the 12th he began a voyage up the river which
bears his name and probably reached a point near the site of Hudson
city with his vessel. He then on the 19th sent a boat and crew farther
up and doubtless passed the site of Albany. 1

Convinced that this noble river offered no new route to China or the
Indies, which was probably one of the objects of his voyage, Hudson
started homeward on the 4th of October and arrived in England No-
vember 7.

His experience with the Indians was in the main similar to that of
the other Europeans upon their first visits; he was received with kind-
ness mingled with awe. In the beautiful autumn he found the country
a paradise, and so reported to his employers. Morever" he foresaw a
rich field for money-making and the thrifty Dutch were not slow to
take advantage of it. The next year a second vessel was sent over by
shrewd traders of Amsterdam, and a successful trade was opened
with the natives along the noble river, which had been named by the

'There is evidence that by many is considered unimpeachable that the French had discov-
ered the Hudson long before this date. On this question we may quote the following' from
" Discoveries in America in 1525," by A. J. Weise, pp. 361-2: "The fact that the French had
ascended the Grande River (Hudson River) to the height of its navigation, to trade with the In-
dians, long before Henry Hudson explored it, is corroborated by still stronger testimony than
that already presented. One of the earliest maps representing the territory of Nieu Nederlandt
(New Netherlands or that part of New France which the French had called La Terre d'Anormee
Berge, is the figurative chart presented to their High Mightinesses, the Lords States-General of
the United Netherlands, on the 11th of October, 1(114, by a number of Dutch merchants, praying
for a special license to navigate and traffic within the limits of this part of North America."
Concerning this map Brodhead, the historian, wrote as follows: "Phis map (made in 1614) is un-
doubtedly one of the most interesting memorials we have. It is about three feet long, and shows,
very minutely, the course of the Hudson River, from Manhattan to above Albany, as well as a
portion of the sea coast; and contains, likewise, curious notes and memoranda about the neigh-
boring Indians. The work, perhaps, of one of the companions of Hudson himself, and made
within five years of the discovery of the river, its fidelity of delineation is scarcely less remark-
able than its high antiquity." Now, one of the explanatory notes on this map contains un-
deniable testimony that the French were the discoverers of the Grande River, and that they had
been trading with the Mohawks long before the Half Moon sailed up the river. The plain
language of the inscription makes all explanation of its meaning unnecessary, thus: " Bui as far
as one can understand by what the Maquaas [Mohawks] say and show, the French come with
sloops as high up as their country to trade with them."

Dutch, the Mauritius. Other vessels soon followed in 101 1, 1012,
1613, and 1014, all of which returned with rich cargoes of furs. Fore-
most in these business ventures were Capts. Hendrick Corstiaensen
(Christiansen), John De Witt, Adrian Block and Cornelius. Jacobson
Mey. The coast from Nahant to Delaware Bay, with the adjacent isl-
ands, was visited by them, and the Connecticut and other rivers were
ascended as far as practicable. A trading- post was established on Man-
hattan Island, Corstiaensen was appointed agent of the traders, and in
1612 built a small fort and a few rude structures on the southern end
of the island; this was the beginning of the present great city of New
York.

Meanwhile the English also were busy in the new world. That
country laid claim to all the territory in North America between the
34th and the 45th parallels of latitude, and extending westward to the
Pacific Ocean. In April, 1000, King James granted a patent to an as-
sociation called the Plymouth Colony for the northern part of this ter-
ritory, and another patent to the London Company for the southern
part; these sections were called respectively North Virginia and Smith
Virginia. Jamestown (Virginia) was settled in 1607, but no permanent
settlement was made by the English in the northern region until the
arrival of the Mayflower in 1020. Thus there were three distinct
sources of immigration to this country, the adventurers of each power
acting with authority from their respective sovereigns, and each power
basing its claims on the then generally recognized right of discovery.
A struggle for possession could be the only result.

The English made their first demonstration against the Dutch in 1613,
when, according to Captain Smith, a party that had been on a hostile
expedition against the French to the northward, " found at Manhattan
Isle four houses built, and a pretended Dutch Governor." The Vir-
ginians demanded possession upon the ground that Henry Hudson,
an English subject, could not alienate from the English crown what
was properly a part of Virginia and included in the grant of the Eng-
lish king. Corstiaensen was then in command on the island, and being
powerless against his adversaries, he submitted his colony to English
rule. This was more a formality than otherwise, tor the Holland com-
panies retained actual possession fifty years longer and laid the found-
ations of the city. As far as New England was concerned, it never
had any respect for the Dutch claim; but the country from the western
part of Long Island and up tin- Hudson to the Mohawk, including

Albany and adjacent settlements, remained New Netherlands until the
English extinguished the Dutch regime in 1664.

Hendrick Corstiaensen and his co laborers early appreciated the im-
portance of having a trading post far up the Hudson. A special char-
ter was granted by the States-General of Holland on October 1 1, L614,
to a company of Amsterdam merchants with the distinctive title of the
New Netherlands Company, giving them a trade monopoly for four
years, until January 1, 1618. Acting under this, Corstiaensen and a
few others sailed up the river in 1614 and built a small fort on what
was Castle (now Westerlo) Island, just below the site of the later Fort
Orange; they named it Fort Nassau. This fortification was about fifty
feet square, surrounded by a ditch eighteen feet wide, defended by
eleven stone guns and two cannon and garrisoned by twelve men under
Jacob Jacobson Elkins, who succeeded Corstiaensen. In L 639 it was
visited by De Vries, who found it occupied by Brandt Pylen (or Peelan),
under lease from the patroon and his partners. It was then farmed
and well stocked. Here Corstiaensen and his companions began active
trade with the Indians, but Corstiaensen was soon afterward killed by an
Indian in his employ. The situation of this fort was untenable on ac-
count of spring floods, and in 1617 a new one was erected at the mouth
of the Norman's Kill on the west bank of the Hudson. It was there,
probably, that the first treaty of friendship was made by the Indians
and the Dutch. When the charter of this company expired they were
unsuccessful in their application for another. There was an interval
of five years during which no regular organization had representatives
here; but it is believed that Elkins and some others remained and con-
tinued their lucrative trade through the medium of Holland ships. It
would be surprising if this were not the case.

On June 3, 1021, the Holland States General incorporated the Dutch
West India Company, giving it unprecedented rights to trade and
found settlements from Cape Horn to New 7 Foundland during twenty-
four years, with exclusive jurisdiction over New Netherlands. It was
empowered to appoint governors to be approved by the home authori-
ties, to colonize territory, administer justice, etc. The executive man-
agement of the company was placed with aboard of nineteen directors,
one of whom was to be appointed by the States-Ceneral and the re-
mainder by the company; these were to be located in five different
chambers in five Holland cities. The province of New Netherlands
was assigned to the Amsterdam chamber. By the spring of 1623 the

company was fully organized and began its operations with vigor. No
opposition was made to their plans, though the English ambassador at
the Hague formally protested.

In April, 1623, one of the nineteen directors, Cornelisen [acobsen
Mey, came over from Holland in command of a vessel with thirty fam-
ilies, chiefly Walloons, 1 or French Protestants, and landed at Xew Am-
sterdam. Of these it is believed that eight families settled on the site
of Albany and built Fort Orange, about two miles above Fort Nassau
and near the foot of State street as it now exists. These thrifty immi-
grants opened a lucrative fur trade with the Indians. In this year
(1623) Adrien Jorise was appointed governor in New Netherlands,
served one year and in 1624 was succeeded by Cornelisen Jacobsen Mey,
and he in 1625 by William Verhulst.

The fur trade began with profit to the company and promised larger
returns in the future. The principal furs were beaver and ottei skins,
of which the quantity shipped was enormous. For example, in the fall
of 1626 the vessel "Arms of Amsterdam " took out 7,246 beaver skins,
*'>'■>}, otter, 81 mink, 36 wild cat, and 34 rat skins; also "samples of
summer grain, such as wheat, rye, barley, oats, buckwheat, canary
seed, beans, and flax."

In 1688 Catelyn Trico, a native of Paris, France, eighty-three years
old, gave testimony which proves her to have been one of the first white
w< >man in Albany. She came over, according to her statements, in 1 623,
in a ship named the " Unity," commanded by the first governor, Adrien
J<»rise, which was the first ship sent out by the West India Company.
She came to Albany with eighteen families, who built a small fort and
huts of bark. Two other families and six men were sent to Hartford,
Connecticut, two families and eight men to the Delaware River, eight
men were left at Manhattan, and the remainder, as stated, went up the
river. Adrien Jorise remained there all winter and sent his son home
with the ship. The narrative states that four other women came over
on the "Unity" and were married and went to the Delaware River.
This woman remained three years at Albany, went thenceto New York
and later to Wallabout. -

1 The Walloons inhabited parts o( France anil at the time "t their dispersion in I5H0 num-
bered over -.',ni ii i,i n hi. They were "f mixed Galie and Teutonic 1 > i land spoke the old I

ilia Int. They tied to I lull anil, where I hey \\ ere \\ e lei imed for their skill and industry. kOSSINf;.

2 h will beseen that this statement, while probably correct in most respects, differs widely
in others from must records. This is especialy noticeable in the number of families that firs!
hn-ated at Fori < (range.

The first white child born in New Netherlands was Sarah Rapalje,
daughter of one of the Walloons, who was born June 7, 1025, and whose
descendants are still living'.

From the records showing the comparatively wide distribution of the
men and families who came over in the " Unity" may be drawn an in-
ference as to the plans and operations of the West India Company.
They were not by any means confined to any one section of New
Netherlands. Ships came and went, laden on the westward voyage
with the gaudy cloths and trinkets which, almost valueless where they
were made, took the childish fancy of the natives and paid readily for
furs that were almost priceless in comparison. Rum, too, soon became
an important article in the trade, and no scruples were shown in ex-
changing it with the Indians on the basis of a very little drink for a
large quantity of fur. The country itself was attractive, as it has ever
been, to the adventurous or ambitious, and the passing years saw large
accessions to the population. On these points Gulielmus Baudartius
(or Baudart), the Dutch scholar and historian, wrote as follows:

Inasmuch as the multitude of people, not only natives but foreigners, who are
seeking a livelihood in the United Provinces is very great, so that where one stiver
is to be earned there are ten hands ready to receive it, especially in Holland which
is the reservoir of divers kingdoms and countries. Many are obliged on this ac-
count, to go in search of other lands and residences where they can obtain a living
more easily and at less expense. Accordingly, in the year 1624, as in previous years,
divers families went from Holland to Virginia in the West Indies, a great portion of
them being English, called Browni'sts [Puritans], whom King James will not permit
nor suffer to live in his land, because they hold and maintain divers points of relig
ion improbated by the present church of England.

A ship arrived in August [1623] from that part of Virginia called New Netherland,
which had conveyed some families from Holland thither. This vessel brings many
and various letters from private individuals, each written to friends and acquaint-
ances, whereof this is mostly the tenor —

" We were much gratified on arriving in this country; here we found beautiful
rivers, bubbling fountains flowing down into the valley; basins of running waters in
the rlatlands, agreeable fruits in the woods, such as strawberries, pigeon berries,
walnuts, and also voor labruste?i or wild grapes. The woods abound with acorns
for feeding hogs, and with venison. There is considerable fish in the rivers; good
tillage land; here is, especially, free coming and going, without fear of the naked
natives of the country. Had we cows, hogs, and other cattle fit for food (which we
daily expect in the first ships) we would not wish to return to Holland, for whatever
we desire in the paradise of Holland is here to be found. If you will come hither
with your family you will not regret it."

This and similar letters have roused and stimulated many to resolve to emigrate
thither with their families, in the hope of being able to earn a handsome livelihood,

Strongly fancying that they will live there in luxury and ease, whilst here, on the
contrary, they must earn their bread by the sweat of their brow.

The trade headquarters remained at New Amsterdam (New York),
although much of the actual exchange of goods and furs took place at
Fort Orange. The Dutch governors had their seat at the former place,
making it the center of such civil government as existed.

In 1626 Governor Peter Minuit, then in office, purchased the Island
of Manhattan of the Indians for a sum equal to about $24. William
Bradford was then governor of Plymouth, the English colony, and
learning that the Dutch were sending ships to Xarragansett Bay to
trade, sent Edward Winslow to Governor Minuit to remonstrate. This
resulted in a correspondence between Bradford and Minuit which,
while of a general friendly character, still contains assertions on the
part of the former that the Dutch must respect the rights of the Plym-
outh colonists and not permit his traders to come to Narragansett for
furs. He also complained that the Dutch were selling muskets, pow-
der and shot to the Indians — which was true.

But active as were the trade operations of the West India Companv
and eager as were their efforts to promote emigration to New Nether-
lands, it is clear that little was accomplished towards the establishment
of permanent settlement. The emigrants were not, as a rule, persons
of stable character, persevering industry, and thrift; they were not the
home-builders of the new country. Such were to come later. The re-
port of the Assembly to the States-General in 1629 said:

All who are inclined to do any sort of work here [in Holland | procure enough to
eat without any trouble, and are, therefore, unwilling to go far from home on an un-
certainty. The people conveyed by us thither, have therefore found but scanty
means of livelihood up to the present time, and have not found any profit, but a
drawback to this | West India] company. The trade carried on there in peltries is
right advantageous; but one year with another, we can. at most, bring home only
fifty thousand guilders [$20,000].

From the foregoing it can be seen that permanent settlement did not
begin until 1629-30, as will be described in the succeeding chapter,
when new trade regulations and a new and widely different order of
affairs in New Netherlands were inaugurated. A work published in
Amsterdam in L628 says: "There are no families at Fort Orange,"
"they keep five or six and twenty persons, traders, there." Another
early Dutch writer said, "It never began to be settled until every one
had liberty to trade with the Indians, inasmuch as up to this time no

one calculated to remain there longer than the expiration of his
bounden time, and therefore did not apply themselves to agriculture."

Following is a list of the Dutch governors: Adrien Jorise, 1623; Cor-
nelius J acobsen Mey, 1024; William Verhulst, 1625; Peter Minuit, May
4, 1626; Wouter Van Twiller, April, 1633; William Ki eft, March 28,
1638; Peter Stuyvesant, May 11, 1647, to September 8, 1664, when the
city was surrendered to the English; Anthony Colve, September L9,
1673, when the city was retaken by the Dutch, to November 10, 1674,
when by treaty the city was again given to the English.

Of these Dutch officials the first two were skippers of vessels which
brought over some of the first immigrants, and were instrumental in
locating Fort Orange, probably in 1623. Of Verhulst nothing is known.
Peter Minuit, the purchaser of Manhattan Island, as before stated, was
the first fully empowered director-general, and was a man of high
character and excellent qualifications. It was he who conducted
the correspondence with Governor Bradford relative to Dutch en-
croachment upon the trade of Narragansett Bay, and his letters arc
models of courteous diplomacy. He also kept amicable relations with
the Indians and greatly advanced the interests of the Dutch in trade.

Van Twiller married into the Van Rensselaer family and came over
as agent of the patroon in locating land. Later he was one of the ex-
ecutors of the Killian Van Rensselaer estate. He was faithful to the
interests of the West India Company, but lacked good judgment and
ability to execute his own ambitious plans. He, however, lived on
peaceable terms with the Indians and his subordinates. It was during
his administration, in 1633, that the first English vessel, the " William,"
came up the Hudson without a license from the Dutch governor at
New Amsterdam, and halted a mile below Fort Orange and began
trading. The Fort Orange traders protested, and with the aid of ships
sent up from New Amsterdam, drove him out of the river and he re-
turned to England.

Of William Kieft little is known previous to his arrival at Manhattan ;
but he was evidently unpopular beyond the ocean, as he was here, for
his effigy was hung at Rochelle, France, where he lived. In this coun-
try his administration was marked with concentration of power in him-
self; permission to traders to cheat the Indians after getting them
drunk; demanding fur tribute from the natives around Manhattan;
threatening the Indians with war; the massacre of fugitive Indians at
Hoboken in 1643; neglect of the counsel of the popular assembly; per-

sonal greed, and other obnoxious acts. De Vries prophesied in 1(14:;
as follows: "The murders in which you [Kieft] have shed so much in-
nocent blood, will yet be avenged upon your own head;" and the
prophecy was fulfilled, for the vessel on which Kieft sailed for Hol-
land, August 1G, 1G47, with more than $100,000 of ill gotten gain, was
wrecked on the coast of Wales and he was drowned. A little benefit
was conferred on the settlers here during his stay; he corrected many
abuses that had become prevalent, repaired Fort Amsterdam and built
new warehouses, planted orchards, framed and enforced police ordi-
nances, and inaugurated a more liberal policy in respect to ownership of
land, thus increasing immigration.

Peter Stuyvesant, the last governor previous to the surrender, was a
different character from his immediate predecessor. He had seen mili-
tary service in the West Indies where he lost a leg. He was welcomed
warmly to New Netherland. He considered his position one of great
dignity and surrounded his reign with pomp and ceremony, assuring
the people that they should have exact justice. While extremely des-
potic in many of his acts, he was at the same time honest and generally
wise. He introduced many needed reforms, abolished the trouble
stirred up by Kieft between the Manhattan Dutch and the Swedes on
the Delaware; adjusted the difficulties with the Puritans in the east,
and renewed amicable relations with the natives. He ardently opposed
the encroachments of the English on the east, but was finally forced to
yield to the pressure of changing conditions. When the English ships
came in front of New Amsterdam and demanded the surrender of the
province (August, 1664), he stoutly refused the demand, although the
people were willing to submit. The old governor held out for a week,
but at last, on September 8, 1604, he yielded and the surrender
followed. In the following year he went to Holland, but returned to
Manhattan and there passed the remainder of his life, and was buried
under St. Mark's in the Bowery in New York city where his remains
now lie.

CHAPTER IV.

In the year 1629 was inaugurated a plan for the more rapid and
permanent settlement of New Netherlands, which was also intended
to largely increase the power and wealth of the Dutch West India Com-
pany. The details of this plan were embodied in a so-called "Charter
of Privileges and Exemptions," under which lordly manorial rights
could be conferred upon whoever successfully sought them and ob-
ligated themselves to act under them in colonizing the new country.
That charter offered to grant lands in any part of New Netherlands
(reserving Manhattan Island) to the extent of sixteen miles along any
navigable stream (or four miles if on each shore) and extending in-
definitely into the interior, to any person who should agree to plant a
colony of fifty adults thereon within four years ; if such person should
bring in more than fifty colonists, his domain would be proportionately
enlarged. He was to be made absolute lord of his manor, politically
and judicially, holding inferior courts for the adjudication of small of-
fenses; and in case a city should grow up on his domain, he was given
power to appoint magistrates and other officials for such municipality,
and have a deputy to confer with the governor. These manorial lords
were given the title of Patroons (or patrons) and settlers under them
were exempted from all taxation for support of the provincial govern-
ment for ten years, during which period every person was bound to re-
main in service of the patroon, unless released by consent of the latter.
The colonists were forbidden to manufacture cloth of any kind, under
penalty of banishment. The company stipulated to supply them with
as many African slaves "as they conveniently could;" also to protect
them against enemies. Each colony was bound to support a minister
of the gospel and a schoolmaster.

Such was the system under which a considerable area of territory in
the eastern part of what is now New York State was first permanently
settled. It brought across the Atlantic representatives of all classes,
many of whom were men of lofty character and exceptional attain-
ments; men of integrity and high purposes; men who cannot be
blamed for whatever faults were inherent in the system under which

they acted. The system itself, naturally enough, fostered aristocratic
ideas and methods; it recognized the right of the Indians to the soil bv
compelling its purchase in order to acquire it; it invited independent
farmers who would be able to secure homesteads, safe from the vicis-
situdes of war and under the beneficent influences of religion and edu-
cation. It is, therefore, not surprising that such a system of coloniza-
tion of an Eldorado, which had been painted in such lovely hues by
earlier comers, found ardent participators.

Several patroon domains were promptly secured by directors of the
Amsterdam Chamber. Among these was the great tract which became
known as Rensselaerwyck, the larger part of which was purchased for
Killian Van Rensselaer, an Amsterdam pearl merchant, in 1630. The
purchase of the first section was effected through Bastiaen Jansen Krol
and Dirck Cornelissen Duyster, respectively commissary and under
commissary at Fort Orange. Three months later Gillis Hoosett pur-
chased for Van Rensselaer the lands lying south and north of Fort
( >range and extending to within a short distance of Moenemincs Castle,
then on what is now Haver Island, at the mouth of the Mohawk. The
same man purchased also from an Indian chief, lands on the cast side
of the river from opposite Castle Island to a point facing Fort Orange,
and thence from Poetanock, the Mill Creek, north to Negagons. These
conveyances were ratified and sealed with the seal of New Netherlands
on the same day the charter before described was proclaimed at Am-
sterdam. On the loth of April, 1G37, the Van Rensselaer domain was en-
larged by the purchase of the Papsickenekaas (or Papsekenea, as it is
now called) district on the east side of the river and extending from
opposite Castle Island to the point opposite Smack Island, including
the adjacent islands and all the lands back into the interior belonging
to Indian owners. Payment for this latter purchase was made in "cer-
tain quantities of duffels, axes, knives, and wampum." Mr. Van
Rensselaer's domain was twenty-four miles long and forty-eight miles
broad, contained over 700,000 acres, which now compose Albany, Rens-
selaer and part of Columbia counties. The manor is clearly shown on
the map made by John R. Bleecker in 1767.

On the 1st of October, \i\:\i>, Mr. Van Rensselaer, Samuel Godyn,
Johannis de Laet, and Samuel Bloomaert formed a copartnership, and
associated with them as co-directors of Rensselaerwyck were Adam
Bissels and Touissaint Moussart. The stock of this company was di-
vided into live shares, two of which were assigned to Van Rensselaer,

one each to Godyn and Bloomaert, and one to the other associates.
The management of the affairs of the " colonie," as it was termed, was
placed with a board of four persons or votes, of which Van Rensselaer
held two, Bloomaert or Bissels one, and De Laet or Moussart one. The
only respect in which Van Rensselaer was superior in rank or authority
over his associates was that he held the title of Patroon. This, with its
feudal honors, was vested in him alone, the partners binding themselves
to do fealty and homage for the fief on his death, in the name and on
behalf of his son and heirs.

Early in the spring of that year (1630) a number of colonists with
their families sailed in a company ship, the " Endracht," under com-
mand of ('apt. Jan Brouwer, with stock, implements and other neces-
saries, and landed at Manhattan after a passage of sixty-four days.
They were soon placed at Fort Orange, furnished with dwellings and
other buildings at the expense of the patroon, and began improvements. '

( >ther colonists followed and permanent prosperity seemed inaugu-
rated along the Hudson, a condition of affairs which continued to about
1640. Trade was prosecuted with vigor and shrewdness and in Hi In
the number of persons thus engaged in Rensselaerwyck was about
equal to the number of other individuals. The introduction of firearms
among the Indians was soon to bring its terrible consequences. The
English had been demanding and receiving from the natives twenty
beaver skins for a musket and proportionate prices for powder
and lead. This profitable trade was now taken up by the Dutch, and
the Indians were soon armed to the teeth, and all the neighboring na-
tions from Canada to the sea coast felt the effects of warfare with the
Mohawks. This strife for trade between the English and the Dutch
eventually became bitter and relentless, leading finally to conquest by
the former power.

The population of the " colonie " at the time under consideration con-
sisted of three classes: first, freemen who came over at their own ex-
1 icnse and were subject only to the general regulations ; second, farmers,
and third, farm servants. To accommodate the farmers the patroon

l Of the condition of the settlements at about this time, the Planter's Plea, London, 1630, said:
"This which they have settled in New England, upon Hudson's River, with no extraordinary
charge or multitude ol people, is knowne to subsist in a comfortable manner, and to promise
fairlie both to the State and undertakers. The cause is evident. The men whom they rani,-,
thougl 01 many, arc well chosen and known to be useful, and serviceable, and they

sci -ond them with seasonable and fit supplies, cherishing them as carefully as their owne families,
and employ them in profitable labors, that arc known to bi of speciall iise to theii comfortable
subsist

laid out farms along the river and on the islands, built dwellings and
barns, slocked them with horses, cattle and sheep, and supplied the nec-
essary tools. This liberal policy enabled farmers to begin life here
with almost no capital and greatly stimulated immigration. Some of
the farms were rented for a fixed sum, while others were let out on
shares. The patroon was at the same time entitled to one-half the in-
crease of stock and reserved also one tenth of the products of each farm
and sometimes a small annual allowance of butter. Tenants were bound
to keep fences and buildings in repair, but the patroon bore all risk of
destruction of property by the elements or by Indians. Unimproved
land was usually rented free for ten years, the patroon having the priv-
ilege of making improvements during the life of the lease. The pa-
troon was at the same time to supply his colonists with a sufficient num-
ber of laborers to assist them on their farms. For his services in en-
gaging these and his advances to bring them over, he was entitled to
sixteen guilders (or six dollars) per annum for each laborer, to be paid
by the farmer; the wages ranged from forty to one hundred and fifty
guilders and board. Many of the emigrants were furnished in Holland
with clothing and a small sum of money, which was to be repaid at some
future time at an advance of fifty per cent., the high rate being made
to compensate for the difference in value between money in Holland
and in the colony, which was about forty per cent.

While these were the mutual relations to some extent between the
patroon and the settlers, the former was invested with certain peculiar
privileges which existed in the feudal system. At the close of harvest the
farmer was obligated to hand in a return of the quantity of grain which
he had for sale, less what was due to the landlord, and offer the latter or
his commissary the pre-emption of such produce If the landlord refused
to purchase it, then the farmer was at liberty to sell elsewhere. The
same rule applied to cattle. The settlers were obliged to grind their
corn at the patroon's mill, and he was obligated to keep the mill in re-
pair and ready lor the work. The patroon granted licenses for hunt-
ing and fishing on his lands. He was entitled to the first option in any
sale, purchase, or exchange of lands within his domain, and as "lord
of the manor," succeeded to the estates of all persons who might die
intestate in the colony.

With many privileges in their favor the colonists did not always
deal justly by the patroon. lie complained that they often threw upon
him the payment of the wages of laborers employed on the farms, ami

.24

also took quantities of goods from his store for which they made no
account. He probably met with the same percentage of losing ven-
tures that has characterized business ever since.

With the profitable fur trade and the advancement in agriculture the
little hamlet on the site of Albany grew. The news of the rich country
across the sea was carried over to Holland and immigration was active.
It is believed by some authorities that Mr. Van Rensselaer in person
visited his colony in 1637, but there is no direct evidence of the pre-
sumption.

The patroon system as a whole did not encourage individual enter-
prise. Private persons of means and intelligence, who might have
emigrated under other conditions, dare not do so. The patroons be-
came ambitious beyond their chartered rights; some of them were
grasping and attempted to secure broader privileges, finally presenting
to the States-General in Holland a new plan for granting them a monop-
oly of more territory ; for giving them longer time in which to settle the
required number of colonists; for larger feudal powers; for free trade
throughout New Netherland; for a supply of convicts from Holland
for servants and for negro slaves. These extravagant demands caused
their existing privileges to be curtailed by a new Charter of Privileges
and Exemptions issued in 1640.

The Dutch were not to remain in undisturbed control of the rich and
growing fur trad?. It is difficult at this distance to convey an adequate
idea of that business; but when its principal phases are understood it
ceases to be a source of wonder that there was a struggle to capture it.
Early in their settlement the Dutch sought to exclude rigidly from
their colony all foreign and unlicensed traders. All settlers were bound
by oath to purchase no furs from the Indians on penalty of forfeiture
of their goods and wages, unless properly licensed. The patroon and
his partners were the only privileged importers of merchandise at Fort
Orange. The Dutch farmers soon saw that they could make more
money in furs than they could in tilling their lands, and it was not long
before almost every one of them was a dealer to some extent; but the
power of the patroon compelled all of them to bring their furs to his
storehouse, to be sent thence to Holland, he retaining one half of the
profits. Later on he received each sixth beaver and one guilder duty
on the remaining five sixths.

■ M

KUFUS H. KING, Si- 1 .

CHAPTER V.

The rich fur trade became a source of long continued trouble in
Rensselaerwyck, for competition had become intensely active, ami
the business had reached large proportions, since, for example, in
L632 there were reported sent over to Holland "15,000 beaver skynnes,
besides other commodities." The export had gradually grown to
this number from about 1,500 shipped from Fort Orange in the first
season of the trade. In 1633 about 16,000 beaverskins were sold in the
Hudson River trade, most of them at Fort Orange, their value being
more than $50,000. In 1638 it was noted by the States-General that
"nothing came from New Netherland but beaver skins, minks and
other furs." In 1050 there were sent from Fort Orange 34,480 beaver
skins and 300 otter, while in 1058 the number of beaver reached 57,-
040 and 300 otter. The farmers, even, became fur traders, since in
that occupation they could make more money than in tilling the land.
The traders sent emissaries far into the Indian country and practiced all
the arts of persuasion, of which they were possessed, to secure the rich
furs, for which purpose the boschloopers (bush runners) were employed.
To accomplish their purposes the Indians were made drunk and were
often cheated in the grossest manner. The trade at length became so
profitable and active that dealers at New Amsterdam (New York) and
others, who had no claim to residence at Fort Orange, engaged in suc-
cessful competition with the patroon and his associates to their great
financial detriment. It naturally followed that prices of furs advanced.
so that in 1656 a beaver skin was worth 8 to 1<> guilders, or ,x3. 50 to $4. 00.
When rates had advanced about one hundred percent, the authorities of
Rensselaerwyck and at the Fort issued a joint proclamation fixing the
price of furs at 9 fathoms of white, or X l / 2 of black, wampum, and forbid-
dingall persons, whether servants of the company or residents of tin
ony, from going into the woods to meet the Indians for trade, and another
proclamation of that period forbade all traders from coming with sloops
within the limits of the colony, under penalty of forfeiture of the vessel.
On the next court day a third edict went forth prohibiting the inhab-
itants from purchasing any goods from the local traders, this measure

being- for the purpose of protecting the patroon in his monopoly of im-
ports. It was the intention of the patroon to fully supply the Indians
with whatever goods they wanted, thus rendering it, at the least, unnec-
essary for them to deal with others.

Graver troubles were now at hand. To still further protect and en-
force his interest and authority in controlling the fur trade, and to pre-
vent the shipments of grain that were being made by the farmers with-
out paying the stipulated one-tenth to the patroon, he caused to be
erected on Beeren Island a fortified trading post commanding the river
channel, for the exclusion of all vessels from the upper Hudson, except
his own and those of the West India Company. In the mean time ill
feeling had developed between Sheriff Van der Donck 1 and Commissary
Van Curler, and the former so influenced public opinion that a strong pro-
test was drawn up against the Commissary, the signatures to which
were placed in a circle. This done, the colonists denounced Van
Curler bitterly, threatened to drive him from the colony, and even to
take his life, Van der Donck posing the meanwhile only as the conscr
vator of the welfare of the people.

To carry out his purpose of establishing an unlimited supply of goods
at his stores in Beverwyck and on Beeren Island, the patroon sent over
the ship " Arms of Rensselaerwyck " in September, 1043, with a cargo
of miscellaneous merchandise valued at 12,850 guilders, in the profits
of which the skipper, the supercargo and the pilot also had a personal
interest. This vessel arrived at Manhattan while Kieft was in great
trouble with the Indian war, and his soldiers were suffering for want of
sufficient clothing. He must have considered the ship a providential
interposition, for he promptly made a requisition on the supercargo for
fifty pairs of shoes, offering, however, payment in "silver, beavers,
or wampum, at such price as the supercargo might demand." But
this was not the purpose for which the cargo had been shipped, and the
ship's officer refused to sell the shoes. Thereupon the director and
council ordered the ship's cargo overhauled, and some guns and ammuni-
tion being found on board which were not named in the vessel's papers,
and which were also contraband by law, these with the ship were con-
fiscated. The vessel soon returned to Holland, whither also sailed Van
Curler to give account of his stewardship.

The Beeren Island fort was finally completed under direction of

' Adrian Van der Donck succeeded Jacob Albcrtsen Planck, as schoutfiscal or sheriff of Rens-
selaerwyck, the latter having been the first to hold this office.

->;

Nicolaus Coorn, "wacht meester " for the patroon, some cannon
mounted and a small garrison installed. Acting under direction of the.
patroon his subordinates now boldly imposed a toll of five guilders,
(about two dollars), which they claimed as a staple right on every trad-
ing craft passing, and, moreover, insisted that such craft should lower
their colors in honor of Rensselaer- Stein, which was asserting a sovereign
right by the patroon over a great natural highway.

In the summer of 1644 the yacht " Good Hope," Govert Loolcermans
master, sailed from Fort Orange for New Amsterdam, but on reaching
Beeren Island she was hailed and ordered to lower her colors. When
asked for whom, the commander replied, " For the staple right of
Rensselaerwyck. " The sturdy skipper knew no such master and with
an oath refused to strike his flag " for any individual save the Prince
of Orange and the lords his masters," whereupon Coorn fired several
shots at the vessel, one of which, according to the record, " perforated
our princely flag."

The excitement created at New Amsterdam by this incident may easily
be imagined, whither Coorn was at once summoned, and pleaded the
the authority of the patroon for his conduct. This, not justifying him.
he was condemned to pay damages and forbidden to repeat the offense
under penalty of corporal punishment, and he was also required to obtain
the patroon's approval of this sentence. The whole proceeding called
out from Attorney-General Van der Huygens a protest against the
workson Beeren Island as beyond any privilege granted to the patroon.
A fort there, cutting off free navigation, it was contended, would be
ruinous to the West India Company. It was also claimed that no
patroon could extend his colony more than eight miles along the banks
of the river on both sides, while this island was outside of that limit.
But this protest from Kieft's attorney-general made little impression
on Commander Coorn, who said:

As the Vice Commander of the honorable Van Rensselaer, I call on you, Cornelis
Van der Huygens, Attorney-General of New Netherland, not to presume to oppose
and frustrate my designs on Bear's Island, to defraud me in any manner, or to
cause me any trouble, as it has been the will of their High Mightinesses, the SI
General and the privileged West India Company, to invest my patroon and his heir
with the right to extend and fortify his " colonic, " and make it powerful in every re-
spect. If vou persist in so doing, I protest against the act of violence and assault
committed by the honorable Lords-Majors, which I leave them to settle, while this
undertaking has nothing else in view than to prevent the canker of
tering his " colonic."

The first patroon died in 1G4G, but his general policy was afterwards
continued by his executors. At the same time Sheriff Van der Donck
was superseded by Nicolaus Coorn, while in 1647 Kieft was succeeded
by Peter Stuyvesant. The Indian wars which had been a source of
so much trouble and loss to the southward, did not materially affect
Rensselaerwyck, throughout which a fair degree of prosperity and
growth prevailed, though at the time of Stuyvesant's arrival there
were only about a dozen houses in Beverwyck, with a small settle-
ment at Bethlehem, while a few " bouweries " were also cultivated on
the east side of the river opposite Fort Orange. Little had been done
in the Katskill region, it being substantially a wilderness from Fort
Orange to Manhattan.

The heir to the patroonship of Rensselaerwyck was Johannes Van
Rensselaer, a minor, whose interests devolved upon his uncle, Johannes
Van Wely, and Wouter Van Twiller, executors of the estate, who im-
mediately rendered fealty and homage to their High Mightinesses for the
' ' colonie " and in behalf of their ward. The immediate management of
the estate, however, was entrusted to Brant Arent Van Slechtenhorst, of
Nieukerke in Guilderlandt, who was appointed director of the colony,
president of the court of justice and superintendent of all the bouweries,
farms, mills and other property descending from the patroon. His
salary was 750 florins ($300) per annum, with a house, four cows, two
horses, eight acres of tillage and the same quantity of pasture land.
He was charged to maintain and defend the freedom and privileges of
the colony; to promote the interests and advance the settlement of
Beverwyck and its immediate neighborhood, and to acquire by purchase
the lands about Katskill, as some of the colonists were forming com-
panies to remove thither. He was ordered also to explore for minerals,
and to report in full to his superiors. His son, Gerrit, was to act as
schout-fiscal, at a salary of 600 florins, but served thus only two months,
when the office was merged in that of director.

New Netherlands now became the scene of a prolonged contest, with
Director-General Stuyvesant and Brant Van Slechtenhorst at the head
of the opposing factions. New Amsterdam had been and still was
jealous of the existence of the patroon colonies, considering them an-
tagonistic to rapid settlement, and efforts had, at an early period, been
made by the New Amsterdam authorities to induce the patroon to cede
to them his rights and possessions; failing in this they now determined
to circumscribe and restrict his field of operations as far as lay in their

power. Stuyvesant claimed to be supreme in the country, irrespective
of all feudal rights and privileges. Van Slechtenhorst's position may be
inferred ; he was there to protect the interests of the heir and would rec-
ognize no authority within his limits, other than that of his superiors < il-
legal representatives. He claimed that the director-general could issue
no order that would be obligatory upon him, unless it were endorsed and
countersigned by his commander and executed by the officers of his
court. An ante-climax was reached before Slechtenhorst had been in
office a month

A proclamation ordering the first Wednesday in May, 1648, to be
observed as a fast, was received from the director-general by the Rens-
selaerwyck authorities as an invasion of the rights of the lord of the
manor, and Van Slechtenhorst protested. This action touched Stuy-
vesant's pride as well as opposed his authority, and he visited the
" colonie " to put a stop to such proceedings, with his military escort,
being loyally greeted by a salvo of artillery from the patroon's ar-
tillery. His interview with Van Slechtenhorst was not very satis-
factory. When he accused the old Dutchman of infringing the
sovereignty of the Dutch West India Company, he was met with the
repty: "Your complaints are unjust; I have more reason to complain
on behalf of my patroon against you." Stuyvesant then put forth a
long protest, accusing Van Slechtenhorst with having conveyed lots
and authorized the erection of buildings in the immediate vicinity of
Fort Orange in disregard of the sovereign authority and in contempt
of the director-general's commission, and thus destroying the security
of the fort. He ordered, therefore, "in a friendly manner." that a
Stop should be put to all building operations within cannon range of
the fort, unless under orders of the Lords Majors; that no new
ordinances should issue that would affect the sovereign authority, or
relating to commerce or public welfare, without consent of their High
Mightinesses or their representative in New Netherland; that no ex-
clusive right to any branch of trade be rented, nor any grain, masts,
or other property belonging to the company's servants be seized, unless
in suits that should be prosecuted without delay. The inhabitants of
the colon}' of Rensselaerwyek had been compelled to sign a pledge
that as defendants they would not appeal to the Supreme Court of New
Netherland from judgments of the Court of Rensselaerwyek; this
practice was condemned by Stuyvesant as a "crime," an infraction of
the law of the land and a subversion of the charter. To abolish this

practice he insisted upon an annual return to the director and council
of all the proceedings in the colony court. Van Slechtenhorst was also
called upon to produce his authority from either the States-General or
the Chamber at Amsterdam. Failing in all this Van Slechtenhorst
would be protested against for disobedience of orders.

Van Slechtenhorst was a man of strong will and choleric temper;
moreover, he sincerely believed that the rights and privileges of his
young patroon were being trampled upon, the charter overridden and
the Lords-Majors insulted by Stuyvesant's demands. He promptly
answered protest by protest. He charged the director-general with
having ordered a day of fasting " contrary to ancient order and usage,
as if he were the lord of the patroon 's colonic " He accused the hi re-
lings of the company at the fort with cutting timber and firewood in
the patroon's forests without permission, "as if these were their own";
with having overrun the colony with people from Manhattan, "with
savages by their side to serve as brokers." trading publicly with the
Indians without license from the patroon or his agents and without
paying duties. He claimed the order to cease building within certain
limits near the fort had no justification, insisting that the patroon's
trading house stood "a few years ago" on the border of the moat sur-
rounding the fort; all that soil, he claimed, still belonged to the pa-
troon, who had not been disturbed thereon until Director Stuyvesant
now sought "by unbecoming means " to deprive "his orphan heir" of
his rights. And so the strife went on, increasing in vigor on both
sides.

Van Slechtenhorst was in the right as far as building near the fort
was involved, and that was, perhaps, the chief point at issue. The
pretense that buildings near the fort endangered it was folly. The
buildings referred to were more than five hundred rods from the fort,
and eight houses had already been built between them and the fort.
Van Slechtenhorst continued his improvement at Beverwyck, and an-
other protest came up from Manhattan warning him to stop or force
would be used to bring him to terms. But this only called out another
reply from Van Slechtenhorst, in which he asserted that no suit could
be begun, nor execution issued in. another district without consent of
the schout-liscal or court of that jurisdiction; therefore, the proceed-
ings were informal. It appears that Stuyvesant, who had claimed in
July that all territory within range of cannon shot belonged to Fort
( >range, now reduced the circle to the range of a musket ball, within

which he purposed stopping- building, although, as the record states,
"he permits whole streets to be filled with houses in view of Fort Am-
sterdam." Fort Orange having been badly damaged by freshets in
the previous winter, the commissary of the West India Company re-
ceived orders to surround it with a wall instead of the former wooden
fence, but the work was scarcely begun when Van Slechtenhorst for-
bade Carl Van Brugge, "in an imperious manner," from quarrying stone
within the colony and from felling a tree for either timber or firewood.
The West India Company was thus deprived of actual necessities unless
they were humbly requested, or paid for at what the company called
"enormous prices." The work on the fort had to stop, while Van
Slechtenhorst continued building "even within pistol shot of Fort
Orange."

vStuyvesant now resolved to employ force to accomplish what he-
had thus far failed in. Six soldiers were sent up to Van Brugge's
aid, with orders to demolish a house built by Van Slechtenhorst; to
arrest that gentleman "in the most civil manner possible." and de-
tain him until he delivered over a copy of his commission and in-
structions. . He was finally summoned to Fort Amsterdam to answer
for his conduct. At the same time orders were issued prohibiting the
importation of guns into Rensselaerwyck without license from the
Lords-Majors; if any were imported they were to be sold only to the
West India Company at the price of two beavers each. Beverwyck
was excited when the armed posse arrived. Peace had ever reigned m
the little hamlet, and the only guns seen there were those which were
traded to the Indians for furs at a profit that made the thrift}' Dutch-
men smile. The invading army was small, to be sure, but when it
came with orders to demolish a dwelling and arrest the vice patroon,
excitement ran high. The record intimates that these soldiers were
not suited to their mission; that they were zealous when the patroon's
timber was to be cut or his deer killed, while they insulted the com-
mander " when walking the public street " in company with his deput) ,
Andries de Vos, cursing them because "they had not bade them {
evening. "

Stuyvesant had received from the inhabitants at Fori Orange and
from the Indians the abusive epithet of "Wooden Leg." Now, the
conduct of the six soldiers aroused the indignation of the Indians as
well as of the white settlers, and all gathered at Beverwyck and de-
manded to know if "Wooden Leg" intended to tear down the houses

which were built for their shelter in stormy weather. When they
learned that all the strife was over a few rods of land, they invited Van
Slechtenhorst to accompany them and they would give him plenty of
land in the " Maquaas country"; so, he says, "more kindness was
'evinced by the unbelieving savages than by our Christian, neighbors,
subjects of the same sovereign, bound by their oaths to protect us
against insult and outrage."

It will probably never be known how imminent was a savage out-
break at this time. It was natural that the Indians should favor the
interests of those with whom they had come in direct contact and from
whom they had received the much-prized guns and rum. When the six
soldiers fired a salute over what they were pleased to term a victory, the
Indians came together a second time and angrily inquired if " Wooden
Leg's" dogs were still there and nothing averted bloodshed but the assur-
ance of the inhabitants that the houses were not to be pulled down.
It is recorded that "the Director-General's rash conduct had well nigh
caused an outbreak, and the ruin, not only of the colony, but of the
Manhattans and of the Christians within this land, who are all at the
mercy of the savages."

Van Slechtenhorst now gave expression to his indignation at this
violent encroachment in another protest. In reply to the demand for
his commission, he called upon Stuyvesant for a written copy of his
demands and complaints. He eloquently portrayed the contempt of the
patroon and his court shown in Stuyvesant's demand, the illegality of
which was rendered the more flagrant by the unusual and insolent
manner in which it was made. "The noble patroon," said he, "had
obtained in his possessions and immunities, was invested by the States-
General with high and low jurisdiction and the police of the most priv-
ileged manors; and were he, as his agent, now so base as to crouch be-
fore the present unwarrantable proceedings, and to produce his com-
mission, before he had received orders to that effect from his lords and
masters, not only would they be injured, but he be guilty of a violation
of his oath and honor, a betrayal of his trust and a childish surrender
of the rights of his patroon." He fortified his position by saying that
some who had been guilty of similar infractions of law and custom in
the Fatherland " had often been apprehended, and condemned to bread
and water for the space of five or six weeks ; yea, were sometimes brought
to the block." As justification for his order forbidding cutting timber
he asked, " Is the patroon not master on his own land? Is he not free

to cut his timber as well as his corn, and can he not arrest these, when
cut by others without his permission?"

The response from Stuyvesant was again a long dissertation upon his
authority and his rights. His power, he maintained, " extended to the
colony of Rensselaerwyck, as 'well as to the other colonies. " Orders
were sent to his workmen to hasten the repairs of the fort, and to pro-
cure timber for the purpose anywhere in New Netherland, to quarry
stone wherever they could be found, excepting upon farms and planta-
tions which were fenced and cultivated. The " ancient and uninter-
rupted use of the gardens and fields near the fort " was to be strictly
held and the destruction of buildings thereon to be proceeded with.
Van Slechtenhorst was summoned to New Amsterdam, as stated, and
it was claimed that he could have obeyed the summons without difficulty,
as "the river remained open, the winter pleasant, and several vessels
sailed up and down during the whole month of November." But to
place the whole responsibility upon Van Slechtenhorst's shoulders, the
summons was now renewed and the commander peremptorily ordered
to appear at Fort Amsterdam on the 4th of April following, to hear the
complaint against him.

It is claimed that the colonists at Beverwyck and Van wSlechtenhorst
himself cared little for the mere land in dispute near Fort Orange, but
that the commander was strenuous in clinging to what he believed to
be the rights and dignity of the patroon, while the settlers were merely
exercising what they contended was their right to locate near the fort
for better security. On the other hand the claim to the land <>n which
stood Fort Orange was absurd, for the fort was built and garrisoned by
the West India Company fifteen years before there was a Rensselaer-
wyck ; and, moreover, that company had up to 1G44 an exclusive mo-
nopoly of the fur trade, which it intended to reclaim " whenever it
shall be able to provide its magazines with a sufficient store of goods."

Van Slechtenhorst never ceased his operations in Rensselaerwyck in
the interest of the patroon. He extended its limits by the purchase of
more lands to the southward from the Mohegans, acquired in 1648 the
tract called Paponicuck for goods of trifling value and in the same
spring, the events of which have just been recorded, purchased Kats-
kill and Claverack. Meanwhile Van Twiller on the other side of the
ocean was boldly claiming the monopoly of the traffic of the upper Hud-
son, and publishing his determination to allow no vessels to pass Beeren
Island or to trade near Rensselaerwyck. He went farther than Van
5

Slechtenhorst and asserted that Fort Orange was built on the patroon's
territory, and that not even the West India Company could grant the
right to build houses or trade near by. In short, feudal privileges in
the broadest sense of the term were claimed by the patroon's agents.

The director now determined to enforce his sovereign right and sent
orders to remove all obstructions to free navigation of the river and to
free trade at Fort Orange. If passage of the river was interfered with
by arms, the guns were ordered seized; if tolls of any kind were ex-
acted on any river, island or harbor, within the company's territory, to
the injury of trade, they were to be opposed and abolished, by force if
necessary. Already Van Slechtenhorst had granted a few leases for
land at Katskill. The director refused to recognize his pretensions in
thai direction, as the land had already been granted to another. Stuy-
vesant protested against these leases and announced his purpose of op-
posing encroachment in that region. To this action the Rensselaer-
wyck authorities demurred, insisting that they were only fulfilling in-
structions from their superiors in Holland. They requested the direc-
tor-general to defer action until they could communicate with their
superiors, pledging that meanwhile no settlement should be made on
the disputed territory.

A petition was sent to the States-General from New Netherland ask-
ing for a burgher government (which was secured in 1653); freedom
from customs, tenths and other burdens, the abolition of the export
duty on tobacco, and other commercial reforms. This action may have
been inspired by the fact that the New England colonies paid no cus-
toms duties, but they were assessed directly for all government pur-
poses. The only tax paid in New Netherland was upon tapsters, and
that was returned to them by their patrons, while any individual could
own as much wine or beer as he pleased free of excise. All the papers in
this connection were turned over to a committee which reported April
11, 1050, recommending a liberal policy, the remedying of all griev-
ances, and promising the recall of Stuyvesant. The patroons were to
be compelled to " settle their colonists in the form of villages; the Nine
Men were to be given broader judicial functions; the patroons or their
agents, and delegates from the commonalty, were to choose represent-
atives in the council, and a judicial system was to be established."

In 1651 a call for a subsidy from Rensselaerwyck inaugurated an-
other collision with the government at New Amsterdam ; the latter had
already demanded the excise on liquors in the patroon's territory, and

been refused. It was justly set forth that the patroon had paid from
his own resources the salaries of the minister and other servants and
paid the general expenses of settlement of the colony. In June, 1650,
these amounted to the equivalent of more than $10,000, which was the
ground for refusing further contribution. The commander, Van Slech-
tenhorst, was authorized by the people to proceed to New Amsterdam
and protest against the payment demanded. He arrived there late in
April, L651, and met his opponent, Stuyvesant. Both were unyield-
ing. After they separated and before Van Slechtenhorst had finished
his dinner, he was summoned before the director-general and council.
Upon his appearance sentence was pronounced upon him, his conduct,
especially regarding the Katskill settlement, being strongly con-
demned. The commander was not abashed and demanded if a man
was to be condemed unheard. The answer was his prompt arrest, i U
was detained there four months, during which he protested against his
confinement and the Rensselaerwyck authorities repeatedly asked for
his release. He finally escaped to Fort Orange on a sloop, guarantying
the skipper against harm for carrying him. The skipper was fortunate
in his guaranty, for on his return he was fined two hundred and fifty
guilders and his vessel was held.

Thus the struggle had continued three years since Stuyvesant set up
his claim for separate jurisdiction for Fort Orange, independent of
Rensselaerwyck; and still the matter was unsettled. As the gun shot
limits, finally estimated by him to be one hundred and fifty rods, in-
cluded the hamlet of Beverwyck, which was constantly becoming more
populous, that settlement would be severed from the remainder of the
colony, and as this would inevitably give the West India Company prac-
tical control of the fur trade, it will be seen that the outcome <>!' the
matter was of much importance to the patroon 's colonists.

While this controversy was at its height, Jean Baptiste Van Rens-
selaer, the first of that family who is known to have visited this coun-
try, was elected one of the magistrates, and soon afterward an order was
issued that all the freemen should take an oath <»f allegiance to the
patroon. Troubles of minor character continued. On a New Year's
night several soldiers armed with matchlocks came out of the tort and
fired a number of shots at the patroon's house, upon the root" of which
the gun wadding fell and the dwelling would have been destroyed hut for
the efforts of the inmates. The next day the younger Slechtenhorst
was assaulted by soldiers in the street, who beat him and dragged him

through the mud, in presence of the company's commissary, Johannes
Dyckman, who encouraged the assault by crying out: " Let him have
it now, and the devil take him! " Philip Pietersen Schuyler, son-in-law
of the elder Slechtenhorst, endeavored to save the young man, where-
upon Dyckman drew his sword and threatened to run Schuyler through
if he interfered. Other members of the commander's family were in-
sulted and beaten by the soldiers. When friends of the family threat-
ened revenge, Dyckman ordered the fort guns charged with grape and
threatened to fire upon the patroon's house. At this juncture Stuyvesant
sent up some placards relating to the Fort Orange limits, which he
ordered published in the colony. With these Dyckman, six others,
and three soldiers, armed with guns and pistols, repaired to the house
where the magistrates were sitting and commanded Van Slechtenhorst
to make a minute of what was to be required. As it was contrary to the
law for any man to enter another's jurisdiction with an armed body,
without consent of the local authorities, this movement on Dyckman 's
part was protested against by the commander, who ordered Dyckman
to leave the room. He retired, but came back with a larger force and
demanded that the placards should be published throughout the colony
by the sound of the bell. "It shall not be done so long as we have a
drop of blood in our veins, nor until we receive orders from their High
Mightinesses and our honored masters," exclaimed the court. Dyck-
man now proceeded to the fort and ordered the bell to be rung three
times; he then returned to the patroon's court house, ascended the
steps with his followers and directed his deputy to proclaim the placards,
while the excited burghers gathered around. As the deputy was about
to obey, Van Slechtenhorst rushed forward and tore the placards from
his hands, " so that the seals fell on the ground." When the news of
these occurrences reached New Amsterdam, Stuyvesant sent another
placard to Dyckman, again defining the jurisdiction of Fort Orange to
extend to a circumference of six hundred paces from the fort, and con-
tinuing as follows :

In order that no man shall plead ignorance, we further charge our Commissary,
after publication hereof, to erect on the aforesaid limits, north, south and west of the
aforesaid fortress, a post, marked with the Company's mark, and to affix, on a board
nailed thereto, a copy hereof.

Within those bounds it was ordered that no house should be built,
unless authorized by the director and council, or their agents. This
illegal act, which violated rights of property as well as the charter of

1029, separated forever the settlement of Beverwyck from Van Rens-
selaer's colony. The patroon's officials ordered the obnoxious posts
removed at once, protesting "before Almighty God and the States-
General against all open force and violence, and insisting on reparation
for all losses and damages which might accrue or be caused thereby.''
The patroon's court on the some day drew up another protest " against
the unbecoming pretensions and attacks of the Director and Council of
New Netherland," denying again the authority of the latter and insist-
ing that the settlers on the manor had never sworn allegiance to the
company, and much less to Stuyvesant, and owned no masters but the
States General and their own immediate superiors. In return this
document was declared by the director and council " a libellous cal-
umny."

The vexatious question of jurisdiction now came up in another form.
A negress, the property of Sander Leendertsen Glen, was charged with
theft and caused several "decent persons" to be prosecuted as receiv-
ers of the stolen goods. Her arrest being ordered, Dyckman proceeded
to execute his warrant, but her master refused to surrender her that
evening, upon which Dyckman informed him that he had power to send
him and all his family to jail, and to pull his house down about his
ears, "as it was erected on the Company's soil." Glen replied that In-
had nothing to do with Dyckman, and said, "I cannot serve a new
master until I am discharged from the one I live under." Dyckman
now threatened (Men with the wrath of Stuyvesant, when Glen retorted
that he would fare as well with the director as with Dyckman. There-
upon Dyckman drew his sword and threatened the burgher with death.
while the latter caught up a club with which to defend himself. Next
morning Glen was placed under arrest in the fort. Rumors were now-
circulated that Stuyvesant was soon to visit Beverwyck and Dyckman
asserted that a new gallows was to be erected for Van Slechtenhorst,
his son and young Van Rensselaer.

But Stuyvesant was busy at New Amsterdam in ridding himself of
the last of his opponents there, in the person of Attorney General Van
Dyck. This official had been ill treated by Stuyvesant from the time
of his appointment and excluded from the colony for two years. Later
he was charged with menial duties and otherwise humiliated. In
the same spring of the year a lampoon appeared directed toward
Stuyvesant, and Van Dyck was charged with being its author. The
Council was called together to consider the momentous matter and

actually adopted a resolution dismissing Van Dyck from office "on ac-
count of the multitude of his misdemeanors and connivances." While
it was claimed that this proceeding had the sanction of the Nine Men,
they repudiated it, declaring that it was adopted wholly on Stuy-
vesant's authority and that they were not aware of any complaints
against Van Dyck. Cornelius Van Tienhoven was appointed to the
office, while Carl Van Brugge succeeded Van Tienhoven as provincial
secretary. Van Dyck defended himself by a written accusation against
Stuyvesant in which he bitterly condemned the director and denounced
the appointee to the office as the perjured secretary, a reproach to the
country and the main scourge of both Christians and heathens, "with
whose sensualities the Director himself has been always acquainted."

.Stuyvesant now turned his attention to Van Slechtenhorst. For
this purpose he visited Fort Orange and called the authorities of Rens-
selaerwyck together to define what they claimed as their boundaries.
The director expressed his consent to allow them four miles on one
side or two miles on both sides of the river, but warned them against
claiming more. They replied that they had no authority to act in the
premises and again asked for delay until they could communicate with
Holland, which was granted. The question of supremacy over Bevcr-
wyck was not so readily disposed of. Sergeant Litschoe and a squad
of soldiers approached the door of the patroon's house and ordered
Van Slechtenhorst to lower the patroon's Mag, and upon his refusal
"fourteen soldiers armed with loaded muskets, entered the enclosure,
and, after firing a volley, hauled down the lord's colors." This
high-handed act was followed by a proclamation from .Stuyvesant
erecting at Fort Orange a Court of Justice for the village of Beverwyck
and its dependencies, apart from and independent of that of Rensse-
laerwyck. The placard bearing this proclamation was posted on the
court house and immediately torn down by Van Slechtenhorst, who at
the same time posted another card asserting the patroon's rights and
denouncing those of the opposition, which was torn down by inmates of
the fort. Stuyvesant's proclamation erecting the court was dated April
10, H;f>2, and authorized the first legal tribunal in what is now Albany
county. (See chapter on the Bench and Bar.)

And now, after four years of strife and vain struggle against powers
that were two strong for him, Van Slechtenhorst's term of power drew
near its close. Nine armed soldiers forcibly entered his dwelling and
without showing authority for their act, dragged him out, a prisoner, and

took him to the fort " where neither his children, his master nor his
friends were allowed to speak to him, and his furs, his clothes, and his
meat were left hanging to the door posts." Taken on board a sloop he
was conveyed to New Amsterdam, " to be tormented, in his siekness
and old age, with unheard-of and insufferable prosecutions by those
serving" a Christian government, professing the same religion, and
living under the same authority." He was succeeded in his official
position by Jan Baptiste Van Rensselaer, with Gerrit Swart as sheriff
(schout-fiscaal) of Rensselaerwyck.

When information of Stuyvesant's operations reached the patroon
and his partners, they sent to the Amsterdam Chamber a long remon-
strance, of which the following is the substance:

1st, That the Director-General had dared to intrude in their colony, and had
commissioned the patroon's flag to be hauled down.

2d, That he had caused timber to be cut on the complainants lands without
cither their knowledge or their permission.

3d, That he had claimed for the West India Company the right of jurisdiction
and property over all the land within a circumference of 15(1 rods of Fort Orange,
where he had erected a court of justice, notwithstanding the soil had been purchased
from the right owners by the patroon, with the jurisdiction thereunto belonging,
whereby the colonists were reduced to a state of dependency, absolved from their
oaths, " transformed from freemen to vassals, and incited to disregard their former
solemn compacts and their lord and master."

4th, He had, moreover, discharged Sheriff Swart from his oath of office, and
obliged him to swear allegiance to the Company ;

5th, Demanded copies of all the rolls, protocols, judgments, resolutions and papers
relative to the colony and its affairs;

<ith, Ordered his Commissary to force Van Slechtenhorst's house, and to toll the
bell at the publication of his illegal placards;

7th, Arrested by force and arms the Director of the Colony, had him convey* 'I
to the Manhattans, where he illegally detained him in custody;

8th, Taxed the colony to swell the Company's revenues, licensed those who quit
the patroon's service to sell articles of contraband to the savages, and, in addition to
the exaction of the tithes, had raised a tax by farming out the excise on wines and
beers, " thus, in every respect and everywhere using violence and infringing rights,
jurisdictions and pre-eminences, apparently determined to take our goods and blood,
contrary to all laws, human and divine; declaring, over and above all this, that lit-
is continued in his administration solely in the hope and consideration that before
his departure he should ruin this colony."

The document closed with avowals of their intention to maintain and
preserve their rights and privileges, and demanding that if their op-
ponents thought they had just cause of complaint, they should appear
in any court and make good their claims

The reply by the directors was vague and unsatisfactory, and, there-
fore, the patroon and his friends addressed a memorial directly to their
High Mightinesses, the States-General, demanding justice for their
cause. After some delay a reply was received referring to a part of the
charges against Stuyvesant, and denying all knowledge of many of
them; they knew nothing of the insult to the patroon's flag, of his
colonists having" been released from their oaths, of his lots being taken
from him, or of the establishment of a court at Fort Orange. As to
cutting timber, it was taken from so limited a section that no one was
injured, while the claim that the jurisdiction of Fort Orange had been
extended was without foundation, as that jurisdiction was fixed "before
the colony of Rensselaerwyck was granted." Gerrit Swart, it was held,
had not been discharged from his oath to the patroon, but was simply
compelled to take a second oath to the company. The demand for the
rolls and other papers was authorized by the charter, and as Van
Slechtenhorst would not toll the bell for publication of the placards,
it was clear that some other person had to do it, while his arrest was
justified as a necessary disciplinary measure. Authorizing the sale of
arms to the Indians was admitted.

On the heels of this attempt at justification of all their acts, the di-
rectors for the company now assumed the offensive and presented to
the Amsterdam government counter-charges against the Rensselaerwyck
authorities, rehearsing all the stock complaints with which the reader
is now familiar. They had exceeded their limits ; had unlawfully ex
tended their trade along the North River; had refused passage to ves-
sels by a " certain house called Rensselaers- Stein ;" had exacted seven
per cent, duty on each beaver and five per cent, on other goods, " en-
forcing these pretensions with cannon shot, which they discharged into
yachts which refused to come to;" they had endeavored " by perverse
machinations " to possess themselves of Fort Orange, and when un-
able to accomplish this purpose, illegally leased lots in its vicinity for
the building of houses thereon ; had forbidden colonists to move within
the company's limits on pain of corporal punishment, confiscation of
property and banishment; or to cut wood for the inhabitants of Fort
Orange. They had declined to furnish records of their proceedings or
judgments, or to make returns of writs of appeal; to publish placards;
and, above all, the oath which the colonists were compelled to take was
"seditious and mutinous," for no notice " is taken therein, either of
their High Mightinesses or of the company." Continuing thus:

ISAAC W. YOSBIKGH.

From all which flow, as a natural consequence, an insolent and overbearing de-
meanor, on the part of their commanders, to their inhabitants; insufferable protests,
injuries, menaces, disputes and provocations against the Company's ministers; and,
lastly, a general disobedience of all the Company's commands and ordinances, to
such a degree that they would not permit the Director and Council to proclaim even
a day of prayer in the colony in the same manner as in other parts of New Nether-
land.

It will be seen from the foregoing that it was the same old difficulty
and although from this distance it seems somewhat insignificant and
largely fought on paper, it was, nevertheless, in those times and to
those people a struggle of serious import.

The Fort Orange limits were still undetermined in 1654, and again
Stuyvesant called on the agents of the patroon to fix on their " point of
departure," so that he might allow them the charter stipulation of four
miles on one side or two miles on both sides of the river, "without the
limits of Fort Orange." The settlement of this matter was further de-
layed for instructions from Holland. Fresh fuel was about this time
added to the old fire by an order from Stuyvesant to his Fort Orange
court to collect the duties on all wines, beers, and spirituous liquors
sold at retail "within a circuit of 1,000 rods of the fort." The area in
dispute was extending, and the colony was thus to be deprived of a very
important source of revenue. Counter orders were given by the pa-
troon's officers for the tapsters to refuse to pay the duties, as the gen-
eral government had defrayed none of the local expenses.

By this time Commissary Dyckman had become insane, as his pre-
vious conduct would seem to have foreshadowed, and he was succeeded
in office byjohannesde Decker, vice-director, "to preside in Fort < >range
and village of Beverwyck, in the Court of Justice of the Commissaries
aforesaid, to administer all the affairs of police and justice, as circum-
stances may require, in conformity with the instructions given by the
Director-General and Council, and to promote these for the best service
of the country and the prosperity of the inhabitants."

To enforce the collection of the liquor duties alluded to, tin- director
and council issued orders for the arrest of the tapsters. The new offi-
cial, De Decker, accordingly invited one of them to his house and there
made him prisoner. Officer and prisoner occupied the same bed the
ensuing night, but through the connivance of the soldier guard, the
tapster escaped the next morning and proceeded to the house of the
patroon. De Decker followed and ordered his return to the fort.
which was refused. The other tapsters now armed themselves and

joined in the common cause. Just as the vice- director was preparing
to execute the orders of arrest by force, John B. Van Rensselaer came
forward and volunteered to go to Manhattan and arrange the matter
satisfactorily. To avoid possible bloodshed De Decker agreed to this :
but a few days later another order reached him to send down the taps-
ters without delay. He now proceeded to the dwellings of the offend-
ers with an armed squad, where he was met by Van Rensselaer and
others whom he summoned in the name of the director and council to
accompany him to the fort. All the tapsters referred the officer to
Van Rensselaer, who again pledged himself to produce the tapsters
whenever required. Van Rensselaer now went to New Amsterdam
and protested against the course pursued by the government, going-
over all the old ground and adding such new complaints as came to his
mind. However, to prevent further disturbance he would submit to
the payment of the excise under protest, but would not accede to the
payment of the tenths demanded, unless the director and council would
refund the money if a decision against them was ultimately given.
This remonstrance and proposal were pronounced frivolous by the
director and council: their "high office and quality would not permit
them to stoop so low as to enter the lists with their subjects and vas-
sals, much less to answer their frivolous and unfounded protests with
a pusillanimous diffidence." Their duty was rather " to correct such
absurd assertions, and to punish the offenders," wherefore, as an ex-
ample, the protestor was fined twenty guilders. They informed Van
Rensselaer that his colonists were bound equally with other settlers in
the province to contribute to the public revenue, and the excise due,
amounting to fifteen hundred guilders, must be paid, with all damages
accrued from the delay. The tapsters must, moreover, submit to the
periodical guaging of their liquors as often as required, and as John
Baptiste Van Rensselaer was to blame for the resistance of the tavern
keepers, he was commanded to give a bond of 3,000 guilders for the
appearance of the "contumacious tavern keepers," or otherwise to
remain at Manhattan under arrest. The council also insisted on the
payment of the tithes (tenths), but a stipulated sum would be ac-
cepted from Mr. Van Rensselaer in lieu of these until instructions could
be received from Holland. Other items in Van Rensselaer's remon-
strance were denied in general terms by the director and council, from
whom a proclamation was at once issued ordering all the towns and
colonies in the province not to remove their crops until the tenths were

paid to the company's commissaries. When this document reached the
Rensselaerwyck authorities they refused to publish it.

At about this time some of the tapsters who had been guarantied
against loss by Mr. Van Rensselaer, proceeded to Manhattan and were
there fined, one two hundred and another eight hundred guilders; both
of these fines were subsequently made good by the patroon. The ques-
tion of payment of tenths was not finally setted until 1658, when the
colony compounded for them by the annual payment of three hundred
schepels of wheat.

Father Isaac Jogues, one of the Jesuit missionaries mentioned in an
earlier chapter, had labored among the Mohawks for three or four years
during the period treated in the foregoing pages, but was treachemuslv
murdered by the Indians in October, 1646. This chapter may In-
appropriately closed with his written description of Fort Orange and
Rensselaerwyck.

There are two things in this settlement . . : 1st, a wretched little fort, called
Fort Orange, built of stakes, with four or five pieces of cannon of Breteuil and as
many swivels. This has been reserved, and is maintained by the West India Com-
pany. This fort was formerly on an island in the river; it is now on the mainland
towards the Iroquois, a little above the said island, 2d, a colony sent here from
Rensselaer, who is the patroon. This colony is composed of about 100 persons, who
reside in some twenty or thirty houses built along the river, as each one found it
most convenient. In the principal house resides the patroon's agent. The minister
has his apart, in which service is performed. There is also a kind of bailiff who ad-
ministers justice. All their houses are merely of boards and thatched. As yet there
is no mason work, except the chimneys. The forests furnish many large pines, they
make boards by means of their mills, which they have for the purpose. They found
some pieces of ground all ready, which the savages had already prepared, and in
which they sow wheat and oats for their beer and horses, of which they have a great
stock. There is little land fit for tillage, being crowded by hills, which are a bad
soil. This obliges them to be separated one from the other, and they occupy already
two or three leagues of territory. Trade is free to all. This gives the Indians all
things cheaper, each of the Hollanders outbidding, and being satisfied, provided he
can gain some little profit.

CHAPTER VI.

Important changes were now imminent. Jeremias Van Rensselaer
succeeded his brother, Jan Baptiste, as director of the colony in I65K
and during the succeeding sixteen years conducted its affairs with dis-
cretion and justice as far as he was able. He fostered the amicable
relations of the settlers with the Indians, and gained a large influence
with the French who were then firmly establishing themselves to the
northward, thus laying the foundation of those conditions that in later
years averted many of the disastrous consequences of the war between
France and England. Stuyvesant's use of power had been just what
might have been foreseen from a man of his attributes and sentiments.
He was a stickler for the law, his rights and his dignity. To his mind all
power lay in the executive, and on every occasion he checked the lean-
ings of the Dutch towards that partial freedom which they craved and
to which they had been accustomed at home. He denied the right of
the people to assemble for the propagation of measures for the protec-
tion of public liberty. " Magistrates alone, and not all men," he con-
tended " are authorized so to assemble. We derive our authority from
God and the Company, not from a few ignorant subjects, and we alone
can call the people together." He thus assumed power and authority
which he could not maintain.

Since 1654 English encroachments upon the Dutch, dating almost
from the landing on Plymouth Rock, had constantly advanced. Con-
necticut was consolidated in April, 1662, under a charter confirming
the system already established. This charter came from Charles II
soon after his restoration, and defined boundaries and enlarged privileges.
In March, 1664, this sovereign granted a patent to his brother James,
Duke of York and Albany, for a large part of the present State of
Maine, with Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and Long Island, and the
territory from the west side of the Connecticut River to the east side
of Delaware Bay. Stuyvesant resisted the pretensions of the English
as long as he was able, but was finally forced to accept a compromise
embodying mutual forbearance and freedom for both the English and
the Dutch towns respectively from interference from either government.

This merely strengthened the claim which England had never onc<
linquished and left her in possession of all she had thus far gained.

In April, L664, a fleet of four ships, with a force of three to four
hundred men, under command of Col. Richard Nicolls, acting as lien-
tenant-governor for the duke, sailed for New England. Nicolls was
accompanied by wSir Robert Carr, Sir George Cartwright, and Samuel
Maverick, commissioned to settle all the New England difficulties, and
to take possession of the Dutch province and reduce its inhabitants t,,
obedience. Arriving in Boston in July, the expedition sailed thence
a month later for New Amsterdam. When the English (lag ship sailed
up the beautiful bay, Stuyvesant was at Fort Orange. He hastened
down the river and on the 29th sent a deputation to Nicolls demanding
an explanation of his intentions. These he very soon learned. New
Amsterdam was practically defenseless against the invasion and surren-
dered on the 8th of September, and Stuyvesant returned to Holland in
the following year.

While warring with the Indians, vainly endeavoring to subjugate
Connecticut, resisting the claims of the patroon of Rensselaerwvck and
quarreling with his immediate officers, Stuyvesant had been steadily
sacrificing his own welfare and tenure of office. Nothing now remained
for the English but to take possession, and the colonial interests
of Holland in the New World substantially ceased. When Stuyvesanl
came into power in 1647 the population of New Netherland was only
about 1,000, a falling off of about 2,000 due to Kieft's folly, while the
New England colonies had increased in the preceding five years to nearly
ii0,000. They came slowly on toward Manhattan, though more rapidly
than the increase of the Dutch, and began the work that culminated in
American freedom a hundred years later.

The province now had a population of full L0,000. New Amsterdam
was given the name it has since borne— New York, while Fort Amster-
dam was called Fort James. A trifling effort was made to resist the
English on the upper Hudson, Johannes de Decker having come up the
river and endeavored to persuade the garrison at Fort < Grange to refuse
to surrender, but was unavailing. While the settlers were satisfied
with their trade and their farms, they did not like the previous gov-
ernment and its opposition to the patroon. They were ready for a
change. On the 10th of September Nicolls sent Sir George Cartwright
with a small company ot soldiers to Fort < 'range with the following
orders ;

To the present Deputy Governor or the magistrates ami inhabitants of Ffort

A urania:

These are to will and require you and every of you to bee ayding and assisting
Col. George Cartwright in the prosecution of his Majesty's interest against all such
of what nation so-ever as shall oppose the peaceable surrender and quiet possession
of the ffort Aurania, and to obey him, the said George Cartwright, according to such
instructions as I have given him in case of the Mohawks or other Indians shall at-
tempt anything against the lives, goods or chattels of those who are now under the
protection and obedience of his Majesty of Great Brittaine; wherefore you nor any
of you are to fayle as you will answer the contrary at your utmost perills.

Given under my hand and seal att Ffort James in New Yorke on Manhattans
Island, this 10th day of September, 1664. R. Nkoi.j.s.

This document was presented to the vice- director, John de la Mon-
tague, on the 24th of that month, who quietly surrendered the fort,
and names of Beverwyck and Fort Orange at once gave way to Al-
bany, while the fort was manned by English soldiers with Capt. John
Manning in command. Dirck Van Schelluyne, who had held the office
for Beverwyck, was made clerk of the Court of Albany which Stuy-
vesant has established, and Jeremias Van Rensselaer took the oath of
allegiance to King Charles II of England and the proprietor, James.
Governor Nicolls reorganized the government himself, calling a con-
vention for the purpose at Hempstead in March, 1065.

Upon this change in the government some difficulty was met in ob-
taining a patent for Rensselaer manor from the duke. Mr. Van Rens-
selaer was counseled by influential friends to take out a patent in his
own name, he being qualified as a British subject to hold real estate.
To his honor it is recorded that he rejected the offer, for he was only
co-heir and would not thus defraud his brothers and sisters. He was
a man of great industry and high intelligence, and it was he who com-
municated to Holland an account of various occurrences in this countr) r
under the name of the " New Netherland Mercury." He died on the
L2th of October, 1684.

On the 7th of August, 1073, a fleet of twenty-three Dutch ships in need
of wood and water, anchored just below Staten Island, the fleet being
under command of Commodores Cornelius Evertsen and Jacob Benckes.
Before such a fleet Manhattan Island was apparently defenseless, infor-
mation of which fact was conveyed to the vessels by the Dutch inhabi-
tants. The port was then under command of Capt. John Manning,
captain of an independent company, who on the 9th communicated to
the fleet a proposal to surrender, whereupon the vessels sailed up the
harbor, anchored under the fort, landed their crews, and entered the

works without the firing of a shot on either side. For this surrender
Manning was afterwards tried and condemned. 1

On the 12th of August the commodores organized a council of war
consisting of Capts. Anthony Colve, Nicholas Boes, and Abraham Ferd.
Van Zyll. In the next month Captain Colve was appointed temporary
governor and the fleet proceeded to its destination. The inhabitants
rejoiced, but only for a short time, for while Colve was hurriedly re-
storing the Dutch system, his government came to an abrupt close.
New Netherland was conceded to the English by the peace of West-
minster, March G, 1674, and in June a new patent was issued to the
Duke of York. On the 11th of July Colve officially announced that he
must surrender the province on a duly authorized demand. Articles
of capitulation were signed September 7; Fort Orange surrendered
October 5, and the Dutch and Swedes on South River capitulated Octo-
ber 12, and on the 10th of November Colve formally gave " New Nether-
lands and dependencies " over to "Governor Major Edmund Andros,
on behalf of His Brittanic Majesty." 2

The administration of Andros was exceedingly unpopular. When a
demand was made for popidar assemblies, the Duke of York wrote
Andros that such assemblies were dangerous, and when he attempted
to force upon the colonists a law of his own manufacture establishing
the customs rate for three years, his subjects were bitterly incensed,
and on the expiration of this law the merchants refused to pay further
duties. The Duke of York was now fearful that the expenses of the
colony would come out of his own purse and sent out Colonel Don-
gan as governor, with power to convene a General Assembly, which
met at Fort James (New York) October 17, 1683, Dongan having
arrived in August. The first act of this assembly was entitled " Char-
ter of Liberties and Privileges granted by His Royal Highness to the
Inhabitants of New York and its dependencies." which was a step on-
ward in the march of important events. The charter, in reality, '•burst
the shell of feudalism," and set forth the rights for which the Dutch
and English colonists had striven for nearly half a century. The death
of the king raised doubt in Governor Dongan's mind as to the legality
of the first assembly, and he therefore issued writs for the election ol a
new one, but King James II, however, abolished the General Assembly

1 The voluminous papers relating to this trial may be found in Vol. mi oi Documentary His-
tory, pp. so 99.

* See Vol. Ill, Doe. History, pp. 67-7:.

June HI, 1686. Among other similar warrants for the assembly of 1683
was one which "ordered that the Sheriff of Albany and Raneelaers
Colony cause the freeholders to meet and choose two persons to be
their representatives in the General Assembly, to be holden at the City
of New York, October ye 17th, 1683." This warrant was served by
Richard Pretty, an Englishman, who was sheriff from October, 1680,
to March, L691. He died in 1695.

Among the acts passed by the assembly was one "To divide this
province and dependencyes into shires and countyes " "for the better
governing and setling the courts in the same." It was also enacted
" that there shall be yearly and every year, an High Sherriffe consti-
tuted and commissionated for each county, and that each Sherriffe may
have his Under Sherriffe Deputy or Deputyes. " The act divided the
province into twelve counties, one of which was Albany county. The
act recites :

The County of Albany to contains the Towns of Albany, the Colony Reuslaerwyck,
Schenecteda, and all the villages, neighborhoods, and Christian Plantacons on the
rast side of Hudson river from Roeloef Jansen's Creeke, and on the west side from
Sawver's Creeke to the Sarraghtoga.

It will be seen that this was a vast county, as originally erected. It
embraced all the territory lying north of Ulster and west of the Hudson
River, taking in nearly the whole State; and north of Dutchess on the
east side of the Hudson, including what is now the State of Vermont.
That State and the fifty counties of New York State, excepting Put-
nam, Sullivan, Rockland, and a part of Greene and Delaware, were
formed from the territory of the original Albany county. The erection
of these various counties has already been described in an earlier chap-
ter.

At the first the county had no towns with corporate limits. Albany
was chartered by Governor Dongan under date of July 32, L686, We
quote from that charter:

That the said city of Albany, and the compass, precincts and limits thereof, and
the jurisdiction of the same, shall from henceforth extend and reach itself, and
shall and may be able to reach forth and extend itself, as well in length and in
breadth, as in circuit, on the east by Hudson's River, so far as low water mark :
to the south, by a line to be drawn from the southernmost end of the pasture at
the north end of the said island, called Martin Gerritsen's island, running back
into the woods sixteen English miles due northwest to a certain kill or creek
called the Sandhill; on the north, to a line to be drawn from the post that was
set by Gov. Stuyvesant, near Hudson's River, running likewise northwest sixteen

English miles; and on the west, by a straight line to be drawn from the posit'n of
the said south and north lines.

From Governor Dongan's report to the English Board of Trade mack'
in 1687, we take the following:

The town of Albany lyes within the Ranslaers' Colony; and, to sav the truth, the
Ranslaers had the right to it, for it was they settled the place, and upon a petition
of one of them to our present King, about Albany, the petitioner was referred to
his Majesty's council at law, who, upon a perusal of the Ranslaers' papers, made
their return that it was their opinion that it did belong to them. The town itself is
upon a barren sandy spot of land, and the inhabitants live wholly upon trade with
the Indians. I got the Ranslaers to release their pretence to the town and sixteen
miles into the country for commons to the King, with liberty to cut firewood within
the colony for one and twenty years. After I had obtained this release of the Rans-
laers I passed the patent for Albany.

Regarding the fort at Albany he wrote in the same report as fol-
lows :

At Albany there is a fort made of pine trees fifteen foot high & built over with
Hatterys and conveniences made for men to walk about, where are nine guns, small
arms for forty men, four Barils of powder with great and small Shott in proportion.
The Timber & Boards being rotten were renewed this year. In my opinion it
were better that fort were built up of Stone & Lime which will not be double the
charge of this years repair which yet will not last above 6 or 7 years before it will
require the like again whereas on the contrary were it built of Lime & Stone it mav
be far more easily maintained, And truly its very necessary to have a Fort there,
it being a frontier place both to the Indians and ffrench.

At a session of the Council held at New York city October 1, 1691,
there was enacted a second " Bill for dividing this province and de-
pendancyes into shires and countyes," which was principally in con-
firmation of the first. In reference to Albany county, "the town of
Albany" was omitted; " Mannor of Ranslaerwyck " was substituted
for the "Collony of Ranslaerwyck," and "to the uttermost end of
Sarraghtoga," for the words, "to the Sarraghtoga." "An Act for an-
nexing that part of the Mannor of Livingston which now lyes in
Dutchess County, unto the County of Albany," was passed by the
Council May 27, KIT. The division of the Manor into two districts
and the erection of the several towns have already been noticed.
7

CHAPTER VII.

During the progress of the events described in the preceding chap-
ter, the French had been energetically extending their domain, their
influence, and their fur trade in Canada (New France). The same
causes that animated the English also inspired the French with an ar-
dent desire for conquest in the western world, and both of these powers
fully realized the vital importance of securing the allegiance of the
Iroquois Indians. With their aid either nation might hope to win ;
without it the one deprived must surely lose. When the long-con-
tinued efforts of the French failed to win the fealty of the Indians a
bloody and unavailing war was begun upon the natives which con-
tinued many years, with intervals of peace. As early as 1668, the
French minister in Canada was called upon to furnish his government
with reasons for and against war with the Indians. One of his items
in favor of war reads :

That the success of the Expedition [by Conrcelles] against the Mohawks opens
the door for the seizure of Orange [Albany] the rather as the Dutch may be found
inclined to unite with the [French] Kings arms in aiding the attack and capture of
that fort. 1

On the other hand and against war he wrote:

That the English and Dutch, who, up to this time, have committed no act of hos-
tility, will possibly declare war against us if they see us destroy an Indian tribe which
appears to be under their protection. 2

Throughout the period in which the French were actively warring
upon the Indians Albany stood in fear, for the Dutch and English
clearly realized the jealousy entertained by the French of their amity
with the Indians and their extensive fur trade, while the importance of
the place from a military standpoint led the inhabitants to anticipate
that attempts would be made to capture it.

In February, 1666, Courcelles, then Governor in Canada, made an
unsuccessful expedition against the Mohawks. The following is irom
the records:

' Col. Doc, vol. IX, ]). 53. * Ibid.

His forces came unwittingly " within two miles of a small village called Schenec-
tade, lying in the woods beyond Fort Albany in the territoryes of his Royall High-
ness He fell into an ambush and lost some of his men. Seven who were wounded
were sent the next day to the village, where they were carefully drest and sent to
Albany. The Dutch bores carried to the camp such provisions as they had, and
were too well paid for it; especially peaz and bread, of wch a good quantity was
bought. He inquired what garrison or fort was at Albany. 'Twas told him a captain
and 00 English Soldyers with nine pieces of ordnance in a small fort of four Bas-
tions, and that the Captain thereof, Capt. Baker, had sent for 20 men from another
garrison of the King's at Sopes.

The reader of the Paris Documents (vol. IX, Col. Doc.) will be con-
vinced that the capture of " Orange and Manatte,"as Albany and New
York were called, was continually contemplated and advised by the
French officials in Canada. M. Talon wrote in October, 1667:

The means, in my opinion, to secure the whole Colony more effectually against
either the Europeans or the savages, would be to give Manatte and Orange to the
King [the French King] by conquest or acquisition, as I had the honor to propose
to you. 1

Sentiments thus expressed were persistenly reinforced by complaints
against the English and Dutch for encroachments on French territory in
pursuit of the fur trade. M. Talon's memoir of November, L670, says:

The English of Boston, and the Dutch of Manatte and of Orange who arc subject
to them, attract, by means of the Iroquois and other Indian tribes in their neighbor-
hood, over twelve hundred thousand livres of Beaver, almost all dry and in the best
condition. All this Beaver is trapped in countries subject to the King. I find con-
siderable occupation in diverting the greater part of this trade, etc. 2

Courcelles wrote in 1671:

The Iroquois, however, trade scarcely any with us, but carry all their peltries to
New Netherland. . . Wherefore some means were sought a long time ;u
prevent the Iroquois going to New Netherland to trade. :1

Frontenac in 1074, advised the French to imitate the Dutch and
English in the fur trade, by designating the place where the trade
should be carried on, and "prohibit it in private settlements; it is thus
our neighbors have built up Manatte and Orange."

On April (1, L672, Louis de Bouade, Count de Frontenac, was ap-
pointed governor of Canada, and tinder his efficient management the
confidence of the colony was restored and in 1673 a treaty of peace- was
made with the Iroquois. Concerning this treaty he wrote:

In spite of the efforts of the Dutch to get the Iroquois to make war on the French,
'Col. Doc. vol. ix, p. 60. -IImiI, p 65. > ll>i«l, p. 119.

the Iroquois came last year on solem embassy to Montreal ; brought eight children
belonging to the principal families of their villages, and ratified the treaty made with
them in 1673.

Another rupture took place in 1684 between the French and the In-
dians, the principal feature of which was an expedition against the
Senecas by De la Barre, who had been appointed governor of Canada
in 1082, but the expedition proved a failure. De la Barre was suc-
ceeded by the Marquis de Nonville in 1G85. He made a report on
the condition of the country as he found it, which was replete with
the old complaints; the Dutch and English were selling guns and
ammunition to the Indians at so low a price that they could obtain
all they wanted and thus be better able to fight the French. "The
gain of the merchants of Orange and Manette," he wrote, "is par-
amount to every public interest." In 1686 he wrote that Governor
Dongan was giving away guns to the Indians and advising them to
plunder the French in the woods. In November he wrote his govern-
ment to send him orders, "for I am disposed to go straight to Orange,
storm their fort, and burn their whole concern."

In 1688 a revolution placed William of Orange on the English throne
and war with France promptly followed. The Indian allies of the lat-
ter were almost powerless against the dreaded Iroquois, who harassed
the Canadian settlements until the French foresaw defeat. In 1689
Count de Frontenac was again sent over; he was an old man, but vig-
orous and capable, and revived the spirits of the French settlers. He
endeavored at first to negotiate a peace with the Iroquois, but failed,
the English being on the ground and succeeding in retaining the good
will of the Indians. Albany was looked upon by the English crown as
a point of greatest importance, both in war and in peace, and its preser-
vation was regarded as most essential to the English cause. Governor
Sloughter wrote:

If the French should assault and gain Albany, all the English colonies on both
sides of us would be endangered. For we have nothing but that place that keeps
our Indians steady to us, and the loss of that must be the loss of all the King's in-
terest on this continent.

But the war was upon them. At a meeting held at Albany, Novem-
ber 24, 1689, there were present, "Ye Commissioners for ye Citty and
County of Alb. advysing with Sundrey officers of ye militia There."
It was

Resolved, That y e following Persones be commissionated, vizt. : Captain Jochim

Staets Cornclr. of Fort Orange always to keep under command in s' 1 fort sixty men;
Lieut. Jonathan wrigt; Ens: John Hater. For the city of albany, Pieter minne,
Toune Major, Capt. Johannis wendel, Melgert Wynants, Ens: Regnier Barentse,
Capt. Pieter van waggden, Leift. Robt. Sanders, Ens: Joh: Bleeker, Jun r Capt.
Barnet Liewis, Leift. Marte Klock, Ens. For the County of Albany. Capt. Martin
gerritse, Lieut. Evert d'Ridder, Ens: Zymon van ness, Capt. Alexander glen, Leift
Johannis glen, Ens: douwe Aukus, Capt. Johannis Bensing, Leift. Andries Bar-
rentse, Ens. Johannis Janse.

Ordered That y e aforesaid Commissionated officers now are Established, and shall
from this time forth Remaine and be in full Power & v Authority, & y Authority
for y e Militia of this & County. To act & to doe in all matters and things relating
Militarie affaires, according to y° Rules & decipline of war, until, further order from
his Majestie King William of England, Scotland, French & Ireland, &c.

Failing - in his efforts to make peace with the Iroquois, Frontenac
opened a vigorous campaign. He visited Schenectady with torch and
tomahawk on the night of February 9, 1690; defended Montreal suc-
cessfully against Major Peter Schuyler in the same year and at all
points actively served his country. But it was a losing cause; the
French were hindered from tilling their lands and from reaping what
they had sown; their fur trade was ruined by the Indians who took
possession of the passes between them and their allies to the west-
ward; and worse than all else, a terrible famine followed, causing
great suffering.

Important as it was in some respects, Albany was at this time ( L689)
according to Broadhead, "not much more than a large stockaded vil-
lage, of which the two chief streets crossed each other at right angles.
The one ' Handelaer's Straat,' or Market street, ran nearly north and
south, skirting the river, proverbially apt to overflow its banks in times
of great floods. The other, running about east and west, a little way
up a steep hill, was called ' Yonkheer's Straat,' now known as State
street. About half way up the hill stood the fort, just outside one of
the city gates."

In July, 1691, Governor Sloughter made a visit to Albany, concern-
ing which he wrote:

I returned from Albany on the 27th past, where 1 left all things in good posture,
and with much difficulty have secured the Indians. I found that place in great dis-
order, our plantations and Schenectady almost ruined and destroyed by the enemys
dureing the time of the late confusion there. I have garrisoned Schnectady and
the Halfe Moon with some of the hundred fusileers raised by our Assembly; the re-
mainder, with one of the King's Cotnpanys, are posted at Albany

In 1693 Frontenac, in his desperation, organized a raid into the Mo-

hawk country, but its cost outweighed its advantages. In June of this
year the governor held another council with the Indians at Albany,
and by bountiful presents and flattering words, retained their good
will. The sum of ,£1,500 having been appropriated for the repair of
Fort Orange, in September, 1693, 500 new palisades "were sett up
against the old Stockadoes. "

This period of war closed with the treaty of Ryswyck made in July,
1G98. The Earl of Bellomont was then governor of the province of
New York. To him the Common Council of Albany addressed the
following document on the 2d of August, 1698:

The Common Council are unanimously of the opinion to address his Excell. the
Earl of Bellomont on the following heads:

1. To thank his Lordship for bringing y e joyfull news of y c Peace.

2. To acquaint his Lordship y e great hardships this poor Citty has labored under
for these 9 years dreadful and bloody warr; during which time they have not only
been at an Excessive Charge and Expense in quartering y e officers and souldiers
sent hither from time to time, but have been obliged, for their own security, to
fortify >"' towne twice with Palesadoes, and build 5 block houses, all at their own
charge, which hath so much impoverished y e Inhabitants y* most have deserted.

3. That this Citty doth wholly rely and depend upon y c Indian Trade, upon which
account it was first settled, and have obtained a Charter whereby y e Sole trade with
y e Indians is confined within y p walls of s d Citty, doth therefore humbly addresse his
L d p to protect and defend them in there Rights and Priviledges, and doe thank his
L d p for his great trouble and care in treating with y 5 nations for y e Public good
and advantage to this Citty, and doe further return there best thanks for y e good
Instructions his L'p lies been pleased to give them, assuring his Iy'p that they will
not be wanting in useing there utmost endeavors to unite all parties, and restore this
Citty to its Priviledges and Rights ; that they will also observe all y oy cr articles Men-
tioned in his L a p's instructions.

The serious consequences of this war upon Albany county are shown
by the census taken soon after its close. The population was reduced
from 602 men, 340 women, and 1,014 children in 1689, to 382 men, 262
women and 805 children in 1098. Of the number of men given, eighty-
four had been killed.

Governor Fletcher's report on the state of the militia in the province
made in April, 1693, contains the following items of interest in this
connection :

• • The Militia of the County of Albany, commanded by Major Peter Schuyler, being
five companies of Foot and one Troop of Horse, now formed into Dragoons by the
Governor, consisting of 359." The aggregate in the Province was 2,932.

" In the List of the Officers of the Militia in the Province of New York," made in
November, 1700, in the time of Governor Bellomont, the. officers of the Regiment of

Militia in the City and County of Albany, is given as follows: Field Officers — Peter
Schuyler, Colonel; — , Lieutenant-Colonel; Dyrck Wessels, Major.

Of a Foot Company in the City of Albany. Commissioned Officers — Johanni s
Bleeker, Captain; Johannes Rosebaum, Lieutenant; Abra. Cuyler, Ensign.

Of another Foot Company in the said City: Albert Rykman, Captain ; Wessel Ten
Brock, Lieutenant ; Johannes Thomasse, Ensign.

Of another Foot Company in said County: Martin Cornelisse, Captain; Andries
Douw, Lieutenant; Andris Koyman, Ensign.

Of another Foot Company in said County: Gerrit Teunisse, Captain ; Jonas Douw,
Jochem Lamerse, Lieutenants; Volckhart V. Hoesem, Abra. Hause, Ensigns.

Of the Troop of Horse in y e said Regiment: Kilian Van Renslaer, Captain; Jo-
hannes Schuyler, Lieutenant; BennoneV. Corlaer, Cornet: Anthony Bries, Quarter-
master. This Regiment consists of Three hundred and Seaventy-ouc men.

Peace was short-lived. What is known as Queen Anne's war broke out
in Etirope in 1702, and continued during the next eleven years. Blood
flowed in nerly every village and valley of New England. The French,
and such allied Indians as they could secure, apparently strove to out-
do each other in deeds of atrocity, until it at last became apparent that
Canada must be subdued at all hazards.

During the short peace that preceded this war the soldiers at Albany
appear to have been much neglected. In 1700 Governor Belloniont
wrote:

" Some of the inhabitants of Albany who are now here [New York city] tell me the
Soldiers there in Garrison are in that shameful and miserable condition for the want
of Cloaths, that the like was never seen." Even the Indians were disgusted as they
observed their situation. The Governor continues: "Persons assure me that sonic of
the old crafty sachems of the Five Nations have asked 'em whether they thought 'em
such fooles as to believe our King could protect 'em from the French when he was
not able to Keep his Soldiers in a Condition as those in Canada are Kept."

In October of the same year the governor again visited Albany.
The two companies then garrisoned there were under command of
Major Ingoldsby and Captain Weems. The governor writes:

I never in my life saw so moving a sight as that of the Companies at Albany;
half the men were without breeches, shoes and stockings when they mustered. I
thought it shameful to the last degree to see English soldiers so abused. They had
liked to have mutinied.

He also reported the fort as " scandalous]}- weak," and added:

The inhabitant-- came all about me at my leaving Albany, and told me in plain
terms that if the King would not build a fort there to protect 'em, they would, on
the first news of war between England and France desert the place and fly to New
York rather than they would stay there to have their throats cut. There arc half a
dozen at Albany who have competent estates, but all the rest arc miserable j"

At this time the city and county of Albany furnished 371 men under
command of Dirck Wessells, major. In 1702 Colonel Schuyler's Albany
county militia regiment was pronounced in pretty good condition, ow-
ing to his care. The condition of the Albany fort may be inferred from
what Cornbury wrote in July, 1702. He said he found the works "in
a miserable condition, the stockadoes about all roten to such a degree
that I can with ease push them down." In anticipation of an invasion
from Montreal, some insignificant efforts were made in 1704, to repair
tho old fort by putting up new palisades. The new fort was begun,
but for want of money was left incomplete and was not finished until
1735.

An invasion of Canada was planned in 1700 under command of Col.
Francis Nicholson, for which the troops were assembled in Albany.
Under the potent influence of Peter Schuyler the Five Nations sent in
five hundred warriors to join the expedition. The plans involved an
attack on Quebec by water and a simultaneous assault on Montreal by
way of Lake Champlain. A military road had been opened at the expense
of New York from Schuylerville to the lake by way of Fort Edward
and Wood Creek. Three small forts on the way had been built, the
middle one of which was Fort Ann. Leaving Albany the army en-
camped at this fort and awaited news from the naval expedition against
Quebec. When they learned that that expedition had been sent to
Spain, the discouraged army returned to Albany, their mission unac-
complished.

The French were not particular as to the means adopted to defeat
their enemies. They hoped much from the native savagery of the In-
dians. In June, 1708, M. de Pontchartrain wrote from France to M.
Ridout in Canada :

It is in no way advisable that the Indians visit Orange and other English settle-
ments, and an effort should be made to excite a vigorous and general war between
these Indians and the English.

The French authorities on this side did not agree with these propo-
sitions. In November of that year M. de Vaudreuil wrote De Pont-
chartrain, giving his reasons for not having sent expeditions against
Fort Orange and New York. He said he had " promised the Iroquois
not to do so, as these nations, however friendly they be to us, are still
more so to the Dutch. "

The English now saw more clearly than ever before that until the
French power in Canada was wholly extingitished there coidd be no

BbNJAMIN MARSH,

lasting peace. It was to secure from the crown more liberal support
and create a favorable influence towards the Iroquois that Colonel
Schuyler, with five Indian Sachems, journeyed to England in b710.
Through bis influence a fleet bearing 5,000 troops was sent over to aid
in subjugating the French. On the last day of July, 1710, a fleet of
twelve men-of-war, and forty-six smaller vessels left Boston, with
Montreal as its destination. There this force was to be met by a strong
army from Albany under General Nicholson. The latter force con-
sisted of about 2,000 English, 1,000 Germans and 800 Indians; these
moved in the latter part of August, 1711, from Albany towards Lake
Champlain. In the mean time the English fleet met with disaster,
eight transports with 800 men went to the bottom, and the remainder
returned to England. AVhen news of this misfortune reached Nichol-
son he ordered his army back to Albany and the French remained un-
molested for many years. A treaty of peace was signed April 11, 1711,
at Utrecht, which secured the Protestant succession to the throne of
England, the separation of the French and Spanish crowns, the en-
largement of the British colonies in America and full satisfaction from
France of the claims of the allies, England, Holland and Germany.
The French acknowledged the Iroquois as British subjects:

The following record shows the military condition of Albany just on the eve of tin-
preparation for this last expedition.

May 20, 1711, Robert Hunter, Captain-General and Governor-in- Chief of the Prov-
ince of New York, called the troops from Albany to the Manor of Livingston, and
directed that the Militia of Albany be called to arms to protect that city in the ab-
sence of the garrison. Accordingly, the Mayor and Aldermen met May 21, 1711, and
sent the following letter to his Excellency.

" Albany, y' 21st of May, 1711
" May it please your Ex'cy.

"Your Ex'cys Letter dated yesterday we rec d ys. day, and in Obedience thereof,
we have forthwith procured a Sloop for y e transportation of y' Troops here, and de-
sired Peter Schuyler, Esqr., Collo of the militia Regiment of y Citty& County, that
lie will emmediately order y e militia of this Citty to Come in Arms to take care <>( y
fort and this place during y' absence of y' s' 1 troops; who returned answer that he
would comply therewith. So remain in all sincerity,

•• May it please your Ex'cy,
"Your Ex'cys most obedient and humble servants.

This was signed by the Mayor, Recorder, and Aldermen.

The treaty of Utrecht was an imperfect one under the circumstam
it left the question of boundaries largely undefined, leading to endless
complaints and recriminations between the two rivals on this continent,

while the former methods of gaining- Indian friendship and trade soon
came into practice. The Iroquois could not be deterred from encroach-
ments upon their old enemies, to which they were doubtless incited to
some extent by the English. The French established a trading post
at Niagara in 1720, against the protestations of Governor Burnet of
New York. In retaliation he established one at Irondequoit Bay in the
next year. In the mean time the New York legislature passed a law
forbidding colonists from supplying the French with Indian goods.
In retaliation the French incited their allies to the northward to drive
the English traders from their country. " Since the close of October,
1723," wrote De Vaudreuil in November, 1724, " the Abenakis did not
cease harassing the English with a view to force them to quit their
country." 1

In 1726 the English took an important step in the building of a for-
tified post at Oswego, thus establishing their hold upon a point that
was to become of the highest importance during all the succeeding
years until the American colonies gained their freedom. On the 9th of
May, 1726, Governor Burnet wrote the Board of Trade:

I have this spring sent up workmen to build a stone house of strength at a place
called Oswego, at the mouth of the Onondage river where our principal trade with
the far Nations is carried on. I have obtained the consent of the Six Nations to
build it.

The governor learned that a party of French was going up to Niag-
ara, and he feared they might interfere with the work at Oswego. He
therefore sent "a detachment of sixty souldiers with a Captain and
two Lieutenants, to protect the building."

The French did not love Governor Burnet nor look kindly upon his
operations at Oswego. The fact is they were forestalled in what they
undoubtedly intended to do themselves. In 1727 the Marquis de Beau-
harnois (then governor-general of Canada) wrote Burnet, strongly
condemning him for building the works at Oswego: said he, "I look
upon that measure as a manifest infraction of the treaty of Utrecht."
Louis XV wrote Beauharnois that he "must always have in view the
expulsion of the English from their fort on the river Choueguen " (the
French name of Oswego).

In spite of all these hostile operations, disregard of treaty obligations
petty encroachments, and antagonistic measures, the two countries re-
mained nominally at peace until 1744. A quarrel arose between King

'Col. Doc, vol. IX, p. 936,

George II of England and the French king, respecting the claims of
Maria Theresa to the Austrian throne. The foreign entanglement,
although not of the slightest interest to the colonists on this side of the
water, involved them in the war that followed, which was known
as King George's war, the declaration of which was made March
15, 1744, by France. Three months later the news reached Albany
and again the inhabitants were excited and filled with anxious fore-
bodings. Governor Clinton visited the place and held a successful
conference with the chiefs of the Six Nations, cementing their friend-
ship for the English and cautioning them against the wiles of the
French. He sent to Albany six 18-pounder cannon with a supply of
ammunition and other military stores. While the governor was mak-
ing preparations for an attack upon Crown Point, the French and In-
dians descended upon old Saratoga (now Schuylerville), burning the
fort and twenty houses, killing about thirty persons and carrying away
eighty prisoners. Excitement ran high in Albany. Refugees came in
large numbers and soldiers were quartered in the place. Two com-
panies of His Majesty's fusileers were sent to Albany and the Indians
were kept in readiness for an expected attack. Through the influ-
ence of Sir William Johnson the Mohawks in August, 1746, agreed to
take up again the hatchet against the French. Later in that year Gov-
ernor Clinton sent five additional companies of soldiers to Albany,
while Massachusetts and New York made active war preparations, col-
lecting troops and munitions at Albany. The campaign continued in
1747; troops were sent from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and other prov-
inces, with Albany as a center of operations. The later events of this
war are not of paramount interest for these pages. Albany suffered
little from the strife; indeed the traders there had made considerable
profit during its progress. The war was concluded October is, 1 ; 18,
by the treaty of Aix la-Chapelle.

It would seem to have been a part of the plan of the Almighty that
this country should not pass under French dominion, but should be
preserved for the descendants of the Pilgrims and the English immi-
grants who came after them. After a few years of peace the war that
was to settle finally this matter was begun under a declaration from
England made May 17, 1756, which was followed by a similar one from
France on the 9th of the following month. From the date of the cap-
ture of Louisburg in 1745 the French had extended and strengthened
their domain, and the treat)- of 1! 18 found them with a population of

about 100,000, and with a line of posts from Nova Scotia to the Gulf of
Mexico. They soon became aggressive. Trade interests were con-
stantly clashing, and the stake as a whole was a magnificent one for
the conqueror. Uncertainty as to the fealty and action of the Indians
also continued an unceasing cause of anxiety and jealousy. The French
determined to hold control of the Ohio River region, and when the
English attempted to build a fort at the forks of that stream, the
French seized the place and finished the fort — Fort Duquesne.

The details of this war belong to and are found in general history,
rendering it unnecessary, as it is impracticable, to follow them fully in
this work; but their relation to Albany county may be briefly de-
scribed.

On the 28th of August, 1754, a body of Indian allies of the French
invaded this province, burned the buildings of some Hoosick settlers
and took back as prisoners to Canada about sixty of the Schaghticoke
Indians. Lieutenant Governor De Lancey now ordered the fort at
Albany to be fully repaired; he sent a company of soldiery to the fort
from New York and ordered that two hundred men from each regi-
ment of militia near Albany should be in readiness to march to the
city at short notice.

At a meeting of the Common Council held May 29, 1753, the follow-
ing petition was sent to Governor De Lancey:

That the City of Albany is a frontier town, and the defense thereof is of great
consequence to the safety of the whole province in case of War with the French ;
that the city is altogether undefensable, exposed to the incursions of any enemy, and
the corporation, by reason of the heavy debt they are under, occasioned by the great
expense we were at during the late war, and no wise able to fortify the city unless
assisted by a provincial Tax; and whereas, your Excellencies have prepared a
petition to be laid before the General Assembly, praying they would be pleased to
lay a tax of ^6,000 on estates throughout this province to defray the expense of
building a wall with bastions or batteries at convenient distances, for the defence of
said city and security of the province.

The document closes with a prayer that

His Excellency will recommend to the General Assembly, in the most pressing
terms that you think proper, to raise the sum to £6,000 for defraying the expense of
said Wall.

Similar application was made by the Common Council for better pro-
tection in May, 175G. During all of this war period (about nine years)
many troops were quartered in and near Albany. In 1756 an ordinance
was adopted by the Common Council forbidding all tavern keepers and

all other persons from selling- liquor to an)- of His Majesty's troops r
harboring- an}' of them after 9 o'elock p. ,\i. At that time there was a
regiment encamped on the hill about on the site of the old Capitol.
When General Abercrombie was here in 1756 it is believed that 10,000
troops were encamped near by on both banks of the river. The dusky
Indians mingled with the gaily-uniformed soldiers, martial music re-
sounded on all sides, and flags floated over the scene. Business was
active, especially in furnishing supplies of every kind to the army.

The principal events of this war were: The abortive effort to capture
Fort Niagara and Crown Point in 1755 by Governor Shirley and Sir
William Johnson respectively; the attempts made against Fort Du-
quesne, a second against Crown Point and Ticonderoga, and a third
against Niagara in 1756, all of which were comparative failures; the
capture of Oswego by Montcalm in that year; the capture of Fort
William Henry on Lake George by Montcalm in l?r ) '; ; the campaigns
of 1758, involving successes by the English at Louisburg, Fort Du-
quesne and Fort Frontenac, the reoccupation of Oswego, and the de-
feat of the English under Abercrombie at Ticonderoga by Montcalm;
the capture of Niagara in 175'.) by the English, the fall of Quebec in
September of that year, and the final surrender of Montreal and all
other French posts in 1760, ending French power in America forever.

During this war Albany was a center of military activity. The ex-
peditions of 1755 and 1750 started from there and included Albany
soldiers, among whom was the brave Schuyler. During the winter of
L 755-6 the preparations for an expedition against Niagara in the fol-
lowing spring went forward at Albany. There General Winslow made
his rendezvous with 7,000 men, waiting the dilatory steps of Lord
Loudon, then commander of the English forces. The delay gave the
gallant Montcalm opportunity to capture the forts at Oswego, which he
held until 1757. At Albany also were gathered the troops for the ex-
pedition against Crown Point under Sir William Johnson in 1755. This
expedition abounded in brilliant and stirring events, including the
death of Dieskau, the French commander. Johnson was a man of
ardent temperament, energetic and active, and when he was delayed by
various causes he complained bitterly of the people at Albany. Under
date of September 6 he wrote:

Our expedition is likely to be extremely distressed and, I fear, fatally retarded for
the want of wagons. The people of Albany county and the adjacent counties bide
their wagons and drive away their hoist- Most of the wagoners taken into the

service have deserted; some horses are quite jaded and some few killed by the
enemy, and several run away. Most of our provisions are at Albany.

And again he wrote: "Those people are so devoted to their own
private Profit that every other public Principle has ever been sacrificed
to it." 1

On account of the many discouraging circumstances Johnson re-
turned to Albany for that winter, after having built Fort William
Henry and garrisoned it with six hundred men.

The advance of Montcalm upon Fort William Henry in 1757 caused
much alarm and excitement in Albany. Oswego had fallen, an event
which Johnson characterized as "a mortal wound." Montcalm had
already shown his military genius and his tireless energy, and his ap-
proach upon any point justified alarm. The slaughter of the garrison
of Fort William Henry after its capture, by the Indians under Mont-
calm, which the French general has in vain attempted to justify, added
to the anxious forebodings of the inhabitants of Albany and its vicinity.
Frontier settlers came to the city in great numbers.

In Col. John Bradstreet's memorable expedition against Fort Fronte-
nac in the summer of 1758, soldiers from Albany county participated.
Among the officers were Captains Peter Yates and Goosen Van Schaick
of Albany, the latter becoming in later years a colonel in the Revolu-
tionary army. Bradstreet captured the fort, thus rendering easier
the seizure of Fort Duquesne and hastening the end. These events
raised a cry for peace throughout Canada, the resources of which coun-
try were nearly exhausted. " I am not discouraged," wrote the brave
Montcalm, in evident disappointment, "nor my troops. We are re-
solved to find our graves under the ruins of the colon}-." He foresaw
the end.

In the early summer of 1758 Abercrombie's army was encamped on
the flatlands at the south of Albany, preparing for its expedition to
Ticonderoga, where it met a crushing defeat at the hands of Montcalm's
troops, who were inspired by the gallantly of their leader. In Aber-
crombie's army also were many Albany soldiers, who shared in the
general mourning for the death of the brave and genial Lord Howe on
that field, and whose body was buried first in Schuyler's family tomb
and later under St. Peter's church. In the months of May and June,
1759, Lord Jeffrey Amherst, a brave and efficient English officer, ap •

i For all mC Johnson's papers, see l)>>c. Hist., vol. II, p. 545 1009.

pointed commander-in-chief in September, 1758, was at Albany with
the army, preparing for the movements upon Crown Point and Ticon-
deroga, and the other important events that closed the long struggle.

CHAPTER VIII.

From the fall of Montreal to the beginning of the Revolution peace
reigned in the territory of Albany county. Again the fur trade became
an absorbing interest. In the spring of 1766 Sir William Johnson was ap-
pointed Trade Commissary, an office which gave him general supervi-
sion of barter with the Indians, and from that time forward for nearly
ten years he wielded almost autocratic power over the Iroquois and
lived in a lordly way in the Mohawk Valley. Johnson's policy was to con-
centrate trade at the important points, Albany, Oswego, Niagara, Fort
Pitt and Detroit, where he appointed commissioners of trade. He in-
troduced regulations prohibiting traders from going out among the
Indians, the salutary effects of which were at once apparent. As a
means of further continuing peaceful relations between the English
and the Indians, a meeting was held September 19, 1768, at Fort Stan-
wix (now Rome), whither Sir William, his three duputies (Guy John-
son, Daniel Claus and George Croghan) and Governor Franklin of New
Jersey proceeded. Twenty bateaux of presents for the Indians were
taken along. Arrived at the fort they were met by commissioners
from Virginia, by Lieutenant-Governor Penn and Messrs. Wharton and
Trent, representing trade interests. By October 1 about eight hun-
dred Indians had assembled. The object of this council was to estab-
lish a " Property Line " between the white men and the Indians.
After six days of the usual ceremonies at such gatherings the line was
fixed to begin at the junction of Canada Creek and Wood Creek a little
west from Rome, and extend thence southward to the Susquehanna
River. The whole matter was concluded November 5, L768, and was
ratified by Johnson in July, 1770.

The project of dividing Albany county was broached in the Assem-
bly in the spring of 1769 by Philip Schuyler. While this measure was
favored by Johnson, he earnestly objected to the proposed line of divi-
sion. Said he:

Albany county is much too large, but the manner in which it is proposed to be di-
vided is in many respects extremely inconvenient, and it would prove disagreeable
to about all of the inhabitants. The only rational boundary, it has appeared to me,
would be at the west bounds of the township of Schenectady.

Again in the spring of 1772 the subject was brought forward, and
towards the close of that session a bill was passed under which all that
part of Albany county west of the present east line of Montgomery
county was erected into Tryon county.

An act of the Legislature passed in 1703, relating to the office and
duties of supervisors, remained in force with slight changes until 1772,
when, on March 24, it was amended so far as it related to Albany
county, authorizing the annual election to take place on the first Tues-
day in May. The same act provided for the election in this county of
two overseers of the poor, two constables, two fence viewers, and one
town clerk. Previous to that date the duties of clerk had been per-
formed by the supervisor. After the adoption of the first Constitution
the office of supervisor and the time of his election was changed by act
of the Legislature (March 7, 1788), providing for holding town meetings
in the several towns in the State for choice of town officers. By that
act the town of Albany was authorized to elect two assessors, instead of
one as in other counties.

The establishment of the Property Line, before described, did not
long suffice to preserve inviolate the Indian territory. The influx of
now settlers and the avarice of traders led to encroachments which soon
provoked complaints. 1 These prepared the way for the hostility against
the colonists during the war of the Revolution which soon followed.
The Indians had adopted a well-settled policy against further encroach-
ment on their territory, even to resisting it by war; and the Iroquois,
who had hitherto preserved uniform friendship toward the colonists,
now, with the exception of the Oneidas and Tuscaroras, opposed them.
Eighteen hundred of their w r arriors allied themselves with the British
and only two hundred and twenty with the colonists. The atrocities of
the former, under such leaders as Johnson, Butler, and Brant, will long
be remembered throughout New York and Pennsylvania.

With the beginning of the war Albany again became a center of

i At a congress of the Six Nations at Johnson Hall in June and July. 1774, a Seneca orator com
plained that the white traders encroached upon their territory, followed their people to their
hunting grounds with goods and liquor, when they "not only impose on us at pleasure, but ba-
the means of carrying these articles to our scattered people, obstruct our endeavors to collect
them."

military activity. Albany county, as it then existed, organized seven-
teen regiments of militia under the laws of 1775. The officers of those
which belonged wholly or in part to this county were as follows:

Fiksi Regiment, City oi Albany.

Jacob Lansing, jr., colonel; Dirck Ten Broeck, lieutenant-colonel; Henry Wen-
dell, first major: Abraham Cuyler. second major; Yolckert A. Douw, adjutant;
Ephraim Van Veghten, quartermaster.

First Company. — John Barclay, captain; John Price, first lieutenant ; Abraham I.
Yates, second lieutenant ; John Scott, ensign.

Second Company. — Thomas Barrett, captain ; Matthew Vischer, first lieutenant;
Abraham Eights, second lieutenant; John Hoagkirk, ensign.

Third Company- — John Williams, captain; Henry Staats, first lieutenant; Barent
Van Allen, second lieutenant; Henry Hogan, ensign.

Fourth Company. — John M. Beeckman, captain; Isaac De Freest, first lieutenant ;
Abraham Ten Eyck, second lieutenant; Teunis T. Van Veghten, ensign.

Fifth Company. — Harmanus Wendell, captain; William Hun, first lieutenant;
Jacob G. Lansing, second lieutenant; Cornelius Wendell, ensign.

Sixth Company. — John N. Bleecker, captain; John James Beeckman, first lieu-
tenant; Casparus Pruyn, second lieutenant; Nicholas Marsehs, ensign.

Third Regiment, Firsi Rensselaerwyck Battalion.

Abraham Ten Broeck, colonel ; Francis Nicoll, lieutenant-colonel ; Henry Quack-
enbush, first major; Barent Staats, second major; John P. Ouackenbush, adjutant;
Christopher Lansing, quartermaster.

First Company. — Henry Ouackenbush, captain; Jacob J. Lansing, first lieutenant .
Levinus Winne, second lieutenant; John Van Woert, ensign.

Second Company. — Abraham D. Fonda, captain; Henry Oothoudt, jr., first lieu-
tenant: Levinus T. Lansing, second lieutenant; Jacob J. Lansing, ensign.

Third Company. — Peter Schuyler, captain; Abraham Witbeck, first Iieutem
Henry Ostrom, second lieutenant; Peter S. Schuyler, ensign.

Fourth Company. — Barent Staats, captain; Dirck Becker, first lieutenant; John
Van Wie, second lieutenant ; George Hogan, ensign.

Fifth Company. — Gerrit G. Van der Bergh, captain; Peter Van Wie. first lieuten-
ant; Wouter Becker, second lieutenant; Abraham Slingerland, ensign.

Third Regimenj — New Organization.

First Company. — (See Third Company, first organization.)

Second Company. — Abraham D. Fonda, captain; Henry Oothoudt, jr., first lieu-
tenant; Levinus T. Lansing, second lieutenant; Jacob J. Lansing, ensign.

Third Company (at first Fifth Company, Fourth Regiment). — Jacob Ball, captain,
John Warner, first lieutenant; Peter Diet/., second lieutenant; Joshua Shaw, ensign.

Fourth Company. — Jacob J. Lansing, captain; Levinus Winne. first lieutenant,
[ohu Van Woert, second lieutenant; Peter Dox, ensign.

Fifth Company (at first organized as Fourth Company, Fourth Regiment).— Jacob
9

Van Aernam, captain; John Groot, first lieutenant; George Wagoner, second lieu-
tenant; Frederick Crantz (Crounse?), ensign.

Sixth Company. — Abraham Veeder, captain; James Burnside, first lieutenant;
John Voorhuyse(Voorhees?), second lieutenant; Andries Ten Eyck, ensign.

Fourth Regiment. Second Rensselaerwyck Battalion.

Killian Van Rensselaer colonel; John H. Beeckman, lieutenant-colonel; Cor-
nelius Van Buren, first major; Jacob C. Schermerhorn, second major; Jacobus Van
der Pool, adjutant; John A. Lansing, quartermaster.

First Company (First Company, Fifth Regiment, new organization). — Conrad
Ten Eyck, captain; Peter Witbeck, first lieutenant; Albert H. Van der Zee, second
lieutenant; John L. Wilbeck, ensign.

Second Company (Second Company, Fifth Regiment, new organization). — Will-
iam P. Winne, captain; John De Voe, first lieutenant; Philip C. Look (Luke?), sec-
ond lieutenant; Cornelius Van der Zee, ensign.

Third Company. — Volckert Veeder, captain; Abraham Veeder first lieutenant;
Jacob La Grange, second lieutenant; Andrew Truax, ensign.

Fourth Company. (See Fifth Company, Third Regiment, new organization.) —
Jacob Van Aernam, captain; John Groot, first lieutentant; George Wagoner, second
lieutenant; Frederick Crantz (Crounse?), ensign.

Fifth Company, — (See Third Company, Third Regiment.)

Fourth Regiment (As Newly Organized, February, 1776.)

First Company. — Isaac Miller, captain; Hendrick Schaus, first lieutenant; Johan-
nes Lodewick, second lieutenant ; Johannes Miller, ensign.

Second Company. — Ichabod Turner, captain; Joel Pease, first lieutenant; Jona-
athan Niles. second lieutenant; Joel Curtis, ensign.

Third Company. — -Luke Schermerhorn, captain; James Magee, first lieutenant;
Reuben Knap, second lieutenant ; Aaron Hammond, ensign.

Fourth Company. — James Dennison, captain; Stephen Niles, first lieutenant;
Obadiah Vaughan, second lieutenant; Oliver Bentley, ensign.

Fifth Company. — Nicholas Staats, captain; Obadiah Lansing, first lieutenant;
Philip Staats, second lieutenant; Leonard Wilcox, ensign.

Sixth Company. — Jacobus Cole (Koole?) captain ; Anthony Bries (Brice?) first lieu-
tenant; Harpent Witbeck, second lieutenant; John Van Hagen, jr., ensign.

Seventh Company. — Abraham J. Van Valkenburgh, captain; Daniel Schermer-
horn, first lieutenant; John J. Van Valkenburgh, second lieutenant; Martin Van
Buren, ensign.

Fifth Regiment, Third Rensselaerwyck Battalion.

Stephen Schuyler, colonel; Gerrit G. VanderBergh, lieutenant; Peter P. Schuyler,
first major; Volckert Veeder, second major; Maas Van Vranken, adjutant; Francis
Marshall, quartermaster.

First Company. — Cornelius Van Buren, captain; Nicholas Staats, first lieutenant;
Obadiah Lansing, second lieutenant; Philip Staats, ensign.

Second Company, John H. Beeckman, captain ; Jacob C. Schermerhorn, first lieu-

tenant; Abraham I. Van Valkenburgh, second lieutenant; Jacobus Yanderpoel,
ensign.

Third Company.— Volckert Van Veghten captain; Gerrit T. Van den Bergh, first
lieutenant; John Amory, second lieutenant; Jacob Van Schaick, ensign.

Fourth Company. — (See First Company, Fourth Regiment.)

First Company.— Philip De Freest, captain; Ryneer Van Alstyne, first lieutenant ;
Peter Sharp, second lieutenant; David De Forest, ensign.

Sixth Company (1st Company of Sixth Regiment, new organization.)— John J.
Fonda, captain; John P. Fonda first lieutenant ; George Berger, second lieutenant;
George Sharp, ensign.

Sixth Regiment, Fourth Rensselaerwyck Battalion.

Stephen J. Schuyler, colonel; Henry K. Van Rensselaer, lieutenant-colonel; Philip
De Freest, first major; John Fonda, second major; Volckert Oothoudt, adjutant;
Jacob Van Alstyne, quartermaster.

First Company. — Henry H. Gardinier, captain; Jacob Van der Ileyden, first lieu-
tenant; Adam Beam, second lieutenant ; Henry Tinker, ensign.

Second Company. — Cornelius Lansing, captain; Lodewyck Snider, first lieuten-
ant; Andries Stool, second lieutenant ; Jacob Weiger, ensign.

Third Company. — (See Third Company, Fourth Regiment.)

Fourth Company. — (See Second Company, this Regiment, and Fourth Regiment.)

Fifth Company. — Caleb Bentley, captain; Samuel Shaw, first lieutenant; David
Huestes, second lieutenant; Thomas Crandall, ensign.

Sixth Company. — (See Fourth Company, Fourth Regiment.)

Sixth Regiment (New organization.)

First Company. — (See Sixth Company, Fifth Regiment.)

Second Company. — (See First Company, Sixth Regiment.)

Third Company. — John Lautman, captain; Peter Vosburgh, first lieutenant; John
Schurtz, second lieutenant; Conradt Best, ensign.

Fourth Company. — (See Second Company, first organization Fifth Regiment, and
First Company in Sixth Regiment, first organization. )

Fifth Company. — (See first organization in Sixth Regiment |

Sixth Company. — Jacob De Freest, captain; Martinus Sharp, first lieutenant; An-
dries Miller, second lieutenant; John Crannell, ensign.

Seventh Company.- Florus Banker, captain; Christopher Tillman, first lieuten-
ant ; Abraham Ten Eyck, second lieutenant; Jonathan Sever, ensign.

At the inception of the difficulties leading- to the war the inhabitants
of the city of Albany, and of the county within its present limits at
least, were not inspired with warm sympathy for the cause of the col-
onists. The mayor (Abraham C. Cuyler) and most of the aldermen
openly espoused the royal cause. As early as L773 the increasing diffi-
culties with the mother country entered largely into local public affairs
in the city, and the charter election of that year was a very exciting

one. The last election for aldermen and assistant aldermen under
colonial laws was held September 29, 1775, when the following were
chosen :

First Ward — Aldermen, Peter W. Yates, Gerrit Van Sante; assistants, Jacob
Roseboom, Aries La Grange.

Second Ward — Aldermen, Guysbert G. Marselis, John J. Beeckman; assistants,
Cornelius Van Schelluyne, Jeremiah Van Rensselaer.

• Third Ward — Aldermen, Thomas Hun, John Ten Broeck ; assistants, Abraham
Schuyler, Abraham Ten Eyck.

The last meeting of this board under provincial laws was held at the
city hall March 25, 1776. The English laws were then for a time
superseded by the authority of the Continental Congress and State
governments. From the date last given to April 17, 1778, there was
no meeting of the Common Council of Albany. John Barclay was ap-
pointed mayor by Governor Clinton September 27, 1777; the aldermen
being John Roorbach, John Price, Jacob Lansing, jr., Abraham Cuyler,
John M. Beeckman, Harmanus Wendell; assistants, Abraham I.
Yates, Matthew Visscher, Isaac D. Fonda, Jacob Bleecker, Cornelius
Swits, Abraham Schuyler.

By act of the Legislature in 1778 the mayor and his subordinate offi-
cers were required to meet and qualify by taking the oath of allegiance
prescribed by the State law, and their respective oaths prescribed by
the city charter; they met for this purpose April 17, 1778. From
March, 1776, to April, 1778, the duties of the mayor and council were
performed by the Committee of Safety and Correspondence, appointed
by the first Legislature. The original city charter was kept in force,
except as it conflicted with the new State government. This commit-
tee was composed as follows:

First Ward — Jacob C. Ten Eyck, Henry I. Bogart, Peter Silvester, Henry Wen-
dell, Volkert P. Douw, John Bay, Guysbert Marselis.

Second Ward — John R. Bleecker, Jacob Lansing, jr., Jacob Cuyler, Henry Bleecker,
Robert Yates, Stephen De Lancey, Abraham Cuyler.

Third Ward — John H. Ten Eyck, Abraham Ten Broeck, Gerrit Lansing, jr., An-
thony E. Bradt, Samuel Stringer, Abraham Yates, jr., Cornells Van Santvoordt.

The meetings of this committee were usually held in the Old Stadt
Huys, and their proceedings were fraught with important measures
during its existence, full records of which are preserved in the State
Library. For our present purpose we need refer to only a few of
these. As an indication of the sentiments of its signers the followine

document, which was probably put forth soon after the battle of Lex-
ington, fought April 19, 1775, must find a place here:

A General Association agreed to and subscribed by the Members of the several

Committees of the City and County of Albany.

Persuaded that the salvation of the Rights and liberties of America depends, un-
der God, on the firm Union of its Inhabitants in a Vigorous prosecution of the Meas-
ures necessary for its Safety; and convinced of the necessity of preventing the An-
archy and Confusion which attends a Dissolution of the Powers of Government, We,
the Freemen, Freeholders and Inhabitants of the City and County of Albany, being
greatly alarmed at the avowed Design of the Ministry to raise a Revenue in Amer-
ica, and shocked by the bloody scene now acting in the 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 preserv-
ing our Constitution, and opposing the Execution of the several Arbitrary and op-
pressive Acts of the British Parliament until a Reconciliation between Great Britain
and America on Constitutional Principles (which we most ardently desire) can be ob-
tained: 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 Individuals and private Property.

John Barclay, chairman; Walter Livingston, John Bay, James Magee, Tyrans
Callans (?), Isaac Van Aernam, Gysbert Marselis, Philip P. Schuyler, George White,
John McClung, Gershom Woodworth, Bastyaen T. Vescher, Florus Baricker, John
Knickerbocker junior, Barent Vanderpoel, William Van Bergen, John Abbott, Jacobus
Williamson, Samuel Van Vechten, Peter Becker, Ebenezer Allen, Simeon Covel, Asa
Flint, James Parrot, Henry Leake, Andries Watbeck, Matthew Visscher, Samuel
Stringer, Gerrit Lansing, jr., John Ten Broeck, Robert Yates, Henry I. Bogart,
John Van Loon, Henry Van Veghten, Joseph Young, Richard Esselstyn, Othniel
Gardner, Barent Dyne, Abraham Cuyler, Robert McClullen, Henry Wendell, Cornel-
ius Van Sautvoordt, R. Bleecker. Henry Bleecker, John H. Ten Eyck, Jacob
Bleecker, jr., John T. Beeckman, Harmanus Wendell, Matthew Adgate, Abraham
Yates, jr., John Taylor, Rutger Lansingh, Henry Quackenboss, John M. Beeckman,
John D. Fonda, John Van Rensselaer, jr., John Price, Anthony Van Schaick, Dirck
Ten Broeck Reit/.ert Bronck, Frederick Beringer, Reynard Van Alsteyn, Philip
Van Veghten, Joshua Losee, Anthony Van Bergen, Albertus Van Loon. Mynderse
Roseboom, Abraham Ten Eyck.

A similar document was sent on May 1, L775, to the Boston Commit-
tee. A letter from the committee to the New York Committee, dated
May 3, set forth that the city was " very scant of powder, arms and
warlike stores," and in a defenseless condition. Reports came in of
the probable hostile action of the Indians, and Col. Guy Johnson was
sent for to express his opinion on the subject. The result was such as
to prompt the committee to issue the following advertisement:

Notice is hereby given to the inhabitants of the City of Albany that it is the
opinion of their Committee that they assemble and meet together in the different
wards of this city at the usual place of election to form themselves into Companies
from the age of sixteen to sixty, each Company to consist of a Captain, two Lieu-
tenants, one Ensign, four Sergeants, four Corporals, one Drum and fifty one
privates.

This was under date of May 3, 1775. The meetings were held as
directed and the companies organized with the following officers:

First Company — John Barclay, captain; John Price, Stephen Van Schaick, lieu-
tenants; Abraham Yates, ensign.

Second Company— John Williams, captain; Henry Staats, Bareut Van Allen, lieu-
tenants; Henry Hogan, ensign.

Third Company — Thomas Barret, captain ; Abraham Eights, Matthew Vischer,
lieutenants; John Hoogkerk, ensign.

For the Third Ward — Captains, John Beeckman, Harmanus Wendell ; lieutenants,
Isaac De Freest, Abraham Ten Eyck, William Hunn, Peter Gansevoort, jr. ; en-
signs, Cornelius Wendell, Teunis T. Van Veghten.

The formation of similar companies was recommended by the com-
mittee in the several districts of the county. The record of May L2
shows the following:

We received a letter signed Ethan Allen by the hands of Mr. Brown, acquainting
us of the taking of Ticonderoga. Upon which we wrote a letter to the committee of
New York by Captain Barent Ten Eyck, Express, and each of us paid him a Dollar
a piece for going.

A few days earlier the Albany Committee had voted against sending
needed supplies to Ticonderoga. During that month Congress, then
in session in Philadelphia, recpiested the Albany Committee to send
men and supplies to Ticonderoga to build scows with which to bring
away the guns and stores in that fort. This was done and Henry I.
Bogart appointed to take charge of the work.

As bearing directly upon the loyalty and disloyalty of the committee
to the cause of the colonists, the following is pertinent :

Committee Chambers, June 29th — Samuel Stringer, Chairman pro tern.

Upon the whole, we are of opinion, First — That as the safety of our Persons, and
the Preservation of our Properties depends upon the due administration of Justice,
that the course of Justice ought not to be obstructed, but that the Same Continue in
the usual Course, and in the King's Name, as our allegiance to him is not denied;
and that we are to Wait the resolution of the Provincial or Continental Congress on
this Subject and abide by their determination, otherwise we Conceive the whole
Country will be reduced to a State of the Greatest Anarchy and Confusion.

Second — Appeals are still admitted, at least in this Government, in all cases where
they always have been Allowed; in this the law has not been altered, and the Sub-

ject in this Province has the Same Liberty of, a fair and impartial trial, as usual on
Constitutional principles; and we do not object against any Acts of Parliament, ex-
cept the late Unconstitutional and oppressive ones which have been Noticed by the
Continental Congress in their Session last Fall.

Third— We are neither Rebels or Traitors, nor have we forfeited our Estates,
neither are there any acts of Parliament of that nature in force to our knowledge
against any persons in this Province; nor do we conceive the application of Traitors
and Rebels justly applied to Subjects who refuse to comply with requisitions of un-
constitutional Acts of Parliament.

The committee was informed by Henry Glen on July 5, L775, that
Congress had approved of the following field officers: Colonel, Myndert
Roseboom; lieutenant-colonel, Goosen Van Schaick ; major, Lucas Van
Veghten; and that they had appointed John M. Wendell, quarter-
master, and Barent Ten Eyck, adjutant.

The following is quaint and characteristic of the times; the dale is
July 12, 1775:

It being intimated to this Board by Mr. Peter Vrooman, that some tavern-keepers
in this county sell spirituous liquors too freely to the Indians, from which evil con-
sequences often happen, therefore.

Resolved, That it be recommended to all Tavern-keepers and others in said
county, to sell spirituous liquors to the Indians as sparingly as possible, s<> as to pic-
vent their getting drunk.

Before the struggle fairly commenced it developed that Guy Johnson
was intriguing with the Indians, inciting them against the Americans.
Sir William Johnson had died in the previous year, leaving Sir John
Johnson and Guy Johnson his heirs. The former began fortifying
Johnson Hall (near the site of Johnstown) and preparing for his later
active support of the British cause. The Albany Committee received
information in July, 1775, that Guy Johnson was preparing to invade
Albany county with a large body of Indians under command of Brant
and Butler. Great alarm was felt and Philip Schuyler, then at Sara-
toga and in charge of the military affairs of the province, was addressed
on the subject and asked for aid. The committee wrote:

Our ammunition is so scant we cannot furnish 300 men so as to he able to maki a
stand against so great a number. This is the more alarming to us, as we shall
within a few days be obliged to begin witli our harvest. In these deplorable circum-
stances, we look to you for aid.

Schuyler's reply was prompt and to the point. He advised the
marching of Captain Van Dyck and his company and all others obtain-
able into Tryon county with the Albany and Schenectady militia; he

also ordered a supply of powder to be sent to the Tryon county com-
mittee. The Johnsons were, however, brought to terms for the time
being without bloodshed.

The following entry may possibly provoke a smile; it follows upon
a complaint made to the board by an Indian that he had been beaten
in the city and robbed of his shirt:

Resolved, That Mr. John W. Bleecker furnish the said Indian with a new shirt of
the value of ten shillings.

The results of the campaign of 1776 were generally unfavorable to
the Americans. The attack on Quebec and Montreal in the preceding
November by the gallant Montgomery had failed and the commander
was killed. The more important events of the year 1776 were the
evacuation of Boston before Washington's army on March 17; the
signing of the Declaration of Independence; the expulsion of the
American forces from Canada; the flight of Sir John Johnson to Can-
ada; the attack upon Long Island by the British and the retreat in
August of Washington's army to New York; the evacuation of New
York by Washington in October; the capture of Fort Washington on
the Hudson River by the British in November; the battle of Trenton
and victory of Washington in December — almost the only bright ray to
lighten the general gloom of the year.

Early in this year (1770) the Albany Committee began its unceasing
struggle for the repression of disloyalty. On the '20th of January the
following was recorded:

The Committee to enquire for a proper place to confine such persons as are inimical
to American Liberty, Report that there are two rooms in the Fort m this city which
might be repaired with little expense for said persons; therefore

Resolved, That General Schuyler be requested to fit the upper room in said Fort.

Again, George Ramsey was sent on from Schenectady charged with
"calling persons in favor of American Liberty, Rebels." He was
made to furnish a bond in the sum of j£2i )(.) for good behavior. The
following is in the same line:

Resolved, That no person or persons be permitted to move into or settle in this
County, unless he or they bring a Certificate from the Committee of the County or
district from which they claim that they had, prior to this resolve, signed the asso-
ciation recommended by Congress, and had in all things behaved in a manner be-
coming to Friends of American Freedom.

The modern boycott found a small example in the treatment of John
Boyd by the committee. Boyd was convicted of selling tea for 7s. 6d.

per pound, " contrary to Resolution of Continental Congress." Here
is what followed :

Resolved, That the said John Boyd has violated the Resolution and ought to be
considered an Enemy to the American Cause, and it is Recommended that all per-
son break oil all intercourse with said Boyd.

This was in May, and later, others were punished in the same man-
ner. It was in this summer that a resolution was adopted for the dis-
arming of all disloyal persons.

On the 8th of November the following preamble and resolution were
adopted :

Whereas^ The time limited by the good people of this County for the present
Committee to serve, expires in this County this 4th Tuesday of this month ; and

Whereas, The Representatives of this State in Convention have been inevitably
prevented from forming a Government for this State, it is necessary that another
Committee be elected in this County for the space of Six months:

Resolved, That the Election in the several districts of this County be held on the
3d Tuesday of November.

The county committee thus elected consisted of nine members from
the first ward; Manor of Rensselaer, twenty members; Schoharry, six-
members; Grote Imboght, five members; Ballston, five meml
Hosick, twelve members; Coxackie, six members; German Camp, four
members; Schaghtikoke, ten members ; Half Moon, seven members;
Saratoga, seven members ; Schenectady, eleven members; Cambridge,
nine members; Kings, eight members; Claverack, twelve members.
Manor of Livingston, ten members. A resolution was adopted that
•' the Committee of the County Meet every fortnight in the City Hall."

The number of troops furnished to General Schuyler for the Canada
campaign by Albany county was as follows:

East Manor, Rensselaer wyck, 75; West District. Rensselaerwyck, 75; Clav<
and King's District, 150; East Camp and Grote Imboght, New York, 75 : Hall Mooi
Balston and Saratoga, Canada, 75; Albany, Schodary, Coxackee and Kinderhook,

75.

The following military notes are from the records of that date:

Henry Marsclis was made captain of Company raised in Albany City, Schenectady,
Coxackee and Schohary, to reinforce Continental Army in Canada; Benjamin C.
Dubois, first lieutenant ; John Van Antwerp, second lieutenant.

Resolved, That Henry K. Van Rensselaer be appointed Major of the Company <>i
Militia for the County for Service in New York.

Peter Van Rensselaer was appointed captain oi company raised in Claverack,
Christopher C. Miller, first lieutenant; Wilhelmus Philips, second lieutenant.
10

July 1st — Committee appointed officers of battalion, raised in Albany, Tryon,
Charlotte Cumberland and Gloucester Counties as follows: Cornelius Van Dyck,
colonel; Barents. Ten Eyck, major; John Shepardson, lieutenant-colonel.

July 17th — Received a letter from Abraham Yates, Junior, Robert Yates and
Matthew Adgate, dated White Plains, 14th instant, inclosing the Declaration of the
United States of America; declaring the Said United States free and independent;
also the resolutions of the Representatives of the State of New York, in consequence
thereof.

On the 18th of July the following momentous resolution was adopted :

Resolved, That the Declaration of Independence be published and Declared in
this City to-morrow at Eleven O'clock at this place, and that Colonel Van Schaick be
requested to order the Continental Troops in this City to Appear under Arms at the
place aforesaid; and, further, that the Captains of the Several Militia Company in
this City be requested to Warn the Persons belonging to their respective Companies,
to appear at the place aforesaid, and for this purpose aforesaid.

On the 3d of August the following' was adopted in extension of mili-
tary preparations:

Resolved, That John A. Bratt and Alexander Baldwin be appointed Captain for
the Ranger Companies; and Marte Van Beuren, John B. Marselis, Michael Jackson
and John Jost Sidney, Lieutenants for said Company, and Stephen Lush, Captain
for the Company to guard the stores in Albany, and Gerrit Staats and Jacob J.
Lansing, Lieutenants.

Inspired by repeated successes the British made extensive prepara-
tions for the campaign of 1777. One conspicuous feature of their plans
was an invasion of this State in the vicinity of Albany county by an
army from the north under Gen. John Burgoyne, who had recently
returned from England and superseded Gen. Guy Carleton in Canada.
Vigorous operations by the British had driven the Americans out of
that country, sending them southward to Crown Point, "disgraced,
defeated^ discontended, dispirited, diseased, naked, undisciplined ; eaten
up with vermin; no clothes, beds, blankets; no medicine; no victuals
but salt pork and flour." During the winter of 1776-7 many of the
prominent officers of the American army, including Generals Gates,
Col. Morgan Lewis, Col. Benedict Arnold, Col. John Brown, and others
had their winter quarters in Albany.

Alarm and anxiety prevailed throughout Albany and Tryon counties
at the opening of the campaign. General Schuyler anticipated the
invasion and besought Washington to send more troops to garrison
Ticonderoga and Fort Stanwix. Schuyler arrived at Ticonderoga June
20, the same morning on which Burgoyne set sail up Lake Champlain,

At Ticonderoga were about 3,000 men under General St. Clair. Before
Burgoyne's army the works were untenable and were evacuated; St.
Clair fled with his little army towards Fort Edward, was defeated in a
battle at Hubbardton, Vt., pressed on to Fort Edward, and thence
down the Hudson to near Albany. At the stand made by the Americans
near Fort Ann under Schuyler, with about five hundred Rensselaer
Manor men, heroic fighting took place, and many Albany men were
killed and wounded. The evacuation of Ticonderoga was a most dis-
couraging event to General Schuyler, for it had been looked upon as a
frontier stronghold. It seemed that little was left to oppose a victori-
ous march by Burgoyne directly down across the State. Schuyler dis-
missed half of his militia, and a little later most of the remainder, his
excuse for this peculiar action being that he dismissed a part in fear of
losing the whole; and, second, that having sent away half, he might as
well let them all go. While personally a brave and capable man,
Schuyler is well known to have been timid and distrustful of himself in
trying emergencies, as shown on several important occasions. The
militia understood the situation and held the general in distrust.

On the 16th of August was fought the memorable battle of Benning-
ton, in which the gallant Stark won a signal victory over a part of
Burgoyne's army ; this was a disappointing event to the British general,
who had begun to believe that his triumphant march was to be almost
unimpeded, until he could be joined by Sir Henry Clinton and his army
from the south. Meanwhile Fort Schuyler (previously called Fort
Stanwix) had been considerably strengthened early in the year and
placed under command of Col. Peter Gansevoort. He was a native of
Albany, born in 1749, and had a distinguished military career. The
fort was heroically defended by a garrison of about six hundred men
against a detachment of St. Leger's army marching from Oswego; the
battle of Oriskany followed and the British were driven back, frustrated
and disappointed, to nurse their wounds in Montreal. The two battles
of Bemis Heights, fought on September 1!» and October 1. between the
Americans under General Gates (who had superseded Schuyler in com-
mand of the department) and Burgoyne, went decisively against the
British, and ten days later the boastful Burgoyne surrendered his
army. The inhabitants of Albany count}' now experienced a sen-
grateful relief.

During the year \'',', the Albany Committee, win-! proceedings
have been noticed, kept up its meetings and transacted considerable

important local business. After complaints had reached them of the
great number of " taverns or Tipling houses" in existence they adopted
on February 10, the following resolution:

Resolved, That no person or persons shall continue or set up a Tavern in any
District in the City or County of Albany without a license or permit for the same,
under penalty of £60 fine.

The spirit of patriotism in the city is indicated hy the following
record :

Jacobus Houghtaling, who, some time since made his escape from Jaol, being
now busy enlisting men for the service of the Enemy, and being a dangerous person
to the liberties of America:

Resolved, That Major Volkert Veeder be requested to order the said Houghtaling
to be arrested and put in close Confinement till the further order of this Committee.

Other resolutions of the month of April ordered Jacob Kidney to
patrol the streets during divine service on Sundays to quell riots and
disturbances; and approved of the action of the Committee of the
Manor of Rensselaerwyck in removing to a place of safety the family
of a man who had been threatened for giving information against
tories; the record calls them " certain disaffected persons." Christian
Smith, also, was paid ^8 for his services in "discovering the designs
of our internal Enemies." Another order was made on the treasurer
to pay $100 to Edward Davis "for his services in discovering a num-
ber of conspirators." Another citizen who it was discovered had taken
the oath of allegiance to the British crown, was ordered "immediately
apprehended and put in Close Confinement. " Day after day and week
after week the committee and authorities were busy, according to the
records, in arresting and punishing disloyal citizens. Many such left
the city to escape arrest. The committee exercised almost autocratic
power, which was doubtless a necessity under the circumstances.
When a certain blacksmith, the owner of a bellows, did not use it to much
extent and public business was impeded for want of one, the committee

Resolved, That if said Harmen Van Der Zee does not comply with the request U>
sell the same, Colonel Hay (the quartermaster) shall seize the Bellows, and have the
same apprized by two indifferent persons, and pay such value to the said Van Der
Zee.

This was a very early example of condemnation proceedings. A still
broader exercise of power, and a proceeding that shows the privations
which encumbered the American army in those days, is seen in the fol-
lowing:

Resolved, That Mr. Isaac D. Fonda be requested to attend the Quarter Master Gen-
eral, or any of his Deputies, in taking all the lead out of the Cesh Windows in the
houses in and about this city, and that he use all the caution in his power to prevent
any damage being done to the Window Ceshes, etc.

This somewhat high-handed proceeding seems to have met with op
position, for in November Philip Van Rensselaer was "requested to
replace the lead taken from the windows of the different houses."

In anticipation of Burgoyne's invasion in August, many refugee fam-
ilies fled to Albany for protection. All such not provided with dwell-
ing places were authorized by the committee to occupy any empty
houses found in the place, and to pasture cows in certain lands belong-
ing to Edward and Ebenezer Jessup; "a family of eight persons, two
cows; of less than eight, one cow." Provisions were also issued to the
the destitute refugees. In the month of August a resolution directed
Leonard Gansevoort to proceed to Kingston and there deposit the city
and county records. In the same month it was ordered that two com-
panies of rangers be raised ''to quell Robberies and disloyalty in dif-
ferent parts of this County." James Mather and his family had been
ordered to leave the city, and his house was ordered rented " to Abra-
ham Bloodgood, a good and loyal citizen." In September a considera-
ble list of persons were ordered "sent to the Enemy, in ease General
Gates should approve." In September the house of Abraham C. Cuy-
ler (one of the "disaffected ") was taken for sick and wounded officers,
and in the next month it was ordered that any untenanted houses
should be used for hospital purposes. Under date of November G the
following appears:

Whereas, This Committee stands indebted to many persons who are iu great dis-
tress for want of the money, and as the State Treasury is in a low state:

Resolved, That application be made to the Commissioners tor Sequestering the
Assetts of Persons gone over to the enemy in the Middle District of this County, for
the said sum of £2,000.

( )u the L9th of November a list of "the well-affected persons in this
district" was ordered made and sent to Peter K. Livingston, with a
request to deliver to the order of the chairman of this district a quan-
tity of salt, " not exceeding two quarts per Head."

The work of the committee for the year 177*3 closed with the follow-
ing resolutions, adopted on December ', and 15 respectively:

Jeremiah Vincent having some time ago received from this Committee the sum ol
ten pounds to perform certain secret services, instead of doing which he went
to the Enemy ;

Resolved, That one of the two Cows on the farm of the said Vincent be sold and
a return made of the said ten pounds, and a return made of the overplus to the wife
of the said Vincent, and that this Committee dispose of the Other cow.

Resolved, That William Gilliland be remanded to prison, as proof has this day
been made before this Board of his further Inimical Conduct to the United States.

Plans were laid by the Americans and numerous efforts made during
the war to again secure the alliance of the Six Nations. Among these
was a great council held at Johnstown March 9, 1778. The Continental
("ongress was fully represented, and from this county Yolkert Veeder
and, probably, General Schuyler were in attendance. But the effort
was unavailing and the bloody deeds of the savages continued.

To chastise the Iroquois in some measure for their atrocities against
the Americans, an expedition was sent against the Onondagas in the
spring of 1779, under command of Colonel Van Schaick. His force
consisted of 558 men from his own and General Gansevoort's regiments,
which left Fort Schuyler April 19, and penetrated to the heart of the
( )nondagas' country, surprised the Indians, destroyed their villages,
burned their property and slaughtered their stock. The expedition
was out six days and returned without the loss of a man. The conse-
quences were not what was anticipated. Instead of terrorizing the
Indians, it only exasperated them to further savagery and led to the
destruction of Cobleskill and attacks upon Canajoharie and other
points.

Another and much larger expedition, and one which, perhaps, had a
more powerful effect tipon the Indians, was made in the summer of
the same year. Washington placed Gen. John Sullivan in command of
about :>,000 troops with orders to march into the Senecas' country and
leave nothing but desolation in his path. Sullivan arrived at Tioga
Point August 'I'l, and was there joined by Gen. James Clinton with
1,600 men. A battle was fought near the site of Elmira in which the
.Americans were victorious. The expedition pushed on and repeated
in the rich Genesee valley the operations of Van Schaick in Onondaga.
The destruction was complete and overwhelming; but while it tem-
porarily awed the Indians, it did not crush them. Taking advantage
of the desire for vengeance aroused among them by these raids, Sir
John Johnson came down into the Mohawk valley from Crown Point in
May, 1780, and the tomahawk and torch left many desolate homes. At
Johnstown and in that vicinity he burned every house excepting those
of tories, recovered his plate which he had previously buried at John-

son Hall, took about twenty of his former slaves and escaped to
Canada.

The proceedings of the Albany Committee during- the few months of
its existence in 1778 can be briefly disposed of here. The new com-
mittee was elected January 2, and the following officers chosen: John
Barclay, chairman; John M. Beeckman, deputy chairman; Matthew
Visscher, secretary; Jacob Kidney, waiter. On the 7th of [anuarv a
resolution was adopted that "a subscription be set on foot for the use
of our Ruined wSettlers of our Frontiers. - ' On the 15th a committee
which had been appointed to collect money for the poor of the second
ward, turned over ,£97 I4y. 6e/.

In March Moses R. Van Vranken confessed that he had bought but-
ter at one shilling per pound in specie, and sold it for 6s. %d. per pound
in Continental currency, for which he was deemed "dangerous to the
State, and put in confinement till further orders."

The last entry in that part of the journal of the committee that has
been preserved is under date of June 10, 1T78, and is unimportant.

In April, L778, the seat of government was temporarily removed to
Poughkeepsie. Although the war was then in progress, Albany city
and the county as far as its present limits are concerned, did not suffer
from it through invasion or battles, nor did it during the remainder of
the struggle. But the vicinity was frecpiently threatened and alarm
and anxiety were continuous. The city was filled with Continental
troops much of the time; these w r ere sometimes very disorderly and the
administration of the city government was an onerous task. Petty
disturbances were promptly suppressed, while greater ones were vig-
orously dealt with. In the month of May the citizens were greatly
alarmed by the removal of a large part of the soldiers, leaving the
city almost unprotected from rioters and law-breakers. There were
then ten prisoners under sentence of death confined in the city, and
threats of rescue were heard. Mayor Barclay and the council com-
municated with General Stark on the subject as follows:

The Common Council would beg leave to observe, that the many robberies, mur-
ders and other dreadful crimes committed on the inhabitants of this City and
County by deserters and prisoners from Burgoyne's Army, and by the disaffe< '
our own country, who are drove to desperation, and some of them almost to starva-
tion, lenders it indispensably necessary to have a large body of regular troops to
keep the villains in subjection, or go in quest of them; for, unless the militi.
remain at home tins year, and properly manage their summer crops, little or no sup-
port of flour and other things can the Continent derive from these parts. Last

more than one-half of the crops were destroyed by the Army-marauders, and not
more than half the usual quantity sold. If the British prisoners could be moved to
another place, it would break up the alarming connection kept up between them and
the Tories and the negroes.

At about the same time the British prisoners, tories and negroes in
the city organized a plot to rise, murder the guards, and rob and burn
the city; it was fortunately discovered in time to avert the calamity.
Seven of the leaders were seized and executed on Gallows Hill.

On May 30 of that year a regiment of militia and a body of Conti-
nentals were attacked by tories and Indians at Cobleskill. They
were defeated, many of them killed and the place burned. Albany
was in a fever of excitement, for the British freely threatened to serve
the city in the same manner. These dangers were, however, happily
averted.

The Common Council and citizens were greatly agitated in the fall
of 1778 by reports that the commander of the Northern Department
was to quarter 2,000 soldiers on the city during the ensuing winter.
On September 12 the authorities united in a letter of protest to Gov-
ernor Clinton against this injustice. Their reasons were, in substance,
the grievous privations and sacrifices already made by the city; the
constant struggle of the inhabitants and authorities against the tories.
all of which had so impoverished the people that many were in very
reduced circumstances; that their fences had all been used for fuel by
the soldiers, opening their lands to common use and the destruction of
crops; that there was a great scarcity of fire wood, through the billet-
ing of a large force of soldiery upon the city in the previous winter,
etc. Their letter concluded as follows:

However willing we have been, and still are, to risk our all in supporting the free-
dom and independence of our blessed country, we feel compelled to ask that in the
distribution of the troops for winter quarters, due respect may be had for the former
distresses and present sufferings of the inhabitants of Albany and its suburbs; and
that, at any rate, no more troops may be allotted to us than the hospital and the
barracks may contain ; that the strictest orders may be issued regarding stealing,
pilfering, and insulting the inhabitants; and that the officers be enjoined in punish-
ing the refractory and disobedient.

The whole letter bears the impress of earnest truth and it had the
desired effect. While it is true that during the remainder of the Rev-
olutionary struggle the county was free from actual invasion and
bloodshed, the privations of the people, the responsibilities of the
mayor and council and the sacrifices demanded, constantly increased

to near the close of the contest In September, 1781, the alarming
news reached the inhabitants that the British were about to attack the
city and burn it to the ground. Prompt measures for protection were
adopted, but the tide of military events turned away the threatened
invasion. It was in that year, also, that General Gates wrote Governor
Clinton as follows:

I am fully confident that George III of Great Britain, has many subjects in this
city who would willingly lay down half, even the whole, of their estates in his serv-
ice, and trust in his royal clemency for the repayment of the money so profitably
laid out. Albany is a very dangerous place to put men into. I have no hopes of
any assistance from Albany; it is not their inclination to fight away from their own
castle.

The war of the Revolution continued with its succession of memor-
able events, all slowly but inevitably tending towards the establish-
ment of American freedom, and by the year 1782 the patriot cause was
approaching its final triumph. On June 28 of this year, Washington
visited Albany, where he was welcomed by the mayor and council with
an address and with demonstrations of confidence and affection by
the inhabitants. He was presented with the freedom of the city in
gold box. His arrival was announced by the ringing of bells and the
roar of artillery, while in the evening the city was brilliantly illum-
inated.

A preliminary treaty of peace between Great Britain and America
was signed at Paris on the 30th of November, 1782, and on September
3, 1783, peace was fully established, a formal proclamation having
meanwhile been made on April 19 of the cessation of hostilities. Al-
bany county joined with every other community in properly celebrat-
ing the event. On the 18th of July, 1783, information was received
that Washington would again visit Albany in company with Governor
Clinton on the following day. Immediate preparations were made to
give them a proper welcome. An address of welcome was prepared
and a public dinner ordered, to which the distinguished visitors were
invited. Washington delivered a brief reply to the address of wel-
come, closing as follows:

While I contemplate with the inexpressible pleasure the future tranquillity and
glory of our common country, I cannot but take a particular interest in the anticipa-
tion of the increase in prosperity and greatness of this ancient and respectable city
of Albany, from whose citizens I have received such distinguished tokens of their
approbation and affection,
U

Governor Clinton also delivered an appropriate reply to the address.

The story of the New Hampshire Grants is familiar to all, and is re-
ferred to here only to mention an incident which created some alarm
at Albany. In the latter part of 1784, after peace was fully estab-
lished with Great Britain, regiments of soldiers from General Ganse-
voort's brigade were stationed between the Battenkill and the Hoosick.
An insurrection broke out in the regiments of Cols. John and Henry
K. Van Rensselaer and Peter Yates. It was a practical expression of
the feeling of the militia in favor of the people of the Grants and
against the author^ of New York over the disputed territory. On
the 5th of December General Gansevoort ordered Colonels Yates, Van
Yechten and Van Rensselaer to march to St. Coych and quell the dis-
turbance. Governor Clinton ordered Gen. Robert Van Rensselaer's
brigade to assist Gansevoort, while General Stark, stationed at Sara-
toga, refused to interfere when requested, unless under orders from his
superiors. Advancing to St. Coych Gansevoort found about five hun-
dred men ready to aid the insurgent militia. Gansevoort had only
eighty men with him at the time and he retired five miles and opened
written correspondence with the leaders of the band ; this did not serve
the purpose of inducing the rebels 10 lay down their arms. The mat-
ter was finally settled without bloodshed by a conciliatory letter from
Washington to Governor Chittenden. Ten years later Vermont be-
came an independent State.

England submitted to defeat with bad grace. Boundary technical-
ities, questions of trade and commerce, unsettled claims of various
kinds, were all brought forward as pretexts for delay in evacuating
American territory. It must be conceded that the American govern-
ment treated its recent enemy with either distinguished consideration,
or foolish favor. In any case the astounding fact remains that it was
not until July 15, 170C, thirteen years after peace was declared, that
English troops marched away from the last bit of American soil occu-
pied by them — Fort Ontario at Oswego, the centennial of which event
has recently been celebrated in that historic city.

The year 1790, only a few years after the close of the war, found
Albany county with three incorporated towns and a total population of
13,950; of these 3,506 were in Albany; 2,777 in Rensselaerville, and
7,667 in Watervliet. These figures as relating to Albany were in-
creased by the beginning of the present century to 5,289, indicating a
considerable growth. As to the remainder of the county, no census is

available until 1810, which is noted in the succeeding chapter. The
towns in existence at the beginning of the century were Albany, Berne,
Bethlehem, Coeymans, Rensselaerville, and Watervleit; the remaining
six have been erected since 1800.

The subject of public improvements had begun to be discussed, par-
ticularly in respect to securing easier and more rapid communication
with the western part of the State towards which settlers were migrat-
ing in large numbers. The first practical result of this agitation was
the incorporation, March 30, 1792, of the Western Inland Lock Navi-
gation Company. This company established navigation from II nelson
River to the Seneca Lake and Lake Ontario by building a short canal
around Little Falls, another between the Mohawk at Rome and Wood
Creek, and the improvement of Oneida, Seneca, and Oswego Rivers.
The influence of this water communication upon the prosperity of the
State was widespread and traffic east and west increased rapidly. As
many as three hundred boats passed Rome in a single year. As a
financial investment the canal lost money and its property and rights
finally passed to the State at the time of the construction of the Erie
Canal.

Other avenues of communication were opened and former ones im-
proved. In 1785 the Legislature granted to Isaac Van Wyck, Talmage
Hall and John Kinney the exclusive right to drive stage wagons on the
east side of Hudson River to New York for ten years. The fare was
four pence a mile. A year later communication was opened with Spring-
field, Mass., and in 1789 a stage began running from Albany to Lan-
singburgh. About 1790 public roads were opened eastward and to
Whitestown on the west, to be soon extended to the rich Genesee
country. Over these highways ran the old stages of which our fathers
tell us. Among the first were those running westward by way of
Schenectady, Johnstown, Canajoharie, Fort Plain and Warren's Bush.
In 1790 the Legislature granted to Ananias Piatt the exclusive right to
run a stage between Albany and Lansingburgh, and in the following year
a route was authorized to Bennington. In L792 a line was established
from Albany to Whitestown, the trip heing made once in two weeks.
In the spring of L793 Moses Beal carried passengers l>y stage to Cana-
joharie once a week; fare three cents a mile. About this time John
Hudson established an opposition line to Schenectady; fare four shil-
lings. Soon afterward a line was opened to the Connecticut valley. In
i;nl Mr. Piatt was running stages twice a day to Lansingburgh, and

travel over this line so increased that in the next year six daily trips were
made. In 1796 twenty stages made daily trips from Albany to Lan-
singburgh, Waterford and Troy, carrying sometimes one hundred and
fifty passengers daily. In that year there were five post routes termi-
nating in Albany. In the same year $40,000 in furs and peltries
were received by one Albany house from western agencies. In the
winter of 1795-6 twelve hundred sleighs passed westward through Al-
bany for the Genesee valley. Ere long rich products came eastward to
market in heavy wagons and sleighs, all leaving their toll in Albany.
The close of the last century saw this county in the full enjoyment of
the blessings attending the peace it had aided in consummating, and
the prosperity due to it for its peculiar situation with reference to the
rapidly growing traffic of the west with the seaboard.

CHAPTER IX.

During the reign of peace, which lasted from the beginning of the
present century until 1812, there was a marked progress in Albany
county; there was a large increase in the number of settlers in many
of the already occupied localities and the beginning of settlements at
other points; the clearing of many acres of forest and the commence-
ment of cultivation on many farms ; the building of additional
mills; the founding of schools and churches. But when war with
Great Britain was renewed in 1812 industry was paralyzed for two
years and advancement was retarded

At the beginning of the century the population of this State had
reached 589,000, of which total about 60,000 were in New York city.
The foundations of the present thriving cities were laid at Utica, Roch-
ester, Buffalo, and Oswego, at which latter place a rapidly increasing
commerce on the lakes was just springing into existence. The pop-
ulation of Albany county was, in 1790, 13,950, of which number 3,506
were in Albany city, and the remainder in Rensselaerville and Water-
vleit, which were the only towns then in existence in this county. We
cannot give the population of the county in 1800, but that of the city
had advanced to 5,269, while in 1810 the number of inhabitants in the
county reached 34,669, indicating a very active growth.

Early in the century began the acts on the part of England and
France which resulted in another war. Through orders issued by
Great Britain and decrees made by Napoleon, all American commerce
in neutral ships with either of these belligerent nations was suspended.
American sailors, claimed as British subjects, were seized on American
vessels, the right to board American vessels for this purpose being one
of the unjust claims set up by Great Britain. Late in October, 1807,
Congress opposed the persistent outrages of the British government by
laying an embargo on all vessels in United States harbors. This
measure, necessary as it may have appeared as a general policy, was
disastrous to the mercantile and shipping interests of this whole coun-
try, and was largely the means of an irreconcilable division of the
people upon the question of war later on. The embargo act was sup-
ported by a large part of the Democratic party, but was strenuously
opposed by the Federalists.

On June 1, 1812, President Madison sent a confidential message to
Congress in which he reviewed the causes of complaint against Great
Britain and called upon the representatives to decide whether they
would act upon their rights and as duty dictated, or remain passive
under accumulating injustice. It was well known that the president
favored open retaliation. By one party he was urged by ridicule as
well as threats to declare war, while the other, among whom were
many whose personal interests were already suffering, bitterly opposed
such action. Madison's message was referred to the Committee on
Foreign Relations, which, on June 3 made a report favoring the presi-
dent's views and accompanied by a bill favoring war, an attempt being
made to include France in the declaration, which failed. After much
debate and amid the greatest excitement throughout the country, Con-
gress passed the bill on July 18, and the president signed it. < >n the
following day he issued a proclamation announcing the fact and call
ing on the people to support the administration.

In Albany excitement ran high. The two parties and the local press
were quite evenly divided for and against the war and party hostility
was very bitter. The Albany Register, Democratic, was then pub-
lished by Solomon Southwick, and the Albany Gazette, Federalist, by
Charles E. Webster. It is stated that the Gazette office was threatened
with destruction by a mob, and that such a demonstration was ] ire-
vented only by a published notice that every man in the establishment
was fully armed and would defend the place against an attack. The

Democrats were led by Gov. John Tayler, and the Federalists by Gen.
Solomon Van Rensselaer, both excellent men, but determined and ex-
treme in their attitudes on the all-absorbing question. They even had
a hostile meeting on State street on April 21, 1807, which was fol-
lowed by a legal trial.

Immediately upon the public declaration of war Gen. Isaac Brock,
commander in chief of the British forces in Upper Canada, took com-
mand of the Niagara frontier and strengthened its defenses, while
Gen. William Wadsworth was given command on the American side.
By ;i general order of the War Department April 21, 1812, the de-
tached militia of the State was arranged in two divisions, eight brigades
and numerous regiments. Preparations for war went on actively, and
Albany, by virtue of its situation and as the State capital, was a center
of great military importance. Intense anxiety was felt on the Amer-
ican side as to the probable conduct of the Indians in the approaching
crisis. Great Britain, as might have been expected, made prompt
efforts to enlist the Mohawks and the Indians in Canada in her service,
while messengers were sent among the Six Nations to urge them to
join the English. To counteract this influence a council of the Six Nations
was held at Buffalo on the Oth of July, where the great Seneca chief,
Red Jacket, made speeches in response to those of Mr. Granger, who
explained the causes of the war and counseled the Indians to remain
neutral, but if the young warriors must fight, to let it be on the Amer-
ican side. Red Jacket favored neutrality, but this condition did not
long exist, the natural inclination of the Indians soon carrying them to
the frontier, where they were an important adjunct to the American
armies. With the close of 1812 the war was well under way on the
lakes and along the Canadian frontier.

During the year J.813 the march of military events was rapid and as
a whole the result was favorable to the American arms. Sackett's
Harbor was made the chief depot of military supplies on Lake Ontario
and presented a tempting prize to the enemy. Sir James L Yen's
ignominious attempt to capture it in May, and a similar failure bv a
small force to capture Oswego, with the brilliant and important victory
of Perry on Lake Erie September 10, were conspicuous events of
the year, but their history possesses little local interest. Meanwhile
Albany was made a rendezvous for numerous bodies of volunteer and
drafted soldiery, with all the accompanying excitement, petty disturb-
ances, military display and trade activity in such lines as could thrive

upon the floating population thus brought into the city. The records
arc tilled with information about these bodies of troops assembling at
Albany and cither remaining- temporarily before their assignment, or
marching on westward towards the frontiers.

Early in 1814 it was evident that the British intended a more vigor-
ous prosecution of the war. The victory of the allies over Napoleon
had relieved from European service thousands of English soldiers
and early in the summer 15,000 of Wellington's bronzed veterans were
sent over to Canada. The inhabitants of this State received this news
with deep concern. During the winter and spring the military com-
manders on both sides of the St. Lawrence and the lakes made prepara-
tions for a determined struggle, with Lake Ontario as the prize, while
on the Niagara frontier measures were in active progress which led to
the bloody conflicts in that region. The principal events of the year
were the capture of Oswego by the British May 6; the battle at Fori
Erie, opposite Buffalo August 13-15; the fight at Lundy's Lane July
25, where young Gen. Winfield Scott won his first renown ; the engage-
ments on Lake Champlain and at Plattsburg in September; at Chip-
pewa on October 15, and the victories of Decatur and others at sea.
This series of military events, in most of which the Americans demon-
strated their ability to successfully defend their country against foreign
foes, concluded with the final victory of General Jackson at New
Orleans on January 8, 1815, a battle which was in reality fought after
peace was declared, but before the news reached that far away locality.
.\ treaty of peace was agreed to between the commissioners of the
United States and those of Great Britain, at Ghent, on December24, 1 >• I I,
and ratifications were exchanged at Washington February 1?, 1815. The
reception of the news in this country spread joy throughout the land,
the tidings being greeted with banquets and illuminations in many
cities and villages.

Among the local incidents of this conflict was the appointment of
Stephen Van Rensselaer, "the old Patroon," as major-general of the
volunteer militia, by Governor Tompkins. lie was stationed on the
Niagara frontier, and there took part in the battle of Queenston, in
which Col. Solomon Van Rensselaer, also, shared and made the first
attack with 225 men. Colonel Van Rensselaer was severely wounded
at the outset. Disgusted with the refusal of many of the troops to
cross the river under the pretense that it was not a war of invasion.
General Van Rensselaer resigned in October, L812, and returne

Albany, where he was honorably received by a large concourse of citi-
zens.

The clashing young naval commander, Commodore Perry, paid Al-
bany a visit on November 8, 1813, after his great victory, and was
escorted to the Capitol by a large procession. There he was presented
with the freedom of the city in a gold box, and a handsome sword.
He held a reception at the Eagle Tavern, and attended a grand ball in
the evening.

Captain Bulkley raised a company of volunteer infantry here and
Captain Walker a company of artillery. They were stationed early in
the war on Staten Island, whence they returned to the city on Novem-
ber 28, 1812. About the same time Capt. C. R. Skinner had a recruit-
ing office in Ladd's Coffee House, corner of Green and Beaver streets,
where he was endeavoring to complete five companies of infantry, two
of riflemen, and one of artillery. In his public announcements he
states that the city had raised a fund of several thousand dollars for the
benefit of the volunteers.

Col. John Mills, of Albany, in command of artillery at Sackett's
Harbor, fell in battle there May .29, 1813, his bravery on that field
being commended by Gen Jacob Brown. His remains were brought to
the city and interred in Capitol Park May 29, 1844, and later were re-
moved to Rural Cemetery.

Among the honored names of men who performed active service in
that war and at some period lived in Albany county, are those of Stephen
and Solomon Van Rensselaer, John Lovett, John E. Wool, John Mills,
Colonel Forsyth, William L. Marcy, William J. Worth, John O. Cole,
Thurlow Weed, Lieutenant Gansevoort, Lieutenant Rathbone, and
Ambrose Spencer, jr.

The following list of names is copied from the "Index of Awards
on Claims of Soldiers of the War of 1812, as audited and allowed,"
pursuant to State law of 1859, Chapter 170, and is believed to contain
the names of most of the militia who enlisted in that war from this
county :

Albany.

Orrin Abbott,
Michael Artcher,
Chester Atherton,
Ammiel Barnard,
Asabel S. Beens,

John J. Fulton,
Thomas S. Gillet,
Jonathan Goldwaite,
Isaac T. Groesbeck,
Abraham Hagaman,

Aaron Palmer,
Robert Patten,
Jacob Place,
Jonas D. Piatt,
John Pruyn,

Harmanus Bleecker, jr.,
Nicholas Bleecker, jr.,
Garritt H. Bloomingdale,
Matthew Boom,
Cornelius Bounds,
Adrian Bradt,
John C. Bradt,
Salvo Brintnall,
John Bussy,
Abraham Balson,
Calvin Butler,
Daniel P. Clark,
Jeremiah Clute,
Peter Colburn,
Philip De Forest,
Martin Easterly,
Ebenezer S. Edgerton,
C. Ertzberger,
Ralph Farnham,
Thomas hish,
William For by,
Luther Frisbie,
William Fuhr,

George Hawiey,
John D. Houghtaling,
Moses Jay,
John Johnson,
Sylvanus Kelley,
John Lamoreux,
Nicholas I. Lampman,
Daniel D. Lawyer,
Jacob Lewis,
Aaron Livingston,
Jacob Loatwall,
Charles Low,
Jeremiah Luther,
Daniel Mcintosh,
John McMicken,
Abraham Martin,
Henry T. Mesick,
Thomas Mitchel,
William Muir,
John Myers,
Benjamin Northrop,
Peter Osterhout,
Henry Paddock,

Simon Relyea,
James Robinson,
Courtland Schuyler,
Jacob Scott,
Abraham Severson,
William Seymour,
Jacob Sharp,
John Shouts,
John Shinkle,
William J. Smith,
Peter H. Snyder,
John Spoor,
John Stenkle,
John Stone,
Peter Ten Eyck,
Francis E. Thompson,
Henry Turner,
John Van Antwerp,
Garret I. Vandenberg,
Peter Van Olinda,
Cornelius W. Vedder,
Ebenezer C. Warren,
Jacob White.

Orange Beeman.
Michael Belle,
Joseph Bradley,
Richard Brownell,
Henry Carroll,
Richard Filkins,
Jesse Helligus,

Berne.

Reuben Hungerford,
Elisha Ingraham.
Daniel Joslin,
Derrick Martin,
Nicholas ( (sterhout,
David D. Palmer,
Stephenson Palmer,

J( ihn Pier, 2d.
William Rhinehart,
John I. Schermerhorn,
James Sloan,
William Truax,
John Wilda,
Christian Willmon.

Joseph Arkles,
Aaron Hawiey,
Anthony Pangburn,

Bethlehem.

John Parker,

Henry I. Schoonmaker,

William Scrafford,

Lewis Stiman,

( barrel Vanderpool,

He'zekiah Wilks.

Stewart Bull,
Henry Caeknard,
1 )aniel Carhart,

COEYMANS.

John Carr,
1 )aniel < rreen,
Elias I [olmes,

John I'". Shaicr,
John Turk.

C< i

James Cole.

Adam Blessing,
Ehsha Cheesebro,
Frederick J. Crounse,

Daniel J. Beyea,
Asa Brown,

Henry Bunzer,
William Bunzey,

Henry P. Bradt,
Peter V. B. Elmendorf,

Henry Benn,
George Benn,

William Campbell,
Henry Chadwick,
David Cole,
Peter M. Conger,
Ethel Enos,

John Fraligh,
Abiel Gardner,

James W. Dubois,
Nathan B. Gleason,
Isaac Hitchcock,

Following the war
Albany county and

GUILDERLAN I >.

Christopher Frederick,
Henry Ostrander, jr.,
Adam Relyea,

Jerusalem.

Charles Hazelton,
Moses Mowers,

Knox.

Edward P. Crary,
Joseph Gallup,

New Scotland.

William Latta,
Robert McGill,

Rensselaerville.

William Crandall,
William Holdridge,

South Jerusalem.

Peter Cole.

Wateryliet.

Oliver Hastings,
Ezra Haynes,
James Johnson,
Henry Lasee,
Jesse E. Roberts,

Westerlo.

Josiah Hinckle) r , jr.,
Walter Huyck,
John Newbury,

West Troy.

Israel Shadbolt,
James Sloan,
Jacob Turner,

of 1812 a long period
the country at large,

John N. Severson,
Peter Shafer,
Cornelius Van Derzee.

Conrad Turner.

Benjamin Williams,
Henry Williams.

Jacob Martin,
Samuel Warner.

Thomas Tibits,
Cornelius Van Aiken.

John Scovell,
Stephen Simpson,
David Turner,
Joseph Werden.

Cyrus Stone,

George W. Swartwout.

John Uran,
George Wilson.

of peace settled down upon
growth and progress in all

directions being rapid. The population increased from 34,669 in 1810
to 38,150 in 1820, and to 53,520 in 1830. Travel to and from Albany
began to assume large proportions early in the century and with the
close of the war and the establishment of industries and opening new-
settlements, it greatly increased. Various turnpike companies were or-
ganized in addition to those already mentioned, among them the Leba-
non and Albany Turnpike in 1798; the first company of the Great Western
Turnpike in 1799; in 1804 the Bethlehem Turnpike, and in 1805 the
Albany and Delaware Turnpike. A charter for a turnpike on the west
side of the river to Catskill was granted about this time, and the Troy
and Schenectady Turnpike was incorporated in 180G. All of these
roads were to facilitate the concentration of trade in Albanv.

Among the most prominent of the early stage proprietors was Jason
Parker, whose place of residence was Utica. He obtained concessions
from the Legislature about the beginning of the century to run stages
west from Utica to Canandaigua for ten years. The fare at that time
was four cents a mile, and the proprietors were prohibited from carry-
ing more than seven passengers in any one stage. Mr. Parker had
been instrumental in running the first stages from Albany to Lansing-
burgh in the latter years of the preceding century, and also had a line
in operation between Albany and Whitestown before 1797. In part or
all of these early enterprises he was associated with Moses Beal. It is
on record, in 1810, that a greater degree of expedition was attained on
the route from Albany westward, when a daily line was established to
Utica. On the 20th of September, 1810, Joshua Ostrom and his asso-
ciates, who were in opposition to Parker cK: Co., announced a new
" steamboat line of stages " which left Albany on Mondays and Fri-
days. On the 21st of January, 1811, appeared the following announce-
ment from Parker & Powell:

Kight changes of horses. The mail stage now leaves Bagg's, Utica, everymorning
at 4 o'clock. Passengers will breakfast at Maynard's, I lerkimer, dine at Josiah Shep-
ard's Palatine and sup (on oysters) at Thomas Powell's Tontine Coffee House, Sche-
nectady. Those ladies and gentlemen who will favor this line with their patronage
may be assured of having good horses, attentive drivers, warm carriages, and that
there shall not be any running or racing of horses on the line.

This line was within a few months extended through to Niagara
Falls.

The year 1807 saw a marked change in travel northward and south-
ward, when the first steamboat was launched on the great river. The

first of Fulton's boats, the Clermont, left New York September 5 of
that year, with twenty-seven passengers, which number was increased
to one hundred on the trip of October 7. From twenty-four to thirty-
six hours were required for the trip. In 1811 there were two steam-
boats carrying passengers to New York ; they were named the Hope
and the North River. This number was increased by 1836 to twelve
steamboats and seven towing- boats. The fare on the first steamers to
New York was $7. In 1820 the Chancellor Livingston was launched;
she was 175 feet long, had beds for 160 passengers and settees for forty ;
fare $8. The reader can draw his own comparison between this pioneer
boat and the Adirondack of to-day. In 1823 the Constitution, the Con-
stellation, the Swiftsure, and the Saratoga began running. In 1828
the North America was put on the river, a boat which was character-
ized by Dr. Charles Stuart as "the most beautiful and swift of the
floating palaces on the Hudson; or, as I believe, I may add with truth,
in the world." 1

In the early projects for improving transportation facilities to the
westward Albany men showed an active interest. They clearly saw
that from that direction would soon pour down towards tidewater
a flood of produce and manufactured articles, while the rapidly in-
creasing population of that region would demand the return of an im-
mense volume of merchandise. In the first directorate of the Western
Inland Lock Navigation Company, which was noticed in the preceding-
chapter, were a number of prominent Albany county men, as follows:
Philip Schuyler, Leonard Gansevoort, Jeremiah Yan Rensselaer, El-
kanah Watson, John Tayler, Jelles A. Fonda, William North, and Golds-
boro Banyar. The Albany commissioners to receive subscriptions to
stock were Abraham Ten Broeck, John Tayler, Philip S. Yan Rensse-
laer, Cornelius Glen and John Ten Broeck.

It was not long before it became apparent that still further improve-
ments in this direction were an imperative necessity. The subject of

1 The Clermont was a small thing compared with the great river steamers of the present
time. Fulton did not comprehend the majesty and capacity of his invention. He regarded the
Richmond (the finest steamboat at the time of his death) as the perfection of that class of archi-
tecture. She was a little more than one hundred feet in length, with a low, dingy cabin, partly
below the water line, dimly lighted by tallow candles, in which passengers ate and slept in stifling
air, and her highest rate of speed was nine miles an hour. Cotild Fulton revisit the earth and be
placed on one of the great river steamboats of our time, he would imagine himself to be in some
magical structure of fairyland, or of forming a part of a strange romance; for it is a magnificent
floating hotel over four hundred feet in length, and capable of carrying a thousand guests by
night or day at the rate of twenty miles an hour.— Lossixg.

canal navigation directly from the Hudson River to the great lakes was
discussed very early in the century, but the name of the originator of
the project is lost in the past. The honor has been claimed bv several,
each of whom has found his advocates. The journals and other writ-
ings of Elkanah Watson, who was a man of great enterprise and pro-
gressiveness, contain ample proof that he had conceived the plan about
ten years before the opening of the present century. He made a tour
across the State in 1701, during which he kept a voluminous journal,
which is still in existence and contains at least inferential proof that he
was then giving much thought to the subject. However this feature
of the matter may be viewed, it is certain that he was a strong advo-
cate of the canal long before it was actually begun, and by his argu-
ments awakened a lively interest in the enterprise in Albany. Among
those who looked upon the project with favor were the Van Rensse-
laers, the Schuylers, and John and Isaiah Townsend. A call for a
meeting to be held at the Tontine Coffee House on February 7, L816,
was signed by Archibald Mclntyre, James Kane, John Woodworth,
William James, Charles E. Dudley, Dudley Walsh, Barent Bleecker,
John Van Sehaick, Rensselaer Westerlo, and Harmanus Bleecker. At
this meeting a committee was named for each ward to secure signa-
tures to a memorial to the Legislature, asking for legislation to forward
the scheme. Similar action was taken in other parts of the State. In
April following an aet was passed to " provide for the improvement of
of the internal navigation of this State." Under this act, Stephen Van
Rensselaer, De Witt Clinton, Samuel Young, Joseph Ellicott, and
Myron Holley were appointed commissioners to "consider, devise and
adopt such measures as might be recpiisite to facilitate and effect
the communication, by means of canals and locks, between the naviga-
able waters of the Hudson River and Lake Erie, and the said navigable
waters and Lake Champlain." This commission made their report,
and then the struggle began. The canal question divided parties and
shaped the politics of the State. The question of the course to be fol-
lowed was prolific in argument, while a large part of the inhabitants of
the State looked upon the whole project as visionary and foolhardy.
But nothing could permanently stop the progress of the canal and on
April 15, 1S1T, the last day of the session, the act authorizing the great
water-way was passed.

Considering the times and the means available in those days for
heavy engineering work, the canal was constructed rapidly and on the

8th of October, 1823, the first boat passed through the completed por-
tion east of the Genesee River into the Hudson. This event was cele-
brated in Albany with enthusiastic public demonstration. The Com-
mon Council appointed a committee consisting- of Aldermen Gibbons,
Baldwin, Humphrey, Cassidy, Ten Eyck, and the chamberlain, while
Solomon Van Rensselaer acted as marshal of the day. A salute was
fired at sunrise, bells were rung, there was a civic and military parade
and business was suspended generally. The first boat that entered the
lock was the De Witt Clinton, having on board Governor Yates, the
mayor and other corporation officers of the city, the canal commission-
ers, engineers and citizens. The cap stone of the lock was laid with
Masonic ceremonies and the waters of the lakes and those of the ocean
were then mingled by Dr. Mitchell. After this impressive ceremony
the lock gates were opened and the boat settled down upon the waters
of the Hudson.

The whole canal was not completed until October 26, 1825, but Al-
bany had begun to feel its benefits previous to that date. The final
opening of the canal was also celebrated along its entire line. On Octo-
ber IT the Common Council appointed a committee to make proper
arrangements for the Albany celebration, who held a public meeting
in the Capitol, and another at a little later date, which contributed to
the perfection of arrangements for the celebration. The passage of
the first boat from Buffalo into the Albany basin was announced from
point to point along the entire distance by the firing of cannon. The
Seneca Chief was fitted up at Buffalo to carry the dignitaries of the
vState, and left that city on October 26, arriving in Albany November
2. At 11 o'clock the procession was formed and marched through the
principal streets of the city under direction of Welcome Esleeck, John
Tayler, James Gibbons, and Francis I. Bradt. When the procession
reached the Capitol, impressive services were held, consisting in part
of the singing of an ode written by John Augustus Stone, of the Al-
bany Theatre, addresses by Philip Howe, of New York, William James,
of Albany, and Lieut. -Governor Tallmadge, a splendid collation at the
Columbia street bridge, and a ball in the evening.

The completion of the Erie Canal changed the whole aspect of com-
mercial affairs in the lake region. Coincident with that event the first
steam vessel, the Ontario, was launched on Lake Ontario at Oswego,
giving birth to the immense traffic that soon covered those waters with
busy fleets. With the construction of packet boats on the canal, travel

eastward and westward became immense, and very much of it passed
through Albany. Tolls collected in this city increased from $126,652
in 1825, to $212,045 in 1830, while more than a hundred thousand dol-
lars was added to this amount in the succeeding- five years. Rivalry
between the canal packet boats and the stages on the main lines was
very active; but the new mode of travel attracted the greater number
of passengers for a considerable period. Meanwhile the Champlain
Canal had been finished and opened its entire length on September L0
1823, extending from near Cohoes to Lake Champlain, and further
contributed to the growth of Albany.

As an evidence of the rapidity with which the Erie Canal was
brought into use, and of the very great change which it made in the
mode of transportation, particularly as regards freight, it may be
stated that the number of canal boats which arrived in Albany during
the season of 1823 was 1,329; during that of 1824 it was 2,687; during
that of 1825 it was 3,336; and in 1826, the year after the canal was in
full operation, it was about 7,000. The rate for transportation on the
turnpike in 1820 was one and a half cents a mile; the rate by the canal
was five mills. But it should not, therefore, be inferred that all the
passengers deserted the stages for the packet boats. The canal passage
was still tedious compared to land travel, and was chosen chiefly by
those who desired to lessen the fatigue of the journey, but was avoided
where time was of account.

The construction of what is known as the Albany Basin was inti-
mately connected with the two canals that terminate here. The sub-
ject of this basin was discussed about 1820, when river navigation had
become active and the docks in front of the city were constantly lined
with hundreds of sloops and schooners. After a few years of agitation
the matter was referred to the Canal Commissioners, who reported on
February 11, 1823, as follows:

In obedience to the resolution of the Assembly passed the 1-Hh ult., instructing the
Commissioners to report a place for the construction of a basin at the termination of
the Erie and Champlain canal at the city of Albany, reported that Benjamin Wright,
one of their engineers, who was instructed to examine the matter, had proposed a
plan and made a communication on the subject, together with a map of the contem-
plated basin. The Commissioners believe that a basin may be constructed on the
said plan for about $100,000, and that such a basin would be extremely beneficial to
the trade of Albany. They have declined to make basins along the line of canals,
believing that mercantile capital and enterprise would find sufficient inducements
and interests to furnish these local accommodations to trade, and thai to expend the

public moneys would not be just. The}' think, however, that it would be proper to
construct a sloop lock at the southern termination of the basin, as the connection of
boat and sloop navigation at the arsenal dock will cost nearly as much as the said
lock; and, in case of the construction of said lock, it would be reasonable for the
State to receive tolls on the length of the basin as part of the canal.

In accordance with this report the Legislature passed an act April
5, 1823, authorizing- the construction of the basin and naming - the fol-
lowing persons commissioners: William James, John R. Bleecker,
John Townsend, Elisha Jenkins, Benjamin Knower, Allen Brown,
Israel Smith, Tennis Van Vechten, John Trotter, John Spencer, Asa
H. Spencer, William Durant, Peter Boyd, Joseph Alexander, Charles
R. Webster, John H. Webb, John Shotwell, Joseph Russell, William
Caldwell, Ralph Pratt, Russell Forsythe, William Marvin, William
McHarg, Jellis Winne, jr., Abraham Van Vechten, and Gideon Haw-
ley. These men were authorized to receive subscriptions for the work
which was, briefly, to construct a pier opposite the docks fronting the
harbor, so as to comprise a basin extending from the arsenal dock to a
point opposite Hodges's dock, in the line of Hamilton street, with a
sloop lock at the Hamilton street end; the work was to be completed
within two years. The act authorized the building of bridges from the
dock to the pier, and the Pier Company were to receive title to the
necessary land under water. The act also regulated wharfage to be
paid by vessels, authorized the canal commissioners to charge toll on
all canal boats entering the basin, and directed that the pier be divided
into lots and thus sold at auction. Under this act the pier was finished
May 27, 18*25, inclosing a basin capable of harboring one thousand canal
boats and about fifty vessels of larger dimensions. The pier was di-
vided into 123 lots which, excepting lots 1 and 2, reserved for an open-
ing into the river, were sold on July 17, 1825. The aggregate sum
realized was $188,510. The pier was made 4,323 feet long and eighty-
five feet broad. The area of the basin is thirty-two acres. Bridges
with draws were erected across the basin at the foot of State and Co-
lumbia streets, and the sloop lock alluded to was built by the State.
The passage of the first canal boat through the lock and into the basin
took place October 20, 1825.

The basin having no free outlet to the current of the river, soon be-
came encumbered with silt, creating a nuisance, and in June, 1831, the city
corporation was indicted by the grand jury for not abating the nuisance.
The case was fought on the ground that the bulkhead at the lower end

of the basin was built under authority of an act of the Legislature. The

Court of Sessions decided against the city, but the decision was re-
versed by the Supreme Court. In response to an application made by
citizens in February, 1835, the Legislature passed an act on the 27th
of April directing the partial removal of the bulkhead, the removal of
the sloop lock, and the erection of a bridge from the abutment at Ham-
ilton street to the pier. The Common Council was also authorized to
clean out the offensive accumulation and assess the cost on all prop-
erty benefited. Since that time and under various acts and council
proceedings, the basin has been vastly improved by openings in the
pier, dredging, etc.

The period from 1826 to 1836 was one of general prosperity through-
out the country. The success of the canals that were actualy built led
to the formation of scores of companies, with capital stock ranging
from $3, 500 to $550,000, and canals were projected in all directions; but
most of these were never even commenced. Meanwhile rumors of a
strange and mighty rival of the canal in the freight and passenger
traffic had come from the southward, and before the canals had reached
the height of their prosperity, a steam railroad, the first one in this
State, was in active operation between Albany and Schenectady.
Prominent Albany men were actively interested in the development of
the new mode of transportation. What was known as the Quincy Rail-
road was built in Massachusetts in 1826, for the transportation of gran-
ite from the celebrated quarries, but it was only four miles in length
and the motive power was horses. In April of the same year the New
York Legislature chartered the Mohawk and Hudson River Railroad
Company, to construct a railroad between Albany and Schenectady.
This was the first chartered company in the Union authorized to carry
on a general transportation business. This was the 6rs1 season that
the Erie canal was used throughout its full course, yet the conviction
was, even then, becoming prevalent that at an early day a railroad
would extend along its course as a competitor for traffic. As business
in all its various channels rapidly increased, demanding greater activity
on the part of merchants and manufacturers, the element of time be-
came a more important factor in every man's business and had a distinct
effect upon his profits and losses. Shrewd men realized that this line
across the Empire State was the natural course for through trade, as it
is now termed, and busy minds were speculating upon ways and means
and possible results of building railways that would, at least, divide the
13

traffic of the canal and the stages and prove a profitable investment.
The capital of the Mohawk and Hudson Company was $300,000, with
the privilege of increasing it to $500,000. In the mean time and before
work on this road was begun, railroads in other States were com-
menced, finished and brought into use, with locomotives propelled by
steam. The Auburn and Syracuse road, chartered in May, 1834, was
first operated by steam in 1839. In August, 1830, about twenty months
before the expiration of the six years in which the road was to be built,
the work of construction on the line from Albany to Schenectady be-
gan and was pushed forward with such energy that in October, 1831,
it was fully completed and was carrying on an average about 400 pass-
engers daily. This, the first railroad in the State, was crude in plan,
imperfect in construction and expensive in operation. The road bed
was mostly of solid stone, forming an unyielding foundation, that acted
as an anvil, upon which rolling stock pounded like hammers, battering
and wearing out the timbers, cross ties and rails. The cost of the road
was $68,000 per mile.

During the ten years subsequent to the date of the charter of this
first railroad, the Legislature granted charters for building other roads
in various parts of the State. The success of the road from Albanyto
Schenectady, such as it was, served to inspire confidence in more ex-
tensive and better railroads and taught many lessons that later engi-
neers were not slow to adopt. The project of connecting Albany with
New York by a railroad along the Hudson was agitated at an early
date, and in 1832 a number of prominent men obtained a charter for a
railroad for this purpose authorizing a capital of $3,000,000. This ef-
fort was a little premature and sufficient stock was not subscribed for.
Regarding the probable profits of this line the railroad commissioners
of 1833 reported as follows:

That it would accommodate a large number of the population in the vicinity of the
route; that the amount of transportation charges which would be paid to the road
by this population, on produce, minerals, manufactures and merchandise would
amount to §350,000, to which was added a larger sum to be received from travelers
and light freights between Albany and New York, especially in winter; that the
annual income of the road would be $852,000. " This railroad will connect at Albany
with the grand chain of railroads now in progress or contemplated from Albany to
Buffalo, viz.; the Mohawk and Schenectady, completed; Utica and Schenectady in
progress ; Syracuse and Utica, contemplated ; Auburn and Syracuse, stock subscribed ;
Auburn and Rochester, contemplated ; Tonawanda, contemplated, from Rochester
through Batavia to Attica."

The practical consummation of all these grand projects was not, how-
ever, realized until May 12, 1846, when a new charter was granted to
the Hudson River Company with the result that, on October 3, 1851,
the road was opened from New York to East Albany. On November
1, 1809, this company and the New York Central Company were con-
solidated, the latter company having been organized April 2, 1853, for
the consolidation of the following companies: Albany and Schenectady,
vSchenectady and Troy, Utica and Schenectady, The Mohawk Valley,
The Syracuse and Utica, the Syracuse and Utica direct, Rochester and
Syracuse, Buffalo and Rochester, the Rochester, Lockport and Niagara
Falls, and the Buffalo and Lockport. This entire combination pa
to the new company August 1, L853. Previous to this consolidation
the Troy and Greenbush road, which was chartered in 1845, was leased
to the Hudson River Company, June 1, 1851, for seven per cent on
$270,000 stock, and passed under control of the consolidated company
above described.

The New York and Harlem Railroad was chartered in April, L831,
and work on it was begun in February of the next year. This com-
pany was authorized in May, 1840, to extend the road north of the
Harlem River to meet the New York and Albany road at such point
as might be agreed upon, and to continue to Albany in May, 1845. It
was leased to the New York Central in 1873.

The construction of these railroads involved the building of costly
bridges across the Hudson at Albany. The first bridge in this vicinity
was completed in December, 1804, at Waterford. In January. L814,
the project of building another bridge at Albany was discussed, but
received intense opposition at Troy, the claim being put forward that
it would obstruct navigation. The contest was carried into the Assem-
bly, where a heated controversy was held. On March 11, 1 s 1 4 , Har-
manus Bleecker, from the special bridge committee, reported adversely
on the project, and the subject was not brought up again unlil L831, when
it met a similar fate. ( >n February 4, L835, a meeting was held at the
Eagle Tavern to consider the subject, and a committee of thirty was
appointed to prepare a petition, but nothing further was then done.
On February 11, 1830, another meeting was held in the. city hall at
which Erastus Corning presided, but against all the influence that was
brought to bear in favor of a bridge, the Assembly committee reported
adversely in March. The subject was a fruitful source of public and
private discussion until January 30, 1841, when another meeting was

100

held in the Young Men's Association rooms, the mayor presiding and
addresses being made by John V. L. Pruyn and Samuel Stevens, but at-
tempts to secure favorable action in the Legislature met the usual
opposition from Troy and Albany ferry companies. The Assembly
again reported adversely March 26, 1841, so that, though it was in the
face of great necessity and the powerful influences working in favor of
the undertaking, a bridge was not built until 1856, when, on April 9,
the Hudson River Bridge Company was incorporated. The site of the
bridge was to be determined by commissioners, among whom were
Moses H. Grinnell, of New York, J. D. Monell, of Hudson, Palmer V.
Kellogg, of Utica, Jacob Gould, of Rochester, James W. Wadsworth,
of Geneseo and Albert H. Tracy, of Buffalo. It is worthy of notice
that on February 2, about two months before the passage of the in-
corporating act, a remonstrance against the proposed bridge was sent
to the Legislature which was signed by more than 4,000 citizens of
Albany. The capital stock of the company was $500,000. The act
ordered the bridge to be erected at least twenty-five feet above common
tide water and to be supplied with a draw of sufficient width to admit
the passage of the largest vessels navigating the river. The New York
Central Railroad Company, the Hudson River Railroad Company, and
the Boston and Albany Railroad Company were stockholders in the
bridge company. This first bridge was superseded by the present
middle bridge under an act passed April 28, 1868, authorizing the dem-
olition of the old one as soon as the new one was finished; and that be-
fore the commencement of the new bridge, the railroad companies
above mentioned and the bridge company should " jointly and severally
execute and deliver a bond to the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty
of the City of Troy, and the same Board of the city of Albany, in the
penalty of at least $600,000," for the proper fulfillment of their obliga-
tions under the act. Work on the new bridge began in May, 1870, and
it was opened in 1872, and it is little more than half a mile in length.

Brief mention of the other existing bridges may be made here, al-
though it is out of the chronological order. The upper bridge was
opened February 22, 1866, and is now used exclusively for freight and
foot passage. Its cost together with the necessary purchases of real
estate was $1,100,000. The lower bridge, at South Ferry street, was
built by the Albany and Greenbush Bridge Company, incorporated
April 18, 1872. The site was selected by Commissioners Thomas W.
Alcott, Charles Van Benthuysen, Yolkert P. Douw, of Albany; James

101

M. King, of Greenbush ; Alexander Morris, J. T. Davis, and John H.
Pratt, of East Greenbush. Work on this bridge was commenced in
1876, but progressed very slowly, so that it was not opened for teams
and foot passengers until January 24, 1882.

The era of prosperity during which many of these public improve-
ments took their inception, received a disastrous check in the financial
crisis of 1836-38, which followed closely upon the ravages of the
Asiatic cholera which are described in Chapter XIII. The causes of
that panic had their beginning in the very foundation of the govern-
ment finances as laid down by the policy of General Jackson, which
was in antagonism to the policy of the United States Bank and its con-
nections. While the tide was rising banks multiplied in various parts
of the country and their managers, who had become able to control
large resources in depreciated currency, engaged in real estate and
other speculations, indulged extravagantly in the purchase of luxuries
and aided in turning the heads of their more conservative neighbors.
Prices of lands and of all merchandise were greatly inflated, money was
plenty, easily obtained and readily spent. Usurious rates of interest
prevailed, money frequently commanding from three to five per cent.
a month, with an active demand even at those rates. This apparent
anomaly is explained by the fact that man}- persons were led into bor-
rowing at enormous rates of interest, in the hope that by the tempo-
rary use of money they could realize the same large profits that were
being made by their neighbors, so that almost all communities, particu-
larly the cities and villages of later growth than Albany, were drawn
into the whirlpool and an era of speculation followed such as the country
has never since experienced. All classes became involved, and thus,
when the disaster drew near, though some persons foresaw it and
escaped, yet large numbers became bereft of ordinal - }- judgment and
clung to the last to the impossible belief that money could be actually
created by such operations, and were finally overwhelmed in the final
crash. This was precipitated by Jackson's "specie circular," and the
withdrawal of deposits from the United States Bank.

The Mexican war, as it is generally termed, was caused by conflicting
claims about the territory of Texas. The American government claimed
it as a part of the Louisiana purchase of L803, but did not press the

claim until later, so that when Mexico becamea republic in 1824, '!'•

102

was made one of the States. Meanwhile the territory had been considera-
bly settled by Americans. Finally Texas rebelled against the govern-
ment of Santa Anna and on March 2, 1836, declared itself an inde-
pendent State, though this independence was not admitted by Mexico.
On the 4th of July, 1845, Texas was, with its own consent, admitted into
the Union. Here was the immediate cause of the war that was promptly
declared. General Zachary Taylor was sent into Texas with an army
of occupation, and on the 24th of April, 1846, the first blood was shed.
The contest was not long continued, but was fought with valor and de-
termination, under such American leaders as Taylor, Scott, Wool,
Worth, and others. Its principal events have long been overshadowed
by the great struggle of 1861-65 between the North and the South.

Under the act of Congress authorizing the raising of fifty regiments
for the Mexican war, seven were assigned to the State of New York,
but only two of these were furnished. The first was raised by Colonel
Stevenson in 1846 and contained one company of eighty men recruited
in Albany, which was commanded by Capt. John B. Frisbie and Lieut.
Edward Gilbert. The regiment was sent to Mexico by a sailing vessel
around Cape Horn and joined General Scott's forces, participating in
his arduous campaign. The second regiment, raised in the fall of 1846,
was commanded by Col. Ward B. Burnett, and contained an Albany
company of which the captain was Abraham Van O'Linda, and the
lieutenant, Addison Farnsworth. This regiment also constituted a
part of Scott's army and served with honor until the close of the war.
The act of Congress of 1847 calling for ten regiments of infantry from
this State, was promptly responded to. The tenth regiment raised un-
der this call is credited to Albany and contained many volunteers from
this county. It was commanded by Col. Robert E. Temple and Lieut. -
Col. James McGown. The regiment joined General Taylor's forces
and shared his campaigns until the war ended. Gen. John E. Wool
and Gen. William J. Worth, were former residents of Albany county,
and were prominent in the struggle that gave Texas to the Union.
The war ended September 13, 1847.

The middle of the present century found Albany county with a popu-
lation of 93,279, of whom 50,763 were resident in Albany city. The
growth from 1830 (when the population was 53,520) to 1840 carried the
figures to 68,634, and during the succeeding ten years they reached the
number above stated. Later chapters of this work show that the ad-

103

vancement and growth in other directions corresponded with the in-
crease in population.

CHAPTER X.

The general history of this county during the past forty-five years,
as far as it is not included in later distinctive chapters of this volume,
may be briefly written. While it has been a period of prosperity and
growth, it has at the same time been devoid of events of great histor-
ical importance. The population of the county rose from 93,270 in 1850,
to 113,917 in 1860, and to 133,052 in 1870, while that of the city of
Albany increased from 50,763 in 1850, to 62,367 in 1860, and to 69, t22
in 1870. Transportation facilities were improved by large railroad ex-
tensions and consolidations, and many institutions of a public character
were founded. The Albany and Susquehanna Railroad Company was
incorporated April 9, 1851, and was opened for traffic from Albany to
Central Bridge (35 miles), September 16, 1863. Its construction con-
tinued and it was opened throughout its entire length to Binghamton
on January 14, 1869. The property was leased in February, L870, to
the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company for the term of its charter,
at a rental of six per cent, on the Albany city bonds; seven per cent,
on the first, second and third mortgage bonds and first consolidated
mortgage bonds, and the capital stock, and $1,000 for maintaining the
organization. A payment of $5,000 semi-annually is made by tin-
lessees to the trustees of the sinking fund of the city of Albany, and is
invested in certain ways for the ultimate payment of the Albany city
bonds. The amount of these city bonds was originally $1,000,000.
While this road has been a costly one to the county, it at the same time
opened a section of the country for trade with the city that has been of
great benefit.

The Albany and Vermont Railroad was chartered October L7, L857,
and was permanently leased to the Rensselaer and Saratoga Kail-
road Company in June, 1860, and is now operated by the Delaware and
Hudson Company. The main line from Albany t<> Waterford junction
extends for twelve miles in this State, and has been of considerable
benefit to the city.

l.tll

The New York, West Shore and Buffalo Railroad was chartered
June 14, 1881, to extend from New York city up the west bank of the
Hudson River to Athens, in Greene county, and thence diverging- to
the westward and continuing directly across Albany county to Rotterdam.
From there it passed on westward to Buffalo. It was built as a com-
peting line to the New York Central. The work of construction was
pressed with such energy that the road was opened from Weehawken
to Syracuse October 1, 1883, and to Buffalo January 1, 1884. On the
2d of October, 1885, judgment and foreclosure of sale of the road was
entered in the Supreme Court of this State, and on the 8th of Decem-
ber it was sold at auction and transferred to the purchasers, J. Pier-
pont Morgan, Chauncey M. Depew, and Ashbel Green, as joint tenants.
The road was then leased to the New York Central.

The country at large was now upon the eve of momentous events.
The sectional antagonism between the North and the South which had
been growing through many years; jealousy in the South of the rapid
material progress and prosperity of the North ; the determined efforts
of Southerners to farther extend slavery and of the Northerners to
prevent it; in short, the "irrepressible conflict" reached a crisis in the
election of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency of the United States in
1860, and led to the opening of the guns of Charleston upon Fort Sum-
ter on the 11th of April, 1861. Four days later, on the loth, the presi-
dent issued a call for 75,000 volunteer militia to suppress the rebellion.
The response was astonishingly prompt throughout the Empire State
and no where more so than in Albany county. On the 18th of April
the Legislature passed an act authorizing the enrollment and equip-
ment of a State militia and providing for the public defense. Within
one week 155 companies were recruited in this State and ready for
service. Public meetings were held, relief associations organized, and
funds liberally provided for the families of volunteers, and Albany
again and for the last time became the centre of a scene of military
activity.

The first regiment to respond to the call for militia in Albany county
was the 25th New York State militia, which left the city for Washing-
ton on the 22d of April, 1861, officered as follows: Michael K. Bryan,
colonel; James Swift, lieutenant-colonel; David Friedlander, major;
John M. Kimball, adjutant; Cornelius B. O'Leary, surgeon; captains,
Co. A, Jacob Fredendall; B, Timothy McDermott; C, John Gray; D,

L05

Frank Marshall; E, J.J. Huber; F, M. H. Kenneally; G, H. Mulhol-
land; H, Godfrey; K, Hale Kingsley; L. F. Newdorf. With t79

men the regiment reached Washington on the 29th, served its term of
three months on Arlington Heights, where it built Fort Albany; re-
turned home, and on May 41, 1862, was again mustered into service for
three months and was ordered to Suffolk, Va. At the expiration of its
term, Colonel Bryan and many of his men entered the army again as
volunteers. Colonel Bryan at a later date raised the 175th Regiment
of Volunteers and died at the head of his command on June 14, L863.
He was a brave and capable officer.

The 3d Regiment New York State Volunteers was organized in Al-
bany May 7, 1861, and five of its ten companies were recruited from
Albany county, as follows: C, captain, E. G. Floyd; E, captain, J. W.
Blanchard; F, captain, H. S. Hulbert; G, captain, J. H. Ten Eyck, jr.;
I, captain, E. S. Jenney. On May 8 Frederick Townsend was elected
colonel of the regiment; S. M. Alford, lieutenant-colonel; George D.
Bayard, major; Alexander H. Hoff, surgeon; Jonathan O. Moore, ad-
jutant. The regiment left Albany May 18 with 796 men, participated
in the battle of Big Bethel, and during the remainder of its term of
nine months was stationed at Fortress Monroe. On May s, L863, it
entered service as a veteran organization and later was consolidated
with the 112th. It took part in engagements at Fort Wagner, Charles-
ton, Bermuda Hundred, Petersburg, Fort Gilmer, Fort Fisher, Wil-
mington and others of minor character. Colonel Townsend resigned
July 2, 1861, taking up his residence in Albany, and the regiment
passed under command of Colonel Alford and was mustered out in Au-
gust, 1865.

The president issued another call for troops on May :;, L861, under
which, and acts approved July 22 and 25, 500,000 men were required,
and under this call New York State furnished 120,231 volunteers. The
i:'.d Regiment was organized at Albany and mustered into the service
between August 25 and September 21, 1861. The following were the
commissioned officers:

Francis L. Vinton, colonel; Charles II. Piefson, lieutenant-colonel; Benjamin F.

Raker, major; James II. Thompson, surgeon; James II. Bogart, adjutant. Captains:
Co. A, John Wilson; Co. B, I. R. Van Slyke; Co. E, I D, Charles

H.Clark; Co. E, Jacob Wilson ; Co. F, James C, Rogers; Co. G, William H. Mathews;
14

106

Co. H (Yates Rifles), Edwin C. Drake; Co. I, George W. Reed; Co. K, Harvey S.
Chatfield; Captain Charles B. Mitchell, 1862; Captain John L. Newman, 1862; Cap-
tain David Burhans, 1862; Captain James D. Visscher, : 862.

The regiment left Albany on the Kith of September with 706 men.
It received during its service 1,621 recruits and returned in July, 1865,
with 290 men and thirteen officers. It was distinguished for brilliant
deeds in battle and participated in actions at Lee's Mills, Warwick
Creek, Siege of Yorktown, Golding's Farm, The Seven Days battles,
Antietam, Fredericksburg, Marye's Heights Salem Church, Banks's
Ford, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, Locust Grove, Mine Run,
Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Petersburg,
Fort Stevens, Charleston, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, and others.
Among those in this regiment who lost their lives, were the following:
Major (afterwards Colonel) James Henry Bogart, killed while advanc-
ing with his regiment at Port Hudson, June 14, 1863. Captain (after-
wards Colonel) John Wilson, a native of Albany, died May 8, 1864, from
amputation of leg for bullet wound. Captain (afterwards Major) Will-
iam Wallace, native of Albany, was confined at one time in Libby
prison, was exchanged, and was shot while leading a charge in the bat-
tle of the Wilderness. In the same engagement, Lieutenant-Colonel
Fryer was mortally wounded. Captain David Burhans, a native of the
town of Bethlehem, fell at the front in the engagement at Po river May
10, 1864. Captain (afterwards Colonel) James D. Visscher, born in Al-
bany, served three months with the militia at the beginning of the Re-
bellion, killed at Fort Stevens, July 12, 1864. Capt. Douglass Lodge,
born in Albany, rose from the ranks to captain, planted the colors of
his regiment on Marye's Heights May 3, 1863, and received a mortal
wound on the following day.

The Tenth Regiment, National Guards, was organized in Albany
in the early months of the war and performed guard and other duty
at the call of the governor. For the third time it tendered its services
for nine months and took the field November 21, 1862, with 864 men,
and the following officers: Ira W. Ainsworth, colonel; Frank Cham-
berlain, lieutenant-colonel; David M. Woodhall, major; Richard M.
Strong, adjutant; William H. Craig, surgeon. Captains, Co. A,
Lionel U. Lenox; B, Charles E. Davis; C, Stephen Bronk; D, James
Dodds; E, James McFarland; F, James R. Harris; G, Morgan L. Fil-
kins; H, Harmon L. Merriman ; I, E. H. Tomlinson ; K, William H.

107

Brandenburg. The regiment was numbered the 177th N. Y. V., and
was ordered to the Department of the Gulf, under General Banks. Its
principal service was in the engagements from New Orleans to Port
Hudson, suffering severely at the latter place. At the close of its
term of nine months the regiment returned home and resumed its
original place as part of the 9th Brigade, National Guard. The regi-
ment suffered much from sickness while in the far South. Among
those who died while in the field were Adj. Richard M. Strong, born
in Albany, died in Louisiana May 12, 1863; he had studied law and
been admitted to the bar, with bright prospects. Lieut. John Peter
Phillips, died September 4, 1863. Sergt. Charles H. Frederick, a
native of Albany, died of fever in Louisiana March 10, 1863. Sergt.
Joseph C. Vanderhoop, born in Albany, died of fever in Louisiana.
Sergt. William Crounse, born in Guilderland, died in Louisiana June
28, 1863.

The 44th, or " People's Regiment," was a Zouave organization com-
posed largely of Albany county men, and was formed October 16, 1861.
It left for the seat of war on the 20th of that month, 850 strong and
officered as follows:

Stephen W. Stryker, colonel; James C. Rice, lieutenant-colonel; James McKown,
major; William Frothingham, surgeon; Edward B. Knox, adjutant. Captains: Co.
A, Edward P. Chapin; Co. B, L. S. Larabee ; Co. C, William H. Revere, jr. ; Co. D,
Freeman Conner; Co. E, Michael McN. Walsh; Co. F, Campbell Allen; Co. G,
William L. Vanderlip ; Co. H, William N. Danks; Co. I, A. Webster Shaffer; Co.
K, William H. Miller. Capt. Rodney G. Kimball, 1862; Capt. B. Munger, 1862.

The regiment performed meritorious service at Yorktown, Hanover
Court House, Gaines's Mills, Turkey Island, Malvern Hill, Groveton,
Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Rappahan-
nock, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Petersburg
and Weldon Railroad. The regiment was mustered out September \.'l.
1864, with 170 men, having been supplied with more than 700 recruits
during its term of service. Lieut. Col. (afterwards Brigadier -General)
James C. Rice, a graduate of Yale and a law student, with a previous
brilliant military career, participated in all the engagements of his
regiment until at Petersburg, May 10, 1804, where he received a fatal
wound. Sergt. Walter H. Angus, promoted second lieutenant, was
killed at Petersburg June 21, 18G4.

The '.list Regiment was recruited during the fall of L861, mostly in

108

and near Albany, and was mustered into the service for three years
December 1G, 1861, with 847 men. It left Albany December 20 for
Governor's Island, where it remained until January 8, 1862-. Thence
it went direct to Key West, where it arrived January 20. The officers
of the regiment were as follows:

Jacob Van Zandt, colonel; Jonathan Tarbell, lieutenant-colonel; Charles G.
Clark, major; Robert F. Keeven, adjutant; Robert Morris, surgeon. Captains:
Co. A, John W. Felthousen ; Co. B, George W. Stackhouse ; Co. C, J. G. McDermott ;
Co. D, Henry Crounse ; Co. E, William Lee; Co. F, John Cooke; Co. G, Allan H.
Jackson; Co. H, J. B. Collins; Co. I, Charles A. Burt; Co. K, Henry S. Hulbert.

The 91st was stationed at Pensacola for seven months, when it went
to New Orleans under Banks and participated in engagements at Port
Hudson, Irish Bend, Bayou Vermilion, and other points, suffering
severely. The regiment returned home July 19, 180-1, and nearly all
of its members re-enlisted. After being fully recruited it was in Feb-
ruary, 1805, assigned to the oth Corps and stationed near Petersburg,
where it performed valiant service in the closing scenes of the war.
Among the officers of the regiment who lost their lives were the fol-
lowing: Major George W. Stackhouse, died June 19, 1803, from gun-
shot wounds, at Port Hudson. Capt. John A. Fee, a native of Albany,
rose from the ranks, was wounded June 30, 1803, and died July 15.
Lieut. William P. Clark, born in Watervleit, shot through the head at
Irish Bend July 14, 1803. Lieut. Sylvester B. Shepard, born in Albany,
was a member of the celebrated Burgesses Corps, killed at Port Hud-
son June 14, 1803, at the head of his company.

The 11th New York Havelock Battery was organized in Albany Oc-
tober 20, 1801, and mustered in January 0, 1802, with 150 men and the
following officers: Captain, A. A. Von Puttkammer; first lieuten-
ants, R. A. Warrington and James Rodgers; second lieutenants, G. A.
Knapp and John E. Burton. The battery left Albany for the front on
January 17, and participated in the battles of Second Bull Run, Fred-
ericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Spottsylvania,
North Anna, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and others. From September,
1804, to Lee's surrender it was engaged almost every day. Lieut.
Henry D. Brower, a native of Albany, of this battery was killed at
Chancellorsville May 3, 1803; Corporal William H. Van Gaasbeek was
killed at Cold Harbor June 0, 1804, and Corporal William II. Brough-
ton was killed at Petersburg, September 28, 1864.

109

On the 2d of July, 1862, a call was made for 300,000 men, under
which the quota of New York State was 59,70/), but the State furnished
78,904. Recruiting- and other military operations at Albany now be-
gan in earnest. It was clearly seen that the war was not to be, as at
first anticipated, a brief and unimportant struggle, and throughout the
North the work of raising troops to aid the cause was taken up with
vigor. The 113th Regiment (or the 7th Regiment New York Volun-
teer Artillery) was organized in Albany county, under the proposition
that each senatorial district should raise one regiment with the utmost
possible dispatch. A committee was appointed consisting of Eli Perry,
J. F. Rathbone, Lyman Tremain, J. Tracey, T. W. Olcott, George
Dawson, C. B. Cochrane, J. V. L. Pruyn, Franklin Townsend, Samuel
Anable, W. M. Van Antwerp, George H. Thatcher, and Henry A.
Brigham, and the first man enlisted for the regiment signed the roll
July 24, 1802. So energetically was the work prosecuted that over
1,100 men were mustered in on August 18, 1862, with the following
field and staff officers:

Colonel, Lewis O. Morris; major, Edward A. Springstead ; adjutant, Frederick L.
Tremain; quartermaster, E. Willard Smith; surgeon, James E. Pomfret; assistant
surgeons, J. W. Blaisdell, George W. Nevvcomb; chaplain Humphrey L. Calder.
Captains: Co. A, Joseph M. Murphy; Co. B, Samuel E. Jones; Co. C, John A.
Morris; Co. D, Charles McCulloch ; Co. E, Norman H. Moore; Co. F, Robert H.
Bell; Co. G, Francis Pruyn; Co. H, John McGuire; Co. I, William Shannon; Co.
K, Samuel L. Anable. Lieutenants; Co. A, A. Sickles, 1st, John B. Read, 2d; C<>.
B, J. Kennedy, 1st, William E. Orr, 2d; Co. C, H. N. Rogers, 1st, M. Bell, 2d;
Co. D, C. Schurr, 1st, H. C. Coulson, 2d; Co. E, A. V. B. Lockrow, 1st. J. F. Mount,
2d; Co. F, N. Wright, 1st, R. Mullens, 2d; Co. G, S. McEwan, 1st, C. W. Ilobbs,
2d; Co. H, H. C. Ducharme, 1st, F. Pettit, 2d; Co. 1, J. O. Hair, 1st, J. M. Ball 2d;
Co. K, M. H. Barckley, 1st, G. Krank, 2d.

The regiment left Albany August 19, 1862, and was stationed in the
defenses of Washington. In December, lSU^, its character was changed
from infantry to artillery, and recruited to 152 men in each company.
It performed arduous and important service in building many forts and
batteries. In the spring of 18(14 two companies were added to the reg-
iment, with the following officers: Captains, Co. L, Janus Kennedy;
Co. M, George H. Treadwell. First Lieutenants, Co. L, F. W. Mather;
Co. M, G. B. Smallie. Second lieutenants, Co. I.. C C. McClellan;
Co. M, E. S. Moss. On May IT, 1864, the regiment joined the Army
of the Potomac near Spottsylvania and was engaged in the batth
Po River, North Anna, Tolopotomoy, Cold Harbor. Petersburg, and
Reams's Station, in some of which it suffered severely. On February

110

22, 1805, the remnant of the regiment was ordered to Baltimore to re-
main until mustered out in June, 1865. Of the many fatalities that
occurred in this organization, the following should be mentioned: Col.
Lewis Owen Morris, a native of Albany, took part in the Mexican war,
retained command of this regiment until June 3, 1804, when he was
killed by a confederate sharpshooter. Major Edward A. Springstead,
born in Albany, served as first lieutenant in the 43d Regiment, was
promoted from captain in the 113th, and was killed at the head of his
men at Reams's Station August 25, 1864. Capt. James Kennedy, born
in Albany, wounded at Cold Harbor June 3, and at Reams's Station
August 25, 1864, and captured; died in Libby prison September 10,
1864. Capt. John A. Morris, a native of Albany, shot through the
heart at Spottsylvania May 19, 1864. Capt. Nathaniel Wright, shot
at Reams's Station August 25, 1864. Capt. Robert H. Bell, was
wounded in the Wilderness May 19, 1864, and died June 20. Lieut.
William Emmet Orr, a native of Albany, wounded at North Anna, and
died June 2, 1864. Lieut. James H. Morgan, born in Albany, taken
prisoner at Reams's Station and died at Salisbury, N. C, November
21, 1864. Lieut. Michael H. Barckley, born in the town of Knox,
graduated at Union College, raised a company in his town, was wounded
at Cold Harbor and died July 6, 1864. Charles S. Evans, a native of
Rensselaerville, killed at Cold Harbor June 5, 18U4. Lieut. Charles
L. Yeardsley, born in West Troy, killed at Petersburg June 3, 1864,
while leading Co. G in a charge. Lieut. John B. Read, wounded at
Cold Harbor and left within the enemy's lines. Sergt. James S.
Gerling, wounded in the Wilderness June 3, 1814, and again August
24, and died October 8, 1864. Sergt. George Sanders, wounded by a
shell at Cold Harbor and died in hospital June 18, 1864. Sergt. Will-
iam H. Bell, born in the town of Berne, died in service March 15, 1864.

Recruiting for the 192d Regiment, the last to leave Albany and very
nearly the last to leave the State, began in January, 1865. While
nominally an Albany regiment, a large part of its officers and privates
were from adjoining counties. The organization reached the seat of
war too late to experience any fighting.

Among other officers from this county who performed honorable ser-
vice in the army and fell either on the field or from disease contracted
in the army, a few may be briefly noticed here:

Ill

Col. Edward Frisby was a native of Trenton, N. Y., and settled in
Albany in 1826, where he engaged in business as a hatter. He joined
the vState militia at an early age and rose from corporal through the
several grades to brigadier-general. In April, 1861, he went to the
front with the 25th Militia Regiment, returned, raised the :30th Regi-
ment of volunteers and went out as its colonel. He was killed in the
second battle of Bull Run August 22, 1862.

Lieut. -Col. Frederick Lyman Tremain, son of Lyman Tremain, re-
ceived a college education and had not reached his majority at the
breaking out of the war. He enlisted in the 113th Regiment, raised a
company and was promoted adjutant; was afterward transferred to the
1st Brigade, 3d Division, Cavalry Corps, and later to the 2d Brigade,
2d Division. After participating in all the engagements with General
Sheridan's army, he was wounded at Dabney's Mills, February 5, L855,
and died three days later.

Capt. Harmon N. Merriam, educated for the law, aided in raising
the 10th Regiment and was commissioned captain Oi Co. II; was
wounded at Port Hudson May 27, 1863, while at the head of his com-
pany, and died on his way home July 15, 1863.

Capt. John McGuire, a native of Ireland, settled in Albany in 1845,
was a sergeant in the Worth Guards, enlisted in the 25th Regiment and
served through 1861-2. In September of the latter year he was made
first lieutenant in the 175th Volunteers and promoted captain. After a
long period of honorable service he was killed by guerillas April 15,
1865.

Lieut. James Williamson, born in Scotland, was first lieutenant in
the 10th Regiment Militia, and when the regiment was changed to the
177th Volunteers he was appointed first lieutenant Co. H. He was
killed while leading a charge at Port Hudson. May 27, 1863.

Orderly Sergeant Peter M. Shaler, a Scotchman, settled in Albany
in 1858, joined the 10th Regiment, was wounded March 24, 1863, and
died July 18, 1863.

Sergeant Alexander I). Rice, born in Albany April lo, 1837, enlisted
August 6, L862, in Co. C, 7th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and promoted to
sergeant; was wounded June '■'>, L864, and died June 28.

Sergeant Andrew T. Hotaling, enlisted in Co. A, 7th Heavy Artillery,
November 7, 1862, and twice thereafter promoted; wounded at Peters-
burg June •>■>, 1864, and died July 26.

Sergeant Panl Quay, born in Knox July 30, isn, enlisted in the 7th

112

Heavy Artillery, taken prisoner June 16, 1864, was sent to Anderson-
ville and thence to Milan, where he died in prison.

Succeeding the call of August 4, 1862, for nine months volunteers
(under which New York furnished 59,705) the next call was that of
February 1, 1864, under which, in the aggregate, New York furnished
59,839 men. March 14, 1864, another call was issued for 200,000, un-
der which this State supplied 41,940, nearly 10,000 more than her
quota. Under the next call, July 18, 1864, for 500,000 men for one,
two, or three and four years, this State furnished a total of 83,843 men.
The last call was dated December 19, 1864, for 300,000 men, and en-
listments stopped before the various quotas were filled, the aggregate
from New York being 34,196.

In the payment of bounties Albany county kept abreast of the other
counties of the State and her quotas were filled as promptly as those
of any other section. The county paid out for bounties to volunteers
$3, 100,700, and for expenses of recruiting and other military matters
$225,125.39; making a total of $3,325,825.39.

The war had scarcely begun when the Ladies' Army Relief Associa-
tion was organized in Albany to co-operate with the United States
Sanitary Commission in the aid of sick and wounded soldiers. The
association was in existence as early as November, 1861, and similar
organizations were effected in Coeymans, Rensselaerville, Knox, and
perhaps other towns in the county. The ladies of Albany raised $19,-
212.30 in money for the purposes noted during the four years ending-
January 1, 1866, and sent away to the battlefields thousands of boxes
and barrels of supplies of every description to comfort the soldier in
his time of privation and suffering. The Army Relief Bazaar, a great
structure well adapted to its purpose, was erected in the Academy Park
and there was held during the months of February and March, 1864, a
great Sanitary Fair, in which Troy, Schenectady, and other places par-
ticipated. It was splendidly managed and the net proceeds reached
about $82,000, which was turned over to the Sanitary Commission.
The Albany Auxiliary to the U. S. Christian Commission also received
between April 1, 1864, and January 1, 1866, the sum of $23,740.20, be-
sides a great quantity of supplies of various kinds, and books, all of
which went to the alleviation of the sufferings and privations of the
soldiers. Besides all this, private subscriptions in aid of the cause were
numerous and liberal in this county. In the forenoon of the 9th of

ii:;

April, 1865, news of Lee's surrender reached Albany, and swept on
over the whole North, kindling an outburst of joyous thanksgiving such
as the country had never before witnessed, and heralded the long reign
of peace that was soon inaugurated.

During the period of the war public improvements and important
public acts, aside from war measures, almost wholly ceased in all
Northern cities, while in villages and rural districts the frequent calls
to arms, the great sacrifices demanded in men and money, and the sad
news that came from scores of bloody battlefields, all served to distract
public attention from the ordinary affairs of life, With the advent of
peace all this was changed. The welcome event was properly cele-
brated in all communities, and the people, so long oppressed by the
terrors of civil war, turned joyfully and full of hope to the energetic
prosecution of public improvements and private business. In spite of
the enormous cost of the war — a financial drain that reached every
hamlet in the land — there was seeming prosperity throughout the
North during the several years succeeding the close of the conflict.
The great demands of the government for war materials, which had
for five years promoted many industries and afforded various avenues
for speculation and wealth-making, the abundance of money which had
poured from the national treasury in payment for supplies, and for the
vast armies whose rank and file seldom hoarded it, the high prices
ruling for all products, created by an inflated currency, were all causes
of an era of prosperity such as the country had not before experienced.
Albany county had its share in this tide of prosperity, though not to
the extent of many cities where manufacturing was more extensive.
Many private projects of importance were launched, river commerce
was active, building operations were extensive, mercantile business
was greatly extended and banks and other institutions of financial
character multiplied. The agricultural interests of the county shared
also in the general prosperity; farmers realized high prices for their
products, and many were led to purchase farms at prices which a few
years later would have been ruinous

It was inevitable that such a state of affairs could not long continue
in a time of peace. With the gradual contraction of currency, the de-
creasing demand for many kinds of products, with contemporaneous
over-production, and the fear of financial disaster through anticipated
return to specie payment, there came a reaction which culminated in

114

1872-3, causing much financial distress and many business failures.
Albany county, however, as has been the case in all times of depres-
sion, suffered less than many other localities; the county had gained
less and was not so much affected by the inflation caused by the war,
and hence suffered less in returning to normal conditions.

To preserve its chronological place in this work, the subject of the
anti-rent struggle should have been taken up in the preceding chapter,
but as its effects were felt through the period of the war and even
later, its brief consideration is left for this place. Anti-rentism came
into existence very soon after the death of Stephen Van Rensselaer,
the last holder of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck under the British
crown. He died January 26, 1839. He had inherited the great manor
under the law of primogeniture, as the eldest son, which had existed
here through the colonial period. The American laws following the
Revolution worked a radical change in this respect, and in order to
keep his vast landed interests in possession of his sons and their de-
scendants, Stephen Van Rensselaer, on arriving at his majority, adopted
the plan of selling his land in fee, reserving to himself and his assigns
all minerals, streams of water for mills, and some of the old feudal
rents in wheat, fowls, service with horses, etc., and finally, the reserva-
tion of one-quarter of the purchase price on every vendition of land.
It is said that Alexander Hamilton drew this form of conveyance and
advised his client that he could adopt it. But there was at that time
an English statute in opposition to such a method of sale, such right
belonging to the crown alone. It is believed that Mr. Hamilton as-
sumed that the English statute had not been in force in this colony,
and that therefore it had no real force here. In any event the patroon
sold his lands, warranting the title, his deeds containing the feudal
reservations above mentioned.

While this system of sale worked satisfactorily during his life and
generally during the lives of the first purchasers, trouble began soon
afterward. The patroon devised all his interest in the lands thus sold in
fee to his two eldest sons, William P. and Stephen. To the latter, who
was the older of the two, were given the rents in Albany county, and to
the other those in Rensselaer county. The old patroon was a kindly
man and doubtless his many favors to those who had purchased from
him served to pacify them under the onerous burdens. But when the
sons came into their estate, either their different treatment of the

115

landholders, or changes in the business and agricultural relations of
the time, led to complaints and later to more serious trouble. Litiga-
tion began and continued many years. "The counsel consulted were
either ignorant of that | English ] statute or they dismissed considera-
tion of it on the assumption that it was never the law of the colony or
of the State. Had that statute, at the time of the anti-rent outbreak,
been recognized as the law of the State, it is not too much, probably,
to assert and believe that, before the distinguished judges who then
adorned the bench, with the Senate composing the court of last resort
— a popular as well as judicial body — the anti-rent controversy would
have been spared more than a quarter of a century of political and
legal conflict, and the feudal-burdened counties have become as en-
lightened, prosperous and free as their sister counties in the State.'* 1

Early in the spring of 1839 the anti-renters held a meeting for the
purpose of deciding upon some equitable basis of settlement of the dis-
pute. A committee was appointed to call upon Stephen Van Rensse-
laer, the elder son, and learn upon what terms they could purchase the
soil outright. The committee was composed of the foremost men of
the district involved; they called at the manor office in Watervliet on
May 22, 1839, and met Mr. Van Rensselaer, who refused to recognize
them in any manner. They then passed into the inner office, occupied
by the agent, Douw B. Lansing, while the latter held a lengthy con-
versation with Mr. Van Rensselaer, after which the committee were
informed that they would be communicated with in writing. The com-
mittee felt that this was an insult, and went away. Subsequently Mr.
Van Rensselaer sent a letter to Lawrence Vandusen, of Berne, who
was chairman of the committee, in which he declined to sell on any
terms; this letter was read throughout the manor during that year.
The landholders now began actiye opposition to the collection of rents;
agents were insulted and their personal safety endangered ; bodies of
masked men resisted and attacked sheriffs in discharge of their duties
and other demonstrations of force were made in various localities. In
December, ] 839, Sheriff Michael Artcher called to his aid the posse
comitatns; with a body of about 000 men he started from Albany on the
3d day of December, 1839, for Reidsvillc, in the Helderbergs. Arriv-
ing near the place, the sheriff selected about seventy-five of the most
courageous of his men and continued towards Reidsyille, where it was

' Writings of Andrew J, Colvin.

116

known many of the anti-renters had gathered. Just before reaching
the place they encountered a force of 1,500 mounted men, who barred
the road and ordered the sheriff and his party back. There was no al-
ternative but to obey, and the whole party hastened back to Albany.
When, on the following day, the sheriff acquainted Governor Seward
with the outcome of his brief campaign, the governor called out the
military in numbers sufficient to have captured every person in the
western part of the county. The military force comprised the Albany
Burgesses Corps, Albany Union Guards, Albany Republican Artillery,
First Company and Second Company Van Rensselaer Guards, Troy
Artillery, Troy Citizens Corps, and the Troy City Guards. The com-
mand of this force was given to Major William Bloodgood, and, headed
by Sheriff Artcher, the march was taken up towards Reidsville on De-
cember 9. No resistance was met with before Reidsville was reached,
and even then no enemy was found. It was a ridiculous sight — a great
body of armed troops upon a long and wear)' march, to meet not even
a single landholder upon whom to expend their ardor. The return
was made amid a pitiless rain storm. Resistance to rent collections
continued against various methods of compulsion, without much advan-
tage to either side. The landholders hoped by petty and threatened
acts of resistance to force the proprietors into an acknowledgment of
their position, while the latter seemed to think that by military and legal
action they could compel the landholders to pay whatever was demanded.
At last the controversy was made a political issue, and a paper, the
Freeholder, was started in Albany in support of the cause of the land-
holders. Both the Whig and the Democratic parties strove to obtain
the advantage of alliance with the anti-renters, but the former party had
the largest number of them in its ranks. Their power was soon mani-
fested in the political field. Eleven counties promptly elected represen-
tatives with anti-rent proclivities to the Legislature, and Albany countv
elected Ira Harris to the Assembly in 1845 by more than 2,000 majority.
Silas Wright, who had been considered invincible, was defeated by John
Young for governer in 1846 through the influence of the anti-renters,
and the strife went on. As far as its political features were concerned,
little was accomplished and in that respect the cause soon lost its in-
fluence.

Among the conditions of the manorial grants in fee was a provision
that the grantee, or his heirs, was to pay to the proprietor on every
sale of the land, ad infinitum, one-quarter of the purchase price ; so

117

thatifafarm worth say $2,000, on which all the improvements had been
made by the purchaser, was sold four times at that price, the proprie-
tor would get the whole value of the farm, including the improvements,
in four payments of $500 each. Litigation began in the courts on this
quarter-sale provision in 1818 and in 1852 went to the Court of Appeals.
Without here attempting to follow the details of the decision, let it
suffice to say that it was in favor of the oppressed landholders. The
Court of Appeals was then comprised of Charles H. Ruggles, chief
judge, Addison Gardner, Freeborn G. Jewett, Alexander S. Johnson,
John W. Edmonds, Malbone Watson, Philo Gridley, and Henry Welles.
After this decision was rendered the manor proprietors were advised
by counsel to sell, and this was done in some cases prior to L852. With
the changed conditions under the decision of the court, and the low
prices at which lands were now offered by the proprietors, speculators,
and adventurers came into the field and made many purchases. The
principal buyer was Walter S. Church, then of Allegany county, who
during the succeeding thirty or forty years, was responsible for end-
less trouble for himself and the landholders. Litigation continued and
in many instances families were dispossessed of their farms amid dis-
tressing conditions.

One of the first cases that went to the Court of Appeals after the de-
cision in the quarter- sale case before described, was that of Van Rens-
selaer vs. Ball in L858. In the decision in that case the right of the
manor proprietors, or purchasers of their interest, to maintain actions
of ejectment was put upon a statute passed by the Legislature in L805,
authorizing grantors of lands to have the same remedies for the recov-
ery of rent as if the reversion had remained in them ; this opinion was
written by Judge Denio, who then proceeded to apply the statut<
landlord and tenant to the cases. This decision so shocked the public
conscience that the Legislature of I860 repealed the statute of 1805
far as conveyances executed after that time were concerned. After
that statute was repealed the feudal rent litigation was renewed, and
other cases which had passed through the lower courts were carried to
the Court of Appeals where they were decided in 1863. That court
then took new ground and held that the statute of 1805 was not neces-
sary to the maintenance of the actions, but that the statute of 1846
abolishing distress for rent (a statute passed in the interest of landhold-
ers) supplied the place of the statute of L805; this opinion was written
by Judge Henry R. Selden. After relying on the statute of 1846, as

118

Judge Denio had on that of 1805, to sustain the actions, Judge Selden
undertook to uphold them on the strength of an opinion expressed by
Sugden in his work on Vendors and Purchasers, and on a few contro-
verted English cases. But neither Sugden nor the disputed cases even
hint that there can be a forfeiture of land for non-payment of rent, out-
side of the relation of landlord and tenant. It may be broadly and
safely stated that no case can be found, English or American, where
re entry, or ejectment for default in the payment of rent, has been had
or allowed, except where the relation of landlord and tenant existed,
<»r was supposed to exist. Of the eight judges of the Court of Appeals
at the time Judge Selden wrote his opinion in 1863, it is noticeable that
two of the most distinguished refused to share in the decision. Upon
that remarkable decision hung all the later merciless exactions of the
proprietors or purchasers of their interest, against the landholders and
the many instances of dispossession and suffering with which citizens
of Albany county are familiar, and for which space cannot here be
spared. The working of this injustice has thus been pictured by
Andrew J. Colvin, w r ho has given much study to the matter:

Ejectment suits are brought to recover one year's rent claimed to be due — gener-
ally the last year — and recovery of possession of the farm for non-payment. The
landholder, on prosecution, goes to the office in Albany to pay the year's rent
sued for, and the costs of the action. Payment will not be accepted- unless
he will also pay all rents claimed to be in arrear; it may be for fifteen or twenty,
perhaps thirty years. The landholder remonstrates on the ground, as often hap-
pens, that he has only owned the farm a few years, and should not be asked to pay
longer than he has owned. He is told that that makes no difference ; the farm is lia-
ble, no matter who may have been the owner, and he must pay all rents claimed or
lose the farm. On inquiry as to the amount claimed, he is startled to learn that it
exceeds the value of the farm, perhaps, with all the buildings and other improve-
ments. That result is brought about by charging the fullest prices for the wheat,
the fat fowls, and the days' service with carriage and horses, with annual accumula-
tions of interest on each. It is the old story; the successors of the old patroon chas-
tised the landholders with whips; the adventurers chastise them with scorpions.

This depressing subject may be concluded with the following sug-
gestive statement of claims made upon the Board of Supervisors for
services in the anti-rent difficulties rendered as late as 1866:

Claimed. Allowed.

Leonard& Bradt §1,295 72 81,268 59

Edward Scannell 1,053 00 576 00

Tenth Regiment, N. G. S. N. Y 992 25 992 25

Company F, 25th Regiment " 762 24 762 24

Company C, " " " 626 40 626 40

119

Claimed. Allowed.

Company G, 25th Regiment, N. Y 256 92 2">ii 92

Lord & Thornton . . _ 500 1 12 498 02

Albany & Susquehanna R. R. Co... 228 80 828 80

John Cutler 157 00 150 00

Augustus Brewster ., 122 00 80 00

Walter S. Church _ 115 00 Disallowed.

Of the history of the thirty years that have passed since the close <>t'
the war there is little to record that is not found in later chapters. The
population of the county in 1870 has already been stated as 1 33.' 152 ;
that of the city at that date, 69,422. The increase in the next decade
brought the number of inhabitants in the county to 154,890, and in the
city to 90,758. In 1890 these figures had reached respectively 164,555,
and 94,923. There has been a considerable increase since that year,
the census of 1892 showing the population of the county to be 1.67,289,
and of the city, 07,120. While these are substantial gains it must be
recorded that most of the towns in the county have during the period
under consideration, lost slightly in population, while the cities and
large villages have gained. This result is observable in most counties
of the State and in many other States.

By an act of the Legislature passed April 19, 1867, the Albany and
Schenectady Railroad was incorporated, and authorized to construct a
railroad on the Albany and Schenectady turnpike and Washington
avenue, in Albany, the cars of the company to be propelled bv ho
or dummy engines. The promoters of the project abandoned it.

The Boston and Albany Railroad was chartered November 3, L870,
for the consolidation of lines constructed many years earlier. The new
company effected a combination of the Western Railroad Corporation,
established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in March, 1
the Castleton and New Stockbridge Railroad Company, incorporated
in this State May 5, 1834, the name of which was changed May •">.
L836, to the Albany and West Stockbridge Railroad Company. On
November 11, L841, a permanent contract was made for the operation
of the last named road by the Western Corporation. On May 24,
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts passed an act consolidating the
Western Railroad Corporation with the Boston and \V. Railroad

Company. Further legislation by Massachusetts and New York within
the next three years effected the consolidation of the Boston and Al-

L20

bany Company, the Albany and West Stockbridge Company and the
Hudson and Boston Company, under the name it now bears, the Bos-
ton and Albany. The road is an important factor in the transporta-
tion facilities of Albany county.

An act of the Legislature of April 6, 1870, annexed small parts of
the towns of Bethlehem and Watervleit to the city of Albany. The
boundaries of these sections may be found in the session laws of that
year.

During this period considerable legislation was enacted affecting
the Albany county Board of Supervisors, some of the acts of which
board also possess more than ordinary interest. On April 13, 1857,
the office of supervisor was made a salaried office, the annual salary
being fixed at $100 and the usual traveling fees. InMay, 1871, this
salary was raised to $350 and has so remained. In the year 1875 the
powers of supervisors were considerably enlarged, particularly in re-
spect to their control of county property, their agency in the erection
of county buildings, etc. On the 14th of May, 1878, the term of office
of supervisors was extended to two years, the act taking effect at the
first election of 1879.

In the proceedings of the board for 1863, the county clerk reported
that in pursuance of a previously adopted resolution of the board, the
work of reindexing of mortgages had been completed covering the
period from 1856 to 1863, and condensing what had filled eight books
into two, for which his charges were $10,623.

During the session of 1864 when several calls for troops had recently
been made and a draft seemed imminent, the board took prompt and
liberal measures for the payment of large bounties, that a draft might
be avoided. At that time there had been almost $2,000,000 disbursed
in the county for bounties. The amount of bonds issued during the
war period was $'2,540,200. The county budget in 1865 was $766,-
094.89, or nearly double what it was at the beginning of the war. This
sum was gradually decreased to a little more than $500,000 within a
few years, but recently it has increased again to more than the figures
above given. By resolution of the board adopted November 21, 1871,
resulting from a communication received from several leading lawyers
and judges, the salary of the county judge of Albany county was
raised to $5,000.

On the 15th of April, 1887, a law was passed making provision for

121

the erection of an Armory in Albany. This resulted in the splendid
structure now in use, which is more fully described in a later chapter.
In the following year (1888) an act was passed by the Legislature ap-
propriating $25,000 from the State funds for an armory in Cohoes,
provided a suitable site was furnished by the supervisors.

CHAPTER XL
CIVIL LIST.

United States /'resident. — Martin Van Buren, elected to the presi-
dency in the fall of 1836, though not a native of Albany county, resided
and practiced law in Albany city many years.

Vice-President. — Daniel D. Tompkins, elected in 1817, passed many
years of his life in Albany and at the time of his election to the vice-
presidency was governor of the State.

Governors. — John Tayler, elected in 1810; he was elected lieutenant-
governor January 29, 1814, under a special act of the Legislature of April
11, 1811, after the death of John Broome, who died August L0, L810. At
that time Daniel D. Tompkins was serving his second term as gov-
ernor (elected first in 1807). In 1816 Mr. Tompkins was again elected
governor and John Tayler, lieutenant-governor. The next year Mr.
Tompkins was elected vice-president and Mr. Tayler became governor.
Martin Van Buren, elected 1828; he was appointed secretary of state
under President Jackson, March 12, 1829, resigned the office of gov-
ernor and was succeeded by EnosT. Throop. John A. Dix, elected
1872. David B. Hill, now a resident of Albany, elected 1885, having
then served a remaining part of Grover Cleveland's term, and re-
elected in 1888.

Lieutenant-Governor. — Daniel Hale, March ^4. L793; Charles 1»
Cooper, April 17, 1817; John Van Ness Yates, April, L818; and Feb-
ruary 13, 1823; John A. Dix, February 1, 1833.

United States Senators. — -Philip Schuyler, chosen July It',, Li
served to 1791; chosen again January 24, L797, and served one year.
Martin Van Buren, elected February 6. 1821, and February 6,
Charles E. Dudley, elected January L5, L859; William L. Marcy, elected

122

February 1, 1831; John A. Dix, elected January 18, 1845; Ira Harris,
elected February 5, 1861. Roscoe Conkling and Leland Stanford, who
held this high office, were natives of Albany county.

Secretary of the Treasury of the U. S. — Alexander Hamilton, who
studied law and married in Albany, and passed much of his time here,
was appointed to this office September 11, 1779; John C. Spencer,
March 3, 1843; Jno. A. Dix, January 11, 1861; Daniel Manning, March
6, 1885.

U. S. Secretary of State. — Martin Van Buren, appointed March 6,
1829; William L. Marcy, March 7, 1853.

U. S. Secretary of t lie Navy. — Smith Thompson, appointed Novem-
ber 9, 1818.

U. S. Secretary of War. — John C. Spencer, appointed October 12,
1841; William L. Marcy, March 6, 1845.

Members of Congress. — The following changes have taken place in
Congressional districts that have directly affected Albany county : By
act of 1789, a part of Albany with Columbia, Clinton, Saratoga and
Washington counties constituted a district. Act of 1792, Albany
county was a district by itself. Act of 1797, this county and Schoharie
were constituted the 8th district. Act of 1802, Albany county was the
9th district. Act of 1808, Albany and Schenectady counties were made
the 7th district. Act of 1812, it was made the 9th district. Act of 1822,
it was made the 10th district. Act of 1842, it was made the 13th dis-
trict, and by act of 1851, was constituted the 14th district. By act of
1862 Schoharie was joined with it as the 14th district. By the act of
L873 Albany became the 16th district, and by the act of May, 1883, it
was numbered the 19th. The last change was made by the act of 1892,
under which Albany county became the 20th district. Those who
have held the office of Member of Congress from this county are the
following:

Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, 1789-91 ; James Gordon and Peter Silvester, each part
of term of 1791-93; Henry Glen, 1793-1601 ; Killian Van Rensselaer, 1801-1811 ; Har-
manus Bleecker, 1811-13; John Lovett, 1813-17; Rensselaer Westerlo, 1817-19; Sol-
omon Van Rensselaer, 1819-22; Stephen Van Rensselaer, 1822-29; Ambrose Spen-
cer, 1829-31; Gerrit Y. Lansing, 1831-37; Albert Gallup, 1837-39; Daniel D. Bar
nard, 1827-29, 1839-43 ; Bradford R. Wood, 1845-47 ; John I. Slingerland, 1847-49
John L. Schoolcraft, 1849-53; Rufus W. Peckham, 1853-55; Samuel Dixon, 1855-57
Erases Corning, sr., 1857-59; John H. Reynolds, 1859-61; E. Corning, 1861-65
Charles Goodyear, 1865-67; John V. L. Pruyn, 1867-69; Stephen L. Mayham, 1869-71 ;
Eli Perry, 1871-75; Charles H. Adams, 1875-77; Terence J. Quinn, 1877-78; John M.

CHARLHS TRACEY.

123

Bailey, elected 1878 vice (Juinn deceased; Michael N. Nolan, 1881-83; Thomas J.
Van Alstyne, 1883-85; John Swinburne, 1885-87; Charles Tracey, 1887-95; George
H. Southwick, 1895-97, 1897-

Delegates to Constitutional Conventions. — There have been four Con-
stitutional Conventions in this State, and one Constitutional Commis-
sion, all of which met in Albany. The first was held October 13 to £7,
1801. Following are the names of the Albany delegates: John Jost
Dietz, Leonard Gansevoort, Daniel Hale, John V. Henry, Josiah Og-
den Hoffman, Abraham Van Ingen, Stephen Van Rensselaer, and
Peter West. The second Convention assembled August 28, 1821, and
adjourned November 10. Daniel D. Tompkins was president, and fol-
lowing are the names of Albany delegates: James Kent, Ambrose
Spencer, Stephen Van Rensselaer, and Abraham Van Vechten. The
third Convention was held June 1, 1840, and adjourned October 9. The
Albany delegates were Ira Harris, Peter Shaver, Benjamin Stanton,
Horace K. Willard. The fourth Convention assembled on June 4,
1867, and adjourned November 12, of that year. The delegates from
Albany county were Ira Harris, at large, and William Cassidy, Aniasa
J. Parker, and Erastus Corning. What was called the Constitutional
Commission met in Albany December 4, 1872, and adjourned March
15, 1873. The delegates from the third district, which included Al-
bany county, were Robert H. Pruyn, and William Cassidy, of Albany;
George B. Burdett, of Troy; Joseph B. Hall, of Catskill, and Cornel-
ius Tracy, of Troy. Robert H. Pruyn was chosen chairman.

Collectors of Customs. — The collection of customs in Albany was be-
gun in 1833, under the direction of New York Custom House, with
William Seymour, deputy collector. For many years there was very
little for him to do in his office, but with the opening of the Champlain
and Erie Canals, new avenues of trade were opened necessitating the
establishment of an office at the head of tidewater. The collectors
since Mr. Seymour have been as follows: Albert Gallup, Dennis I'..
Gaffney, and William Bruce. On March 2, 1867, a law was passed
making Albany a port of entry, with a surveyor of customs as the
chief officer; under that law the following haveheld the position : Peter
M. Carmichael, 1867; Isaac N. Keeler, 1870; John C. Whitney, L875;
William N. S. Sanders, 1879; John A. Luby, L882; Addison 1 >. Colo.
1885; John M. Bailey, 1889; John P. Masterson, L893.

State Secretaries of State. — Daniel Hale, March 24, L793; Charles
I). Cooper, April 17, 1817; John Van Ness Yates, April, L818, and

124

February 13, 1823; John A. Dix, February 1, 1833; John Palmer, No-
vember 7, 1803; re-elected November, 1895.

State Treasurers. — Robert McClallen, March 16, 1798; Abraham G.
Lansing, February 8, 1803; Abraham G. Lansing, February 18, 1810;
Charles Z. Piatt, February 10, 1813; Gerrit L. Dox, February 12, 1817;
Benjamin Knower, January 29, 1821; Stephen Clark, November 7,
1855; Nathan D. Wendell, November 4, 1879.

Comptrollers. — JohnV. Henry, March 12, 1800; Archibald Mclntyre,
March 25, 1806; William L. Marcy, February 13, 1826; Azariah C.
Flagg, January 11, 1834; Azariah C. Flagg, February 7, 1842; Fred-
erick P. Olcott, January 1, 1877, appointed vice Robinson resigned.

Surveyors-General. — Philip Schuyler, March 30, 1781; Simeon De
Witt, May 13, 1784; Simeon De Witt, February 8, 1823; Orville L.
Holley, February 5, 1838.

State Engineers and Surveyors. — William J. McAlpine, November 4,
1851; Sylvanus H. Sweet, November 4, 1873; Elnathan Sweet, No-
vember, 1883.

Canal Commissioners. — Stephen Van Rensselaer, April 17, 1816; Asa
Whitney, February 22, 1840; Stephen Clark, Februarys, 1842; Stephen
Clark, November 4, 1844; Charles H. Sherrill, November 5, 1856.

State Senators. — There have been many changes in the senatorial
divisions of this State. Under the first Constitution the Senate con-
sisted of twenty-four members apportioned among four large districts.
An additional senator was to be added whenever it was shown by a
septennial census, that the number of electors in a district had increased
one twenty-fourth, continuing thus until the number reached one
hundred. The census of 1795 made the number forty-three. This
arrangement was soon proven to be unequal in its operation and in 1801
the Constitution was amended so as to fix the number of senators at
thirty-two, which number remained unchanged until the Constitution
of 1894 went into effect, January 1, 1895. The Constitution of 1821
divided the State into eight senatorial districts, each of which was enti-
tled to four senators, one being elected each year for a term of four
years. Under the Constitution of 1846 the State was divided into thirty-
two districts, in each of which a senator was elected each odd year.
Albany county formerly constituted the 13th district, later the 17th,
and finally the 19th. By the Constitution of 1894, the State was divided
into fifty senatorial districts, of which Albany county composes the
29th. The senators chosen in 1895 hold office for three years while

125

their successors are to be chosen for but two years. Following is a list
of Senators from this county :

Abraham Yates, jr., 1777-90; Dirck W. Ten Broeck, 1777-78; Anthony Van Schaick,
1777-78; Rinier Mynderse, 1777-78. (The first session of the legislature assembled
at Kingston in September, 1777, but was soon driven out by British troops. The
second meeting was held in Poughkeepsie beginning January 15, 1778.) Rinier
Mynderse, 1778-81; Dirck W. Ten Broeck, 1778-83; Philip Schuyler, 1781-84, 1786
88, 1792-97; Henry Oothoudt, 1782-85; Volkert P. Douw, 1786-93; Peter Schuyler,
1787-92; Leonard Gansevoort, 1791-93,1797-1802; Stephen Van Rensselaer, 1791-95 ;
Anthony Ten Eyck, 1797-1801; Anthony Van Schaick, 1797-1800; Abraham Van
Vechten, 1798-1805, 1816-19; Francis Nicoll, 1791-98; John Sanders, 1799 1802;
Stephen Lush, 1801-2; Simon Veeder, 1804-7; John Veeder, 1806-9; Joseph C.
Yates, 1806-8; Charles E. Dudley, 1820-25; John McCarty, 1827-30; Peter Gansvoort,
1833-6; Friend Humphrey, 1840-1; Ira Harris, 1847; Valentine Tredwell, 1848^9;
Azor Taber, 1852-53; Clarkson F. Crosby, 1854-55; John W. Harcourt, 1856-57;
George Y. Johnson, 1858-59; Andrew J. Colvin, 1860-61; John V. L. Pruyn. 1862-
63; Lorenzo D. Collins, 1866-67; A. B. Banks, 1868-69, 1870-71; Charles H. Adams,
1872-73; Jesse C. Dayton, 1874-75; Hamilton Harris, 1876-79; Waters W. Braman,
1880-81; Abraham Lansing, 1882-83; John B. Thacher, 1884-85; Amasa J. Parker,
jr., 1886-7; 1888-9, Henry Russell ; 1890-91, Norton Chase; 1892-5, Amasa J. Parker;
Myer Nussbaum, 1895-8.

Members of Assembly. — The State Assembly originally consisted of
seventy members, which could be increased one with every seventieth
increase in the number of electors, until it reached 300 members.
When the constitution was amended in 1801 the number had reached
108; it was then reduced to 100, with provision for an increase after
each census at the rate of two annually until the number reached L50.
The constitution of 1821 fixed the number permanently at 128, but the
number was increased by the Constitution of 1894- to the present num-
ber, 150, each of whom is elected, as has always been the case, for one
year. Under the various apportionments since 180] Albany county has
had in 1802, six members; in 1815, four; in L822, three; since that year
it has had four members.

The representatives from Albany in the Colonial Assembly were as
follows:

1691-92, Dirck Wessels, Leviuus Van Schaick; 1693-95, Dirck Wessels. Ryer

Jacobs; 1695-98, John Abeel, Dirck Wessels; 1698 (May and June), Jan Jansen
Bleker, Ryer Schermerhorn ; 1699-1701, Hendrick Hansen, Jan Jansen Bicker, Ryer
Schermerhorn ; 1701-02, Dirck Vessels, Ryer Schermerhorn, Myndert Schuyler,
John Abeel, Johannis Bleker, Hendrick Hansen; 1703-04, John Abeel, Myndert
Schuyler, Evert Banker; 1705-06, Myndert Schuyler, Johannis Cuyler, Peter Van
Bruggen; 1708-09, Johannis Cuyler. Hendrick Hansen. Myndert Schuyler; 17n«.i

126

(April to November), Myndert Schuyler, Johannis Cuyler, Robert Livingston; 1710-
11, Johannis Cuyler, Johannis Schuyler, Robert Livingston; 1711-12, Robert Liv-
ingston, jr., Johannis Cuyler, Johannis Schuyler; 1713-14, Robert Livingston, jr.,
Myndert Schuyler, Peter Van Brugh ; 1715, Johannis Cuyler, Hendrick Hansen,
Karel Hansen; 1716-26, John Cuyler, Hendrick Hansen, Karel Hansen, Myndert
Schuyler; 1726-27, Myndert Schuyler, Ryer Garretsen ; 1727 (September to Novem-
ber), Johannis Cuyler, Peter Van Brugh ; 1728-37, Philip Schuyler, Myndert Schuy-
ler, Dirck Ten Broeck ; 1737-38, Philip Schuyler, Peter Winne; 1739-43. Philip
Schuyler, Peter Winne ; 1743-45, Philip Schuyler, Peter Winne; 1745-47, the same;
1747-50, Coenradt Ten Eyck, Peter Douw ; 1750-51, Philip Schuyler, Hans Hansen;
1752-58, Peter Winne, Petrus Douw; 1759-61, Peter Winne, Jacob H. Ten Eyck,
Volkert P. Douw; 1761-68, Jacob H. Ten Eyck, Volkert P. Douw; 1768-69, Jacob
H. Ten Eyck, Philip Schuyler; 1769-75, Jacob H. Ten Eyck, Philip Schuyler.

The last session of the General Assembly was held April 3, 17 7 -">.
During this Colonial period of nearly ninety years Rensselaerwyek
Manor was represented in the Assembly as follows:

1691-1702, Kilian Van Rensselaer; 1702, Kilian Van Rensselaer and Andries
Coejemans (Coeymans); 1702-1714, Hendrick (or Henry) Van Rensselaer; 1715-26,
Andries Coejemans; 1726-43, Jeremiah Van Rensselaer; 1743-68, John Baptiste Van
Rensselaer; 1768 to the close, Abraham Ten Broeck.

Members of the State Assembly have been as follows:

1777-78, Jacob Cuyler, John Cuyler, jr., James Gordon, Walter Livingston,
Stephen J. Schuyler, John Tayler, Kilian Van Rensselaer, Robert Van Rensselaer,
Peter Vrooman, William B. Whiting.

1778-79, Leonard Gansevoort, James Gordon, Walter Livingston, Stephen J.
Schuyler, John Tayler, Jacobus Teller, Kilian Van Rensselaer, Robert Van Rensse-
laer, Peter Vrooman, William B. Whiting.

1779-80, Flores Bancker, John Bay, James Gordon, Cornelius Humphrey, Hugh
Mitchell, Henry Oothoudt, Henry Ouackenbos, Isaac Vrooman, William B. Whiting,
Phineas Whiteside.

1780-81, Matthew Adgate, John Ja. Beekman, James Gordon, John Lansing, jr.,
Peter R. Livingston, Dirck Swart, John Tayler, John Van Rensselaer, jr., Robert
Van Rensselaer, Isaac Vrooman.

1781-82, Mathew Adgate, Jacob Ford, Philip Frisbie, John Lansing, jr., George
Palmer, Dirck Swart, Samuel Ten Broeck, Israel Thompson, Isaac Vrooman, Ed-
mund Wells.

1782-83, Matthew Adgate, John H. Beekman, John Ja. Beekman, Jacob Ford,
John Lansing, jr., Dirck Swart, Jamuel Ten Broeck. Peter Van Ness, Christopher
Vates, John Younglove.

1784, Matthew Adgate, Abraham Becker, Abraham Cuyler, Jacob Ford, James
Gordon, John Lansing, jr., Peter Schuyler, Dirck Swart, Peter Van Ness, Christo-
pher Yates.

1784-85, Matthew Adgate, Abraham Becker, Jacob Ford, Walter Livingston, Dirck
Swart, Israel Thompson, Matthew Visscher, Christopher Yates, Peter W. Yates,
John Younglove.

127

1786, Leonard Bronck, Henry Glen, James Gordon, Lawrence Hogeboom, |olin
Lansing, jr., John Livingston, Jacobus Van Schoonhoven, John Tayler, Abraham J.
Van Alstyne, Peter Vrooman.

1787, Leonard Bronck, Henry Glen, James Gordon, John Lansing, jr., John Liv-
ingston, William Powers, Thomas Sickles, John Tayler, Matthew Visscher, Peter
Vrooman.

1788, Leonard Ganesvoort, James Gordon, Thomas Sickles, J. Dc Peyster Ten
Eyck, Dirck Van Ingen, Hezekiah Van Orden, John Younglove.

1788-89, John Duncan, John Lansing, jr., John Thompson, Cornelius Van Dyck,
Henry K. Van Rensselaer, Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, John Younglove.

1789-90, Leonard Bronck, James Gordon, Richard Sill, Henry K. Van Rensselaer,
Stephen Van Rensselaer, Cornelius Van Van Veghten, John Younglove.

1791, Sidney Berry, Leonard Bronck, Jonathan Brown, John W. Schermerhorn,
Richard Sill, Jacobus Van Schoonhoven, Cornelius A. Van Slyck.

1792, Jellis A. Fonda, Stephen Lush, David McCarty, Francis Nicoll, William
North, John Ten Broeck, Henry Ten Eyck.

171)2-93. Leonard Bronck, Johannis DeiU, Jellis A. Fonda, Stephen Lush, Francis
Nicoll, John Ten Broeck, Cornelius A. Van Slyck.

171)4, Johannis Deitz, Jellis A. Fonda, Theodorus V. W. Graham, Jacob Hoch-
strasser, Thomas Hun, William North, Stephen Piatt.

17J5, Johannis Deitz, Leonard Ganesvoort, jr., Jacob Hochstrasser, Thomas Hun,
William North, Stephen Piatt, Andries Van Patten.

1796, Gerrit Abeel, Leonard Bronck, Johannis Deitz, Jacob Hochstrasser, Francis
Nicoll, William North, Dirck Ten Broeck.

171)0-97, James Bill, Philip Conine, jr., James C. Duane, Jacob Hochstrasser,
James Holcomb, Nathaniel Ogden, John Prince, Philip P. Schuyler, Dirck Ten
Broeck, John H. Wendell,

1798, Thomas E. Barker, Johan Jost Deitz, Andrew N. Heermance, Nathaniel
Ogden, John Prince, Philip P. Schuyler, Dirck Ten Broeck, Joel Thompson, John II.
Wendell, Peter West.

171J8-99, Thomas E. Barker, James Bill, Johan Jost Deitz, Prince holy, Andrew
N. Heermance, Jeremiah Lansingh, Philip P. Schuyler, Joseph Shurtleff, Dirck Ten
Broeck.

J^1800, James Bill, Philip Conine, jr., Julian Jost Deitz, Prince Doty, John V. Henry,
Francis Nicoll, Joseph Shurtleff, Dirck Ten Broeck, Jacob Winue.

L800-01, John Jost Deitz, Prince Doty, John V. Henry, Joseph Shurtleff, Dirck
Ten Broeck, Jacob Ten Eyck, Peter West, Jacob Winne.

1802, Johan Jost Deitz, Prince Doty. John V. Henry. Peter S. Schuyler, Ji
Shurleff, Dirck Ten Broeck, Jacob Ten Eyck, Peter West.

L808, Johan Jost Deitz, John Frisby, Stephen Lush, Maus Schermerhorn, Pi
Schuyler, Jacob Ten Eyck.

1804, John Beekman, jr., Johan Jost Deitz, James Emott, Maus Schermerhorn,
Peter S. Schuyler, Moses Smith.

[~|S(ir> 06, 1 'avid Burhans, Adam Deitz, jr., Stephen Lush. Nicholas V, Mynderse,
Joseph Shurtleff, Moses Smith.

! s '»0, David Burhans, Asa Colvard, Adam heit/.. jr., Stephen Lush, Joseph Shurt-
leff, Abraham Van Yechten.

128

1807, David Bogardus, Asa Colvard, Johan Jost Deitz, Daniel Hale, Joseph
Shurtleff, Jacob Veeder.

1808, John Brown, Johan Jost Deitz, Jonathan Jenkins, Stephen Van Rensselaer,
Abraham Van Vechten, Jacob Veeder.

1808-9, John Brown, John H. Burhans, Jonathan Jost Deitz, Jonathan Jenkins,
Stephen Van Rensselaer, Abraham Van Vechten.

1810, John Colvin, Abel French, Stephen Van Rensselaer, Abraham Van Vechten.

1811, Asa Colvard, David Delong, Jonathan Jost Deitz, Abraham Van Vechten.

1812, Asa Colvard, Jesse Tayler, Abraham Van Vechten, John G. Van Zandt.
1812-13, David Bogardus, John Gibbons, Elishama Janes, Abraham Van Vechten.
1814, Harmanus Bleecker, Johan Jost Deitz, Moses Smith, John L. Winne.
1814-15, H-armanus Bleecker, Sylvester Ford, Jesse Tyler, John D. Winne.

1816, Michael Freligh, John I. Ostrander, John Schoolcraft, Jesse Smith.
1816-17, John H. Burhans, John I. Ostrander, Gideon Tabor, Rufus Watson.

1818, William A. Duer, James Sackett, Gideon Tabor, Stephen Van Rensselaer.

1819, William A. Duer, William H. Houghtaling, Cornelius H. Waldron, John
Van Ness Yates.

1820, Asa Colvard, James McKewn, Peter S. Schuyler, Stephen Willes.
1820-21, Gernt Hogan, James McKown, Moses Smith, Stephen Willes.

1822, James McKown, William McKown, Volkert D. Oothoudt, John P. Shear.

1823, Abraham Brooks, Jesse Buel, Abraham Rosecrantz.

1824, Archibald Stephens, John Stillwell, Jesse Wood.

1825, George Batterman, Samuel S. Lush, Stephen Willes.

1826, Samuel S. Lush, Andrew Ten Eyck, Malachi Whipple.

1827, Isaac Hamilton, John Haswell, Henry Stone.

1838, Benjamin F. Butler, William N. Sill, David I. D. Verplank.

1829, James D. Gardner, Moses Stanton, Chandler Starr.

1830, Peter Gansevoort, Samuel S. Lush, Erastus Williams.

1831, Peter Gansevoort, Wheeler Watson, Peter W. Winne.

1832, Abijah C. Disbrow, Philip Lennebacker, William Seymour.

1833, Edward Livingston, Jacob Settle, Israel Shear.

1834, Aaron Livingston, Barent P. Staats, Prentice Williams, jr.

1835, Edward Livingston, Henry G. Wheaton, David G. Seger, Tobias T. E.
Waldron.

1836, Daniel Dorman, John C. Schuyler, William Seymour.

1837, Richard Kimmey, Edward Livingston, Abraham Verplanck.

1838, Daniel D. Barnard. Edmund Raynsford, Paul Settle.

1839, John Davis, James S. Lowe, Rufus Watson.

1840, Frederick Bassler, jr., Peter Flagler, Henry G. Wheaton.

1841, Aaron Hotaling, Francis Lansing, Henry G. Wheaton.

1842, John A. Dix, Cornelius G. Palmer, Jonas Shear.

1843, Willis Hall, Aaron Van Schaack, John I. Slingerland.

1844, Levi Shaw Samuel Stevens, Simon Veeder.

1845, Clarkson F. Crosby, Ira Harris, Leonard Litchfield.

1846, Ira Harris, Thomas L. Shafer, Robert D. Watson.

1847, John Fuller, John I. Gallup, Valentine Tredwell, Robert D. Watson.

1848, Edward S. Willett, Frederick Mathias, Robert H. Pruyn, Henry A. Brigham.

1849, Hiram Barber, David Van Auken, Robert H. Pruyn, Joel A. Wing.

1850, Cornelius Vanderzee, Joel B. Nott, Robert H. Pruyn, William S. Shepard.

1851, Robert Babcock, Adam I. Shultes, Hamilton Harris, Eh Perry.

1852, Hugh Swift, George M. Sayles, Teunis Van Vechten, jr., Robert Harper.

1853, William P. Malburn, John Reid, William W. Forsyth, Thomas Kearney.

1854, S. M. Hollenbeck, I. W. Chesebro. Robert H. Pruyn, Archibald A. Dunlop.

1855, Pryse Campbell, Martin J. Blessing, Alexander Davidson, J. B. Van Etten.

1856, Isaac Whitbeck, Jackson King, Henry Jenkins, James Brady.

1857, Richard Kimmey, Adam Van Allen, John Evers, Franklin Townsend.

1858, Dwight Batcheller, George Wolford, C. W. Armstrong, Charles H. Adams.

1859, Henry Creble, Morgan L. Filkins, William A. Young, Lorenzo D. Collins.

1860, John I. Slingerland, Stephen Merselis, jr., Samuel W. Gibbs, Lorenzo D.
Collins.

1861, Jay Gibbons, Lewis Benedict, jr., Henry Lansing, William J. Wheeler.

1862, John Vanderzee, Willet Searles, Almerin J. Cornell, A. Bleecker Banks,
William Doyle.

1863; William J. Snyder, John Cutler, Henry L. Wait, William L. Oswald.

1864, Harris Parr, Morgan L. Filkins, Thomas McCarty, William L. Oswald.

1865, Harmon H. Vanderzee, Oliver M. Hungerford, Alexander Robertson, Mi-
chael A. Nolan.

1866, William Aley, Lyman Tremain, Clark B. Cochrane, James F. Crawford.

1867, Hugh Conger, Henry Smith, Alexander Robertson, Oscar F. Potter.

1868, John C. Chism, Francis H. Woods, Jackson A, Sumner, Theodore Van Yalk-
enburgh.

1869, Hugh Conger, Adam W. Smith, John M. Kimball, John Tighe.

1870, William D. Murphy, Thomas J. Lanahan, Edward D. Ronan, John Tighe.'

1871, William D. Murphy, Robert C. Blackall, Edward Coyle, William D. Sun-
derlin.

1872, Stephen Springstead, Henry Smith, Daniel L. Babcock, George B. Mosher.

1873, Peter Schoonmaker, Henry R. Pierson, John W. Van Valkenburgh, Ceorge
B. Mosher.

1874, Fred Schifferdecker, Leopold C. <i. Kshinka, Terence J. Quinn, Waters W,
Braman.

1875, Peter Slingerland, Leopold C. G, Kshinka, Francis W. Vosburgh, Waters W.
Braman.

1876, Peter Slingerland, Thomas D. Coleman. William J. Maher, Alfred Le Roy.

1877, John Sager, Jonathan R. Herrick, William J, Maher, Edward Curran.

1878, Hiram Griggs, John X. Foster, James T. Story, Edward Curran.

1879, Hiram Griggs, Charles R. Knowles, Thomas II. Greer, W. W. Braman.

1880, William II. Slingerland, Hiram Griggs, Ignatius Wiley. Joseph Hynes,
Thomas Liddle.

1S81, Miner Gallup, Andrew S. Draper, Aaron B. Pratt, George Campbell.

1882, Michael J. Gorman, Aaron Fuller, Amasa J. Parker, jr.. John M< Dom

1883, Daniel P. Winne, Warren S. Kelley, Edward A. Maher, Joseph Delahanty.

1884, John Zimmerman, Hiram Becker, Edward A. Maher, James Forsyth, jr.

130

1885, Stephen H. Niles, Lansing Hotaling, Patrick Murray, Terence I. Hardin.

1886, John Bowe, Smith O'Brien, Norton Chase, Terence I. Hardin.

1887, Horace T. Devereux, Vreeland H. Youngman, William J. Hill, John T.
Gorman.

1888, Frederick W. Conger, Vreeland H. Youngman, William J. Hill, John T.
Gorman.

1889, Jervis L. Miller, Vreeland H. Youngman, Galen R. Hitt, William Burton
Le Roy.

1890, Galen R. Hitt, William B Le Roy, Michael J. Nolan, William B. Page.

1891, John T. Gorman, Galen R. Hitt, Michael J. Nolan, Walter E. Ward.

1892, John T. Gorman, Galen R. Hitt, Artcher La Grange, Walter E. Ward.

1893, Howard P. Foster, James Hilton, Myer Nussbaum, George S. Rivenburgh.

1894, James Brennan, Curtis N. Douglas, William Lasch, William A. Carroll.

1895, Amos J. Ablett, James Keenholts, Frank Bloomingdale, Jacob L. Ten Eyck.

1896, Amos J. Ablett, James Keenholts, George T. Kelly, Robert G. Sherer.

County Treasurers. — Previous to the adoption of the constitution of
1846, treasurers were appointed by the various Boards of Supervisors,
and the board is still authorized to fill vacancies in that office. Since and
including the year 1848, treasurers have been elected. In Albany
county they have been as follows: 1848, James Kidd; 1851, Cornelius
Ten Broeck; 1854, Richard J. Grant; 1857, Adam Van Allen; 1860,
Thomas Kearney; 1866, Steven V. Frederick; 1869, Alexander Ken-
edy; 1872, Nathan D. Wendell; 1878, Henry Kelly; 1881, Albert Gal-
lup; 1884, John Battersby, re-elected in 1887; 1890-97, John Bowe;
1897-1900, Edward Barkley. 1

CHAPTER XII.

JUDICIARY AND BAR OF ALBANY COUNTY.

In the earliest years of the Dutch and English settlements in Amer-
ica, the constituted authorities were invested with broad powers; but
these could be exercised only within the restrictions of the laws of the
mother country. By the terms of its charter the West India Company
was supreme, and all power was vested in the Director-General and
Council, who were to be governed by the Dutch (Roman) law, the im-
perial statutes of Charles V and the edicts, resolutions and customs of

1 For all Court officers see next chapter.

MATTHEW HALE.

131

the United Netherlands, in all cases not otherwise provided for. The
Dutch at home were governed by a league of commercial guilds, rep-
resented in the States-General, that the organized interests of each
class of people might be protected. The principle of conserving the
ancient and vested rights of all the people as against any portion
thereof, even a majority, and as against a government itself, was the
foundation principle of the Dutch provincial authority on this side of
the water, as well as in the mother country, and distinguished it from
any of the English colonies.

It was not until 1624, a year before the accession of Charles I and
the beginning of the second period of the Thirty Years War, that gov-
ernment was actually established in New Netherland. In L629 the
manorial system was introduced, as we have fully described it. While
the Patroons were invested with the powers and privileges of feudal
barons, no political or judicial change could be introduced without con-
sent of the home government. In Massachusetts the Puritans were
then just beginning to organize a government having in view as a
principal object "the propagation of the gospel." That was the
parent colony of New England. The colonists on the Connecticut
River were first governed by commissioners appointed by the General
Court of Massachusetts. In 1637 delegates from the three towns of
Hartford, Windsor, and Wethersfield were associated with the commis-
sioners and in 1639 a written constitution was adopted under which all
freemen of the three towns were made equal before the law. In June,
1639, the government of the colony of New Haven was organized, the
Bible was declared to be the constitution and none but church mem-
bers were admitted to citizenship, the government being vested in
seven men called Pillars.

In 1638 and 1640 the privileges of the Patroons were considerably
abridged, while those of free settlers were correspondingly extended.
Wherever the people settled in sufficient numbers the West India Com-
pany was bound to give them a local government, the officers to be
appointed by the Director-General and Council, as in the Netherlands.

Upon the breaking out of the Indian war in Kill, Director Kieft was
seriously alarmed and invited all masters and heads of families resid-
ing in New Amsterdam and its vicinity to assemble in the fort on
August 28. That was the first official recognition of the existence of
"the people" in New Netherland. The freemen assembled and ob-
tained something of the rights enjoyed by other colonists around them.

132

They expressed themselves on the questions submitted to them and
then appointed Twelve Men to represent them. These were as fol-
lows:

David Pietersen de Vries, president; Jacques Bentyn, Jan Jansen Dam, Hendriek
Jansen, Maryn Adriaensen, Abram Pietersen (the miller), Frederick Lubbertsen,
Jochim Pietersen Kuyter, Gerrit Dircksen, George Rapalje, Abram Planck, Jacob
Stoffelsen, Jan Evertsen Bout, Jacob Walingen.

They complained to Kieft of the arbitrary constitution of the gov-
ernment and asked that such reforms be introduced as should prevent
taxation of the country in absence of the Twelve; also, that four men
be chosen from the Twelve each year who should have access to the
Council. Thus they sought representation by the people. Kieft prom-
ised these reforms, and then reminded them that they were called to-
gether simply to consider how to escape the vengeance of the Indians.

The issue thus raised was a natural one. These men were asking
only for the Dutch system, which had been perfectly satisfactory to
them at home. When, in 1643, the Indian troubles and complications
with the English had reached ominous proportions, Kieft again called
the freemen together and requested them " to elect five or six persons
from among themselves " to consider propositions to be made by the
Director and Council, a representative body for the enactment of laws
was instituted. The people preferred to leave the selection of the
representatives to the director, asking only the right to reject an un-
desirable nomination. The Eight Men were then elected. The cer-
tificate of the election is on record signed by twenty- eight freemen.
The Eight Men were as follows:

Cornelis Melyn, president, Jochim Pietersen Kuyter, Jan Jansen Dam, 1 Barent
Dircksen, Abram Pietersen, the miller, Isaac Allerton, Thomas Hall, Gerrit Wolph-
ertsen (van Couwenhoven), Jan Evertsen Bout, 8 Jacob Stoffelsen, John Underhill,
Francis Douty, George Baxter, Richard Smith, Gysbert Opdyck, Jan Evertsen Bout,
Oloff Stevensen van Cortlandt.

This body of men assembled September 15 and passed upon impor-
tant questions of war and performed other legislative acts.

Complaints from the colonists continued and were finally referred to
the home Chamber of Accounts, which reported in March, 1645, sus-
taining the complainants, and approving the organization of villages
after the manner of the English.

The Patroon's charter of 1629, extended in 1640, authorized the

1 Expelled September 15. 2 ln place of Dam, expelled.

133

colony to appoint Duputies to inform the Director and Council of their
condition when necessary. It was now suggested that these deputies
should, at the summons of the Director-General, hold an assembly
every six months for the general welfare and to deliberate on impor-
tant affairs. Kieft was recalled in December, 1 044. The Commission-
ers of the Assembly of the XIX of the General Privileged West India
Company acted on the report alluded to in their instructions to the
Director and Counsel of July 7, 1045. The Council was to consist of
"the Director as president, his vice-president and the Fiscal." In
cases in which the Advocate- fiscal appeared as Attorney-General, civil
or criminal, the military commandant was to sit in his stead. If the
charge was criminal, three persons were to be associated from the
commonalty of the district where the crime was committed. The Su-
preme Council was the sole body " by whom all occurring affairs re-
lating to police, justice, militia, the dignity and just rights of the Com-
pany " were to be decided; it was an executive, administrative, and
also a judicial body.

When Petrus Stuyvesant arrived (May 27, 1047,) he set about re-
storing the disordered government with vigor. Besides inaugurating
new and stringent regulations in man}' directions, he ordered an elec-
tion of eighteen men, from whom he selected Nine as " Interlocutors
and Trustees of the Commonalty, " or "Tribunes " of the people. These
Nine Men were to hold Courts of Arbitration weekly and to give ad-
vice to the Director and Council. They were appointed September 25,
1047, and were as follows:

1647, Augustine Heerman, Arnoldus van Hardenburgh, Govert Loockermans,
merchants; Jan Jansen Dam, Hendrick Hendricksen Kip, Jacob Wolphertsen van
Couwenhoven, burghers; Michael Jansen, Jan Evertseu Bout, Thomas Hall, farmers.

1649, Adriaen van der Donck, president; Augustine Heerman, Arnoldus van
Hardenburgh, Govert Loockermans, Oloff Stevensen van Cortland, Hendrick Hen-
dricksen Kip, Michael Jansen, Elbert Elbertsen (Stoothof), Jacob Wolphertsen van
Couwenhoven.

1(550, Oloff Stevensen van Cortland, president; Augustine Heerman, Jacob van
Couwenhoven, Elbert Elbertsen, Hendrick Hendricksen Kip, Michael Jansen,
Thomas Hall, Govert Loockermans, J. Evertsen Bout.

1652, David Provost, William Beeckman, Jacobus van Curler, Allard Anthony,
Isaac de Forest, Arent van Hattem, Jochim Pietersen Kuyter, Paulus Leendertsen
van der Grist, Peter Cornelissen, miller.

Three of the Nine in each year were taken from the merchants, three
from the burghers, and three from the fanners, thus continuing the
old Netherland system.

134

The colony now became the scene of a prolonged contest and numer-
ous lengthy petitions went from the colonists to the States-General for
a burgher government and other changes. The burgher government
was finally granted in 1653. Burgomasters had been in power in Hol-
land since the fourteenth century, and it was contemplated by the
States-General that they should be elected by the burghers in New
Amsterdam. But the Director and Council assumed the right to ap-
point them and exercised it until 1658, when a double number were
nominated, from whom the Director and Council selected the members
for the ensuing year. These Burgomasters were ex-officio rulers of the
city and continued until 1674.

Local officers, or inferior courts, with limited jurisdiction were au-
thorized in various villages from time to time. As far as related to the
Van Rensselaer Manor, the patroon was invested with power to ad-
minister civil and criminal justice in person or by deputy; to appoint
local officers and magistrates: to erect courts and take cognizance of all
crimes committed within his domain; to keep a gallows,! if required,
for the execution of criminals. One of the lesser degrees of punish-
ment was "banishment from the colonie;" another was corporal pun-
ishment. In civil cases of all kinds between the Patroon and his
tenants, these courts had jurisdiction, and from their judgments in
matters affecting life and limb and in suits where more than $'20 was
involved, appeal could be taken to the Director-General and Council.

The government itself was vested in a General Court which exer-
cised executive, legislative, or municipal and judicial functions, and
which was composed of two Commissaries and two Councilors, who
correspond to modern justices of the peace. Adjoined to this court
were a Colonial Secretary, a Sheriff (or Schout- Fiscal) and a Court
Messenger or Constable. Each of these received a small salary. The
magistrates of the "colonie" held office one year, the court appoint-
ing their successors or continuing those already in office.

The most important of these officials was the Schout-Fiscal, who was
bound by instructions received from the Patroon. No man in the
"colonie" was subject to loss of life or property unless under sen-
tence of a court composed of five persons, and all persons accused were
entitled to a speedy trial. The public prosecutor was especially warned

1 There was a curious restriction connected with the gallows, to the effect that if it fell pending
an execution, a new one could not be built, except for hanging another criminal.

135

not to receive presents or bribes, nor to be interested in trade or com-
merce, directly or indirectly. He was paid a fixed salary, with a
dwelling free, and given all fines amounting to ten guilders or under,
and a third of all forfeitures over that sum.

Jacob Albertsen Planck was the first sheriff of Rensselaerwyck.
Arendt Van Curler, who came over as assistant commissary, was soon
afterward appointed commissary-general, or superintendent of the
"colonic" Brant Peelen, Gerrit de Reus, Cornelis Teunissen van
Brceckelen, Pieter Cornelissen van Munickendam, and Dirck Jansen
were, if not the first, at least among the earliest magistrates of the
settlement at Fort Orange.

Governor Dongan's report to the Committee of Trade, dated Febru-
ary 22, 1687, has the following information that is pertinent here:

There is likewise in New York and Albany a Court of Mayor and Aldermen held
once in every fortnight, from whence their can be noe appeal unless the cause of
action bee above the value of Twenty Pounds, who have likewise priviledges to
make bylaws for ye regulation of their own affairs as they think fitt, soe as the same
be approved of by ye Gov'r and Council.

Their Mayor, Recorders, town- clerks and Sheriffs are appointed by the Governor.

The mayor, recorder and aldermen of the city of Albany, or any
three of them, were, in 1086, ex officio members of the old Court of
Common Pleas, acting when there was no judge present. On May M'; .
1691, Peter Schuyler was appointed presiding judge of that court; on
May 27, 1702, he was succeeded by John Abeel, who served only until
October, when Mr. Schuyler was reappointed and served for fifteen
years. He was succeeded December 23, 1717, by Kilian Van Rensse-
laer, who presided until 1 726, when Rutger Bleecker succeeded to the
office. In 1733 Ryer Gerritsen was appointed, and served to Novem-
ber 28, 174!», when he was succeeded by Robert Sanders. This court
convened on the 5th day of April, 1750. Present —

Robert Sanders, Sybr't G. Van Schaick esqr's, judges; John Beekman, Leonard
A. Gansevoort, Robert Roseboom, assistants.

At the Court of Common Pleas held at the City Hall in Albany. ( Oc-
tober 3, 1750, Yolkert P. Dotiw was one of the judges; this is the
first time his name appears in the records as an occupant of the bench.
He presided until January, lill, and was succeeded by Rensselaer
Nicolls. The colonial Court of Common Pleas held regular terms
until 1776, when it was dissolved under the influence of the animating
spirit of independence. Its last presiding judge was Henry Bleecker,

136

and its last term began January 19, 1776. Judge Volkert P. Douw
was commissioned first judge of the Albany County Court of Common
Pleas January G, 1778. The later list under the heading of County
Court shows the other incumbents of the office.

Among the prominent lawyers of the colonial time were Richard
Gansvoort, A. Sylvester, Robert Yates, Peter W. Yates, and a Mr.
Corry, of whom the Yates brothers had a large amount of practice for
tnose days.

On the 1st of January, 1785, the terms of the Supreme Court were
directed to be held at Albany on the last Tuesday of July and the
third Tuesday in October. Therefore, the first term, of that court
ever held in Albany convened on the last Tuesday of July, of that
year, with Hon. Richard Morris, who had been appointed chief justice
in place of John Jay, presiding.

With the accession of the English a new order of judicial administra-
tion came into existence. There was the Court of Assizes, which was
established under the Duke's Laws at Hempstead in 1665. This court
was composed of the governor, members of the council, high sheriff,
and such justices of the peace as might attend. It sat in New York
and only once a year, but special terms could be called. Its jurisdic-
tion extended over all criminal matters, and in civil cases where the
value of ^20 or more was involved. This court was abolished in 1683.

In 1683 an act was passed " to settle Courts of Justice," which ordered
the holding of a Court of Oyer and Terminer in the respective counties
of the province, composed of one judge, assisted by four justices of the
peace in each count)*. In New York city and the city of Albany, the
mayor, recorder, and four aldermen were associated with the judge.
This court had jurisdiction over all capital criminal causes, and appel-
late jurisdiction where £5 or more was involved. The authority for
holding the court was derived from the governor; the court was abol-
ished in 1691. Courts of Sessions and Justices' Courts were also con-
tinued and a Court of Chancery established. The Court of Sessions
was ordered to be held in New York four times, in Albany three times,
and in the other ten counties twice in each year. In New York the
court was composed of the mayor and four aldermen; in Albany of the
mayor and the justices of the peace. All cases civil and criminal were
determined by it, with a jury; but actions involving ^5 or more could,
upon application, be removed to the Court of Oyer and Terminer.

In 1686, when Albany city was incorporated, a Mayor's Court was

137

established, which was composed of the mayor, recorder and four alder-
men, associated with the judge in holding the Court of Oyer and Term-
iner. It is believed that this court possessed the functions of a Court
of Sessions.

The Court of Chancery was founded, with the governor or his ap-
pointee as chancellor, assisted by the council. This court expired by
limitation in 1698, but was revived by ordinance August 28, 1701; it
was suspended June 13, 1703, and finally re-established November 7,

1704. It ceased its existence in July, 1847, under the new constitu-
tion. It was an equity court and by the second constitution equity
powers were vested in the circuit judge, subject to the appellate juris-
diction of the chancellor.

Albany county men who held the office of master of the Colonial
Court of Chancery were John Abeel and Evert P. Banker, October 13,

1705, and P. P. Schuyler, 1768.

Chancellors of the State Court of Chancery who resided in Albany
were John Lansing, jr., October 21, 1801; James Kent, October 25,
1814; Reuben H. Walworth, April 22, 1828.

The third judicial system was organized in 1691 and continued
through the colonial period. In that year the Court for the Correction
of Errors and Appeals was founded, consisting of the Governor and
Council. Appeals lay to this court from any judgment exceeding in
value ,£100, which amount was increased in 1753 to ^300.

By the 32d article of the constitution of 1777 a Court for the Trial of
Impeachments and Correction of Errors was provided for, to consist of
the president of the Senate for the time being, the senators, chancellor
and judges of the Supreme Court, or a majority of them. .The im-
peachment functions of this court were directed against corrupt con-
duct by State officials. In the correction of errors, appeals were al-
lowed to it from the Court of Chancery, Supreme Court, and Court of
Probate. This court was continued under the constitution of 1821,
with slight change, but was abolished by the constitution of 1846. Its
powers and duties were then conferred upon a new court, the Court
for the Trial of Impeachments, as far as that feature of the former
court was concerned. The new court was composed of the president
of the Senate, the senators, or a majority of them, and the judges of
the Court of Appeals, or a majority of them. When summoned this
court is held in Albany. The Court for the Trial of Impeachments
and Correction of Errors, as far as the correction of errors is concerned,

138

was succeeded by our Court of Appeals, which was organized under
the constitution of 1846. As first formed it consisted of eight judges,
four of whom were chosen by the electors for a term of eight years,
and four were selected from the class of the Supreme Court justices
having the shortest term to serve. The judge elected who had the
shortest term to serve, acted as chief judge. This court was reorgan-
ized by the convention of 1867-8, the article relating to the judiciary
being ratified by the people in 1869. By that article this court con-
sisted of a chief judge and six associate judges, who hold office for
terms of fourteen years. The new article also provided for a Commis-
sion of Appeals, composed of four judges of this court in office when
the article went into effect, and a fifth commissioner. Their term was
three years and they selected their chief. This commission served un-
til 1875, for the relief of its sister court.

In 1888, the Legislature passed a concurrent resolution that section
6 of article 6 of the constitution be amended so that upon the certifi-
cate of the Court of Appeals to the governor of such an accumulation
of causes on the calendar of the Court of Appeals, that the public in-
terests required a more speedy disposition thereof, the governor may
designate seven justices of the Supreme Court to act as associate judg-
es for the time being, of the Court of Appeals, and to form a second
division of that court, and to be dissolved by the governor when the
said causes are substantially disposed of. This amendment was sub-
mitted to the people of the State at the general election of that year
and was ratified, and in accordance therewith the governor selected
seven Supreme Court justices, who were constituted the Second Division
of the Court of Appeals.

Under the system of 1691 were established also the Court of Common
Pleas and the Supreme Court. The criminal side of the latter was
what constituted the Court of Oyer and Terminer. The Supreme
Court expired by limitation in 1698, was continued by proclamation
January 19, 1699, and finally by ordinance May 15, 1699. Its powers
and, jurisdiction were broad, but it was without equity jurisdiction.
Any case involving £20 or more could be commenced in, or returned
to, it and it could correct errors and revise the judgments of the lower
courts. Appeals lay from it to the Governor and Council in cases in-
volving ^"100 or more, which amount was, as before stated, increased
to £300 in 1753. The court held four terms annually, sitting in New
York only. It consisted of five judges, two of whom with the chief

139

judge, could act. In November, 1758, a fourth judge was added to
constitute the acting bench. Persons who had served seven years un-
der an attorney or had taken a collegiate course and served three years
apprenticeship, were granted license to practice in this court by the
governor. The first constitution recognized the Supreme Court as it
then existed. It was reorganized May 3, 1777, but with only slight
changes. In 1785 two terms were directed to be held in Albany and
two in New York each year, and the clerk's office was directed to be
kept in New York and that of his deputy in Albany. By an act passed
April 19, 178G, one or more of the justices of the Supreme Court were
required to hold during the vacations, and oftener if necessary, Circuit
Courts in each of the counties of the State, for the trial of all issues
triable in the respective counties. The proceedings were to be returned
to the Supreme Court, where they were to be recorded and judgment
given according to law. On March 10, 1797, the judges were author-
ized to appoint an additional clerk, with an office in Albany. In L807
another clerk's office was established in Utica. The first rules of the
court were adopted at the April term in 1796. In the same year a law
was passed directing this court to designate at its April term one of
their number to hold a Circuit Court in the western, one in the middle,
and one in the southern district. An act of February, 1788, provided
for holding a Court of Oyer and Terminer by the justices at the same
time with the Circuit. Two or more of the judges and assistant judges
of the Court of Common Pleas were to sit in the Oyer and Terminer
with the justices. In the city of Albany the mayor, recorder and al-
dermen were associated with them.

The constitution of 1821 made several important changes in this
court. For example, it was to sit four times a year in review of its own
decisions and to determine questions of law; each justice, however,
could hold circuit courts, as well as the circuit court judges, and any
justice of the Supreme Court could preside at the Oyer and Terminer.
The court had power to amend its practice in cases not covered by
statute and was directed to revise its rules every seven years, to sim-
plify proceedings, expedite decisions, diminish costs and remedy
abuses. The judges were appointed by the governer with consent of
the Senate and held office during good behavior or until sixty years of
age. Their number was reduced to three and from 182:'> they were
allowed $2,000 each annually; this sum was increased to$2,500in 1835
and in 1839 to $3,000. Two of the terms were held at the Capitol in

140

Albany. The act of 1691 gave this court cognizance of matters of ex-
chequer, thus removing the necessity for the Court of Exchequer which
was established by Governor Dongan in 1685.

The constitution of 1821 also created a Circuit Court, which was the
nisi pruts or trial court of the Supreme Court. At least two Circuit
Courts and Courts of Oyer and Terminer were required to be held in
each county annually, the circuit judge presiding.

The following persons have held the office of circuit judge from Al-
bany county: William A. Duer, April 21, 1823; James Vanderpoel,
January 12, 1830; Amasa J. Parker, March 6, 1844.

The constitution of 1846 abolished the Supreme Court as it then ex-
isted and established a new one with general jurisdiction in law and
equity. The State was divided into eight judicial districts, in each of
which four justices were elected, except in the first (New York city)
where five were elected. Albany county was placed in the third dis-
trict. The term of office was made eight years, but the amended judi-
ciary article made the term as at present, fourteen years. This court
possesses the powers and exercises the jurisdiction of the preceding
Supreme Court, the Court of Chancery, and the Circuit Court under
the constitution of 1846 and the judiciary act of May 12, 1847. On
April 27, 1870, the Legislature abolished the General Terms as then
existing and divided the State into four departments, providing for
General Terms to be held in each. The governor designates a presid-
ing justice and two associate justices for each department to compose
the General Term. At least two terms of Circuit Court and Court of
Oyer and Terminer were held annually in each county and as many
Special Terms as the justices in each department deemed necessary.
Following are the names of those who have held the office of Supreme
Court justice and judge of the Circuit Court from Albany:

Chief Justices from Albany County of the Supreme Court from iyyj to 1847. —
Robert Yates, September 28, 1790; John Lansing, jr., February 15, 1798; James
Kent, July 2, 1804; Smith Thompson, Februarys, 1814; Ambrose Spencer, February
9, 1819; Greene C. Bronson, March 5, 1845.

Puisne Justices of the Supreme Court. -^Kohext Yates, May 8, 1777; John Lan-
sing, jr., September 28, 1790; Ambrose Spencer, February 3, 1804; Greene C. Bron-
son, January 6, 1836.

Judges of the Supreme Court under the Constitution of 1846. — Ira Harris, June
7, 1847; Elisha P. Hurlbut, June 7. 1847; Malbone Watson, June 7, 1847, and No-
vember 8, 1853; Amasa J. Parker, June 7, 1847; Ira Harris, November 4, 1851 ; Deo-
datus Wright, April 20, 1857: Rufus W. Peckham, November 8, 1861 ; William L.

141

Learned, June 21, 1869; Rufus W. Peckham, jr., November 6. 1883; William L.
Learned, November, 1884; D. Cady Herrick, 1892.

Judges of the Supreme Court under the Constitution of iSqj. — Appellate- Divi-
sion, D. Cady Herrick, 1896; Trial Term, Alden Chester, 1896.

Surrogates. — Courts for the care and administration of estates have
come down from the first Orphan's Court. Originally the Director-
General and Council of New Netherland were guardians of widows and
orphans. It was the duty of church deacons to attend personally to
these interests and to notify the director of the death of parents. In
New Amsterdam the burgomasters became ex-officio Orphan Masters
in 1853, but at their own request they were soon relieved of the duty
and two special Orphan Masters were appointed. At Fort Orange in
1652 the Vice-Director was appointed, and in 1057 Jan Verbeck and
Evert Wendel.

By the Duke's Laws authority to grant probate of wills was vested in
the Court of Assizes and Court of Sessions. This duty being a part of
the royal prerogative, was subsequently reserved to the governor, and
the Legislature accordingly, on November 11, 1092, passed a law-
directing that all probates and letters of administration be thereafter
granted by the governor or his delegate, and that two freeholders be
appointed in each town to have charge of the estates of intestates.
This method constituted the Prerogative Court.

In 1778 the Legislature passed a law taking from the governor the
powers described above and transferring them to the judge of the
Court of Probates, except in the appointment of surrogates. In 1787
the appointment of a surrogate in each county was authorized, while
the judge of the Court of Probates continued to hold jurisdiction in
cases out the State and of non-residents within the State. An act of
March 10, 1797, provided for holding the Court of Probates in Albany
and that the judge and clerk should remove the documents here and
reside here. The court held appellate jurisdiction over the Surrogate's
Court. It was abolished March 21, 1823. The Albany citizens who
held the office of judge in this court were as follows: Leonard Ganse-
voort, April 5, 1799; T. Van Wyck Graham, March L6, 1813; Gerrit V.
Lansing, July 8, 1810.

Under the first constitution surrogates were appointed for an un-
limited period by the Council of Appointment. Under the second
constitution they were appointed by the governor and Senate for four

142

years, and appeals went up to the chancellor. The constitution of
1846 abolished the office except in counties having 40,000 population
or more and transferred its duties to the county judge. In counties
with more than 40,000, surrogates are elected for six years. The sur-
rogates of Albany county have been as follows:

John De Peyster, April 3, 1756: William Hannah, November 18, 1766; Peter
Lansingh, December 3, 1766; Stephen De Lancey, September 19, 1769; John De
Peyster, March 23, 1778 ; Henry Oothoudt, April 4, 1782 ; John De P. Domv, April
4, 1782; Abraham G. Lansing, March 13, 1787; Elisha Dorr, April 12, 1808; John H.
Wendell, March 5, 1810; Richard Lush, June 11, 1811; John H. Wendell, March 3,
1813; George Merchant, March 17, 1815; Christopher C. Yates, April 19, 1815;
Ebenezer Baldwin, July 7, 1819; Abraham Ten Eyck, jr., February 19, 1821;
Thomas A. Brigden, April 11, 1822; Anthony Blanchard, April 9, 1831; Moses
Patten, February 28, 1840; Anthony Blanchard, February 28, 1844; Lewis Benedict,
jr., June, 1847; Orville H. Chittenden, November, 1851; James A. McKown, No-
vember, 1855; Justus Haswell, November, 1859; Israel Lawton, November, 1863;
Peter A. Rogers, November, 1871; Francis H. Woods, November, 1883; Martin D.
Conway, 1889; George H. Fitts, 1895.

County Court. — The act of 1683 directed that a Court of Sessions be
held by three justices of the peace in each of the twelve counties of
the province, four times annually in New York, three times in Albany,
and twice in each of the other counties. By the act of 1691 and
ordinances of 1699, the functions of this court were confined to crim-
inal matters, while civil cases were transferred to the Court of Com-
mon Pleas. The latter court was established in New York and Albany
by the charters of 1686 and a Court of Common Pleas was erected for
each county by the act of 1691. Composed at first of one judge and
three justices, it was ordered in 1702 that the judge be assisted by two
or more justices, all to be appointed by the governor. Its jurisdiction
embraced all actions, real, personal and mixed, where more than
jQ5 are involved. It was based upon the practice of the King's
Bench and Common Pleas at Westminster, England. Appeals were
allowed to the Supreme Court where the amount involved exceeded
^20. This court continued through the colonial period. Under the
first constitution the number of judges and assistant justices varied
greatly in the different counties, reaching in some counties as many as
twelve. On March 27, 1718, the office of assistant justice was abol-
ished and the number of judges limited to five, inclusive of the first
judge. The constitution of 1821 continued this court with little change.
The criminal side of the court was the Court of Sessions, which was
the name of the criminal side of our County Court up to the adoption

A^&^fr

143

of the present Constitution. The judges were appointed by the Gov-
ernor and the Council of Appointment down to 1821, after which they
were appointed by the Governor and Senate down to 1846, when the
office was made elective.

The constitution of 1846 abolished the Court of Common Pleas and
created the County Court, providing for the election in each county,
except in the city of New York, of one county judge who should hold
a court and have jurisdiction in cases arising in Justices' Court and in
such special cases as the Legislature might order. Upon this court
the Legislature has conferred jurisdiction in actions for debt in sums
not exceeding $2,000; in replevin suits for $1,000; in cases of trespass
and personal injury not exceeding $50<>; also equity jurisdiction for
mortgage foreclosures, sale of infants' real estate, partition of lands,
admeasurement of dower, satisfaction of certain judgments, etc. The
tenure of office of county judge was extended from four to six years.
Associated with the county judge were two justices of the peace to be
designated by law to hold Courts of Sessions, with such criminal juris-
diction as the Legislature might prescribe. The Constitution of 1894
changed somewhat the powers and forms of the court, the principal
changes being in the criminal side of the court. Following are the
names of the first judges of the Court of Common Pleas and of the County
Court after its erection :

Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen of Albany, or any three of them, from 1686.
Peter Schuyler, May 27, 1691; John Abeel, May 27, 1702; Peter Schuyler, October
14, 1702; Kilhaen Van Rensselaer, December 28, 1717; Rutger Bleecker, December
28, 1726; Ryer Gerritse, December 23, 1738; Robert Sanders, November 28, 1 74«> ;
Sybrant Goose Van Schaick, January 5, 1758; Rensselaer Nicoll, May 14. 1762;
Abraham Ten Broeck, March 4, 1773; Walter Livingston, March 22, 1774; John II.
Ten Eyck, March 21, 1775; Volkert P. Douw, January 6, 1778; Abram Ten Broeck.
March 26, 1781; Leonard Gansevoort, March 19, 1794; John Tayler. February 7,
1797; Nicholas N. yuackenbush, January 13, 1803; David McCarty, March 13, 1804;
CharlesD. Cooper, March 29, 1806; Jacob Ten Eyck, June 8, 1807: Apollos Moore,
June 6, 1812; James L'Amoreaux, March 15, 1828; Samuel Cheever, March 12, 1888
John Lansing. May 17, 1838; Peter Gansevoort, April 17, 1848; William Parmelee,
June, 1847; Albert D. Robinson, November, 1851 ; George Wolford. November, l s ">'-'
Jacob H. Clute, November, 1868; Thomas J. Van Alstync, November, 1871 , John C.
Nott, November, 1883; Jacob H. Clute, 1889; Clifford D. Gregory, 1895.

District Attorneys. — Under the act of February 12, 1796, this State-
was divided into seven districts, over which an assistant attorney-gen-
eral was appointed by the Governor and Council, to serve during their
pleasure. The office of district attorney was created April 1. I v "i.

144

the State being divided into seven districts, as before, but subsequently
several new ones were formed. By a law passed April, 1818, each
county was constituted a separate district for the purposes of this office.
During the life of the second constitution, district attorneys were ap-
pointed by the Court of General Sessions in each county. The follow-
ing persons have held this office in Albany county:

Abraham Van Vechten, February 16, 1796; Samuel S. Lush, April 6, 1813; David
L. Van Antwerp, June 21, 1818; Samuel A. Foote, July 3, 1819; Benjamin F. Butler,
February 19, 1821 ; Edward Livingston, June 14, 1825 ; Rufus W. Peckham, March
27, 1838; Henry G. Wheaton, March 30, 1841; Edwin Litchfield, March 30, 1844;
Andrew J. Colvin, March 21, 1846; Samuel H. Hammond, June, 1847; Andrew J.
Colvin, November, 1850; Hamilton Harris, November, 1853; Samuel G. Courtney,
November, 1856; Ira Shafer, November, 1859; Solomon F. Higgins, November,
1862; Henry Smith, November, 1865; Rufus W. Peckham, jr., November, 1868; Na-
thaniel C. Moak, November, 1871; John M. Bailey, November, 1874; Lansing Hotal-
ing, November, 1877; D. Cady Herrick, November, 1880; Hugh Reilly, appointed
vice Herrick resigned June, 1886, and elected 1889; James W. Eaton, 1891; Eugene
Burlingame, 1894.

County Clerks. — During the colonial period the county clerk was
clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, clerk of the Peace, and clerk of
the Sessions of Peace, in his own county. Under the first constitution
it was his duty to keep the county records and act as clerk of the In-
ferior Court of Common Pleas and clerk of the Oyer and Terminer.
These last named duties were conferred by the act of Febauary 12,
1796. The seals of the county clerks were the seals of the Court of
Common Pleas in their respective counties. County clerks are now
clerks of the Supreme Court, Court of Oyer and Terminer, County
Court and Court of Sessions. Since the adoption of the constitution of
1821 the term of office has been three years. Following are the names
of those who have held this office in Albany county :

Ludovicus Cobes, 1669; Robert Livingston. 1675; Johannes Cuyler, March 2, 1690;
Robert Livingston, 1691; William Shaw, 1696; Robert Livingston, 1705; Philip Liv-
ingston. 1721; John Colden, February 23, 1749; Harme Gansevort, September 25,
1750; Witham Marsh, 1760; Stephen De Lancy, January 25, 1765; Leonard Ganse-
voort, May 8, 1777; Matthew Vischer, 1778; Richard Lush, September 29, 1790;
Charles D. Cooper, March 3, 1808; William P. Beers, February 28, 1810; Charles D.
Cooper, February 5, 1811; John Lovett, March 3, 1813; George Merchant, March 31,
1815; Henry Truax, June 6, 1820; George Merchant, February 19, 1821; L. L. Van
Kleeck, November, 1822; Conrad A. Ten Eyck, November, 1828; Henry B. Haswell,
November, 1837; William Mix, November, 1843; Lawrence Van Dusen, November,
1846; Robert S. Lay, November, 1849; Robert Harper, November, 1852; Robert Bab-
cock, November, 1855; Smith A. Waterman, November, 1861; Giles K. Winne, Feb-

EUGbNH BURLINGAME.

145

ruary 9, 1865; Isaac N. Keeler, June 20, 1868; John McEwen, November, 1868;
Albert C. Judson, November, 1871; William E. Haswell, November, 1874; John
Larkin, November, 1877; William D. Strevell, November, 1883; Robert H. Moore,
November, 1886; Ansel C. Requa, 1889; James U. Walslf? 1892; James M. Borst-
wick, 1895. '

Sheriffs. — During the colonial period sheriffs were appointed annually
in the month of October, unless otherwise noticed. Under the first
constitution they were appointed annually by the Council of Appoint-
ment, and no person could hold the office more than four successive
years. Neither could a sheriff hold any other office, and must be a
freeholder in the county where appointed. Since the adoption of the
constitution of 1821, sheriffs have been elected for a term of three
years, and are ineligible to election for the next succeeding term. The
following persons have held this office in Albany county.

John Manning, April 6, 1665; Gerrit Swart, August 17 1668; Andrew Draeyer,
October, 1673; Michael Siston, November 4, 1674; Johannes Provoost, October,
1677; Richard Pretty, October, 1678; Lodovicus Cobes, October, 1679; Richard
Pretty, October, 1680; Gaspar Teller, March 1, 1691; John Apple, December 1, 1692
Simon Young, June 19, 1696; Johannes Groenendyke, October, 1698: John Williams
October, 1699; Jonathan Broadhurst, October, 1700; Jacobus Turk, October, 1702
David Schuyler, October, 1705; Henry Holland, October, 1706; Thomas Williams
October, 1712; Samuel Babington, October, 1716; Gerrit Van Shaick, October, 1719
Henry Holland, October, 1720; Philip Verplanck, October, 1722; Thomas Williams
October, 1723; Goose Van Schaick, October, 1728; James Stephenson, October, 1731
James Lindsay, October, 1732; Henry Holland, October, 1739; John Rutger Bleecker
October, 1746; Jacob Ten Eyck, October, 1747; Thomas Williams, October, 1748
Richard Miller, October, 1749; Abraham Yates, October, 1754; Abraham Yates, jr.
October, 1755; Jacob Van Schaick, October, 1759; Hermanus Schuyler, June 18, 1761
Henry Ten Eyck, October, 1770; Hendrick J. Wendell, September 27, 1777; John
Ten Broeck, March 22, 1781 ; Hendrick J. Wendell, November 29, 1782 ; John Ten
Broeck, September 29, 1786; Peter Gansevoort, jr.. September 29, 1790; John
Ostrander, jr., September, 29, 1792; John Given, September 29, 1796; Hermanns P.
Schuyler, February 25, 1800; John J. Cuyler, January 28, 1801; Hermanus H. Wen-
dell, January 12, 1803; Lawrence L. Van Kleeck, February 28, 1807; Solomon Smith -
wick, February 10,1808; Jacob Mancius, February 13, 1810; Peter P. Don, February
12. 1811; Jacob Mancius, February 23, 1813; Isaac Hempstead, March 17, 1815;
Leonard H. Gansevoort, March 6, 1819; Cornelius Van Antwerp, February 12, 1821 ;
Cornelius Van Antwerp, November, 1822; C. H. Ten Eyck, November, 1827; John
Beckey (removed October 5, 1829), 1828; Asa Colvard, November. L829; Albert Gal-
lup, November, 1831; Angus McDuffie, November, 1834; Michael Axtcher, Novem-
ber, 1837; Amos Adams, November, 1840; Christopher Batterman, November, 1848;
Oscar Tyler, November, 1846; William Beardsley, November, 1849; John McEwen,
November, 1852; William P. Brayton, November, 1855; Thomas W. Van Alstyne,
November, 1858; Henry Crandall, November. 1861; Henry Fitch, November. 1864;
19

L46

Harris Parr, November, 1867; George A. Birch, November, 1870; Albert Gallup,
November, 1873; John Wemple, November 6, 1876; James A. Houck, November,
1879; William H. Keeler, November, 1882; John W. Hart, 1885; James Rooney,
1888 ; Isaac B. Cross, 1891 ; Lewis V. Thayer, 1894.

No county in this State has had a more distinguighed bar than Al-
bany. The fact that here is located the capital may have been to some
extent influential in bringing to Albany men of eminence in the legal
profession; but whether this is or is not true, the bar and judiciary of
Albany includes the names of many men which have been familiar
throughout the State and nation, both professionally and in connection
with public affairs. It is proper that a few of these shall receive spe-
cial mention in this chapter.

BIOGRAPHICAL. '

One of the very early prominent attorneys whose career deserves
brief mention here was Robert Yates. He was born in 1738 and early in
life settled in Albany where he became conspicuous in public affairs. He
was associated with the other eminent members of the committee ap-
pointed August 1, 1776, to prepare a form of government for the State of
New York, which led directly to the adoption of the first constitution.
He was a member of the first Provincial Congress of 1775, and also of the
second, which convened in February, 1776. On May 8, 1777, he was
appointed a justice of the Supreme Court of the State, serving thus to
October, 1790, when he was appointed chief justice of the State. In
1787 Judge Yates was appointed by the Legislature, with Alexander
Hamilton and John Lansing, jr., a delegate to the convention which
formed the constitution of the United States. He, with Mr. Lansing,
withdrew from that convention because it did not more effectually se-
cure the rights of the separate States. Judge Yates was also a com-
missioner for the settlement of the rival claims between New York
and Vermont, and Massachusetts and Connecticut. His death took
place in 1801.

John Lansing, jr., was born in Albany, January 30, 1755, and studied
law with Robert Yates and later with James Duane, of New York. In
1776-7 he was secretary to Major-General Schuyler, commanding the
Northern Department. After his admission to the bar Mr. Lansing

1 Biographical notices of a large number of the bar and judiciary of the county will be found
in Parts II and III of this volume.

147

began practicing in Albany and met with great success. He became
very prominent in public affairs and ably filled many honorable stations,
as follows: Member of assembly in sessions 4 to 7 inclusive from
Albany; appointed member of congress February, 1784, and re-
appointed; elected speaker of the Assembly January, 178G; appointed
mayor of Albany September 29, 1786; in 1786 again elected to the
Assembly, and in January, 1787, made member of congress under the
confederation ; March 6, 1787, appointed delegate to the Philadelphia
convention that framed the United States constitution ; elected speaker
of the Assembly, December, 1788; appointed, March, 1790, a commis-
sioner in settling the New York and Vermont controversy, and on
September 28 following, he was appointed one of the justices of the
Supreme Court of the State; February 15, 1798, appointed chief justice
of the Supreme Court of the State, succeeding Mr. Yates; October -.'l,
1801, appointed chancellor of the State; in 1804, declined nomination
for the office of governor. This distinguished career was brought to a
sudden close December 12, 1829, when Judge Lansing was in New-
York; leaving his hotel to mail an important letter on the Albany
steamboat, he was never seen or heard of afterwards.

It has been written of Abraham Van Vechten, that " no name is
more honored in the State than his — honored not only as a learned,
eloquent, and eminently successful lawyer, but as a legislator whose
wisdom and profundity are seen in the enactment of many of the laws
that have given protection and greatness to the State of New York."
He was born in Catskill, December 5, 1762, graduated at what is now
Columbia College, and studied law with John Lansing. After a short
period of practice in Johnstown he settled in Albany, where he soon
ranked high among older and more experienced lawyers. His large
practice soon carried him before the higher courts, where he greatly
distinguished himself and opened the way for his preferment in public
office. He was repeatedly elected to the Legislature, and in 1813 was
appointed attorney-general of the State, and during the administration
of John Jay he was tendered the office of judge of the Supreme Court
of the State; .but he preferred to remain directly in the practice of his
profession and declined the high honor. He was recorder of Albany.
1797-1808; regent, 1797-1823; State senator, 1798 1805; member of
assembly, 1805-15; attorney-general, 1810 and 1813, and a member of
the Constitutional Convention of 1821. For " over half a century his

148

brilliant mind was constantly shedding its light over the jurisprudence
of the State and nation. The bar long delighted to accord to him its
highest honors."

John V. Henry was an early and prominent member of the Albany
bar. He was admitted to practice in January, 1782, at the same term
with Aaron Burr. Possessing the advantages of a classical education
and brilliant native qualifications, he soon rose to the position of peer
beside such men as Hamilton, Burr, Hoffman, Lansing and others.
He was an eloquent orator and able logician, and was early accorded
leadership in the political arena. He was chosen member of assembly
from Albany county in 1800, was re-elected and in that body was the
foremost Federalist. In January, 1800, he was appointed comptroller
of the State, but in the following year, for reasons that are not clearly
understood, was removed from the office by Governor Clinton, who
succeeded Gov. John Jay. The turn of the political wheel that brought
this change to Mr. Henry, while unpleasant to him and his friends, was
in reality a blessing, for it caused him to form an irrevocable resolu-
tion to never again accept political office. As a consequence he was
able thenceforward to devote his whole powerful energies to his pro-
fession. In that field he advanced to the front rank. He died sud-
denly October 2, 1829. A paragraph from an obituary notice reads
thus:

"The death of Mr. Henry is a public calamity. The tears that his
family shed over his lifeless form fall not alone. Those who respect
the probity, the independence, the gallant bearing, and the high talents
which sometimes redeem human nature from suspicion, must also
lament the fall of such a man as this, in whom these traits were so
happily combined."

John V. N. Yates was a son of Robert Yates, before noticed, and
was born in Albany in 1779. He received a liberal education, studied
law in the office of John V. Henry and began practice in his native
city. In 1808 he received appointment as master in chancery, and in
June of the same year was appointed recorder of Albany. He was
removed through political changes, but again assumed the office in
1811, serving to 1816. In April, 1818, he was appointed secretary of
state and served until 1826 with distinguished ability. In 1808 he be-
came embroiled in the famous case with Chancellor Lansing, growing

149

out of an attempt on the part of the latter, in his official capacity, to
punish Mr. Yates for malpractice and contempt. The case mav be
found in 6 Johnson's reports, :535, and it must suffice for this place to
state that at the close of the long litigation Mr. Yates was successful.
He was an able writer and was the recipient of many prominent offi-
cial positions. He died in Albany, January 10, 1839.

From the year 1816, when he was thirty-four years of age, Martin
Van Buren was a resident of Albany and a distinguished member of
its bar. He was born in Kinderhook, was an ardent student, and be-
gan the study of law early in life. He was admitted to the bar in L803,
and during the next twelve years practiced in his native place, where
his rivals and business opponents numbered some of the most eminent
lawyers of that time. But by the force of his ability and almost super-
human labor the young man often triumphed over his more experienced
adversaries. After holding several public positions in what is now
Columbia county, he was elected to the State Senate for 1812 when
only thirty years old, and was re-elected in 1816, at which time he be-
came a resident of Albany. His after career, during which he reached
the highest office in the land, is too well known to need repetition here,
while it is manifestly impossible to spare space for it. He took as his
law partner, in 1817, Benjamin F. Butler, another lawyer who was
destined to win national fame, and the firm became one of the strong-
est in the State. Mr. Van Buren was chosen United States senator in
1821, and was a foremost member of the Constitutional Convention of
that year; he became governor of the State upon the death of Mr.
Clinton in 1828, but resigned the office on receiving appointment as
secretary of state in President Jackson's cabinet in the following year.
He was inaugurated president of the United States in March, L837,
and was defeated for re-election by General Harrison.

The same apology offered for the brevity of a few lines regarding
Mr. Van Buren in these pages will also apply to Benjamin F. Butler.
Born at Kinderhook in December, 1795, he finished his school studies
and then entered the law office of Mr. Van Buren. The high position
of the senior of the firm, and his practice in the United States Supreme
Court, as well as the natural and acquired qualifications of Mr. Butler,
gave the latter superior business advantages, and the firm became
recognized as the leading one of the State. lie was appointed district

150

attorney of Albany county in 1821, and retired in 1825 with the com-
mendations of the community. In 1825 he became a member of the
commission to revise the laws of the State, with John Duer and Henry
Wheaton. This was an enormous task, and required almost the entire
time of the commissioners for years, and it is known that much of the
good results were due to the patient and efficient labor of Mr. Butler.
He was elected to the Legislature in 1828; in 1833 was appointed
attorney- general of the United States, and in October, 1836, while
still in that office, was appointed secretary of war in President Jack-
son's cabinet. He resigned as attorney general in January, 1838, and
returned to the practice of his profession ; but within a few months
the office of United States district attorney for the Southern District
of New York became vacant, and he was appointed thereto. When
President Polk was inaugurated he tendered Mr. Butler the office of
secretary of war, which was declined, but soon afterward he accepted
the office of United States attorney for the Southern District of the
State. About this time he became a resident of New York, where he
occupied a leading position. He visited Europe in October, 1868, in-
tending to remain two years to regain his broken health, and died in
Paris, November 8, of that year.

Greene C. Bronson was for more than twenty years a prominent
member of the Albany bar. He was a native of Utica, born in 1789,
and began practice in that village about 1815. He was appointed sur-
rogate of Oneida county in 1819 and in 1822 was elected to the Assem-
bly, declining a renomination the following year. In February, 1829,
he was appointed attorney-general of the State, the duties of which
office he discharged with signal ability until 1836, when he was ap-
pointed one of the justices of the Supreme Court. He took up his res-
idence in Albany coincident with his appointment as attorney-general,
and was a resident here until 1853, when he received the appointment
of collector of the port of New York and removed to that city. Mean-
while, in March, 1845, he was appointed chief justice of the Supreme
Court of the State, and occupied the bench two years, when he re-
signed. In politics Judge Bronson was a Democrat and occupied a
leading position in the party. He died in New York, September 3, 1863.

A reference to the reports of cases argued in the appellate courts of
the State from 1817 to 1853, will show that Marcus T. Reynolds was

151

counsel in more cases adjudicated in the Supreme Court and the Court
for the Correction of Errors than almost any other lawyer of this
State. He was born in Montgomery county, December 22, 1788, and
graduated from Union college in 1808. He then began studying law
in the office of the eminent Matthias B. Hildreth, of Johnstown, Fulton
county. Mr. Reynolds was admitted to the bar in 1811, and early
evinced those talents which enabled him to rapidly advance in his pro-
fession. He began and continued in practice at Johnstown until L828,
when he removed to Albany and there passed the remainder of his life,
adding greatly to the high reputation he had previously gained. He
was particularly powerful before a jury and the number of prominent
cases in which he was engaged was large. By a fall from his horse,
many years previous to his death, one of his legs was so badly frac-
tured that amputation was necessary. Ill health compelled his retire-
ment from practice about ten years before his death, which took place
July 13, 1864.

For many years after 1837 Gen. Samuel Stevens was one of the lead-
ing lawyers of Albany and an advocate of great power. He attained
a large measure of professional success and was very popular with the
people of the community. He first came prominently into the political
field as one of De Witt Clinton's ablest supporters. In 1825 he repre-
sented Washington county, where he was born, in the Legislature,
where he was leader of the Clintonian forces. He was re-elected in
1827. Later on he identified himself with the Whigs and in 1839 was
a prominent candidate for attorney-general. He did not again come
before the people in connection with public office, except through his
nomination for lieutenant-governor. The names of General Stevens,
Marcus T. Reynolds and Nicholas Hill are intimately associated in the
history of the Albany bar, where they were often brought together in
the same cases. At different times General Stevens was a partner
with James Edwards and with Peter Cagger.

The name of John C. Spencer is not only identified witli the bar of
Albany county, but is well known in the political history of the State.
His career was intimately blended with that of I >e Witt Clinton, as tar
as politics were concerned. He was bom at Hudson, August 1'.', L786,
and a son of Ambrose Spencer. Graduating from Union College in
1803 with high honor, he at once began the study of law with his father.

1 52

In July, 1809, he was admitted to practice and very soon afterwards
joined the great tide of emigration westward and settled in Canandai-
gua. With almost no pecuniary means and a few law books, he and
his wife began life in that village in a very modest way, while he
sought such business as the vicinity afforded. He stood for some years
at the head of the bar of that great county. In 1818 he was appointed
by the governor prosecuting attorney for the five western counties of
the State. In the spring of 1817 he was elected to Congress, and while
in that body was nominated for the Senate by the State Legislature,
but was not chosen. In 1819 he was elected to the Assembly, and
again in 1821, 1831 and 1833; at the first term he was chosen speaker.
From 1825 to 1828 he was in the State Senate, where he attained a high
position. In 1826 he was chosen to prosecute the abductors of Morgan
during the anti-Masonic crusade, out of which grew the anti-Masonic
party, of which he was a prominent member. When that party was
absorbed by the Whigs Mr. Spencer became a leader in the political
field, and in 1836 removed to Albany. Upon the election of John Tyler
to the presidency he chose Mr. Spencer for his secretary of war. After
the presidential election of 1852 he retired from politics. It will be
remembered that he was one of the three commissioners appointed by
Governor Clinton to revise the statutes of the State, a great task which
was successfully accomplished. In 1849 he was appointed one of the
codifying commissioners, but declined and soon retired to private life.
Mr. Spencer endeared himself to citizens of Albany by his generous
interest in local affairs, and particularly in his aid in founding a num-
ber of the benevolent institutions of the city. He died while in New
York on May 20, 1854.

James Edwards was born in Greenfield, Saratoga county, December
9, 1799, and settled in Albany in 1816, where he attained a prominent
position at the bar. He studied law in the office of his uncle, Albert
Foote, at that time one of the leading attorneys of the city. He was
admitted to the bar in 1822 and soon afterwards became a partner
with Gen. Samuel Stevens. It was written of Mr. Edwards that " he
was distinguished for his sound practical judgment, his solid legal at-
tainments, his promptness and accuracy in business, energy, firmness
and integrity of character, and conscientious fidelity to the interests of
his clients." Mr. Edwards died May 21, 1868.

Azor Tabor was born at Knox, Albany county, May 1, 1798. After

153

receiving" a classical education he entered the office of John Lansing,
then chancellor of the State, studied law and when admitted to the bar
began practice in Albany. He ranked among the ablest attorneys of
the city and gained a large and profitable business. Loving his pro-
fession and its pursuit, he never sought public office, the only position
he ever held being that of State senator, to which he was elected in
1851. Although his senatorial career was eminently worthy, he had
little taste for public life and returned permanently to practice. In
1833 he formed a partnership with Amos Dean, which continued suc-
cessfully some years. In 1854, owing to ill health, Mr. Tabor retired
from practice, removed to Knox and there died June 10, 1855.

Amos Dean was born at Barnard, Vt., January 1(5, 1803. After
teaching several seasons to enable him to obtain his education, he en-
tered Union College in 1823 and was graduated in 1826. He began
studying law in the offie of Jabez D. Hammond and Alfred Conkling,
and was admitted to practice in 1829. He was for several years a
partner with Azor Tabor and the firm was recognized as a strong one.
He was a firm believer in the great benefits of popular education and
was thereby led in 1833 to gather about him a few young men of sim-
ilar tastes, from which grew the later Albany Young Men's Association.
From that beginning hundreds of similar organizations came into
being in other cities. Mr. Dean was chosen the first president of the
association. In 1833 he was associated with Drs. March and Armsby
in establishing the Albany Medical College, and from that time to
1859 he held in that institution the position of professor of medical
jurisprudence. When the law department of the university was estab-
lished Mr. Dean was chosen one of its professors, where his talents
gave him wide recognition as an educator. He was also well known
in literary fields; was the author of a Manual of Law, and delivered
many addresses before different bodies. The publication of his great-
est work, the History of Civilization, was stopped by his death, but
was issued afterwards in seven volumes.

A lawyer who ranked with Reynolds. Stevens, Tabor and others of
the Albany bar, was Henry G. Wheaton, who was graduated from
Union College in 1828 and immediately began law study in Albany.
After his admission to practice he rapidly rose to an enviable position
in the profession. Becoming interested in politics, for which he pos-

154

sessed natural talents, he was chosen for the Assembly from Albany
county in the years 1835, 1840 and 1841, though his seat in the first
year named was successfully contested by David C. Seger. In the
House he was regarded as one of the most eloquent members. In
March, 1841, he was appointed district attorney for Albany county, in
which office he officially served the interests of the community. The
management of a large estate devolving upon him in New York city
in 1855, he removed thither, and was killed while crossing a railroad
track, August 26, 1865.

In the work entitled The Bench and Bar of New York, Nicholas Hill
is compared in some of his prominent characteristics, with John C.
Spencer; both were men of marked intellectual powers, energetic and
industrious and capable of a vast amount of labor. Nicholas Hill was
born in Montgomery county, N. Y., October 16, 1806. Early showing
the student's predilections, he availed himself of his opportunities to
obtain a fair education, and then took up the study of law in the office
of Daniel Cady, at Johnstown. After his admission to practice he set-
tled first in Amsterdam, whence he soon removed to Saratoga, where
later he formed a partnership with Sidney Cowen, son of Judge Esek
Cowen, who had already discovered in Mr. Hill those qualities that
afterwards gave him distinction. Associated with Mr. Cowen he pre-
pared that great work, Cowen and Hill's Notes to Phillips on Evidence' —
a work that constitutes a monument to both of its authors. Though
somewhat retiring in his nature, Mr. Hill's ability as a speaker, and
his other qualifications as a jury lawyer, gave him early prominence in
the courts of his time, where he was successful among many eminent
men. In 1841 he was appointed law reporter, an office in which he
won distinction for accuracy and clearness. Five years later he re-
signed the office and soon formed a partnership with Peter Cagger and
James K. Porter, a firm that commanded high confidence and a large
patronage. Mr. Hill was first of all a painstaking student, and his
close application to his business at length ruined his health and he died
May 1, 1859. The event was announced in the Court of Appeals by
John A. Reynolds, in a memorable eulogium. Mr. Reynolds was him-
self one of the ablest members of the Albany bar, a man of rare argu-
mentative powers and scholarly attainments. His pure character and
large professional endowments endeared him to his professional
brethren.

J 00

Peter Cagger was born in Albany July G, 1812, coming of Irish an-
cestry. Early in life he was placed in the law office of Reynolds <!v
Woodruff as a clerk, in which position he evinced some of his remarka-
ble natural qualifications. He afterwards became a partner with
Samuel Stevens, as before noted, and the firm of Stevens & Cagger
soon became a power in legal circles. Shortly after the death of Mr.
Stevens Mr. Cagger became a member of the distinguished firm, Hill,
Cagger & Porter, a combination that is remembered as one of the
strongest ever formed in the State. Mr. Cagger was instantlv killed
by being thrown from his carriage in New York city, July 6, L868, at
the age of fifty-six years.

Ira Harris was born at Charleston, Montgomery county, N. Y., Mav
31, 1802, prepared for college at Homer Academy (the family having
removed to Cortland county), and graduated from Union College in
1824. He studied law one year in Homer and then removed to Albany
where he continued with the great jurist, Ambrose Spencer. In 1827
he was admitted to the bar and at once began practice, soon forming a
partnership with Silas Dutcher, which continued until 1842. He was
elected to the Assembly in 1844, was re-elected in 184o, and in 1840
was chosen delegate to the Constitutional Convention, in which body
he occupied a conspicuous position. « In the fall of 1846 he was elected
a justice of the Supreme Court and resigned the former office. At the
expiration of his four years' term as justice he was elected for another
term, which had been extended to eight years. In this high position
the great ability of Judge Harris was soon demonstrated. He exhib-
ited profound knowledge of the law, excellent judicial qualifications
and strict impartiality. His published opinions have received universal
commendation. In 1861 he was elected to the United States Senate,
in which body he was honored with appointments on important com-
mittees and became a trusted friend of President Lincoln. lie took
active interest in raising troops for the army, especially of the regiment
of cavalry which bore his name. At the close of his term he retired to
private life, but was chosen a delegate to the Constitutional Conven-
tion of 1867. Having been connected with the Albany Law School
from its organization, he now accepted the professorship of equity ju-
risprudence and practice, to which he devoted his time until his death,
December 2, 1875. He was for many years president of the Board of
Trusteesof Union College, president of the Albany Medical College and

156

of the trustees of Vassar College. At his death the bench and bar
testified to their respect for his distinguished abilities. He was a
brother of Hamilton Harris, of Albany.

Rufus W. Peckham, the distinguished lawyer and jurist, was born at
Rensselaerville, Albany county, December 30, 1800. His boyhood was
passed in Otsego county, whither his father removed, and after prep-
aration entered Union College and was graduated in 1827. Having a
brother in the medical profession in Utica, he went there to enter the
legal arena, where he entered the office of Greene C. Bronson (before
noticed) and Samuel Beardsley. The advantages of being tutored by
those eminent lawyers left a permanent impression upon Mr. Peckham's
career. Called to the bar in 1830, he soon afterward became a partner
with his brother,.- George W. Peckham, of Albany. The firm was
prosperous from the first and took a high position in the then brilliant
bar of the city. In 1839 he was appointed district attorney of the
county, and in 1845 was a candidate for attorney-general and was de-
feated by John Van Buren by one vote. In 1852 he was elected to
Crogress, in which body he distinguished himself by his ability and his
independence of party ties where he thought the interests of the nation
were at stake. In the fall of 1859 he was elected a justice of the Su-
preme Court, served eight years and was unanimously re-elected.
Before the close of his term he was elected a judge of the Court of Ap-
peals. Few American judges possessed greater judicial accomplish-
ments than he. On the 5th of November he and his wife sailed on the
ill-fated Ville du Havre, which on the night of the 22d collided with
another vessel and went to the bottom in the darkness, carrying them,
with more than two hundred others to the bottom. At the moment
of the greatest peril, he took his wife's hand and bravely uttered the
words that were heralded over two continents: " If we must go down,
let us die bravely!" The profession throughout this State testified its
high respect and sorrow for the eminent man.

Col. Lewis Benedict was born in Albany, September 17, 1817, and
was graduated from Williams College in 1837. He then entered the
law office of John C. Spencer, at Canandaigua, and in January, 1841,
was licensed to practice. He settled in Albany and soon took a high
position. In 1845 he was appointed city attorney and at the close of
his term was reappointed. In 1847 he was appointed judge advocate-

157

general on the governor's staff, and in 1848 was elected surrogate of
the county. In 1852 and 1860 he was the candidate of his party (the
Whig) for the city recordership and shared in the defeat of its nomi-
nees. In 1854 he was appointed one of the commissioners to examine
into the condition of the State prisons, the report of whom was made
in 1856 in a large volume In 1860 he was elected to the Assembly by
the Union element of his district; this was the last civil office held by
him. On his admission to the bar he was fortunate in becoming the
partner of Marcus T. Reynolds, which gave him at once a valuable
prestige. From the time of his appointment as city attorney he was
active and earnest in his political work and was often a delegate to the
various conventions, where he wielded a large influence. As early as
January, 1861, when Governer Morgan was endeavoring to impress the
Legislature with the importance of placing the State upon a war foot-
ing, Colonel Benedict saw the necessity for such action and compre-
hended the oncoming conflict. He therefore co-operated with the
governor in the matter. The passage of the act authorizing the embody-
ing and equipment of the State militia was largely due to him, and after
that Colonel Benedict gave all of his time to the Union cause. The
New York Fire Department, while recruiting the 2d Fire Zouaves,
conferred on him a lieutenancy and he was commissioned in June, 1 861 .
The career of that body of soldiers is well known and cannot be de-
tailed here. He was captured at Williamsburg and taken to the Salis-
bury (N. C.) prison where several months later he was exchanged.
Soon afterwards he was commissioned colonel of the 162d Regiment,
and a month later, October, 1862, went with his troops to New Orleans.
In January, 186:}, he was made acting brigadier-general and took part
in the fighting at and around Port Hudson. In the bloody engagement
of June 14, 1863, he was foremost. When it was determined to storm
the fort Colonel Benedict was given command of the 2d battalion,
which was to serve as the " forlorn hope. " From that time he followed
Banks through all his movements. His last command, that of the 3d
Brigade of the 1st Division, 19th Corps, was composed of three New
York and two Maine regiments, and a battery, and was noted for its
gallant deeds. On the 9th of April, L864, in the final struggle of the
Red River campaign, Colonel Benedict led his brigade in a charge and
fell pierced with several bullets. It was a heroic death to close a dis-
tinguished military career. His remains were brought to Albany and
buried with higrh honors.

158

ALBANY COUNTY BAR.

Albany. — John J. Acker, George Addington, Daniel Adler, William A. Allen, A. L.
Andrews, Buel C. Andrews, Austin Archer, John M. Bailey, Frederic Baker, George

C. Baker, Isaac B. Barrett, R. O. Bassett, Edwin A. Bedell, James W. Bentley, Will-
iam F. Beutler, Lyman H. Bevans, John J. Brady, John J. Bradley, Richard W.
Brass, Edward J. Brennan, Charles F. Bridge, Walter M. Brown, Joseph H. Brooks,
Charles J. Buchanan, Hiram Buck, Alpheus T. Bulkley, Eugene Burlingame, Henry

D. Burlingame, F. W. Cameron, Lewis E. Carr, Raymond W. Carr, Lewis Cass, Ed-
gar T. Chapman, jr., Norton Chase, Alden Chester, William K. Clute, Jacob H. Clute,
Mark Cohn, Herbut G. Cone, Andrew J. Colvin, Martin D. Conway, Joseph A. Con-
way, John T. Cook, J. Fenimore Cooper, Joseph P. Coughlin, Edwin Countryman,
Charles E. Countryman, James H. Coyle, C. J. Crummey, Walter S. Cutler, Frank-
lin M. Danaher, S. J. Daring, Richard W. Darling, Edwin G. Day, Frank B. Dele-
hanty, John A. Delehanty, Peter A. Delaney, Abraham Y. De Witt, Herman J.
Diekman, J. Murray Downs, Andrew S. Draper, C. J. Droogan, P. E. Du Bois,
Daniel J. Dugan, Patrick C. Dugan, William S. Dyer, Zeb A. Dyer, James W.
Eaton, Jerome W. Ecker, William S. Elmendorf, John F. Farrell, James J. Far-
ren, J. Newton Fiero, David C. Fitz Gerald, E. D. Flanigan, James H. Foote, Cor-
nelius E. Franklin, Charles M. Friend, J. S. Frost, Worthington Frothingham, W.
D. Frothingham, John E. Gallup W. S. Gibbons, Scott D'M. Goodwin, Edward
J. Graham, Clifford D. Gregory, J. Wendell Grifhng, Stephen B. Griswold, John
Guttman, Alfred A. Guthrie, William S. Hackett, Edgar M. Haines, Matthew Hale.
Charles R. Hall, Fred C. Ham, Andrew Hamilton, R. W. Hardie, William B.
Harris, Hamilton Harris, Fred Harris, Julius F. Harris, Thomas H. Ham, ' S. S.
Hatt, William A. Hendrickson, Howard Hendrickson,- Isban Hess, Albert Hess-
berg, D. Cady Herrick, Winfield S. Hevenor, Barnwell R. Heyward, Horace L. Hicks,
George D. Hill, David B. Hill, William J. Hillis, Galen R. Hitt, Henry T. Holmes,
Harold C. Hooker, Lansing Hotaling, William F. Hourigan, Eugene E. Howe,

Samuel T. Hull, Marcus T. Hun, Sidney A. Hungerford, G. De W. Hurlbut, Julius
Illch, William Isenburgh, Charles M. Jenkins, James B. Jermain, James C. Johnson,
Russell M. Johnston, Frank Kampfer, Jacob A. Kapps, George T. Kelley, Barrington
King, Dwight King, J. Howard King, Leonard Kip, Francis Kimball, George C.
Kimball, Edmund C. Knickerbocker, Charles Krank, Leopold C. G. Kshinka, John
R. Langan, Abraham Lansing, J. T. Lansing, William Lansing, Joseph M. Lawson,
Isaac Lawson, Joseph A. Lawson, George Lawyer, William L. Learned, Randall J.
Le Boeuf, William Loucks, Gaylord Logan, James J. Mahoney, George H. Mallory,
J. F. Manson, Joseph F. Macy, S. S. Marvin, James C. Matthews, John W. Mattice,
Peter F. Mattimore, Henry S. McCall, Archibald McClure, R. H. McCormic, jr.,
William C. McHarg, John McElroy, James A. McKown, John W. McNamara, Daniel
T. McNamara, John T. McDonough, Charles W. Mead, Edward J. Meegan, Thomas
A. Meegan, Peyton F. Miller, Charles H. Mills, John F. Montignani, J. H. Morrey, jr.,
Edgar, A. Morling, Thomas A. Murray, David Muhlfelder, Max Myers, Martin T.
Nachtmann, J. F. Nash, Henry C. Nevitt, Stewart C.Newton, Munson C. G. Nichols,
Nathaniel Niles, David J. Norton, Myer Nussbaum, Edward W. Nugent, John J.
Olcott, Smith O'Brien, John J. O'Neil, Howard Paddock, Stephen Paddock, Horace
F. Palmer, Amasa J. Parker, Amasa J. Parker, jr., Lewis R. Parker, Rufus W. Peck-

159

ham, Henry A. Peckham, J. De Witt Peltz, Aaron B. Pratt, Louis W. Pratt, John V. L.
Pruyn, Edward W. Rankin, Albert Rathbone, William F. Rath bone, Edward T. Reed,
Hugh Reilly, Louis J. Rezzemini, Ernest W. Rieck, James A. Robinson, Edward 1).
Ronan, Simon W. Rosendale, Edgar H. Rosenstock, Jacob G. Runkle, William P.
Rudd, James M. Ruso, Joseph W. Russell, Bleecker Sanders, Henry T. Sanford,
Roscoe C. Sanford, Edwin W. Sanford, John H. Sand, David S. Saxe, Thomas
Sayre, Robert G. Scherer, Jacob C. E. Scott, William M. Scott, A. G. Seelman, Ste-
phen ( ). Shepard, Osgood H. Shepard, Louis Silberman, A. Page Smith, Fred E.
.Smith, Nathaniel Spaulding, Stuart G. Speir,' David Stanwix, John D. Stantial,
George L. Stedman, George W. Stedman, Henry E. Stern, A. R. Stevens, George
H. Stevens, Thomas W. Stevens, John A. Stephens, Peter A. Stephens, Kate
Stoneman, Barent W. Stryker, J. B. Sturtevant, Charles B. Templeton, George V.
Thatcher, David A. Thompson, Newton W. Thompson, C. H. Tomlinson, James
F. Tracey, George M. True, Lucien Tuft's, jr., Thomas J. Van Alstyne, William B.
Van Rensselaer, Lansing Van Wie, Andrew Vanderzee, Newton B. Vanderzee,
Alonzo B. Voorhees, Frederick E. Wadhams, Richard B. Wagoner, John W. Walsh.
Joseph H. Walsh, Walter E. Ward, Luther C. Warner, Hiram I.. Washburn, jr.,
Robert H. Wells, Thomas F. Wilkinson, Horace G. Wood, Francis 11. Woods.

Bkkne.— Z. B. Dyer.

Coeymans.^C. M. Barlow, W. Scott Coffin, Lindsey Green, Charles M. Tomp-
kins.

Cohoes. — David Askworth, Israel Belanger, James H. Berns, Daniel J. Cosgro,
James F. Crawford, Charles F. Doyle, Isaiah Fellows, jr., George H. Fitts, jr., Law-
rence B. Finn, Rosin J. House, Daniel C. McElwain, John E. McLean, E. B. Nichols,
Peter D. Niver, Smith Niver, John Scanlon, James R. Stevens, Henry A. Strong,
James Wallace, Walter H. Wertime.

GuiLDERLAND. — James R. Main.

Axtamont. — Hiram Griggs, John D. White.

New Scotland. — Alexander H. Crounse.

Rensselaerville. — Norman W. Faulk, Preston Hollow; William R. Tanner, Me-
dusa.

Westerlo. — Alonzo Spaulding.

West Troy. — James W. Boyle, James B. Egan, John II. Gleason, William Hol-
lands, Joseph H. Hollands, C. I>. Hudson, John W. Kenny, Eugene MpLean, Vol-
kert J. Oothout, Peter A. Rogers.

Green Island. — William F. Hickey.

Court Buildings. — In early years the courts of this county were held
in the Old Stadt Huys, which was also occupied as a city hall, a State-
House and a prison. Conventions and other public gatherings also
assembled within its venerable walls. It stood on the northeast corner
of Broadway and Hudson avenue, just inside the stockades of the city,
and was built about 1635, principally for the use of the courts, while the
jail was in the lower story, which was of stone. It was a substantial
brick structure, nearly square, and three stories high, witli a cupola
and belfry. Soon after its erection a bell was brought from Holland

160

and hung in the belfry, and it was rung on all public occasions for nearly
160 years and when the old building was demolished, the bell was hung
in the cupola of the new Capitol. When it had at last outlived its
usefulness there it was taken down and is said to now hang in the
tower of a Ballston church. In the Old Stadt Huys were held, be-
sides the courts, the meetings of the Common Council after its organ-
ization under the Dongan charter of July, 1086. In front of the build-
ing the Declaration of Independence was read to the people for the
first time. A commercial building now stands on the site of the old
structure, and in it a memorial slab has been placed, appropriately in-
scribed.

In December, 1895, the Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution
authorizing the county to issue bonds to the amount of $100,000,
the proceeds of which were to be used for the purchase of the Albany
Savings Bank building, corner of State and Chapel streets. The
bank had a lease of the building extending two years. In the sum-
mer of 1896, Judges Clifford D. Gregory and Alden D. Chester oc-
cupied rooms in the building, as also did the clerk of the appellate
division of the Supreme Court. Judge Gregory was appointed custo-
dian of the building and under his supervision the structure was con-
siderably improved and adapted for its new purposes above the first
floor; the latter is still occupied by the bank. After the removal of
the bank the district attorney and county treasurer will move into this
building, which will be known as the County Court House.

City Halls. — The first city hall, a structure in which the courts were
held, stood on the site of the present city hall, and was erected in
1829-32. The site was purchased of St. Peter's church corporation
for $10,259.95. On August 31, 1830, the corner stone was laid by
Mayor John Townsend with Masonic ceremonies. The building was
finished in 1832 at a total cost of about $92,000. It was constructed of
white marble, with a large porch supported by four Doric columns, and
a large gilded dome surmounting the roof. The style of architecture
was plain in the extreme. This building was used for nearly fifty years
until on the 10th of February, 1880, when it was destroyed by fire, the
cause of which has remained a mystery. Most of the valuable records
and documents in the building were saved.

A special meeting of the Board of Supervisors was called for Febru-
ary 16, 1880, to consider what should be done to provide for a new
city hall. In the course of the proceedings the following resolution

ANTHONY N. BR \l rt

161

was read, which had been previously adopted on the 11th at a meeting
of the Albany bar:

Resolved, That the site of the City Hall, recently destroyed by fire, is the most
appropriate and convenient for a building for the County Court and Court Officers,
and the members of the Albany County Bar hereby unanimously urge the Board
of Supervisors to take immediate steps toward the erection of said building or an-
other upon the City Hall site for the use of the County Courts and officers.

The board had been urged to purchase what was known as the Mar-
tin Hall as a substitute for the former City Hall, which in some meas-
ure led to the above expression from the bar. The Board of Super-
visors adopted prompt measures to ascertain the wishes of the county,
outside of the city, in the site of the new building, which duty was as-
signed to R. W. Peckham, and made provision for the copying of all
records that were damaged in the fire. An act of the Legislature was
procured creating a City Hall Commission consisting of the mayor,
Michael N. Nolan, the chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Edward
A. Maher, with Erastus Corning, Robert C. Pruyn, C. P. Easton,
Leonard G. Hun, Albertus W. Becker, and William Gould. Under
the general direction of this commission the present imposing City
Hall was built on the site of the former one during the years 1881-83.
It is is constructed of Long Meadow brown stone; is four stories in
height, with a tower 202 feet high. The cost including the furnishing
was $325,000, of which sum $290,000 was raised on bonds of the city,
The cost was equally divided between the city and the county.

Jails. — The first Albany county jail, in the basement of the Old
Stadt Huys, was in such bad condition early in the last century that a
protest was entered by the high sheriff to the Court of Sessions in
1718, as follows:

I urge upon your worships that care may be taken to have ye same Jail sufficiently
repaired to keep such bad prisoners as I may take for debt, &c, safely from escap-
ing, as is now often ye case.

The court in response at once requested leave of the General Assem-
bly to expend ,£140 in repairing the jail, and it is presumed that the
request was granted. Prior to this date there had been one or more
attempts to erect a separate jail. An application for this purpose, made
to the Board of Supervisors in February, 1701, was refused. A;
Court of Sessions held in Albany October 7, 1* 19, the following order
was entered in the records:
21

162

Pursuant to an act of the General Assembly of the Colony of New York, entitled
an Act to Authorize y e Justices of the Peace to Build and Repair Jails and Court-
houses in the Several Counties of the Province, whereby y e Justices in each County
are Impowered (upon their own view) on any Inefficiency or Inconveniency of their
County Jail orPrison, or y e Inconveniency of their Court House, to Conclude and agree
upon such sum or sums of money, as, upon examination of sufficient and able
workmen, shall be thought necessary for building, Finishing and Repairing a Public
Jail, etc.

It is therefore Resolved, that any five or more of His Majestie's Justices shall
make a computation with sufficient and able workmen, what a sufficient Jail, etc.,
for y e Citty and County of Albany may cost, and bring a report thereof at the next
meeting of this Court and the Justices thereof.

This led to much discussion between two factions, one of which fa-
vored a new building, and the other the repair of the old one. The re-
sult was the repair and enlargement of the old building under the fol-
lowing resolution:

It is Resolved that the City Hall shall be repaired and an addition be made of fif-
teen foot in length to the south'd, and in breadth to the Court Hall, and joyned in
the roof of the same, made up with boards without as the present old house, with a
sufficient stone seller under y e same, the north end thereof partitioned off with oak
boards. To have one window with cross-iron bars therein, one cross window to the
south' ard, one to the eastward and one to the westward in the first room.

These repairs did not accomplish their purpose as far as the jail was
concerned, and within two years complaints again came from the sheriff
that his prisoners escaped with little difficulty. Another effort was
made at repairing the structure in a far more substantial manner, and
it was used with some changes until about 1803, when it was demol-
ished. In 1791 the Legislature passed an act authorizing the city
authorities to raise ^"2,000 towards the completion of the court house
and jail. Difficulties arose between the city and the county authori-
ties, which delayed the project, and it was not until 1803-04 that the
new jail was finished. The land on which it stood extended about
eighty feet on State street ; eighty-four feet on Maiden Lane ; and 116 feet
on Eagle street. It was sold at auction August 11, 1832, in the inter-
est of the trustees of the Albany Academy. Previous to this date, on
November 1, 1831, the grand jurors visited the jail and found it in such
condition that they recommended that the Board of Supervisors erect a
new jail, "inasmuch as this building, which had stood twenty-two
years, was fast decaying, very illy constructed, and too small in order
to [secure] health, comfort and convenience, and situated in too thickly
settled a locality." The statement that the building had stood twenty-

163

two years is probably an error. The next and third jail, inclusive of
the one in the Old Stadt Huys, stood on the corner of Eagle and How-
ard streets, and was completed in the latter part of 1834. This was
used until the spring of 1854, when the jail on Maiden Lane was erected
and the old jail was fitted up for a hospital and opened August 8, 1854.
That jail served its purpose without public complaint until 1868, when
Henry Smith, then district attorney, sent a communication to the
Board of Supervisors, in which he said:

In the main apartment you will find sixty male prisoners, including some children,
confined in one common room, where those youthful in years, and those who have
committed their first criminal error, perhaps those who are entirely innocent, are ex-
posed to the influences, and often to the physical tortures, of the most depraved of
men.

In another room, of about fifteen by eighteen, you will find some twenty-two
females of various ages, even to extreme old age; some reasonably tidy and others
repulsively filthy; some apparently well and others suffering from loathsome dis-
eases, crowded together in a space where there is scarcely room for all to lie down
at once. In short, you will find a state of things that would shame a semi-civilized
community, and would not be tolerated by the people of this county for one hour if
they could for a moment look in upon the appalling horrors of that fearful den, kept
under their authority, for the detention of persons accused of crime. This state of
affairs, Mr. Smith continues, is no fault of the Sheriff or Jailer, but results from want
of suitable rooms.

This created a sensation and resulted in an immediate change. The
superintendent of the Capital Police was directed to send his prisoners
under sentence to the penitentiary, instead of leaving them in the jail,
while plans for improvement were made and carried out at an expen-
diture of $2,500.

THE ALBANY LAW SCHOOL. «

This school is among the oldest institutions of the kind in the
country.

In 1851 the Legislature incorporated the University of Albany, giv-
ing to it the authority to organize a Literary department, a Law de-
partment, a Scientific department, and providing that the Albany
Medical College, already existing, might, if so disposed, unite with
the departments to be formed.

The department of law was immediately organized as the Albany
Law School, and has maintained a prosperous existence to the present

1 Prepared by W, R. Davidson, secretary of the school.

164

time, having graduated over two thousand students, and having had
an attendance of over three thousand.

At the time of its organization there were three other law schools
— Harvard, Yale and Cincinnati (now Columbia) ; there are now up-
wards of eighty.

The first Board of Trustees was organized as follows: Greene C.
Bronson, president ; Thomas W. Olcott, vice president : Orlando Meads,
secretary ; Luther Tucker, treasurer.

The first Faculty was constituted as follows: Chancellor Reuben H.
Walworth, president, but taking no part in the instruction; Hon. Ira
Harris, LL.D., lecturer on practice, pleading and evidence; Hon.
Amasa J. Parker, LL.D., lecturer on real estate, wills, domestic re-
lations, personal rights, and criminal law; Amos Dean, LL.D., lec-
turer on contracts, personal property and commercial law.

December 16, 1851, the first class was organized, with an enrollment
of twenty-three students, in the Exchange building, corner Broadway
and State street, the site of the present U. S. Government building,
and continued sixteen weeks. The next two years the school was held
in the Cooper building, on the corner of State and Green streets, the
courses being sixteen weeks each. Of the students in the first class,
seven were graduated in the spring of 1852, viz. : Edwin E. Bronk,
Charles A. Fowler, Willard P. Gambell, John C. McClure, Worthing-
ton Frothingham, Edward Wade and George Woolford.

To accommodate the increasing enrollment of students, in 1854 the
school was removed to the south wing of the Medical College on Eagle
street (now Alumni Hall). At the same time the course was extended
to two terms of twelve weeks each. The exercises consisted of lectures,
moot courts, oral and written examinations.

In 1855 Thomas W. Olcott became president of the Board of Trus-
tees and continued until his death in 1880.

In 1869 Professor Amos Dean died; Professor Amasa J. Parker re-
signed in 1870; Professor Ira Harris died in 1875. Of these, Professors
Parker and Harris were justices of the Supreme Court; Professor
Harris was also United States senator.

In 1870 a larger Faculty was organized. Isaac Edwards, LL.D.,
succeeded to the chair of Professor Dean ; Hon. Matthew Hale, LL.D.,
to the chair of Professor Parker; Charles C. T. F. Spoor, esq., as lec-
turer on subjects assigned; Hon. William L. Learned, LL.D., justice
of the Supreme Court, lecturer on equity jurisprudence, civil law, and

1G5

the trial of causes; Hon. William F. Allen, LL.D., then judge of the
Court of Appeals, to lecture on real property.

In 1873 the University of Albany united with Union College and by
an act of the Legislature was constituted as Union University, the Al-
bany Law School becoming the law department. In 1874 Hon. John
T. Hoffman, LL. D., governor of the State of New York, was added
to the Faculty, succeeding to the chair of Judge Allen as professor of
the law of real property.

In 1875 Professor Harris died, and Prof. Charles T. F. Spoor was
designated to succeed to his chair, lecturing on practice and pleading
at common law, and under the Code.

In 1878 Eliphalet N. Potter, D. D , LL. D., entered the Faculty, and
lectured on feudal system; also Henry Coppee, LL. D., lecturing on
international law ; also Hon. Hiram E. Sickles, lecturer on evidence.

In 1879 Professor Edwards, dean of the Faculty, died, and was suc-
ceeded by Hon. Horace E. Smith, LL. D., of Johnstown, N. Y., dean
of the Faculty, lecturing on personal property, contracts, commercial
law, common law pleading, torts and medical jurisprudence. Henry
S. McCall, esq., and Irving Browne, esq., were added to the Faculty
at this time, Professor McCall lecturing on real estate and wills, Pro-
fessor Browne, lecturer on domestic relations and criminal law.

On the accession of Dean Smith, it was evident to him that the
building where the school had been held for a quarter of a centurv
was no longer adequate to its requirements. The trustees purchased
the Universalist church building on the north side of State street,
near Swan street, and through the liberality of their president, Thomas
W. Olcott, it was converted into the pleasant and convenient building
now occupied by the school. This building was dedicated to its new-
use March 10, 1879. Addresses were made by Amasa J. Parker,
LL. D., Hon. Samuel Hand, Charles E. Smith, then editor of the
Albany Evening Journal, and Dean Smith. The Board of Trustees
was largely increased in numbers, Hon. Amasa J. Parker, LL. I>., as
one of the original founders of the school, remaining as one of the
honorary members. In 1880 President Thomas W. Olcott died, and
Orlando Meads succeeded to the presidency, and Marcus T. Hun, esq.,
trustee, was appointed to succeed President Meads as secretary.

In 1883 President Meads died and Hon. William L. Learned, LL.D.,
justice of the Supreme Court, succeeded to the presidency; Marcus T.
Hun, esq., resigned the secretaryship, and Charles J. Buchanan, i

166

was appointed secretary; Nathaniel C. Moak, esq., entered the Faculty
as lecturer on books and judicial systems. The Alumni Association
was organized under favorable auspices, awakening new interest in
the school among the numerous graduates scattered throughout the
country. At the advent of Dean Smith the course was made three
terms of twelve weeks each, preceded or supplemented by one year in
a law office. The requirements for graduation as previously adopted
were preserved, viz. : All candidates for the degree of LL. B. should
read before the dean or Faculty six weeks before commencement, an
original thesis pertaining to the history, science or practice of law.
Moot courts for the argument and trial of causes were also continued ;
two being held each week.

In 1889 after a successful administration of school affairs, Dean
Smith resigned to resume the active practice of law. George W.
Kerchwey, esq. , of Albany, was appointed to succeed to the chair of
dean.

In 1S90 Hon. Hiram E. Sickles resigned from the Faculty, and
James W. Eaton succeeded him as lecturer on evidence; Maurice J.
Lewis M. D., was appointed lecturer on medical jurisprudence; and
Harold L. Hooker, esq, was appointed instructor in elementary law.

In 1891 DeanKirchwey resigned to accept a chair in Columbia Law
School, and Lewis B. Hall, A. M. , was appointed to the position of
dean and instructor in contracts and commercial law.

Charles T. F. Spoor died and was succeeded by J. Newton Fiero,
esq., who was appointed instructor in common law and code practice
and pleading; Eugene Burlingame, instructor in the law of real prop-
erty; James F. Tracey, esq., instructor in the law of corporations.

In 1894 A. V. V. Raymond, D. D., LL.D., having succeeded to the
presidency of Union University in place of HarrisonL. Webster, LL.D.,
resigned, the trustees and Faculty of the school placed their resignation
in his hands for the purpose of reorganization.

At the beginning of the course in 1895 the Board of Trustees was
reorganized as follows :

Hon. Amasa J. Parker, A. M., president; James W. Eaton, esq.,
treasurer; Charles J. Buchanan, esq., secretary: Andrew V. V. Ray-
mone, Matthew Hale, Marcus T. Hun, William L. Learned, J. Newton
Fiero, Seymour Van Santvoord, Alton B. Parker, Charles C. Lester,
Alonzo P. Strong, James Lansing, Judson S. Landon, and Edward P.
White.

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The Faculty was also reorganized as follows: Andrew V. V. Ray-
mond, D. D., LL.D., president; J. Newton Fiero, dean ; James W.
Eaton, Eugene Burlingame, James F. Tracey, Joseph A. Lawson, in-
structors. Special lecturers; Judson S. Landon, LL.D., Hon. Alton

B. Parker, Matthew Hale, LL.D., Hon. D. Cady Herrick, Hon. Dan-
forth E. Ainsworth, Andrew McFarlane, M. D., Hon. Walter E. Ward,

C. E. Franklin. The Board and Faculty for 1896 are the same with
the addition of Lewis R. Parker, lecturer on bailments and suretyship.
Of thisFaculty, three are justices of the Supreme Court, Appellate Di-
vision. J. Newton Fiero, dean, author of "Special Actions," and
"Special Proceedings," was for two successive years president of
the State Bar Association, and was largely instrumental in securing
the establishment of the Board of State Law Examiners, making the
examination of applicants for admission to the bar uniform throughout
the State. The Court of Appeals rules for admission of attornevs,
etc., went into effect January 1, 1895, requiring three years of prepa-
ration of all students at law before applying for admission to the bar, and
requiring them to be examined before the new Board of Law Exam-
iners.

The course of the school was changed to conform to the new law and
methods to one year of eight months divided into two semesters ; to be
preceded by two years in a law office, or law school, retaining the former
method of instruction, with moot courts once a week.

From the first class to the present time the school Register shows in-
creased attendance, even during the years of the war between I860 and
1865. Of some classes were graduated ninety, fifty-seven, fifty-nine,
none less than fifty. At the close of the war the attendance was larger
than at any time before. At one time every rank in the army from
private up to brigadier-general was represented among the students.

After what has been said of the army representation among the
students, it can be stated with equal correctness, that every rank from
city and county attorney to the judges on the bench of the United
States Court and president of the United States, has a representation
among the students whose names are to be found upon the Register <>t"
the school. Without doing more than to mention a few as they occur
to the mind of the present writer, himself a graduate in '64, may he
noted: Class of '58, Hon. David J. Brewer, judge United States bench;
William McKinley, jr., class of '67, president-elect of the United
States; Hon. Redfield Proctor, '60, ex-secretary of war, now United

168

States senator; William F. Vilas, '60, ex-secretary of war, now United
States senator; Irving G. Vann, '65, judge of the Court of Appeals of
this State; James H. Eckles, '80, a member of President Cleveland's
cabinet; Hon. Alton B. Parker; Hon. D. Cady Herrick, '67; Hon.
William D. Dickey, '66; Hon. William W. Goodrich, '53, justices of the
Supreme Court (Appellate Division).

In this county the present district attorney, county judge, surrogate,
city recorder, and one of the justices of the City Court are graduates
of the school, and with a very few exceptions the bar of Albany county
are graduates of the school.

During the administration of Dean Hall very many improvements
were made to the building, which has been largely supplemented by
Dean Fiero, making it one of the best equipped school buildings of its
kind in the country. Albany as a seat of a professional school cannot
be overrated. Here are located the executive, legislative and judicial
departments of the State

CHAPTER XIII.

THE MEDICAL PROFESSION IN ALBANY COUNTY.
By Herman Bendell, M. D.

The early history of Fort Orange and Albany seems to indicate that
the first settlers were fortunate in receiving medical treatment and care
of some description when they were sick. That it was not of the high-
est character in a professional sense need not be asserted. The Dutch
West India Company itself endeavored to protect its subjects from ill-
ness, possibly from partially selfish reasons. One of their recorded
regulations reads as follows:

The patroons and colonists shall, in particular and in the speediest manner, en-
deavor to find ways and means whereby they may support a minister and a school-
master, that the service of God and the zeal for religion may not grow cold and be
neglected among them, and that they do for the first procure a comforter for the sick.

This office had a Dutch name of its own and its incumbent was the
first person recognized in such a capacity in the colonies under the
Dutch regime. This " comforter of the sick" frequently combined in

i^LfyttttUt 'dtaJltC*

169

himself the offices of physician, preacher and possibily a civil position
of some nature. His medical skill and knowledge could not, of course,
have been of a high character. Among those who thus mingled medical
practice with religious teaching was the noted Dominic Johannes
Megapolensis, who bore the title of " Rev. Dr." He was probablv the
first Dutch dominie to settle at Albany. Another was Dominie G. \V.
Mancius, who educated his son, Wilhelmus, in the medical profession
to such good purpose that he practiced successfully during the most of
the remainder of his life in Albany. Both of these pioneers became
members of the Albany County Medical Society upon its formation in
180(3. But the first " comforter of the sick" at Fort Orange was
Sebastian Jansel Crol. He had previously filled a similar office at Fort
Amsterdam, coming to this colony in 1626 with the appointment of
Vice Director and Company's Commissary to Fort Orange. He was
succeeded in his official position by Hermanns Myndertse Vander I><
in 1646. It is believed that he was ship surgeon on the Eendraght,
which came over in 1630, and therefore was a qualified practitioner.
He served at Fort Orange only two years and was probably burned to
death in an Indian wigwam on the Mohawk.

The first regular physician to settle in this locality came over in L642
in the same vessel with Rev. Dr. Megapolensis, in the person of Sur-
geon Abraham Staats. Very little is known of his qualifications, or
whether he was employed, like the minister, to serve the inhabitants
both spirtually and professionally. Albany consisted then of only
twenty-five or thirty houses scattered along the river, and a population
of about 100; hence Dr. Staats probably did not find himself over-
pressed with professional labor. He was doubtless a man of g
character and public spirit, for he was the first presiding officer of the
village council of Rensselaer wyck. In 1642 his dwelling at Claverack
was burned by the Indians, and his wife and others of his family per-
ished. He became the owner of Fort Orange, it is said, and the land
on which it stood came down to his descendants.

One of the first, perhaps the very first, enactment, to regulate medi-
cal practice at new Amsterdam was the following:

Ordered, that ship barbers shall not be allowed to dress wounds, nor administer
any potion on shore, without the consent of the petitioners [the local chirurgeons],
or at least Dr. La Montague.

The inference from this extract as to what had been practiced upon
occasion, is clear. This Dr. Johannesdela Montagne was a Huguenot,

170

and although a physician, was known in political affairs only. He ar-
rived in New York in 1637 and was vice-director of Fort Orange from
1636 to 1664, and held other offices.

Surgeon De Hinse was a physician at the fort in 1666; there is little
record of his practice. These surgeons who were on duty at Fort
Orange at that period received for pay 2s. 6d. per day. In 1689 a
Scotch physician named Lockhart was surgeon at the Fort and prac-
practiced among the inhabitants. At a later date a son of Rev. Dr.
Megapolensis was a surgeon of the colony. He and his brother Samuel
were graduates of Leyden, and passed most of their lives in New York.
These are about all the physicians of whom the records speak until
along in the beginning of the next century. Less than forty physicians
are known to have come to the province of New York during the seven-
teenth century, though there may have been a few more whose names
are lost in the past.

The old French war and the war of the Revolution brought hither
and into prominence many physicians. The English army was accom-
panied by a respectable medical staff and from that time onward the
profession on this side of the ocean occupied a much higher plane than
before. Dr. Samuel Stringer, a native of Maryland and educated in
Virginia, where a medical school was early established, was the lead
ing physician in Albany during the eighteenth century and shared in
the labors connected with both these wars. In 1755 he received the
appointment from Governor Shirley of officer in the medical depart-
ment of the army, and accompanied Abercrombie in 1758 in his disas-
trous campaign at Ticonderoga. Serving through the war he settled
in Albany and remained in practice until the beginning of the Revolu-
tion, when he was appointed by Congress Director- General of Hospitals
in the Northern Department. In this capacity he accompanied the
army in the Canadian invasion. He was subsequently removed from
this high position, possibly through sympathy with General Schuyler
in the ill fortune and opposition which that gallant officer met. His
removal called out a vigorous remonstrance from the general to Con-
gress. He returned to Albany in 1777 and here passed the remainder
of his long life.

Dr. Nicholas Schuyler also served professionally in the armies in
both wars, after which he settled in Albany and died in Troy in 1824.
Dr. T. Cochoran, of Pennsylvania, served as surgeon in the Revolu-
tionary army, occupying high position. He was made Surgeon General

171

of the Middle Department, and in 1781 was appointed Director-General
of the Hospitals of the United States. He settled in Albany at the
conclusion of the war.

During- an early period Moses and Elias Williams, brothers and na-
tives of New England, practiced their profession in Albany. They
with their father shared in the battle of Lexington. Elias had begun
the study of medicine before the war broke out and after serving a
short time as a private he entered a military hospital in Boston, which
was then much used as a training school for needed surgeons. Two
years later he was appointed surgeon in a Maine regiment and served
to the close of the war. He settled in Albany in 1801 and practiced
there twenty-five years. His brother was younger and entered the
service later.

Hunloke Woodruff a graduate of Princeton, began the study of
medicine a short time previous to the beginning of the Revolution and
took up his residence in Albany. He was soon appointed surgeon of
a New York regiment, accompanied Colonel Gansevoort at the siege
of Fort wStanwix and General Sullivan in his famous expedition into
the country of the Senecas. After the war he settled in Albany,
where he passed most of the remainder of his life. He was the first
president of the County Medical Society and bore the reputation of a
skillful physician.

It is a historical incident of importance that during the French war
a hospital was established in Albany, to care for the wounded brought
down from the Ticonderoga battlefield. Mrs. Grant, in her "Memoirs
of an American Lady," notes the occurrence, and states that the hos-
pital was opened in the barn of Madame Schuyler, where a band of
ladies attended on the sufferers. Another historical authority states
that a hospital was established here during that war, and describes it
as it appeared in 1788 as follows:

It is situated on an eminence overlooking the city. It is two stories high, having
a wing at each end and a piazza in front, above and below. It contains forty wards.
capable of accommodating 500 patients, besides the rooms appropriated to the u
the surgeons and other officers.

After the defeat of Burgoyne at Saratoga it is said that more than a
thousand sick and wounded soldiers and officers were sen! to Albany,
filling the hospital, the Dutch church and many dwellings. Many of
these victims of the war remained until the following June, when the
military hospital was removed to the highlands of the Hudson. At a

172

later date there was a military cantonment and hospital in Greenbush,
which was maintained until 1823.

Besides the victims of war the earl)* physicians had to encounter
epidemics at times that were, perhaps, more to be dreaded than bullets.
Small-pox found its victims in thousands and in the early days was
difficult to manage. In 1613 it broke out and spread with frightful
virulence among both Europeans and Indians. Twelve of the few in-
habitants on the site of Albany died in one week, while a thousand
Indians perished. During two months Connecticut maintained a quar-
antine against the New Netherlands. Some years later the dreaded
disease again broke out with all its former fatality; indeed, in early
times this epidemic was more feared and its ravages were more exten-
sive than those of any other disease. With the introduction of inocu-
lation and its quite general adoption about 1730, the mortality from
small-pox began to diminish.

In 1746 a disease which took the name of the Barbadoes distemper,-
and other appellations, was imported by foreign ships and made its ap-
pearance in Albany. The disease was doubtless yellow fever. In 1793
the citizens of Albany, having been informed by Judge Lansing that
yellow fever was on board of a vessel that had passed New York, a
meeting of citizens and the Council was held and measures adopted to
prevent any vessel from passing above the Overslaugh without exam-
ination. The Council recommended a day of fasting and pra5*er as an-
other means of averting the disease. Two days later Hon. Alexander
Hamilton and his wife arrived at Greenbush, where they were visited
by a committee from Albany, who reported that the distinguished
couple were apparently well and recommended that they be permitted
to cross the river. The committee consisted of the following physi-
cians of this city: Drs. Samuel Stringer, W. Mancius, H. Woodruff,
W. McClelland and Cornelius Roosa.

With the opening of the present century the character of the medi
cal profession in this country began to improve. Alban)- had a popula-
tion of about 5,000, but they were nearly all Dutch. There was a de-
mand for better educated physicians and the demand was soon sup-
plied. Quackery and charlatanry, which had been rampant, began to
receive such merited condemnation from both reputable physicians and
well-informed persons generally, that their hold upon the public could
not long continue. Prior to 1750 the education of physicians, unless
gained in Europe, was very imperfect and the facilities for gaining

JOSHPH LfcWI, M. D.

173

even that were limited. The first regular medical instruction attempted
in this country began in that year with a course of lectures on anatomy
delivered in New York by Samuel Clossy, a Dublin graduate. Before
the close of that century four medical schools were established, one
each at Philadelphia, New York, and in Harvard and Dartmouth Col-
leges. But many who would gladly have availed themselves of the
facilities of these institutions could not reach them, and were forced
to content themselves with the personal instruction of some practicing
physician, who was frequently ill-fitted for the task. The passage of
the law in 1806, authorizing the formation of State and county medical
societies worked almost a revolution — not at once, but by the gradual
steps that are taken by most great reforms. The names of the mem-
bers who formed the Albany County Medical Society, organized in
July of the same year that witnessed the passage of the law, are given
on a succeeding page, and are followed with a complete list of the offi-
cers. Of some of the prominent members of that date it is proper to
speak at a little more length.

The oldest physician in Albany was Dr. Wilhelmus Mancius, son of
the Dutch dominie already alluded to. He was then (1806) more than
sixty years of age and enjoyed great popularity. Dr. Hunloke Wood-
ruff was his partner for a time. Doctor Maneius died in L808, two
years after the organization of the society.

Dr. William McClelland, a charter member of the County society,
and its first vice-president, and the first president of the State society,
was a graduate of Edinburgh. He was a leader in the profession here,
and had for partner Dr. William Bay, long a successful physician. Dr.
McClelland died in 1812,

Dr. John G. Knauff was an apothecary and probably gave more at-
tention to that business than to practice. He was a native of Ger-
many and died in 1810. Dr. Caleb Gauff, then an old man. had prac-
ticed many years in Bethlehem, while Dr. Oliver Lath rop was practic-
ing in Watervleit.

Dr. Jonathan Eights was an exact and methodical man who through
the first half of this century was held in high esteem as a family physi-
cian. He contributed more or less to medical literature.

Dr. John Stearns was a graduate of Yale, practiced a numbi
years here, and is honored as being the man whose efforts procured the
law of L806 under which State and county medical societies have
incorporated.

174

The succeeding lists give such brief details of all the members of the
society as are permissible for this work.

When the great cholera epidemic of 1832 swept over the country, a
meeting of this society was called at the request of the mayor to con-
sult upon measures for the arrest of the disease. A staff was organized
consisting of Drs. Eights, Wing, Greene, Boyd, Townsend, Wendell,
James, McNaughton, and March. The physicians of the city met every
evening in the city hall where a record was kept of the deaths. Con-
spicuous among the active and unselfish workers of that trying period
was Dr. James P. Boyd, then a comparatively young man. His faith-
ful labor in the epidemic gave him a commanding position in after
years. Dr. James McNaughton, who had formerly been a teacher of
medicine in a school, was made president of the Board of Health at
that time, and with his brother Peter labored assiduously among the
sufferers. Both of these men were for half a century among the lead-
ing citizens of Albany. Dr. Barent P. Staats was not only a prominent
physician, but took an active interest in politics, and was also a trus-
tee of numerous mercantile concerns. He was health officer of the
port during the period under consideration. Dr. Alden March was
also a well established physician at that time, having settled here in
1820. He practiced about fifty years and gained a world-wide reputa-
tion as a surgeon and a teacher.

The number of reported cases of cholera during the existence of the
disease here was 1,147, of which 422 were fatal. There was an out-
break of the disease two years later, in which there were 124 cases,
with seventy-eight deaths.

Dr. T. Romeyn Beck was about at the height of his great fame at
the time now under consideration. As the author of " Medical Juris-
prudence " his reputation is world-wide. Both he and his brother
gave much of their lives to teaching and literary labor. One of them
was sent by the governor to the northern frontier, duing the cholera
epidemic, to procure information concerning the disease Dr. Thomas
Hun was then just entering practice and passed the remainder of his
long life in Albany, an honor to his profession and to good citizenship.
Dr. Hun was prominently connected with and for many years was dean
of the faculty of the Albany Medical College and president of the staff
of the Albany Hospital. He died in 189G, having been active in his
profession for more than half a century.

Several prominent Albany count}' physicians took part professionally

175

in the war of 1812. Among them was Dr. Piatt Williams, a graduate
of Williams College and just beginning practice when the war com-
menced. He was promptly appointed surgeon of the Second Regiment
of Riflemen and served through the war. Returning to Albanv he
was appointed surgeon of theGreenbush Cantonment, before mentioned,
and served there until it was abandoned in 1822.

Dr. Henry Greene, a native of Rhode Island, graduated in 1811, and
was immediately made assistant surgeon of the 25th Regulars, saw hard
service in Canada and remained in the army until the war closed. He
settled in Albany in 1828, was conspicuous in the cholera epidemic and
one of the faculty of the Medical College when it was established.

Dr. Joel A. Wing practiced in Albany thirty eight years. He was
appointed surgeon in the army immediately after his graduation, but
declined and was made post surgeon of the Greenbush barracks in 1844.

The army record of the medical officers of this city and county who
honorably served their country during the most trying times of the
Rebellion, would write, if space permitted, a series of biographies show-
ing broad patriotism and a devotion to duty that does honor to the
American physician. To mention the names of those who distinguished
themselves on the field of battle, who unflinchingly aeeoinpanied the
forlorn hope, who for meritorious conduct were named in official orders
must be delegated to the writer of individual biographies. The list is a
long and honorable one and includes the following:

Dr. S. O. Vanderpoel held the office of surgeon general at the out-
break of the war. He served as such on the staff of Governor King
from January 1, 1857, to 1850. He was appointed a second time on
January 1, 1861, and filled the office during the administration of Gov
ernor Morgan. His was the responsible duty of organizing the med-
ical corps of the early volunteer regiments from this State, and upon
his recommendation over 600 medical officers were commissioned and
assigned to regiments. During the peninsular campaign he served as
a volunteer surgeon, and during the latter part of the war was inspector
of hospitals for the Sanitary Commission. After the war Dr. Vander-
poel was for eight years health officer of the port of New Vork. For
many years he was a member of the Medical College Faculty, and at-
tending and consulting physician to the hospitals. Heremovedto New
York city in 1X81 and died on the 12th of March, L886.

Dr. J.V. P. Quackenbush was surgeon-general during the administra-
tion of Governor Seymour from January 1. I si;:;, to L865, For a period

176

of thirty-five years Dr. Quackenbush was a leading physician in Albany,
was a member of the Faculty of the Albany Medical College and a pop-
ular teacher and lecturer. He was a prominent citizen and attained a
high reputation in the special field to which he devoted most of his
professional life. He died at Albany in 1876.

Dr. Sylvester I). Willard was appointed surgeon- general on the staff
of Governor Fenton January 2, 1865, and died during the same year.
Early in 1862 he volunteered his services as a surgeon and was assigned
to duty with the Army of the Potomac. The hardships of the penin-
sular campaign undermined his health and hastened his death. He was
foremost in advocating the founding of the Willard Asylum for the In-
sane, was possessed of vigorous intellectual qualities, and a man of a
large fund of general and professional knowledge.

Dr. James D. Pomfret was appointed surgeon general April 6, 1865,
to fill vacancy on the staff of Gov. Fenton caused by the death of Sur-
geon-General Willard, and served as such until January, 1869. July
24, 1862, Dr. Pomfret was appointed surgeon of the 7th N. Y. Heavy
Artillery (afterwards the 113th N. Y. Vols). February 7, 1865, he
tendered his resignation, was discharged from the service and returned
to Albany to resume the practice of his profession. Dr. Pomfret served
with his regiment in the defences of Washington and during this time
was assigned to duty as brigade surgeon. Later on he did service in
the field and was assigned to duty as one of the division surgeons of
the 2d Army Corps. He was a conscientious officer and popular with
the officers and men of his regiment. Dr. Pomfret died in 1869.

Dr. Jacob S. Mosher was surgeon-general on the staff of Governor
Hoffman from 1869 to 1873. He also served as a surgeon of volun-
teers in the field and in hospitals at Washington. During his stay at
Washington he was assigned to duty as assistant State medical director
and served until 1867. In 1870 he was appointed deputy health officer
of the Port of New York and remained in office for a period of six
years. Dr. Mosher was a member of the Yellow Fever Commission
appointed by Congress, a member of the Faculty of the Albany Med-
ical College, registrar of the Faculty and connected with the hospitals.
He was prominent as a citizen, gifted as a physician and eminent as a
chemist. Dr. Mosher died in Albany, August, 1883.

Dr. James W. Moore was commissioned as assistant surgeon in the vol-
unteer service of the U. S. navy early in 1861 and was in active service
for a period of nearly two years. He was assigned to duty as fleet sur-

SAMUHL B. WARD. M. D.

177

geon of the flotilla cruising in the Chesapeake Bay and North Atlan-
tic. He was surgeon of the frigate Florida, fitted out and commis-
sioned to cruise for the privateer Alabama, and subsequently assigned
to hospital duty. After the close of the war he returned to Cohoes
and continued in the practice of his profession until his death in 1880.

Dr. J. Savage Delevan was commissioned assistant surgeon of the
169th X.Y. Vols, in 1863, but was not mustered owing to the minimum
number of men in the regiment. After serving in general hospitals at
Washington, D. C, he was commissioned assistant surgeon of the 1st
Connecticut Artillery and served during the war, participating in many
of the artillery engagements during the siege of Petersburg, \'a. He
was also with his regiment at the taking of Fort Fisher. After the
close of the war he resumed practice in Albany. Dr. Delevan was
vice consul at Geneva, Switzerland, for a period of two years, for sev-
eral years U. wS. pension examining surgeon at Albany, attending
physician on the staff of the Homoeopathic Hospital, and member of
the State Board of Health. Dr. Delevan died in 1885.

Dr. Herman Bendell entered the service as hospital steward of the
39th X. Y. Vols., May 28, 1861 ; was appointed acting assistant sur-
geon U. S. A., September 1 of the same year; was commissioned as
assistant surgeon of the 6th Regiment of New York Heavy Artillery
February 2'.), 1863; promoted to surgeon of the 86th X. Y Veteran
Vols. January 3, 186-5, and served till the close of the war. He was
brevetted lieutenant-colonel for meritorious services May 18, 1866.
Since 1886 he has been surgeon of the 3d Brigade of the X. G. X. Y.

Dr. Samuel B. Ward was appointed medical cadet in the I'. S. Army
in September, 1862. In 1863 was commissioned as acting assistant
surgeon U. S. A , and subsequently commissioned as assistant sur-
geon U. vS. Vols. After the close of the war Dr. Ward began the
practice of his profession in the city of New York. In 1872 he was
elected assistant surgeon of the 7th Regiment of the National Guard,
and after his removal to Albany, in 1876, he was commissioned as sur-
geon of the 5th Brigade, X. <i. X. Y., in which position he served
until the reorganization of the Guard in 1886. Dr. Ward is a member
of the Faculty of the Albany Medical College, attending physician at
the Albany Hospital, consulting surgeon at St. Peter's Hospital, and a
representative member of the State and County Medical Society.

Dr. Charles A. Robertson was appointed surgeon of the 1 59th X. Y.
Vols., August 30, L862, and resigned his commission November 2,
23

178

1863. Prior to the war he practiced ophthalmology in Boston. After
resigning- from the service he settled in Albany and had a large prac-
tice in his specialty until his death in 1880.

Dr. Thomas Helms of McKownsville was commissioned as assistant
surgeon of the 148th New York Vols., December 23, 1863, and was
promoted April 5, 1865, to surgeon of the 85th N. Y. Vols. He was
wounded at Fort Harrison, and was- honorably discharged at the close
of the war. He resumed practice in his old town, and died in 1889.

Dr. Charles H. Porter was commissioned assistant surgeon of the
40th N. Y. A T ols. August 22d, 1802, was promoted surgeon of the 6th
X. Y. Heavy Artillery February 25, 1863, and mustered out with his
regiment at the close of the war. In May, 1866, he was brevetted
colonel of N. Y Volunteers. He returned to Albany and is actively
engaged in the practice of his profession.

Dr. }ohn L. Van Alstyne was commissioned assistant surgeon of the 3d
N. Y. Cavalry February 16, 1863, promoted surgeon of the same regi-
ment September 5, 1864, and mustered out of service at Norfolk, Ya.,
July 12, 1865. After leaving the service Dr. Van Alstyne returned to
Albany, subsequently removed to Richmondville, Schoharie county,
N. Y., where he is actively Sngaged in the practice of his profession.

Dr. Alexander H. Hoff served as surgeon-general on the staff of
Governor Clark from January 1, 1855, to 1857. He was commissioned
as surgeon of the 3d N. Y. Vols., May 8, 1861, and during the same
year detailed as surgeon in charge of the brigade to which his regiment
was assigned. From 1864 to the close of the war he was medical direc-
tor of transportation, and was mustered out of the service at Raleigh,
N. C, August 28. 1865. In 1867 he was appointed assistant surgeon
in the Medical Corps of the U. S. Army, subsequently promoted to the
grade of surgeon, and remained in the army until his death in 1876.

Dr. Norman L. Snow was commissioned assistant surgeon of the
153d N. Y. Volunteers, August 23, 1862, was promoted surgeon of
the same regiment March 10, 1864, and mustered out of service with
his regiment October 2, 1865. Doctor Snow 7 served with Sheridan in
the Shenandoah, in the Red River expedition under Banks, and during
the latter part of the war was health officer of the district of Savannah.
After the war he resumed practice in his native locality, Canajoharie.
In 1875 he became the associate of Doctor Vander Veer at Albany, was
a member of the medical and surgical staff of the Albany Hospital, a
curator of the college, and was president of the Board of Aldermen at
the time of his death in December, 1885.

CHARLES H. PORTER, M. D.

; .'■■■■ :

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rf-~L^T^

fa^k-^-^^-

179

Dr. Albert Vander Veer entered the service early in L861 as a medi-
cal cadet. He was one of the original corps of one hundred medical
cadets appointed in the U. S. army and was assigned to duty at the
Columbia College Hospital at Washington. January 3, 1863, he was
commissioned assistant surgeon of the 60th New York Vols., promoted to
surgeon of the same regiment July 29, 1864, and mustered out of service-
August 31, 1865. Doctor Vander Veer is actively and prominently en-
gaged in the practice of his profession at Albany. He is a member of
the college faculty and dean of the faculty, also attending and consult-
ing surgeon on the hospital staff and a Regent of the University. He
is prominent as a citizen, eminent as a surgeon and a liberal contribu-
tor to the literature of his profession.

Dr. A. B Huested entered the service as hospital steward of the
113th N. Y. Volunteers (7th Heavy Artillery) early in 1862. March
21st, 1804, he was commissioned assistant surgeon of the 21st X. Y.
Cavalry, was promoted to surgeon October 15, 1865, and remained in
service to the close of the war. He returned to Albany, is engaged in
the drug business and is a member of the faculty of the College of
Pharmacy.

Dr. George H. Newcomb was commissioned assistant surgeon of the
113th N. Y. Volunteers August 15, 1862, was promoted to surgeon of
the same regiment February IS, 1865, and mustered out of service
June 6, 1865, at Federal Hill, Md. At the close of the war he resumed
practice at Albany.

Dr. George T. Stevens was commissioned assistant surgeon of the
77th X. Y. Volunteers October 8, 1861, was promoted to surgeon of
the same regiment February 16, 1803, and mustered out of service
with the held and staff of his regiment December 1:5, 1805. Doctor
Stevens is a contributor to the surgical history of the rebellion and
author of "Three Years With the Sixth Corps." He practiced in Al-
bany for many years after the war, contributed largely to the litera-
ture of his specialty, ophthalmology, and removed to New York city
in 1881.

Dr. P. M. Murphy was commissioned assistant surgeon of the 134th
N. V. Volunteers March 30, 1864, was promoted tosurgeonof the89th
X. Y. Volunteers June 20, 1865, but not mustered as such. He accom-
panied Sherman on the March to the Sea. and at the close of the war
returned to Albany and engaged in the drug business. I >octor Murphy
died at Albany June. 1894.

180

Dr. Alexander A. Edmeston was commissioned assistant surgeon
18th N. Y. Volunteers, May 17, 1861, and resigned September 25,
1862. He again entered the service as surgeon of the 92d N. Y. Vol-
unteers October 7, 1862, and resigned his commission December 2,
1864. He resumed practice at Albany and died from the results of
disease contracted in the service.

Dr. Frank J. Mattimore was commissioned assistant surgeon of the
18th N. Y. Volunteers, August 11, 1862, and mustered out of service
with his regiment May 21, 1863. He died a few months after his re-
turn from disease contracted in the service.

Dr. Wesley Blaisdell was practicing at Coeymans. Was appointed
assistant surgeon of the 113th Regiment N. Y Vols., later the 7th
Heavy Artillery, August 15, 1862, and resigned September 2!) of the
same year. He again entered the service as assistant surgeon of the
75th N. Y. Vols. November 15, 1862, and resigned July 4, 1863. Dr.
Blaisdell died at Newbern, N. C, in 1864.

Dr. Cornelius B. O'Leary was commissioned surgeon of the 25th mili-
tia regiment May 31, 1861, to serve three months and was mustered
with his regiment September 8 of the same year. September 12, 1862,
Dr. O'Leary was appointed assistant surgeon of the 175th New York
Vols, and was discharged, by resignation, January 16, 1863. He was
commissioned surgeon of the 175th N. Y. Vols. January 17, 1863, mus-
tered into service the same day, and discharged from the service Sep-
tember 10, 1863. Was recommissioned assistant surgeon of the same
regiment October 17, 1864, but not mustered into service. Dr. O'Leary
resumed practice at Albany and died in 1877.

Dr. Warren Van Steenberg was commissioned assistant surgeon
1st N. Y. Vol. Infantry December 3, 1861, and was discharged Sep-
tember 30, 1862, to accept promotion as surgeon 55th N. Y. Vols, and
was discharged from the regiment December 22, 1862, by reason of
consolidation. Dr. Van Steenberg again entered the service as surgeon
of the 120th N. Y. Vols April 27, 1863, and was mustered out with his
regiment June 3, 1865. After the war he resumed practice at Cohoes,
N. Y. He died in 1880.

Dr. P. L. F. Reynolds was commissioned assistant surgeon 16th N.
Y. Volunteers September 22, 1862, and was discharged from the service
on surgeon's certificate of disability at Folly Island, S. C, December
13, 1863. In March, 1865, he was commissioned as assistant surgeon
of the 94th N. Y. Volunteers but was not mustered. He resumed prac-

181

tice at Albany, subsequently removed to Oneida, Madison county, N.
Y., where he died April, 1887.

Dr. William H. Craig' was commissioned surgeon of the 177th N. Y.
Volunteers October 11, 1862, and mustered out with his regiment Sep-
tember 10, 1863. He resumed practice in Albany. He was U. S.
pension examining surgeon from 1865 to 1877, when he was appointed
postmaster of Albany. Dr. Craig took an active interest in all matters
pertaining to public improvements. He was a patriotic soldier, hon-
ored and esteemed as a citizen and a trusted physician. Dr. Craig died
in October, 1889.

Dr. Jeptha R. Boulware was commissioned assistant surgeon of the
177th regiment N. Y. Volunteers November 5, 1862, and mustered out
with his regiment December 10, 1863. After the war he was surgeon
of the 10th Regiment and surgeon of the 9th brigade of the National
Guard of the State of New York. Dr Boulware was a prominent
physician. He was surgeon on the staff of St. Peter's Hospital For
several years prior to his death he was a victim of disease contracted in
the service. He died October, 1887.

Dr. Henry R. Haskins was commissioned surgeon of the 192d X. Y.
Volunteers February 1, 1865, and was mustered out of service August
28 of the same year. He practiced in Albany until his death in 1884.
Was professor of anatomy on the faculty of the Albany Medical College
and prominent as a surgeon.

Dr. Oscar H. Young was commissioned assistant surgeon of the 177th
X. V. Volunteers November 6, 1862, and was mustered out of service
with his regiment September 10. 1863. He resumed practice in Albany
and subsequently removed to Michigan.

Dr. Thomas Beckett was enrolled as surgeon's mate of the 25th X.
Y. State Militia May 21, 1 8 ( j *2 , and mustered out with his regiment
September 8 of the same year October 4, 1862, he was commissioned
assistant surgeon of the 175th X. Y. Vols, and resigned from the serviee
Jane 11, L863. Tn L865 he was appointed acting assisting surgeon CJ. S.
A. and assigned to duty at the Ira Harris Hospital, serving to the close
of the war. Dr. Beckett resumed practice at Albany. He never fully re-
covered his health, undermined by arduous duties during the campaign
in Louisiana, and died in 1895.

Dr. Charles P. Staats was commissioned assistant surgeon 67th X. V.
Volunteers January 21, 1863, and mustered out of service with his regi-
ment July 4, 1864. Dr. Staats resumed the practice of his profession
at Albany. He died in 1884.

182

To complete this honorable list it is just to record the names of
physicians from this city and county who served the country in its
time of need but were not assigned to regimental organizations, and
also to name those whose valuable services are mentioned in official
reports and whose labors are entitled to recognition. The act of April
16, 1861, authorizing the enrollment of 30,000 volunteers in this State,
necessitated prompt and energetic action on the part of the chiefs of
departments to properly equip and provide for this large volunteer
force that was rapidly being concentrated at the designated rendezvous.
Efficient organization to provide for the physical examination of re-
cruits, quarters for the sick and disabled, and medical attendants was
demanded. The qualification of candidates for the position of surgeon
and assistant-surgeon was to be determined. The position of surgeon-
general, which up to this time was only complimentary, became active
and responsible. Dr. Alexander A. Hoff was appointed medical inspector
of the military rendezvous at Albany. He served in this capacity until
May 15, 1861, when he was relieved to accept the position as surgeon
of the 3d N. Y. Vols. Dr. Hoff was succeeded by Dr. Mason F. Cogs-
well, who faithfully performed the duties of medical inspector until the
completion of the levy. Drs. John Swinburne, Alden March, and
Howard Townsend volunteered their services in attending the sick and
disabled soldiers, who, under contract with the managers, were ad-
mitted to the Albany Hospital. In accordance with authority from
the commander-in-chief, Surgeon-General Vanderpoel, on April 19,
1861, appointed Drs. Alden March, Thomas Hun, and Mason F. Cogs-
well of this city, a commission for the examination of candidates for
the position of surgeon and assistant surgeon of the volunteer regi-
ments from this State. Dr. John Y. Lansing was named as secretary,
and Dr. Joseph Lewi was added to the commission as an adjunct mem-
ber. Four hundred and sixty-eight applicants were examined by this
board. Of this number two hundred and twenty eight qualified as
surgeons, and one hundred and sixty-seven as assistant surgeons. This
commission remained in service until December 10, 1861. Many of
the best minds in the profession from this city tendered their ser-
vices and were assigned to duty in camp, field, and hospitals. Dr.
Mason F. Cogswell was surgeon in charge of a post hospital and
served as a volunteer surgeon in the Army of the Potomac in 1862.
In 1863 Dr. Cogswell, in connection with Dr. Thomas Hun, inspected
for the Christian Commission, the military hospitals of the west and

183

southwest. Dr. Alden March, at the time professor of surgery at the
Albany Medical College, devoted much of his time to the care of the
sick and wounded inmates of the Soldiers' Home located at Albany.
Dr. John Y. Lansing was appointed acting assistant surgeon and as-
signed to duty as examiner of recruits at the Albany barracks. Dr.
Henry March, son of Alden March, was commissioned assistant sur-
geon of volunteers in 1862 and assigned to hospital duty at Fortress
Monroe and at Fredericksburg, Va. Dr. William H. Bailey, a prom-
inent physician of Albany, was commissioned as surgeon of volunteers
and assigned to duty at Washington, D. C, and in field hospitals of
the Army of the Potomac. Dr. John Swinburne served at the recruit-
ing rendezvous at Albany from 1861 to 1862. Dr. Swinburne was also
a member of the corps of volunteer surgeons assigned to dutv with
the Army of the Potomac during the peninsular campaign in 1862.
In connection with Drs. Willard, Cogswell, and Lansing, he was di-
rected by the medical director of the Army of the Potomac to establish
a field hospital on the Pamunkey River at a point known as the White
House, and remained in charge of this hospital until he was appointed
acting assistant surgeon U. S. A. and assigned to duty as surgeon in
charge of field hospital at Savage Station, Ya. Dr. James II. Armsbv
was one of the attending surgeons at the Soldiers' Home in this city.
Drs. Levi Moore, James L. Babcock, Ira Delamater, and A. P. Ten
Eyck, men esteemed by the community and respected as physicians,
largely assisted in caring for the sick and wounded soldiers confined in
hospital and barracks. Dr. Samuel H. Freeman, still active in the
profession, served as an attending physician at the Soldiers' Home.

Physicians who performed military service other than professional
were Dr. O. D. Ball, who enlisted November 1, L861, and was mustered
as sergeant of Co. M, 3d Artillery, X. Y. Vols., December 9, of the
same year. Doctor Ball was promoted 2d lieutenant of Co. I. May 21,
L864. February 14, L865, was advanced to 1st lieutenant and mustered
out of service with his company July *. L865. After the close of the
war Doctor Ball practiced medicine in Otsego county, X. Y. In is; |
he removed to Albany and is still actively engaged in the practice of
his profession. Doctor Ball is a member of the Slate Medical Society
and ex-president of the County Medical Society.

Dr. Edward E. Brown was commissioned 1st lieutenant of Co. K. oth
Artillery, X. Y. Yols., September 21, 1862, was promoted captain
January 30, L863, and resigned his commission May 3, 1865. Doctor

184

Brown is a graduate of the Albany Medical College, practiced his pro-
fession in the town of Bethlehem and at Albany and removed to
Massachusetts.

Dr. Ezra A. Bartlett enlisted as a private in the 4th U. S. Artillery
in 1863. He served with the Army of the Cumberland and Tennessee,
participating in many engagements and was wounded at Pulaski, Tenn.,
in January, 1865. In 1866 he was honorably discharged from the ser-
vice and completed his collegiate education. After graduating he stud-
ied medicine at tha Albany Medical College and began the practice of
his profession at Albany. Doctor Bartlett is a lecturer at the Albany
Medical College, a member of the staff of the Albany Hospital and a
contributor to the literature of his profession.

Dr. Frederick C. Curtis was enrolled as a private in Co. B, 40th Regi-
ment Wisconsin Vols., May 17, 1864, and was discharged on the 16th
' of September of same year by reason of expiration of term of enlist-
ment. His regiment, mainly recruited from colleges and academies,
Doctor Curtis at the time being in his sophomore year at Beloit Col-
lege, served in the defenses of Memphis, Tenn., and participated in the
engagement defending the city against the raid of General Forrest.
Doctor Curtis is active in the profession, is a member of the State Board
of Health, connected with the college faculty and hospital staff, and since
1888 has been secretary of the New York State Medical Society.

Dr. John H. Wilbur at the outbreak of the Rebellion was a student of
medicine registered with Dr. J. D. Wheeler, West Fulton, Scho-
harie county, N. Y. He enlisted as a private in Co. C, 44th N. Y.
Vols., August 22, 1861, and was discharged for disability May 5, 1863.
After leaving the army he resumed the study of medicine and was
graduated from the Eclectic Medical College, Philadelphia, Pa., in
1864. Doctor Wilbur practiced medicine at West Fulton for three
years, removed to Oak Hill, Greene county, N. Y., where he remained
four years. In 1874 he settled in the city of Cohoes and practiced his
profession until his death March 20, 1896. '

The passage of the act of March 18, 1806, authorizing the formation
of medical societies, marked the beginning of a new era in the profes-
sion. Previous to that date physicians had been free to begin practice
when and where they saw fit. The result, as has been seen, was to de-
grade the noble profession. The ignorant pretender, in many localities,
stood upon substantially the same footing as regarded success in ob-
taining patients, with the skilled and educated man. The field was

185

overrun with quacks of all kinds and who based their claims to business
upon all manner of pretenses. The time was sure to arrive when rep-
utable physicians would adopt measures for self protection, which
would serve to separate them from the army of disreputable practi-
tioners. Dr. Thomas Hun wrote in 1844 that : "Quackery must be
suppressed, not by legislation, but by enlightening public opinion of
its dangers. The respectability of our profession is to be promoted,
not by asking for legal privileges, but by an increase of individual zeal
and co-operation." That was written nearly forty years after medical
societies came into existence and indicates what must have been the
conditions of the profession at a much earlier period.

It has frequently been placed on record that the Albany County Med-
ical Society is the oldest medical society in the State. This is an error.
The date of its organization was July 29, 1806, at which date there
were five other county medical societies in existence, all of which ex-
cepting that of Columbia county, were, however, organized in the same
month with the Albany County Society. This society has been one of
the most persistently active in the State, and has met with regularity.
It has been instrumental in contending against local epidemics and un-
sanitary conditions, its advice having been frequently sought by the
mayor and council of Albany. Its discipline over unprofessional mem-
bers has been both strict and just, and it has been more than generous
in perpetuating the memory of its deceased members in printed biogra-
phies and in the publication of its own proceedings.

Following is a chronological list of the members of this society from
its organization, with the year of graduation, and other details:

Chronological List ok the Medical Society of the County of Albany from us
Organization, with Year of Admission and Place of Graduation — The Living
Resident Members are Indicated by a Star*.

1806, Hur.loke Woodruff, New York city, died 1811, aged 56; William McClelland.
Edinburgh, died 1812, aged 43; Charles D. Townsend, Columbia College, medical
department, 1802, died 1847, aged 70; John G. Knauff, probably in Germany, died
1810; Elias Willard, Boston, died 1827, aged 71; Wilhelmus Mancius, studied med-
icine with his father, Rev, G. W. Mancius, 1758, died 1808, aged 70: William Ander-
son, University of Pennsylvania, died 1811, aged 40; Joseph W. Hegeman, Prince-
ton, died 1837, aged 65; Cornelius Yrooman, jr., University of Pennsylvania, died
1811, aged 30; Alexander G. Fonda, licensed 1806, died 1869, aged 84; Caleb Gauff,
Bethlehem; Augustus Harris, licensed by Supreme Court, 1800, died 1857, aged 81;
Augustus P. R. Taylor, University of Pennsylvania, 1804, died 1841, age

1807, Peter Wendell, University of Pennsylvania, 1807, died 1849, aged 64; Jacob
L. Van Deusen, Regent's degree, 1806, resigned 1825.

180

1808, Archibald H. Adams. University of Edinburgh, died 1811, aged 42; Charles
D. Cooper, New York, died 1831, aged 63; Isaac Hyde, probably licensed, died 1833,
aged 61 ; James Low, University of Edinburgh, 1807, died 1823, aged 40.

1809, Simon Veeder, licentiate of this society, 1807, died 1860, aged 72.

1810, William Bay, Columbia College, Medical Department, 1797, died 1865, aged
93; Jonathan Eights, certificate of two physicians, died 1848, aged 75; John Stearns,
University of Pennsylvania, died 1848, aged 65.

1811, T. Romeyn Beck, College of Physicians and Surgeons, 1811, died 1855,
aged 64.

1812, Jonathan Johnson, licentiate of this society, 1812, died 1860, aged 75 ; Eras-
tus Williams, licentiate Vermont State Society, 1800, died 1842, aged 69. Peter De
Lamater, studied medicine, 1794, died 1849, aged 77.

1813, Enoch Cheney ; Oliver Lathrop, studied with Dr. White, of Cherry Valley,
died 1824, aged 57.

1816, Moses Brownell, died March 12, 1879, aged 90; Richard Brownell, filed
diploma with county clerk, 1816, removed to Rhode Island; Samuel Freeman, Dart-
mouth, removed to Saratoga, died 1862; George Upfold, jr., College Physicians and
Surgeons, 1816, died 1872, aged 76; Plat! Williams, Columbia College, Medical De-
partment, 1810, died 1870, aged 86; Joel A. Wing, licentiate Montgomery County
Society, 1811, died 1852, aged 65.

1817, Thomas J. Gibbons, College Physicians and Surgeons, 1817, died 1819,
aged 22.

1819, William Humphreys, College Physicians and Surgeons, 1819, died 1826, aged
31; Charles Martin, licentiate of this society, 1818; Ashbel S. Webster, College
Physicians and Surgeons, 1819, died 1840, aged 44 ; Caleb Woodward, soon left the
city.

1820, John James, College Physicians and Surgeons, 1819, died 1859, aged 70;
Robert Viets, died 1853.

1821, Moses Clement, licentiate of New Hampshire State Society, 1807; died 1831,
aged 51. Henry B. Hallenbeck, licentiate of this society ; died 1825, aged 29. Ly-
man Spalding, died 1841, aged 46. Barent P. Staats, licentiate New York State
Medical Society, 1817; died 1871, aged 74. Samuel S. Treat, College Physicians and
Surgeons, 1821; died 1832, aged 33. Peter Van O' Linda, licentiate New York State
Medical Society, 1820; died 1872, aged 75. Christopher C. Yates, licensed by Su-
preme Court, 1802; died 1848, aged 70.

1822, Valentine Dennick, licentiate of this society, 1822, date of birth and death
not known.

1823, John W. Bay, College Physicians and Surgeons, 1823, died 1877, aged 76 ;
Lewis C. Beck, licentiate of this society, 1818, died 1853, aged 55; Alden March,
Brown University, 1820, died 1869, aged 73.

1824, Michael Freligh, licensed by civil process, died 1853, aged 83.

1825, Rensselaer Gansevoort, College Pyhsicians and Surgeons, 1824, died 1838,
aged 35; John W. Hinckley, licentiate of this society, 1825, died 1860, aged 57.

1826, Charles E. Burrows; David W. Houghtaling, licensed 1822, died 1829,
aged 33.

1827, Hazael Kane, licentiate of this society, 1822, died at Nassau ; Henry Van
O' Linda, licentiate of Montgomery County Society, 1826, died 1846, aged 41.

187

1828, James P. Boyd, University of Pennsylvania, 1825, died May 10, 1881, aged
77; James M. Brown, licentiate of this society, 1825, died 1854, aged 50; Elisha S.
Burton, Berkshire Medical College, 1827, died 1873; *Benjamin B. Fredenburg,
licentiate Columbia County Society, 1819; Samuel Humpfreys, licentiate State So-
ciety, 1821, died in Liberia, 1832, aged 30; Edward A. Leonard, Yale College, Med-
ical Department, 1827, died 1837, aged 31 ; Michael Malone. licentiate State Society,
1826, died 1844, aged 46; James McNaughton, University of Edinburgh, 1816, died
1874, aged 78; Peter McNaughton, University of Edinburgh, 1825, died 1875, aged
75; William Noble, removed to Albion, Orleans county; Peter B. Noxon, licentiate
of this society, 1824, died April, 1882, aged 86; Peter P. Staats, licentiate State So-
ciety, 1825, died 1874, aged 71; William Tulley, licentiate Connecticut State Society,
1810, died 1859, aged 74; Henry Van Antwerp, licentiate State Society, 1825, died
1859, aged 57; Luke Wellington, Berkshire Medical College, 1825, removed; Asa
Burbank, Berkshire Medical College, 1823, died 1832.

1829, Ebram T. Bigelow, Fairfield Medical College, died about 1868; Henry Green,
Fairfield Medical College, 1814, died 1844, aged 54; Isaac Hempstead, licentiate of
this society, 1827, died 1852, aged 48 ; Augustus F. Lawyer, Fairfield Medical Col-
lege, died March 27, 1883, aged 75; Solomon Lincoln, licentiate State Society, l^'Jlt.
removed; Nicholas Markay, died; Francis N. Selkirk, licentiate of this society,
1829, died 1849, aged 40; John Styles, removed to New York city; Benjamin Van
Zandt, died; James Wade, licentiate Schenectady County Society, 1812, died 1867,
aged 78; Nanning Y. Winne, Yale Medical School, 1828, died 1858, aged 51.

1830, Henry Bronson, removed to New Haven, Conn. ; Jonathan H. Case, Fairfield
Medical College, 1828, died 1865, aged 58; Obadiah Crosby, in New York, 1828, died
is:;s, aged 38; Vernor Cuyler, licentiate State Society, 1822, removed; David-
son ; Thomas Hun, University of Pennsylvania, 1830, Albany, died June 23, 1896,
aged 86; James S. Low, died; David McLachlan, University of Glasgow, 1829, died
1858, aged 55; Richard Murphy, licentiate State Society, 1830; William O'Donnell,
removed to New York city; William Pearce; Alva W. Rockwell, Berkshire Medical
College, 1820, died 1837, aged 41 ; Nelson Rusk, licentiate Chautauqua County So-
ciety, at Stuyvesant, N. Y. ; Samuel Shaw, removed to Massachusetts; Guy Spald-
ing, died 1854, aged 75; John F. Townsend, University of Pennsylvania, 1830, died
1874, aged 65.

1831, David R Burrus, Vermont Academy of Medicine, 1833, removed to Saratoga
county, 1859; Hiram Christie; Lansing Cory; Darius Coy, removed to Cobleskill ;
Palmer C. Dorr, licentiate of this society, 1824, died 1840, aged 43; Richard J. Dusen-
bury. removed to Chicago; Edward W. Ford, University of Pennsylvania, 1881,
died 1875, aged 45; Ten Eyck Gansevoort, University of Pennsylvania, 1825, died
1843, aged 40; Lewis B. Gregory, Fairfield Medical College, 1830, died 1838, aged
30; Abraham Groesbeck, removed to Chicago, 111.; Ammond Hammond. Vermont
Academy of Medicine, died 1849, aged 46; Alson J. Hallenbake, licentiate State So-
ciety, 1831, died 1846, aged 38; Carroll Humphrey, University of Pennsylvania, died
at Calcutta, 1834, aged 29; E, A. Lacey; David Springsteed, licentiate of this so-
ciety, 1830, died March 26, 1894. aged 86; Luther M. Tracey; John T. Van Alstyne,
Fairfield Medical College, 1823, died 1876, aged 76; Leonard G. Warren. Vermont
Academy of Medicine, 1826, died 1866, aged 63.

1882, Jarvis Barney, died 1838, aged 83: Stephen I). Hand, Berkshire Medical Col-

188

lege, 1831 ; Josiah W. Lay, licentiate Greene County Medical Society, 1816 died 1862,
aged 71 ; Piatt Wickes, removed.

1833, Levarette Moore, Berkshire Medical College, 1829, removed to Ballston;
Van Denmark.

1834, James H. Armsby, Vermont Academy of Medicine, 1833, died 1875, aged 66 ;
Frederick Crounse, Albany county ; Samuel Dickson, licentiate State Society, 1829,
died 1858, aged 51; N. L. Hungerford, licensed 1830, died 1839, aged 34; Westley
Newcomb, Vermont Academy of Medicine, 1832, removed to Ithaca; William G.
Radcliff, removed to Philadelphia; Bernard Sabalis, returned to Holland; Sidney
Sawyer, removed to Chicago, 111. ; Herman Wendell, College Physicians and Sur-
geons, 1832, died 1881, aged 72.

1837, William F. Carter, Dartmouth Medical College, 1834. died 1866, aged 54; H.
A. Grant, removed to Connecticut ; Francis W. Priest, left city after short residence ;
J. B. Rossman, Fairfield Medical College, 1829, died December 23, 1883, aged 77;
Edward Q. Sewall, removed to Canada; John H. Trotter, licensed to practice, died
1861, aged 48; John Van Buren, University of the City of New York, died 1856, aged
48 ; Alexander Van Rensselaer, removed to New York city.

1839, John Babcock, Vermont Academy of Medicine, 1838, died March 13, 1879,
aged 65; John Van Alstyne, died at sea, 1844; Peter Van Buren, College Physicians
and Surgeons, 1823, died 1873, aged 71; John Wilson, Fairfield Medical College (?),
died 1877.

1840, Mason F. Cogswell, College Physicians and Surgeons, 1833, died 1864, aged
54; Otis Jenks, licensed by State Society, 1840, died 1854, aged 55.

1841, John O. Flagler, died December 17, 1882; E. B. O'Callaghan, licentiate State
Society, 1841; died 1880, aged 80; Charles H. Payne, removed to Saratoga; U. H.
Wheeler, died in Brooklyn.

1842, Selah B. Fish, Berkshire Medical College, 1841, removed from the county.

1844, John Campbell, Albany Medical College, 1843; entered United States army
in 1847; C. E. Dayton; Patrick Gannon, in New York, died 1854, aged 74; David
Martin, Fairfield Medical College, 1828, died 1853, aged 53; William J. Young, re-
moved.

1845, Uriah G. Bigelow, Albany Medical College, 1843, died 1873, aged 52; Chris-
topher C. Griffin, licentiate of this society, 1843, died 1856, aged 41 ; Edward Perry,
University of New York, died at the age of 43; J. V. P. Quackenbush, Albany-Med-
ical College, 1842, died in 1876, aged 57; Richard H. Thompson, Albany Medical
College, 1842, died 1864.

1846, Isaiah Breakey, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, 1816, died 1848, aged 59 ;
*Samuel H. Freeman, Albany Medical College, 1846, Albany.

1847, Henry B. McHarg, Albany Medical College, 1847, died 1848, aged 22; Ben-
jamin A. Sheldon, Albany Medical College, 1847, died September 10, 1864, aged 39;
John Swinburne, Albany Medical College, 1846, Albany, died March 28, 1889, aged
65 ; C. C. Waller, left the city, 1855.

1848, Edward H. Clarke, Albany Medical College, 1848, removed to Buffalo;
Henry B. Fay, Albany Medical College, 1843, removed to New York city; William
Geoghegan, Royal College Surgeons, Dublin, 1837, died 1877, aged 62; Alexander
W .McNaughton, Albany Medical College, 1848, died January 7, 1865, aged 36; Paul
Todd Taber, Albany Medical College, 1848, died 1851, aged 25; Howard Townsend,

ISO

Albany Medical College, 1846; died January 15, 1867, aged 44; Sylvester D. Willard,
Albany Medical College, 1848, died April 2, 1865, aged 40.

1849, David Wiltsie, Albany Medical College, 1847; died 1875, aged 55.

1850, Abram H. McKown, Albany Medical College, 18451 died 1853, aged 33;
Thomas H. Neeley, Albany Medical College, 1850, died 1851, aged 25; Jacob Rein-
hart, Heidelberg and Gottingen, 1847, died 1860, aged 35 ; James II. Sallisbury, Al-
bany Medical College, 1850, removed to New York city; Augustus Yiele, Fairfield
Medical College, 1837, died February 12, 1882 ; Alonzo G. Westervelt, Albany Medical
College, 1850, removed to Durham, Greene county.

1851, James L. Babcock, Albany Medical College, 1850, died February 13, 1881,
aged 58; J. R. Bullock, Fairfield Medical College, 1836, Albany county; Ira M.
De Lamater, Albany Medical College, 1850, died September, 1864, aged 45; David
E. Fonda, Fairfield Medical College, 1838, died January 12, 1883, aged 66; Will-
iam A. Hawley, Albany Medical College, 1851, removed to Syracuse; Charles D.
Marsh, Albany Medical College, 1850, removed from the city; William B. Sims, Al-
bany Medical College, died October 18, 1881 ; S. O. Van Der Poel, Jefferson Medical
College, 1845, removed to New York 1881, died Macrh 12, 1886; I. X. Wyckoff, Al-
bany Medical College, 1852, never practiced medicine, died.

1852, F. L. R. Chapin, Albany Medical College, 1851, removed to Glens Falls,
died April 10,1889, aged 65 ; Samuel Ingraham, Albany Medical College, 1849, removed
to Palmyra; -Joseph Lewi, University of Vienna, 1847, Albany ; Levi Moore, Albany
Medical College, 1851, died June 30, 1880, aged 53; Henry F. Spencer, Albany
Medical College, 1852, died at sea, 1862, aged 36.

1853, Hiram A. Edmonds. Albany Medical College, 1853, died 1857, aged '29;
Henry March, Albany Medical College, 1853, died May 7, 1886; J. II. Scoon,
Albany Medical College, 1849, died July 22, 1880, aged 54; John P. Witbeck, Albany
Medical College, 1852. died 1873, aged 44; Harvey B. Wilbur, Berkshire Medical
College, 1842, removed to Syracuse.

L854, -William H. Bailey, Albany Medical College, 1853, Albany; William II.
Craig, Albany Medical College, Albany, 1852, died October 4, 1889; Charles Devol,
Fairfield Medical College, 1831, Albany, died March 5, 1894; Alexander H. Hoff,
Jefferson Medical College, 1843, died 1876, aged 55; S. P. Uline, Vermont Academv
of Medicine, 1852, removed to Lowville.

1865, Stephen J. W. Tabor, College Physicians and Surgeons, 1841, removed t<>
Iowa; Daniel Wasserbach, University of Hague, 1843, died September 11, 1SS0,
aged 66.

ls.-)(|, Frederick C. Adams, Albany Medical College, 1847, died L862, aged 40;
AmoS Fowler,. University of New York. 1846, Albany, diedOctober 23, 1895 ; : Henry
G. McNaughton, Albany Medical College, 1856. Albany; Staats YViune, Albany
Medical College, 1851, died May :!<>, 1880, aged 5:;.

1857, O. C. Alexander, Albany Medical College, 1854, Albany; *Hiram Crounse,
Vermont Academy of Medicine, 1.S47, Albany; *George II. Newcomb, Albany
Medical College, 1855, Albany; William C. Rodgers, Albany Medical College, 1854
died 1860 aged 30; *A. Shiland, Albany Medical College, 1853, W< st Troy; John I.
Swart, Ablany Medical -College, 1853, died November 24, 1878, al Schoharie, aged
U ; Allied Wands, Albany Medical College, 1845, died L870, aged 18.

L858, John H, Becker, Albany -Medical College, 1853, died 1873, aged 15; II. S.

190

Case, Albany Medical College, 1853, Albany; Alex. A. Edmeston, Albany Medical
College, 1853, died 1871, aged 42; Thomas Helme, Albany Medical College, 1854,
McKownsville, Albany county, died March 17, 1889; Milton M. Lamb, Vermont
Academy of Medicine, 1856, removed to Lansingburgh, 1873; J. J. Myers, Albany
Medical College, 1857, Albany; James E. Pomfret, Albany Medical College, 1858-
died February 22, 1869, aged 43; Leroy McLean, Albany Medical College, 1855, re-
moved to Troy ; George Steinart, University of New York, 1855, removed to New
York city; Andrew Wilson, licentiate Columbia County Society, died 1871, aged 56.

1859, *Charles H. Porter, Albany Medical College, 1859, Albany ; R. S. McMurdy,
Albany Medical College, 1847, removed to Minneapolis. 1873; R. H. Sabin, Albany
Medical College, 1856, West Troy, died December 4, 1888; •■Charles H. Smith, Al-
bany Medical College, 1859, Albany; Thomas Smith, Albany Medical College, 1845,
died 1862; Charles P. Staats, Albany Medical College, 1853, died April 16, 1884, aged
53 ; Oscar H. Young, Albany Medical College, 1858, removed to Michigan.

1860, Joseph Atherley, died 1864; J. R. Boulware, Albany Medical College, 1859,
died October 17, 1887; William B. Chambers, Albany Medical College, 1858, re-
moved to Fulton county ; A. S. Harlow, Albany Medical College, 1859, removed
from the county; Washington Kilmer, Albany Medical College, 1860, removed to
Florida; John V. Lansing, New York Medical College, 1854, died May 9, 1880, aged
56; Martin L. Mead, Albany Medical College, removed to Ohio, 1871; J. W. Moore,
Vermont Academy of Medicine, 1850, Cohoes, died 1886; Cornelius D. Mosher,
Albany Medical College, 1859, Albany, died September 26, 1890; Joseph N. North-
rop, Vermont Academy of Medicine, 1839, died September 17, 1878, aged 61 ; John
Sheriff, Albany Medical College, 1850, removed; J. I. Welch, Albany Medical College,
1859, died June 23, 1878, aged 54.

1861, Wesley Blaisdell, Castleton, Vt, died 1864, aged 49; Frank G. Mosher, Al-
bany Medical College, 1848, died September 22, 1894.

1862, Thomas Beckett, Albany Medical College, 1861, died January 8, 1896; Asahel
Burt, jr., Albany Medical College, 1868, removed; Henry R. Haskins, Albany
Medical College, 1861, died March 31, 1883, aged 48; J. D. Havens. Albany Medical
College, 1861, died February 12, 1875, aged 40; Frank J. Mattimore, Albany
Medical College, 1860 died 1863, aged 29; F. B. Parmele, Albany Medical College,
1842, died January, 1882, aged 68.

1863, John F. Crounse, Albany Medical College, 1868, died 1872.

1864, Stephen Johnson, Albany Medical College, 1849, resigned 1875; Jacob S.
Mosher, Albany Medical College, 1863, Albany, died August 13, 1883, aged 49; C. B.
O'Leary, Albany Medical College, 1860, died 1877, aged 38; H. W. Steenberg, Fair-
field Medical College, 1837, Green Island, died 1892; Silas P. Wright, Albany Medical
College, 1682, removed.

1865, Gideon H. Armsby, Albany Medical College, 1864, died November 20, 1881 (
aged 39; Myron Knowlton, Castleton, Vt., 1837, removed to Rochester; P. L. F.
Reynolds, Albany Medical College, 1861, died April, 1887, Albany; Charles A.
Robertson, Jefferson Medical College, 1853, died April 1, 1880, aged 51; William
Sigsbee, Vermont Academy of Medicine, 1852, removed to Illinois; *Ezekiel Mulford
Wade, Vermont Academy of Medicine, 1839, Watervliet.

1866, Charles S. Allen, Albany Medical College, 1864, Rensselaer county ; *Herman
Bendell, Albany Medical College, 1862, Albany; John Ferguston, Vermont Academy

191

of Medicine, 1836, died 1874, aged 62; Michael Gilligan, removed; George T. Stevens,
Vermont Academy of Medicine, 1857, removed to New York city ; Gustavus Treskatis,
Albany Medical College, 1865, removed to New York city; *Albert Van der Veer,
National Medical College (Med. Dep. Columbia Col., Washington), 1862, Albany;
Warner Van Steenberg, University of Vermont (Med. Dep.). 1856, died at Cohoes,
May 3. 1880, aged 48.

1867, James S. Bailey, Albany Medical College, 1853, died July 1,1883, aged 53; : A.
De Graff, Albany Medical College, 1858, Guilderland ; *Alfred B. Huested, Albany
Medical College, 1863, Albany; John R. Gregory, Albany Medical College, 185s, re-
moved to Trumansburg; Edward R. Hun, College Physicians and Surgeons, 1866,
died March 14, 1880, aged 38; James F. McKown, Albany Medical College, 1866, Al-
bany, died August 25, 1892; P. M. Murphy, Albany Medical College, 1863,
Albany, died June, 1894; *D. V. O'Leary, Albany Medical College, I860, Albany.

1868, L. M. Dunkelmeyer, removed to Cincinnati, O. ; Alexander McDonald, died
1877, aged 33; *John Thompson, University of New York, 1868, Albany; Richard
D. Traver, St. Louis Medical College, 1869, removed to Troy, N. Y. : *C. E. Wit-
beck, Albany Medical College, 1866, Cohoes.

1869, *Hiram Becker, Albany Medical College, 1864, New Salem; Daniel M. Stim-
son, College Physicians and Surgeons, 1868, removed to New York city, 1 1*71.

1870, *John M. Bigelow, College Physicians and Surgeons, 1870, Albany; J. Myers
Briggs, Albany Medical College, 1869, died 1874, aged 29; Thomas D. Crothers Al-
bany Medical College, 1865, removed to Hartford, Conn. *J. R. Davidson, Albany
Medical College, 1869, South Bethlehem; Eustis H. Davis, Albany Medical College,
1854, removed to Watkins; *J. D. Featherstonhaugh, College Physicians and Sur-
goons, 1870, Cohoes; H. D. Losee, Albany Medical College, 1868, died 1874, aged 25;
William Morgan, Albany Medical College, 1869, Albany, resigned 1883; William H.
T. Reynolds, College of Physicians and Surgeons, 1870, Albany, died 1894; *Chaiies
F. Scattergood, Albany Medical College, 1868, Albany; A. P. Ten Eyck, Albany
Medical College, 1866, Rensselaer county, died February 4, 1893.

1871, L. R. Boyce, licentiate Otsego County Society, 1862, resigned 1877; Orson F.
Cobb, Albany Medical College, 1868, West Troy, suspended 1876; P. J. C. Golding, re-
moved to Massachusetts ; *L. C. B. Graveline, Albany Medical College, 1862, Al-
bany; *Lorenzo Hale, Albany Medical College, 1868, Albany; K. V. R. Lansingh,
jr., Albany Medical College, 1870, died April 13, 1879; -William H. Murray, Albany
Medical College, 1869, Albany; E. B. Tefft, Buffalo Medical College, 1864, removed;
Barnabas Wood, University of Nashville, 1852, died 1875, aged 56.

1872, *Frederick C. Curtis, College of Physicians and Surgeons, lSTn, Albany;
Isaac De Zouche. Albany Medical College, 1869, removed to GloversviUe, 1875;
■■William Hailes, Albany Medical College, 1870, Albany ; S. A. Ingham, Albany Medi-
cal College, 1871, removed to Little Falls; J. H. Lagrange, Albany Medical College,
1871, removed to Columbia county ; J. H. Lasher, Albany Medical College, 1871, died
1873, aged 25; Caleb Lyon, Albany Medical College, 1871, removed to New York city;
Philip J. Maguire, College Physicians and Surgeons, 1871 removed to Brooklyn;
*B. U. Steenberg, Albany Medical College, 1870, Albany ; : John Ben Stonehouse, Al-
bany Medical College, 1871, Albany; "Willis C.. Tucker, Albany Medical Coll
Albany; *Eugene Van Slyke, Albany Medical College, 1871, Albany; R. II. Stark-

192

weather, Albany Medical College, 1871, Albany, died November 27, 1890; *G. L. Ull-
man, Albany Medical College, 1871, Albany.

1873, Almon S. Allen, Albany Medical College, 1872, removed to Pittsfield,
Mass. ; *John U. Haynes, Albany Medical College, 1872, Cohoes; *Joseph H. Blatner,
Albany Medical College, 1872, Albany; George A. Jones, Albany Medical College,
1869, died 1875; James C. Hannan, University of New York, 1873, removed to
Hoosick Falls, 1881; *James P. Boyd, jr., College of Physicians and Surgeons, 1871,
Albany; Frank Garbutt, Albany Medical College, 1872, removed to Mechanicsville;
*C. E. Seger, Albany Medical College', 1863. Adams Station ; *Patrick E. Fennelly,
Albany Medical College, 1869, West Troy ; *Oetavius H. E. Clarke, McGill University,
Montreal, 1870, Cohoes; Alfred L. Wands, Albany Medical College, 1869, removed.
1874, *J. L. Archambeault, Laval University, Quebec, 1870, Cohoes; *Lewis Balch,
College Physicians and Surgeons, 1870, Albany: *0. D. Ball, College Physicians and
Surgeons, 1867, Albany; George H. Benjamin, Albany Medical College, 1872, re-
moved; L. Doubrias (De Morat), Victoria University, Montreal, 1870, Cohoes, died
July 23, 1894; C. E. Buffinton, Albany Medical College, 1874, West Troy; *DanielK.
Cook, Albany Medical College, 1873, Albany; Herman C. Evarts, Albany Medi-
cal College, 1873, removed to Carthage, N. Y. ; James A. Hart, College Physi-
cians and Surgeons, 1873, removed to Colorado about 1877; William W. MacGregor,
Albany Medical College, 1873, removed to Glens Falls; *Cyrus S. Merrill, College
Physicians and Surgeons, 1871, Albany; Linzee T. Morrill, Albany Medical College,
1ST:'., removed; *Nelson Monroe, Vermont Academy of Medicine, 1840, Green Island;
*George W. Papen, College Physicians and Surgeons, 1874, Albany; *A. T. Van
Vranken, Albany Medical College, 1873, West Troy; Felix Weidman, Albany
Medical College, 1847, Westerlo, died September 10, 1895.

1875, *Harvey W. Bell, Albany Medical College, 1866, removed to East Albany;
■Mary Du Bois, Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania, 1871, Albany; Harris I.
Fellows, Albany Medical College, 1874, died August 29, 1881, aged 44; Hiram T.
Herrington, Albany Medical College, 1873, removed to Rensselaer county ; Henry V.
Hull, Albany Medical College, 1874, removed to Schenectady, 1880; *Henry E,
Merreness, Albany Medical College, 1874, Albany ; John E. Metcalf, Albany Medical
College, 1874, removed to Ketchum's Corners, N. Y. ; Franklin A. Munson, College
Physicians and Surgeons, 1873, died December 8, 1878, aged 26; Norman L. Snow,
College Phvsicians and Surgeons, 1861, Albany, died December 19, 1885; *T. M.
Trego, College Physicians and Surgeons, 1874, Albany; Thomas Wilson, Albany
Medical College, 1874, removed to Claverack, 1876; Edward Yates, Jefferson Medical
College, 1869, died 1876, aged 29.

1876, R. D. Clark, Long Island Medical College, Albany, died August 11, 1894;
William A. Hall, Albany Medical College, 1875, removed to Fulton, Oswego county;
*J. M. Haskell, University of Michigan, Bath-on-the-Hudson ; *P. J. Keegan, Uni-
versity of New York, Albany; *T. K. Perry, Albany Medical College, 1875, Albany;
*W. L. Purple, Albany Medical College, 1875, Albany; Elbert T. Rulison, Albany
Medical College, 1875, removed to Amsterdam; *Seth G. Shanks, Albany Medical
College, 1875, Albany; A. H. V. Smyth, Albany Medical College, 1875, removed to
Minaville; *Samuel B. Ward, Georgetown Medical College, 1864, Albany; *Harriet
A, Woodward, Syracuse University, 1875, Albany.

103

1877, *James F. Barker, Albany Medical College, 1877, Albany ; *William X. Hays,
Albany Medical College 1875, Albany.

1878, *Jesse Crounse. Albany Medical College, 1877, Knowersville ; *W. O. Still-
man, Albany Medical College, 1878, Albany.

1879, *E. A. Bartlett, Albany Medical College, 1879, Albany; *G. Upton Peltier,
Bishop's College, Quebec, 1873, Cohoes; James C. Healey, Albany Medical College,

1877, Albany, died March 30, 1889; A. W. Kilbourne, University of the City of New
York, 1874, Albany, died January 14, 1897, aged 47; -Lansing B. Winne, College
Physicians und Surgeons, 1878, Albany; Franklin Townsend, jr. College Physi-
cians and Surgeons, 1876, Albany, died October 31, 1895; Otto Ritzman, Albany
Medical College, 1879, Albany, died August 19, 1889; *John C. Shiland, Albany
Medical College, 1878, West Troy; -Uriah B. La Moure, Albany Medical College,

1878, Albany; William J. Lewis, College Physicians and Surgeons, 1878, removed
to Hartford, Conn. ; *Maurice J. Lewi, Albany Medical College, 1877, Albany,
removed to New York city; Thomas B. Van Alstyne, Albany Medical College,

1879, removed to Richmondville, N. Y. , 1880; P. B. Collier, Long Island College,
Hospital, 1866, Albany; *Edward E. Brown, Albany Medical College, 1879, Al-
bany; M. W. Brooks, University of Vermont, 1879, removed to New York city, 1880;
*J. E. Hall, Albany Medical College, 1877, Green Island; S. O. Van der Poel, jr.,
College Physicians and Surgeons, 1876, removed to New York; William Geoghan,
Albany Medical College. 1874, removed to New York; "John D. R. McAllister,
Albany Medical College, 1879, Albany ; Thomas Featherstonhaugh, Albany Medical
College, 1877, 1882, removed to New York; Sheldon Yoorhees, Albany Medical Col-
lege, 1879, removed to Auburn, 1881.

1880, *Daniel C. Case, Albany Medical College, 1870, Sliugerlands ; -Theodore P.
Bailey, College Physicians and Surgeons, 1880, Albany; A. P. Casler, Albany Medical
College, 1880; Frank J. Merrington, Albany Medical College, 1886, died August 14, 1889,
aged 38 ; *Samuel R.. Morrow, College Physicians and Surgeons, 1878, Albany; John
W. Gould, Albany Medical College, 1880, removed; John J. White, Albany Medical
College, 1879, removed lo New York; George E. Elmendorf, Albany Medical Col-
lege, 1875, died, 1894; M. R. C. Peck, College Physicians and Surgeons. 1876, died
March 29, 1890; Thomas \>. Worden, Albany Medical College, 1880, removed;
Lehman B. Hoit, Albany Medical College, 1880, removed; John Thomas Keay,
Albany Medical College, 1870, died January 4, 1881, aged 38; Daniel Fegan, Queen's
University. Dublin, Ireland, removed to Ireland.

1881, "George S. Munson, Albany Medical College, 1880, Albany; John F. Lock-
wood, Albany Medical College, 1881, removed to Wisconsin; S. Edward I'llman,
Albany Medical College, 1880, Albany; *T. W. Nellis, Albany Medical College, 1881,
Albany; *W. J. Nellis, Albany Medical College, L879, Albany; *F. L. Classen,
Albany Medical College, 1881, Albany; "Howard Miller, Albany Medical College,
1881, Albany; -Howard S. Paine, Albany Medical College, 1881, Albany; '-Lauren-
tine Rouchel, Buffalo Medical College, Albany; Thomas G. Hyland. Bellevue Medi-
cal College, removed; Carroll H. Phillips, Albany Medical College, Watervhet, died
February 14, iss;; ; C. VY. Green, Albany Medical College, removed; Charles F
Huddleston, Albany Medical CollegS, removed.

1882, *W. B. Sabin, Albany Medical College, L882, Samuel Pel
Vermont Academy of Medicine, 1816, Wesl Troy; Franks Peters Albany Medical

194

College. 1874, died 1883; *Henry Hun, Harvard Medical School, 1879, Albany;
*George E. Lyon, Albany Medical College, 1882, West Troy; *W. H. Fowler, Jeffer-
son Medical College, 1879, Albany; David Fleischman, Albany Medical College,
1881, died January 30, 1892.

1883, *William L. Schutter, Albany Medical College, 1883, Albany ; *Frank H.
Fisk, Albany Medical College, 1883, Albany ; *Charles K. Crawford, Albany Medi-
cal College,' 1881, Albany; *J. W. Riley, Albany Medical College, 1882, Albany;
Walter W. Schofield, Albany Medical College, 1882, removed to Massachusetts; *C.
M. Culver, Albany Medical College, 1881, Albany; J. W. Mann, Albany Medical
College, 1882, died 1884.

1884, *J. H. Mitchell, Albany Medical College, 1882, Cohoes; *R. J. Brown, Albany
Medical College, 1882, Albany; *T. F. C. Van Allen, Albany Medical College, 1882,
Albany; ••Joseph D. Craig, Albany Medical College, 1884, Albany; Edgar C. Hal-*
lenbeck, Bellevue Medical College, 1881, Bethlehem, died 1894; G. S. Knickerbocker,
College Physicians and Surgeons, removed; C. C. Schuyler, Albany Medical College
Troy (non-resident); removed to Plattsburg.

1885, *Selwin A. Russell, Albany Medical College, 1877, Albany; *Frederick D.
Morrill, Albany Medical College, 1881, Albany, died January, 1897; *John H. Skilli-
corn Albany Medical College, 1883, Albany; L. E. Blair, Albany Medical College,
1881, Albany; M. J. Dwyer, Albany Medical College, 1883, Albany; D. W. Houston,
McGill College, Montreal, 1881, Troy, N. Y. ; J. W. Ross, McGill College, Montreal,
1881, Cohoes, N. V.

1886, John V. Hennessey, Albany Medical College, 1884, Albany; W. C. Marselius,
Albany Medical College, 1884, Albany, died December 24, 1893; John L. Cooper,
University of Pennsylvania, 1877, Albany; Martin McHarg, Albany Medical College,
1885, Albany; F. R. Greene, Albany Medical College, 1884, Albany; J. W. Shattuck,
Atlanta, Ga., 1859; Edwin Haines, Albany Medical College, 1867, S. Westerlo, died
March 19, 1896, aged 52; L. E. Kenney, Albany Medical College, 1881, Waterford,
N. Y. ; J. H. E. Sand, University City New York, 1886, Brooklyn; G. W. Holding,
Albany Medical College, 1884, Watervliet, N. Y. ; Orson Britton, no answer to in-
quiry regarding graduation.

1887, Robert Babcock, Albany Medical College, 1884, Albany; Albert Marsh, Al-
bany Medical College, 1885, Boston; J. V. Sheppey, Jefferson Medical College, 1885,
Albany; J. B. Southworth, Burlington State University, 1882, Albany.

1888, Thomas H. Willard, Albany Medical College, 1887, New York; Elmer E.
Larkin, Albany Medical College, 1885, Plattsburgh ; Charles H. Moore, Albany Med-
ical College, 1887, Albany ; Willis G. Macdonald, Albany Medical College, 1887, Albany ;
Arthur D. Capron, Albany Medical College, 1886, Albany; Terrence L. Carroll,
Albany Medical College, 1885, Albany; Rensselaer J. Smith, University New York
City, 1894, Albany; George R. De Silva, University New York City, 1881, Preston
Hollow.

1889, N. L. Eastman, Albany Medical College, 1886, Albany; A. J. Blessing, Al-
bany Medical College, 1886, Albany; George G. Lempe, Albany Medical College,
1888, Albanv; Howard Van Rensselaer, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New
York city, 1884, Albany.

1890, A. F. Powell, Albany Medical College, 1889, Coeymans; G. Emory Lochner,
Albany Medical College, 1889, Albany; George T. Moston, Albany Medical College,

195

1890, Albany; H. C. Abrams, Albany Medical College, 1882, Newton ville ; James E.
Smith, Albany Medical College, 1889. Albany; A. McNaughton, Albany Medical
College, 1886, West Troy; Thomas Helms, Albany Medical College, 1890, McKown-
ville; Robert P. MacFarlane, Albany Medical College, 1888, Long Island city.

1891, G. A. Williams, Albany Medical College, 1891, Albany; J. E. Brennan,
Albany Medical College, 1889, Albany; J. H. Timmers, Albany Medical College,

1891, Albany; Arthur G. Root, Albany Medical College, 1890, Albany; J. D. Mont-
marquet, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, 1889, Cohoes; William H.
Happel, Albany Medical College, 1890, Albany.

1892, W. L. Allen, Albany Medical College, 1881, Greenbush; J. B. Washburne,
Albany Medical College, 1882, Delmar; L. Le Brun, Albany Medical College, 1891,
Albany; E. V. Colbert, Albany Medical College, 1890, Albany; Leo H. Neuman,
Albany Medical College, 1892, Albany; John C. Brown, Albany Medical College,

1892, Albany; Robert A. Heenan, Albany Medical College, 1892, Albany; William
G. Lewi, Albany Medical College, 1892, Albany; Walter H. Conley, Albany Medical
College, 1891, Buffalo, N. Y.

1893, James W. .Wiltsie, Albany Medical College, 1891, Albany; W. T. Goewey,
Albany Medical College, 1892, Albany; Charles E. Davis, Albany Medical Col-
lege, 1891, Albany; Andrew MacFarlane, Albany Medical College, 1887, Albany; J.
W. Droogan, Albany Medical College, 1891, Westchester; C. C. McCullough, Albany
Medical College, 1889, Albany; Thomas A. Ryan, Albany Medical College, 1 s<»:',.
Albany; John S. Guinan, Albany Medical College, 1893, Whitehall.

1894, W. F. Robinson, Albany Medical College, 1884, Albany ; W. B. Rossman,
Albany Medical College, 1892, Albany; F. M. Joslin, Albany Medical College, 1893,
Albany; William J. Kernan, Albany Medical College, 1891, Albany; M. D. Steven-
son, Albany Medical College, 1889, Albany; Le Rose Rancour, Albany Medical Col-
lege, 1892, Albany.

1895, C. F. Theisen, Albany Medical College, 1892, Albany; F. J. Bedell, Albany
Medical College, 1893, Becker's Corners; J. B. Sweet, jr., Albany Medical College,

1893, Albany; \V. S. Hale, Albany Medical College, 1894, Albany; James M. Moore,
Albany Medical College, 1894, Albany; S. Le Fevre, Albany Medical College, 1891,
Richmondville; W. H.George, Albany Medical College, 1894, Albany; L. Yan
Auken, Albany Medical College, 1892, West Troy; E. N. K. Mears, Albany Medical
College, 1895, Albany.

189G, T. W. Jenkins, Albany Medical College, 1893, Albany; Ralph Sheldon, Al-
bany Medical College, 1894, Albany; H. S. Pearse, Albany Medical College, 1892,
Albany; Arthur Sautter, Albany Medical College, 1893. Albany; R. S. Tedford,
Albany Medical College, 1893, Albany; M. S. Leavy, Medical Department Univer-
sity of Wooster, Cleveland, Ohio, 1888, Albany.

The early records of this society were carefully collected by the late
Dr. Sylvester D. Willard and published in one volume covering the
proceedings from the date of its organization, March is, 1806, to June
1(>, 1851. The growth of the society and its energetic work in promot-
ing the interests of the medical profession prompted the appointment
of a committee t<> continue the work inaugurated bv Dr. Willard. At

196

a meeting held Jinie 14, 1870, Dr. James S. Bailey, Dr. Charles H.
Porter, and Dr. T. D. Crothers were named to supervise the publica-
tion of the proceeding's of the society from June 10, 1851, to June 14,
1870. These volumes embrace the records from 1806 to 1870; they
also contain biographies of nearly two hundred members and many
portraits, and aside from placing on record the transactions of the so-
siety, help to complete the medical history of Albany city and county,
and trace the professional career of those identified with the work of
the society. The transactions since 1880 have been published in the
Albany Medical Annals, a monthly journal managed by an editorial
committee under the auspices of the society. Many interesting papers
on medical topics and matters of interest to the profession have been
published in this journal. Since 1891 this journal is published as the
" Albany Medical Annals representing the Alumni Association of the
Albany Medical College." From 1891 to 1892 this journal was edited
by Dr. Willis G. Macdonald. From 1892 to 1897 by Dr. Howard Van
Rensselaer. The present editors are Dr. Andrew MacFarlane and
Dr. J. Montgomery Mosher.

197

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200
ALBANY MEDICAL COLLEGE.

The Albany Medical College was founded by the late Drs. Alden
March and James H. Armsby. In 1821 Dr. March opened a school for
the study of anatomy at Albany, and in 1825 was appointed professor
of anatomy and physiology in the Vermont Academy of Medicine at
Castleton. Dr. March first agitated the establishment of a medical
college and hospital at Albany in 1830. He was ably assisted by Dr.
Armsby, who came to Albany the same year and was associated with
Dr. March as a teacher in a private medical school known as the Drs.
March and Armsby " Practical School of Anatomy and Surgery." Dr.
Armsby devoted much of his time to the founding of the Albany Med-
ical College. His efforts in this diretion are worthy of record and con-
tributed largely to awaken a general interest in behalf of the proposed
college.

On the 11th of April, 1838, a meeting of citizens was called to take
into consideration the organization of a medical school. This meeting
was attended by many prominent citizens of Albany and the following
resolution was adopted:

Resolved, " That this meeting deem it expedient to establish a medical college in
this city, and to endeavor hereafter to obtain an act of incorporation from the
legislature."

This meeting enlisted many active and energetic friends for the pro-
posed institution. The Common Council granted the use of the un-
occupied Lancaster school building for a term of five year for college
purposes, and at a second meeting of citizens, held May, 1838, articles
of association were agreed upon and the following named gentlemen
were appointed to constitute the first Board of Trustees.

Daniel D. Barnard, Samuel Stevens, John Taylor, Ira Harris, Robert
H. Pruyn, Friend Humphrey, Bradford R. Wood, James Goold, George
Dexter, Thomas McElroy, William Seymour, John O. Cole, John I.
Wendell, Conrad A. Ten Eyck, John Davis, Israel Williams, Charles
D. Gould, John Trotter, Arnold Nelson, John Groesbeck, Oliver Steele
and Philip S. Van Rensselaer.

In May, 1838, the following persons were named by the trustees to
compose the first faculty of this college: Alden March, professor of
surgery; James H. Arsmby, professor of anatomy and physiology;
Amos Dean, professor of medical jurisprudence; Ebenezer Emmons,
professor of chemistry and pharmacy; Henry Greene, professor of

201

obstetrics; David M. McLachlan, professor of materia medica ; David
M. Reese, professor of .the theory and practice of medicine.

The establishment of the college, the remodeling of the building, the
arrangements of the valuable anatomical and pathological collections
of Drs. March, Armsby and McNaughton, consisting of rare and valu-
able specimens, collected during the experience of many years of pro-
fessional labor and gathered by repeated visits to Europe, necessitated,
during the first two years, an expenditure of over $10,000, all of which
was contributed by the citizens of Albany.

The first course of lectures in the college commenced on the 3d of
January, 1839, to a class of fifty-seven students. The first annual
commencement was held on the 24th of April, 1839, and the degree of
Doctor of Medicine was conferred on thirteen young gentlemen.

After the act of incorporation was obtained the trustees confirmed
the election of the faculty and named the following physicians as the
first board of curators: Peter Wendell, Piatt Williams, Barent P. Staats,
Thomas C. Brinsmade and Samuel White.

To give in detail the history of the Albany Medical College, its bril-
liant growth and promising future, would write man} - pages and not do
justice to those who have loyally labored in advancing its standard as
an institution for the study of medicine. From 1839 to 1896 the de-
gree of Doctor of Medicine has been conferred on twenty-one hundred
and fifty-two students, and during this period no efforts have been
spared to fully equip the school for the practical and thorough study of
medicine. The college building is well appointed in its lecture rooms,
laboratories, dissecting rooms and museum. The chemical laboratory
was rebuilt in 1884 and a two- story building erected, fitted with every
requisite for the illustration of the lectures, and the practical study of
chemistry. "Alumni Hall," constituting the south wing of the build-
ing, is set apart for meetings, recitations, examinations and other college
exercises. The Bender Hygienic Laboratory, equipped for the instruc-
tion and scientific research in pathology, bacteriology and the allied med-
ical studies, was dedicated October 27, L896, and is connected with the
college. This laboratory is the gift of Mr. Matthew W. Bender of Albany,
who defrayed the entire cost of its erection, amounting to more than
$20,000. The cost of fitting up and furnishing this laboratory was paid
by the college faculty. The class rooms and amphitheatre are furn-
ished with the most modern apparatus for special work, and as a lal
tory of hygiene the building is perfect in all its appointments,
26

202

Since 1873 the Albany Medical College is the medical deparment of
Union University. The University includes the Albany Medical Col-
lege, the College of Pharmacy, Albany Law School and the Dudley
Observatory, all located at Albany, and Union College and the School
of Civil Engineering, located at Schenectady.

The Albany Medical College has been foremost in advocating a high
standard of medical education. Few medical schools in this country
are so thoroughly in sympathy with every movement to perfect the pro-
visions of the laws governing the study of medicine. It was one of the
first to enforce a three years' graded course of study with evidence of
preliminary education by entrance examination. It may justly be said
that this institution has made progress all along the line. It is well
equipped in every department to meet the legal requirements of a
higher standard. Its curriculum embraces lectures, recitations, clinical
teaching and extensive laboratory work. The Albany Hospital, St.
Peter's Hospital, Child's and County Hospitals, the Eye and Ear Infirm-
aries, and dispensaries connected with these institutions, are all made
available for the pursuit of clinical study. The management of the
school and its administrative affairs are so conducted that there can be
no doubt of its high standing as a school for the study of medicine.

The following is a historical list of the faculty from 1839 to 1897:

Ebenezer Emmons, M. D., Chemistry and Natural History from 1838 to 1839; Ma-
teria Medica and Natural History, 1840 to 1843; Obstetrics and Natural History, 1843
to 1853; Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Natural History, 1853 to 1854.

James H. Armsby, M. D., Anatomy and Physiology, 1838 to 1839; Anatomy, 1840
to 1869; Principles and Practice of Surgery, 1870 to 1875; died 1875.

David M. Reese, M. D., Theory and Practice of Medicine, 1839 to 1840.

Alden March, M. D., Surgery, 1838 to 1869; died 1869.

Henry Greene, M. D., Obstetrics and Diseases of Women and Children, 1838 to
1839.

David M. McLachlan, M. D., Materia Medica and Pharmacy, 1838 to 1839; Ma-
teria Medica and Therapeutics, 1839 to 1840; Diseases of Women and Children, 1840
to 1842.

Amos Dean, Esq., Medical Jurisprudence, 1839 to 1859; Emeritus Professor of
Medical Jurisprudence, 1867 to 1868; died 1868.

Thomas Hun, M. D., Institutes of Medicine, 1839 to 1853; Institutes of Medicine,
1853 to 1855; Institutes of Medicine, 1855 to 1859; Emeritus Professor of the Insti-
tutes of Medicine, 1876 to 1896; died 1896.

Gunning S. Bedford, M. D., Obstetrics, 1839 to 1840.

James McNaughtun, M. D., Theory and Practice of Medicine, 1840 to 1874; died
18T4.

Lewis C. Beck, M. D., Chemistry and Therapeutics, 1840 to 1841; Chemistry and
Pharmacy, 1841 to 1853; died 1853,

J. M. BIGHLOW, M. D.

203

T. Romeyn Beck, M. D., Materia Medica, 1842 to 1853; Emeritus Professor of
Materia Medica, 1853 to 185G; died 1856.

Howard Townsend, M. D., Obstetrics, 1853 to 1855; Materia Medica, 1855 to 1859;
Materia Medica and Physiology, 1859 to 1867; died 1867.

Ezra S. Carr, M. D., Chemistry and Pharmacy. 1853 to 1857.

John V. P. Ouackenbush, M. D., Obstetrics and Diseases of Women and Children,
1855 to 1856; Midwifery and Diseases of Women and Children, 1856 to 1859; Obstet-
rics and Diseases of Women and Children, 1859 to 1870; Diseases of Women and
Children, 1876; died 1876.

Charles H. Porter, M. D., Chemistry and Pharmacy, 1857 to 1859; Chemistry
and Medical Jurisprudence, 1859 to 1864.

George F. Barker, M. D., Acting Professor of Chemistry, 1862 to 1863.

Jacob S. Mosher, M. D., Ph. D., Lecturer on Chemistry, 1864; Chemistry and
Medical Jurisprudence, 1864 to 1876; Medical Jurisprudence and Hygiene, 1 8 7 f > to
1882; Pathology, Practice, Clinical Medicine and Hygiene, 1882 to 1883; died 1883.

S. Oakley Vander Poel, M. D., LL. D , General Pathology and Clinical Medicine,
1867 to 1870; Theory and Practice and Clinical Medicine, 1876 to 1878; Pathology,
Practice and Clinical Medicine, 1878 to 1882; Emeritus Professor of Pathology, Prac-
tice and Clinical Medicine, 1882 to 1886; died 1886.

James E. Pomfret, M. D., Lecturer on Anatomy, 1861; Physiology, 1867 to L869;
died 1869.

John V. Lansing, M. D., Materia Medica, 1867 to 1870; Physiology and Clinical
Medicine, 1870 to 1873; Principles and-Practice of Medicine and Clinical Medicine,
1873 to 1876; died 1880.

Henry R. Haskins, M. D., Surgical and Descriptive Anatomy, 1869 to 1874; Anat-
omy, 1874 to 1S76; died 1884.

Albert Vander Veer, M. D., General and Special Anatomy, 1869 to 1873; Princi-
ples and Practice of Surgery, 1876 to 1880 ; Principles and Practice of Surgery and
Clinical Surgery, 1880 to 1883; Surgery and Clinical Surgery, 1883 to 1889, Didatic,
Abdominal and Clinical Surgery, 1889 to .

Edmund R. Peaslee, M. D., Diseases of Women, 1870 to 1873.

Meredith Clymer, M. D., Diseases of the Nervous System and the Mind, 187n to
1873.

William P. Seymour, M. D., Obstetrics and Diseases of Women and Children,
1870 to 1876.

Ceorge T. Stevens, M. D., Ophthalmology and Orthopaedic Surgery, 1870 t<> L873
Physiology and Ophthalmology, is;:; to L875; Ophthalmology, 1875 to 1876.

John M, Bigelow, M. I>., Materia Medica, 1870 to 187:'.; Materia Medica and The-
rapeutics, 1873; Materia Medica and Therapeutics, 1876 to 1882; Materia Medica and
Therapeutics, Diseases of the Throat and Clinical Laryngoscopy, 1882 to 1888; Ma-
teria Medica, Therapeutics and Diseases of the Throat and Nose, 1888 to 1896; Dis-
eases of the Throat and Nose, 1896 to .

Maurice Perkins, M. D., Chemistry and Toxicology, L870 to 1876; Chemical Phi-
losophy and Organic Chemistry, 1876 to .

Ira Harris, LL. D., Medical Jurisprudence, 1870 to 1874.

Willis G. Tucker, M. D., Assistant Professor of Chemistry, 1871 to 1 S M; Lec-
turer on Materia Medica and Assistant Professor of Chemistry, 1874 to 1875; A< -
junct Professor of Materia Medica and Chemistry, 1*75 to 1876; Inorganic and Ana-

204

lytical Chemistry, 1876 to 1882; Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry and Medical
Jurisprudence, 1882 to 1887; Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry and Toxicology,
1887 to .

William Hailf.s, M. D., Lecturer on Pathological Anatomy 1874 to 1875; Adjunct
Professor of Pathological Anatomy, 1875 to 1876; Histology and Pathological Anat-
omy, 1876 to 1886; Histology and Pathological Anatomy and Clinical Surgery, 1886
to .

Harrison E. Webster, A. M., Lecturer on Physiology, 1875 to 1880.

John Swinburne, M. D., Fractures and Dislocations and Clinical Surgery, 1876 !o
1880 ; died 1889.

Lewis Bai.cii, M. D., Anatomy, 1876 to 1887; Anatomy and Medical Jurispru-
dence, 1887 to 1890; Medical Jurisprudence, 1890 to 1891; Emeritus Professor of
Anatomy and Lecturer on Medical Jurisprudence, 1891 to 1893; Emeritus Professor
of Anatomy and Professor of Medical Jurisprudence, 1893 to 1895 ; Emeritus Pro-
fessor of Anatomy and Professor of Medical Jurisprudence and Hygiene, 1895 to
1896; Professor of Medical Jurisprudence and Hygiene, 1896 to .

Samuel B. Ward, M. D., Surgical Pathology and Operative Surgery, 1876 to 1880;
Surgical Pathology and Operative Surgery and Clinical Surgery, 1880 to 1883; Pa-
thology, Practice, Clinical Medicine and Hygiene, 1883 to .

John P. Gray, M. D., LL. D., Psychological Medicine, 1876 to 1886; died 1886

Edward R. Hun, M. D., Diseases of Nervous System, 1876 to 1880; died 1880.

James P. Boyd, Jr.. M. D. , Diseases of Women and Children, 1876; Obstetrics
and Diseases of Women and Children, 1876 to 1886; Obstetrics, Gynecology and
Diseases of Children, 1886 to .

Cyrus S. Merrill, M. D., Opthalmology, 1876 to 1881; Opthalmology and Otology.
1881 to .

S. O. Vander Poel, Jr.,' Adjunct Professor of Pathology. Practice and Clinical
Medicine, 1880 to 1884.

Franklin Townsend, Jr., M. D., Lecturer on Physiology, 1880 to 1881; Professor
of Physiology, 1881 to 1891; Emeritus Professor of Physiology, 1891 to 1895; died
1895.

Frederic C. Curtis, M. D., Adjunct Professor of Dermatology, 1880 to 1884; Pro
fessor of Dermatology, 1884 to .

Henry Hun, M. D., Lecturer on Nervous Diseases, 1883 to 1885; Professor of Dis-
eases of the Nervous System. 1885 to 1887; Diseases of the Nervous System and
Psychological Medicine, 1887 to 1890; Diseases of the Chest and of the Nervous Sys-
tem, 1890 to 1892; Diseases of the Nervous System, 1892 to .

Samuel R. Morrow, M. D., Lecturer Adjunct to the Chair of Surgery, 1884 to
1886; Adjunct Professor of Surgery, 1886 to 1887; Adjunct Professor of Surgery and
Lecturer on Anatomy, 1887 to 1889; Adjunct Professor of Anatomy and Orthopedic
Surgery, 1889 to 1890; Professor of Anatomy and Orthopedic Surgery, 1890 to .

JosErH D. Craig, M. D., Lecturer on Anatomy, 1890 to 1892; Adjunct Professor
of Anatomy, 1892 to '.

Howard Van Rensselaer, M. D., Lecturer on Materia Medica, 1890 to 1892; Ad-
junct Professor of Materia Medica and Lecturer on Diseases of the Chest, 1892 to
1895; Adjunct Professor of Materia Medica and Diseases of the Chest, 1895 to 1896;
Adjunct Professor of Theory of Practice of Medicine and Thereapeutics, 1896 to .

205

Herman C. Gordinier, M. D., Lecturer on Anatomj' of the Nervous System, 1890
to 1894; Lecturer on Physiology and Anatomy of the Nervous System, 1894 to L895;
Professor of Physiology, 1895 to .

CARLOS F. MacDonald, M. D., Lecturer on Insanity, 1891 to 1892.

Willis G. MacDonald, M. D., Lecturer on Operative Surgery, 1891 to 1895; Ad-
junct Professor of Surgery, 1895 to .

Herman Bendeli., M. D., Lecturer on Physiology, 1892 to 1894; Lecturer on < otol-
ogy, 1894 to 1896; Clinical Professor of Otology, 1896 to .

Ezra A. Bartlett, M. D., Lecturer on Electro Therapeutics, 1892 to .

G. Alden R. Bli'mer, M. D., Lecturer on Insanity, 1893 to 1896; Adjunct Professor
of Insanity, 1896 to .

Theodore F. C. Van Allen, M. D., Lecturer on Ophthalmology, 1894 to Is'.m; .
Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, 1896 to .

Andrew MacFarlane, M. D., Lecturer on Physical Diagnosis and Clinical Mi-
croscopy, 1895 to 1896; Clinical Professor of Physical Diagnosis and Microscopy,
1896 to .

Clinton B. Herrick, M. D , Lecturer on Clinical Surgery, 1895 to .

John V. Hennessy, M. D, Lecturer on Materia Medica, 1896 to .

William G. Lewi, M. D, Lecturer on Pharmacy, 1896 to .

Leo H. Ne« man, M. D, Lecturer on Symptomatology, 1896 to .

The Alumni Association of the A. M. C. was organized January 20,
L874, and incorporated February 6, of the same year. The object of
this association is to promote the interest of the college in the work of
medical education, and to cultivate social intercourse among the
alumni. The names and addresses of 1,302 graduates are on the roll
of membership. The management of this association is entrusted to an
executive committee and a general meeting is held annually on com-
mencement day.

The Albany College of Pharmacy was created by act of the Board of
Governors of Union University, June 21, 1881, and incorporated Au-
gust 27, 1881. Chemistry, Botany and Materia Medica, Pharmacy and
the Microscope and its application to pharmacy arc taught in a two
years' course. The lectures are delivered and the laboratory classes in
chemistry conducted in the class rooms of the Medical College building.
A commodious pharmaceutical laboratory is connected with the c<>i
The school is well managed and equipped to impart thorough instruc-
tion in pharmacy and its kindred branches.

The following constitute the faculty: Willis ('.. Tucker, M. I'., I'll. I>., F. C. S.,
prcsideut, professor of chemistry; Alfred B. Ilucstcd, M. I'.. I'll. G., pr<
botany and materia medica; Gustavus Michaelis, I'll. <1.. professor of pharmacy ;
Theodore J. Bradley, I'll. (1.. lecturer on pharmacy; De Baun Van Aken, insti
in chemistry; Frank Richardson, Ph. G., instructor in materia medica and director
of the pharmaceutical laboratory; Thomas W. Jenkins, M. 1>., instructor in n
copy.

206

The Albany Hospital.

The Albany Hospital was founded in 1849. In 1830 Dr. Alden
March, professor of anatomy and physiology in the Vermont Academy
of Medicine, delivered a public lecture on the " Propriety of Establish-
ing a Medical College and Hospital at Albany." The late John C.
Spencer was the first president, and to his popularity and energy, coupled
with the unremitting efforts of Dr. James H. Armsby and the support
of generous contributors, this institution was opened for the reception
of patients November 1, 1851. The male and female wards, the child's
ward, endowed by the late William H. De Witt, are comfortably fur-
nished and well appointed. The rooms for the treatment of private
patients, fitted up and furnished by charitably inclined ladies represent-
ing the various churches of Albany, have largely added to the comfort
and accommodation of patients admitted to this institution. The dis
pensaries are open to the poor, and the hospital records show that thou-
sands of charity patients have been provided with medicines and at-
tendance. The entire management is vested in a Board of Governors,
who have endeavored to combine thoroughness and efficiency in every
department, and that they have merited the support and confidence of
the citizens of Albany is apparent by the general interest manifested
and the liberal contribution of funds to provide for the accommodation
and care of the sick. In 1851 and 1852 sufficient funds were collected
by special subscription to purchase and equip an adjoining building for
the purpose of affording rooms for clinical instruction to students at-
tending the Albany Medical College. The building, originally erected
as a county jail, before being occupied required remodeling to adapt
it for hospital purposes. From 1849 to 1873, principally due to the
unremitting efforts of Dr. James H. Armsby, over one hundred thou-
sand dollars were subscribed to defray the cost of enlarging the build-
ing and providing proper hospital accommodations. As the city in-
creased in population greater facilities for the treatment of private and
dispensary patients became necessary and the friends of the institution
have annually and liberally responded to the appeals of the governors
for subscriptions to enlarge and continue this worthy charity. The City
Council appropriates a liberal sum annuall)' toward the support of the
charity wards, and the income of an increasing endowment fund, together
with the receipts from private patients, help to meet the expenditures.
The projected new hospital and training school to be connected with the

207

same, a scheme encouraged by mutual cooperation of those interested
in the future prosperity of the Albany Hospital, will not be erected on
the site of the present building', it being deemed advisable for the
proper care and comfort of the sick and convalescent that the new hos-
pital shall be erected remote from the crowded city thoroughfares. The
present staff of the hospital consists of:

Medical and Surgical Staff. — Consulting physicians, Samuel H. Freeman, M. 1 >.,
Joseph Lewi, M.D.; consulting specialist, William II. Bailey, M.D. ; surgeons, Al-
bert Vander Veer, M.D., William Hailes, M. D., Samuel R. Morrow, M. I >. ; attend-
ing specialists, Cyrus S. Merrill, M.D., eye and ear, Herman Bendell, M I)., eye and
ear, John M. Bigelow, M.D., throat and nose, James P. Boyd, M. I)., gynecology,
Frederic C. Curtis, M.D., dermatology, Ezra A. Bartlett, M.D., electricity ; physi-
cians, Samuel B. Ward, M.D., Henry Hun, M.D., Joseph D. Craig, M.D.', Howard
Van Rensselaer, M. D.

St. Peter's Hospii \i .

The building occupied as St. Peter's Hospital was formerly the resi-
dence of Governor King. Subsequently this building was purchased by
the late Peter Cagger and transferred by him to the Rt. Rev. Bishop
Conroy, who transferred the building to the Order of the Sisters of
Mercy to be used as a hospital. St. Peter's Hospital was opened for
the reception of patients November 1, 1869. This hospital is managed
by the Sisters of Mercy aided by an advisory Board of Managers; it
lias been conducted with success, and its benefits bestowed as liberally
as means and facilities would permit. Many additions and improve-
ments have been made to the building to adapt the same for hospital
purposes, and with increased accommodations the managers have been
enabled to provide for the many applicants seeking the care and com-
forts of this benevolent institution. Credit is due to the untiring
efforts and charitable work of the Sisters of Mercy in promoting and
dispensing the benefits of this noble charity. Thousands of poor are
gratuitously provided with medical attendance and medicines, and the
contributions of its benefactors are expended in the true cause of
charity, for the relief of the afflicted, without regard to creed or con-
dition. The Sisters of Mercy who act as nurses receive no compensa-
tion for their services; their work is a labor of love for suffering hu-
manity, and those who are familiar with the daily work of these de-
voted women, can best appreciate the real good of true charity.

This hospital is supported by private contributions, by the income
received from private patients, and by an annual appropriation from

208

the city for the care of charity patients. Connected with the hospital
is a dispensary for the treatment of out door patients. The male and
female wards and private rooms are well ventilated and neatly fur-
ished, and the entire management of the institution is in thorough keep-
ing with the aims of the administration entrusted with its care. Con-
nected with the hospital is an amphitheatre and lecture room, where
clinical lectures and instruction to the students of the Albany Medical
College are given. Modern improvements for the treatment and com-
fort of patients are being continually made, thus enabling the manage-
ment to fully consummate the object which prompted the founding of
this hospital. It is a worthy tribute to the memory of the eminent
jurist, to whose liberal contribution the public is indebted for this great
charity.

Hospital Staff. — Consulting physicians, Samuel B. Ward, M.D., D. V. O'Leary
M. D. Consulting surgeons, A. Vander Veer, M.D., Lewis Balch, M.D., James P.
Boyd. M.D. Attending physicians, Henry Hun, M.D., T. K. Perry, M.D., Howard
Van Rensselaer, M.D., Andrew MacFarlane, M.D. Attending surgeons, S. R. Mor-
row, M.D. , P. J. Keegan, M.D., William Hailes, jr., M.D., J. V. Hennessy, M.D.
Specialists, C. S. Merrill, M.D., T. F. C. Van Allen, M.D., Clement F. Theisen, M.D.,
F. C. Curtis, M.D., George S. Munson, M.D., John M. Bigelow, M.D.

The Child's Hospital. t

The Child's Hospital was opened for the treatment of patients March,
1875. It is one of the works of charity undertaken -by the " Corning
Foundation for Christian Work in the Diocese of Albany," of which the
Rt, Rev. William Croswell Doane is the president. The hospital was
originally located in a small building on Lafayette street. Subsequently,
owing to an inceased demand for its benefits, the hospital was removed
to a larger house on Elk street. In 1877 the first hospital building was
erected having accommodations for forty patients. The present build-
ing, erected in 1891, equipped with all modern appointments for the
comfort of patients and treatment of medical and surgical cases, is also
located on Elk street and contains ninety beds. In the erection of this
building great care was given to all details pertaining to sanitary pro-
visions and arrangements for the care and treatment of patients. Chil-
dren between the ages of one and fifteen years, requiring medical or
surgical treatment, are admitted to this hospital. This worthy charity
is in charge of the " Sisterhood of the Holy Child Jesus, "and its finan-
cial management entrusted to a committee of lady managers. It is

200

mainly supported by voluntary contributions, and its benefits arc ex-
tended for the relief of the afflicted without regard to creed or condition.
The annual reports record the gifts of money from subscribers and
churches showing broad charity for the support of this benevolent in-
stitution. Closely related to this hospital, and forming a group of
charity institutions, is the Sisters' House and St. Margaret's House.
These buildings, completed and occupied during the past year, were
erected at a cost of $70,000; of this amount $G0,000 were donated by
generous friends and the buildings are entirely free from debt. A
large number of cases are treated annually at this hospital; its success
is due to the unremitting care and faithful work of the Sisterhood in
charge of its affairs. During the summer the little patients are sent to
the St. Christina Home, a retreat located at Saratoga Springs, N. Y.
The Child's Hospital is open to the students of the Albany Medical Col-
lege for clinical instruction, and no efforts are spared by the manage-
ment in liberally providing for the comfort of children entrusted to
their care.

The following constitute the medical and surgical staff :

Attending Physicians, Dr. T. M. Trego, Dr. Henry Hun ; Attending Surgeons,
Dr. Lewis Balch, Dr. S. R. Morrow; Ophthalmic and Aural Surgeon, Dr. C. S.
Merrill; Physician to Out-Patient Department, Dr. H. Van Rensselaer; Dental Sur-
geon, Dr. Fr. G. Michel; Assistant Aural and Ophthalmic Surgeon, Dr. C. H. Moore.

The Albany City Homoeopathic Hospital was founded in 1872. The
nucleus for this hospital was the establishment of a free dispensary by
the County Medical Homoeopathic Society in 1867. Soon after the
opening of the dispensary it was evident that in order to provide addi-
tional facilities to meet the growing demands for dispensary work, it
was necessary to equip a building for both dispensary and hospital pur-
poses. In 1871 a building was purchased and the plan of combining
the dispensary and hospital carried into- effect. Although this build-
ing was well equipped, it soon became evident that it was undesirable
and that a larger one was necessary. In 1875 the building now occu-
pied was purchased and remodeled to adapt it tor hospital purposes.
This hospital is centrally located and has accommodations for fifty
patients It is successfully conducted under the management of the
board of trustees who are elected annually. The resources of both the
hospital and dispensary are derived from the income of private patients,
from voluntary contributions, and an annual appropriation by the city
government. Much credit is due to the homoeopathic profession of

210

Albany for the establishment of this worthy charity. It is an institu-
tion doing good work, and its benefits are liberally dispensed. It has
gratuitously afforded medical and surgical treatment to many appli-
cants who preferred to avail themselves of its medical service. The
number of dispensary cases treated is unusually large, and accommoda-
tion for the treatment of indoor patients not adequate to the demands.
The feasibility of enlarging the present hospital, or procuring a site
for the erection of a new building, is being considered by the board of
trustees. The services performed by the physicians and surgeons con-
nected with this institution have been rendered in the true interests of
charity, and the management of the hospital conducted to fully accom-
plish the objects for which it was established. The present staff of the
hospital consists of the following physicians:

Attending physicians: C. E. Jones, M. D., George E. Gorham, M. D., W. M.
Nead, M. D., W. J. McKown, M. D., F. J. Cox, M. D. Attending surgeons: W. E.
Milbank, M. D. ( A. B. Van Loon, M. D., Edmund G. Cox, M. D.

This brief history' is based upon research from records, and presents
in concise form and as accurately as could be obtained, the part per-
formed by the medical profession in the history of Albany city and
county. Many changes to meet the demands of a growing city, that
has celebrated its bi centennial anniversary, have necessitated larger
facilities for medical education and more ample provisions for the care
of its needy and afflicted citizens. The Albany Hospital, St. Peter's
Hospital, Homoeopathic Hospital, Child's Hospital, and Hospital for
Incurables, besides the Open Door Mission and Asylums, institutions
that have contributed so largely in providing for the care of the sick
and indigent, are entitled to a more exhaustive history than detailed
in this book In no city in the Union is the progressive and humani-
tarian element of the medical profession more active. The State Medi-
cal Library, the Albany Medical College, the Bender Hygienic Labora-
tory, the Hospitals and Dispensaries, are monuments that reflect credit
and honor to their untiring energy and efforts. The honorable record
of those members of the profession from the city and county, who
served their country from the outbreak through the most trying times
of the late Civil war, briefly as it is here detailed, merits appreciation
and does honor to those who shared in the great struggle. The num-
ber of physicians registered in the county clerk's office since 1880 is
468.

This list represents a class of general practitioners and specialists

WM. M. NhAD, M. U.

211

who rank high in the profession and many are representative members
of State, county and special medical associations. The faculty of the
Albany Medical College is recognized as a most efficient body of medi-
cal instructors. The medical and surgical staffs of the various hos-
pitals and dispensaries are made up of men well qualified to fill their
respective positions. Lack of space prevents the writer from detailing
much matter pertaining to the history and progress of medicine in
Albany city and county. It is a privilege and a pleasure to chronicle
the good work accomplished by distinguished physicians who entered
upon their career of usefulness in this city. Many have gone, covered
with honors and duties well done. Many are still active in pushing
forward the good work inaugurated by the early pioneers of reform, in
all matters relating to higher education and greater usefulness. The
day of primitive education in medicine has given way to the impera-
tive demands of this age of progress.

THE ALBANY COUNTY HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY.
By Horace M. Paine, M. D.

The Albany County Homoeopathic Medical Society, organized Janu-
ary 24, 1801, has been a recognized force in the establishment, upbuild-
ing and permanent development of the homoeopathic system of prac-
tice, and its representative institutions, the Albany City Homoeopathic
Hospital and Dispensary.

The records of this society show that its members have been active
participants in the great medico ethical controversy of this country;
and that they have rendered effective service in the frequent contests
for securing, in behalf of themselves and their associates throughout
the State, a status, equal in every respect to that of their old school
rivals.

There has ever been a desire manifested, during the whole of the
thirty-seven years since the organization of the society, to make it a
means for the mutual improvement of its members; the purpose being,
that the contributions of practical knowledge by individuals might, in
turn, be made available by the whole membership, thereby making the
organization in the highest and best sense a medium through which the
public would be largely benefited.

212

While it is doubtless true that these beneficent purposes may not
have been carried out to the fullest extent, it is unquestioned that it
has been a centre of influence and power for maintaining the fellow-
ship, integrity, prestige and influence of the homoeopathic school in
this city, and, in fact, in all the northern part of the State.

The members of the Homoeopathic County Society, like other

homoeopathic physicians, maintain adherence to the tenets of their
system, on the alleged superior curative qualities of homoeopathic
remedies, when subjected to practical tests in the treatment of disease.

They admit that while some of the theoretical formulas promulgated
by Hahnemann are strangely absurd and untenable, the essential
principles on which the homoeopathic system is founded are reasonable,
sound, and an exemplification of a natural law of cure.

A proposition to open to the public a homoeopathic free dispensary
was first made at a meeting of the Albany County Homoeopathic Med-
ical Society, held February 4, 1865.

During the following two years various plans were offered and an
interest in the subject was sustained, and at length culminated, in the
fall of 18G7, in the establishment of a free dispensary, at that time
the only public institution in Albany for furnishing gratuitous medical
service and medicines to those who chose to avail themselves of its
benefits.

This charity has been ably supported by members of the homoeo-
pathic medical profession, and the large numbers of worthy poor who
have been the recipients of its beneficent aid attest both its popularity
and usefulness.

During the first ten years of its history it afforded gratuitous medical
and surgical aid to more than sixty thousand applicants.

The number of medical prescriptions and of minor surgical opera-
tions performed have usually ranged from two to three hundred per
month.

The amount of charitable work in the aggregate during the first
thirty years of its history, now nearly completed, is astonishing in
magnitude, encouraging and gratifying to those who have been its
willing supporters, and pleasing and beneficial to its thousands of
grateful recipients.

An experience of five years of dispensary service revealed the fact
that many of the applicants required hospital accommodations and
treatment.

213

With a view, therefore, of increasing- its usefulness, and placing its
work and operations upon a broader foundation, a building was pur-
chased in the summer of 1872 and supplied with the requisites for both
dispensary and hospital uses. The building at first selected having
been found undesirable, in 1875 a larger and more suitable one was
provided.

The present hospital and dispensary building is centrally and con-
veniently located at No. 123 North Pearl street, is large and complete
in its appointments, and is provided with all suitable appliances for
accommodating thirty patients. The experience of the past three
years plainly indicates that a building of double the capacity of the
present one is greatly needed.

All of the homoeopathic physicians in the city hold themselves in
readiness to render any assistance that may be needed. The staff of
surgeons, Drs. W. E. Milbank, E. G. Cox, W. H. Van Loon and W. X.
Nead, are so efficiently maintaining the high standard of success in their
special departments that the resources of the institution are not only
constantly taxed to the utmost limit, but make clear the pressing need
of securing a far greater number of suitable rooms in larger and more
desirable buildings.

While the influence of the membership of this society has been largely
in support of the establishment of equality in the exercise of medical
civil rights, as between schools of medicine, it must be admitted that
its influence has been also actively exerted in support of the two essen-
tial principles of homoeopathic practice, viz.: the smallness "i mii
curative dose, and the physiological (pathogenetic) action of dri

IN HEALTH AS A RATIONAL BASIS FOR THEIR CORREI I VPPLICATION IN
DISEAS1 .

Although the honor of having introduced the homoeopathic system
of practice to the citizens of Albany, belongs to Dr. A. P. Biegler, who
came in 1837, the real pioneer of homoeopathy in this citv was Dr.
I. M. Ward. Dr. Ward came to Albany in 1841. He was the first
resident American homoeopathic practitioner north of New York city,
and for several years the only homoeopathic physician residing in
Albany.

The representatives of the homoeopathic system at Albany, prior to
the advent of Dr. Ward, were physicians of foreign birth and education.
Their antecedents and manners did not contribute to the rapid promul-
gation and popularization of the system of therapeutics which they

214

labored hard to introduce. Their theories were considered visionary
and their practice unsound.

The following list contains the names of upwards of one hundred
homoeopathic physicians who have resided in Albany county, and have
identified themselves with homoeopathic interests, either by member-
ship in the Albany County Homoeopathic Medical Society, or by ser-
vice in the Albany Homoeopathic Hospital and Dispensary.

The names of those who have been admitted to membership in the
county society, are printed in small capitals. The names of those who
have not joined the county society are printed in ordinary type.

The left hand column of figures indicates the chronological order and
date of entrance on homoeopathic practice in Albany county.

1837. Augustus Philip Biegler, A. M., M. D. Born in Prussia, in
1790. Was graduated, March 29, 1832, from the Medical Department
of the University of Berlin.

To him belonged the distinguished honor of having introduced the
homoeopathic system of practice to the citizens of Albany, in Novem-
ber, 1837. He resided in Albany two and a half years, and then re-
moved to Schenectady, and subsequently, to Rochester.

He enjoyed the rare opportunity of having had a long personal ac-
quaintance with Hahnemann, and of obtaining from him a thorough
knowledge of homoeopathic principles and practice. He died at Roch-
ester, N. Y., in 1849, at the age of fifty-nine years.

1838. Dr. Rosenstein. Formed a business partnership with Dr.
Biegler. Resided in Albany one year, and then removed elsewhere.

1839. Emanuel Sieze, M. D. Dr. Sieze and Dr. Biegler came to-
gether from Germany to this country, to engage in the practice of
homoeopathy. Dr. Sieze first located at Hudson, where he remained
a year and a half. He resided four years in Albany. He was an ed-
ucated physician. In practice he made quite an extensive use of hy-
dropathic treatment.

1840. Charles Frederic Hoffendahl, A. M., M. D. Born in Germany
in 1799. Was graduated from the Medical Departmentof the Univer-
sity of Berlin, in 1828. Came to this country in 1837; settled first in
Philadelphia; came to Albany in 1840; removed to Boston in 1842,
where he died in April, 1862, at the age of sixty-three years.

1841. Isaac Moreau Ward, A. M., M. D. Born at Bloomfield, N. J.,
October 23, 1806. Was graduated in arts from Yale, in 1825; and in
medicine, from Rutgers Medical College in 1829. Began practice in

215

Newark, N. J. ; removed to Albany in 1841 ; returned to his home at
Lyons Farms, N. J., in 1847, where he died February 24, 1895, at the
age of eighty-nine years. He was widely known as an eminent physi-
cian and an upright and highly respected citizen.

1842. Charles Herbert Skiff, M. D. Born at Spencertown, X. V.,
May 12, 1808. Was graduated, in 1832, from Berkshire Medical Col-
lege at Pittsfield, Mass. Began practice at Spencertown; removed in
1842 to Albany; and in 1843 to New Haven, Conn., being the pioneer
homoeopathic physician of that city. Died at New Haven, December
11, 1875, at the age of sixty seven years.

1845. Henry Delavan Paine, A.M., M.D. Born at Delhi, N. Y.,
June 19, 1816. Was graduated in 1838, from the College of Physicians
and Surgeons in New York city. Began practice in Newburgh, N. Y. ;
removed, in 1845, to Albany; returned to New York city in 1865.
During his residence in Albany Dr. Paine won the confidence and re-
spect of the entire community, his friends and adherents being among
the leading, most influential and intelligent citizens. The inaugura-
tion of special medical legislation in behalf of the homoeopathic as a
separate and distinct school of medicine, was due to Dr. Paine's efforts,
more than to those of any other person. By the enactment of the law
of 1857, providing for the organization of county homoeopathic medical
societies, and the enactment of the law of 1861, providing for the organ-
ization of the State homoeopathic medical society, the homoeopathic pro-
fession of the State secured the same legal rights and privileges as were
extended to old school physicians; and among those whose wisdom,
tact and zeal were instrumental, during previous years of trial and self-
denying labor, in placing the homoeopathic school and its organizations
upon a safe and enduring foundation, the unflagging energy and well
directed efforts of Dr. Paine were exceptionally effective, and are
worthy of the grateful recognition and unqualified approval of the
whole homoeopathic profession of the entire State. He died in New-
York city, June 11, 1893, at the age of seventy seven years. An ex
pressive epitome of his life and character, and touching tribute to his
memory; is found in the closing sentence of an obituary notice of his
death; "A devoted Churchman; a priestly physician; a Christlike
man."

1846. Erasmus Darwin Jones, M. D. Born at Upper Jay, X. V..
September, 10, 1818. Was graduated from the Albany Medical College
in 1841. Began practice at Keeseville, N. Y. ; removed to Albany in

216

1846, where for forty-five years he conducted a large, successful and
lucrative practice. He was noted for self-sacrificing devotion to the
interests and welfare of his numerous patients. He excelled in indus-
try, accuracy of discrimination, untiring patience, and a never exhaust-
ing wealth of resources in all difficult and complicated cases. And
through, and with, these characteristic qualities, there was always ex
hibited a kindliness of feeling, courtesy of manner, and fervency of
zeal, that caused both devoted friends and professional associates to
sincerely regret that the infirmities of advancing years had, in 181)1,
brought forced retirement from active and effective work, in the field
where his tact and skill were so long recognized as qualities developed
to a degree to which few younger men could ever hope or expect to
attain. He died August 17, 1895, at the age of seventy-seven years.

1847. John Alsop Paine, M. D. Born at Whitest own, N. Y., July
10, 1795. Was graduated from the Medical Department of Yale Col-
lege in 1825. Began practice at Volney, and continued successively in
Paris, New Hartford, and Utica, N. Y. ; in Newark, N. J., Albany,
N. Y., where he remained four years; subsequently in Newark, N. J.,
and Lake Forest, 111., where he died June 16, 1871, at the age of sev-
enty six years. He practiced the allopathic system nineteen, and the
homoeopathic twenty- six years.

1848. Henry Adams, M. D. Born at Coxsackie, N. Y., July 6, 1787.
Licensed to practice under the law of 1808. Began practice at Cox-
sackie. Appointed surgeon to one of the regiments of the American
army in the war of 1812, and was stationed at Sackett's Harbor, N. Y.
Adopted the homoeopathic system of practice in 1846. Removed to Al-
bany in 1848, and to Cohoes in 1850, where he resided to the time of
his death, July 6, 1857, his seventieth birthday.

1849. Horace Mansfield Paine, A. M., M. D. Born at Paris, N. Y.,
November 19, 1827. Was graduated, March 11, 1849, from the Medi-
cal Department of the University of the City of New York. Began prac-
tice at Albany; removed to Clinton, Oneida county, in 1855; returned
to Albany in 1865. Relinquished active practice in 1895. Resides, in
summer, at West Newton, Mass., and in winter, at Atlanta, Ga. He
has, for forty years, been actively identified with the adoption of meas-
ures for establishing the homoeopathic system of practice on a reasona-
able and enduring foundation ; for dissociating it from untenable and
visionary theories; for securing the enactment of such laws as would ex-
tend to the representatives of all recognized schools of medicine equal

JAMES W. COX, M. D.

217

civil rights and privileges; and such laws also, as would unij y and ele-
vate medical educational standards, by transferring the right of medical
licensure from medical college faculties (private corporations), to State
control. In the prosecution of these measures, during the whole of
that period, he has steadily made use of official positions on commit-
tees, or as secretary of a number of medical associations, for promot-
ing these desirable purposes. He received the degree of Master of
Arts (honorary) from Hamilton College in 1859; and the honorary de-
gree of Doctor of Medicine from the Regents of the University, on the
recommendation of the State Homoeopathic Medical Society. He is an
honorary member of a number of State homoeopathic medical societies
in this and other countries.

1850. David Springsteed, M. D. Born in the town of Bethlehem,
Albany county, January 17, 1808. Attended medical lectures at the
Medical Department of Yale College, and at the Duane Street Medical
College in the city of New York. Licensed to practice in 1830, by the
Medical Society of the State of New York. Began practice in Bethle-
hem. Adopted the homoeopathic system in 1845. Removed to Albany
in 1850; retired from active practice in 1880, after having completed a
full half-century of successful professional work. He removed in 1880
to Saugerties, N. Y; in 1884, to New York city; and in L889, to South
Woodstock, Conn., where he died March 26, 1894, at the age of eighty-
six years. He was appointed county physician by the Board of Super-
visors of Albany county in 1851, the first appointment, it is believed, of
a homoeopathic physician to such a position in the United States.

1851. William Hi nry Randel, M. D. Born at Albany, N. Y., Au-
gust 28, 1829. Was graduated, in 1851, from the Medical Department
of the University of the City of New York. Began practice in Albany,
where he remained to the time of his death, December 13, 1887, at the
age of fifty-eight years. Dr. Randel was closely identified with the
work and progress of the Albany Homoeopathic Hospital and Dispen-
sary, and was unremitting in his efforts to promote its development
and usefulness.

1851. Pascal P. Brooks, M. D. Came to Albany in L851. He had
been an old school practitioner sixteen years, and had recently adopted
the homoeopathic system. He remained in Albany two years, and
then removed elsewhere.

185-2. James William Cox, M. 1). Born at Gilbertsville, X.Y.. Feb-
ruary 5, 1828. He was graduated from the Albany Medical College in

218

January, 1852: Began practice in Albany, in association with his
former preceptor, Dr. H. D. Paine. He remained a resident of Al-
bany to the time of his death, June 9, 1896, at the age of sixty eight
years. Dr. Cox was an accomplished, skillful and successful physician.
His natural powers of insight enabled him to distinguish hidden and
obscure features of disease; and he was blessed, in a remarkable de-
gree, with the ability to inspire with courage, cheer and hope, those to
whom he ministered as a physician. These qualities of mind were of
the highest order, and won for him the steadfast confidence and love of
all who were fortunate in making his acquaintance.

1853. Charles Gilbert Bryant, M. D. Born at Gilbertsville, N. Y.,
March 13, 1829. Was graduated from the Albany Medical College in
January, 1852. Began practice at Little Falls, N. Y. ; came to Albany
in 1853; removed in 1854 to San Francisco, Cal., where he died in
18G6, at the age of thirty-seven years.

1854. Lester Marcus Pratt, M. D. Born at Pratt's Hollow, N.Y.,
April 25, 1818. Was graduated in 1854 from the Pennsylvania HoTnoeo-
pathic Medical College at Philadelphia. Began practice the same year
at Albany. Remained in Albany until August, 1893, when he retired
from active practice and removed to Homer, N. Y. During his long
medical career he endeared himself to many personal friends on account
of his recognized professional skill, his readiness to minister to the
relief of human suffering among those in the higher walks of life, as
well also as the illiterate and indigent. He possessed a cheerful and
hopeful disposition and a sympathetic nature. Having these estimable
qualities of mind and heart, it is not surprising that his friends were
drawn toward him with a strong and abiding attachment; nor that his
influence and life were radiant with the elevating and ennobling ten-
dencies that mark the highest and best type of true manhood.

1857. George Henry Billings, M. D. Born at Claremont, N. H.,
June 19, 1835. Was graduated from the Castleton Medical College in
June, 1857. Began practice at Cohoes in September, 1857; removed to
Cambridge, N. Y., in 1862, to Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1865, and returned
to Cohoes in 1871, where he died May 20, 1893.

1862, John Savage Delavan, M. D. Born at Ballston, N. Y., Oc-
tober 18, 1840. Was graduated from the Albany Medical College,
December 23, 1861. Began practice at Albany in 1862. Served three
years in the war of the Rebellion in the capacity of assistant surgeon.
Returned to Albany in 1865; removed to Geneva, Switzerland, in 1872;

219

returned to Albany in 1876, where he remained to the time of his death,
which occurred by accidental drowning, August 7, 1885. Dr. Dclavan
was respected for his noble and generous impulses. He stood in the
front rank of the profession. His smile of recognition, his cordial
greeting, and his faithful services were characteristic of a whole souled,
generous hearted friend.

1803. Walter Samuel Baker, M. D. Born at Newark, N. J., July
18, 1841. Was graduated in March, 1803, from the Xew York Homoeo-
pathic Medical College and Hospital. Began practice at Cohoes in
June of the same year, and in 1870 removed to Newark, N. J., where
(in 1897) he still resides.

1865. Joseph C. Butler, M. D. Pursued the study of medicine under
the supervision of Dr. W. H. Randel, of Albany, and was graduated in
1865 from the New York Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital.
Began practice in Albany immediately thereafter in association with
his former preceptor. After a residence in Albany of two years he
removed to Florida, where he died the following year.

1867. Harmon Sun/, M. D. Born at Schenectady, N.Y., June 29,
1818. Began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. L. S. Roe, a
homoeopathic physician of that city ; entered on practice before he had
completed his studies on account of the sudden death, by accident, of
his preceptor. He subsequently attended medical lectures, and re-
ceived the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1865 from the Xew York
Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital. He became a member
of the Albany County Homoeopathic Medical Society in 1867. He was
for many years the sole representative of the homoeopathic school of
practice in the city where he was born, and where he resided during
the whole period of his life. Possessing the faculty of close observa-
tion with acuteness of perception, he acquired a thorough practical
knowledge of the theory and practice of medicine long before he be-
came a legally qualified practitioner.

1867. Joseph N. White, M. D. Born at Deerfield, N. Y.. July 4,
1816. Was graduated in 1854 from the Medical College of Ohio at
Cincinnati. He began practice at Amsterdam, X. V., and remained
there to the time of his death, April "24, 1890, at the age of seventy-
four years. He became a member of the Albany County Homoeo-
pathic Medical Society in 1867. He possessed a natural aptitude for
his profession. He was gentle and sympathetic in manners, of simple
tastes and habits, tenacious of principle, a Puritan in morals, yet withal
possessed of the broadest charity.

220

1807. Herman Brownell Horton, M. D. Born at New Lebanon,
N. Y., October 9, 1831. Was graduated in 1858 from the Berkshire
Medical College at Pittsfield, Mass. Began practice at Eden, N. Y. ;
removed in 1865 to Poestenkill, Rensselaer county, to Bath, in the same
county, in 1866; to Albany in 1867; to Kinderhook in 1869; and in
1871, to Huntington, Suffolk county, where he died September 1, 1890.
Dr. Horton took an active interest in the canvass which resulted in the
establishment of the Albany Homoeopathic Dispensary, and on its or-
ganization was appointed its first resident physician. He practiced the
allopathic system seven, and the homoeopathic twenty-three years.

1867. J. Fenimore Niver, M. D. Born at Bethlehem, N. Y., April
31, 1839. Was graduated in 1864 from the Berkshire Medical College
at Pittsfield, Mass. Began practice at Stillwater, N. Y. ; removed in
1867 to Cohoes; and in 1871 to Cambridge, Washington county, where,
in 1897, he is still engaged in active practice.

1867. James Henry Augustus Graham, M. D. Born at Sandisfield,
Mass., January 11, 1809. Was graduated from the Berkshire Medical
College at Pittsfield, Mass., in 1836. Began practice in the city of New
York, where he remained a number of years : resided at Catskill several
years ; and during the last few years of his life, at Berne, Albany county,
where he died in October, 1878, at the age of sixty-nine years. He
adopted the homoeopathic system in 1871, and adhered to it during the
remainder of his life. He had been an old school practitioner thirty-
five years.

1868. James Francis McKown, M. D. Born at Guilderland, N. Y.,
April 1, 1844. Was graduated from the Albany Medical College, No-
vember 25, 1866. Began practice (old school) at Albany the same year.
Adopted the homoeopathic system in 1868, and adhered to it during
the remainder of his life. He died August 25, 1892, at the age of forty-
eight years.

1868. George Aldomer Cox, M. D. Born at Butternut, N. Y., May
17, 1846. Was graduated in December, 1868, from the Albany Medi-
cal College. He began practice at Albany immediately after gradua-
tion; removed to Cohoes in 1870; returned to Albany in 1871, where,
in 1897, he is engaged in the duties of active practice. He served two
and a half years in the war of the Rebellion, and was mustered out of
the service in June, 1865.

1869. John Smithwick, A. M., M. D. Born at Boston, Mass., No-
vember 8, 1842. Was graduated in December, 1868, from the Albany

221

Medical College. Began practice at Albany in 1809; removed, in 1871,
to Weston, Mass.; in 1880, to Sharon, Mass., his residence in 1807.

1869. Porter Lafayette Reynolds, M. D. Born at Cabot, Vt.,
May 18, 1823. Was graduated in the spring of 18G1 from Castleton
(Vermont) Medical College, and in December, 1861, from the Albany
Medical College. Began practice (old school) at Troy in 1862; enlisted
as assistant surgon, and served two years in the war of the Rebellion;
began practice (homoeopathic) in 1864, at Albany; removed, in L878,
to Saratoga Springs; returned, in 1880, to Albany; and in 1887, to
Oneida, N. Y., where he died April 21, at the age of sixty-four years.

1870. Nelson Hunting, M. D. Born at Gallupville, N. Y., Novem-
ber 21, 1837. Was graduated in 18G9 from the New York Homoeo-
pathic College and Hospital. Began practice at Gallupville, remained
one year, and came to Albany in 1870, where in 1897 he is engaged in
active practice.

1870. Edward Annon Carpenter, M. D. Born at Albany, Novem-
ber 11, 184G. Was graduated from the Albany Medical College in
December, 18G9. Entered immediately on practice in Albany ; removed
in 1872, to Plattsburg, N. Y. ; thence, in 1882, to Cambridge, Mass..
where, in 1897, he is practicing his profession.

1870. Stephen H. Carroll, M. D. Born at Milanville, N. Y., Au-
gust 22, 1S42. Was graduated in 1870 from the New York Homoeo-
pathic College and Hospital. Began practice in Albany immediately
after graduation, and in 1897 is still engaged in the duties of active
practice.

1870. Thomas Henry Mann, M. D. Born at Norfolk, Mass., April
8, 1843. Was graduated in December, 1870, from the Albany Medical
College. Began practice in 1871 at Willimantic, Conn. ; removed in
1872 to Block Island, R. I.; in 1876 to Woonsocket, R. I., where for
ten years he successfully pursued the practice of his profession. In 1 885
he relinquished the practice of medicine, and entered other business
pursuits. Residence in 1 8'.»7 , Pitchburg, Mass. , at which place he holds
the office of postmaster, and is the editor and publisher of the Fitchburg
Evening Mail. Dr. Mann enlisted in the army in L861, serving during
the war of the Rebellion ; was held a whole year at Andersonville Prison,
and was mustered out of service in May, L865.

1870. Philip I. Cromwell, M. D. Born at Queensburg, X. V.. July
12,1848. Was graduated December 22, L870, from the Albany Med-
ical College. Began practice at Albany, remaining one year; removed

222

in 1872 to Cleveland, Oswego county, N. Y. ; in 1874 to DeKalb, 111. ;
and subsequently to Wilmington, Will county, 111., where, in 1897, he
still resides.

1871. Henry Green Preston, B. A., M. D. Born at Hartford, Conn.,
in 1847. Was graduated in 1869 from Bellevue Hospital Medical Col-
lege. Began practice in 1869 at St. John, New Brunswick; removed
in 1871 to Albany and in 1876 to Brooklyn, N. Y., where in 1897 he is
still engaged in successful practice.

1871. John Hiram Fitch, M. D. Born at New Scotland, N. Y.,
April 2, 1837. Was graduated in 1868 from the Eclectic Medical Col-
lege in New York city. Began practice in 1868 in New York city; in

1871 came to Albany; in 1873 returned to New York city, and in the
fall of the same year removed to New Scotland, Albany county, where
in 1897 he still resides. He enlisted in the army in 1861, and was mus-
tered out of the service in September, 1864.

1871. Frank W. Thomas, M. D. Born at Watertown, N. Y., De-
cember 29, 1846. Was graduated in 1871 from the Hahnemann Med-
ical College, of Philadelphia. Began practice the same year at Albany;
removed in 1873 to Dayton, Ohio, where he died September 16, 1890,
at the age of forty-four years. His death was occasioned by severe
burns, caused by the explosion of a lamp.

1871. Elliot Calvin Howe, M. D. Born at Jamaica, Vt. , February
14, 1828. Was graduated in 1853 from the Metropolitan Medical Col-
of New York city. Began practice (eclectic) the same year at Troy,
remaining until 1868; pursued the occupation of teaching seven years;
in 1868 resumed practice and removed to New Baltimore, N. Y. ; in

1872 removed to Yonkers; and in 1884, to Lansingburgh, where in 1897
he still resides.

1871. D. A. Cooringham, M. D. Had been an old school physician
for a number of years. On coming to Albany in 1871 he adopted the
homoeopathic system of practice; removed in 1872 to Schenectady;
thence in 1874 to Chicago, 111.

1872. William Edward Milbank, M. D. Born at Coeymans, N. Y. ,
March 6, 1841. Was graduated in December, 1872, from the Albany
Medical College. Began practice in Albany the same year, and still
(in 1897) is engaged in a large, successful and lucrative practice. Dr.
Milbank has attained the highest standing in his profession; his coun-
sel is often sought by his associates in the care of complicated and
difficult cases; and his official connection with the State Board of

223

Health contributed largely to the promotion of the purposes for which
it is established.

1872. Frederick Wadsworth Halsey, M. D. Born at Plattsburgh,
July 3, 1849. Was graduated in 1871 from the National Medical College
at Washington, D. C. Began practice at Albany in 1872 ; removed in the
fall of the same year to Fort Henry, Essex county; removed in 1876 to
Middleburg, Vt., and in 1885 removed to Boston, Mass., where in 1807
he is conducting an extensive and remunerative practice.

1872. Townsend Bowen, M. D. Was graduated in December, 1872,
from the Albany Medical College. Began practice at Albany the same
year, removing in 1873 to Huntington, N. Y., subsequently to Oneonta,
N. Y., thence to Denver and Leadville, Col.

1873. Charles Edmund Jones, A. M., M. D. Born in Albany, Feb-
ruary 13, 1819. Was graduated in arts in 1870 from Hope College, at
Holland City, Mich.; in medicine in December, 1872, from the Albany
Medical College; also in March, 1873, from the New York Homoeo-
pathic Medical College and Hospital. He began practice immediately
after graduation, in association with his father, Dr. E. D. Jones. He
is still (in 1897) conducting an extensive and exceptionally successful
practice. He has held many positions of trust and responsibility, and,
as his father was, is regarded as a physician of distinguished ability.

1873. Horace Curran Miller, M. D. Born at Schodack, N. Y., in
1846. Was graduated January 20, 1874, from the Albany Medical Col-
lege. Held the position of resident physician at the Albany Homoeo-
pathic Hospital six months prior to graduation. After graduation he
began practice in Greenbush, Rensselaer county, where (in 1897) he
still resides.

1873. Catharine Elizabeth Goewey, M. D. Born in the town of
Greenbush, N. Y., November 26, 1835. Was graduated in May, is;.;,
from the New York Medical College and Hospital for Women. Began
practice in Albany the same year; removed in 1887 to Brooklyn, X. Y. ;
returned in 1890 to Bath, Rensselaer county, where she died in L896, at
the age of sixty-one years.

1873. Rufus Reed, M. D. Born at Rockville, 111., April 12, 1843.
Was graduated in 1871 from the Hahnemann Medical College of Phila-
delphia. Resided and practiced one year in Staunton, \'a. ; removed
in is;:i to Cohoes, Albany county, remaining three years; removed in
is;; to Lambertville, X. J.; thence in 1882 to Philadelphia, his resi-
dence in 1897.

224

1874. John Jefferson Wallace, M. D. Born at Niagara, Can., De-
cember 15, 1805. He attended medical lectures and was graduated
from one of the New York medical colleges about the year 1835. En-
tered on practice (old school) in that city; was persuaded to make a
study of the homoeopathic system ; was graduated in 1862 from the
New York Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, being one of
the first to graduate from that institution; removed in 1874 to Albany,
and in 1877 to East Albany, where he died December 15, 1878, at the
age of seventy- three years.

1874. David Edward Collins, L. M. Began the study of medicine
in 1870; attended four full courses of medical lectures at the Albany
Medical College; rendered essential and helpful service three years as
assistant physician at the Albany Homoeopathic Hospital; was licensed
to practice in the spring of 1874 by the Columbia County Homoeo-
pathic Medical Society; began practice in 1874 at Grapeville, Greene
county; removed to Medway, an adjoining town, and is still (in 1897)
rendering active professional service.

1874. Edgar Valentine Trull, M. D. Born at Cohoes, N.Y., August
26, 1853. Was graduated in December, 1874, from the Albany Medical
College. Began practice at Cohoes, remaining three years; removed
in 1873 to Manchester, Vt., where (in 1897) he still resides.

1874. William Wesley Seeley, M. D. Born at Carlisle, N. Y., in
1852. Was graduated in 1874 from the Detroit Homoeopathic Medical
College. Began practice after graduation at Albany; removed in 1876
to East Walworth, N. Y. ; returned in 1880 to Albany, and in 1889 re-
moved to Poughkeepsie.

1874. William Henry Van Derzee, M. D. Born at Bethlehem, Al-
bany county, December 18, 1856. Was graduated in December, 1874,
from the Albany Medical College. Began practice in Albany the same
year, where he remained to the time of his death, August 29, 1883.

1875. Nathaniel Emmons Paixe, A. M., M. D. Born at New Hart-
ford, N. Y., July 14, 1853. Was graduated in arts in 1874 from Ham-
ilton College; in medicine, December :23, 1875, from the Albany
Medical College. Began practice at Albany; appointed in 1877 assist-
ant physician at the Middletown State Homoeopathic Hospital for the
Insane; returned in 1880 to Albany; appointed in 1885 superintendent
of the Westborough State Homoeopathic Hospital for the Insane at
Westborough, Mass. ; removed in 1892 to conduct a private institution
of his own for the care and treatment of nervous and mental diseases
at West Newton, Mass., his residence in 1897.

225

1875. John Nelson Bradley, M. D. Born at Berne, Albany count}-,
December 30, 1852. Was graduated December 23, 1875, from the Al-
bany Medical College. Began practice at Cedarhill, Albany county,
and has resided successively in the following places: Delmar, Albany
county; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Fort Fetterman, Wyoming; Delmar;
South Plattsburg, Tenn. ; Clarksville, Albany county; Westerlo, Al-
bany county, his residence in 1897.

1875. Richard Bennett Sullivan, M. D. Born at Ithaca, N. Y.,
November 27, 1850. Was graduated, in 1875, from the New York Ho-
moeopathic Medical College and Hospital. Began practice at Albany,
and resided successively in the following places: New York city; Plain-
ville, Onondaga county; Baldwinsville, in the same county; Albany;
Colorado Springs, Col.; Albany, N. Y., where he died, October 29,
1890.

1875. Howard Lansing Waldo, M. D. Born at Centreville, X. Y.,
September 13, 1852. Attended lectures at the Albany Medical College;
admitted to an examination by the State Board of Homoeopathic Med-
ical Examiners, appointed under the law of 1872; approved by such
board; received June 30, 1875, the degree of Doctor of Medicine from
the Regents of the University. Began practice in Watervliet (West
Troy); removed, in 1887, to the city of Troy, his residence in 1897.

1876. John Jay Peckii \m. M. D. Born at Easton. X. Y., in 1851, was
graduated, in March, 187-4, from the Hahnemann Medical College of
Philadelphia. Began practice, in 1874, at Crescent, Saratoga county;
removed, in 1876, to Albany; in 1877, to California; in the spring of
1878, to Greenbush, Rensselaer county, and in the fall, to Albany. Re-
turned, in 1883, to Los Angeles, Cal. ; removed, subsequently, to San
Francisco, and later, to Emigrant Gay), Cal., his place of residence in
1897.

1876. Burdette Warren, M. 1). Was graduated, in L872, from the
New York Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital. Began prac-
tice at Worcester, Otsego county, and in July, 1876, came to Albany;
returned to Worcester in January, 187*3

L876. Elisha Bakkkk Graham, M. D. Bora at Italy, X. Y. January
•is, L840. Was graduated, in 1866, from the Cleveland Homoepathic
Medical College. Began practice at Three Rivers, Mich., removed in
is]''., to Albany; in L878, to Cheyenne. Wyo. : in 1888, to < >gden, Utah,
his residence in 1891 .

1877. GEORf.i Podmqke II \ ri u !•. Taylor, M. 1). Horn at Turk's Isl-
29

22 G

and, West Indies, April 20, 1847. Was graduated, in 1874, from the
Medical Department of the University of the City of New York. Be-
gan practice in the city of New York; removed, in 1876, to Stillwater,
Saratoga county, his residence in 1807. He became a member, in
1877, of the Albany County Homoeopathic Medical Society.

1877. Richard Rowe Trotter, M. D. Born at Roxbury, Mass.,
April 5, 1849. Was graduated, in 1877, from the Boston University
School of Medicine. Began practice at Springfield, Mass ; removed, in
1877, to Albany; in 1878, to Berne, Albany county; and, in 1883, to
Yonkers, N. Y. , his residence in 1897.

1877. George H. Benjamin, M. D. Began old school practice about
the year 1870. Gave attention to the study of the homoeopathic sys-
tem of therapeutics, and adopted it in practice. Was admitted in 1877
to membership in the Albany County Homoeopathic Medical Society.
Removed, in 1879, to New York city.

1878. George Elmer Gorham, M. D. Born at Le Raysville, Pa.,
November 8, 1850. Was graduated, in 1874, from the Homoeopathic
Medical College of Chicago. Began practice at Athens, Pa. ; removed,
in 1877, to Cheyenne, Wyo. ; and in 1878, to Albany, where, in 1897,
he is engaged in active professional duties. Dr. Gorham is held in
very high esteem by his medical associates and by his many personal
friends, for strength and accuracy of judgment ; for high moral tone
that pervades every action ; for his assiduous and enthusiastic work as
a student ; and for the decisive way in which he blends reading and ex-
perience and puts them to practical uses. His genius for applying well
known principles to new uses and purposes, is strikingly illustrated in
the construction of the celebrated and unique apparatus known as
"The Gorham Bed," manufactured by the Albany Invalid Bed Com-
pany.

1878. Gertrude Anna Goewey Bishop, M. D. Born at Greenbush,
Rensselaer county, June 23, 1838. Was graduated, in April, 1877, from
the New York Medical College and Hospital for Women. Began prac-
tice at Albany, in 1878, removing, in 1879, to Brooklyn, her residence
in 1897.

1878. Lyman Byles Waldo, A. M. 3 M. D. Born at Edmeston, N. Y.
Was graduated, in arts, in 1844, from Hamilton College; and in medi-
cine in 1863 from the Cleveland Homoeopathic Medical College. Be-
gan practice at Adams, N. Y. ; removed, in 1869, to Oswego; in 1872,
to Lansingburgh ; and in 1878, to West Troy, Albany county, where he
died in 1879, at the age of sixty-four years.

227

1878. William H. Griffith, M. D. Held the appointment of resident
physician to the Albany Homoeopathic Hospital during' the summer
and fall of 1878. He removed elsewhere.

1879. George Washington Gregory, M. D. Born at Fleming, X. Y.,
September 22, 1854. Was graduated, in 1879, from the Albany Medi-
cal College. Began practice in Albany; removed, in 1880, to Troy,
Pa., and in 1805, to Elmira, X. Y., his residence in 1897.

1879. Edson Wyckoff Masten, M. D. Born at Schodack, X. Y., in
1857. Was graduated, in 1879, from the Albany Medical College. Al-
though well qualified to enter on active practice, he has given his whole
time to the business of preparing and dispensing medicines. Has been
engaged since graduation in medicine in conducting a large and profit-
able drug business in the city of Albany.

1879. Mary Almeda Garrison Po.mkroy, M. D. Was born at Os-
wego, N. Y., February 10, 1823. Was graduated, in 1875, from the
Boston University School of Medicine. Began practice immediately
after graduation, at Syracuse, X. Y. ; removed, in 1878, to Albany; and
in 18<S1, removed to Ocean Grove, N. J., where she died, in January,
1892, at the age of sixty-nine years.

1881. Howard Simmons Paine, A. M., M. D. Born at New Hartford,
X. Y., July 14. L856. Was graduated in arts in 187s, from Hamilton
College, and in medicine in 1881, from the Albany Medical College.
Was admitted to an examination by the State Homoeopathic Board of
Medical Examiners; was approved by the board and received a second
time the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the Regents of the Univer-
sity. Began practice at Albany immediately after graduation, and
removed in 1804 to Glens Falls, N. Y., his residence in 1897, his prac-
tice being limited to the treatment of diseases of the eyes, ears and
throat.

1 s s l . Edward Llewellyn Crandall, M. I). Born at Greenbush,
N. V., in 1857. Was graduated in L880 from the Albany Medical Col-
lege. Began practice at Troy immediately after graduation; removed
iu L881 to Albany; returned in 188.'] to Troy, his residence in L897.

L882. Roberi Kennedy, Jr., A. M., M.I). Born at Washington,
D. C, July 2'.), 1856. Was graduated in 1881 from the Hahnemann
Medical College of Philadelphia. He received the degree (honorary)
of Master of Arts from the Philadelphia High School, from which insti-
tution he was graduated in 18?S. Began practice in L881 at Ocean
Grove, X. J., removed in 1882 to Green Island, Albany county; in L883

228

to Philadelphia, Pa.; and subsequently to Brooklyn, N. Y., where he
died in April, 1894, at the age of thirty-eight years.

1883. Aaron John Bond, M. D. Born at Dalton, N. H., May 7, 1857.
Was graduated in March, 1883, from the New York Homoeopathic
Medical College and Hospital. Was appointed the same year resident
physician to the Albany Homoeopathic Hospital ; resigned in 1884 to
accept a similar position at the Brooklyn Homoeopathic Hospital ; re-
moved in 1886 to Adams, Berkshire county, Mass., his residence in
1897.

1884. Walter Foot Robinson, M. D. Was born at Albany in Octo-
ber, 1859. Was graduated in 1884 from the Albany Medical College.
Began practice in Albany ; spent three years in study in various Euro-
pean hospitals; returned in 1890 to Albany, where in 1897 he is giving
special attention to the study and treatment of nervous diseases.

1884. Clark Durant Welch, M. D. Born at Albany June 14, 1844.
Was graduated in 1876 from the New York Homoeopathic Medical
College and Hospital. Began practice .in 1877 at Cobleskill, N. Y.,
and in 1879 removed to Castleton, Rensselaer county, his residence in
1897.

1884. Margaret Jackson Reynolds, M. D. Born near Cloues, Mona-
ghan county, Ireland, April 12, 1836. Was graduated in 1884 from
the Boston University School of Medicine. Began practice the same
year at Albany in association with her husband; removed in 1887 to
Oneida, Madison county, N. Y., and in 1888 removed to Richmond,
Ind. , her residence in 1897.

1885. Joseph Ezra Wright, M. D. Born at Fox Chase, Philadelphia
county, Pa., June 4, 1862. Was graduated in March, 1884, from the
Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia. Was appointed immedi-
ately after graduation to the position of interne to the Ward's Island
Homoeopathic Hospital ; also the same year to the position of ambulance
surgeon to the Brooklyn Homoeopathic Hospital ; resigning in the winter
of 1884, entered on private practice at Royersford, Pa., in 1885, ap-
pointed resident physician to the Albany Homoeopathic Hospital; re-
moved in 1886 to Sommerville, N. J. ; and in 1890 removed to Phoenix-
ville, Pa., his residence in 1897.

1885. Elmer Arkell Blessing, M. D. Was born at Albany, August
20, 1861. Was graduated in 1885 from the Medical Department of the
University of Vermont at Burlington. Began practice at Albany imme-
diately after graduation, and in 1897 has risen to a position of distinc-
tion and prominence in his profession.

229

1886. Edward Willers Campbell. Born at Albany, February 6, 1863,
attended two full courses of medical lectures at the Albany Medical
College, and while an undergraduate held the position of resident-phy-
sician to the Albany Homoeopathic Hospital. Before graduation he
entered mercantile pursuits.

1886. Robert Edward Fivey, M. D. Was born at New York city,
July 28, 1862. Was graduated in 1887 from the Albany Medical Col-
lege. While an undergraduate in 1885 he held the appointment of
resident physician to the Albany County Alms House; in 1886 held a
similar appointment in the Albany Homoeopathic Hospital. Removed
in 1887 to New York city, his residence in 1897.

1886. David James Barry, M. D. Born at Lee, Mass., June 30, 1858.
Was graduated in 1888 from the Albany Medical College. Was ap-
pointed while an undergraduate to the position of resident physician to
the Albany Homoeopathic Hospital. After graduation began practice
at Schenectady, N. Y., his residence in 1897.

1886. Charles William Schwartz, M. D. Born at Littlestown, Pa.,
October 19, 1857. Was graduated in 1880 from the Hahnemann Medi-
cal College of Philadelphia. Began practice in 1882 at Emmettsburg,
Md. ; removed in 1886 to Albany, and in L894 to Ticonderoga, N. Y. ,
his residence in 1897.

1886. Will Melangchton Nead, M. D. Born at Lodi, Ohio, No-
vember 30, 1859. Was graduated in March, 1884, from the Cleveland
Homoeopathic Hospital College. Began practice at Keeseville, N. Y. ;
removed in 1886 to Albany, his residence in 1897. Dr. Nead has suc-
ceeded in establishing a large and steadily increasing practice.

1887. Frank William Van Alstvne, M. D. Born at Chatham
Centre, N. Y., August 3, 1863. Was graduated in 1886 from the New
York Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital. After graduation
held the position of assistant surgeon at the Ward's Island Homoeo-
pathic Hospital ; removed in L887 to West Troy, where he died December
33, L890.

1887. Henry Oscar Rockefeller, M. D. Born at Germantown, X. V..
June 8, 1862. Was graduated in 1887 from the Chicago Homoeopathic
Medical College. After graduation he held the position of resident
physician to the Albany Homoeopathic Hospital; removed in L888 to
Brooklyn, his residence in 1897.

L887. Claren( i Mann Paine, A. M., M. D. Born at Clinton, ( >neida
county, X.Y., July 9, 1860. Was graduated in arts in 1884 from Ham-

230

ilton College; in medicine, in 1887 from the Albany Medical College.
Began practice at Albany immediately after graduation, removing in
1889 to Atlanta, Ga. , his residence in 1897.

1887. Owen Frank McAvenue, M. D. Born at Little Falls, N. Y.,
September 21, 1861. Was graduated in 1887 from the Albany Medical
College. After graduation held the position of resident physician to
the Albany Homoeopathic Hospital; removed in 1888 to Amsterdam,
N. Y. ; returned in 1890 to Albany, his residence in 1897.

1889. David Wesley Pitts, M. D. Born at Nassau, Rensselaer
county, N. Y., September 10, 1835. Was graduated in 1865 from the
New York Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital. Began prac-
tice at johnsonville, Rensselaer county; removed in 1889 to West
Troy, where he resided to the time of his death, which occurred De-
cember 21, 1895.

1889. Wilbur Fiske Lamont, A. M., M. D. Born at Richmondville,
N. Y., July 29, 1864. Was graduated in arts in 1886 from Union Col-
lege; in medicine in 1889 from the Albany Medical College. He held
the position of resident physician to the Albany Homoeopathic Hos-
pital one year. Removed in the fall of 1889 to Catskill, Greene
county, his residence in 1897.

1890. Edward Bernard Coburn, A. M., M. D. Born at Troy, N. V.,
February 6, 1868. Was graduated in arts in June, 1888, from Union
College; in medicine in 1890 from the Albany Medical College. He
held the position of resident physician to the Albany Homoeopathic
Hospital one year. Gave special attention to the study of diseases of
the eye and ear, spending one year in New York city and one year in
Europe. On returning in 1893 he located in New York city, his
residence in 1897. Treatment of diseases of the eye and ear ex-
clusively.

1890. William Melancthon Campbell, M. D. Born at Stillwater,
N. Y., November 21, 1861. Was graduated in 1889 from the Albany
Medical College. Began practice in 1889 at Waterford, Saratoga
county; removed in 1890 to Cohoes, his residence in 1897.

1881. Robert Brockway Lamb, M. D., Ph. G. Born at Jamestown,
N. Y., August 4, 1867. Was graduated in 1889 from the Albany Col-
lege of Pharmacy; also in 1891 from the Albany Medical College. He
held the position of resident physician to the Albany Homoeopathic
Hospital four months in 1891. Appointed in 1891 clinical assistant at
the Matteawan State Hospital for the Insane; promoted in 1893 to the

231

position of second assistant physician, which position (in L897) he still
holds.

1891. Arthur Burton Van Loon, M. D. Born at Albany, X. V.,
December 23, 1868. Was graduated in 1891 from the Albany Medical
College. Began practice in Albany immediately after graduation;
pursued post-graduate studies in the winter of 1891 and of L892; at-
tended a course of lectures in 1892, and was graduated from New York
Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, receiving the degree of
Doctor of Medicine the second time. Held the position of interne one
year at Ward's Island Homoeopathic Hospital; returned to Albany in
L893, his residence in 1897. Member of the surgical staff of the Al-
bany Homoeopathic Hospital.

L891. Alexander Charles Calisch, M. D. Born at Jersey City, X. ].,
January 29, 1870. Was graduated in 1891 from the New York Homoeo-
pathic Medical College and Hospital. Was appointed the same year to
the position of resident physician to the Albany Homoeopathic Hos-
pital, which position he held six months. Removed in 1893 to Sharon
Springs, X.Y., and in 1894 to Port Chester, Westchester county, N.Y.,
his residence in 1897.

L892. Frederick Joseph Cox, B. A., M. D. Born at Albany, N. Y.,
June 27, 1800. Was graduated in arts in 1889 from Williams College;
and in medicine in L892 from the Albany Medical College. Began
practice in Albany immediately after graduation, where he is engaged
in active practice, and is giving special attention to some of the new
and inviting fields of bacteriological studies.

L893. Albert Mott, M. D. Born at Moreau, Saratoga count v, N.Y.,
November 28, 1X50. Was graduated in 187:5 from the Long Island
Cellege and Hospital. Began practice at Sandy Hill, Washington
county, remaining twenty years. He removed in 1893 to Cohoes, Al-
bany county, his residence in 1897.

IS!):;. Edward Gilberi Cox, A.M., M. D. Born at Albany, X. Y.,
February 6, lsos. Entered Williams College in 1889, remaining two
years; received the degree of Master of Arts after graduation in med-
icine. Was graduated in L893 from the Albany Medical College. En-
tered at once on the practice of medicine in Albany in his father's
office, where (in L897) he is successfully engaged in the active duties of
professional life. He is a gifted physician and skillful and successful
operator. He is a member of the surgical staff of the Albany Homoeo-
pathic Hospital To his skill and high standing as an accomplished

232

surgeon the present prosperity and gratifying success of the Albany
Homoeopathic Hospital is largely due.

1894. William James McKown, M. D. Born at Albany, N.Y., Jan-
uary 23, 1872. Was graduated in 1894 from the Albany Medical Col-
lege. Began practice immediately after graduation, where (in 1897)
he is engaged in active professional work.

1894. Charles Van Schaick Evans, M. D. Born at Cohoes, N. Y.,
September 24, 1864. Was graduated in 1893 from the New York
Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital. Began practice in 1893
in the city of New York; removed in 1893 to Albany, his residence in
1897.

1894. Charles Burnstein, M. D. Born at Carlisle, N.Y., December
21, 1872. Was graduated in 1894 from the Albany Medical College.
Immediately after graduation was appointed to the position of resident
physician to the Albany Homoeopathic Hospital, retaining the posi-
tion six months. Appointed in 1894 assistant physician to the State
Custodial Asylum at Rome, Oneida county, which position (in 1897)
he still holds.

1895. Archibald Gilbert, M. D., Ph. G. Born at Albany, N. Y.,
June 7, 1868. Was graduated in pharmacy in 1889 from the Albany
College of Pharmacy; in medicine in 1895 from the Albany Medical
College. Was appointed in 1895 resident physician to the Albany
Homoeopathic Hospital, resigning the position after an acceptable
service of three months to enter on a course of special studies in
Europe.

1895. George Everett Noble, M. D. Born at Freehold, N. Y.,
November 17, 1871. Was graduated in 1895 from the New York
Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital. Appointed in May, 1895,
resident physician to the Albany Homoeopathic Hospital, and held that
position one year. Resigned in 1896 to form a business association
with Dr. George E. Gorham. Residence, in 1897, Albany, N. Y.

1896. Albert Husted Rogers, A. B., M. D. Born at Albany, N. Y.,
July 4, 1867. Was graduated in arts in 1890 from Hamilton College; in
medicine in 1896 from the Albany Medical College. Received the ap-
pointment in May, 1896, to the position of resident physician to the
Albany Homoeopathic Hospital, which position (in 1897) he still holds.

233

CHAPTER XIV.
JOURNALISM IN ALBANY COUNTY.

The historical record of Albany county must be followed for many
years before it appears that its inhabitants were blessed with a local news-
paper. Even when that appeared in 1771 it was one of the very few then
printed in this State. In 1811 there were only thirty-four in the whole
State, and within two years thereafter a paper was founded in Albany that
is still in existence. The city of Albany boasts of a long list of eminent
journalists, as they are termed in these modern years ; indeed, it is doubt-
ful if any other city in the Union of similar size has been the home and
field of newspaper work of so many who were among the leaders in this
profession. The antiquity of the city, its position as the political cen-
ter and capital of the Empire State, and other less definite causes, have
doubtless contributed to bring within its gates so many men who en-
joyed high repute as makers of newspapers.

The first number of the first Albany newspaper, the Albany Gazette,
appeared in November, 1771; it lived less than a year. Those were
turbulent times, and the publishers, Alexander and James Robertson,
were loyal to Great Britain. This may have been the cause of *the early
suspension of the Gazette. In any event, when the revolutionary up-
rising came the brothers left for Nova Scotia. The following quaint
apology appeared in their issue of January 13, 1772:

The printers of the Gazette, from motives of gratitude and duty, are obliged to
apologize to the public for the omission of one week's publication; and hope the
irregularity of the mail from New York since the first great fall of snow, and the
severe cold preceding Christmas, which froze the paper prepared for the press so as
to put a stop to its operation, will sufficiently account for it.

To old-time printers this extract will convey vivid impressions of a
pile of dampened paper left over night in a room warmed with a wood
fire which often died out during the night and left the sheets of paper
to freeze together in a solid mass. The omission of a number of one
of the very early papers was not an infrequent occurrence.

Before continuing the long mortuary list of Albany newspapers, we

30 *

234

shall first describe those that are still in existence and potent forces in
the community, with their direct ancestors. The Albany Argus, the
first number of which appeared January 26, 1813, is the oldest news-
paper in Albany county, and among the oldest in the State. Its founder
was Jesse Buel, whose name must forever be prominently and honor-
ably associated with local journalism. He was born in Coventry, Conn.,
January 4, 1778, learned the printing trade and in June, 1797, began
the publication of the Troy Budget in association with Robert Moffitt.
He left that paper in 1804, having meanwhile published the Guardian
in Poughkeepsie in 1801, and the Political Banner, both of which lived
but a short time. Late in 1802 he established the Plebeian in Kings-
ton, which he published with success until the close of 1813, when he
settled in Albany and founded the Argus. In December, 1820, he sold
the latter establishment 1 to Moses I. Cantine and I. Q. Leake. The
former became editor-in-chief, and in the following year the Argus was
made the State paper, which aided in rapidly increasing its influence.
Mr. Cantine was a native of Catskill, received a classical education and
was admitted to the bar in 1798. His natural talent for writing led him
into the editorial profession. He died suddenly in January, 1823,
necessitating a change in the Argus management. Edwin Croswell
had been one of the editors of the Catskill Recorder, and possessed ex-
cellent ability as a political writer. Attending Mr. Cantine's funeral,
he there met Martin Van Buren, Benjamin F. Butler, and Judge Will-
iam Duer, then leading Democrats in the State and deeply interested
in the prosperity of the Argus. They strongly urged him to take the
position of assistant editor with Mr. Leake, which he soon did. In
1825 the daily edition of the Argus was established. In 1831 Sherman
Croswell, cousin of Edwin, became an associate in the editorial conduct
of the Argus. He was a native of New Haven, Conn., studied law and
was admitted to the bar in 1826. In 1833 he became Assembly re-
porter for the Argus, retaining the position for twenty-five years, with
the sole exception of one year (1854). At the time of his retirement in
1857 he had no superior in the country in his chosen field of work.
He became proprietor of the Argus establishment July 26, 1834, and

1 After Mr. Buel sold the Argus he took up farming in this county, in which he was very suc-
cessful. In March, 1834, he founded the Cultivator under auspices of the State Agricultural Soci-
ety. So successful was this paper that in March, 1838, it had a subscription list of 23,000. Mr.
Buel was long the soul of this successful journal, which is perpetuated through consolidation
with the Country Gentleman, noticed further on. Outside of his newspaper and agricultural
prominence, Mr. Buel held numerous offices and positions of responsibility and honor. He died
October 1, 1839

235

so continued until January, 1855. In the previous year Edwin Cros-
well retired from the Argus and was succeeded by Gideon J. Tucker,
who was chosen secretary of state in 1857. In 1855 Sherman Croswell
and Mr. Tucker sold out to James I. Johnson, who associated with
himself Calvert Comstock as editor.

[n 1841 the firm of Vance & Wendell started the publication of the
Daily Albany Atlas, as the organ of the Barnburners, between which
and the so-called Hunker faction of the Democratic party a determined
and bitter strife was waged, the Argus taking the side of the Hunkers.
In the spring of 1843 William Cassidy became associated with Henry
II. Van Dyke in the editorial control of the Atlas. Mr. Cassidy was
born in Albany August 12, 1815, received his education in Union Col-
lege, and studied law. At the age of twenty five years he entered the
field of journalism as a writer on the Plaindealer and Rough Hewer,
then being published in Albany. From 1841 to 1843 he was State
librarian. Mr. Cassidy, as the friend of Silas Wright and a Free Soiler
and Barnburner, wielded his vigorous pen in their interest and made
his antagonists feel his power. The contest continued unabated until
the birth of the Republican party in 1856 wrought momentous political
changes. The Atlas and the Argus now saw that their interests were
mutual and a consolidation was effected. Mr. Cassidy 's power as a
writer led to his selection as editor of the Atlas and Argus, which soon
demonstrated his ability and fitness for the position in largely increased
influence and patronage. In 1865 the Argus Company was formed, as
a joint stock organization, of which Mr. Cassidy was made president,
and the weekly edition was established. He continued to edit the paper
almost up to the time of his death, which took place January '!'■), is;:;.
At this time Daniel Manning (who had for some time acted as assist-
ant to Calvert Comstock), partner with Mr. Cassidy in the Argus, took
full charge of the establishment and was made president of the company.
Mr. Manning was born in Albany August L6, L831, and at eleven years
of age began work in the Atlas establishment, where, by his native
ability, his unflagging industry, and his fealty to his employers, he rose
to the lofty position that he finally attained. He was born for a leader
in whatever field of endeavor he might enter. It has been written of
him that " No public man of either party in State service at Albany
for years past, has failed to feel the governing strength of Mr. Man-
ning's mind on the higher and larger interests of polities." He never
sought political office, but was long a leader in committees and con-

236

ventions, where his influence was paramount. He served efficiently
and honorably in many positions of responsibility in his native city, and ■
was appointed secretary of the treasury in President Cleveland's cabinet
in 1885; he resigned in 1887, and died December 24, 1887. Stephen C.
Hutchins was editor of the paper from 1873 to 1878, and St. Clair McKel-
way from 1878 to 1887. A change was made in the summer of 1893 under
which William H. Johnson became president of the Argus Company;
William R. Cassidy vice-president, and William McMurtie Speer, treas-
urer and manager. In the fall of 1894 Mr. Cassidy retired from the
company, and Edward Murphy, 2d, was elected vice-president, and
Amasa T. Parker, jr., secretary. In the spring of 1896 Mr. Speer re-
tired from the management of the Argus and James C. Farrell suc-
ceeded him as treasurer and general manager. At the same time T.
C. Callicott was made editor of the paper.

The first number of the Albany Evening Journal was issued March
22, 1830, by D. B. Packard & Co., with Thurlow Weed editor. This
is not the place to speak at length of the long and honorable career
of Thurlow Weed ; nor is it necessary, for his life has been well writ-
ten and is found in most libraries. He was born in the town of Cairo,
Greene county, N. Y., November 15, 1797, was given only limited
opportunity to obtain an education, and in 1808 went with his parents
to Cincinnatus, Cortland county, to aid in building a log house and
clearing land. In the following year the family removed to Onondaga
Hollow, near Syracuse, and there he learned the printing trade with
Lewis H. Redfield, the pioneer journalist of that locality. He was
next found about 1812 publishing the Tocsin in the town of Scipio,
Cayuga county. Next he was working at his trade with Seward & Will-
iams in Utica, whence he left for the frontier with the army in 1813.
Returning he found employment with Webster & Skinner in Albany.
From that time until 1815 he worked in various offices, and then again
located in Albany, where he learned his first lessons in politics by lis-
tening to debates in the Legislature^ He worked in the Argus office
in 1816, and in the following year was given the foremanship of the
Albany Register. There he began his first efforts at editorial writing,
giving early indication of his future powers. Between 1818, in which
year he purchased an office and established the Agriculturist in Che-
nango county, and 1830, Mr. Weed was employed in the Albany Argus
office, and the Rochester Telegraph office, and from Rochester he was
elected to the Assembly in 1825 and again in 1830. During this interven-

237

ing period he had made the acquaintance of many of the leading politi-
cians of the State. It was while Mr. Weed was in the Assembly in L830
that the project of founding- the Albany Evening Journal was discussed
and finally consummated, and he was chosen its editor. He held that
position more than thirty years, attaining a position in the political
field and as a writer that has been reached by few. He retired in 1869,
and was succeeded by George Dawson as editor. Mr. Weed died in
New York November 22, 1882.

George Dawson was a native of Scotland where he was born March
L3, L813. His father came to America in 181(3 and two years later
brought over his wife and three young children. The son was given
very limited opportunity to obtain education, and when eleven years
old began learning the printing trade in the office of the Niagara Glean-
er, the family at that time being residents of that locality. In 1826 the
family removed to Rochester where Thurlow Weed was then editing
the Anti-Masonic Inquirer. There Dawson found employment and
began the acquaintance and friendship with the man with whom he was
eventually to be so intimately associated. When Mr. Weed came to
Albany and was given the editor's chair on the Evening Journal, he
was followed by Mr. Dawson, who was made foreman of the office He
soon began contributing to the editorial columns of the Journal and his
articles were influential in extending the patronage of the paper. In
the legislative session of 1831 he began reporting the proceedings,
showing marked ability in that line of work, which he continued until
L836, when he was called to the editorship of the Rochester Democrat.
'There he was remarkably successful and gained a reputation that led to
his being requested to accept a similar position on the Detroit Adver-
tiser, in August, 1839. Very soon after assuming this position he was
appointed State printer for Michigan, and held that office until L842,
in which year the Advertiser office was burned. He then returned to
the editorial chair of the Rochester Democrat and there remained until
August, 1846, when, at the urgent and prolonged solicitation of Mr.
Weed, he accepted the post of associate editor of the Albany Evening
Journal. During all of Mr. Weed's career the Journal was almost om-
nipotent with the Whig and Republican parties, and Mr. Dawson shared
almost equally its care and prosperity. In 1862 Mr. Weed retired from
the editorship of the paper and Mr. Dawson succeeded him as senior
editor and proprietor. He ably filled this station until 1877, when
George W. Demers was given the editorial chair, ami in the same year

238

Mr. Dawson sold his interest in the establishment to Charles E. Smith,
afterwards editor of the Philadelphia Press. Mr. Dawson did some
desultory editorial work for the Journal until 1880, when, for a time,
he again took the managing helm, on account of the retirement of Mr.
Smith, who had endorsed Governor Cornell's nomination of John F.
Smyth as superintendent of the Insurance Department, which was dis-
approved of by the controlling partners. Mr. Dawson finally retired
in September, 1882, and was succeeded by Harold Frederick, who has
since obtained high recognition as London correspondent of New York
papers. Mr. Dawson was appointed, without personal solicitation, post-
master of Albany in 1861 and held the office six years. Outside of
journalism Mr. Dawson was gifted as a writer. He was possessed of
a poetic temperament, loved nature in all her moods, and was an enthu-
siastic angler, for the benefit it was to him and the opportunity it gave
him to study the works of the Creator. He was author of the very
pleasing work, " Pleasures of Angling." He died in Albany February
17, 1883.

In March, 1884, the Albany Journal Company was formed, with W.
J. Arkell, president; J. W. Drexel, secretary; James Arkell, treasurer,
the editorial chair being given to John A. Sleicher. The Albany
Morning Express was started September 13, 1847, and after passing
through the control of different publishers, among whom were Munsell
& Co., in L854, its name was changed to the Daily Statesman in 1857.
It continued as such a few years and suspended. The Albany Morning
Express was revived by Stone & Henly, who were the original propri-
etors, on May 4, 1857, with J. C. Cuyler, editor. The Albany Weekly
Express was first issued August 4, 1881, and a Sunday edition March
4, 1883. These were published by the Albany Express Company, com-
posed of Edward Henly, J. C. Cuyler, Addison A. Keyes, and Nathan
D. Wendell. In 1S88 the Express establishment was purchased by
William Barnes, jr., and became part of the Journal Company in 1889.
The officers of the Journal Company are William Barnes, jr., president;
J. H. Lindsay, secretary and manager;- John M. Davis, treasurer.
The managing editor of the Journal is John Hastings, while Arthur
Lucas occupies this position on the Express. Mr. Barnes is editor-in-
chief of both papers.

The Albany Knickerbocker was founded and its first number issued
September 4, 1843, by Hugh J. Hastings. Mr. Hastings was a native
of Ireland and came to this country with his parents when eight years

WILLIAM BARNES. JR.

Sird-tftL, U.T:

1 | ■!'! VATOR AND COUNTRY GENTLEMAN. A'

239

old. Though his opportunities were not the best for obtaining an educa-
tion, he was a great reader and gradually acquired a large store of
general information. He mingled in politics, made the acquaintance
of influential men, and soon made his paper popular and successful.
The Weekly Knickerbocker was first published June 8, 1857. Mr.
Hastings sold his establishment in 1867 and purchased a controlling
interest in the New York Commercial Advertiser, his conduct of which
added to his high reputation as a journalist. He died in September,
1883. The first number of the Sunday Press was issued May 13, L870,
and of the Daily Press on February 26, 1877. On August 10 of the last
named year these journals were consolidated and published under the
title. Press and Knickerbocker, by the Press Company, then composed
of John H. Farrell, Myron H. fcooker, and James McFarlane. The
officers of the company at the present time are: President and treas-
urer, Myron H. Rooker; secretary, John W. Walsh.

The Albany Times-Union is composed of two separate newspapers.
The Albany Morning Times (later the Evening Times) was started
April 21, 1856, by Barnes & Godfrey ; it was afterwards published by
Alfred Stone, by David M. Barnes, Edward H. Bovd, and later by
Samuel Wilbor. On the 1st of March, 1861, the Times was con-
solidated with the Evening Courier (started in August, 1858). The
Albany Weekly Times was first issued July 16, 1872. The paper
passed through the usual vicissitudes under various changes in man-
agement and editorship. In May, 1881, Theophilus C. Callicot, now
editor of the Argus, took the editorial chair. The Albany Evening
Union was first issued by the Union Printing ami Publishing Company
on May 29, L882. On July 15, L883, John J. Parr became editor and
proprietor, and a little later Fred W. White was made president of the
company and editor of the paper. Mr. White was succeeded by Ira
L. Wales, an editoral writer on the Albany Argus, and a man of indom-
itable perseverance, great natural ability, and a wide acquaintance
among public men. Mr. Wales assumed entire control of the Union,
and had succeeded in making it a paying property when death inter-
vened and wrote an untimely "30" to a rising and brilliant career. In
November, 1891, John II. Farrell bought both papers and consolidated
them under the present title. Mr. Callicott acted as editor until the
summer of L896, when he took his present position on the Argus.

The Cultivator was a monthly agricultural journal established, as be-
fore stated, by Jesse Buel in March, 1834. Others who were early

240

connected with the paper were J. P. Beekman and J. D! Wasson. It
was subsequently published by W. Gaylord and L. Tucker, and later
by L. Tucker & Son. Luther Tucker's name is prominent among
those of Albany journalists. He was born in Brandon, Vt., May 7,
1802. He early learned the printing trade, at which he worked a num-
ber of years as a journeyman, and in 1825 joined with Henry C.
Sleight in the publication at Jamaica, L. I., of works for New York
firms. In 1826 he went to Rochester, where he had formerly worked,
and on October 27 issued the first number of the Rochester Daily Ad-
vertiser — the first daily newspaper west of Albany. The new paper
was a success, and on January 1, 1831, while still conducting it, he
issued the initial number of the Genesee Farmer. This was one of
the earliest of the long list of agricultural newspapers, and its name
soon became familiar throught the country. Having finally acquired
sufficient means to carry out his wish, he purchased a farm near Roch-
ester and sold his daily paper, which still exists as the Rochester Union
and Advertiser. Before a year had passed Jesse Buel died, leaving his
agricultural paper, the Cultivator, without a head and a proposition
was made to Mr. Tucker to consolidate the two. This arrangement
was effected and the new journal was removed to Albany where the
number for January, 1840, was issued. This journal was continued as
the Cultivator and in January, 1853, Mr. Tucker, associated with John
T. Thomas, started the Country Gentleman, another very successful
paper, the character of which is happily set forth in its name. The
two journals were consolidated and issued as a weekly January 4, 18G6,
which soon ranked high, as it does to day, among the leading agricul-
tural papers of the country. Mr. Tucker died January 26, 1873, hav-
ing previously associated in his business his sons, Luther H. and Gil-
bert M. Tucker. On the 1st of December, 1893, L. H. Tucker, jr., was
admitted to the firm. Luther H. Tucker died February 23, 1897.

The first number of the Albany Telegram (weekly) was issued March
14, 1888, by James Hill, in association with Messrs. Hazard & Brooks,
publishers of the Elmira Telegram, and as a part of that enterprise.
A dissolution was effected in January, 1893, Mr. Hill taking the Albany
edition and his partners the Elmira paper. The Telegram has a large
circulation both in Albany and the surrounding country.

The German population of Albany county has for many years been
represented by excellent papers printed in their own language. Of
these the oldest is the Freie Blaetter, which was started by August

LUTHER H. TUCKER.

241

Miggael and Henry Bender in 1852; the former has for many years
been sole proprietor, with Julius Kaestner editor. The paper is Dem-
ocratic in politics,

The Albany Daily Herold (German) was started in 1868, by Jacob
Heinmiller. Upon his death it was conducted by his widow until 1895,
when she sold to the present proprietors, L. Munchausen and W. Ves-
perman, the latter being the editor. The Herold is Republican in
politics.

The Albany Sonntag Journal was started in 1884 by the German
Publishing and Printing Company, of which Max Kurth is president
and manager; Michael Schrodt, vice-president; John Gutman, secre-
tary and treasurer. This company publishes, also, the Freie Deutsche
Presse in Troy.

The Farmers' Union League Advocate was started March 31, 1892,
by L. D. Collins, jr., who is still publisher and editor. It is an
agricultural journal and the organ of the Farmers' League of this
State.

There are a number of small religious, family and temperance
papers issued in Albany, but which do not possess local importance.
Seven of this character are published by the Leonard Publishing Com-
pany, as follows: Everybody's Paper, started January 1, 1875; Tem-
perance Truths, started January 1, 1875; Bright Jewels, started January
1, 1875; Everybody's Magazine, started January 1, 1885; Little Folks'
Paper, started January 1, 1885; Buds of Promise, started January 1,
1885; The Sunday Hour, started January 1, 1894.

The existing newspapers published in Albany county outside of the
city are few in number and are properly noticed in the histories of the
towns in this volume.

The list of newspapers that have been published in Albany for lon-
ger or shorter periods and suspended is a long one. They can be but
briefly mentioned here. One of the earliest printers in Albany was
Solomon Balentine, and he was connected with the publication of the
second journal issued in the city. In 1782 Charles R. Webster settled in
Albany and joined with Mr. Balentine in the publication of the New
York Gazette and Northern Intelligencer, the first number of which
was issued June 2. Webster was a practical printer. In 1783 he left
the partnership and went to New York where he began publishing the
New York Gazette. This was not a permanent enterprise and in 1784
he returned to Albany (Mr. Balentine having meanwhile left) and on

242

May 28 issued the first number of the Albany Gazette. This paper had
Federal proclivities, though its columns were held open to some extent
to both parties. Its editorial management was on a high plane and the
paper wielded a powerful influence in the early years. On the 25th of
May, 1789, the publication of a semi-weekly edition was begun, and in
March, 1817, it was consolidated with the Albany Advertiser. This
latter paper was started September 25, 1815, by John Walker, prin-
ter, and Theodore Dwight, editor, as a daily. At the time of the
consolidation it was published by William L Stone. Mr. Webster soon
associated with himself his brother, George Webster, and the firm of
C. R. & G. Webster became widely known. On January 26, 1788, they
began the publication of a semi-weekly with the long title, The Albany
Journaly or Montgomery, Washington and Columbia Intelligencer;
this paper was issued in connection with the Gazette, and was discon-
tinued May 25, 1789. The Webster firm was dissolved in 1821 by the
death of George. The survivor purchased his brother's half of the
property at the Elm Tree corner for $13,000, and the firm of E. W.
Skinner & Co. was formed, which purchased one-half of the stock of
the establishment. The firm of Webster & Skinner then continued
until the death of Mr. Webster, July 18, 1834. The original publica-
tion continued in existence until April 14, 1845.

In February, 1788, the Federal Herald was removed to Albany from
Lansingburgh by Claxton & Babcock, but remained but a short time.
In the same year the Albany Register was started by John and Robert
Barber and continued until 1808, when Solomon Southwick took it
and continued until 1817. It was revived in 1818 by Israel W. Clark.

In November, 1796, the Chronicle was started by John McDonald;
discontinued in 1799. The Albany Centinel was started in 1797 by
Loring C. Andrews, and suspended November 10, 1806. It was at once
revived with the title, the Centinel Revived in The Republican Crisis,
by Backus & Whiting, and later was published by Isaac Mitchell, Harry
Croswell & Co., in 1808, and Croswell & Frary in 1809, when the name
was changed to the Balance and New York State Journal. In 1811 it
was removed to Hudson.

In 1807 the Guardian was started by Van Benthuysen & Wood; it
lived about two years. It was a literary publication and was issued
from what was the beginning of the oldest printing establishment
now in existance in Albany. O. R. Van Benthuysen left the part-
nership with Wood in 1808 and opened a separate office in rear of

243

the present 376 Broadway. In 1814 Robert Packard became associated
with him. In 1839 the firm of Charles Van Benthuysen & Co. was
formed, composed of father and son Charles. In 1848 Charles Van
Benthuysen became the sole proprietor, continuing such until I860,
when his sons, Charles H. and Frank, were admitted to the partnership.
The business is still in existence under proprietorship of Charles Van
Benthuysen.

On April 11, 1812, Samuel R. Brown started the Albany Republican,
and was soon succeeded by B. F. Romaine; the paper was finally taken
to Saratoga. In 1813-14 the Stranger, 8vo. , was published by John
Cook. In June, 1815, Horatio Gates Spofford began publishing the
American Magazine, which lived less than a year. The Christian Vis-
itant, by Mr. Southwick, started this year, has been mentioned. The
Friend was another ephemeral publication of this year, by D. & S. A.
Abbey ; it lived a year. The Statesman was published and edited by
Nathaniel H. Carter in 1815, and was removed to New York in 1818.

♦Solomon Southwick'sl Ploughboy was started in 1819 and in 1820
Charles Galpin started the Albany Microscope, which lived but a few
years. August 3, 1822, Bezaleel Howe issued the first number of the
Oriental Star, a religious weekly. In 1823 William McDougal began
publishing the National Democrat in Albany and New York; it was
discontinued in April of the next year, but was at once revived by
Solomon Southwick, but proved to be short-lived. In May, 1824,
Chauncey Webster started the Religious Monitor, which was removed
to Philadelphia. In 1825, August 8, George Galpin issued the first
number of the Albany Patriot and Daily Commercial Intelligencer.
This was doubtless short-lived, for on July 25, 182(1, Mr. Galpin started
the National Observer, with Mr. Southwick editor, which continued
four years.

The year 1826 saw the birth of a long list of newspapers, few of

1 Solomon Southwick was distinguished not alone as a publisher, but as a politician and man
of affairs. He was a native of Newport, R. I., where he published and edited the Newport Mer-
cury during a part of the Revolutionary period. Later he located in Albany where he was asso-
ciated with his brother-in-law, John Barber, in the Register office. He was soon made a partner
and upon Mr. Barber's death in 1808, he succeeded to the establishment. The Register was a
Democratic organ and Mr. Southwick made it a power in the State, being himself a leader in
the party. The Register continued for a number of years, and after its suspension be published
the Ploughboy. He also edited the Christian Visitant, and later the National Democrat. During
the anti-Masonic excitement he established and for several years conducted the National Ob-
server, as organ of that misguided movement. He received the nomination for governor against
Martin Van Huron and Smith Thompson. Failing of election, he withdrew from the turmoil of
political life. He died in November, 1839.

244

which survived more than a brief period. On April 22 the Albany
Daily Chronicle was started by Charles Galpin and M. M. Cole. In
the same month John Denio and Seth Richards started the Albany
Morning Chronicle, which was discontinued within a year. E. B.
Child started the Escritoire, or Masonic and Miscellaneous Album,
which in February was changed to the American Masonic Record and
Albany Saturday Magazine. January 30, 1830, the name was again
changed to American Masonic Record and Albany Literary Journal,
which title probably killed it. In May, 1826, L. G. Hoffman started
the Albany Christian Register, with J. R. Boyd, editor. This paper
was subsequently united with a religious journal in Utica and pub-
lished as the Journal and Telegraph by Hosford & Wait in 1831. Mr.
Hoffman at about this time started and published about five years the
American Masonic Register.

In May, 1827, Solomon Southwick started the Antidote, which was
continued only a short time. Matthew Cole started the Standard,
which was short-lived. On August 4, the Comet was started with
Daniel McGlashan editor. October 13 the Albany Signs of the Times
and Literary Writer was born, with Daniel McGlashan publisher, and
J. B. Van Schaick and S. D. W. Bloodgood editors.

The Daily Morning Chronicle was issued in 1828 by Beach, Denio &
Richards. The Age, by Galpin & Sturtevant ; and the Albany Times and
Literary Writer, with slight change in name, passed to James McGlash-
an, publisher. The Albany Minerva was started this year by Joel
Munsell, 1 whose name and fame is indissolubly connected, with print-
ing and publishing in Albany. The Minerva was continued several
years.

Arthur N. Sherman started the Albanian January 30, 1830, and on
April 3 the Farmers', Mechanics', and Workingmen's Advocate was
issued by McPherson & McKercher. In the same month the Albany
Bee was started by J. Duffy, W. S. McCulloch and C. Angus.

1 Joel Munsell was born in Northfield, Mass., April 14, 1808. He early learned the printing
trade in Greenfield, Mass., and soon came to Albany. Here he worked at his trade as a journey-
man until 1830, when he started his first paper. In 1834 he was associated with Henry D. Stone in
successfully publishing the Microscope. In 1836 he set up a job printing office at 58 State street.
He was a skillful workman himself and soon gained a high reputation in the art. He engaged
largely in book printing and publishing, among his most useful publications being the Annals of
Albany, in ten volumes, which were begun in 1840 and completed in 1859. He also published four
volumes of Collections on the History of Albany. About a dozen newspapers and periodicals
were issued from his printing office, on some of which he was eflitorially employed. No man
has done more for the perpetuation of local history and in the local publication of worthy books
than Mr. Munsell. His death took place January 15, 1880, his sons Charles and Frank succeeding
to his business.

245

On September 7, 1831, the Albany Literary Gazette appeared with
John P. Jermain, editor, and James D. Nicholson, publisher. On No-
vember 21, Hosford & Wait took up the publication of the Journal and
Telegraph before mentioned. The Temperance Recorder had a brief
existence beginning this year. In 1832 the Daily Craftsman began a
short existence, and the Albany Quarterly was first issued by the Al-
bany Historical Society. In February, 1833, the American Quarterly
Hemp Magazine was started and continued two years. In 1834 the
Daily News, by Hunter & Hoffman, and the Albany Whig, by J. B.
Van Schaick, were started. In January the American Temperance
Intelligencer began a brief existence.

On October 12, 1835, the Albany Transcript was started as a penny
paper by C. F. Powell & Co. In May of this year the Silk Worm was
established and continued two years as a monthly, when it was changed
to the Silk Worm and Sugar Manual; discontinued in 1858. The Al-
bany Bouquet and Literary Spectator was started this year by George
Trumbull ; it was a short-lived monthly. In 1836 was commenced the
publication of a monthly called the Zodiac, by De Coudrey Holstein,
and another paper, the Common School Assistant, by J. Orville Tay-
lor. Neither lived long.

In 1838 Solomon Southwick published a short time the Family News-
paper; and on July 4 was started the Daily Patriot, an anti-slavery
paper, by J. G. Wallace. In 1840 Horace Greeley started the Jeffer-
sonian. The Albany Patriot was published by J. C. Jackson and con-
tinued four years. Other ephemeral publications of the year, chiefly
for campaign purposes, were the Unionist, the Tomahawk and Scalp-
ing Knife, and the Rough Hewer. In 1842 H. O'Kane published the
Irishman seven weeks. Other unimportant papers of the year were
the Sunday Tickler, the Albany Switch, and the Youth's Temperance
Enterprise; the latter lived three years.

Besides the Knickerbocker, elsewhere noted, the Subterranean was
started in 1843 by James Duffy. On April 9, 1845, Thomas A. Devyr
started the Albany Freeholder, an anti-rent organ. Joel Munsell
started the Gavel ; Woodward & Packard began the Scourge, and
Abbott & Crosby the Vesper Bell.

On December 8, 1846, the Albany Herald was started by A. B. Van
O'Linda. December 17 the Albany Morning Telegraph was first issued.
In 1S47 the District School Journal was published by Francis Dwight;
the Castigator, by M. J. Smith, and the year saw the beginning of the

246

Express, now controlled by the Journal Company. Jasper Hazen be-
gan the issue of the Christian Palladium in 1848, which was removed
to New Haven in 1855, with the name changed in 1849 to the Christian
Herald. E. Andrews began the publication of the Busy Bee and con-
tinued it two years. On May 15, 1849, the Albany Daily Messenger
was started by B. F. Romaine. On June 30 the Sunday Dutchman was
started. Besides the first issue of the Albany Daily Times, elsewhere
described, B. F. Romaine started the Half-Dollar Monthly in 1850.
The Albany Atlas was also begun in this year.

On the 1st of September, 1851, John Sharts started the Albany Daily
Eagle, which survived four months. On January 4, the American
Mechanic was started by J. M. Patterson. The Carson League, a rad-
ical temperance organ, was started by T. L. Carson and J. T. Hazen,
and soon removed to Syracuse. The Albany Mirror and Literary Cab-
inet was published by J. H. Carroll and W. M. Colburn, and the Cith-
ren, by Warner & Hooker. The Northern Light was also issued in this
year and continued about three years, with able editors.

The papers of 1852 which were soon wrecked, were the Temperance
Recorder; the Family Intelligencer, by Rev. Jasper Hazen; and the
New York Teacher, the organ of the New York State Teachers' Asso-
ciation.

On February 1, 1853, Cuyler & Henly started a penny paper called
the Evening Transcript. The Prohibitionist was started this year as
the organ of the State Temperance Society; in 1857 it united with the
Journal of the American Temperance Union. In 1854 D. C. Estes
started the Family Journal. July 21, 1855, the State Police Tribune
was started by S. H. Parsons and R. M. Griffin; it was removed to
New York. March 26, 1856, the Albany Daily Statesman was started;
September 8, was begun the Albany Evening Union, a penny paper,
by James McFarlane, which became consolidated with the Times. George
Herb began the publication of the Albany Volksblatt this year. In
1857 was started the Albany Evening Herald, the name of which was
changed in June, 1857, to Albany Evening Union. On May 4, Charles
Galpin started the Microscope.

The papers of 1858 were the American Citizen ; the Evening Courier,
started in August; the Hour ,and the Man, daily and weekly, by George
W. Clarke and John J. Thomas; the Mercantile Horn, started in Oc-
tober; the Voice of the People, a campaign paper; the Evening Stan-
dard, by R. M. Griffin & Co., started in December; the Independent

247

Press, which lived only a few months ; Astronomical Notes, by Pro-
fessor Brunow; the American Magazine, monthly, by J.S. & B. Wood;
the Gavel, by John Tanner; and the State Military Gazette, by C. G.
Stone, afterward removed to New York.

The first issue of the Evening Post appeared in October, I860, pub-
lished by R. M. & E. Griffin; R. M. Griffin, editor. This journal was
successfully conducted until July, 1895, when it was merged with The
State, a new Republican daily, which was established with a heavy in-
vestment and apparently bright prospects. The enterprise was, how-
ever, a very injudicious one and the paper lived less than a year.

On Januray 17, 1863, appeared the first number of the Standard and
Statesman, which did not long survive. The Voice was started as a
monthly by Edgar S. Werner, in January, 1879. The Albany Law
Journal was first issued January 9, 1870, with Isaac Grant Thompson,
editor and still continues, under the editorship of AmasaJ. Parker, jr.,
to be one of the leading legal journals of the country. The first num-
ber of the Catholic Telegraph appeared in January, 1880. The Poultry
Monthly was started by the Ferris Publishing Company in November,
1879. Forest, Forge and Farm was started by H. S. Quackenbush in
1882. Outing was started in 1883 by the Outing Publishing and Print-
ing Company, and was removed to Boston. The Inquirer and Criterion
was first issued by Charles S. Carpenter; taken in February, 1882, by
Burdick & Taylor; discontinued January 5, 1884, and revived as The
Inquirer April 30, 1884. The Daily News was incorporated March 27,
1895, but the publication ceased after a few months.

The following, supplied by a well-known and versatile writer, is
thought to be of sufficient interest to warrant its insertion in this
chapter :

SOME ALBANY PERIODICALS.
Joseph A. Lawson.

The progress of a city in its literary development is attested in
various ways. One of the most satisfactory evidences to be adduced
is the encouragement it has given to, or withheld from, publications of
a periodical nature. The following brief summary of such ventures,
incomplete though it be, will go very far toward assigning Albany to
its proper place as a literary center.

One of the earliest magazines to make its appearance was "The

248 .

Stranger," a literary paper, published by John Cook at his reading
room. This was in 1814. The title page bore the following line from
Hamlet, " Therefore as a Stranger bid it welcome."

The editor, in his valedictory, explaining its suspension at the close
of the first year of its existence, would have it understood that patron-
age was not wanting, but that which was far worse, the utter lack of
contributors. And so the Stranger silently stole away into the shades
of oblivion.

The year 1815 was more prolific in periodical literature. Two mag-
azines had the temerity to come into existence; and their aims and
objects are amply set forth in their titles. The first, the American
Magazine, a monthly miscellany, devoted to literature, science, history,
biography and fine arts, etc., etc. This was edited by Horatio Gates
wSpofford. Editor Spofford had a good bit of confidence in the early
Albanian, or else he thought the odd half dollar more of an induce-
ment than it is at this date, for he offered his publication at $2.50 if
paid in advance, or $3.00 if paid at the end of the year. As it resulted,
the half dollar was no inducement, and the confidence misplaced, for,
at the end of one year, Editor Spofford was forced to make an assign-
ment to one " Absolom Townsend, Jun. Esq." after sinking two thou-
sand dollars in the venture. To our eyes, accustomed to the "infinite
variety" of the magazines of the present day, this periodical has an ex-
ceedingly dry-as-dust flavor. This editor thinks he has fathomed the
reason of its non-success for, in his closing editorial he says: "Should
this publication be again revived, it will be in the hands of people hav-
ing ample pecuniary resources, and who will punctually distribute the
numbers on the first of each month. This, I think, is all that is now
wanted to ensure a respectable patronage, and that permanency for
which it was designed." Delightful ingenuousness!

The second, contemporaneous with the foregoing, was "The Friend,
a periodical work, devoted to religion, literature and useful miscel-
lany." The following quotation ornamented its title page, and was
evidently fondly hoped to be the entering wedge to popular favor:

" The greatest blessing is a pleasant friend."

The publishers to undertake this enterprise were D. & S. A. Abbey.
The editor's announcement in the first number ran as follows, and
proved him anything but a "pleasant friend" to his confrere in the
field of literature :

249
To the Public.

As we feel an unaccountable aversion to puffing, we shall not imitate the conduct
of some of our brethren of the quill in making a multitude of fine promises which
can never be performed. We arrogate to ourselves no extraordinary genius or un-
common literary acquirements; nor shall we attempt to make amends for lack of
abilities by adding to our name a long list of titles. . . . We shall endeavor
to " satisfy our readers;" but we shall never attempt to attain that object by serving
up " a small select dish" of vulgar and profane jests and tales. Those who prefer
such fare will, therefore, seek it in another quarter.

This charming bit of editorial courtesy was " starred" to refer to the
bottom of the page, where the following explanation was found:

For the information of persons of this description, we subjoin the following
elegant extract from the prospectus of a periodical work, published in this
city, entitled "The American Magazine," conducted by Horatio Gates Spofford,
A. M., author of a Geography of the United States, a Gazetteer of the State of New
York, etc., a member of the New York Historical Society, and one of the Counsellors
of the Society for the Promotion of the Useful Arts— a member of the American An-
tiquarian Society, and of the Berkshire Agricultural Society, Massachusetts.

Extract from the prospectus of the American Magazine:

The editor is no friend to those medleys of bo7i mots, and vulgar and profane jests
and tales; but if he cannot satisfy his readers without, he will occasionally serve up
a small, select dish.

Even at that early date these little amenities were current among
the "brethren of the quill." But "The Friend" fared no better than
its contemporary, and at the expiration of its first publication year,
"joined the silent majority." Certain it is, it contained no "medleys
of bon mots," so far as we are able to discover in a hasty perusal, and
we ourselves think we would hardly have been able long to tolerate a
" friend" that bore so striking a resemblance to the Knight of the Sor-
rowful Countenance.

From 1827 to 1831 appeared the American Masonic Record, and Al-
bany Saturday Magazine. This was a weekly periodical devoted t<>
Masonry, science and the arts, popular tales, miscellany, current news,
etc., etc. Published by E. B. Childs, corner of North Market and
Steuben streets.

Appealing, as it did, to so large a class of the community as the Ma-
sonic fraternity, and having the celebrated Morgan episode to dwell
upon, placed it upon a foundation that insured it a much longer l<
of life than its predecessors had enjoyed. And, too, it was cleverly
32

250

edited, and contained much matter that appealed to the popular taste.
A clear case of the "survival of the fittest."

The Albany Quarterly, edited by James R. Wilson and Samuel Wil-
son, made its appearance in 1832, published under the patronage of the
Albany Historical Society.

This was scarcely a literary effort ; partaking more of the nature of
a denominational publication. The opening paper in the first number
was a history of the Reformed Presbyterian church.

A short extract from one of the articles appearing in it serves to show
how much we have to be grateful for, more than half a century later,
that the Legislature of the State of New York has become, in truth, a
"reform " Legislature, and no longer closes its ears to the "means of
grace " daily offered it. The extract reads:

Immediately after the assembling of the legislature in 1832, a resolution was offered
to dispense with prayer. . . . Ministers, except Methodists, refused to pray in
either senate or assembly.

We should be eternally grateful to these long suffering Methodists
whose patience accomplished such beneficent results. A slight perusal
convinced us that The Albany Quarterly might, with propriety, be de-
scribed as a " blue-light " antique.

The Albany Bouquet and Literary Spectator was next to venture
into the troubled waters of periodical publication, in 1835. George
Trumbull was the hardy mariner who stood at the helm. The pro
spectus ran as follows:

The undersigned will issue, as soon as sufficient encouragement shall have been
obtained to warrant the undertaking, a semi-monthly work, under the above title, to
be devoted exclusively to polite literature, viz, popular tales, essays, biography,
natural history, traveling sketches, anecdotes, etc. It is believed that Albany, with
a population of nearly thirty thousand, and embracing as much intelligence and lit-
erary taste as any city of equal size in the union, is competent to sustain a publication
of this kind; and although similar experiments have been unsuccessful, that result,
it is thought, is to be attributed to other causes than the lack of liberality on the part
of the citizens. [Here was another editor who thought he knew to what lethargy of
the Albany public was attributable.] The papers at present published in this city
are so exclusively occupied with the political controversies of the day as to exclude
all matter of a literary character ; and it is believed that a publication devoted entirely
to miscellaneous reading, which shall " strew the rugged path of politics with the
flowers of literature" will meet with ample encouragement.

The bulk of this magazine was made up of translations and clippings.
The original story contained in the first number, to which attention

251

was called editorially, was entitled "The Storm," and its hero and
heroine, Egbert and Lucinda. Vision of bell-crowned hats and crin-
oline !

Editor Trumbull also thought to lure the wily Albanians by his
terms, which were $1.00 per annum in advance, $1.50 after six months
and $2.00 at the end of the year. But to no purpose, for The Al-
bany Bouquet was doomed to become as '' the flowers that bloom 'in
the spring, tra-la, " and at the end of six months expired gracefully in
the arms of the Zodiac (a copy of which we have been unable to find,'
although we have seen signs of it), without editorial comment. It
would seem as though a magazine holding out such inducements as the
following editorial contain, merited a kinder fate:

No critical Cerberus guards our columns to crush the germs of genius with the
withering blasts of malicious criticism; and, we trust, therefore, that our young
men, and particularly the members of the Young Men's Association, will favor us
with some original flowers for our bouquet.

From 1842 to 1844 the New York State Mechanic, a weekly paper
devoted to the interests of mechanics and artisans, and placed within
their reach by being published at $1.00 a year, was put out by Joel
Munsell of this city, and enjoyed a well deserved circulation and pop-
ularity. A few more such efforts at this period would go far to lessen
the recurring conflicts between labor and capital.

In 1844 Alfred B. Street, assisted by S. S. Randall, esq., Prof. James
Hall and others, began the publication of the Northern Light, devoted
to music, literature, general information, education, science, and the
arts. The publication price was one dollar a year, or six and a quarter
cents each. Its objects were outlined as follows:

We hope the appearance of the present number will please our patrons and

readers. It is a specimen of what we pledge ourselves the future numbers will be.

. . . Indeed, so far from deteriorating, we intend making greater and greater
improvements.

But alack, and alack! So far as we have been able to ascertain, but
five numbers of this clever periodical ever appeared. The literary
firmament was again darkened as the Northern Light went out.

It was now left for the fair sex to take up the pen fallen from the
nerveless fingers of those "lords of creation" who had essayed lite-
rary efforts theretofore. In 1845, The Monthly Rose bloomed, "con-
ducted by the present and former members of the Albany Female
Academy." The initial number contained the following plea for recog-
nition :

252

Our Monthly Rose ! Silently, have we watched its unfolding. Silently, yet with
deep feeling and earnest thought. Carefully have we nurtured it, yet with trem-
bling hope ; calmly have we turned it to the scanty sunshine, while the chilling fear
frost has fallen upon our hearts.

This magazine contained many bright contributions, although some
of the verses were strikingly characteristic of a young ladies' magazine.
One in particular, entitled The Phantom Bride, attracted our attention.
The valedictory, appearing at the close of the first year of its existence,
shows a decided revulsion of feeling in the mind of the fair editor :

"... But what mean these words, " leave taking " ? Simply that the time has
expired for which we were pledged to conduct a monthly periodical connected with
the Albany Female Academy. For good and sufficient reasons we decline the re-
newal of that pledge, as none of our friends seem to court the inheritance of the
editorial mantle, the Monthly Rose will be discontinued after this present year.

And, with this graceful farewell, the Rose folded its petals, and mod-
estly withdrew from public gaze.

The last periodical to make its appearance before the Albany reading
public, was The Fort Orange Monthly, published by the Riggs Print-
ing and Publishing Company, and under the editorial management of
Joseph A. Lawson, a member of the Albany bar, who sought to diver-
sify his calling by incursions into the realms of literature, and inci-
dentally, to develop the latest talent of the capital city. The first num-
ber appeared in February, 1886. The valedictory appeared in the issue
of September of the same year, when the advertising contracts had all
expired. tempora, O mores!

253

CHAPTER XV.

GENERAL EDUCATION.

Though the men of Holland who were directly responsible for the
first settlements along the Hudson River and in the territory now em-
braced inAlbany county, seem to have possessed the wisdom to realize
that one of the principal factors of prosperity and advancement in this
far-off country would be the education of children, yet their ideas of
ways and methods for the accomplishment of this purpose were at that
early date necessarily crude and imperfect, and seem to have been
carried out in careless and ineffective manner. In the charter to the
West India Company is found the following pertinent section :

XXVII. — The Patroons and Colonists in particular, and in the speediest manner,
must endeavor to find out ways and means whereby they may supply a minister and
schoolmaster, that thus the service of God and zeal for religion may not grow cool
and be neglected among them, and they shall, for the first, procure a comforter of
the sick there.

Furthermore, in the charter of Exemptions and Privileges under
which Patroon Van Rensselaer established his " Colonie," we find the
following:

The patroons shall, also, particularly exert themselves to find speedy means to
maintain a clergyman and schoolmaster, in order that Divine Service and zeal for
religion may be planted in that country, and send, at first, a comforter of the sick
thither.

The West India Company was at a later date bound by the following
regulations :

Each householder and inhabitant shall bear such tax and public charge as shall
hereafter be considered proper for the maintenance of clergymen and comforters of
the siek. schoolmasters, and such like necessary officers.

It is known that this office of "comforter of the sick " was often, and
probably nearly always, combined with that of schoolmaster. The
incumbent aided the minister of the gospel in his charge, and gave
such time as he could to teaching. Much of that teaching was of a
religious character, and outside of inculcating the youthful mind with

254

the Scriptures, the Dutch teacher worked in the most primitive man-
ner.

Adam Roelantsen, who had taught school in Amsterdam, came to
Rensselaerwyck in 1639. He undoubtedly taught a short time at New
Amsterdam before coming- up the river, and was probably the first school-
master there. The masses of the immigrants of the early years were
unable to read and write, and the immorality that always accompanies
ignorance prevailed. Dr. O'Callaghan is authority for the statement
that "the state of morals in New Amsterdam was, at this period [1088]
by no means healthy — a statement which applies as well to Beverwyck.
The early schools were not eagerly sought nor liberally supported by
the people, and the teachers were frequently ignorant and sometimes
unprincipled. The records of the Dutch period are almost bare of the
mention of schools. "While the community were required to have their
children instructed by good schoolmasters, the requirement was little
heeded. A schoolmaster in 1644 received thirty florins a month, board-
ing himself; this was only one-fourth what was paid to a minister; but
quite likely it was more than he was usually worth. By 1661 his pay
had advanced to eighteen guilders per month and his board."

In a remonstrance against the management of the West India Com-
pany, made in 1649 (one of the many alluded to in early chapters of
this volume), is found the following paragraph :

There ought to be, also, a public school, provided with two good teachers, so that
the youth in so wild a country, where there are so many dissolute people, may, first
of all, be instructed and indoctrinated, not only in reading and writing, but also in
the fear of the Lord. Now the school is kept very irregularly, by this one or that,
according to his fancy, as long as he thinks proper.

There is an epitome of the whole situation in that pregnant para-
graph ; and it indicates to what an extent scriptural teaching, such as
it was, was combined with the secular. It would appear that the West
India Company cared more for new and profitable schemes for obtain-
ing furs from the Indians than for education. The reply to the above
mentioned remonstrance was made in the same year by Secretary Van
Tienhoven for the Director-General ; it is admitted therein that the
new school house had not been built and that "there is no Latin school
or Academy;" but asserted that a place for a school to be taught by
Jan Cornelissen had been selected, while other schools sufficient for
"the circumstances of the country," were being taught in hired houses.

Further complaint of the neglect to build a school house was made in

255

1G50, and it was probably in that year that a committee was appointed
for that task and to collect the necessary funds. Andries Janse was
appointed to take charge of the school when the building was ready;
he probably served only a short time. Rev. Gideon Schaets was called
to Rensselaerwyck as a minister in 1652, and a little later was directed
to teach the catechism in Beverwyck and Fort Orange, and "to pay
attention to the office of schoolmaster for the old and young."

The early wretched condition of education in the colony was slow to
to change. Regarding the subject as it was in 1656 Dr. O'Callaghan
remarks :

Bad as it was with the churches, it was worse as regards schools; not one of all
these places, whether Dutch or English, had a schoolmaster, except the Manhattans,
Beverwyck and Fort Cassimer.

Revs. John Megapolensis and Samuel Drisius wrote in the same
strain in 1657. Stuyvesant knew the value of learning and the neces
sity for schools, for he employed a private tutor; but he was the sub
missive agent of the West India Company. If that company did not
advise or order the building of school houses and the employment of
teachers, he certainly would not, so that at the close of his administra-
tion in 1004 there had been little improvement.

Educational affairs improved under the English. John Shutte was
the first teacher at Albany after the change, as is shown by the follow-
ing license:

Whereas, the teaching of the English tongue is necessary in this government; I
have, therefore, thought fitt to give License to John Shutte to bee the English
Schoolmaster at Albany ; And, upon condition that the said John Shutte shall not
demand any more wages from each Schollar than is given by the Dutch to their
Dutch Schoolmasters. I have further granted to the said John Shutte that hec shall
bee the onely English Schoolmaster at Albany.

Civen under my hand, at Fort James, in New York, the 12th day of < >ctober, 1665.

Rich'd Nicoi i s.

An order is on record of May L6, L670, signed by Francis Lovelace,
the preamble of which says: " Whereas, Jan Jeurians Beecker [Bleecker
or Becker] had a Graunt to keep ye Dutch school at Albany for ye
teaching of youth to read & Wryte ye which was allowed of and con-
firmed to him by my predecessor, Coll. Richard Nicolls," etc. On the
4th of April, 1070, Gerritt Swartt, Jan Becker (probably the one above
named) and Arien Appel were chosen schoolmasters at Albany, and soon
afterward in the same year, Luykas Gerritse (Wyngaard) was added to
the teaching force. These men had other business besides teaching

256

it was probably necessary that they should have, in order to live.
Becker formerly kept a tavern at Fort Cassimer, on the Delaware River,
and was there convicted of selling liquor to the Indians, but his fine was
remitted because it was shown he was no worse than many others.
Swartt was high sheriff of Rensselaerwyck from 1GG8 to 1673. Appel
had a lot in Beverwyck in 1054 and bound himself to build thereon an
inn for travelers and not for an ordinary tippling house. He taught
from 1676 to 1686. Wyngaard became a baker and had his shop in
1715 on the south corner of Broadway and State street.

In the instructions given to Governor Dongan at Windsor, May 20,
1686, was the following:

38. And wee doe further direct that noe Schoolmoster bee henceforth permitted
to come from England & to keep school within Our Province of New York without
the license of the said Archbishop of Canterbury; and that noe other person now
there or that shall come from other parts bee admitted to keep school without your
license first had.

Similar instructions were given to his successors in that office. As
a departure from the regular custom of issuing licenses only by the
colonial officials, the following is of interest :

Att a meeting of ye Mayor, Aldermen and Common Council held in ye Citty Hall

of Albany, ye 23d of Jannary lyjHr

The request of Cornells Bogardus by ye mouth of Mr. Willm de Meyer to be ad-
mitted a schoolmaster for ye Citty is taken into consideration and unanimously doe
graunt ye same, as also a freeman of this Citty upon his arrivall.

The following is from the records of the Common Council of the
date given :

Att a Common Council held in the City Hall of Albany, the 8th day of April, 1721.

Whereas it is very requisite and necessary that a fitt and able Schoolmaster settle
in this city for teaching and instructing of the youth in speling, reading, writeing
and cyffering, and Mr. Johannis Glandorf having offered his service to settle here
and keep a school if reasonably encouraged by the corporation. It is therefore Re-
solved by this Commonalty, and they do hereby oblidge themselves and their suc-
cessors to give and procure unto the said Johan's Glandorf free house rent for the
term seaven years next "ensueing for keeping a good and commendable school as
becomes a diligent Schoolmaster.

The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, in-
corporated in 1701, accomplished something for the cause of education
in the colonies. One of their orders as to qualifications of teachers
contained the following:

I. That no person be admitted a Schoolmaster, till he bring Certificates, with re-
spect to the Particulars following:

257

1. The Age of the Person.

2. His Condition of Life, whether Single or Married.

3. His Temper.

4. His Learning.

5. His Prudence.

(i. His sober and pious Conversation.

7. His zeal for the Christian Religion and Diligence in his Calling.

8- His Affection to the present Government.

9. His Conformity to the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of England.

i
This society also published an extended code of instructions for its

teachers, covering every possible contingency and phase of their calling.
A grammer school was opened at New York in 1702 and continued
to 1 709, and at about that time attempts were inaugurated to found a col-
lege in this province. In 1773 there was established under an act of
the General Assembly "a public school to teach Latin, Greek and
Mathematics in the city of New York."

Most of the school teachers prior to the Revolution were men. Down
to that timeless attention was given to the education of women than of
men, and man}' young women possessed of brilliant natural talents,
were taught only to read and write and a few simple accomplishments.
•These unjust conditions have all happily passed away. With the close
of the Revolutionary war and under the civilizing influences of free-
dom, the cause of education was rapidly advanced. The Regents of the
State of New York were incorporated in 1784, (reorganized 1787) and
in their report of 1793 they called attention to the benefits likely to
accrue from the establishment of more schools in various parts of the
State. "The mode of accomplishiag this object," said the report, "we
respectfully submit to the wisdom of the Legislature." At the opening
of the session of L795, Governor Clinton thus alluded to this subject in
his message:

While it is evident that the general establishment and liberal endowment of acad-
emies are highly to be commended, and are attended with the most beneficial conse-
quences, yet it cannot be denied that they are principally confined to the children of
the opulent, and that a great portion of the community is excluded from their im-
mediate advantages. The establishment of common schools throughout the State,
is happily calculated to remedy this inconvenience, and will therefore engage your
, early and decided consideration.

These were the first steps taken directly toward the establishment
of the common school system of the State. On the 11th of January,
L795, the Assembly appointed a committee of six to consider the school
subject, and on February 19 they reported "An Act for the Encourage-

258

ment of Schools," which became a law on the 9th of April. This act
appropriated $50,000 annually for five years, for the general support of
common schools, which sum was at first apportioned to the several
counties according to their representation in the Legislature; later it
was apportioned according to the number of electors for member of
assembly, and to the several towns according to the number of taxable
inhabitants. The act provided for the election of not less than three
nor more than seven commissioners in each town, who should have super-
vision of the schools in each town. The inhabitants in different sec-
tions of the towns were authorized to meet for the purpose of procur-
curing "good and sufficient schoolmasters, and for erecting and main-
taining schools in such and so many parts of the town where they may
reside, as shall be most convenient," and to appoint two or more trus-
tees, whose duties were defined by the act. The public money paid to
each district was to be apportioned by the commissioners according to
the number of days of instruction given in each of the schools. Provi-
sion was made also for annual returns from all districts, towns and
counties.

Lotteries were early instituted by the State for the support of schools,
first in 1799, when $100,000 was to be raised, $12,500 of which was to
go to academies and the remainder to common schools. Again in
1801 an equal amount was raised, one-half of which went to common
schools.

On the 2d of April, 1805, an act was passed providing that the net
proceeds of the sale of 500,000 acres of unappropriated State lands
should be made a permanent fund for the support of schools, the avails
to be invested until the interest amounted to $50,000, when an annual
distribution of that amount should be made. By February, 1807, re-
ceipts for the school fund in the treasury had reached $151,115.69.

In 1811 a law was enacted authorizing the governor to appoint five
commissioners to report a system for the organization of the common
schools. The commission consisted of Jedediah Peck, John Murray, jr.,
Samuel Russell, Roger Skinner, and Samuel Macomb. Their report,
made February 14, 1812, was accompanied by the draft of a bill em-
bodying the main features of the common school system as it existed
until 1838. One feature of the bill was, that each county should raise'
by tax an amount equal to that apportioned by the State. Following
is a brief outline of the system :
That the several towns in the State be divided into school districts, three commis-

259

sioners elected by the citizens qualified to vote for town officers, that three trustees
be elected in each district, to whom shall be confided the caie and superintendence
of the school to be established therein; that the interest of the school fund be divided
among the different counties and towns, according to their respective population, as
ascertained by the successive censuses of the United States; that the proportions re-
ceived by the respective towns be subdivided among the districts into which said
towns shall be divided, according to the number of children in each, between the
ages of five and fifteen years; that each town raise annually, as mnch money as it
shall have received from the school fund; that the gross amount of moneys received
from the State and raised by the towns, be appropriated exclusively to the payment
of wages of teachers; and that the whole system be placed under the superintend-
ence of an officer appointed by the Council*of Appointment.

Gideon Hawley was made the first superintendent of common schools
and held the office from 1813 to 1821. In the first report (1814) he
called attention to the fifth section of the law under which it was a
possibility that a single town in a county might receive the whole of
the public money for that county; and to other provisions giving each
town the choice of complying with the law and receiving its benefits
and bearing its burdens, or of refusing such compliance. Under these
provisions many towns had refused compliance with the act, to the
great detriment of the system. The superintendent suggested that it be
made obligatory upon the towns to comply with the act, and also on
the Boards of Supervisors to levy on the respective towns a sum equal
to the sum "which shall be apportioned to such towns out of the public
money to be distributed." These suggestions were promptly carried
out by amendments to the act.

The founding of this school system was an educational movement of
the greatest importance and its benefits became at once apparent. In
his second report (1815) Mr. Hawley. said:

But the great benefit of the act does not lie in any pecuniary aid which it may
afford. . . It consists in securing the establishment of common schools wherever
the \ are necessary ; in organizing them on a suitable and permanent foundation;
and in guarding them against the admission of unqualified teachers.

In the mean time, in L813,the Albany Academy was incorporated, as
described further on, and was succeeded later by those at Rensselacr-
yille, Knoxville, and Coeymans. (See town histories).

In his sixth annual report the superintendent renewed his recom-
mendation before made, for a revision and consolidation of the existing
school laws. On the 19th of April, L819, accordingly, the Legislature
re-enacted the "act for the support of Common Schools." making the
various amendments suggested by Mr. Hawley. To him is given the

260

honor and credit of having done more than any one person in the
founding of the common school system in this State. John Van Ness
Yates was secretary of state and superintendent ex officio of common
schools from 1821 to 1826, the separate office of superintendent of
schools having been abolished by the Constitution of 1821. The Con-
stitution, provided, also, "the proceeds of all lands thereafter to be
sold, belonging to the State, with the exception of such as might be re-
served for the public use or ceded to the United States, together with
the existing school fund, were declared to constitute a perpetual fund,
the interest of which should be inviolably appropriated and applied to
the support of the common schools."

In 1820 Albany county had 155 common schools, exclusive of parts
of districts adjoining other counties. Of this number twenty-five were
in Allbany, twenty-five in Bethlehem, fifteen in Coeymans, sixteen in
Westerlo, eighteen in Rensselaerville, thirty in Berne, seventy-four in
Guilderland, and "twelve in Watervliet.

Azariah C. Flagg held the office of secretary of state and superin-
tendent of schools from 1826 to 1833, and was succeeded by John A.
Dix (1833-39), during which period great improvements were made in
the details of the school system. In 1827 the sum annually distributed
to the various districts was increased to $100,000; in 1837 it was
$110,000. On the 13th of April, 1835, an act was passed which laid
the foundation of district school libraries; it authorized the taxable in-
habitants of each district to impose a tax of not more than $20 the first
year, and $10 each succeeding year for the purchase of a district
library. Under this act libraries were established in very many dis-
tricts of the State and the resultant benefit is beyond estimate.

In 1838 $160,000 were added from the annual revenue of the United
States deposit fund to the amount to be apportioned among the various
school districts. In the following year the number of districts in the
State was 10,583. The increase in the number of districts from time to
time is shown as follows: 1798, 1,352 districts; 1816, about 5,000;
1820, 5,763; 1825, 7,642; 1830, 8,872; 1855, 9,865.

On the 4th of February, 1839, John C. Spencer was appointed sec-
retary of state and superintendent of common schools, and he con-
tinued in the office until 1842. He advocated several changes in the
system, the most important being, perhaps, the county supervision of
schools by regular visitors. These visitors reported to the superin-
tendent, and one of the results of their early reports was the plan of

261

appointing county superintendents, which went into effect in April,
1N42, and resulted in a great improvement in the general character of
the schools. The office was abolished March 13, 1847, during which
period the following persons from Albany county held the office:
Royal Shaw, Francis Dwight, Rufus King, Horace K. Willard, Abra-
ham Van Vechten, Henry S. McCall.

In his annual message of 1844 Governor Bouck treated largely the
school question, stating among other things the following:

The substitution of a single officer, charged with the supervision of the schools of
each town, for the board of commissioners and inspectors formerly existing, in con-
nection with the supervisory and appellate powers of the several county superintend-
ents, as defined by the law of the last session, seems to have met with the general
approbation and concurrence of the people.

Samuel S. Young was secretary of state and superintendent of schools
from February, 1842, to February, 1845, when he was succeeded by
Nathaniel S. Benton, who continued until 1847, when the new Consti-
tution was in effect.

The subject of Teachers' Institutes was first brought forward in the
Tompkins County Teachers' Association in the fall of 1842, and the
first institute was held in Ithaca, April 4, 1843; they soon became' a
powerful auxiliary in elevating the teacher's profession.

A persistent and nearly successful attempt was made to engraft upon
the new Constitution of 1846 a free school system for the State. The
section under which it was to be accomplished was the following:

The Legislature shall provide for the free education and instruction of every child
of the State in the common schools, now established; or which shall hereafter be
established therein.

This section was' adopted by a vote of 57 to 53, and a provision was
then added directing the Legislature to provide for raising the necessar)'
taxes in the districts to carry out the plan. The convention then ad-
journed for dinner. After reassembling the school article was referred,
on resolution, to a committee of one with instructions to strike out the
last two sections relating to free schools. ' This was done and the pro-
vision for the establishment of free schools was defeated.

On the 1 :5th of November, is IT, the Legislature passed an act abol-
ishing the office of county superintendent < >f common schools, direct-
ing appeals authorized to be made by law to be made to the state
superintendent, and the annual reports of the town superintendents to
be made to the county clerk. This measure was adopted largely in

262

response to popular clamor, and was in many respects temporarily
disastrous to the welfare of the schools. Reports of town superintend-
ents were often superficial and incomplete, while they were "wholly
incapable of supplying the place in the system which had been assigned
to the higher class of officers."

On the 10th of December, 1847, the various statutes relating to com-
mon schools were consolidated into one act, with such amendments as
seemed expedient; town superintendents were to hold their office two
years; the library law was modified so that library money in any dis-
trict might be used for teachers' wages, with the consent of the state
superintendent, provided the number of volumes in the library had
reached a certain proportion to the number of children, etc.

Christopher Morgan was state superintendent of schools and secre-
tary of state from 1847 to 1851, when he was succeeded by Henry S.
Randall, who held the office until 1853. In the message to the Legis-
lature of 1849 Governor Fish expressed his belief "that the restoration
of the office of county superintendent would be productive of good to
the school system." He recommended two measures, either of which
would improve the situation :

First, The repeal of chap. 358, laws of 1847, restoring the office of county superin-
tendent, and making it elective by the people.

Second, The election of a superintendent in every Assembly district, except in the
city of New York, and the cities which now have, or shall hereafter have, a city
superintendent, or board of education, to manage their school affairs.

The superintendent then reviewed the situation as to the problem of
free schools which was before the people. On the 26th of March, 1849,
the Legislature passed the "Act establishing -Free Schools throughout
the State." For its provisions in detail the reader must be referred to
the statutes. The practical application of this system met with wide-
spread and intense opposition from the first, and it soon became ap-
parent that a demand for its appeal would have to be met. At the
annual election in the fall of 1850, therefore, the people voted upon
the question of its repeal, and the majority in favor of repeal was
4»i,S74, in forty-two of the fifty-nine counties of the State; in the re-
maining seventeen counties the majority against repeal was 71,912,
leaving a majority of 25,088 against repeal. Thus the beneficent free
school system was permanently established. The majority in favor of
repeal in Albany county was 0,798.

The number of districts in the State reported in 1850 was 11,397, and

263

the number of children taught was 735,188. The number of districts
in 1895 was 11,121.

In 185G the provision of the law of 1851 appropriating annually
$800,000 was repealed and a tax of three-quarters of a mill on the
dollar of real and personal property substituted for payment of teach-
ers' wages, and the rate bill was continued; the school commissioners
to be elected by the Boards of Supervisors.

A law was passed in 1853 providing for union free schools, authoriz-
ing the inhabitants of two or more districts to elect trustees and levy a
tax on the property in the united districts for the payment of teachers'
wages and other expenses.

The general school law was revised in 1864, and in 1867 the rate bill
was abolished and a tax of one and a quarter mills on the dollar of val-
uation substituted.

In 1860 Albany county had 169 districts. At the present time (1896)
the number is 151. Most of these are supplied with comfortable school
houses, some of which are commodious and modern in style. The
town histories on later pages of this volume contain such reference to
the local schools as has been found available.

The first attempt to establish an educational institution of a general
character in Albany was made in 1767-8, when Eleazer Wheelock came
from Lebanon, Conn., where he had taught an Indian school, and en-
deavored to establish one here. The Common Council took an inter-
est in the undertaking and voted to raise $7,500 for the erection of
the necessary buildings. For some unknown reason the project failed.
During 1779 an attempt was made to incorporate Clinton College at
Schenectady. The proposed list of incorporators included the names
of the following citizens of Albany: Eilardus Westerlo, Philip Schuy-
ler, Robert R. Livingston, Abraham Ten Broeck, Abraham Yates,
jr., Robert Yates, John Cuyler and Robert Van Rensselaer. This at-
tempt failed, but opened the way for the later founding of Union
College, in which many prominent citizens of Albany count)- took an
interest. For a time it was undecided whether the institution would
be located in Schenectady or in Albany. The first trustees of that
college when it was founded in L795, had among their number the
following citizens of Albany: Robert Yates, Abraham Yates, jr., Abra-
ham Ten Broeck, Goldsborb Banyar, John V. Henry, George Merchant,
Stephen Van Rensselaer and Joseph Yates. The first president of the
college, Rev. Dr. Eliphalet Nott, was called from the pastorate of the

264

First Presbyterian church of Albany. The citizens of Albany have al-
ways shown an active interest in the welfare of the institution.

In 1812 the Legislature passed an act incorporating the Albany Lan-
casterian School Society. The trustees were composed of thirteen
citizens with Mayor Philip S. Van Rensselaer, president. The mem.
bers of the Common Council were also members of the board ex officio.
It was the first attempt to establish an institution with partially free
school character. Any person contributing $25 to its benefit was en-
titled to the tuition of one scholar. Its first and only principal here
was William A. Tweed Dale, a Scotchman and disciple of Joseph Lan-
caster, of England. Charles R. Webster, whose career as-the pioneer
Albany printer is sketched in the preceding chapter, was one of the
leaders in founding this school. The school was taught in the upper
part of the building of the Mechanics' Society, corner of Chapel and
Columbia streets. In 1815 the site now occupied by the Medical College
was purchased and a school house built thereon at a cost of $24,000,
which was opened April 5, 1817, and accommodated 500 pupils. In sup-
port of the school the city corporation allowed $500 a year from the ex-
cise receipts, and about the same amount came from the school fund, while
receipts received from scholars amounted to about $400 a year. This
school was continued until 1836. when it was closed by the Common
Council, as the attendance had decreased and the pupils could be accom-
modated in the common schools. The basis of the Lancasterian system
was the teaching of the masses of children with small expense, few
teachers and self-help.

In the summer of 1780 the founding of an academy in Albany was
earnestly discussed and finally acted upon by the Common Council.
In September proposals made by George W. Merchant, of Philadel-
phia, to take charge of the institution in rooms which had been fitted
up in a private dwelling, were accepted. This was not a permanent ar-
rangement, and in 1804, and again in 1806, further efforts were made
toward the erection of a suitable academy building, resulting only in
failure. Finally in 1812, just, as the country was assuming another war,
the project was again taken up under the auspices of Philip S. Van
Rensselaer, mayor, and on January 18, 1813, the Common Council
called a meeting for the 25th in the Capitol. The council appropri-
ated the old jail on the south side of State street, just below Eagle,
and about $5,000 in other property. The academy was incorporated
March 4, 1813, by the Regents of the University, and the trustees held
their first meeting March 23, the trustees being as follows:

265

Stephen Van Rensselaer, John Lansing, Archibald Mclntyre, Smith Thompson,
Abraham Van Vechten, John V. Henry, Henry Walton, Rev. William Niel, Rev.
John M. Bradford, Rev. John McDonald, Rev. Timothy Clowes, Rev. John Mcjimp-
sey, Rev. Frederic G. Myer, Rev. Samuel Merwin, and the mayor and recorder of
Albany, ex officio.

The Common Council also donated the site where the academy now
stands, appropriated funds for the building, and grants were made by
the Regents. On July 28, 1815, the corner stone of the building was
laid and the structure was completed within the nex^t two years at a
cost of $90,000. It is of stone and is a handsome edifice. In the mean
time the school was kept temporarily in a wooden building on the south-
east corner of State and Lodge streets, where the first session opened
September 11, 1815, under the presidency of Benjamin Allen, LL.D.
With him were associated Rev. Joseph Shaw, professor of languages;
they with Trustees Niell, Beck and Sedgwick welcomed the first class.
It numbered about eighty. In August, 1817, Theodore Romeyn Beck,
M.D., LL.D., was appointed principal, and held the position until 1848,
excepting from 1841 to 1844, when Rev. Andrew Shiland acted. Dr. Beck
was born in Schenectady in 1791, and graduated at Union College in
1807. When called to the principalship he was practicing medicine in
Albany. It was in this old academy that Joseph Henry, LL.D., pro-
fessor of mathematics and natural philosophy from 182*5 to L832, made
himself and the institution immortal by the discovery that the electric
current could be transmitted long distances and communications made
by its agency from one point to another. He arranged a coil contain-
ing a mile of wire in the upper rooms of the academy, and there for
the first time transmitted through it the signals which constitute the
germ of the electric telegraph. In L836 II. W. Delavan died and left
§2,000 to the academy, the income from which has been used for the
education of a few poor boys each year. In 183] William Caldwell
gave $100, the income of which was to be devoted each year to the pur-
chase of a medal for the student of four years' standing who had made the
greatest proficiency in mathematics." The Albany Institute has had
rooms in the academy building from the time it was first occupied.
The later principals of the academy have been as follows: Rev. Will-
iam II. Campbell, 1848-51; George H. Cook. A. M., L851 53; Rev.
William A. Miller, A. M., 1853-51;; David Murray, Ph.D , LL.D.,
L856 63; James W. Mason, A. M., is.;:; 68; Rev. Abel Wood, L869 70;
Merrill E. Gates, Ph.D., LL.D.. L870 82; James M. Cassety, Ph.D.,

26 G

to January, 1887; Henry P. Warren, M. A., the present incumbent.
For a long time prior to 1858 the records do not show a graduating
class. In that year six are recorded as graduates, as follows: William
H. Hale, Charles E. Smith, Edward S. Lawson, Thomas M. Gaffney,
Thaddeus R. White, and Thomas S. Willes. In the spring of 1872 the
academy was made a military school, the students wearing a cadet uni-
form and being drilled and governed under the regulations applying to
such institutions. The entire record of Albany Academy is one of
prosperity. From its walls have gone out more than 7,000 students,
while the Faculty has increased from the original two members to four-
teen. Several literary societies are connected with the academy, con-
tributing to the welfare of the students.

The nucleus of the Albany Female Academy was a school for the
higher education of young women which was opened mainly through
the efforts of Ebenezer Foot, a prominent lawyer, on May 21, 1814.
It first occupied a one story building on Montgomery street, and was
called the Union School, but was incorporated under its present title
February 16, 1821. The first board of trustees were James Kent, John
Chester, Joseph Russell, John V. Henry, Asa H. Center, Gideon Haw-
ley, William Fowler, Teunis Van Vechten, and Peter Boyd. In the
year of its incorporation a building was erected in rear of the Delavan
House, at a cost of $3,000, which would accommodate 120 pupils. The
institution prospered, and to provide the necessary larger accommoda-
tions the old building on North Pearl street was erected in 1834, at a
cost of $30,000, and it was first opened May 12 of that year. The first
principal of this academy was Horace Goodrich, who was succeeded by
Edwin James. In 1815 Lebbeus Booth took the position and was suc-
ceeded in 1824 by Frederick Matthews. In 1826 Alonzo Crittenden
was appointed and continued until 1845. Under his long and suc-
cessful administration the academy nourished to a remarkable degree.
L. Sprague Parsons succeeded Mr. Crittenden, and resigned in 1854
to be succeeded by Eben S. Stearns, who held the position until
1868, when Caroline G. Greeley was appointed for a brief term and was
succeeded by Louisa Ostrom; she continued to 1879, since which year,
with a short intermission, Lucy A. Plympton has been principal. The
academy is now in a prosperous condition, having removed from the
old property on North Pearl street to Washington avenue, next to the
Harmanus Bleecker Hall, where it occupies two large and well equipped
building's.

LUCY A. PLYMPTON.

267

The Albany State Normal .School is the oldest of the several now in
existence in this State. It was established by the Legislature May 7,
1844, and opened on the 18th of December with twenty-nine pupils,
in the old depot building of the Mohawk & Hudson River Railroad,
which was procured for the purpose by the city, the first principal
being David B. Page, of New Hampshire. In 1848 the school was made
a permanent institution, its previous work being in the nature of an
experiment. In that year a new building was erected on Lodge street
at a cost of $25,000, which was first opened July 31, 1849. Mr. Page,
the first principal, died in 1848, and his successors have been as follows:
George R. Perkins, 1848; Samuel B. Woolworth, 1852; David H.
Cochran, 1856; Oliver Arey, 1864; Joseph Alden, 1867; Edward P.
Waterbury, 1882; William J. Milne, Ph. D., LL.D., incumbent. In
1 885 the school was removed to its new building on Willett street, fac-
ing Washington Park, which was erected at a cost of $140,000. This
accommodates 670 students, including 400 normals, 200 in the model
department, fifty in kindergarten, and twenty in the object class. This
institution has been of incalculable benefit to the educational system oi
the State.

The Convent and Academy of the Sacred Heart was founded through
an application made in 1853 by Rt. Rev. John McCloskey, bishop of
Albany, to the Mother House of the Ladies of the Sacred Heart, in
Paris, France. It was his desire to establish a school for higher ed-
ucation of young Catholic women. His request was granted and sev-
eral women left the convent at Manhattanville and settled in Albany
to found the new school. .V boarding and day school was at first
opened in the Westerlo mansion on North Pearl street, but pupils
increased so rapidly that more ample accommodations were needed and
the extensive grounds of Thomas Hillhouse, on the Troy road, were
purchased. The building thereon was fitted up for school purposes and
for a time served its purpose.

In L858 the splendid residence of Joel Rathbone, near Kenwood, was
red for sale. The mansion was nearly new and the grounds very
extensive and picturesque, The Ladies of the Sacred Heart, with the
bishop's permission, asked the Very Rev. J. J. Conroy and Mr. John
Tracey to purchase the premises for them, which was done at a cost of
$45,000. The property on the Troy road was sold. The Rathbone
residence was used for the school several years, but in L866 a new
building was erected with accommodations for about 200 pupils, with a

268

wing for a training academy for those who wished to consecrate their
lives to the work. A chapel was also erected in the building between
the academy and the novitiate. The entire buildings have cost about
$200,000.

St. Agnes school was founded in 1870 through the efforts of Rt. Rev.
William Croswell Doane, bishop of Albany, for the education of Christian
women. The Corning Foundation for Christian Work was incorporated
March 14,1871, and ground was broken for thebuilding May 8 ; thecorner
stone was laid June 19, and the school was opened on Hallowe'en, 1872.
The financial basis of this now well known institution was laid by Erastus
Corning, sr. The building accommodates 110 students with board and
rooms, and the annual attendance is about 200. Its purpose is most
beneficent and it has been successful from the beginning.

The Christian Brothers' Academy was founded in 1864 and incorpo-
rated by the Regents of the State August 3, 1869. The object of the
institution is to train young men for business or college life, at the same
time offering moral and religious education to its students. These are
chiefly Catholics, but students of other denominations are received.

The school system of the city of Albany is described in the pages
devoted to the history of the city.

CHAPTER XVI.
PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS AND BUILDINGS.

The State Capitol. — In 1803 the Common Council of the city of Al-
bany sent a request to the Legislature to pass an act authorizing the
erection of a State House and Court House, and appointed a committee
to prepare a petition and a map. This committee were John Cuyler,
Charles D. Cooper, and John Van Ness Yates. Their report was sub-
mitted March 7, 1803, and the Legislature authorized the erection of
the structure then called the New Capitol, by act passed April 6, 1804.
The capital commissioners were John Taylor, Daniel Hale, Philip S.
Van Rensselaer, Simeon De Witt, and Nicholas N. Quackenbush. The
act required the supervisors of Albany county to raise by tax $12,000.
Provision was made for raising an equal sum by lottery, a practice

269

then much in vogue for raising- money for public improvements, but
which was abolished in 1821. The $24,000 thus provided for was added
to the proceeds of the sale of the Old Stadt Huys. The building
erected cost $110,688.42, including the furnishing of the council cham-
ber. Of this sum the city of Albany paid $34,200, the county $3,000,'
and the State the remainder. The commissioners chose what was
known as Pinkster's Hill for the site of the structure, and on April 23,
1806, the corner stone was laid with impressive ceremonies. The
building was first occupied by the Senate and Assembly in special ses-
sion November 1, 1808. It was an imposing edifice for those times and
was visited by many people. The following careful description of the
edifice was written by H. G. Spafford, of Gazetteer fame:

It stands at the head of State street, 130 feet above the level of the Hudson. It
is a substantial stone building, faced with freestone taken from the brown sandstone
quarries on the Hudson below the Highlands. The walls are fifty feet high, consist-
ing of two stories and a basement story of ten feet. The east or main front is
adorned with a portico of the Ionic order, tetrastile, the entablature supporting an
angular pediment in the tympanum of which is to be placed the Arms of the State.
The ceiling of the wall is supported by a double row of reeded columns ; the floors
are vaulted and laid with squares of Italian marble; the building is roofed with a
double hip of pyramidal form, upon the center of which is a circular cupola, twenty
feet in diameter. On its dome is a statue of Themis, facing eastward — a carved
figure of wood, eleven feet in height, holding a sword in her right hand and the bal-
ance in her left.

This is a description applicable as the building appeared in 1883,
when it was taken down, with the exception of minor additions in the
rear, and more or less interior alteration. The city and county officials
met in the Capitol until the completion of the City Hall in 1831, when
they removed thither.

The New Capitol, upon which work is still in progress, is fully de-
scribed in numerous current publications, rendering it unnecessary to
give in these pages more than an account of the steps which led to
its erection. The subject of a new Capitol building and of removing
the State capital to some other city than Albany was agitated to some
extent about 1860. On April 24, L863, on motion of James A. Bell,
senator from Jefferson county, the Senate referred the subject to the
Trustees of the Capitol and the Committee on Public Buildings In
L865 the Senate appointed a committee of three to receive propositions
from various cities as to what action they would take regarding the
removal of the capital from Albany. No satisfactory result was

270

reached through this committee. Albany proposed to convey Congress
Hall Block, or any other lands in the city suitable for the new Capitol
building, and the proposal was promptly accepted. On May 1, 1865,
an act was passed by the Legislature authorizing the erection of a new
Capitol. Work upon the foundations of the structure was begun July
7, 1869. In the summer of 1871 the superstructure was far enough
advanced to receive the corner stone. June 24 was set as the day for
that ceremony, which was grand and imposing. An introductory ad-
dress was delivered by Hamilton Harris, followed by the reading of
documents that were to be placed in the stone by William A. Rice; an
address by John T. Hoffman, then governor; and Masonic ceremonies
conducted by Most Worshipful John Anton, grand master of the Grand
Lodge of the State.

The first Board of Capitol Commissioners was composed of Hamilton
Harris, May 3, 1866; John V. L. Pruyn, May 3,1866; Obadiah B.
Latham, May 3, 1866; James S. Thayer, May 19, 1868; William A.
Rice, May 19, 1868; James Terwilliger, May 19, 1868; John T. Hud-
son, May 19, 1868; Alonzo B. Cornell, May 19, 1808 The second
board was thus constituted: Hamilton Harris, April 26, 1871; William
C. Kingsley, April 26, 1871; William A. Rice, April 26, 1871; Chaun-
cey M. Depew, April 26, 1871; De Los De Wolf, April 26, 1871; Edwin
A. Merritt, April 26, 1871. The second Board was superseded by act
of Legislature passed in 1875, and the lieutenant-governor, attorney-
general, and auditor of the canal department were made commissioners.
On July 15, 1875, an advisory board to these commissioners was ap-
pointed consisting of F. Law Olmsted, Leopold Eidlitz, and Henry
Richardson. This board was superseded in 1876 by the appointment
of architects. An act passed March 30, 1883, authorized the governor,
with consent of the Senate to appoint an officer to be known as the
Commissioner of the New Capitol, and who was to have charge of the
completion of the structure in all respects. His term of office is the
same as that of the governor, two years. The same act abolished the
office of Superintendent of the Capitol. A subsequent law passed the
same year designated the governor, lieutenant-governor and speaker of
the assembly, cx-officio, trustees of the finished parts of the building,
and of other State buildings in Albany, for which they appoint a super-
intendent with an annual salary of $5,000. The Capitol building is
now nearing completion. Situated in what is to be hereafter known
as Capitol Park, on the lofty eminence overlooking the valley of the

F. J. H. MERRILL.

271

historic Hudson, it forms one of the grandest State buildings in the
country. For a detailed description of the structure the reader is re-
ferred to H. P. Phelps's Albany Hand Book.

State Hall. — On February 14, 1797, a bill passed the Legislature au-
thorizing the erection of a public building in the city of Albany with
the view of making it the seat of State government. A site was chosen
on the corner of State and Lodge streets and ground was broken for
the foundation early in that year. The building was completed in the
spring of 1799. The building is still standing and presents nearly the
same appearance that it did nearly a century ago. It is substantially
built of brick, four stories high, with the front on State street. In the
eastern wall is a tablet with the following inscription:

Erected for State Purposes,
a. d. 1797.
John Jay, Governor. C Philip Schuyler, Abraham Ten Broeck,

-| Teunis T. Van Vechten, Daniel Hale,
William Sanders, Arc /it. I Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, Commissioners.

In this building were located the State departments, by which it was
occupied until 1842, when they were removed to the new State Hall,
and the State Museum was placed in this building. Interior changes
were made to fit it for its new purpose. The museum consists of de-
partments in botany, zoology, geology, and mineralogy, which embrace
nearly all of the natural productions of the State. At a later period
the building was used in part for the State Agricultural Society. This
so crowded the apartments that the Legislature subsequently made an
appropriation for the erection of a building in rear of the old Capitol,
and in 1858 the libraries, antiquities and other collections of a literary
and art character were removed thereto. In 1SG5 the Legislature pub-
licly recognized the importance of making the State Cabinet of Natural
History a museum of scientific and practical geology and comparative
zoology. In 1870 a law was passed organizing the State Museum of
Natural History, and providing an annual appropriation for its support.
Since that time the old hall has been known as Geological Mall.

State House. — What is known as the State House, situated on Eagle
street, was finished in 1842, and at once occupied by the various State
departments which were removed from the old hall. It is a substantial
and handsome structure, and until its really grand proportions were
overshadowed by the new City Hall which stands just to the south of
it, it was one of the finest buildings in the city. It is built of the white

272

stone from the Sing Sing quarries and cost the State $350,000. The
building is now occupied by the comptroller, the state engineer and
surveyor, the bank department and state geologist.

The Post-office. — As far as known there were no public postal facili-
ties established at Albany until after the Revolution. Prior to that
time each person made such arrangements as he could to get his
meager mail. But the new government at the close of hostilities
promptly established the post-office department, by the appointment in
July, 1775, of a postmaster-general, with headquarters in Philadelphia,
Benjamin Franklin being the first incumbent of the office. Regulations
for the guidance of postmasters, the carrying of mails duties of post-
riders, etc., were rapidly established, and routes between different
points opened. The first congressional act relating to mails in Albany
was the following:

September 7, 1785. Resolved, That the Postmaster-General be and is hereby
authorized, and instructed, to enter into contract for the conveyance of the mails by
stage-carriages from the City of New York to the City of Albany, according to the
accustomed route.

No paper money to be received for postage.

The history of the Albany post-office as a government institution
begins in 1783, when Abraham Yates was appointed postmaster. There
is a tradition that Col. Henry Van Schaick performed the duties of
postmaster in Albany in 1775, but if so it was only in a partially
private capacity. The early mail facilities were confined largely to
individual enterprise; messages were sent to New York by river con-
veyance and by post-riders to other points. The post-riders met at
certain points and exchanged their letters and papers, a custom that
prevailed in some localities as late as 1820. The building of steamboats
and the construction of railroads worked a marvellous change. The
policy of the government was from the first, and still continues, to give
the people the best and cheapest postal facilities, even at a heavy out-
lay. In 1785 Albany was mail headquarters for Green bush, Schenec-
tady, Cherry Valley, Orange and Dutchess counties, and Vermont
letters were advertised here. In 178(1 mails came twice a week from
New York and once a week from Springfield, Mass. In 1789-90 routes
were opened westward, the old stages which have been described car-
rying the mails along the line of what is now the Central Railroad. In
1792 post routes were extended eastward to Bennington and Burling-
ton, Vt. In 1798 regular mails were carried between Albanv and

273

Philadelphia, 280 miles, and delivered in three days; in the same year
mail facilities were extended west into the Genesee country, and post-
riders began to traverse the county in various directions to the hamlets
and settlements.

The earliest post-office in Albany of which there is reliable record
stood in 1784 a few doors above Maiden Lane on the east side of Mar-
ket street (now Broadway), and was kept by Abraham Yates. During
the war of 1812, on the corner of State street and Broadway, was
Jacob Mancius's drug- store, in rear of which, in a small room, was
located the post-office. The clerk mingled the selling of drugs and the
handling of mail. In 1823 the post office was situated on North
Market street (Broadway) a little north of the site of the Government
building. The office was removed to the Exchange building in 1.840
and there remained until 1862. During repairs in that building the
office was temporarily located on State street above Green, and in 1863
went back to the Exchange, where it remained until 1873. Its next
location was on the east side of North Pearl street, south of Columbia,
where it continued until 1877, when it was removed to the Delavan
block on Broadway. There it remained until it was placed in the new
government building, January 1, L884.

The postmasters in Albany have been as follows: 1795, George W.
Mancius, Jacob Mancius; J 812, James Mayer; 1815, Peter P. Dox;
L816, Gerrit L. Dox; 1821, Solomon Southwick; 1822-30, Solomon
Van Rensselaer; 1839-40, Azariah C. Flagg; 1842-43. Solomon Van
Rensselaer; 1843-49, James I). Wasson; 1850-58, James Kidd; 1858-
61, Calvert Comstock; 18»>l-65, George Dawson; 1865-69, Joseph
Davis; 1869-71, Morgan L. Filkins; L871 77, John F. Smyth; 1*77-85,
William H. Craig; 1885-89, Dr. D. V. O'Leary; 1889, James M. War-
ner; January 1, 1894, Francis H. Woods.

The Government building, corner State street and Broadway, eon-
tains the po'st- office and all other Federal offices. The first definite
action relating to its erection was taken by Congress March 21, L872,
when an act was passed providing for such a building and limiting the
appropriation to $350,000. The appropriation was not made at that
time, as it was required that a site be donated by the city. The city
subsequently purchased the Exchange building for $100,000 and the
site was aeeepted by the government. It was afterwards determined
that the site was too small, and in is;:; (March '■'<) an appropriation of
$150,000 was made for the purchase of the Mechanics' and Farmers'

274

Bank property on the north and separated from the Exchange site by-
Exchange street. Another appropriation of $5,000 was made June 3;
1874, making the total cost to the city and government $225,000. In
March, 1877, an act was passed limiting the cost of the building to
$500,000, but meanwhile work had progressed in demolishing the Ex-
change building. In June, 1877, work was resumed, and the corner
stone was laid May 7, 1879. The building is of granite in the Italian
renaissance style of architecture. It was first occupied during 1883-84.

The I T nited States A rsenal was located in the town of Watervliet, with -
in the bounds of the present city of Watervliet, in 1813, upon twelve
acres of land, constituting the original purchase. The arsenal was
commenced in 1811 under direction of Col. George Bumford, of the
ordnance department; later its supervision was given to Major Daliba,
and still later at different periods to various other officers of the gov-
ernment. In 1825 James Gibbons offered to sell the government forty
acres of land at $300 an acre, to constitute an addition to the arsenal
property. The purchase was effected from his widow after his death,
on April 28, 1828. Some minor additional lots have been since pur-
chased. The arsenal is under charge of the Ordnance Bureau of the
War Department at Washington, and is fully equipped for the rapid
production of every description of heavy ordnance for the army. The
cost of the buildings for arsenal purposes, including machinery and all
fixtures, is estimated at $1,500,000, and the cost of all the land was
about $57,000. During the war of the Rebellion the arsenal employed
1,500 men, many of the departments running day and night. The
average number employed in recent years has been about 150, though
this number is increased at the present time.

The New York State Library, for the use of the government and
people of the State, was established April 21, 1818, in charge of the
governor, lieutenant-governor, chancellor and chief justices of the Su-
preme Court as trustees. By an act of May 4, 1844, the Legislature
placed the library completely in the custody and control of the Regents
of the University as trustees ex officio^ thus protecting it from the
political dangers which have nearly ruined many other State libraries.
The rapid growth in size and usefulness under the Regents' control
resulted in the erection of a fine new library building just west of the
Capitol and connected with it by a two-story corridor. Into this build-
ing, 114 by 48 feet, the library was moved in 1854, where it remained
till the building was demolished in 1883 to make room for the ap-

GEORGE ROGERS HOWELL.

275

proaches to the new Capitol. For the following six years the library-
was in temporary quarters under the present Assembly chamber.

In 18S9 there was a radical revision of the laws governing the library.
All existing laws were repealed, and the library was made an important
and integral part of the University of the State of New York. Early
in the same year it was moved to its present magnificent quarters in
the west end of the Capitol. By day the reading-rooms are flooded
with light, and the dark places in the stacks have electric lights, avail-
able at all hours both day and night. Electric student-lamps light the
tables, and carefully shaded ceiling or bracket lamps light the shelves,
aisles and alcoves.

The Capitol Library — a new feature which has amply justified itself
— is a lending library, free to every State employee residing in Albany
or vicinity. It has the choicest books in the best editions, and the
State's mechanics, porters, and laboring men are as welcome as the
clerks or officials to any assistance the library can give in finding the
most entertaining or profitable reading. This collection is largely
used and highly appreciated.

There are also nearly five hundred similar collections of about one
hundred volumes each which are called traveling libraries and which
are lent for periods of six months to any community in the State wish-
ing access to the best reading. This system has been productive of so
great educational results for the expenditure that it is being rapidly
copied by the other leading States of the country.

Through the paid help department any person in New York or in
any part of the world may have any service in the library for which he
is willing to pay actual cost. The least expensive assistant competent
to do the work is assigned to it, and the charge is simply enough to
prevent its being a burden on the taxpayers.

The library now contains 201,7!)!) volumes besides 29,801 volumes in
the traveling libraries and 1 12,225 duplicates. It is open every week
day from 8 a. m. to 10 p. m. , except Saturdays and holidays, when it
closes at p. m.

The Albany Institute. — This useful institution is the direct successor
of similar organizations with different names, the inception of which
dates back to 1791. On February 27, L829, a charter was granted
under the present title, the Society for the Promotion of Useful Arts,
anil the Albany Lyceum of Natural History being consolidated to form it.
The Institute has a library containing about 7,000 volumes, and many

276

valuable papers. It has published ten volumes of Transactions, be-
sides volumes of its proceedings.

The Dudley Observatory stands in the western part of the city, on high
ground, 215 feet above mean tide, and a short distance from Washington
Park. It was founded through the munificence of Mrs. Blandina Dudley,
widow of Charles E. Dudley, with co-operation of leading citizens of the
city. The act of incorporation was passed in 1852, and the first Observa-
tory building was formally dedicated in August, 1856, under the auspices
of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Geologi-
cal Hall, Albany, was opened on the previous day, as elsewhere explained.
The address commemorating the inauguration of the Observatory was
delivered in Academy Park by Edward Everett. Previous to the
address an additional and unexpected gift of $50,000 was received from
Mrs. Dudley. The total donations to the Observatory exceed $200,000,
of which sum $105,000 came from Mrs. Dudley. More than $100,000
was expended on the old buildings and their equipment and about the
same sum is invested for a permanent fund. While the first Ob-
servatory served its purpose for many years and gained celebrity, the
time came when it was deemed necessary that the former buildings
should be superseded by more modern structures, located on a more
desirable site. Land was selected on Lake avenue, about two miles
southwest of the former site, in the southwestern part of the city, and
efforts were begun to collect the necessary funds for the new institu-
tion. Among the contributors was Miss Catherine W. Bruce, of New
York city, who offered to donate $25,000, chiefly for permanent endow-
ment, provided the change was made as contemplated. Other contrib-
utions raised the fund to more than $70,000. The work of erecting new
buildings was prosecuted in 1892-93. In October of that year Miss
Bruce added $10,000 to her first gift, to be used largely in supplying
additional equipment to the institution. The site was donated by the
city of Albany from property in possession of the Park Commission,
and it also gave $15,000 in exchange for the original property. The
sons of the late Thomas W. Olcott provided means for refitting the
Olcott Meridian Circle, for remounting it on the new site and for housing
it in a proper manner. The sons of the late Robert H. Pruyn gave $6,000
for the construction of a new equatorial telescope, to be twelve inches
in aperture, and adapted both to visual and photographic use. Both
instruments are in position, and are in active use. The new establish-
ment was formally dedicated to the advancement of astronomy in

277

November, 1893, the National Academy of Sciences taking part in this
ceremony. The institution is now doing work of high scientific value
under the director, Lewis Boss, A. M. The observations and studies
of the institution relate principally to the motions of the stars, and to
the motion of the sun in space. These researches of the Observatory
have been aided for several years by appropriations from the Bache
Fund of the National Academy of Sciences.

Young Mens Association. — -This is the oldest institution of its char-
acter in the United States; it was founded with a memebrship of about
750 on December 10, 1833. Amos Dean was its first president and
was re-elected in the second year. The association was incorporated
March 12, 1835, its chief purpose being the maintenance of a library,
a reading room, literary and scientific lectures, and other means of
mutual improvement. During twenty- two years it sustained a debat-
ing society through which much good was effected. Its rooms were in
Knickerbocker Hall on Broadway until 1840, from where it was re-
moved to Exchange building, site of the Government building, remain-
ing there until 1852; it was next located until 1870 in the Commercial
Bank building, and from there went to the Music Hall building un-
til 1877. In that year it first occupied rooms in the Bleecker building
on North Pearl street. Harmanus Bleecker died in April, 1849, and his
widow created a fund, retaining only a life interest in same, and made
John V. L. Prnyn, of Albany, N. Y., sole trustee, with power to name
his successor. This trust consisted of reai estate and securities, which
in course of time had a value of about $80,000, though ultimately it
attained a value of over $130,000. This property came under control
of Mr. Pruvn in 1852. He died in 1877, and his will, recorded January
1 ! . 1 *78, transferred all this property to Amasa J. Parker. ( >n the 1 3th
of December, 1886, Judge Parker addressed a communication to the
association, that he had at his disposal for the benefit of the association,
this property, if the necessary arrangements could be made for funds
towards the building in the city of Albany of a large public hall.
les this property there was a fund of $10,000, left to the association
by will by Erastus Corning in 1872. The Board of Managers of the
association on December 14, L886, adopted the following resolution:

Resolved, That the generous proposition of lion. Amasa J. Parker giving to the

Y. M. A. the use of the Bleecker fund, for the building of a public Hall and Library
Building, to be under the management of the Association be accepted, and that the
Association will endeavor to carry the same to a successful completion.

278

In January, 1887, a committee from the association was appointed to
formulate the views and wishes of the body relative to this subject,
who reported March 9, 1887. One feature of the suggested plans for
using the fund was the raising of $50,000 additional, which was ac-
complished after considerable effort. Upon the raising of this sum
Judge Parker transferred the whole Bleecker property to the associa-
tion, on January 7, 1888, a part of the property consisting of land on
Washington avenue, on which the hall of the association has since
been erected. The building erected is finely adapted for its purposes,
and is called Harmanus Bleecker Hall. It is capable of seating about
2,500 persons.

The Young Men's Association has been of incalculable benefit to the
city of Albany in many directions. Among its officers have been
many of the leading citizens of the city, an indication of which fact is
gained in the list of presidents, which is as follows:

Amos Dean, Robert E. Ward, Charles A. Hopkins, John Davis, Robert H. Pruyn,
Denison Worthington, William E. Bleecker, Charles P. Smyth, Walter R. Bush,
Arthur C. Southwick, Rufus King, Charles H. Stanton, Franklin Townsend, William
A. Rice, Hooper C. Van Vorst, George B. Steele, William Dey Ermand, Rufus G.
Beardslee, James I. Johnson, Theodore Townsend, Gilbert L. Wilson, George C.
Lee, Ralph P. Lathrop, Richard Merrifield, Clinton Cassidy, Charles T. Shepard,
Robert L. Johnson, Charles P. Easton, Edmund L. Judson, John T. McKnight,
John Templeton, Samuel Hand, Franklin Edson, William D. Morange, Edward De
Forest, Frank Chamberlain, Robert Lenox Banks, Grenville Tremain, John S. Dele-
van, Frederick T. Martin, John Swinburne, Henry C. Littlefield, Charles A. Robert-
son, Amasa J. Parker, jr., Fred W. Brown, Jacob S. Mosher, Thurlow Weed Barnes,
John M. Bigelow, William P. Rudd, George E. Oliver, Frederick Harris, Oren E.
Wilson, Eugene Burlingame, Isaac D. F. Lansing, Harmon P. Reed, Curtis N.
Douglas, Charles B. Templeton, C. V. Winne.

The Albany Penitentiary. — This institution was incorporated in
April, 1844, and on December 19, of that year the supervisors author-
ized the purchase of a suitable site and the erection of buildings. The
site selected comprises now about forty-five acres, to the south of Wash-
ington Park. Work on the first buildings was commenced at once, and
was largely performed by prisoners who were taken to and from the jail
for the purpose. It was opened in 1846. AmosPilsbury was appoint-
ed superintendent in 1844, and held the position until his death in
1872. During his administration of almost thirty years he established
a system of government for the penitentiary that was so wonderfully
successful as to give it and its author a world-wide reputation. The
system has been perpetuated under subsequent management. ( )rig-

279

inally the prison had only ninety cells, but this number has been in-
creased to more than 600. Many new workshops have been erected
and the grounds enclosed by a high wall. The penitentiary has been
made a paying institution through its acceptance of prisoners from
other counties, and from contract labor done by convicts. General
Pilsbury was succeeded by his son, Louis D. Pilsbury, who held the
office of superintendent until 1879, when John McEwen was appointed.
He held the position until 1889, when James Mclntyre was appointed.
He was succeeded in 1896 by Chester F. Dearstyne. On May 11,
1885, an act was passed by the Legislature, which relieved the super-
visors and the mayor and recorder of the city of responsibility for the
management of the penitentiary, which was vested in a Penitentiarv
Commission.

Albany County Almshouse. — The office of overseer of the poor is one
of the oldest in the State, being in existence long before the beginning
of the present century, and has always had an important bearing upon
Albany county and city. Unlike most other counties of this State,
Albany county has never made any material distinction between the
poor of the towns and those of the county. The poor laws are exe-
cuted by the superintendent of the almshouse, the overseers of the
poor, and to some extent through a few of the charitable institutions.
The powers of the office of overseer of the poor were considerablv en-
larged by the act of 1703, and so continued through the colonial period
and were retained nearly intact by the legislative act of March 7, ] ;ss.
This act made provision for establishing an almshouse in Albany,
which was the first one in the State established under State law. The
churches had, previous to that time, maintained parish almshouses,
one of which is described in the act of August 10, 1720, incorporating
the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in Albany. The act of L788
gave the. overseers of the poor, with consent of the towns, authority to
build, purchase or hire houses for the poor, and to provide work for
them. An act of April •>, 1819, amended the former act extending the
powers and duties of the overseers to lunatics, habitual drunkards and
poor children. The supervisors have the power under certain restric-
tions, to abolish the distinction between town poor and county poor,
making them all chargeable to the county. This law provides that in
those counties where the poor arc made a charge upon the counties,
there shall be a superintendent of the poor, with the same powers and
rights as the overseers of the poor in respect to compelling relatives to

280

care for their own paupers, the seizure of property, etc. There are no
superintendents of the poor in Albany county. The charter for 1883,
and the city ordinances under it, passed in Ma) T , 1884, provide that the
overseer of the poor in the city of Albany shall have charge of and
apply and distribute funds for the temporary relief and support of the
poor of the city.

The site of the almshouse is south of Washington Park and west of
the penitentiary. A farm of eighty-six acres belongs to the institution.
Here are the poor house, hospital, pest house, and other structures
for proper care of the poor. The expense is borne in the ratio of
sixty per cent, by the city and forty per cent, by the county. The
lands granted under the Dongan charter have all been alienated
to the city, excepting the farm before mentioned, and the parade
ground and old burying ground which are included in Washington
Park. The first buildings for the poor were erected in 182G, at a cost
of $14,000. The poor house proper of to-day was built about 1850, and
other structures and improvements have been made as necessity de-
manded.

Albany County Agricultural Society. — The first agricultural society
in this county was formed in 1818, and thereafter held three annual
fairs. The county was then without an organization akin to an agri-
cultural society until the organization of the Albany and Rensselaer
Horticultural Society, which held its first exhibition in the Geological
rooms in September, 1847. Fairs and exhibitions followed in 1848, 1849
and 1850. In 1851 the town of Coeymans organized an agricultural soci-
ety, with James W. Jolley, president ; this was afterwards merged into the
county society. On May 14, 1853, a meeting was held in Albany, in
which James W. Jolley was chairman, and Joseph Warren, of Albany,
secretary. After some discussion an organization was effected with
the following officers: President, James W. Jolley; treasurer, E. E.
Piatt ; secretary, Joseph Warren ; with a vice-president from each
town. The first annual fair of this society was held at Bethlehem
Center, October 4-6, 1853. While this was in a measure successful,
it was seen that the fairs must be held in or near the city; the second
fair accordingly was held on the Washington Parade Ground in No-
vember, 1854. A number of succeeding fairs were held on these
grounds. On May 8, 1862, was organized the Town Union Agricul-
tural Association of the County of Albany, with the following officers:
President, Jurian Winne; vice-president, James W. Jolley; treasurer,

281

William H. Sling'erland ; secretary, Samuel C. Bradt. In the next
month the title of this association was changed to Albany County Ag-
ricultural Society. In 1803 a fair was held by the society on the Wash-
ington Parade Ground. Fairs continued to be held down to 1870,
with the exception of one year, some of which were moderately suc-
cessful, but as a whole they were not very generously supported In J une,
L873, the Albany Agricultural and Arts Association was organized with
the following officers: President, Thomas W. Olcott; vice-president,
Maurice E. Viele; treasurer, William H. Haskell; secretary, Volkert
P. Douw. This society purchased about forty-four acres of land four
miles north of the city, a tract which was happily adapted to the pur-
poses of the organization and where it was hoped permanent buildings
might be erected and the institution start upon a long career of useful-
ness The land was properly laid out and buildings were erected at a
cost of $30,000. The State Agricultural Society held its fair of 1873
on these grounds. In 1874 this society and the Albany County Society
held a joint fair September 22-25, with Volkert P. Douw, superintend-
ent. The county society held no fairs after that year. The other
association continued in existence and held exhibitions several years.
The grounds are now in market for sale.

CHAPTER XVII.

THE CITY OF ALBANY.

The general history of Albany count}-, which has been traced in the
preceding pages of this volume, necessarily includes very much of the
history of the city of Albany down to the close of the Revolutionary
war; but a few salient facts relating to that period of about L50 years
must be briefly noticed here.

It cannot be truthfully stated that the topography of the site of
Albany was originally favorable in all respects as a situation for a great
city. Consisting of a narrow level tract along the Hudson River, low
enough to be sometimes partially overflowed, backed by a slope extending
westward for nearly a mile, quite steep in some sections and divided
into four well-defined ridges, separated bv deep valleys or ravines,

282

this much of its area was not especially inviting to the early seekers
for a city site. Still farther westward extended a sandy plain, into
which the ravines mentioned cut their way for some distance. But
causes other than favorable topographical conditions have often deter-
mined the situation of large communities. If the land on which Albany
was to be built seemed forbidding as necessitating vast labor to
render it suitable for close settlement, it on the other hand offered in
its sloping hill sides and parallel ravines, the best of conditions for per-
fect drainage, excellent facilities for military fortifications, which were
so important to the early residents, and picturesque natural attractions.
It is not probable that the future drainage facilities or the beauties of
nature awakened remarkable enthusiasm in the Dutch settlers, but the
proximity to the Indians and their rich furs, facilities for self-protection
and for traveling and shipping southward on the great river and west-
ward on the Mohawk, were something tangible.

There are five creeks, or kills, as they were called by the Dutch,
flowing wholly or partially across the territory which was incorporated
in the city of Albany. These are the Normanskill, Beaverkill, Rutten-
kill, Foxenkill, and Patroon'sor Mill Creek, some of which have become
parts of the city sewer system. The Normanskill is one of the largest
streams in the county and is represented in city territory only by the
headwaters of the Krumkill, one of its smaller branches, though the
creek itself empties into the Hudson at Kenwood, but a quarter of a
mile south of the city limits. Beaverkill (sometimes called Buttermilk
Creek) rises in the westerly part of the city and empties into the Hud-
son a little below the steamboat landing. This was formerly a con-
siderable mill stream, and a part of it is now incorporated in the sewer
system. The Ruttenkill had its source above Lark street and flowed
wholly within the old city walls. Ordinarily a small stream, it was
periodically swollen into a torrent by rains and melting snows and
poured its waters down through a deep ravine, where Hudson avenue
now is, crossed Pearl street at the site of the Beaver block and emptied
into the Hudson a little below State street. It was bridged at South
Pearl street and Broadway. Clay was found on its banks from which
were made bricks for some of the old buildings, and, in early years,
fish abounded in its waters. The ravine of the Ruttenkill was about
350 feet broad and fifty feet deep through most of its length and was
a neglected, filthy place. Here was erected the gallows for public
executions, which was last used for the hanging of Strang in 1827 for

283

the murder of Whipple. Between 1845 and 1850 the ravine was filled
and the hills lowered by contract which was given to Charles Stanford,
a brother of Gov. Leland Stanford. The Foxenkill flowed outside of
the city before the extension of the boundaries, being a stream of con-
siderable size, and affording excellent fishing. It was bridged on North
Pearl street near Canal. Patroon's Creek once supplied power to the
Patroon's mills and discharged its waters into the Hudson near the
old manor house.

The names given to this city have been : Pem-po-tu-wuth-ut (place of
the council-fire), by the Mohegans; Sche-negh-ta-da (through the pine
woods), by the Iroquois; Ga-ish-tin-ic, by the Minci ; Fuyck (fouk), a
hoop-net, otherwise Beversfuyck, supposed to refer to a bend in the
river where fish were caught, probably first Dutch name; Beverwyck,
a place for beavers, retained from about 1634 to 1664 (sometimes writ-
ten Beverswyck); Fort Orange, in honor of William, Prince of Orange
and Nassau ; Rensselaerwyck, in honor of the Patroons, the Van Rens-
selaers; Aurania, another name for Orange; Williamstadt, in honor of
William, the Stadtholder ; New Orange, in honor of the Duke of Orange
probably (a designation seldom used); Oranjeburgh, city or fortress of
Orange (a name spoken of by Mrs. Grant); Albany, in honor of James,
Duke of York, Albany and Ulster, brother of King Charles II, who
made him proprietor of the New Netherlands. He afterward ascended
the English throne, from which he was driven soon after because of his
odious character.

The boundaries of Albany as given in the charter of 1686 were as
follows:

East, the Hudson at low water mark; south, a line drawn from the southernmost
end <>( the pasture at the north end of Martin Gerritseu's Island, and running back
due northwest sixteen miles into the woods, to a certain creek called Sandkill ; north,
a line parallel to the former, about a mile distant; and west, a straight line drawn
from the western extremities of the north and south line.

The charter included ferry rights, all waste land, rights to certain
fields and public buildings, the right of fishing in the vicinity of the
Hudson within the limits of the county, and of purchasing from the
Indians 500 acres of meadow land at Schaahtecogue on the north, and
L,000 acres at Tiononderoga (Fort Hunter) on the west, whereon to
establish colonies for frontier protection. After the organization of
counties from the western district of Rensselaerwyck, that part which
was west of the Hudson, the city boundaries were:

284

Westerly, Rotterdam and Niskayuna in Schenectady county; easterly, a line run-
ning through the center of the Hudson River channel; southerly, Bethlehem and
Guilderland; northerly, Colonie and Watervliet.

The first territorial change was made February 25, 1815. when a part
of old Colonie was annexed, the line of which adjoining Albany ex-
tended from the river westerly along- Patroon street, where are now
Quackenbush street and Clinton avenue. This constituted the old
Fifth ward. The remainder of Colonie was annexed to Watervliet
at the same time. The changes which gave the city its present bound-
aries were made April 6, 1870, and April 26, 1871.

The islands constituting a part of Albany are Kasteel (or Castle)
Island, as it was called in early years, and which has had various other
titles, but is now known as Van Rensselaer Island, and which has been
referred to in earlier chapters as the probable site of Elkins's trading
post, established about 1614, and as where Corstiaensen landed, and
another island, lying between the city and Greenbush, and belonging
to the Boston and Albany Railroad.

The granting of the charter of 1686 makes Albany one of the oldest
existing cities of the original thirteen colonies. It was for that reason,
as well as for others, that the issue of that document was a most im-
portant historical event. Dongan was known as a just man, one of
large views for his time, of good judgment and clear foresight, with
the result that the charter was drawn upon broad lines. It sought in
no way to interfere with the then existing privileges of the people nor to
abridge their rights and liberties. While he may not have foreseen the
future importance of the place in times of war, he evidently clearly
understood its commercial advantages, which were even then attracting
notice. These facts are indicated by some of the provisions of the
charter. It provided that " the said town should forever thereafter be
called by the name of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty of the
City of Albany." It granted "to the city of Albany, all the waste,
vacant, unappropriated land lying and being in the City and the pre-
cincts and liberties thereof, extending and reaching to the low-water
mark in, by and through all parts of the said City, together with all
rivers, coves, creeks, ponds, water courses in the said City not hereto-
fore granted." It gave the city corporation its power to purchase and
hold land in its corporate name — a most important provision- — as
follows :

GEN. ROBERT SHAW OLIVER.

285

I do, by these presents, give and grant unto the said Mayor, Aldermen and Com-
monalty, full power and license at their pleasure, likewise to purchase from the In-
dians the quantity of 1,000 acres of low or meadow land lying at a certain place called
or known by the name of Tionondoroge, which quantity of 1,000 acres of low or meadow
land shall and may be in what part of Tionondoroge, or the land adjacent on both
sides of the river, as they, the said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the said City
of Albany shall think most convenient; which said several parcels of low or meadow
land I do hereby, in behalf of his said Majesty, his heirs and successors, give, grant
and confirm unto the said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the City of Albany
aforesaid, to be and remain to the use and behoof of them and their successors for-
ever. To have and to hold all and singular, the premises to the said Mayor. Alder-
men and Commonalty of the said City of Albany and their successors forever, ren-
dering and paying therefor unto his most sacred Majesty, his heirs, successors and as-
signs, or to such officer or receiver as shall be appointed to receive the same, year-
ly, forever hereafter,- the annual quit rent or acknowledgement of one beaver skin,
in Albany, on the five and twentieth day of March, yearly forever.

The charter designates the officers of the city as follows:

There shall be forever hereafter, within the said City, a Mayor, Recorder, Town
Clerk, and six Aldermen and six Assistants, to be appointed, nominated, elected,
chosen and sworn, as hereinafter is particularly and respectively mentioned, who
shall be forever hereafter called the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the City
of Albany, and that there shall be forever, one Chamberlain, or Treasurer, one
Sheriff, one Coroner, one Clerk of the Market, one High Constable, three sub-Con-
stables, one Marshall or Sergeant-at-Mace to be appointed, chosen and sworn in
manner hereinafter mentioned.

It provided further:

The Mayor, Aldermen and Recorder shall be Justices and Keepers of the Peace,
and Justices to hear and determine matters and causes within the said City and pre-
cincts thereof, to hear, determine and punish all petty larcenies and all other petty
offences.

The mayor was made ex-officio coroner and clerk of the market, and
he with the aldermen and recorder of the city were to be justices of the
peace of the county, and as such, "shall and may sit in the Court of
Sessions or County Courts and- Courts of Oyer and Terminer, that from
time to time shall beheld in said County; and that the Mayor, Re-
corder, and some one of the Aldermen shall preside at such County
Courts and Courts of Sessions. The town Clerk of the said city shall
always he the Clerk of the Peace, and Clerk of the Sessions or Court of
the County."

Early in July of 168(i Peter Schuyler and Robert Livingston were
appointed commissioners tojgo to New York and receive the charter.
On the 22d of Jul)- they returned with the important document and

286

were given a public reception "with all the joy and acclamations im-
aginable, and received the thanks of the magistrates, burgesses and
other dignitaries of the city, for their diligence and care."

By the terms of the charter the following persons were appointed the
first officers of the city :

Peter Schuyler, mayor ; Jan Bleecker, chamberlain; Isaac Swinton, recorder;
Richard Pretty, sheriff; Robert Livingston, clerk; James Parker, marshal.

Aldermen. — Dirk Wessels, Jan Jans Bleecker, David Schuyler, Johannis Wendell,
Lavinus Van Schaack, Adrian Gerritse.

Assistant Aldermen. — Joachim Staats, John Lansing, Isaac Verplanck, Law-
rence Van Ale, Albert Ruyckman, Melgert Winantse.

The first meeting of the "Justices of ye peace for ye County of Al-
bany," was held on the 26th of July, and the previously named officers
took their oaths of office. From the judicial powers conferred upon the
mayor and aldermen, those of the justices of the peace, all the court
proceedings of minor character came before them, which had previous
to the charter been brought before justices of the peace, whose limited
powers were conferred by the governor-general. The first meeting of
the Mayor's Court, which was also a meeting of the mayor and alder-
men for transaction of municipal business, was held in the city hall
August 31, 1686. On that occasion, it is recorded, a negro with the
classical name of Hercules, was charged by Myndert Frederickse with
stealing wampum out of his house. The prisoner confessed and was
sentenced "to be whipped through ye towne at ye carte tale by ye
hangman, for an example to others." The sense of justice of this
court apparently exceeded its ability to spell correctly.

In those days city officials were placed under penalties to attend to
their duties which at the present day would impoverish some aldermen.
The following ordinance was adopted at that meeting:

Whoever of the members of the Common Council shall be absent att ye second
ringing of ye bell, being in towne, at any common council day, shall forfeit six shil-
lings, toties quoties.

Upon the expulsion of King James II of England in 1680, and the
accession of William and Mary, the event was celebrated in Albany.
The news reached the city on the 1st of July and a meeting of the Com-
mon Council was promptly called. A procession was formed in which
marched the mayor, council, other officials and citizens. Proceeding
to the fort the mayor there proclaimed, in English and Dutch, that
William and Mary were their lawful sovereigns. Then guns of the fort

2*7

were fired and bells were rung. The imagination may picture the
peculiar scene. Compare it with a modern political procession follow-
ing a presidential election. The little concourse of probably less
than a hundred stolid Dutchmen tramping up the hill, destitute of ban-
ners and band, to hear the mayor announce that a new king was their
master on the other side of the broad ocean. The Dutchmen were
evidently happy over the change, as well they might be.

It was as difficult, probably, in those days to collect taxes as it is at
the present time. It was found in 1095 that the city was a number of
thousand pounds in arrears, and at a meeting of the Council October
14, 1695, when Evert Bancker was mayor, the following report was
made:

Whereas, the Arriears of ye .£2,000 and ,£1,500 tax having been directed to ye
constables of each warde by an warrant from Dirk Wessells, Justice, which consta-
bles give in their report, that all who are indebted to ye said arriears gives them an
answer that they have paid it, and setts them aft from time to time.

At the same meeting the accounts of the treasurer were examined
and a warrant was directed to be issued to " fetch up all the lycenses. "
The justices were also directed to appear before the board on Decem-
ber 9, following, " to correct all affairs between the Citty and County. "
The licenses mentioned were those granted for the sale of various
kinds of merchandise.

A case that would have been summarily disposed of in these days,
but which seems to have puzzled the city dignitaries at that time, for
they never adjusted it as far as the record shows, is described in the fol-
lowing:

Cornelia Vanderheyden appears here at ye barr, and gives in the oath of her suster
Ariaantje, who is brought to child-bed, that Lief t. Symon Young is ye father thereof, ye
only father, and none but he; and deseres that ye Mayor and aldermen would use
some methodd or anoyr with ye sd Young for the maintenance of the child.

" Ye only father" is decidedly quaint. Lieutenant Young was subse-
quently appointed sheriff and offered to take and support the child, but
the mother refused; and there the matter probably ended.

The old line of stockades which enclosed the city gave the inhabitants
considerable trouble. On December 17, 1695, an order was made for re-
pairing "the City Stoekadoes, which were out of repair toward the
river side, and that four hundred and fifty new Stoekadoes should be
provided, to be thirteen feet long and afoot over, and that a warrant
may be directed to the assessors, to make an equal assessment thereof

288

upon the inhabitants, and then deliver the same to the Mayor." The
line of this stockade was on what is now Steuben street on the north,
Hudson avenue on the south, the river on the east, and Lodge street
on the west. Later the boundaries of the stockade were much ex-
tended.

The year of 1096 witnessed a great deal of suffering from a scarcity
of grain, particularly wheat. The crop was poor and prices became
very high so that the poor people were utterly unable to obtain it. The
thrifty Dutch merchants saw their opportunity and bought up all that
was available, for shipment to New York, where the price was about
double what they were compelled to pay in Albany, whereupon the
Common Council took a hand in the matter, as indicated in the follow-
ing:

Whereas Several persons of ye citty and county has given in a complaint to ye
Mayor and justices of the citty and county, yt there is severall persons doe goe with
money in thare hands to buy wheat, and can not have it, by reason of ye marchants
has engrossed in there hands, being resolved to ship it to New York ; the Mayor,
aldermen, and ye justices of ye peace have resolved and agreed upon yt no merchts
or any other persons whatsoever shall ship any corn aboard any sloop, vessel, boat
whatsoever untill such time wee have his Excell. directions in it, as they will answer
upon there utmost perill.

On Jul) 7 17, 1697, the following was adopted, showing that the Dutch
city officials, in spite of their general stolidity, were not wholly in-
sensible to flattery :

Whereas, Mr. Lieft. Oliver doth make his addresse to the Court for bedding,

since he complains that he is in great necessity for want thereof, ye gent'n of ye

Court cannot fynde that they are obliged to furnish such supplies but, in considera-
tion of his Civility, doe give as a gift ye summe of five pieces of eight.

There was an officer with the title of city porter, whose chief duty it
was to open and close the city gates. On November 23, 1697, the fol-
lowing order relative to this office was adopted :

Whereas, It is by the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty concluded, who have
appointed John Ratecliffe as Citty Porter, instead of Hend. Marselis, Deceased, that
he is upon all occasionable times to open and shutt ye gates of this Citty, especially
in ye mornings and in ye evenings at ye appointed time, as also to attend ye Church
Ringing of ye bell on all occasions, for which he is to receive yearly eight and
twenty Pieces of Eight at six shillings, and to be paid quarterly; moreover, he, ye
sd John Ratecliff, is to attend ye Burger Guards, to keep them clain, and to make
every eveing a fyre, wherefore he is to receive Three pence per Diem. Who hath
made oath to be true.

It is well known that the Dutch set a good example to the other

WILLIAM C. VAN ALSTYNL.

289

colonists in their treatment of the Indians, the city of Albany, for
instance, being obliged, if it required more land, to purchase it in a
fair and open trade. The same policy was pursued in nearly all of their
relations with the natives, for which the settlers in after years had
much cause for thankfulness. A resolution was adopted by the Com-
mon Council May 9, 1698, providing for building an Indian House on
the hill, for the accommodation of the Indians, and on the 1st of Feb-
ruary, 1G99, the Council resolved as follows:

Resolved, That one other Indian house, besides ye two heretofore resolved on in
January last, shall be built just upon ye hill going up from ye Pearl street geat
northwesterly, in or about ye middle part of said hill, where ye whole Common
Council forthwith shall a;jpoynt ye Place, and yt ye Building and Charges thereof
shall bee in ye lyke manner as ye two houses aforesaid.

These brief records of the more important proceedings of the city
authorities down to the year 1700, quaint and primitive as some of
them are, indicate nevertheless much wisdom and a determination to
govern the little settlement in the interests of morality and for the com-
mon good. It may here be remarked that a similar intelligent, prudent
and conservative administration of municipal affairs continued to the
close of the colonial period in 1776.

In 1700 Albany was still but a small village, two years earlier
(1698) the number of inhabitants being only 803, of which five families
were English, one was Scotch, and the remainder were Dutch. Many
years were to pass before there would be much change, except in
gradual growth, and when it did come it was through the introduction
of new elements into the population, and not through any desire for in-
novations on the part of the Dutch settlers, who were, as a general
rule, contented with the existing order of things, they being slow,
stolid, industrious, and usually thrift} - . They cared more for the
profit of the trade they were pursuing, than for the amenities of life,
so that wdiat are now known by the general name of public im-
provements possessed little attraction for them. What if it required a
week to make the journey down the river to New York, were there not
more weeks coming and was it not a pleasant trip? So slow was the
process or change in those early times that in Ills the place was de-
scribed by a traveler as little else than a fortified village, with unpaved,
dirty and irregular streets. Most of the residences were situated on
the margin of the river, the lower end of State street, and on Court
street (now Broadway). A few stores were on the present Chapel

290

street. In the middle of State street and in Broadway were all the
public buildings — the town house, two churches, the guard house, and
the market. On the river were three docks — lower or King's dock,
middle and upper docks. The docks must have been of the most prim-
itive character and of recent construction, for the records show no
mention of them until some years later. The Common Council took the
initiatory steps towards providing suitable wharves in October, 1727,
when an ordinance was adopted requiring that the "freeholders of the
city who held lands or ground fronting on the east near or to the Hudson
river, be directed to produce their titles to the same, in order that the
Common Council may be better enabled to consider of finding out the
proper ways and means for docking and regulating of streets on the
east thereof, along the Hudson river, and that such titles be produced
in Common Council at the city Hall on the 10th day of November
next." As against this, Kalm, the Swedish traveler, from whose
writings we shall have further occasion to quote, visited Albany in
1749, and said: "The Hudson river at Albany is from twelve to
twenty feet deep; that there is as yet no quay made for the landing of
yachts, because the people feared it would be swept away in the spring;
that the vessels come pretty near the shore and receive their cargoes
from two canoes lashed together."

The scarcity of water or its impure character occupied the attention
of the authorities at an early date, about which Kalm, from whose
writings we have already quoted, said :

The water of several wells in this town was very cool about this time, but had a
kind of acid taste which was not very agreeable. On a nearer examination I found
an abundance of little insects in it, which were probably monoculi.

After a description of these insects he continues:

I think this water is not very wholesome for people who are not used to it, though the
inhabitants of Albany who drink it every day say they do not feel the least incon-
venience from it. I have several times been obliged to drink water here, in which I
have plainly seen monoculi swimming; but I generally felt the next day something
like a pea in my throat, or as if I had a swelling there.

The water question was under discussion in 1760, and on April 3d of
that year a petition was presented to the mayor and council, praying
for the right to bring water in pipes from the hills, collect it in reser-
voirs and establish pumps. After a hearing the board adopted the fol-
lowing resolution :

Resolved, That the petitioners have an instrument drawn, including their petition ;

291

that the Mayor will sign the same and cause the Seal of the City to be thereupon
fixed by virtue of this resolution.

It was many years later before an adequate supply of wholesome
water was provided for Albany. Wells were long used and doubtless
with evil results. Morse's Geography, published in 1796, has the fol-
lowing on the subject :

The well water in this city is extremely bad, scarcely drinkable by those not accus-
tomed to it. It oozes through a stiff blue clay and it imbibes in its passage the fine
particles common to that kind of soil. This discolors it, and when exposed any
length of time to the air it acquires a disagreeable taste. Indeed all the water
for cooking is brought from the river, and many families use it to drink. The
water in the wells is unwholesome, being full of little insects, except in size, like
those which are frequently seen in stagnated water.

The city ultimately obtained a satisfactory water supply, which is
described in later pages.

The inhabitants of the city in 1800 were obtaining their drinking
water from wells, though something must have been accomplished
prior to that time towards a water supply for the extinguishment of
fire. In the year in which the charter was granted (1686) there was a
fire, concerning which the records have the following:

It has been found by experience that the bringing of water of the fountains from the
hill has not only been of great use to the inhabitants for water, but the only means
of quenching the late fire, which otherwise, by all probability, would have destroyed
the whole town.

A well was sunk in Jonker (now State) street in l(J!)o, though
whether there were others prior to 1712 is not known, but in that year
(1712) one was constructed in the First ward, about twelve yards from
the east side of the market house, and another on the north side of
Cross street. Two years later three more were added, one in each of
the three wards. In the mean time something had been accomplished
towards providing apparatus for use in extinguishing tires. An old
record of October 15, 1094, names certain fire officials called " Brant-
masters," and continues:

It is ordered, and found very requisite yt ye Aldermen of each respective Ward
Shall cause to be made two Brantleere [fire ladders] a greate one and a little one.
with yron hooks, and yt in time of one month, and cause to be brought to a ready
place in case of any occasion whatsome ever, and they to bring in their accounts.

In L706 a primitive fire department was organized by the appoint-
ment of certain " Fy re-masters, " which is described further on.
The Dongan charter conferred the right of establishing ferries across

292

the river between the city wards and Greenbush. A ferry had, how-
ever, been in existence since the year 1642, which is claimed by some
authorities to be the oldest established ferry in the United States.
The ferry landing on the Albany side was a little north of the Beaver-
kill, which emptied into the river at what is now the termination of
Arch street ; the Greenbush landing- was directly opposite. The first
ferry boat was a mere scow which was propelled with setting poles,
being, however, large enough to carry horses and wagons, while a
smaller craft was used for passengers. The first ferry-master was
Hendrick Albertsen, who also built the first ferry house on the Albany
side of the river. He was succeeded by Jacob Janse Stall, who settled
at Beverwyck in 1630, and who held the post until 1657. At that time
and for many years after the date of the Dongan charter, no charge
was made by the authorities for the right of operating.

Owing to the slope of much of the land on which stood the early Al-
bany it is probable that the unpaved streets could be kept in much bet-
ter condition and with considerably less labor than would have been
possible upon a level. The old records contain frequent allusions to
sidewalks and to measures for promoting cleanliness in the streets, but
paving did not come until many years later. It was ordered in the
Common Council March 12, 1694, that " every householder shall make,
or cause to be made, eight foot ground before his own house, fronting
on the streets, paved with stone, under a penalty after the first of June,
of every week, of six shillings." This refers, of course, merely to a
paved sidewalk. In 1695 the sum of ,£50 was raised by the Common
Council for thus paving sidewalks. In 1817 a number of streets were
ordered to be paved, but it is difficult to distinguish in the early records
between sidewalk paving and street paving.

A few of the ordinances of the Council in the early years are inter-
esting. In 1686 it was decreed that every Saturday morning each in-
habitant should clean the street in front of his dwelling and that no filth
should be thrown in the street. Only a few years after the granting of
the charter the following ordinance was passed:

Resolved, That an ordinance be issued forth that all the respectable inhabitants
within said city do severally clean the streets from the dung, dust, chips and filth
before their houses or lots in the said streets; and that all wood and stone, except for
present building, or cooper's wood, be removed out of the said street before the 15th
of April next ensuing, on penalty of paying for every default afterwards by them
made, the sum of six shillings to the use of the Sheriff or any Constable who shall
sue for the same. An that hereafter, if any dung, dust, chips or filth shall be found

HOWARD N. FULLER.

293

(on any Saturday after twelve o'clock noon) lying in the said streets against the house
or lot of any person within the said city, that such person shall pay, also, for such
default and contempt, the like sum of six shillings, to be sued for as aforesaid. And
that hogs or swine belonging to any of the said inhabitants be ringed with one ring
in the nose before Saturday night next, and remain ringed from that time ; and if the
hog or swine of any person as aforesaid shall be found not ringed, the owners of such
hog or swine shall pay for every such default or neglect the sum of six shillings to
the Sheriff or Constable who shall sue for the same.

Another ordinance forbade driving through the streets faster than a
walk, under penalty of three shillings. In writing of the streets of Al-
bany in 1749, Kalmsaid:

The streets are broad and some of them are paved. In some parts they are lined
with trees: the long streets are almost parallel to the river, and the others intersect
them at right angles. The street which goes between the two churches is five times
broader than the others, and serves as a market place. The streets upon the whole,
are very dirty, because the people have their cattle in them during the summer
nights.

On the early maps of Beverwyck only a few streets are mentioned,
but in early conveyances the following names appear: Broadway was
called Cow, de Breede (or Broad), Lower Hondlaers, and Brewers
street; Hudson avenue was Spanish street; Green south of Beaver was
Esplanade or Plain street; north of Beaver it was the Voddemart, or
Rag market, and Cheapside; Chapel was Berg street; State was Jon-
kers street, and South Pearl was De Klyne street. After the charter
of 1686 the city was divided into three wards, the first of which em-
braced all that part of the city south of Exchange and State streets;
the second the territory north of State and west of James streets; the
third the portion north of State and Exchange streets and east of James
street. When State street was laid out it was made of unusual width
for those times, to accommodate the old Dutch church which stood in
its center. The map of L792 shows it 149 feet wide at Pearl street
and gradually increasing in width until it is 158 feet at Lodge street,
but from Broadway to the river it was very narrow as it is to this
day.. This broad street ascending straight up the hill has been an
impressive one from the first. Spafford's Gazetteer, L813, describes it
as a grand avenue in the heart of the city, " where its opulence is to be
displayed, where taste shall vie with taste, architect with architect, age
with age, in perpetual succession." It was an unpaved avenue until
1796.

Perhaps the best description of Albany in about the middle of that

294

century is from the entertaining pen of Mrs. Grant, in her delightful
Memoirs of an American Lady (1704), as follows:

The City of Albany stretched along the banks of the Hudson. One very
wide and broad street lay parallel to the river, the intermediate space be-
tween it and the shore being occupied by gardens. A small but steep
hill rose above the center of the town, on which stood a fort, intended (but very ill
adapted) for the defense of the place and of the neighboring country. From the foot
of this hill another street was built, sloping pretty rapidly down till it joined the one be-
fore mentioned, that ran alongthe river. This street was still wider than the other. It
wasonlypaved on each side, the middlebeing occupied by public edifices. These con-
sisted of a Market-place or Guard-house, a Town Hall, and the English and Dutch
churches. The English Church, belonging to the Episcopal persuasion, and in the dio-
cese of the Bishop of London, stood at the foot of the hill at the upper end of the street.
The Dutch Church was situated at the bottom of the descent, where the street ter-
minated. Two irregular streets, not so broad, but equally long, ran parallel to
those, and a few even ones opened between them. The town, in proportion to its
population, occupied a great, space of ground. The city, in short, was a kind of
semi-rural establishment. Every house had its garden, well, and a little green be-
hind. Before every door a tree was planted, rendered interesting by being coeval
with some beloved member of the family. Many of these trees were of prodigious
size and extraordinary beauty, but without regularity, every one planting the kind
that best pleased him. or which he thought would afford the most agreeable shade to
the open portico at his door, which was surrounded by seats and ascended by a few
steps. It was in these that each domestic group was seated in summer evenings to
enjoy the balmy twilight or the serenely clear moonlight.

This picture of rural simplicity has, however, a reverse side of busi-
ness activity that was not so carefully noticed by Mrs Grant. The
business advantages of the place were attracting residents quite rapid-
ly, the population of the county in 1723 having reached 6,501, which
had increased in 1731 to 8,703, and was in 1790 3,500 in the city alone.

The Common Council on July 31, 1753, made an order that the pave-
ment between the houses of Jacob Lansing and David Schuyler in the
Third ward, be raised, so that the water that came down from the hill
between those houses " may vent itself through the lane or street, and
so down to the river."

In 1754 the council fixed the following rates of ferriage across the
river:

For every person, if single. . . 3 coppers

" if more than one 2 coppers

" " head of cattle . 9 coppers

" " cwt. of beaver or skins 4 coppers

The ferry-masters were directed to run their boats from sunrise to

295

eight o'clock in the evening-. At this time the ferry was in charge of
Barnardns Bradt and Johannes Ten Broeck, who had paid the city jQo for
its use and privilege. From that date until 1786 the ferrymen were
Harmes Gansevoort, Philip John Schuyler, John Courtney, John Brom-
ley, Thomas Lotridge, Dirck Hansen and Baltus Van Benthuysen. At
stated times the council advertised that the right of ferriage would be
sold to the highest bidder, a course that could be profitably adopted by
the authorities in granting franchises in modern times and which has
been followed in some cities in recent years. From 1754 to 1786 the
amount paid for the ferry privilege ranged from £5 to ^130. In the
last named year a new ferry house forty by fifty feet in size was built
by Baltus Van Benthuysen, and the city corporation issued the follow-
ing schedule of rates:

Man or horse, ox or cow.. 9d.

A calf or hog 2 coppers

A sheep or lamb 2 coppers

For every wagon, or two horses with its loading, provided the same re-
mains on the wagon ._. 2 shillings

For every cart or wagon drawn by four horses or oxen, with or without

loading 3 shillings

And 6d. for every ox or horse above that number

For every chaise or chair or horse Is. (id.

For every full chest or trunk 4 coppers

For every empty chest or trunk 2 coppers

For every barrel rum, sugar, molasses, full barrel 4 coppers

Articles of agreement were entered into November 15, 1768, between
the city corporation and Stephen Van Rensselaer, under which the
latter agreed that within three months of the granting to him bv the
Crown of letters patent giving him exclusive ferry privileges over the
Hudson between Bears' Island and Cohoes, he would grant to the city
the exclusive ferry privileges " from the mouth of a certain creek, com-
monly known as De Vysele Kill, on the south of the city limits, to
lands of 11. Van Schack; with one acre of ground, to be taken by said
Corporation in such position as it shall think most convenient to them,
joining to and on the north bounds of John Van Rensselaer." Two
years later (1770) the ferry to Greenbush was leased to Thomas Lott-
ridge for three years at ^30 a year, he to make a dock fourteen feet
wide.

At a meeting of the Common Council held Jul}- L0, [756, the follow-
ing important resolution was adopted:

296

Resolved, That the Clerk draw a deed to the Minister, Church Wardens and
Vestrymen of St. Peter's Church, in the City of Albany, for them and their suc-
cessors, in trust forever, for a piece of ground for a burial place, lying upon the hill
adjoining the fort, agreeable to a map made by John R. Bleecker, and that the Mayor
execute a deed, and cause the City Seal to be thereupon affixed in behalf of the
Corporation.

It has been stated herein that by the Dongan charter the title to all
the land within the city corporation was vested in the mayor, recorder,
aldermen and Common Council. Under their right to sell, which was
thus conferred, a great many transfers were made in early years, some
of which are of historical importance. The first deed executed by the
city corporation is dated November 1, 1687, the year after the charter.
It conveyed land to Dr. Godfredius Dellius, pastor of the Dutch church.
On account of its early date and its quaint wording we quote the con-
veying clause :

To All Christian People to whom these presents Shall Come, the Mayor, Alder-
men, and Commonalty of ye Citty of Albany Send Greeting in our Lord God Ever-
lasting. Know ye that for and in consideration of ye sum of three hundred an ninty
pounds currant money of this province to them in hand paid, at and before ye en-
sealing and delivery hereof, by Doctor Godfredius Dellius, Minister of ye Reformed
Nether Dutch Congregational Dutch Church, Albany, a certain piece or parcel of
land commonly called or known by ye name of Pasture, Situate, lying and being to
ye Southward of ye said Citty, near ye place where ye Fort Stood, and extending
along Hudson River till it comes over against ye most northerly point of ye island,
commonly called Marston Gerrittsen's Island; having to ye east Hudson River, to
Ye south ye manor of Renslarewck, to ye west of highway leading to ye Towne, Ye
pasture lots in ye occupation of Martin or Marston Geritsen, and the pasture lot in
ye occupation of Casper Jacobs, to the north of ye several pasture lots in ye occupa-
tion of Robert Sanders, Myndert Harmons, and Evert Wendell, and ye Several
Garden lots in ye tenure and Occupation of Killian Van Rensselaer and Abraham
Staats. Together with All and Singular ye profits, commodities and appurtenances
whatsoever to ye said Pasthur Piece or Parcel of land and Premises, or any part or
parcel thereof Belonging or in any way appertaining to or with the same, now or at
any time heretofore belonging or own'd occupied, enjoyed as part, parcell or mem-
ber thereof, and All deeds, Evidences and writings Touching and Concerning the
premises only.

This deed was signed by Peter Schuyler, mayor. Some of these
public lands were sold at auction as seen in the following:

Resohied, By this Board, That the Clerk put up Advertisements that a piece of
land lying on Gallows hill containing between 10 and 11 acres, as per Draft to be
seen at the time of Sale, to be sold at Public Vendue on Saturday, the 20th day of
this current month, by the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty at two o'clock in the
afternoon at the City Hall in the City of Albany.

CHARLES F. STOWELL.

297

On the 19th of February, 1761, the council by resolution directed
John R. Bleecker to make a survey of the land described in a petition
of the minister and officers of the Dutch church, leaving room for
highways, for which land the board was to give a deed to the church
in consideration of £50, and a reserve of £20 per annum forever. The
tract thus conveyed contained 153 acres and is described in Bleecker's
survey. In 1762 an important land transaction was consummated in
the transfer of what has been known as the Wendell Patent, a tract in
the heart of the city; the northwest line of this lot extended 1,207 feet
in a straight line ; the southwesterly corner was situated in the center
of the block west of Eagle street, between Hamilton and Hudson
streets; and the northeasterly corner, which was the end of the above
mentioned straight line, terminated on the west side of Lodge street
about 152 feet north of Howard street. The other boundaries of the
tract were irregular, the southeast corner terminating in the corner of
William street, about fifty feet south of Beaver street. In following
the southeast line a bend and corner is situated in the center of the
block between Philip, Grand, Hudson and Plain streets, the other re-
maining corner terminating about ninety-five feet east of Eagle on the
north side of Hamilton street. The original map of this tract is still
in possession of descendants of the patentee, and the outline of the
tract appears on some of the early maps.

The old records show that there was a corporation officer in those
days called the town whipper, who had considerable employment in his
peculiar official capacity. There are frequent instances where he was
complimented for his good work in his particular line. In one case in
1762, when one Rick Van Toper held the office, he was voted live shil-
lings and sixpence, in addition to his regular fees, " for the due and
wholesome manner in which he laid the lash upon the hack of Tiberius
Haines," who had been convicted of beating his wife. ( >n the 30th <>t
January, 1789, the corporation agreed with Benjamin Gable to act as
town-whipper at a yearly salary of £20.

At the beginning of Mayor Cuyler's administration in 1780 8 ques-
tion arose as to the right of the mayor and aldermen, who were by the
charter made ex-officio members of the Supreme Court and the Court
of Oyer anil Terminer, to sit on the bench with the judges of those
courts. When these courts sat on June ■">, L771, they were waited upon
by a committee (appointed by the council), consisting of the mayor
and Aldermen Yates and Ten Broeck, and informed that the mayor,
38

208

recorder and six aldermen intended to sit with them on that day.
After their withdrawal from the court the city officials received a com-
munication from the judges denying their right to sit in such judicial
capacity and concluding as follows :

We cannot conceive that your city charter can be so construed as to render this
honorable Court a Mob, instead of a Bench of Judges with full consideration of their
dignity and responsibility. We have therefore directed the Officers of the Court to
prevent your taking your seats upon the Bench, in case you insist upon so doing.

As a result of this singular contest, the council adopted resolutions
in October, expressing their determination to send a commission to
New York and submit the matter to the colonial authorities. Alder-
man Abraham Yates was selected for this mission, which was probably
unsuccessful, as the records contain no allusion to the sitting of those
officials in those courts; they were, however, members of the Court of
Sessions of the City and County of Albany, as elsewhere explained.

In April, 1774. various changes were made in the city ordinances,
among them being provisions for regulating the ferry between Albany
and Greenbush ; for grading and paving some of the streets; for regu-
lating the line of vessels at the docks and wharves; regulating cartmen
and their carts and the public market; against profaning the Lord's
day; protecting the city from danger of gunpowder; preventing fires
and accidents from fast driving, and many other minor matters.

It will already have been inferred by the reader that by far the most
important business of the Common Council for many years was in rela-
tion to the real property owned by the city corporation or coming into
its possession under the provisions of the first charter. The provision
enabling the corporation to purchase 1,000 acres of low land at "Tion-
deroge " will be remembered. Under this, several Indians in June,
1721, conveyed a tract of eleven morgen of land to Mr. Cinder in fee,
whose heirs obtained from the corporation, April 24, 1769, for ^30 a
conveyance releasing the land. Again, on July 7, 1730, certain Indians
conveyed about the same quantity land to Peter Brower for 999 years;
he on November 29, 1734, conveyed the same to the corporation, and
on April 27, 1749, the corporation leased the land to Peter Brower for
999 years at the annual rent of one skipple of wheat for each morgen.
Other parts of these lands were obtained from the corporation at the
same annual rent, but leaving the larger part of the 1,000 acres the
property of the city. In 1779 the Indians had all removed from these
lands, and they had become occupied principally by refugees and

299

squatters. What to do under these conditions and how to recover the
rights of the city, was an important problem of that time. The whole
question was finally referred to Peter W. Yates, one of the ablest law-
yers of that era. His subsequent report was to the effect that the city and
its successors had an undoubted estate in fee simple in the lands in
question; that although the Indian deeds could not be considered a
part of the title, yet the city's title was paramount to that of any other
claimant.

Other land difficulties soon arose in connection with the large and
valuable tracts owned by the city at Schaghticoke (now in Rensselaer
county). These lands were occupied by tenants who began to neglect
to pay their rents. In order to learn the particulars of the situation
the mayor and aldermen held a meeting at the house of Johannes
Knickerbacker, at Schaghticoke, September 20, 1780, where they sum-
moned the delinquents before them. Various excuses for the non pay-
ment of rent were made, many claiming that none was due. There
was no course left the city authorities but to proceed to extremities,
and Peter W. Yates and John Lansing, jr., were retained and instructed
to bring actions against all the tenants from whom rent was due, which
was done. At a meeting held at the city hall January 30, 1T^4, at
which were present the mayor, aldermen and assistant aldermen, the
following resolution was adopted :

A' V solved, That Peter W. Yates, Esq., be directed to immediately write letters, as
Attorney for the Corporation, to the tenants of this Board at Schaghticoke, and who
were lately prosecuted for non-payment of rent, acquainting them that unless they
pay this winter the wheat stipulated in the agreement for the stay of suits, they
must depend upon being prosecuted.

The resolution explains itself. When the actions were first brought
in L780, the suits were stayed upon agreement by the tenants to pay a
certain quantity of wheat in regular settlement. Many did so, while
Others delayed, and some never paid. It was customary in those times
for the city to receive its rents in wheat and large storehouses were
frequently filled with grain and kept in charge of the chamberlain, who
sold it under direction of the council. In times of scarcity this policy
was of great benefit to the poor, and the sales to those who might be
disposed to speculate were restricted in quantity to each buyer. In
January, 1777, an order is recorded directing the chamberlain "to sell
LOO skepelsof the wheat belonging to the Corporation, at four shillings
sixpence per skepel, to those persons who had demands on the board.
No person to have more than three skepels at a time."

300

In February, 1780, the question came before the Common Council
of surrendering some of the privileges granted by the charter of 1686,
and applying to the State Legislature for others. The matter met
with much opposition and was long discussed, and final action post-
poned until 1787, when on March 21, the act entitled "An Act for alter-
ing the Charter Rights of the City of Albany," passed the Legislature.
The principal changes took from the mayor the right to grant licenses
to tavern keepers, victualers, and all retail dealers in liquors; also the
right of the mayor and the aldermen to have the sole regulation of
trade with the Indians; annulled the provision that a court of Com-
mon Pleas should be held once in every fortnight before the mayor;
and altered the time of election of aldermen, their assistants and the
chamberlain to the last Tuesday in each year.

The city of Albany was now one hundred years old, and at the close
of the war of the Revolution its growth was stimulated and its busi-
ness interests rapidly increased. The enterprising Yankees saw their
opportunity and came in large numbers to supplant the slow methods
of the Dutch with their activity and ingenuity. Up to this time, it
has been written, the city "old as it was, still retained its primitive
aspect, and still stood in all its original simplicity, unchanged, un-
modified, unimproved, still pertinaciously adhering in all its walks to
the old track and the old form. The rude hand of innovation was
then just beginning to be felt; and slight as was the touch, it was
regarded as an injury, or resented as an insult." The Dutch resisted
Yankee encroachment on their trade, but the new element was daily
becoming strong, and before long they were overmatched.

Albany celebrated its one hundredth anniversary on July 22, 178*',.
A meeting of the Common Council was held July 15, in the City Hall,
when the following resolution was adopted:

Resolved, That the 22d instant, being the jubilee of the charter of this city, be
commemorated by a public feast at the City Hall; that a committee of five be ap-
pointed to procure the materials necessary, and to regulate the same.

The committee appointed were Aldermen Philip Van Rensselaer,
Peter W. Yates, and Assistants John W. Wendell, Richard Lash and
Jelles Winne. On the 18th of July this committee reported as follows:

The Committee to whom was referred the mode of celebrating the 22d of July
instant, being the century anniversary of this city, do report that, in their opinion,
the Common Council do convene in the forenoon of that day, at ten o'clock, at the

301

City Hall, and from thence proceed in procession toi;he hill westward of the city,
attended by such citizens as shall choose; that, during the procession, all the bells of
the several churches in this city shall ring; and at the arrival at the place assigned
for the purpose, on the hill, thirteen toasts, and one for the charter, under the dis-
charge of fourteen cannon ; and that a barrel of good spirits be purchased for the
occasion.

This report was accepted and another committee was appointed to
have entire charge of the celebration. When the day arrived an im-
posing procession for that time was formed, which marched up State
street to the grounds formerly occupied by the Old Capitol, where the
ceremonies took place. Later in the day the mayor, alderman and
commonalty of the city partook of a supper served at Lewis's tavern,
where it may be presumed some of that "barrel of good spirits" lent
its inspiring influence to the flow of reason. The expenses of this
celebration were ordered paid by the chamberlain.

The year 1797 saw Albany made definitely and permanently the
State capital. Previous to this time the Legislature had met here on
several occasions, the first being one of the three sessions of the third
Legislature in 1780, the next being a session of the Fourth Legislature,
which also held three sessions, in 1781. Aside from these, however, the
Legislatures up to 1788-89 were held in Poughkeepsie and New York.
The twelfth session was held in Albany; from 1789 to 1793 the meet-
ings were in New York ; the seventeenth session was held in Albany
in 1794, the eighteenth at Poughkeepsie and in New York, the nine-
teenth in New York, 179G, and the twentieth, 1796-7, in New York
and Albany. At this session the question of permanently locating the
State capital was finally settled in favor of Albany. While political
influence and the power of wealth had something to do with this choice,
the chief factors determining the selection were the situation of the
city with reference to the remainder of the State and the natural ad-
vantages of the place. Albany became the capital in the same year
that the United States Constitution was transmitted to Congress for
ratification or rejection. The constitution received bitter opposition
from the Anti Federalists of New York State, with George Clinton at
their head, and of course Albany was the center of the local strife;
but the old governor and his political adherents were destined to defeat.
Prom the adoption of that constitution down to the present time Al-
bany lias been the center of great political influence and power. From
this ancient city into every part of the State have ramified the various

302

parts of the vast and intricate system of political machinery which has
controlled public affairs.

The beginning of the century found Albany city with a population of
5,289, which increased to 9,350 in 1810, these figures being according
to the United States census. The State census in 1814 gave Albany
10,083 inhabitants. This shows the remarkable growth during the first
twenty years succeeding the Revolution. " About 1781," wrote a local
editor, "not more than seventy, at the utmost calculation, shops and
stores were kept in this city, nor had we manufactories of any kind, but ,
depended on importation for every manufactured article. Now [seven
or eight years, later] we behold Market and State streets crowded with
stores, and rents in those streets enhanced to such a degree as to put
houses out of the reach of inconsiderable traders." In alluding to the
business of one day (February 8, 1794), the Gazette said:

On a moderate estimate, it is presumed the purchases and sales of produce and
merchandise exceeded §50,000. Of the article of wheat, between 25 and 30,000
bushels were brought to this market; a quantity far exceeding the receipts of any
one day since the settlement of this country. The price of wheat rose during the
the day from 7s. 6d. to 8s., or the highest price between this and the first of March.
The last mode of purchase is truly novel and must be convincing to the farmer that
the merchants of this city are too independent to form combinations.

Count Liancourt visited Albany in 1795, and has left the following
regarding business interests at that time:

The trade of Albany is chiefly carried on with the produce of the Mohawk
countrv, and extends eastward as far as agriculture and cultivated lands expand.
The State of Vermont and a part of Xew Hampshire furnish many articles of trade,
and the exports chiefly consist in timber and lumber of every sort and description,
potatoes, potash and pearl ashes, all species of grain, lastly, in manufactured
articles. These articles are most of them transported to Albany in winter on
sledges, housed by the merchants, and by them successively transmitted to New
York, where they are either sold for bills on England or exchanged for English
goods, which are in return sent from Albany to the provinces, whence the articles
for transportation were drawn. . . The trade of Albany is carried on in ninety
vessels, fortv-five of which belong to the inhabitants of the town, and the rest to
New York or other places.

This French nobleman was surprised that no vessels had yet sailed
direct from Albany to England, causing a loss to the local merchants
and a gain to the shippers in New York. At the beginning of the cen-
tury the great tide of migration westward, a large part of which passed
through Albany, had begun its flow, and within a few years reached
enormous proportions. In one day in 1795 a citizen counted five hun-

, 303

dred sleighs laden with emigrants. All of this travel through the city
left a constantly increasing profit to tradesmen, and stores multiplied
rapidly. In 1796 there were one hundred and thirty-one stores, almost
double the number of sixteen years earlier, and sixty-eight storehouses.
During the war of 1812, as the reader has already been informed, the
city was one of the principal places for accumulating and transporting
government supplies, for the armies in the West and North. It then
cost from $20 to $30 a ton to transport goods from Albany to Buffalo,
and it was estimated that 9,000 tons were shipped from this port. This
account of trade conditions early in the century may be closed with the
following from the Spafford Gazetteer of 1813:

Situated on one of the finest rivers in the world, at a distance of 200 miles from
the ocean, whose tide it enjoys; with an uninterrupted sloop navigation; and in the
the center of an extensive and fertile country, of which it becomes the natural mart,
Albany carries on an immense trade already, and seems destined to become one of
the greatest inland towns in America. . . . Of the shipping belonging to Albanv
I am not precisely informed, but, agreeable to information derived from the dock-
master, there are fifty Albany sloops that pay wharfage by the year; sixty belonging
to Troy, Lansingburgh and Waterford ; twenty-six from Tarrytown and New York ;
seventy from New Jersey and the eastern States, including twenty schooners, in all
two hundred and six; and about one hundred and fifty from different places have
paid wharfage by the day, being engaged in different kinds of trade, during the
season of 1812, making a total of 356. The quantity of wheat purchased annuallv
in Albany is immensely great ; and good judges have estimated it at nearly a million
bushels. Other grain, and every article of the agricultural and other common pro-
ducts, nearly in the same proportion, swell the aggregate exports from this city to an
enormous amount.

This growing business interests in Albany gave rise to the need
of banking facilities. Prior to 1792 the project of establishing a bank
in the northern part of' the State was much discussed, some favoring it
and many violently opposing it. On the 3d of February of that year a
meeting was called at Lewis's tavern in Albany, at which many leading
capitalists attended for discussion. There was at that time only one
bank in the State, the Dank of New York, the stock of which was fifty
per cent, above par. It was announced in the newspapers that $100,000
in subscriptions could he taken for stock in a new bank. At a later
meeting the project assumed definite form and it was determined
to found a financial institution here with the name of the Albany Bank
and a capital of $75,000, to be divided into rive hundred shar<
$150 each, $15 to be paid on each share at the time of subscribing and
the remainder in three installments. Thirteen directors were to be

304

chosen, nine of whom should be residents of Albany. Jeremiah Van
Rensselaer, Jacob Van Derheyden and Barent Bleecker were appointed
to open the subscription books and close them as soon as five hundred
shares were taken. The books were opened February 17 and in less
than three hours the amount of stock was over-subscribed. As soon as
the books were closed the stock advanced ten per cent, and on
the Saturday following it rose to 100 per cent, advance. A char-
ter was applied for and obtained towards the close of the session of the
Legislature. Further description of this and other banks is given in
later pages. A second bank was established in 1803 and the third in
1811.

While deeply engrossed in promoting the various business interests
and public affairs of the city, the people very properly sought some
means of amusement and recreation. A theatrical company under
management of Hallam Brothers played a season in New York in 1769,
and obtained permission to appear in Albany three times a week for
one month, opening July 3, in "Venice Preserved." Airs. Grant has
recorded that the officers of an English regiment stationed here, played
the "Beau's Stratagem" in a barn in 1700; but the Hallam company
were the first to open a regular season. In 1785 a company came up
from New York and in the Gazette of December 5, announced performan-
ces of "Cross Purposes," and "Catharine and Petruchio. " Permission had
been obtained from the authorities, but before the performances, a
storm of opposition arose against the theatre, and a petition signed by
seventy persons was presented to the officials asking withdrawal of
their consent to the company. But the mayor, recorder and council,
by a vote of nine to four decided that as consent had been given, and
expense incurred by the company in fitting up rooms, it would not be
just to turn them away. The performances were given twice a week
until the latter part of February. In 1803 a company managed by
William Dunlap and Lewis Hallam played in Albany three nights a
week from August 22 to October 27, in a dancing room on North Pearl
street, in the company being the grandparents of Joseph Jefferson, the
comedian. In the spring of 1811 John Howard Payne, then twenty
years old, who is better known as the author of " Home, Sweet Home,"
than as an actor, played an engagement there. In November of that
year an actor named John Bernard came from Boston with the .avowed
intention of establishing a permanent theatre in a building to be erected
for the purpose. At that time there was much opposition among some

305

classes to the theatre as an institution; the theatre in Richmond,
Va., had recently burned with the loss of seventy-one lives, and the
Boston manager was not warmly welcomed in Albany. The feeling
against his project was intense, and a motion was made in the council
to abolish all theatrical performances as a nuisance. The matter was
referred to the committee on law, who made a long report dated Janu-
ary 12, 1812. In the report the opinion was expressed that "a well-
regulated theatre, supported by the respectable portion of society, so
far from being contrary to good order and morality, must essentially
contribute to correct the language, refine the taste, ameliorate the
heart, and enlighten the understanding." The report closed with an
opinion that the council could not interfere with the projected building.
During its erection, which was begun at once, Bernard's company
played in the Thespian Hotel, which was the name of a hall near Clin-
ton avenue. The theatre was situated on the west side of Green street,
south of Hamilton, and was formally opened to the public January 18,
L813, with the plays, "West Indian," and "Fortune's Frolic," the ad-
mission being about the same as commonly demanded now — $1, To and
50 cents, and the opening address being written by Solomon Southwick.
Mr. Bernard managed the theatre for four years, and though he had a
good company met with but indifferent financial success, and in 1S18 sold
it to the Baptist Society who used it for many years for a church. In
L824-5 a theatre was built on the site of the Leland Opera House, a
portion of which is incorporated in the present building, being opened
May L3, 1825, and here many of the great actors of their times have
played. There was also an Albany Museum, established in a small
way as early as 1797, which was continued from 1826 by Harry Meech,
and was removed in 1831 from the corner of Hudson avenue and Broad-
way to the corner of State and Broadway, where in later years theatri-
cal performances were given in connection with the museum.

Between the beginning of the present century and the war of L812
the administration of the city government moved quietly along, the
proceedings involving little of importance. The public revenue for
the fiscal year l? ( .t:i was /,'14<; U.v. id. and the city was in debt / t79
Is. %d.

At this time the yellow fever was raging in New York, and collec-
tions were taken up in the Albany churches for the relict' of suffi
the total contributions amounting to $555.87. For a number of years

306

there was more or less of this dreaded disease in New York, causing
grave fears that it would be brought up the river to Albany. In 1803
the Common Council, acting as a Board of Health, passed an ordinance
requiring all vessels from New York city to be quarantined for a short
time at a point some miles down the river. There was one death from
the disease in Troy that year, but none in Albany.

When the news of the death of Washington reached Albany, Decem-
ber 23, 1799, the Common Council immediately assembled and recom-
mended the closing of all places of business, directed the tolling of bells
from three to five o'clock, and that the members of the board wear crape
during six weeks. The 9th of the following January was designated as
a day for the observance of public funeral ceremonies, which were most
solemn and impressive. Many of the citizens were then living who had
been present at the reception given to Washington in the city at the
close of the Revolutionary war, and the loss of the great statesman
and general was deeply felt.

In the early years a part of the duty of the Common Council was to
fix the weight and price of a loaf of bread, this being known as "the
assize of bread," and any baker who was detected in selling a loaf that
was below the prescribed weight was subject to a fine of one dollar.
For example in 1799 a loaf weighing two pounds and five ounces, made
from inspected wheat, sold for 8c/., and other weights in proportion.
In 1813, during and on account of the war, flour rose to $11 a barrel,
and the Council adopted an ordinance requiring the flour merchants so
to assize the bread that it would correspond to $9 a barrel. The bakers
complained bitterly at this and called a meeting, at which a resolution
was adopted to the effect that it was inexpedient to longer interfere
with the baking and sale of bread.

It will surprise some readers of to-day to learn that prior to 1818 all
meetings of the council were held behind closed doors. On November
16 of that year the board adopted a resolution that thereafter the meet-
ings should be open to the public. The council at that time occupied
the northeast corner of the first floor of the Old Capitol, all the other
rooms on the first floor being used by the State. It will be remembered
that the city had paid about $34,000 towards the expense of erect-
ing the Capitol. At this time several efforts were made in the council
to pass a resolution ordering the sale of the city's interest in that build-
ing and the Board of Supervisors also discussed the policy of disposing of
the interest of the county to the State. These measures were destined

307

to be postponed for many years, and meanwhile the Council and the
supervisors met in the Old Capitol until the erection of the first city
hall.

With the passing years the city became deeper and deeper involved
in debt, that being the history of most cities in that respect. On
September 30, 1822, the council directed a tax to raise $3,000 with
which to pay the interest on the city debt, and at the same time $6,000
was ordered raised for lighting the streets and for the night watch, and
$8,000 for caring for the poor. The following table shows the condi-
tion of the city's finances at the close of the first quarter of this cen-
tury :

Sinking Fi m>.

City Stock held by Commissioners $6,000 00

Albany Insurance Stock.,.. 2,500 00

Bonds, notes and interest due for lands sold 2,879 67

Cash loaned 4,535 00

" on hand 3,130 88

359 Shares in Great Western Turnpike .' . . . 8,975 00

4(i Shares in Bethlehem Turnpike 1,150 00

Total $29,170

Mayor

Chamberlain

City Superintendent

Superintendent of Alms-house

Overseers of the Poor . .

Police Justice

' ' Constables (2)

Deputy Excise Officer.

City Physician

Clerk of Common Council

Deputy Clerk of Market

Bellringers

;>29,17<> 55

$400 00

450 00

400 00

200 00

450 00

400 00

200 00

550 00

L50 00

Hill mi

Total 13,840 00

Cm Debt.

Funded $205,000 00

Due on bonds to individuals 40,100 00

Small notes unredeemed 10,300 L8

Total $255,400 1"-

Returning for a moment to the year lSls, we find that the Common

308

Council had been authorized by law to fund the city debt, to the amount
of $205,000. On the 14th of April, 1820, a law was passed by the Leg-
islature authorizing the council to sell certain lands belonging to the
city to an amount not exceeding $250,000, on a lottery basis, valuation
being placed on the various lots which were to be the prizes, but the
scheme under this arrangement did not succeed. The council there-
fore, in 1825, applied to the Legislature for permission to sell the lands,
and at the same time for the privilege of raising the remainder of the
fund necessary by selling tickets in a lottery created under the act of
1820, the prizes to be paid out of the proceeds of the sale. This plan
was carried out and called forth much denunciation from individuals
and from the press The New York Evening Post said : ' ' The capital of
the State, with the aid of the Legislature, has become an immense gam-
bling establishment." It is well known that lotteries were favorite insti-
tions in early years for raising money for all sorts of public purposes.
In January, 1814, a law authorized a lottery to raise $200,000 for Union
College, and was favored by Dr. Nott, the distinguished president of
the institution. In May, 1825, the council appointed a committee to
negotiate with Yates & Mclntyre, who had made a proposition to pur-
chase the Albany City Lottery, as the institution was called, for $200,-
000, which arrangement was subsequently carried out, though the pur-
chase price was $240,795, to be paid in five years. The total valua-
tion of the city lands which constituted the basis of this lottery was
$254,385.

For the year ending in October, 1820, the receipts by the chamberlain
were $60,060.19, the expenses $62,004.98. The chamberlain's report
for 1829 showed the gross receipts of the city treasury to be $320,-
878.52, the disbursements, $317,126.15. The heavy expenses of the
year were due in part to the erection of two markets, the beginning of
the City Hall, and large cost of keeping the poor. The population of
the city had now (1830) reached 24,209, having increased to that number
from 12,630 in 1820, and progress was everywhere manifest.

In 1835 the county clerk reported to the Common Council that the
population of the city according to a recent canvass was 13,712 males
and 14,373 females, a total of 28,085, of whom 4,489 were voters.
Erastus Corning was inaugurated mayor of the city on January 1, 1836,
in which year the election of members of the Board of Aldermen took
place in the spring for the first time. Improvements were made that
year in the basin, and the government improved navigation in the river.

309

Of the city debt of more than $250,000 in 1817, there remained now due
only $95,000. The Utica and Schenectady Railroad was nearing com-
pletion and the early opening of an uninterrupted line to Buffalo was
in sight. At this time the Common Council adopted measures to open
a space in the pier between the Columbia and the State street bridges,
and a resolution was also adopted, to allow the Hudson and Mohawk
Railroad to continue its track from Gansevoort street to North Ferry
street.

In 1840 the canvassers reported to the Common Council that the pop-
ulation of the city was 33,627, which number was increased in 1850 to
a little more than 50,000. Previous to 1848 the money raised annually
by tax for the expenses of the city government was usually nearly or
quite exhausted by the 1st of May, in the- temporary loans made in an-
ticipation of the tax levy, a practice which has prevailed in most cities,
but in that year a law was passed by the Legislature doing away with
this method, greatly to the benefit of the city. The reports from 1844
to 1850 inclusive show the following sums of money applicable to the
support of the city government in the years named :

1844.. $19,464.67

1 845 10, 677. 81

1846 _ 6, 797.98

1847.. 793.70

1848 662.:;:.

1849 41,668.78

1850 67,731.34

These figures indicate the great increase in the amounts immediately
available in the last two years, under the operation of the law just
mentioned. The chamberlain's report for 1850 gives the amount of
money received from all sources, inclusive of $41, Mis. ;s which was the
balance on hand, as $695,366.67, and the expenditures, as $627,635.42,
leaving a balance of $67,731.34. The mayor's statement of that year
upon the financial condition of the city has the following:

On the first of May, 1*4S, debt of the city (exclusive of certain loans so amply
secured that they cannot be considered absolute liabilities of the city) amounted to
996.93. Since that date this debt has been reduced $211,764.90; and the exact
amount of the same at this time is $541,132.08.

The assessment rolls in 1849 give the valuation of the taxable prop-
erty of the city as $11,971,263. Such was the condition of the city's
financial affairs in the middle of this century.

310

During this period of growth in municipal affairs, vast changes took
place in other directions. The steamboat came in 1807, to be followed
ere long by the canals and the railroads, all of which were of great
importance to Albany, revolutionizing methods of transportation and
travel, and river commerce was greatly extending, with the greatest
benefit to all industries and trades of the city. Fulton's first steam-
boat, the Clermont, was thus noticed in the Albany Gazette of Sep-
tember 2, 1807:

The north river steamboat will leave Paulus' Hook Ferry on Friday, the 4th of
September, at nine in the morning, and arrive in Albany on Saturday, at nine hi the
afternoon. Provisions, good berths and accommodation are provided.

The through fare was $7. In the Gazette supplement of September
7 appeared the following notice of the first trip of the steamboat to
Albany:

This morning at six o'clock, Mr. Fulton's steamboat left the ferry stairs at Court-
land street dock for Albany. She is to make her passage in 36 hours from the time
of her departure, touching at Newburg, Poughkeepsie, Esopus, and Hudson on the
way. The steamboat arrived at Albany on Saturday afternoon, and this morning
at nine o'clock again departed for New York, with about forty ladies and gentlemen.

The first steamer continued her regular trips, gradually reducing
the time of passage to twenty-eight hours, receiving constantly in-
creasing patronage. Other boats soon followed. The Hudson River
Line was established in 1825, with three boats, and within four years
added three more. The North River Line was established in 1820 and
the Troy Line in 1832. In the next year these three lines were con-
solidated as the Hudson River Association Line, which sailed three
day and three night boats. The People's Line was established in 1S34
in opposition to the day boats of the Hudson River Association, but
was sold in 1835 to the association for $100,000 cash and $10,000 a year
for ten years. The People's Line was revived in 1830 by Daniel Drew,
and within the next twenty- five years bought or built seven or eight
splendid boats, among them the Dean Richmond and the Drew, and
ending with the superb Adirondack of to-day.

By the year 1848 the fleet of sailing vessels on the river had in-
creased to 331 sloops and 284 schooners, and at the end of the suc-
ceeding thirty-seven years (1885) the character and numbers had
changed to to 53 sailing vessels, 113 steam vessels, 175 canal boats,
and SO barges, with a total tonnage of 61,201. The number of canal
boats indicates the importance of the great artificial waterways,

311

which have already been alluded to in detail. Between 1840 and
1850 railroad traffic became an important factor in the general pros-
perity of Albany, bringing hither from the West the immense grain
product for reshipment to New York, and successfully contending
for a large share of the passenger traffic. A great lumber interest
had been created, the receipts of which in the year 1840 reached
1-.' 1,173,383 feet of boards, and 784,310 feet of timber. By 1850
these figures were increased to 425,095,436 feet of boards, and 3,039,-
588 feet of timber. In the year 1840 there were eighty- four saw
mills running in Albany county, though these were only a small factor
in the local lumber business. The iron industry had become large and
the manufacture of stoves, begun in 1808, reached enormous propor-
tions. In 1833 the quantity of iron castings, a large part of which
consisted of stove plates, is given as follows: Howard, Nott & Co.
(manufacturers of the famous Nott stove), 1,000 tons; Bartlett, Bent
& Co., 350 tons; I. & J. Townsend, 300 tons; Rathbone & Silliman,
200 tons; Maney & Ward, 450 tons; a total of 2,300 tons. Besides
this in that year Heermans, Rathbone & Co. sold 750 tons of stove-
plates brought from Philadelphia, and nearly as man}- more were sold
by other firms. The manufacture of brick, begun here in 1708, was
large and at one time reached about 20,000,000 a year. A large brew-
ing interest had grown up which has continued to the present time.
The manufacture of pianos, begun at Albany by James A. Gray in
L825, was successfully continued by himself and with William G.
Boardman, and many other departments of industry were successfully
developed.

The insurance business was begun in Albany in 1811 by the organiza-
tion of the Albany Insurance Company with the following directors:
Elisha Jenkins, Philip S. Van Rensselaer, Isaiah Townsend, Dudley
Walsh, Henry Guest, jr., Charles Z. Piatt, Simeon De Witt, Stephen
Lush, Charles D. Cooper, Thomas Gould. John Woodworth, Peter
Gansevoort, and Christian Miller. The capital stock was $500,000, and
the first president was Isaiah Townsend, an able business man and
good citizen. This old company has continued in successful operation
ever since. The Merchants' Insurance Company was organized in
L824, with a capital stock of $250,000, and having Charles E. Dudley
for its president. The Clinton Insurance Company was organized in
1829, with capita] stock of $300,000. The Firemen's Insurance Com-
pany was incorporated in .April, 1831, with capital stock of $150,000,

312

and with James Stevenson as the first president, while the Mutual In-
surance Company was organized in 1836 and is still in business.

Banking facilities were also extended to meet the demands of increas-
ing business. The Commercial Bank was incorporated in 1823; the
Canal Bank, which failed in 1848, in 1829; the Albany City Bank in
1837 ; the Albany Exchange Bank in 1838. Besides these two savings
institutions were founded, the Albany Savings Bank in 1820 and the
Albany City Savings Institution in 1850.

As the capital of the State and an active business center, Albany has
always attracted a large number of strangers, and is also the tempo-
rary residence for the members of the State government. This fact
will in a measure account for the number and high character of the
hotels of the city, the names of some of which have become familiar
throughout a wide extent of territory. The old American Hotel was
opened in 1838 and for some years had a large patronage. The Delavan
began its long and popular career in 1845 and is still open to the public,
though reduced in its accommodations by fire; the Stanwix was opened
in 1844 and continues to care for hosts of guests, while the Kenmore is
the latest addition.

The principal public improvements and most important proceedings
of the city government during the past forty- five years may now be
briefly summarized. Illuminating gas was first introduced into the city
in 1845 and is now supplied by the Municipal Gaslight Company, which
came into existence by the consolidation of the Albany Gaslight Com-
pany (incorporated in 1841), and the People's Gaslight Company (incor-
porated in 1872). The Fire Department was wholly reorganized in
1848, as described in detail further on, and measures were adopted to-
wards the early development of the sewer system begun in 1854.

The city chamberlain's report for 1860 shows the following figures:

Balance on hand November 1, 1859 § 24,210 31

Receipts for current year. 448,418 58

$472,628 89

Disbursements §423,276 93

On hand November 1, 1860 49,351 96

$472,628 89

Similar statements at the close of each year up to 1870 since the
above date, and for 1880 and 1890, will give the reader a fair knowledge
of the gradually changing financial condition of the city. They are as
follows :

313

Balance on hand November 1 , 1861 $ 40,906 40

Receipts for current year 525,749 14

$566,652 54

Disbursements $463,528 19

On hand November 1, 1862 103,124 35

— ■ $566,652 54

Balance on hand November 1. 1862 _ . $103,124 35

Receipts for current year . . 608,422 86

$711,547 21

Disbursements $607,946 69

On hand November 1, 1863 103,600 52

$711,547 21

Balance on hand November 1, 1863 $103,600 22

Receipts for current year _ . 756,936 82

■ — $863,7:!7 04

Disbursements $796,981 34

On hand November 1, 1864.. 66,555 70

$863,737 04

Balance on hand November 1, 1864 $66,555 70

Receipts for current vear . 905,457 60

$972,013 30

Disbursements $883,210 77

On hand November 1, 1865 88,802 53

8972,013 30

Balance on hand November 1, 1865 $88,802 53

Receipts for current year _ _ 961,026 ?:>

$1,049,829 28

Disbursements. $978,037 71

On hand November 1, 1866 71,791 57

SI, 049, 829 28

Balance on hand November 1, 1867 $78,632 47

Receipts for current year 890,307 19

$968,939 66

Disbursements $871,155 63

On hand November 1, 1868 97,784 03

$968,939 66

Balance on hand November 1, 1868... $97,784 03

Receipts for current year .. $1,367,647 01

$1,465,431 04

Disbursements _ $1,338,109 52

On hand November 1, 1869 127,321 52

$1,465,431 04

Balance on hand November 1, 1869 $127,321 52

Receipts for current year $1,510,538 37

si.i;:!7.s:,!i s !(

Disbursements $1,448,487 36

On hand November 1 , 1870 l S7,:;72 53

$1,637,859 89

Balance on hand November 1, 1871 $366,989 14

Receipts for current year 1,080,323 18

$1,447,812 :!'-'

Disbursements $1,266,410 28

On hand November 1, 1S72 180,902 04

$1,447,812 82

314

Balance on hand November 1, 1879 $84,493 01

Receipts for current year. . -. $1,306,457 41

$1,390,950 42

Disbursements §1,296,665 60

On hand November 1, 1880 94,288 82

$1,390,950 42

Balance on hand November 1, 1889 $665,110 29

Receipts for current vear ..- 81,889,106 50

$2 , 554, 2 1 6 7 9

Disbursements 82,029,942 26

On hand November 1, 1890 524,274 53

$2,554,216 79

Balance on hand November 1, 1894 8685,907 96

Receipts for current year 81,983,496 21

82,669,4114 17

Disbursements _. 82,001,602 46

On hand November 1, 1895 667,801 71

82,669,404 17

For the year closing November 1, 1895, the chamberlain's report shows
that the expense of maintaining- the almshouse was $30,715. 07. There
was paid on Washington and Beaver parks, $64,313.88. The board of
health cost $9, 524. 35; the city hall and city building about $10,000;
the city poor, $12,481.46; the fire department, $111,065.15; hospitals,
$22,490.79; police department, $149,272.85 ; street cleaning, $13,000-
27: and street improvements. $42,503.90.

Horse cars were introduced into Albany in 1863, the first car being
run on June 22, of that year. This improvement was the work of the
Watervliet Turnpike and Railroad Company, which was incorporated
April 16, 1S62, with a capital stock of $240,000. In 1864 the line was
continued to the Albany Cemetery and in 1865 to Green Island. The
Albany Railway Company was incorporated September 14, 1863, with
a capital stock of $100,000. Its first line of track was finished in Feb-
ruary, 1864, extending through State, Washington and Central avenue
to Knox street. This line was extended to West Albany in the follow-
ing year, and other lines were added until the present complete system
was established.

For a number of years the subject of establishing a large public park
in Albany attracted attention and caused much discussion in the public
press and among the people, and in June, 1863, an able paper on the
subject was read before the Common Council. Nothing, however, was
definitely accomplished until 1869, when a law was passed creating a
Board of Park Commissioners for the city and setting apart what was

315

then known as the burial ground property, the old Washington Parade
Ground, the penitentiary ground and the almshouse farm. The Board
of Commissioners comprised John Bridgford, Arthur Bott, George
Dawson, Dudley Olcott, William Cassidy, John Fair, Rufus W. Peck-
ham, jr., Samuel H. Ransom, and John H. Van Antwerp. Plans were
made for improvements on a part of this territory and work began in
L870, under supervision of R. H. Bingham, chief engineer. In the fol-
lowing year the old burial ground was divested of its dead, laid out and
opened to the public as part of the park. Further improvements con-
tinued every year. In 1880 and 1882 additional land was purchased,
including the Knox street property of nine acres, and a tract lying on
Madison and Lake avenues. Washington Park now contains about
eighty-two acres and is one of the most beautiful of its area in the
country.

By an act of the Legislature passed March 16, 1870, the city charter
was largely amended. There had, of course, been many minor changes
in the charter since the city was founded in 108G, but none of very radi-
cal character, and the corporation still retained its original title of The
Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the City of Albany. By the act
referred to this title was abridged to that of the City of Albany. For
the other important amendments the reader is referred to the original
and the present charters, which are accessible in many places in the
city. Still further amendments were made in April, 1883, some of
which were of importance.

As indicated in succeeding pages under separate headings, the history
of Albany during the last half century is a record of continuous ad-
vancement. In the extension and improvement of streets; in beauti-
fying the public parks; in largely adding to the number of its Christian
and benevolent institutions; in building up the public school system
until it is excelled nowhere in the country ; in all the departments of
public works that better the condition of the community at large, and
in the extent and variety of its manufactures, it has more than kept
abreast of its growth in population.

The city of Albany celebrated the two hundredth anniversary of its
existence as a ehartered city in 1880. For some time prior to that the
subject of appropriately observing the day had been considered and

discussed among leading citizens. The matter was definitely brought
up by a resolution offered in the Common Council November It',, L885,

316

by Alderman James B. Lyon, that the celebration of the bi-centennial
be referred to the Committee on Public Celebrations and Entertain-
ments of the council. The city budget of 1886 contained an item of
$10,000 "for celebrating- the bi-centennial of Albany." On December
18, the bi-centennial proclamation was issued by the mayor, A. Bleecker
Banks, and the committee before mentioned, which consisted of Galen
R. Hitt, Patrick McCann, Jeremiah Kieley, James Thornton, and
August Whitman. In response to a call in the proclamation a meeting
of citizens whs held in the council chamber January 6, 1886, where
many local organizations were represented. The proceedings adopted
for the celebration of the centennial in 1786, described on an earlier
page, were read, and a committee of twenty-five citizens was appoint-
ed, with the mayor as chairman, to act in conjunction with the council
committee in carrying out the plans for the celebration. This commit-
tee were A. Bleecker Banks, chairman, Robert Lenox Banks, Lewis
Boss, Anthony N. Brady, Walter Dickson, Franklin M. Danaher, Douw
H. Fonda, Charles E. Jones, Rufus H. King, J. Townsend Lansing,
James H. Manning, Archibald McClure, Edward J. Meegan, John C.
Nott, Michael N. Nolan, Amasa J, Parker, jr., Robert C. Pruyn, John
H. Quinby, Simon W. Rosendale, Samuel B. Towner, William B. Van
Rensselaer, John L. Van Valkenburgh, Daniel W. Wemple, William M.
Whitney, Robert D /Williams, Horace G. Young, John Zimmerman.
Aldermen — Galen R. Hitt, Patrick McCann, Jeremiah Kieley, James
Thornton, August Whitman, John J. Greagan, David J. Norton, George
L. Thomas, James O. Woodward. Robert D. Williams was chosen
recording secretary, and James H. Manning, corresponding secretary
of the committee.

The full account of the proceedings of this committee and of the
celebration itself has been published in a handsome volume of 401
pages, which is in the hands of many citizens of the city and is acces-
sible to all. This fact renders it unnecessary, as it is also entirely im-
practicable, to give more than a very brief outline of the event in
these pages.

The committee above named appointed sub-committees, including
the executive, finance, reception, historical pageant, regatta, military
parade, civic parade, educational day, trades' parade, all nations' day,
fireworks, decorations and monumenting, music, bi-centennial flag and
medal, printing and press committees, with a loan commission, a bureau
of information and accommodation, an auditing board and an advisory

317

committee of 147 members to aid all the others. These committees
met frequently and labored with energy to carry out the elaborate
plans. On March 4, 1886, the executive committee reported that the
celebration should begin on Sunday, July 18, and end on July 23.
Sunday was named as a day of general religious observance, with his-
torical and memorial sermons in the churches ; Monday, educational
da}-, on which the school children were assembled in a public place for
exercises, singing, recitations and addresses, and historic spots were
monumented, with addresses appropriate to the occasion delivered at
each place marked. Tuesday was the day of all nations, devoted to
national sports, exercises and observances, under direction of the Ger-
man, Irish, English. Scotch, French, Italian, Holland and other national
societies ; in the afternoon a regatta, amateur and professional, was
held over the Island course, and a yacht race in front of the city; in the
evening a river parade of illuminated and decorated steamboats, with
music and fireworks. Wednesday was civic da}", and was ushered in
by a national salute of thirty-eight guns; a grand parade of civic
bodies at K) a. m., with a firemen's tournament; in the afternoon there
was a continuation of the regatta, and a canoeing tournament in front
of the city; in the evening a grand historical pageant under colored
fires and electric lights, showing the contrast between past and present,
the growth of two centuries, and placing before the people in living
tableaux the historical events and great men in Albany's history. This
pageant massed, after the parade, in State street at 12 o'clock midnight,
and there amid a blaze of fireworks, ringing of church bells, sounding
of whistles and singing of the national anthem, ushered in the anni-
versary day. Thursday, bi-centennial day, a salute of 200 guns was
given at sunrise, fifty guns being fired in four separate places; a grand
military procession in the morning as escort to orator, poet, guests,
etc., to place of exercises, these exercises consisting of music, invoca-
tion, singing, poems, orations, addresses, etc.; in the evening, fire-
works and municipal reception, Friday, trades and manufacture
parade of all trades' unions, assemblies and Knights of Labor, manu-
facturing and business interests, represented by floats bearing work-
men carrying on their various trades; in the afternoon, grand open air
concert; in the evening singing by Albany societies in the Capitol
Park, with fireworks as a finale.

It can be stated in a general manner that this programme was, in
the main features, carried out in a most successful manner. The van-

318

cms committees arranged plans for the different features of each day's
proceedings and reported frequently to the general committee ; thus
the entire work of preparation moved along harmoniously to its con-
summation. On April 1 it was resolved that the National Association
of Amateur Oarsmen be invited to hold their regetta in Albany during
bi-centennial week, and $1,850 was appropriated to cover the expenses;
this was a substitute for the first proposed regatta.

About the middle of April the committee on the historical pageant
made an elaborate report, which was adopted, and the sum of $10,000
appropriated to carry out its provisions. On April 22 an estimate of
the entire expenses of the celebration placed it at between $35,000 and
$40,000. On the 29th of April, Gov. David B. Hill was appointed ora-
tor, and William H. McElroy, poet of the occasion. On May 6 Mayor
Ranks was succeeded in that office by John Boyd Thacher, and resigned
his chairmanship of the bi-centennial committee; Mr. Thacher was
elected in his place and Mr. Banks was chosen vice-chairman.

During the month of May the work of collecting funds progressed
satisfactorily and a committee of five was appointed to meet with the
committee on celebrations of the Common Council, to appropriate and
distribute the $10,000 given by the city. The sum of $3,000 was ap-
propriated for fireworks; $2,500 for monumenting and decorating;
$1,900 for expenses of the reception committee, and $500 for prelimi-
nary expenses- of the loan exhibition.

On June 10 Walter Dickson, of the committee on monuments and
decoration reported, advising the placing of the following bronze tab-
lets, with appropriate inscriptions, which were given in the report and
which now appear on the tablets in various parts of the city:

No. 1, located 50 feet east of the bend in Broadway, at Steamboat Square. No. '2,
inserted in the exterior surface of the Eagle street wall of the city hall. No. 3, on
the government building fronting State street. No. 4, the first Patroon, placed in
the city hall. No. 5, the Old Dutch church, in the government building adjoining
No. 3. No. 6, Lutheran church, on the South Pearl street face of the city building.
No. 7, First English church, in the wall near the curb, northwest corner of Chapel
and State streets. No. 8, Old St. Mary's, in the wall of the present St. Mary's. No.
9, First Presbyterian church, in the wall of building northeast corner of Grand and
Hudson streets. No. 10, Schuyler Mansion, in front of wall inclosing grounds on
Catherine street. No. 11, Fort Frederick, in sidewalk at the head of State street
on lower edge of Capitol Park. No. 12, Philip Livingston, in Tweddle Building
wall. No. 13, Anneke Janse Bogardus, on front door pier of State street side of
Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank. No. 14, the old Lansing House, in granite block in
front of the present house, corner of Pearl and Columbia streets. No. 15, oldest

319

building in Albany, southeast corner of State and North Pearl street (this building
has since been removed). No. 16, old Elm Tree Corner, on granite block northwest
corner of State and North Pearl streets. No. 17, Vanderheyden Place, in front wall
of Perry Building. No. 18, Lydius Corner, in Pearl street wall on northeast corner
of State and North Pearl streets. No 19, Washington's Visit, in Beaver street wall
northwest corner of Beaver and Green streets. No. 20, First Theater, in front wall
of the original building, the Green street theater. No. 21, First English School-
master, on the High School building. No. 22, Foxenkill, in southern wall of build-
ing northwest corner of Canal and North Pearl streets. No. 23, Beaverkill, in granite
block corner of South Pearl and Arch streets. No. 24, City Gate, in face of north
wall of American Express building, Broadway and Steuben street. No. 25. Manor
House, in granite near the Van Rensselaer business office on Broadwav. No. 20,
Johannes Van Rensselaer, in the wall of the original mansion on the Greenbush
banks. No. 27, Joel Munsell, in gable building 58 and 60 State street. No. 28,
Northwest (late, in budding on North Pearl street, occupied by Johnson & Reillv.
No. 29, Northeast Gate, in granite block in walk in front of the Van Benthuysen
printing office, Broadway. No. 30, First Methodist church, in wall of building cor-
ner of North Pearl and Orange streets. No. 31, Academy Park, in granite block in
the park. No. 32, Washington Avenue, on corner of Capitol Budding. No. 33,
Hamilton Street, on corner building at Hamilton and Pearl streets. No. 34, Dean
Street, in Government Building corner of State and Dean streets. No. 35, State
Street, on old Museum corner. No. 36, James Street, on Farmers' and Mechanics'
Bank. No. 37, Eagle Street, on corner building State and Eagle streets. No. 38,
Exchange Street, on north side of government building. No. 39, Norton street,
north side of Beaver Block. No. 40, Franklin Street, corner of Franklin and Mad-
ison avenue. No. 41, Clinton Avenue, corner of North Pearl street. No. 42. Mon-
roe street, south side of Dutch Reformed Church.

The placing of these historical tablets was one of the most important
and useful features of the celebration.

In June it was determined to eliminate Friday from the programme
of the parade, and the Trades' Parade was transferred to Monday, the
19th of July. June 17 was reported the aceeptance of Rev. William
Crosswell Doane, Bishop of Albany, as chaplain of Bi-Centennial Daw
On the '-24th of June the committee on bi-centennial flag presented a
design, which is described and illustrated in the volume before alluded
to. The committee on medals also presented the design that had been
adopted; the scene represents Governor Dongan seated at lbs desk
with Livingston and Schuyler on his either side, commemorativi
the statement that these two men went to Xew York to receive the
charter from Dongan. ' >n the reverse is the inscription, " In memory
of the two hundredth anniversary of the cityof Albany, X. V., L8S

On July 1 the sum of $2,000 was appropriated for expenses of the
military committee; it was also resolved that all persons subscribing -

320

or more to the All-Nations' Day fund should be entitled to a bi-centen-
nial flag; subscribers of $20 two flags; $50, three flags, and $100, four
flags.

On July 13, Amasa J. Parker, jr., presented a resolution which had
been adopted in a joint meeting of the Senate and Assembly, to the
effect that the senators and members of the then present Legislature
and all previous Legislatures be cordially invited to meet the legis-
lative committee at the Delavan House July 22, to make such arrange-
ments as seemed desirable. The Senate committee were Amasa J.
Parker, jr., J. Sloat Fassett, John Raines, James F. Pierce, and Ed-
mund L. Pitts. The Assembly committee were James W. Huested,
George S. Batcheller, George L. Erwin, Henry D. Hotchkiss, George
W. Lyon, William F. Sheehan, Michael F. Collins, Thomas McCarthy,
George W. Green, and Edward D. Cutler.

A grand stand was erected, a short time before the opening of the
celebration, on the Capitol grounds opposite the City Hall, with a seat-
ing capacity of 2,500.

The celebration opened auspiciously. The elaborate programme as
carried out cannot be followed here, but the principal events were the
opening of the Loan Exhibition July 5, and the reading of a poem on
that day by William D. Morange, and an oration by Leonard Kip; the
reception of the Caughnawaga Indians on July 17; the services appro-
priate to the event in most of the churches on Sunday, the 18th ; the
parade of industrial interests and the children's exercises on the 19th;
the parade of the nations on the 20th, and their review at the Capitol
by high State officials ; the very interesting exercises of Civic Day on
the 21st; the grand military display and the reading of the poem by
William H. McElroy; the legislative reunion, and the delivery of the
oration on Bi-Centennial Day, the22d.

This hasty glance at this great celebration, perhaps the grandest
ever held for a similar purpose in this country, must suffice for these
pages. It was in every way a fitting culmination of the two hundred
years of the city's history.

Mayors of Albany. — The first mayor of Albany is named in the Don-
gan charter of July 22, 1686. That charter provided for the annual
appointment of a mayor "upon the feast day of St. Michael, the Arch-
angel." By virtue of his office the mayor was also commander of the
militia of the county, and possessed the authority of a justice of the

EDWARD DE L. PALMER.

321

peace, coroner, commissioner of excise, and clerk of the market.
Twenty-six mayors were thus appointed under the Colonial govern-
ment, down to the English accession ; among them were five members
of the Schuyler family, three of the Bleecker family, and three of the
Cuyler family. Following the Declaration of Independence the may-
ors of Albany were for a period appointed by the governor; later and
down to and including 1830 they were chosen by the Common Council.
In 1840 and since they have been elected by the people.

The first mayor was Peter Schuyler, with whose eminent career the reader must
now be comparatively familiar. He filled the office with dignity and ability ; exer-
cised a powerful influence over the neighboring Indians, and for some years held the
office of Indian Commissioner.

The second Mayor was John Abeel, appointed October 14, 1694, who also served
another term, 1709-10. He was recorder in 1702 and held several other local offices.
He died January 28, 1711.

Evert Bancker, mayor 1695-96 and 1707-09, was born January 24, 1665. He was a
merchant of Beverwyck and held several offices, among them master in chancery,
Indian commissioner, and member of assembly. (See civil list.) He was buried
July 10, 1734.

Dirck Wessels, mayor 1696-98, was also the first recorder under the charter of
1686. He was a prominent fur trader, held the rank of major in the militia and was
conspicuous in public affairs. He died September 13, 1717.

Hendric Hansen, 1698-99, held the office of alderman, commissioner of Indian
affairs, and assemblyman. He was buried February 19, 1724. Nicholas Hansen, the
last male representative of this family, died in 1869.

Peter Van Brugh, son of Johannes Pieterse Verbrugge, a leading Holland trader,
was mayor 1699-1700 and in 1721-23. He resided on State street, on the north side,
west of Pearl. He was buried July 20, 1740.

Jans Janse Bleecker, mayor 1700-01, was a blacksmith and later a trader, and also
held the offices of recorder, justice of the peace and member of the Provincial As-
scmoly.

Johannes Bleecker, 1702-03, was brewer and a captain in the militia; was buried
January 12, 1737.

Johannes Schuyler, 1703-06, was the son of Philip Peter Schuyler and brother of
. the first mayor. He was attached to the army of General Winthrop in 1691
as captain, and exhibited great bravery and energy in border warfare. He took an
active part in several important military movements; was alderman several years,
Indian commissioner, in 1705. He died at his home, corner of State and I 'earl
streets, July 25, 1727.

David Schuyler, 1706-07, one of the five sons of David (brother of Philip Peter),
also held the offices of alderman, justice of the peace, and Indian commissioner. He
was twice married and had seven children.

Robert Livingston, 1710 -19, was the first settler of that name in the province from
whom were descended many eminent men. The family is of Scotch descent and
espoused the cause of the patriots in the Revolution. Robert was secretary of Al-
41

322

bany nearly fifty years, 1675-1721, and held other offices. His house stood on the
northwest corner of State and North Pearl streets. He died April 20, 1725.

Myndert Schuyler, 1719-21 and 1723-25. was son of David Pieterse Schuyler, and
also held the office of alderman and other public positions. He was sent in 1720 into
the Seneca country where he succeeded in dissuading the Senecas from further war
upon the Western Indians. He acted as Indian commissioner with signal ability.
He died October 10, 1755.

Johannes Cuyler, 1725-6, son of Hendrick, was a trader and settled in Albany in
1637.

Rutger Bleecker, 1726-9, held also the office of recorder in 1725. He was buried
in the old church August 5, 1756.

Johannes De Peyster, 1729-31 and 1732-3, and 1741-2, was son of Johannes, who
was mayor of New York, and grandson of Johannes, one of the wealthiest and most
influential citizens of that city, who was the founder of the family in this country, which
was of Huguenot origin. The Albany mayor also held the offices of Indian commis-
sioner, member of assembly and was the first surrogate of the county. He died
February 26, 1789.

Hans Hansen, 1731-2, and 1754-6, was a successful trader. He died December 6,
1756.

Edward Holland, 1733-40, was the first man of English descent to hold the office of
mayor. His father, Henry Holland, was in command of the Albany garrison in
1632.

John Schuyler, jr., 1740-41, second son of Mayor John Schuyler, was born in 1697.
One of his nine children was Major-Gen. Schuyler, of Revolutionary fame. .

Cornelius Cuyler, 1742-46, was father of Col. Abraham C. Cuyler, who was mayor
at a later date.

Dirck Ten Broeck was mayor 174G-48. He died in January, 1751.

Jacob C. Ten Eyck, 1748-50, was also a judge of the Court of Common Pleas; he
died September 9, 1793.

Robert Sanders, 1750-54, was a leading merchant and died, probably, in 1795.

Sybrant G. Van Schaick, 1756-61, was a son of Goosen Van Schaick, who was
prominent in the army.

Volkert P. Douw, 1761-70, one of the nine children of Petrus Douw, was born in
Greenbush and married a daughter of John De Peyster, by whom he had ten chil-
pren, among whom was Gen. John De Peyster Douw, a distinguished officer. Dur-
ing Mr. Douw's mayoralty grave responsibilities devolved upon him, but he proved
himself equal to the emergency and conducted public affairs with ability. He was a
jddge of the Common Pleas, 1759-70; recorder, 1750-60; member of assembly, 1757-59;
member of the first Congress, 1775; State senator, etc. He died March 20, 1801.

Abraham C. Cuyler, 1770-78, was the last mayor to serve under royal commission.
He became an open royalist and finally went to Canada, where he died February 5,
1810.

John Barclay, 1778-9, was the first mayor under the State government. He was
president of the Committee of Safety and Correspondence, organized in 1774, and a
man of high character. He died while in office in 1779.

Abraham Ten Broeck, 1779-83 and 1796-99, son of Mayor Dirck Ten Broeck, was
a merchant, and a man prominent iu public life ; was a member of the Colonial As-

323

sembly 1760-65 ; member of the Provincial Congress in 1775, and ranked high as a
militia officer in Revolutionary times. After the war he was State senator, 1780-83,
and judge of the Court of Common Pleas, 1781-94.

John Jacob Beekman, was mayor 1783-86, and died December 17, 1802.

John Lansing, jr., 1786-90; was delegate to the convention that framed the
United States Constitution, and a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1788.
While in New York and about to start for Albany he suddenly disappeared Decem-
ber 12, 1829, and was never after heard from.

Abraham Yates, jr., 1790-96, was one of the Committee of Safety, president of the
Provincial Congress 1775-6, and an active patriot. He died June 30, 1796.

Phillip S. Van Rensselaer, 1796-1816 and 1819-21, had the longest term of any
Albany mayor. He was a son of Stephen Van Rensselaer,

Elisha Jenkins, 1816-19, was the son of Thomas Jenkins, and was also member
of assembly, State senator, and secretary of state, the latter in 1806-09, comptroller
1805-06, and a Regent of the University.

Charles E. Dudley, 1821-24 and 1828-29; settled in Albany in 1819 and engaged in
mercantile pursuits. He was State senator 1823-25; U. S. senator 1829-31. He
died January 23, 1841. His widow was the founder of Dudley Observatory.

Ambrose Spencer, 1824-26, was a graduate of Harvard and an LL. D., studied
law and early in life was called to public office. He was attorney-general 1802-04,
at which time he settled in Albany, coming from Hudson. He was also a justice of
the Supreme Court 1804, and chief justice 1819-23, and a member of congress 1829-
81. He held other local offices and was eminent in his profession. He died .March
13, 1848.

James Stevenson, 1826-28, was long a prosperous and active citizen. He died
July 3, 1852.

John Townsend was mayor in 1829-31 and in 1832-33. He was a brother of Isaiah
Townsend and for a long time his partner in their extensive business operations.
Isaiah settled in Albany in 1799 and John in 1802. The firm of John & Isaiah
Townsend was formed in 1804 and continued until the death of Isaiah in 1838. The
business consisted largely of the purchase and sale of iron, but they also had an
interest in the Troy Nail and Iron factory, in a furnace and machine shop in Albany,
and in other large industries. John was a counselor of De Witt Clinton in the Erie
Canal enterprise; was the founder of the insurance business in Albany; prominent
in the banking business, and in all ways a leading citizen. He died August 26,
I B5 1

Francis Bloodgood, 1833-34, son of Abraham Bloodgood, who was a merchant in
West India trade. He was a graduate of Yale, and studied and practiced law; was
clerk of the Supreme Court, a director and president of the State Bank, and presi-
dent of the Albany Insurance Company. He was a man of high character and
ability. He died March 5, 1840.

Erastus Corning, 1834-37, was born in Norwich, Conn., December 14, 1794, and
died April 8, 1872. During his long life he was one of the leading business men of
Albany and one of its foremost citizens. Beginning in a humble position in the
store of Hart & Smith, he later became confidential clerk for John A. Spent
Co., in which firm he soon became a partner. He remained in the hardware trade
for nearly half a century, with different persons as partners, among them his son,

324

Erastus Corning, jr. He was a leader in establishing the early railroads of the
State, the importance of which he clearly foresaw, and was chosen president of the
New York Central when the consolidation of several lines was effected in 1854. He
occupied similar responsible positions in various other great corporations. In official
life he was alderman in 1828: a Regent of the University; State senator, 1841; dele-
gate to the Democratic national conventions of 1848 and 1852; member of congress
1857-59, and two later terms, and a member of the Constitutional Convention of
1867. In all of these high stations he acquitted himself with signal ability. He was
benevolent and generous with the large fortune which he had accumulated, giving
largely to many of the most useful institutions in the city. Endowed with a high
degree of public spirit, he was ever ready to devote his powerful influence to the ad-
vancement of every good work.

Teunis Van Vechten, 1837-39 and 1841-42, was born November 4, 1785, and died
February 4, 1859. He bore the same given name as his father and grandfather,
both of whom lived in the county, his father having been a merchant in Albany in
1805, on the corner of Broadway and Maiden Lane ; later he was admitted to the
bar and was counsel for the old Patroon and his son Stephen. The mayor was for
many years a director and president of the Albany Insurance Company, and was
alderman for several terms.

Jared L. Rathbone, 1839-41, was the first mayor elected by popular vote. He was
a trustee and president of the Albany Medical College, and was prominently con-
nected with the educational, industrial and benevolent interests of the city. He
died in 1845.

Barent P. Staats, 1842-43, was a member of one of the oldest Holland families in
the State. He was born in Rensselaer county in 1796 and died in 1871. He was a
practicing physician in Albany for about fifty years and was eminent in his profes-
sion. He also held the offices of supervisor and alderman.

Friend Humphrey, 1843-45 and 1849-50, was born in Simsbury in 1787 and settled
in Albany in 1811. He was a successful leather dealer and prominent in educational
and religious work. He died March 15, 1854.

John Keyes Paige, 1845-46, was an attorney and clerk of the Supreme Court for
nineteen years before he was elected mayor, and was also president of the Canal
Bank, which failed. He afterwards resided in Schenectady, where he died Decem-
ber 10, 1857.

William Parmalee, 1846-48 and 1854-56, was a native of Lansingburgh, born in
1807, and graduated from Yale in 1826 ; practiced law in Albany ; was city attorney
in 1836; county judge in 1839 and 1847-52; and recorder 1840-46. He died during
his term as mayor, March 15, 1856.

John Taylor, 1848-49, was born in Durham, England, in March, 1790, died in Al-
bany September 31, 1863. He came to Albany in 1793 with his father, whom he
joined in the tallow chandler business. Later he was very successful as a brewer,
and gained great wealth and popularity through his generosity to the poor.

Franklin Townsend, son of Isaiah Townsend, 1850-51, took charge of the Townsend
furnace and machine shop while yet a boy. He served also as alderman and super-
visor, member of assembly and for nine years as adjutant general of the State ; he
was prominent also in the banking business. General Townsend now resides on Elk
street.

325

Eli Perry, 1851-54, 1856-60 and 1862-64, held also the office of alderman and
served one term in Congress. He accumulated a fortune in the meat packing busi-
ness, which he greatly increased by judicious real estate investments. His term as
mayor included most of the war period, during which his duties were arduous and
of great responsibility. These he performed with rare energy and ability and for
many years he was among the foremost citizens of the city. His second election
was contested by John V. P. Ouackenbush and the case was taken to the courts,
Recorder W. S. Paddock acting in the mean time. The case was never tried, Mr.
Paddock serving the term, and Mr. Perry and Dr. Ouackenbush both receiving the
full salary of mayor. Mr. Perry was born December 25, 1799, and died May 17,
1881.

George H. Thacher, 1860-62, 1866-68 and 1870-74, was descended from Rev.
Thomas Thacher, a Puritan and first pastor of the old South Congregational church
of Boston. He was born in Hornellsville, June 4, 1818, and settled in Albany in
1848, where he was successful in the manufacture of stoves, and later of car wheels
and other foundry products. He was a man of indomitable energy, active, public
spirited and ready at all times to co-operate in every enterprise that promised to be
for the public good. The present mayor, John Boyd Thacher, is a son of George
H. Thacher.

Charles E. Bleecker was mayor 1868-70.

Edmund L. Judson, 1874-76, is the grandson of Nathaniel Judson, one of the New-
England immigrants who came to Albany in 1796, and son of Ichabod L. Judson,
who was a prominent Albany business man. He was born November 30, is:i(), and
succeeded to his father's business. He was alderman 1862-66.

A. Bleecker Banks, 1876-78 and 1884-86, is a native of New York city and a mem-
ber of the law publishing house of Banks Brothers. He represented Albany county
in the Assembly in 1862 and in the State Senate in 1868-71, was a member of the
Constitutional Convention of 1894 and has held numerous offices of trust and honor,
both of a public and private nature.

Michael N. Nolan, 1878-83, a native of Ireland, was member of congress 1881-83,
is president of the Beverwyck Brewing Company, and a man of rare business
sagacity.

John Swinburne was mayor 1883-84. The contest for the office of mayor in 1882
was a very exciting one between Mr. Nolan and Dr. Swinburne and Nolan was de-
clared elected by a small majority, The case was taken to the courts and Nolan
resigned after filling the office about fifteen months and Dr. Swinburne was seated
June 25, 1883. Dr. Swinburne was one of the leading physicians of the city. (See
chapter on the medical profession herein.)

John Boyd Thacher, 1886-88 and 1896 , is a son of George H. Thacher and a

prominent citizen of Albany. Mr. Thacher has held many offices both of a public
and private nature, notably state senator, 1884-86, world's fair commissioner,
L892 98. He still continues with his brother, i'ieorge H. Thacher, the car wheel
foundry established by their father.

Edward A. Maher was mayor 1888-90. Mr. Maher was formerly manager of the
Albany Illuminating Company, and is now president of the Union Railway Company
of New York city.

James II. Manning, 1890 94, is the son of Daniel Manning, the distinguished

326

nalist and politician, of whom a sketch is given in the chapter devoted to the news-
papers of Albany county. James H. Manning received a liberal education and subse-
quently occupied the post of managing editor of the Argus, and is now president of
the Weed-Parsons Printing Company.

Oren E. Wilson was mayor May 1, 1894, January 1, 1896, being the candidate of
the Honest Election party. Mr. Wilson was at the time of his election associated
with the large dry goods house of W. M. Whitney & Co., but is now in the insurance
business.

Schools of Albany.

The reader of Chapter XV has learned something of educational
affairs at large and as they existed in Albany county in early years.
It is there made clear that the education of the young in Albany city
was much neglected prior to the beginning of the present century.
Elkanah Watson has left a record that the schools of Albany in 1788
were mostly taught in the English language; but how many there
were or what their character he did not state. In 1796 the Com-
.mon Council passed an ordinance for the establishment of free schools ;
but it was many long years before anything of a practical nature was
accomplished. The Albany Gazette of November 26, 1804, has an item
of news regarding a school that was taught in a building erected through
contributions for the benefit of helpless female children, where twenty-
three pupils were instructed by a matron in reading, writing, and plain
work. Munsell's Annals of 1810 note the fact that there were no pub-
lic schools in the city at that time, and the corporation was then con-
sidering the project of starting the Lancasterian school, which "is de-
scribed in Chapter XV. In 1813 the record shows that the following
schools were in existence in the city:

Widow Catherine Goheen, 1 Liberty; Widow Esther Bedford, 119 Washington;
Catherine Peck, 39 Hudson; Widow Martha Wilson, 39 Steuben; Miss Brenton, US
State; Catherine B. Thompson, Young Ladies' School, 38Colonie: Sarah McGeorge,
Young Ladies' Seminary, 66 Market ; Mrs. Smith, School, 13 Washington ; John
Nugent, Young Ladies' Seminary, 81 Pearl ; and the following male teachers: Thomas
D. Huggins, 43 and 45 Pearl; John Keys, 57 Church ; Joshua Tinker, 16 Deer; George
Upfold, 8 Van Tromp; William Andruss, 19 Pearl; Robert O. K. Bennet, 67 Pearl;
James W. Blacket, 70 Hudson; John Brainard, 35 Chapel; Joseph Caldwell, 25 Steu-
ben ; Thomas Ennis, 48 Beaver.

Between 1830 and 1865 the schools of Albany do not seem to have
advanced in proportion to the growth and intelligence of the city,
though the causes for this condition maybe difficult to determine. The
first important step towards the founding of the free school system in

327

Albany was taken in 1830 when, on April 17, an act was passed by the
Legislature providing for the annual election of a Board of School Com-
missioners and a Board of School Inspectors, one commissioner and
one inspector to be chosen from each ward. This action divided the
city into nine districts for common schools. The commissioners had
power to appoint three trustees for each school district, and to appor-
tion the money received from the State on the basis of the number of
scholars of school age, and they prescribed the rate of tuition so as not
to exceed two dollars a quarter for each scholar. Under this law the
Board of Supervisors was directed to cause a sum of money to be raised
and paid to the chamberlain of the city for the support of the common
schools of the city. The schools east of Perry street were to be taught
nine months of each year, and those west of that street, four months,
in order to enable them to draw this public money. This was the old
free school system. The several boards of trustees were at that period
compelled to supply the necessary rooms for school purposes for which
no provision had been made by the city authorities. The school in the
first district was kept in a building which had formerly been a stable;
in the ninth district the cellar of the old Universalist church on Herki-
mer street was used for a time and afterwards the basement of a church
on Westerlo street. In district No. 8 the school was taught for some
years in the lecture room of St. Peter's church, while another school
occupied the upper part of the engine house on William street. The
other schools were most of them located in equally undesirable quar-
ters.

In 1832 the first school building, excepting the Lancaster school, was
erected by the trustees of district No. 2. at a cost of $22,000; being
three stories high, and containing four large school rooms, two halls, and
a room for an engine company. It stood at 218 State street, and was
Bold in 1884, when the present building on Chestnut street, known as
No. 2, was erected at a cost of about $37,000. George H. Benjamin is
the present principal of this school, and has twelve teachers under him.

In the year 1838, after the Lancaster school had been abolished, a
new impulse was given to educational affairs in Albany by the erection
of eight new school buildings, as follows: No. 1, 310 South Pearlstreet,
three stories, 312 seats, cost $13,000. No. 3. at 7 Van Tromp street,
three stories, 200 seats, cost $13,000, sold in L882. No. 1, at :>:. Union
street, three stories, 206 seats, cost $11,000, sold in L882. X". :>. at 172
North Pearl street, three stories, 29G seats, cost $13,000, sold in 1882,

328

and the present building erected.* No. 7, at 56 Canal street, three sto-
ries, 300 seats, cost $11,000. No. 8, at 157 Madison avenue; three sto-
ries, 338 seats, cost $17,000; rebuilt in brick in 1880, with 448 seats at
a cost of $25,000. No. 9, corner of South Ferry and Dallius streets,
three stories, 210 seats, cost $12,000. No. 10, at 182 Washington ave-
nue, three stories, 312 seats. No. 18, formerly at No. 6, and located
at the junction of Madison and Western avenues, originally one story,
a second added in 1870, cost originally $7,000. The change in the
number of this district was caused by alteration of the city school limits,
leaving that school out of the jurisdiction of the Board of Education
and placing it under control of the trustees west of Perry street;
thereupon the school on Second street (Arbor Hill) in 1840, took the
number 6.

The sum of money thus expended in 1838 for school buildings was
about $110,000, affording accommodations, with those of the buildings
erected in 1832, for 2,783 scholars; but at that time there were at least
7,000 children of school age in the city. While very many of these
attended private schools (as they were forced to do in order to obtain
education), the utter inadequacy of school facilities in the city at that
time is apparent. Nothing further was done until 1840, when the
old school No. 6 was erected at 105 Second street.

In 1844 a law was passed authorizing the creation of the Board of
Education, to be elected by the people and to take the place of the
former Board of Commissioners and trustees. In 1854 school No. 24
(formerly No. 11), at 417 Madison avenue, was erected. It was en-
larged in 1868, and on completion of the Grammar School adjoining
the number was changed, the latter school taking the old number and
No. 24 going to the old building. The present school No. ^24 was
erected in 1893 on Delaware Square, near the corner of Delaware and
Madison avenues, at a cost of $47,000; it seats 700 and is under charge
of Jennie A. Utter, principal.

In 1850 School No. 12, corner of Washington avenue and Robin street,
was erected as it stands at present, at a cost of about $75,000; it seats
1,000 and is under E. E. Packer, principal.

At this time there were thirteen public schools in the city, besides
academies, while there were seventy private schools, some of which were
excellent, while many were inferior and insignificant. In the year 1856
there were registered 6,813 scholars in the public schools, which was

329

nearly double the number for which there were proper accommoda-
tions; at the same time 5,292 attended private schools. This condition
called out in the report of the Board of Education for 1857 a statement
that the public schools were wholly inadequate and led to the erection
of several new structures. School No. 16, 201 Hudson avenue (the
Wilberforce school for colored children), was opened in 1858, with ac-
commodations for 143 scholars; it ceased its existence as a distinctive
colored school in 1874 and was sold in 1883. During the period of
1850-58 the school buildings from No. 1 to 10 inclusive, excepting No.
0, were enlarged and improved by the addition of another story or more
recitation rooms. In 1858 the Common Council purchased the old State
Arsenal, corner of Broadway and Lawrence street,- for $10,800, and re-
modeled it into a school building for 594 scholars, at a cost of $7,300.
This is now No. 13. The arsenal was erected in 1799. A. Elizabeth
McCarthy is principal.

School No. 14, at No. 70 Trinity Place, was built in 1801 substan-
tially as it at present stands, at a cost of $$5,000. This was the last
school building erected under the supervision of the old Board of Edu-
cation. James L. Bothwell, A.M., is principal of this school, which
seats 804.

By act of the Legislature, passed in 1800, the Board of Education was
given the title of the Board of Public Instruction. The new board took
charge of the schools and under its subsequent supervision the school
system of the city has been developed to its present magnificent propor-
tions. At that time the value of the school property was estimated at
$187,000, while the annual expense of maintaining the schools was
about $09,000. The new board was confronted by the same conditions
that had surrounded their predecessors — the great lack of school ac-
commodations. Moreover, there existed at that time a feeling ol
serious opposition among the people to the expenditure of much money
for public improvements, while the condition of the currency and of
business generally was unsettled through the effects of the war. The
need of a higher department of education in which more advanced
studies could be pursued was imperative, and led to an effort to estab-
lish a free academy. A majority of the board and many progressive
citizens favored this plan, and on December 11, L866, a bill was pre-
sented to the Legislature for this purpose. The Common Council and
a large body of prominent citizens opposed the measure. Upon a thor-
ough examination of the law of L806 it was discovered that the board
42

330

was amply clothed with authority to establish such an academy, with-
out further legislation, and measures were promptly adopted to carry
out the plan. The board leased Van Vechten Hall on State street,
where the Normal School had formerly been held. The Free Academy
was opened in September, 1868, with Prof. John E. Bradley, principal,
and 141 pupils. The other teachers were Charles W. Cole, A.M. (now
superintendent of schools of the city), Samuel B. Howe, A.M., Mary
Morgan, and Rebecca I. Hindman. Soon afterward Mr. Howe re-
signed and Charles A. Home, A. M., was chosen in his place. The
hall was soon found inadequate for the attendance and other rooms
connected with the premises were engaged and occupied. In 1870 the
rooms over the Harris livery stable on Maiden Lane were fitted up, anc
in 1873 those in the second story, formerly a part of a carpet store, wen
adapted to school purposes. The academy prospered and was placet
under visitation of the Regents of the University in 1873, at whicl
time its name was changed to the Albany High School. In 1873 then
were 130 academic scholars in the High School; this number gradually
increased until 1896, the report of which year shows that there were 800.
The High School was continued in Van Vechten Hall until 1876, when
the western part of the present splendid structure was erected. It has
a front on Eagle street of eighty seven feet, 135 feet on Steuben street,
120 feet on Columbia street, and ninety-two feet in rear. The cost
of the building with the addition erected in 1893 was $185,000. John
Edwin Bradley was chosen as principal of the High School and was
succeeded in 1886 by the present incumbent, Oscar D. Robinson, A.M.,
Ph. D. The following table shows the enrollment in the High School
from its establishment to 1896:

Year.
1868-69..

Whole

number of

pupils.

141

Increase.

Decrease.

Year.

1882-83.

Whole

number of

pupils.

591

Increase.

Decrease

1869-70..

209

1883-84.

607

1870-71 . .

279

1884-85.

608

1871-72..

314

1885-86.

622

1872-73..

328

1886-87.

623

1873-74..

.... 362

1887-88.

646

1874-75 . .

429

1888-89.

646

1875-76..

494

1889-90.

698

1876-77 . .

532

1890-91 .

758

1877-78..

580

1891-92.

765

1878-79..

581

1892-93.

794

1879-80...

595

1893-94.

..773

1880-81..

583

1894-95 .

..812

1881-82..

584

1895-96 .

800

331

The number of "Academic scholars" — that is, those holding Re-
gents' preliminary certificates — in the institution each year since it was
received under the visitation of the Regents, has been as follows:

1872-73 130 1884-85. 527

1873-74 250 1885-86 531

1874-75 320 1886-87 534

1875-76 348 1887-88 512

1876-77 401 1888-89... 562

1877-78 447 1889-90.... 629

1878-79 455 1890-91 672

1879-80... 501 1891-92 643

1880-81 466 1892-93 643

1881-82 471 1893-94 643

1882-83 473 1894-95 728

1883-84 : 491 1895-96 721

The Albany High School occupies an enviable position in the educa-
tional world ; being admittedly in the front rank of the secondary schools
of the country. Its varied and elastic courses of study offer opportu-
nities for choice in lines of work that permit special preparation for all
walks in life, thus meeting the needs of the great majority of its pupils
who must end their scholastic career with the High School, and that also
afford the best facilities for preparation for collegiate and professional
study. Evidently the success of such an institution must largely de-
pend on the organization of the elementary schools from which it draws
its students. The elementary public schools of this city are organized on
a broad and generous plan, in accordance with the best educational
thought of the day, and are equipped with skillful instructors and the
most approved apparatus and material in all grades.

Returning to the other schools of the city, we find that No. 15,
corner of Herkimer and Franklin streets, was erected in 1871, the cost
of the building and lot being $91,000. This was the first school build-
ing erected in the city on modern plans and now seats 040 scholars.
Levi Cass, A. M., is principal.

School No. 17, corner of Second avenue and Stephen street, was
erected in 1856 by the town of Bethlehem. It came within the city
limits in 1870. The present building was erected in I sis and has a
seating capacity of 440. Its cost was $15,000. Martha P>. McFarland
is principal.

The school formerly situated in West Albany, and then known as
No. 1 '.i, was erected by the town of Watervliet, but came within the city

332

limits in 1870, and was abandoned in 1875, and School No. 21, at 666 Clin-
ton avenue was erected to take its place. This building seats 854, and
cost $48,000. P. H. McQuade is principal.

What was formerly school No. 20, on Mohawk street, was erected in
1872, but was sold in 1880, and the present brick two story structure,
corner of North Pearl and North Second streets was erected to take its
place. The building seats 668 and cost $18,000. Ernest A. Corbin,
A. M , is principal.

School No. 22, at 292 Second street, is of brick, two stories and base-
ment, and was erected in 1874 at a cost of $24,000. It seats 440. Mary
A. Simpson is principal.

School No. 25 was erected in 1878, corner of Morton and South Swan
streets, at a cost of $15,000. It is two stories, brick, and seats 440.
Julia Cordell is principal.

School No. 11, at 409 Madison avenue (before mentioned in connec-
tion with No. 24), was erected in 1873 at a cost of $50,000. The build-
ing is of brick, three stories, and seats 640. Lewis H. Rockwell, A.M.,
is principal.

In 1882 school buildings Nos 3 and 5 were sold and the Tabernacle
Baptist church, North Pearl street, was purchased and converted into
a school building, at a cost of about $35,000. It is now known as No.
5, and seats 584. Thomas S. O'Brien is principal.

The present School No. 6, at 105 Second street, was erected in 1893,
at a cost of $50,000. Almond Holland is principal. School No. 7, at
165 Clinton avenue, was erected in 1886; it is of brick, three stories,
and cost $30,000. It seats 600, and C. E. Franklin, A. M., is prin-
cipal. The present School No. 8, at 157 Madison avenue, was erected
in 1881, at a cost of $25,000. It is of brick, two stories, and John E.
Sherwood, A. M., is principal. The present School No. 10, corner of
Central avenue and Perry street, was erected in 1890, at a cost of $37,-
000. It is of brick, two stories, and seats 440. Mary E. Howard is
principal.

The following statement shows the number of schools in the city
and the number of scholars registered in each from 1857 to 1895 in-
clusive:

333

Year.

1857..
1858 . .
1859..
I860..
1861..
1862 . .
1863..
1864..
1865..
1866..
1867..
1868..
1869..
1*70 ..

1871 ..

1872 . .
1873 . .
1874 . .
1875..
L876 _

Number

of
schools.

Registered

number.

Yes

6,529

1877

7,760

1878

7,832

1879

8,395

1880

9,182

1881

9,614

1882

9,507

1883

8,917

1884

8,850

1885

8,924

1886

8,880

1887

9,414

1888

9,665

1889

9,933

1890

10,939

1891

12,060

1892

12,327

1893

12,460

1894

13,773

1895

13,941

1896

Number

of
schools.

'^tered

number .

14, -112

14,024

14,632

14.049

13,976

13,984

13,914

13,708

13,720

13,410

1:3,410

13,580

13,616

14,389

14.412

13,914

13,655

13,491

13,522

13,418

Connected with the city schools is an admirable kindergarten system
which is now under supervision of Frances C. Hayes. There are
eighteen of these schools, all of which are well attended. The follow-
ing table shows their condition for the school year, from September,
1895, to June, 189G:

Schools.
No. 1

Number

of boys

Number

of girls

No. 2 ..

No. 3

No. 4..

No. 5

vr p ( A. M.

No. 6 -

I P. M

No. 7

No. 8

Schools.

No. 10 27

No. 12 32

No. 13 .. 18

No. 15 40

No. 20 44

No. 21.. 29

No. 22 30

No. 24 34

No. 25 in

501

Xumber Number

of boys of girls

regisd ter'd.

20
35

535

The grand proportions of the public school system may be judged
from the present total valuation of the buildings and lots devoted to
public education, namely, $1,030,000.

The Board of Public Instruction was reorganized March Is. L892,
the membership of the body being reduced from twelve to seven in

334

number, and other desirable changes effected. Following is a list of
the officers of the board since its organization in 1866:

Presidents.— *John O. Cole 1 , 1866-1869; George W. Carpenter, 1869-1871;
*Charles P. Easton, 1872; *Addison A. Keys, 1873-1874; *Charles P. Eastern, 1875-
1880; Herman Bendell, 1881-1882; Alden Chester, 1883; *George B. Hoyt, 1884;
Peter J. Flinn, 1885; Oren E. Wilson, 1886; James M. Ruso, 1887; William P. Rndd,
1888; Henry W. Lipman, 1889; Charles H. Gaus, 1890; Michael F. Walsh, 1891;
William L. Learned, 1892.

Superintendents of Schools.— *Henry B. Haswell, 2 1866-1869; ■•John O. Cole,*
1869-1878; Charles W. Cole, A. M., Ph. D., 1878.

Superintendents of Buildings. — *John G. Treadwell, 4 1872-1879; Alexander
Sayles, 1879-1885; *Hugh J. McDonald, 5 1885-1886; Robert Parker, 1886-1887;
John H. Oliver, 1887-1892; Thomas H. Dwyer, 1892.

The following is a list of the members of the Board of Public Instruc-
tion since its organization in 1866 :

When

chosen. Term of service.

1866 *John O. Colef 8 1866-1869

1866 George W. Carpenterf. .1866-1872

1866 Michael Delhantyf 1866-1869

1866*Charles P. Eastonf 1866-1881

1866 *Paul F. Cooperf 1866-1868

1866 John G. Tread wellf 7 ....1866-1872

1866 *Charles Van Benthuysenfl866-1868

L866 -Stewart McKissickf 1866-1868

1866 *James L. Babcockf 1866-1873

1866 ^Bradford R. Woodf 8

1866 *Jacob S. Mosherf ■' 1866-1868

L866 William C. McHargf.... 1866-1873

1866 -Howard Townsend 1 ° -1866

1867 *Porter L. F. Reynolds.. .1867-1870

1868 Joseph Lewi 1868-1880

1868 -Robert H. Waterman 1 *_ 1868-1872

1 868 * Warren S. Kelly 1868-1871

L868 William L. Learned 1868-1869

When

chosen. Term of service.

1869 Barnet B. Sanders 1869-1875

1869 Daniel V. O'Leary 1 -'.... 1869-1 872

1869 William L. Learned 1869-1870

1870 *John Tracy 1 3 1870-1871

1870*Daniel L. Babcock 1870-1876

1871 *Arthur C Quinn 14 -1871

1871 -Alfred Edvvards 15 1871-1872

1872 Daniel V. O'Leary 1872-1874

1872 1 *Thomas Hayes ...1872-1875

1872 »Addison A. Keyes 1872-1875

1872 John McKenna 1872-1873

1872*Charles Senrick 1872-1874

1872 *George B. Hoyt 1872-1886

1873 James J. Franklin 1873-1875

1873 -James H. White 1873-1876

1873*John V. Lansing 1873-1874

1874 *Samuel Templeton 1874-1883

1874 Joseph P. Morrow 1874-1877

* Deceased.

t Appointed by the act creating the Board— the first four named to serve for three years, the
second four for two years and the last four for one year.

i Resigned October 4, 1809, and elected sup- 8 Registered June 1,1800, without taking

erintendent. his seat.

2 Died in office August 10, 1809. •' Resigned June 1, 1868.

s Died in office January 4, 1878. 1 ° Died in office January — , 1867.

4 Resigned March 3, 1879. 1 1 Resigned April 15, 1872.

6 Died in office January 21, 1886 l s Resigned April 15, 1872.

6 Resigned October 4. 1869. * 3 Resigned July 0. 1871.

v Resigned July 1, 1872. i * Died in office September 12, 1871.

1 6 Appointed by the Mayor.

335

When
chosen

1884

1885

Term of service.

Oren E. Wilson 1884-1892

Edward A. Durant, Jr. 9 . 1884-1886

Peter A. Stephens 1884-1888

Francis B. Delehanty. . .1885-1886

Robert G. Scherer 1885-1886

1885 "John Neil, Jr. 10 1885-1886

1885 Edward Phillips _„ 1885-1886

1886 Fred C. Ham.... 1886-1889

1886 William F. Hourigan.... 1886-1 889
1886 *William F. Reddy 1886-1890

1886 William P. Rudd 1886-1892

1876 Charles H. Gaus 1886-1892

1887 •••Cornelius D. Mosher 11 ..1887- 1890

1888 William Reynolds 1888-1891

1888 Michael F. Walsh 1888-1892

1888 James J. Fitzsimmons... 1889-1892

1889 Agnus McD. Shoemaker. 1889-1892

1889 Bowen Staley 1889-1892

1890 Stephen J. Bergen 1890-1892

1890 John L. Goodley 1890-1892

1891 George H. Guardineer.. 1891-1892

When

chosen. Terra of service.

1874 John Kautz... ....1874-1877

1875 Daniel V. O'Leary 1 1875-1877

1875 Peter J. Flinn 1875-1887

1875 *Isaac Edwards 2 .1875-1879

1876 Timothy D. Keleher ...1876-1879
1876 *James Morris 1876-1879

1876 William Morgan 1876-1882

1877 Daniel Casey 1877-1878

1877 Henry W. Lipman 1877-1892

1877 -Charles A. Robertson 3 .. 1877-1880

1878 John H. Lynch 4 1878-1883

1879 John A. McCall' 1879-1885

1879 Linzee T. Morrill 6 1879-1881

1779 Andrew S. Draper 1879-1881

1880 Douw H. Fonda 7 ..1880-1885

1880 Herman Bendell 1880-1886

1881 Alden Chester ..1881-1884

1881 Charles E. Jones 1881-1884

1881 James M. Ruso. 1881-1892

1882 He ny T. Sanford 1882-1885

1883 Robert D. Williams 1883-1889

1883 Edward J. Graham 8 .. ..1883-1885

The following have constituted the Board of Public Instruction since
its reorganization March 18, 1892. Full term of office seven years.

Term of service.

William L. Learned)...... (Appointed for seven years) 1892

Andrew S. Draper 1 - _. (Appointed for six years) 1892-1894

John II. Lynch (Appointed for five years) 1892

Herman Bendell (Appointed for four years) 1892

William J. Maher (Appointed for three years) 1892

Charles H. Gaus 13 (Appointed for two years). 1892-1894

James M. Ruso (Reappointed Jan. 1. 1894) 1892

Howard X. Fuller 1 ' ... (Appointed vice Draper) 1894-1894

Angus McD. Shoemaker 1 -"' (Appointed vice Gaus) 1894

Lewis B. Hall (Appointed vice Fuller) 1894

Harlau P. French (Appointed vice Maher) 1S9C,

* Deceased.

1 All of the first seven date from January i, [893, but actual service begrn March 18,
i Resigned February 81, 1877. '■' Resigned June n. i-v,

- Died in office March 86, 1879 "' Died in office July 87, 1881

1 in office April 1, 1880. • ' Died in office Septemb.

' Resigned July Hi, 1863 i - Resigned April 30, 1894.

•'• Resigned December 1, 1884. I - -1 Resigned May ;, 1894.

• Resigned September 18, 1881 ' ' Resigned October 29, 1894.

i Resigned September 28, 1885. I » Appointed vice Gaus, resigned May :, 1894

- Resigned May 18, 1885. •

336

Religious Institutions.

The first ecclesiastical organization in Albany was the First Re-
formed Dutch church, the society which now worships in the First
Reformed church, corner of North Pearl and Orange streets, and is
one of the two oldest in the country, the other being the Collegiate
Reformed church of New York city. The first minister of this faith
was Rev. Johannes Megapolensis, who was sent over by the Patroon
in 1642. This church was maintained chiefly from the public rev-
enues until after the English accession when, in 1686, one hundred
acres of land were granted it. During more than 140 years the services
were conducted only in Dutch. The first church edifice of this society
was built near Fort Orange on what is now Steamboat Square, and
Church street received its name on account of its proximity to this ed-
ifice. That building was only 34 by 19 feet in size and its cost was
about $32 in the money of to-day. In 1656 a new church was built
near the intersection of the present State street and Broadway, which
was in use until 1715, when a larger edifice was erected. This stood
for ninety-one years, and many engravings of it are in existence. It
was nearly square, the roof sloping to each of the four sides, with a
belfry and spire at the apex. The site of the old church was finally
sold to the city for $5,000, and the materials of the building were used
in erecting the Reformed church in Beaver street. The present First
Reformed church edifice was erected and dedicated in 1799, its outer
appearance remaining much the same as at first. The interior has been
changed materially in 1820, 1850, and 1860. Mr. Megapolensis was
pastor until 1649 when he was succeeded by Gideon Schaets, who served
the church for more than twenty years and was a prominent man in
the community. Pastors since have been:

Revs. William Niewenhuysen, 1675; Godfriedus Dellius, 1683-99; Johannes Petrus
Nucella, 1699-1702; Johannes Lydius, 1703-09; Gualterus Du Bois, 1710; Petrus Van
Driessen, 1712-39; Cornelius Van Schie, 1739-44; Theodoras Frelinghuysen, 1746-60 ;
Eilardus Westerlo, 1760, 90; John A. Livingston, 1776; John Bassett, 1787, 1805;
John B. Johnson, 1796, 1802; John M. Bradford, 1805, 20; William Linn, 1808; John
DeWitt, 1813-15; John Ludlow, 1823-33; Thomas E. Vermilye, 1835-39; Duncan
Kennedy, 1841-55; Ebenezer P. Rogers, 1856-62; Rufus W. Clark, 1862-83; J. Wil-
bur Chapman, 1885. The present pastor is Rev. Edward P. Johnson.

A Second Reformed church was organized and until 1816 formed,
with the one above described,, the First Collegiate Dutch Church of the
City of Albany. When they finally separated into two distinct bodies,

337

two church buildings were in use, the one above described and a sec-
ond one in Beaver street, which was erected very early in the present
century. This was at first known as the South church, and later, when
the third society was formed, as the Middle church. The church prop
erty in Beaver street was subsequently sold to the city for a market
site and the present church edifice was built on Madison avenue, on the
corner of Swan street, in 1881. At the time of the separation the pas-
tors in charge were Revs, John M. Bradford and John De Witt, of whom
the latter became sole pastor of the Second church. Edward G. Selden,
the present pastor, took up his charge in October, 1893.

The Third Reformed church was organized December 19, 1834,
mainly through efforts of Rev. Isaac Ferris, D. D., then pastor of the
Second church. An edifice was at once erected on the north corner of
Green and South Ferry streets, which is still in use, though the interior
has been altered and thoroughly renovated. A two- story chapel has
also been erected. The first pastor was Rev. Edwin Holmes. The
present pastor is Rev. W. N. P. Dailey, who began his labor in May,
1891.

The Fourth Reformed church (German) is situated on Schuyler
street below South Pearl, and was organized in 1855. The first pastor
was Rev. H. F. Schnellendrussler. He remained until 1864, when
he was succeeded by Rev. Jacob Neef. The present pastor is Rev.
Henry Miller.

The First Lutheran church of Albany was formed very early in the
history of the city, the exact date not being known. Lutherans are
mentioned as living here in 1644, and ten years later are spoken of as
strong enough to support their own church, though receiving much
opposition in early years from the Reformed church element. There
was certainly a congregation in Albany in 1656. In the next year Rev.
John Ernest Goetwater came over to serve two congregations, one at
New Amsterdam and one at Beverwyck, but he was made to return by
the same ship. In 1660 a subscription was made for the support of a
clergyman of their own, and in 1664 it is known that a permanent or-
ganization was in existence. The first church edifice was built on Pearl
street between what is now Howard street and Beaver street, facing
Pearl, which was standing in L674. It is not known just how long it
was used, but in the Annals we read that in 1795 "there is in Albany
a Dutch Lutheran Church of a Gothic and very peculiar shape." This
43

338

may have been the second edifice and in it in 1786 was organized the
second synod in America. The edifice preceding the present one was
erected on that site during the pastorate of Rev. F. G. Mayer in 1816,
and cost $25,000. Among the early pas f ors of this congregation were
Rev. Jacob Fabritius, the first. In 1671 Rev. Bernardus Arensius as-
sumed the place. In 1703 Rev. Justus Falckner preached here, and at
his death in 1723 Rev. William Christopher Berkenmeyer assumed the
pastorate. From that time until 1806 Revs. Michael Christian Knoll,
Henry Moeller, Mr. Schwerdfeger, A. T. Braun, Mr. Groetz, and John
Frederick Ernst occupied the pulpit. Since that date the pastors have
been Revs. F. G. Mayer, who served thirty-seven years from 1807;
Henry N. Pohlman, twenty three years; S. P. Sprecher, I. Magee, and
the present pastor. The present edifice was erected in 1871 at a cost
of $85,000.

The congregation of the Lutheran Tabernacle was organized pn Jan-
uary 1, 1893, and have purchased a lot on Clinton avenue, where a
church edifice will be erected in the near future. John G. Henry is
the pastor, having been installed in September, 1892.

Besides these Lutheran societies, the Germans of Albany have six con-
gregations of the Evangelical Lutheran denomination. The Church of
the Evangelical Association was incorporated in 1817 and the first
house of worship was erected on Grand street. The second one stood
on the corner of Clinton and Nucella streets. The present church, on
the north side of Elm street between Grand and Philip streets, was
built in 186!). The first pastor was Rev. John Wagner; the present
one, Rev. P. C. Braunschweiger.

St. Matthew's German Evangelical Lutheran church was organized
in L854 under the pastoral charge of Rev. William A. Frey, who is still
in charge of the congregation. The church edifice is situated on
Fourth avenue, corner of Franklin street.

St. Paul's Evangelical church, Western avenue, was organized by
the separation from the First Lutheran church of a part of the mem-
bership, under the pastorate of G. Fr. Stutz, who still occupies the
pulpit. The church edifice was erected and first occupied in 1872, the
congregation having worshiped prior to that year in the building now
used by the Albany Law School.

St. John's Evangelical church, Central avenue, was organized in
1857, and the church edifice was erected in 1859. The first pastor was
Rev. Ernest Hoffman who labored with the church nearly thirty years.
The present pastor is Rev. Bernard Pick.

339

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran church, 58 Alexander street, was
erected soon after the organization of the society. The building has
since been extended ten feet in rear and greatly improved in the in-
terior. A new parsonage was built in 1894. Rev. John Flierel is the
present pastor.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer was organized
in 1888, and the church edifice was erected soon after; it is situated on
Lake avenue near Western avenue. Rev. John C. Seegers, the pres-
ent pastor, began his charge over the congregation in March, 1895.

Churches of the Episcopal denomination are among the oldest in Al-
bany. In 1G75 Rev. Nicolaus Van Rensselaer, son of Killian Van Rens-
selaer, the Patroon, was a contemporary of Rev. Gideon Schaets (before
mentioned), then pastor of the Reformed church. Mr. Van Rensselaer
had received holy orders in the Church of England, on which account
serious differences arose between him and his collegue. The matter was
taken to the Governor and Council and there decided in Mr. Van Rensse-
laer's favor. He remained in Albany until his death in 1G78. Episcopal
chaplains at Fort Amsterdam occasionally visited Albany and held
services for the benefit of the few English families and the English gar-
rison in Fort Frederick, which stood on the site of St. Peter's church
until 1704, when Rev. Thoroughgood Moore was sent by the English
vSociety for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, on mission
work to the Mohawk Indians. He remained in Albany one year, but
without making much progress in converting the natives, and held
regular services in Fort Frederick. In 1702 Rev. John Talbot spent a
few weeks in Albany and held divine service. In 1708 Rev. Thomas
Barclay, who was chaplain at Fort Frederick, organized a parish and
held services six years in the Lutheran chapel, which stood on the site
of the old City Building, corner of South Pearl and Beaver streets. On
October 21, 1714, a piece of ground in the middle of what is now State
street, next below Fort Frederick, was granted by the English crown
for an English church and burial ground. The Common Council re-
monstrated against the erection of a church edifice there, but without
effect, and the building was opened for services in November, 1716.
It was built of blue stone and was 58 by 42 feet in size. Mr. Barclay
continued his unselfish labor in Albany and Schenectady, and among
the Indians until 1721, when his pay of ^50 a year was withdrawn by
the English society before named. The parish in Albany was named

340

St. Peter's, and in 1727 Rev. John Miln assumed charge of the church,
and about the same time a parish school was opened under John Beas-
ley's teaching, which was conducted many years. In 1738 Rev. Henry
Barclay, son of the first rector, and a native of Albany, who had been
laboring among the Mohawks, succeeded his father as rector of St. Pe-
ter's. He remained until 1740, when he accepted the rectorship of
Trinity church in New York, where he died in 1764. In 1750 Rev.
John Ogilvie was called to St. Peter's. When, in 1758, the French and
Indian war had somewhat scattered his congregation, he became a
chaplain in the army going on General Amherst's expedition and on that
of Sir William Johnson in the next year, 1759. Resigning in December,
1760, he still remained with the army until 1764, and died ten years
later in New York. In 1751 the tower of St. Peter's was erected and a
clock and bell placed therein, both of which were brought from Eng-
land. Rev. Thomas Brown succeeded Mr. Ogilvie as rector, and was
followed in 1768, by Rev. Harvey Munro. Under his administration
the parish prospered, the church was repaired, and an act of incorpora-
tion obtained under date of April 25, 1769. The church was closed
during most of the Revolutionary period. On May 1, 1787, the vestry
elected Rev. Thomas Ellison rector. He was an able man and died in
the midst of his usefulness in 1802, just after preparations had been
made for the erection of a new church, of which the plans had been
drawn by Phillip Hooker, a prominent architect of Albany. The build-
ing was finished in the summer of 1803, the consecration taking place
October 4, 1803, under the rectorship of Rev. Frederick Beasley, who
resigned in 1809. He was succeeded the next year by Rev. Timothy
Clowes, who acted as officiating minister for a time and was made rector
in 1811. A controversy arose over the disposition of the income from
church lands in which he took part, and this led to his temporary suspen-
sion from the ministry in 1817, when Rev. William B. Lacy succeeded
him at St. Peter's, who was in turn succeeded in January, 1833, by Rev.
Horatio Potter. In 1821 the spire of the church edifice was erected and
in 1831 a rectory was built, which was superseded ten years later by
another on the corner of Lodge street and Maiden Lane. Dr. Potter
remained with the church twenty- one years and was succeeded in De-
cember, 1855, by Rev. Thomas C. Pitkin. In 1858, the foundations
of the church having become unstable, a new edifice was contracted
' for, after plans by Upjohn & Co., of New York, and the present church
erected and consecrated October 4, 1860. Rev. Mr. Pitkin was sue-

RT. REV. WILLIAM CROSWELL DOANE, D.D., LL.D.

341

ceeded in 1862 by Rev. William T. Wilson, with Rev. William Tatlock,
associate, but both resigned in 1866, and in the next year Rev. William
Crosswell Doane accepted the charge. In December, 1868, Dr. Doane
was elected the first bishop of Albany by the primary convention of
the diocese, his consecration taking place February 2, 1869. He re-
signed the rectorship in that year, but remained with the church until
Easter, 1870. His successor was William A. Snively, who resigned in
1874, when the present rector, Rev. Walton W. Battershall, was in-
stalled on September 29, of that year. Under his administration the
church has been progressive and successful. In 1876 the parish house
was erected on Lodge street, for Sunday school, charitable and social
purposes. In the same year the church tower was built as a memorial
to the late warden, John Tweddle, and supplied with a beautiful chime
of bells. Since that time the arrangement of the chancel has been
altered, and new chancel windows, altar and reredos provided, with
other interior improvements. The church property is valued at $250,-
000. Connected with St. Peter's church is the St. Peter's Orphan
Home, which was organized in 1864. After a few years devoted to the
care of orphan children the Home was incorporated under the name of
the Albany Juvenile Retreat, but the rector having received assurances
of support, took the institution under parish charge, and in October,
1804, it was reorganized under its present name. A board of mana-
gers was chosen from the women of the congregation, and a matron
appointed. In 1805 a commodious building was erected at 59 Chapel
street; this was sold to the Albany Savings Bank in 1873, and in the
next year the trustees purchased the house No. 1 Pine street. This
was rendered unsuitable in 1883 by the erection of the City Hall, and
the household was transferred to No. 2 Madison Place. The school
and home have accomplished great good. The present handsome rec-
tory of the parish, adjoining the church, was built in 1895.

St. Paul's parish was organized November 12, 1827, though services
had previously been held in a school room on South Pearl street. Rev.
Richard Bury was the first rector, through whose efforts and those of
the vestry a lot on South Pearl street was purchased, a church erected
and consecrated August 24, 1829, being then known as St. John's
church. Mr. Burey resigned in 1830 and was succeeded by Rev.
William Linn Keese, who served for three years, greatly extending
the parish, but resigned on account of ill health. Rev. Joseph II.
Price was the third rector and was succeeded in is:;; by Rev. William

342

Ingraham Kip, D. D. In 1839 the church property was sold and a
theatre property on the same street purchased, the building being re-
fitted and consecrated in 1840. Dr. Kip was elected bishop of Califor-
nia in 1853 and was succeeded by Rev. T. A. Starkey, D. D. He oc-
cupied the pulpit until 1858, and in April, 1859, Rev. William Rudder
was called. During his rectorship the Pearl street church was sold and
in 1862 the present property on Lancaster street was purchased. Rev.
J. Livingston Reese succeeded Mr. Rudder in June, 1864, and in
December of that year the church was consecrated, the rectory being
added in 1867, while the Free Chapel on Madison avenue was opened
in 1808 and the parish house in 1883. Extensive improvements have
been made in the church itself from time to time since its erection.
The present rector is Rev. F. G. Jewett.

The first meeting with reference to the organization of Grace Church
was held Sexigesima Sunday, 1846, in a room over a store at the cor-
ner of State and Lark streets, under the auspices of Rev. Maunsell
Van Rensselaer, who had been for some time in charge of St. Peter's
in the absence of the rector. Services were continued in this room until
Sunday May 24, of that year, when a meeting was held to perfect the
organization and adopt the name, and at which Rev. Mr. Van Rens-
selaer was chosen rector. At the close of -that year the congregation
accepted the use of the Spring street mission building, which had been
tendered them. On February 11, 1847, the lot on the corner of Lark
street and Washington avenue was purchased for a church site, and
the corner stone of the edifice was laid September 10, 1850, and on
Christmas day of that year the first service was held in the building,
though it was not wholly finished, and was not consecrated until De-
cember 15, 1S52. In June, 1873, the building was removed to the cor-
ner of Clinton avenue and Robin street, and a rectory was built in 1874
at a cost of $9,000. The church has been much improved since, par-
ticularly in 1884, 1892 and 1894, resulting in a new transept and choir,
a new roof, and the guild-hall and a choir room. The rectors since
Mr. Van Rensselaer have been Revs. John Alden Spooner, James R.
Davenport, Theodore M. Bishop, Philander K. Cady, Edwin B. Rus-
sell, James Hutchings Brown, William A. Snively, Thaddeus A. Snively,
C. W. Knauff, David L. Schwartz, William H. Bown, and George D.
Silliman.

Trinity church, Trinity Place, was organized in 1839, and leased the
Presbyterian (Cameronian) church on Westerlo street until 1841. In

343

1842 a frame edifice was built on the corner of Herkimer and Franklin
streets, and in 1849 the present church building- was erected, since which
time the chancel has been rebuilt and other improvements made. The
present rector is Rev. Russell Woodman, who began his service in 1888.

The Holy Innocents' Church society was organized February 15,
1850, and the handsome church, corner of North Pearl and Colonic
streets, the gift of the late William H. De Witt, was consecrated in
September of the same year. During the rectorship of Rev. Richmond
Shreve, which began in 1888, the parish added to its property by the
purchase of a rectory on Ten Broeck street. Rev. Mr. Shreve resigned
July 31, 1896, and was siicceeded by Rev. A. Randolph B. Hagerman.
the present rector.

The Cathedral of All Saints was incorporated by act of the Legisla-
ture March 27, 1873, and on All Saints' day in 1872 the building at
first used for cathedral purposes, and which was originally an iron
foundry, was first occupied for religious services. On the festival of
All Saints in 1881 the bishop announced the purpose of at once begin-
ning the erection of the cathedral, and at a meeting held in November
23, 1881, the bishop, Erastus Corning, and Orlando Meads were ap-
pointed a committee to select a site. It was also resolved to raise the
sum of $150,000 for building purposes, exclusive of cost of site, and a
subscription book was opened with James Moir (acting under Gen. S.
E. Marvin, treasurer of the chapter) as treasurer. On April 30, 1883,
the plans of R. W. Gibson, architect, were adopted for the edifice, and
on November 28, 1883, the grounds donated by Erastus Corning, valued
at $80,000, were accepted for the site, and work on the structure soon
began. At a meeting held March 24, 1884, it was resolved to lay the
corner stone on June 3, and at the same meeting a special subscription
was authorized for the columns of the building, to stand as memorials
of eminent churchmen. These columns are twenty-four in number and
cost over $1,000 each. When the day arrived for laying the corner
stone the subscriptions had reached nearly $100,000. The edifice was
carried to its present partial state of completion within the year.

Methodism was first established in Albany county in L788, although
services in this faith had been held, probably, as early as 1766 in Al-
bany by Capt. Thomas Webb, of the British army. He was then
stationed here as barrackmaster and having been converted to Method-
ism in his own country, held family prayers at which some of his neigh-

344

bors attended, and probably preached in the streets. In February,
1767, he was in New York where he labored as an evangelist. The
pioneer Methodist preacher to labor regularly in the local field was Rev.
Freeborn Garretson, a native of Maryland, one of the earliest Methodist
preachers of American birth. He went to New York in 1788 and en-
gaged in the revival work that was then spreading northward.

Francis Asbury, who had been elected bishop in 1771, and Mr. Gar-
retson were assigned with a number of other young men to this district,
the bishop himself passing over the territory once each three months.
Albany soon became an important point in this field and Mr. Garretson
obtained permission to preach in the City Hall. It can be easily imag-
ined that the new doctrine, which had received more or less opposi-
tion wherever planted, received little encouragement in Albany, espe-
cially from the'clergy of other denominations, so that Mr. Garretson
wrote on July 1, 1770, that " Albany still appears to be a poor place for
Methodism." The following day he met a few friends in a private
dwelling and united them in a society under Methodist discipline,
and in the evening preached to them in the City Hall. Within the
next two years a house of worship was built on the southeast corner of
North Pearl and Orange streets. This church and society were incor-
porated in 1784 as the Methodist Episcopal Church of the City of Al-
bany, with John Bloodgood, Abraham Ellison, Isaac Lawson, Elisha
Johnson, William Fradenberg, Nathaniel Ames, and Calvin Chessman,
trustees. In 1812 a new church edifice was built on Division street, the
old one being occupied for a time by a Baptist congregation, and finally
in 1882 being sold to the Scotch Presbyterians. The first preacher
stationed at Albany after it was taken from the circuit was Joel
Ketcham, after whom changes in pastors were frequent, as is cus-
tomary in this denomination. In 1813 it was proposed to found a Sun-
day school, but as the older members of the church frowned upon
the proposition as a desecration of the day, the project was temporarilv
abandoned in favor of a liberal circulation of tracts. The school was,
however, finally established through the efforts of a woman, a Mrs.
Brockway, who in 1816 had organized a day school and added Sabbath
services. The church was slow in growth, its membership of forty per-
sons in 1790 being only a little more than one hundred in 1811. In
February, 1812, two lots on the south side of Division street, a little
below South Pearl, were purchased and there a new church was erected
and first used in 1813, the membership then being 153 white persons

REV. WILLIAM GRIFFIN, D. D.

345

and sixteen blacks. The introduction in 1829 of the policy of renting
seats caused great dissatisfaction and led to the withdrawal of a consid-
erable number of the congregation, who rented a hall on the corner of
Pearl and Columbia streets and obtained preachers from the Water-
vliet circuit, and in February purchased a large building on the east side
of Pearl street near the site they had occupied. Here a revival soon be-
gan which greatly enlarged not only the Methodist church, but ex-
tended its influence among other denominations. At the Conference of
1834 a third church was organized — the Wesleyan Chapel in the southern
part of the city. In 1835 the membership of the three societies was
440 in the first; 435 in the second (called Garretson Station), and -ill
in the Wesleyan. Another church was now authorized by the Confer-
ence called the West Station. The organization was effected by mem-
bers of the Division street society and the Garretson Station, who
united in the purchase of a small house of worship which the Primitive
Methodists had built on State street, above the Capitol. This society,
feeble at first, soon increased in numbers and in 1845 purchased a site
on the corner of Washington avenue and Swan streets and there erected a
new edifice. The society, through lack of wisdom in financial manage-
ment, finally became reduced in number and heavily encumbered with
debt. In 1839 the Wesleyan Chapel was burned. This organization
had also become involved in debt and small in number, largely through
its anti-slavery proclivities and activity, so that the property was sold to
pay debts and in May, 1842, the society disbanded; but on the follow-
ing vSabbath (May 27) the teachers of the Sunday school met and deter-
mined to reorganize, which they did at the Ferry Street M. E. church.
While still under pressing difficulties Thomas Schuyler joined the con-
gregation and relieved their financial burdens. In 1843 the Division
Street church found a more eligible site on Hudson street between
Philip and Grand and built a new edifice which they occupied within
the same year. A parsonage has been erected in connection with the .
church property, and the church building has been extensively im-
proved, particularly in 1865. The fifth Methodist church in Albany was
organized in 1848, succeeding the formation of a class on Arbor Hill.
In the year 1854 the Albany Methodist Sunday School Union was formed
which within a few years established five schools — one on Central
avenue, one at West Albany, one called the South Mission, on Benja-
min street, one at Bath, and one at East Albany, the two latter being
across the river. Some of these formed the nucleus of later churches.

346

In 1870 a remarkable revival was experienced in the Central avenue
chapel, conducted by a number of zealous laymen and the missionary
who had been appointed in 1868. At the ensuing Conference a second
missionary was appointed with special charge of the Central avenue
congregation, which had a membership of ninety at the close of the first
pastorate in 1873. Meanwhile the West Station, or Washington Street
church, which was merely a mission in 1853, had prospered, funds had
been raised, and in 1867 a fine edifice was erected on the corner of
Lark and Lancaster streets. It took the name of Trinity M. E. church
and was dedicated in December, 1875. Within the past four years the
interior of the church has been somewhat changed and redecorated. In
1881 the Garretson Station congregation, which had in the mean time
erected its second church building, united with the Central avenue
congregation. Separate worship was kept up, however, until the com-
pletion of the new church edifice, situated on the corner of Clinton and
Lexington avenues, in 1883-4, which took its present name of St. Luke's.
In 1869 the Broadway Mission and the Arbor Hill congregation were
united under the name of Grace church, and a lot was purchased on the
corner of Ten Broeck street and Livingston avenue, where a temporary
structure was built which was superseded a few years later by the present
edifice. When the pressure of business establishments began to crowd
upon the church property of the Methodists and Presbyterians on Hud-
son avenue, it was realized that a removal must be made. The latter
congregation finally built their new church edifice on the corner of State
and Willet streets, at the northeast corner of the Park, while the Metho-
dists purchased the building previously occupied by the Presbyterians,
at the same time selling their own property. The Ferry Street church
prospered and in 1863 sought a better location, a site being purchased
on the corner of Westerlo and Grand streets where the present Ash
Grove church was erected, with a parsonage adjoining.

The fourth church society organized in Albany was in the Presby-
terian faith, the organization having been perfected in 1762. Preach-
ing had been maintained for about two years previous to" that date by
supplies sent by the New York and Philadelphia Synods, among whom
were Revs. Hector Alison, Andrew Bay, William Tennant, Abraham
Kettletas, John Smith, and Aaron Richards. The site for the first
church edifice was purchased in 1762 and in the next, year the society
was recognized as an incorporated body. The church was at first

347

connected with the Dutchess County Presbytery, organized in October,
1762, but in 1775 it was transferred to the Presbytery of New York.
The first church edifice was erected in 1764, on the lot on Gallows Hill,
on a site bounded by Beaver street on the north, Hudson street on the
south, William street on the east, and Grand street on the south, and
was a plain wooden structure, painted red, and having a bell tower
surmounted by a spire. This was occupied until about 1795, in which
and the following year the second edifice was erected on South Pearl
street on the site occupied in recent years by the Beaver block, at a
cost of about $13,000. This building was sold to the Congregational -
ists in 1850 and the congregation removed to their third church on the
corner of Hudson avenue and Philip street, which was erected in 1849-
50, at a cost of $15,000, the lot having been purchased two years
earlier, and which was opened for service March 10, 1850. In 185G this
building was sold to the First M. E. Society (as before stated) for $25,000,
and in 1883-4 the fourth church of this society was built on the corner
of vState and Willett streets, fronting Washington Park, and with its
session house cost about $110,000. William Force Whittaker is the
present pastor.

On the third Monday in July, 1813, certain subscribers to a building
fund for a new Presbyterian church met and appointed James Kane,
John L. Winne, Joseph Russell, Nathaniel Davis, and Robert Sedg-
wick, trustees. Work was at once commenced on a building, which
was opened for worship in September, 1815, and over which Rev. John
Chester was installed as the first pastor November 8, 1815. On De-
cember 3, John L. Winne, John Boardman, Chester Bulkley, and
Uriah Marvin were chosen ruling elders of the church. This society
was greatly prospered under Dr. Chester's administrations, the mem-
bership reaching 365 in 1829. Among the pastors of this church was
Rev. William Buell Sprague, 1829-69, eminent as the author of " The
Annals of the American Pulpit," a work of nine volumes.

The third Presbyterian church in Albany, now known as the Second
Presbyterian church, was organized by a number of members from the
First church and some from the Associate Reformed church, in 1817.
An edifice was soon erected on Montgomery street, which was occu-
pied until 1844, when it was sold to the Bethel Society, the present
church, corner of Clinton avenue and North Pearl street, being dedi-
cated December 3, 1845. The first pastor was Rev. Hooper dimming.

The fourth Presbyterian church was incorporated December 1,1-

348

the edifice of which, on the north side of Broadway, was erected in
1829, and dedicated May 30, 1830; but this was taken down in 1865 and
the present church erected in 1866. The first pastor was Rev. Edmund
N. Kirk, the present being Rev. David O. Mears. During a few years
past this society has erected a permanent building for the Viaduct
Mission, which it established, and has considerably improved the
church itself.

The fifth Presbyterian church in Albany was organized in 1831, the
first meeting being held in the City Hall, the first pastor being Rev.
Alonzo Welton, whose services began in 1832.

The sixth Presbyterian church in Albany was organized as a result
of a prayer meeting held in December, 1855, in a room on what is now
Livingston avenue, and in October of the next year a Sunday school
was organized. The work continued until the spring of 1868, when
Rev. John R. Young was employed as a missionary to aid in organiz-
ing the church. His place was taken in May, 1868, by Rev. Amos
Hammond Dean, and the organization was perfected December 8, of
that year. The church edifice on Second street was completed in the
fall of 1871 and dedicated on November 16. Rev. Leslie R. Groves is
the present pastor.

The State Street Presbyterian church was organized in 1860, with
Rev. Alexander S. Tombley as pastor, and the present church edifice
was erected and dedicated October 12, 1862, since which time it has
been little changed. Rev. John McC. Holmes is the present pastor,
having served the church since 1877.

The West End Presbyterian church was built in 1877 on the corner
of New York Central avenue and Third street. The first pastor was
Rev. Robert Ennis, the present being Rev. George N. Earner. Within
a few years past the main audience room of the edifice has been en-
larged and the interior otherwise improved, and a chapel has been
added to the building.

Madison Avenue Presbyterian church was -organized and a temporary
building erected in 1888, which was occupied until 1894, when it was
enlarged to meet the increasing numbers of the congregation. A new
and handsome edifice in pressed brick is now (1896) in process of erec-
tion, which is due to the untiring efforts of Rev. Charles A. Richmond,
the present pastor.

The United Presbyterian church in Albany had its inception as early
as October, 1800, when the society was connected with the Presbytery

349

of Montreal, the first pastor being- Rev. John McDonald, who con-
tinued until 1819 and died in Albany. In 1820 the church was trans-
ferred to the Presbytery of Cambridge and Rev. James Martin became
pastor, continuing to 1842. The first church edifice stood on the cor-
ner of Chapel and Canal streets and was occupied in January, 1802. A
new edifice, situated en Lancaster street near Eagle, was erected in
1860 and opened on the first Sabbath of 1861. In May, 1858, the As-
sociate and Associate Reformed churches were united to form the
United Presbyterian Church of North America, and this congregation
then took its present title. Rev. S. C. McKelvey is the present pastor.

The first meeting of Baptists in Albany was held January 1, 1810,
by Joshua A. Burke, Salem Dutcher, John Gray, William Penrey,
Charles Boyington, Tamer Page, Betsey Burke, Catharine Gordon,
Margaret Jones, Elenor Penrey, and on January 23, 1811, a church or-
ganization was perfected with twenty-one members. In 1818 what was
then known as the Green Street Theater was purchased, refitted and
occupied many years as a place of worship, until in 1852 a site on the
corner of Hudson avenue and Philip street was purchased and there the
present edifice was built at a cost of $20,000. The building was ex-
tensively improved in 1865. Rev. De Witt T. Van Doren is the pres-
ent paster.

The Tabernacle Baptist Church is an outgrowth of a mission formed
in 1856, consisting of a few members of the society now constituting
the Emmanuel Baptist church, who met in a building on North Pearl
street. The rapid growth of the society led to its organization in Oc-
tober, 1859, under the present title, and in 1875 the site of the present
edifice was purchased, a new church built and dedicated February 14,
1877. The first pastor was Rev. Justin D. Fulton, the present being-
Rev. Thomas M. Eastwood.

Emmanuel Baptist church was organized in 1834 and bore the name
of the Pearl Street Baptist church until 1871. The first pastor was
Rev. Bartholomew T. Welch, D. I)., who had during the seven pre-
vious years preached to the First Baptist church, but was released from
that pulpit to form the new church, whose first edifice was erected on
North Pearl street and cost $4<;,000. In 1869-70 the present church
was built on the north side of State street, between Swan and Dove
streets, and was dedicated in February, 1871, the tower being added in
1883, a gift from Mrs. Eli Perry in memory of her husband. The

350

entire church property cost about $220,000. Rev. Wallace Buttrick is
the present pastor.

Calvary Baptist church was organized January 16, ,1860, under the
name of Washington Avenue Baptist church, and was first under pas-
toral charge of Rev. Wm. P. Everett, but the rapid early growth of the
congregation led them to purchase the church on Washington avenue
which had been built for the German Baptists, and February 4, 1865,
the society purchased the State street Baptist church building (corner
of High street), and took the present title. That building was occu-
pied until 1880 when it was demolished and the present edifice erected.
The State Street church, mentioned above, was organized in 1845, and
in the same year built the edifice which was finally sold to the Calvary
church. Rev. Joseph F. Elder is present pastor of the Calvary church.

The Washington avenue German Baptist church, situated on Wash-
ington avenue, was purchased in 1859, and sold within a few years to
the Roman Catholics. The first pastor was Rev. William P. Everett.

The German Baptist church, situated at No. 252 Washington avenue
was organized and the edifice built and dedicated in 1854. Rev. A.
Yon Pattkammer was the first pastor. In 1892 a new front to the ed-
ifice was erected. Rev. A. M. Petersen is the present pastor.

Hope Baptist church, on Clinton avenue, originated in a mission,
and was regularly organized in 1891, when the present beautiful brick
edifice was erected and dedicated. Rev. Henry S. Potter is pastor.

The organization of Roman Catholic churches in Albany followed
closely upon the work of the Jesuit missionaries. On October 6, 1796,
a meeting was held in Albany at the house of James Robichaux, where
an organization was effected which was soon followed by incorporation,
the certificate of which is on file in the county clerk's office and is signed
by Lewis Le Coulteaux and David McEvers, and is witnessed by Se-
bastian Visscher and Archibald Yates. The first church edifice was
erected on the site of the present St. Mary's church, the corner stone
being laid in 1797 by Thomas Barry, then a prominent merchant. St.
Mary's is older than any other Roman Catholic parish in this State ex-
cepting St. Peter's in New York city. The entrance to the first St.
Mary's was on Pine street and the interior was about fifty feet square.
Among the early clergy who officiated over this congregation were Rev.
Fathers Thayer, Whelan, O'Brien, and La Yalenure. Rev. D. Maho-
ney was here in 1806-7; Father James Buyshe in 1808; Father Hurley
in 1809 ; Father Weddin in 1810-11 ; FatherO'Gorman in 1812-13. Others

351

served the parish from time to time until 1816. Father Charles Smith,
formerly a Methodist, was called and served the congregation until
1836. The first Roman Catholic Sunday school was formed in 1828.
The demolition of this first church building began September 14, 1829,
and the corner stone of a new edifice was laid on October 13, the church
being opened fur service August 29, 1830. It fronted on Chapel street
and was entered by high steps, and contained a school room in the
basement. A dwelling on Lodge street adjoining the rear of the church
was used at first for an orphan asylum and afterwards as a rectory. In
1847, when the Diocese of Albany was set off from that of New York
Bishop McCloskey ruling over it became its first bishop, and St. Mary's
became his Cathedral. The edifice, while perhaps sufficient for the
period, was rather poorly constructed and did not long suffice for the
rapidly increasing congregation. Several priests succeeded Father
Smith as rectors for short periods until Bishop McCloskey's administra-
tion began in 1846, when he took charge in person, assisted by Fathers
Edgar P. Wadhams and Thomas Doran, until' finally in September,
1866, Father Clarence A. Walworth began his long pastorate. Upon
his appointment it was apparent that a new church edifice was a neces-
sity. A new incorporation act was procured March 25, 1863, changing
the name of the church to St. Mary's Church of the City of Albany,
and all the property passed to the new trustees. A subscription for a
new edifice was started and the city conceded to the society twenty feet
of land on the eastern side of the site. Association Hall was tempo-
rarily occupied during the erection of the new edifice, the corner stone
of which was laid August 11, 1867. The structure was so far com-
pleted by February 16, 1868, that it was then used for services, and
was dedicated by Bishop Conroy March, 14, 1869. St. Mary's parish
originally included all that part of the Diocese of Albany lying in the
valleys of the Hudson and the Mohawk, but at the present time it is
only one of Albany's twelve parishes. In 1839 St. John's church on
South Ferry street was bought from the Episcopalians and all the south-
ern part of the city was set off to that parish. In 1843 the section of the
city north of Clinton avenue was constituted a third parish called St.
Joseph's and a new edifice was erected on the corner of North Pearl
and Lumber streets. Next followed the formation of a parish for the
new Cathedral, built-in 1852 on Eagle street, which left St. Mary's lim-
ited on the south by Beaver and Lancaster streets; and finally, in 1858,
St. Patrick's parish was formed with a church on Central avenue, tak-

352

ing from the old mother church the territory west of Knox street.
Since then St. Mary's parish has not been changed.

The corner stone of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was
laid July 2, 1848, by Archbishop Hughes, and on November 21, 1852,
the building was dedicated with imposing ceremonies. The cost of the
structure was $180,000. It is a magnificent building and its twin spires
attract attention from the east and south for a long distance, but much
still remained to be done to the structure when Bishop McCloskey suc-
ceeded to the archbishopric in 1864. Rt. Rev. John J. Conroy succeeded
Bishop McCloskey as bishop of Albany and filled the station twelve
years, and he was followed by Rt. Rev. Francis McNeirny on October
16, 1877. Under Bishop Conroy little was done on the cathedral, but
since his administration and under that of Bishop McNeirny, the in-
terior has been provided with a new chancel for which the apse was
extended thirty feet; the seven bays beautifully decorated; a reredos
of great beauty added to the transept; handsome stained windows put
in, and new altars built. Bishop McNeirny died January 2, 1894, and
was succeeded on July 2, 1894, by Rt. Rev. T. M. A. Burke.

The diocese of Albany includes territory bounded on the north by the north line of
Warren county, and portions of Herkimer and Hamilton, north of the northern lines
of the townships of Ohio and Russia in Herkimer couuty; on the east by Massachu-
setts and Vermont ; on the south by the southern line of Columbia, Greene and
Delaware counties ; on the west by the western line of Otsego and Herkimer and
part of Hamilton.

It has an estimated Catholic population of 130,000, ministered to by 159 priests.
It has ninety-two churches with resident pastors, and forty without; forty-five chap-
els, eighty stations; eight academies, and select schools, with 1,300 pupils; thirty-
eight parochial schools with 13,000 pupils; seven orphan asylums; two homes for the
aged; two hospitals; two houses of the Good Shepherd.

St. John's Catholic church was founded in 1837, with Rev. J. Kelly
in charge, the first place of worship being on the corner of Herkimer
and Franklin streets, but, July 1, 1839, the present church, on the cor-
ner of South Ferry and Dallius streets, was purchased from St. Paul's
.society. The parish has been at different periods in charge of priests
who were or became eminent in the church, among them the present
Bishop Ludden.

St. Joseph's Catholic church was organized in 1842 to meet the wants
of the residents in the northern part of the city, and measures were at
once adopted for the erection of a church edifice on the corner of North
Pearl and Lumber streets, the corner stone of which was laid July 25,

-+- VJVvvr^M X. i^\ \^v*A\^_

UU>

353

1842, and the building consecrated May 7, 1843. The first regular pas-
tor was Father John J. Conroy, who was installed March 25, 1844, and
under whom the parish made rapid progress. He erected what is
known as the Girl's Orphan Asylum, on North Pearl street, built a
parochial residence, and established a school for both boys and girls.
The church soon became inadequate for the congregation and a new
site was purchased, bounded by Ten Broeck, First, and Second streets,
for $45,000. Ground was broken for the present edifice in the fall of
1855 and the corner stone was laid June 1, 1856, in which year the
structure was completed. In 1865 the Holy See appointed Father Con-
roy bishop of Albany, but he, however, retained the title of rector of
this church until 1874. When Bishop Conroy took up his permanent
residence at the Cathedral in 1866, he left the Rev. T. M. A. Burke in
charge of St. Joseph's. Father Burke was appointed pastor in 1874.

During the administration and pastorate of Father Burke a commo-
dious school for boys was erected, the church and grounds were im-
proved and beautified, a large and handsome parochial residence was
built, and more than $100,000 of debt was paid. Father Burke remained
in charge of St. Joseph's until December 6, 1396, when he removed to the
Episcopal residence on Madison avenue. From this parish have been
taken the parishes of the Sacred Heart (North Albany) and St. Patrick's.
Father Joseph H. Mangan is now in charge of this church. The Church
of the Holy Cross (German), corner of Hamilton and Philip streets, was
erected in 1849-52, and was consecrated in the latter year during the
rectorship of Father Noethen. He remained with the church until
1878 and was succeeded by Father Ottenhaus, who is still rector. Al-
though the church has been a prosperous one, it was in later years
greatly reduced by withdrawals to form other congregations, which
were the Church of Our Lady of Angels, 1868; Church of the Assump-
tion, 1869, and Our Lady Help of Christians, 1880.

St. Ann's parish was formed in 1866 from the Cathedral parish and
St. John's; its first priest was Father Thomas Doran, who had pre-
viously been in charge of St. Mary's. The corner stone of St. Ann's
was laid in 1867 and the edifice was dedicated December 20, 1868, the
site, on the corner of Fourth avenue and Franklin streets, having been
donated by John Tracy, who with Thomas Kearnan, John Carmody,
and James Coyle, were the trustees. The congregation has always
been zealous in advancing the church and in establishing connecting

354

societies, among which are Sunday School Union, St. Vincent de
Paul's, and a Ladies' Aid Society. Father Terry is now the rector.

Church of the Assumption. — On January 1, 1868, the French Cana-
dians of Albany founded the St. Jean Baptist society with twenty- five
members, its objects being to aid sick members and provide a fund
from which to pay a certain sum at death. In 1869 there were 130
French Canadians in Albany without church accommodations, and this
led to the immediate erection of their church on the corner of Dallius
street and Fourth avenue. In the spring of 1871 the residence ad-
joining the church was bought for $4,000. The parsonage was erected
in 1876 and cost $8,000. Father Alphonse Villeneuve is the present
pastor.,

The Catholic congregation bearing the name of Our Lady Help of
Christians is an outgrowth of the Holy Cross church, and was organ-
ganized in 1873 by Father Teodore Noethen, vicar-general for the
Germans of the Albany diocese. The church property on Second ave-
nue was purchased in 1873 and a frame building then standing was
converted into a chapel and a school was soon opened in connection
and taught by John Hess, which is now in charge of the Sisters of St.
Francis of Syracuse. In June, 1874, Father Stephen A. Preisser was
placed in charge of the congregation, and the corner stone of the pres-
ent church was laid June 28, 1880, and the dedication services are held
August 28, 1881. Father Bernard Schoppe is the present rector.

Our Lady of Angels Church (German), on Central avenue at the cor-
ner of Robin street, was erected in 1868, soon after the organization of
the society, the first priest being Father Francis Neubauer, who con-
tinued until 1877. In 1887 the church was considerably improved, and
in 1892 a convent was erected adjoining. Rev. Fidelis M. Voight is the
rector.

St. Patrick's church, the organization of which in 1859 has been
alluded to, is situated on the corner of Central avenue and Perry street,
having been erected in 1868 and consecrated on August 30th of that
year. The first priest in charge was Father McGough, who began his
work in 1859. Father P. J. Smith is the present priest.

The parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was formed August 5, 1884,
by Bishop McNeirny, who appointed Father Francis J. McGuire the
first rector. The site of the present church on Walter street was pur-
chased at a cost of about $7,000, but for temporary use a chapel was
built on Erie street. The necessity for larger accommodations was

355

soon felt and the present new church was begun in July, 1876, and the
church was dedicated May 23, 1880. The property was valued at
nearly $100,000. Father McGuire is still in charge of the parish.

In 1849 thirteen citizens of Albany joined in the purchase for $20,-
000, of the church which had long been occupied by the First Presbyte-
rian society, corner of South Pearl and Beaver streets. After being
repaired it was first used for Congregational purposes April 7, 1850,
the sermon being preached by Rev. Leonard Bacon, D. D., and the
10th of July of that year a Congregational church was organized with
eighty-one members. On December 10, 1850, Rev. Ray Palmer, D. D.,
was installed over the church, his pastorate continuing until I860, when
his successor, Rev. William S. Smart, began his long charge. The last
sermon in the old church was preached February 8, 18C8, after which
Association Hall was used during the erection of the present edifice, on
the corner of Eagle and Beaver streets, which was dedicated October
14, 1869, having cost with the site, $130,000. Rev. J. Brainerd Thrall,
the present pastor, was installed in March, 1894.

The Second Congregational church was organized in 1862, but was
dissolved in the following year. The Clinton Avenue Congregational
church was organized, their church being on Clinton avenue, of which
Rev. Francis A. Strough is pastor. The chapel of the church was
partly burned in the fall of 1895 but was at once rebuilt.

The First Christian church was organized in 1881, and a building was
erected on Chestnut street, between Lark and Dove, the first pastor
being Rev. E. C. Abbott. The Rev. P. A. Canada is at present in
charge.

Besides the foregoing churches of Albany, the Hebrews have three
religious organizations: Beth El Jacob, 28 Fulton street, Rev. Albert
Kauterivitz, rabbi; Beth Emeth, on Lancaster street, organized L850,
Dr. Max Schlesinger, rabbi; Sons of Abraham, South Ferry street,
Rev. J. Block, rabbi.

An Unitarian society was incorporated in Albany in 1842, and ser-
vices were held in various places, until finally the society purchased the
edifice of the Methodists on Division street, which they sold in 1869,
since which time they have had no active existence.

The Universalists, also, had a society and held meetings from about
1825, and built their first church on Herkimer street in 1829, and a
second in 1833 on Green street. Their present church is situated on
the corner of Jay and Swan streets.

356

There ars a number of patriotic hereditary orders and societies in
Albany, and probably they have a larger membership than those of
any other city of its population in the country. Prominent among these
is the Philip Livingston Chapter of the Sons of the Revolution, which
was organized in 1893 and chartered December 3, 1895. Following
is the muster roll of this Chapter:

Baker, George Comstock. — Great-great-grandson of Private Reuben Baker, Barn's
Regiment, Massachusetts Militia, 1781.

Balch, Dr. Lewis. — Great-grandson of John Jay, member and president of the Con-
stitutional Congress, 1774; member of New York Provincial Convention, 1775; mem-
ber of Committee of One Hundred, 1775 ; colonel 2d Regiment New York City Militia ;
member New York Council of Safety ; prepared draft of Constitution of New York,
1777; chief justice, 1777-9.

Banks, Maj., Robert Lenox, jr. — Great -great-grandson of Jedediah Turner, private
in Captain Fitch's Company of Independent Volunteers, Connecticut.

Barker, James Franklin. — Great great-grandson of Lieut. Walter Swits in regiment
commanded by Col. Seth Warner.

Barnes, John O. — Great-grandson of Artificer Benjamin Johnson, Captain Saxton's
Company, Colonel Mason's Regiment, Connecticut Militia.

Bartlett, Dr. Ezra Albert. — Great-grandson of Chief Justice Josiah Bartlett of New
Hampshire, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Boutelle, Frank Warren and Frederick A. — Great-grandsons of Ebenezer Boutelle.
drummer at Lexington.

Brandow, Frank Hammond. — Great-grandson of Joel Tuttle, private in Connec-
ticut Volunteers.

Bridge, Charles Francis. — Great-grandson of Col. Ebenezer Bridge, captain in Col.
John Witcomb's Regiment, Massachusetts Minute-men, " Lexington Alarm;" colonel
27th Regiment Massachusetts Continental Infantry, April 30, 1775; 2d major, 8th
Regiment, Worcester County Militia, Col. Abijah Stearns, February 6, 1776; lieuten-
ant-colonel Asa Whitcomb's Massachusetts Regiment, June 3, 1775; colonel Massa-
chusetts Militia, August 1, 1775; member of Massachusetts Provincial Congress,
1775.

Browne, Hon. Goodwin. — Great-great-grandson of Joseph Hopkins, civil officer
committee State of Connecticut.

Bulkeley, Alpheus Tompkins. — Great-great-grandson of Stephen N. Tompkins,
corporal in Captain Sage's Company. Col. Henry Ludington's 7th Regiment New
York, was granted a pension for services by Congress, October, 1833.

Byington, Charles Sperry. — Great-grandson of Justus Byington, private in Capt.
Ambrose Sloper's Company, Connecticut Militia, New Haven Alarm, 1779.

Byington, William Wilberforce. — Grandson of Private Justus Byington, Capt. Am-
brose Sloper's Company, Connecticut Militia.

Chapin, Josiah Dexter.^Great-grandson of Private Abel Chapin, Capt. Charles
Colton's Company, Massachusetts Militia, 1776.

Clark, Seth Henry. — Great-great-grandson of Abel Lines, Capt. Samuel Peck's
Company, 5th Battalion, Wadsworth's Brigade, Connecticut troops, Col. William
Douglass, June-December 25, 1776, at Long Island and White Plains.

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Corbin, Prof. Ernest Albert Morrison. — Great-grandson of Clement Corbin, private
in Captain Chandler's Company, 11th Regiment Connecticut Militia.

Culver, Dr. Charles Mortimer. — Great-great-grandson of Sergeant David Culver,
sr. , 4th Connecticut Regiment, Continental line ; also great-grandson of Private David
Culver, jr. , 4th Connecticut Regiment, Continental Line; also, great-grandson of
Private Comfort Bullock, who participated in battle, Rhode Island, Massachusetts
Continental Line.

Curtis, Dr. Frederick Cotton. — Great-grandson of Private Abel Curtis, Capt. John
Woodbridge's Company, Col. John Brown's Regiment, Berkshire County Mass.
Militia, July 8-26, 1777, served at Ticonderoga; private in Capt. Ebenezer Cook's
Company, same regiment, September 22-October 4, 1777; private in Capt. Ezra
Whittlesey's Company, same regiment, October 14-17, 1780.

Douglass, Charles H. — Great-great-grandson of Major Oliver Root, Colonel Burns' s
Regiment, Massachusetts Line, at Saratoga, October, 1777.

Durant, Clark Terry. — Great-great-grandson of Private Allen Durant, Colonel
Gardinier's Regiment at Bunker Hill and Lexington.

Elmendorf, William Burgess. — Great-great-grandson of Private Abraham Elmen-
dorf, Capt. Frederick Schoonmaker's Company, Col. Levi Pawling's Regiment, Ulster
County Regiment, August 1, 1777; also private in Capt. Tobias Van Bemen's Com-
pany, Col. Cornelius Wynkoop's Regiment, New York Continental Line.

French, Harlan Page. — Grandson of Jonathan French, private in Captain Goss's
Company, Colonel Nicholas's Regiment, with General Stark at Bennington, July 20,
1777.

Gibbons, Eugene Campbell, — Great great-grandson of Lieut. -Col. Samuel Camp-
bell, 1st Battalion Tryon County Militia, 1778 and 1781, a member of Tryon County
Committee of Safety.

Griffith, William Herrick. — Great-great-grandson of Col. Rufus Herrick, captain
of Colonel Holmes's 4th Regiment, New York Line, 1775-6; colonel Dutchess county,
New York, Exempts, 1779; also, great-great-grandson of Capt. Israel Piatt, Dutchess
County Regiment, at Kingsbridge, 1776; also, great-great-grandson of Lieut. Daniel
Knowlton, Connecticut Continental Line. Engagements: Long Island, Harlem
Heights, White Plains, Fort Washington, Fort Trumbull, and Horseneck ; twenty-
three months a prisoner of war on Long Island, and on prison ship "Jersey;" an in-
timate friend of Washington; also, great-great-great-grandson of Major Robert
Freeman, captain in Col. David Sutherland's 6th Regiment, New York Line, 1775,
major in same regiment, 1776; also, great- great-grandson of Sergeant Jonathan
Freeman, Capt. Benjamin Pelton's Company, Col. Philip Van Cortlandt's Regiment,
New York Line; also, great-great-grandson of Private Wm. Griffith, Capt. Joel
Mead's Company, Col. Henry Ludington's Regiment, 7th New York Line.

Hale, Hon. Matthew, 1st Regent of the Chapter. — Grandson of Col. Nathan Hale,
captain New Hampshire Militia; "Lexington Alarm;" major 3d Regiment New
Hampshire Line, 1775; lieutentant-colonel 2d Regiment New Hampshire Line,
1776; colonel of same, 1777; prisoner of war, Hubbardton, \'t., 1777, and died a
prisoner of war at New Utretcht, Long Island, September 23, 1780; also, grandson
of Ephraim Eddy, Capt. Joshua Eddy's Company, 14th Regiment, Massachusetts
Line, Col. Gamaliel Bradford ; private and corporal in Capt. Caleb Gibbs's Company.
Washington Life Guards, March, 1777-March, 1780; also, great-grandson of Joseph
Safford, Vermont Militia, 1780. Mr. Hale died March 25, 1897.

358

Hastings, Hon. Hugh. — Great-great-grandson of Corporal Joseph Jewell, Captain
Ballard's Company, Colonel Frye's Regiment, New Hampshire Continental Line;
served six years.

Herrick, Frank Castle. — Great-great-grandson of Col. Rufus Herrick, captain in
Colonel Holmes's 4th Regiment New York Line, 1775-6; colonel Dutchess County
N. Y. Associate Exempts, 1779.

Hoyt, Albert Ellis. — Great-great-grandson of Thomas Chandler, first secretary of
Vermont.

Husted, Prof. Albert Nathaniel. — Grandson of Private Thaddeus Husted, Connec-
ticut Militia Regiment, Continental Line.

Judson, Capt. Albert Lewis. — Great-grandson of Adjutant Nathaniel Judson, pri-
vate in Capt. Joseph Smith's Company, 5th Connecticut Continental Regiment, Col.
David Waterbury, May 9-October 13, 1777, at St. John's, Canada; private Connec-
ticut Militia, 1776, served one month at New York; private and sergeant-major in
Colonel Lewis's Regiment, Connecticut Militia, 1776, served four months; private
in Connecticut Militia, 1777, served three months; private in Capt. John Yeats's
Company, Col. Samuel Whiting's Regiment, Connecticut Militia, October 2-22,1777;
adjutant 1st Regiment, 4th Brigade, Connecticut Militia, September 25, 1778-80.

Laimbeer, Hon. Francis Effingham. — Grandson of Private William Pinto, Connec-
ticut Militia, New Haven Alarm, July 5. 1779.

Lawyer, George. — Great-great-grandson of Jacob Lawyer, ensign 15th Regiment,
Albany County N. Y. Militia, Col. Peter Vrooman ; also, great-great-great-grandson
of Lawrence Lawyer, sergeant 1st Regiment Albany County N. Y. Militia, Col. Peter
Vrooman.

Leonard, Edgar Cottrell. — Great-great-grandson of Capt. Nathaniel Gardner of
Massachusetts Militia in the battle of Bennington; also, great-great- great-grandson
of Private Stephen Savage of Middletown, Conn., who served through the war; also,
great-great grandson of Private Jacob Fenn, 1st Regiment, Connecticut Continental
Line.

Livingston, Phillip, (Honorary member. New York city). — Great-great-grandson
of Hon. Philip Livingston, member of Continental Congress, 1774-78; signer of the
Declaration of Independence; president New York Provincial Convention, 1775;
member New York Committee of One Hundred, 1775; member of New York Provin-
cial Congress, 177G-7 7.

Mills, Charles Hood. — Great-grandson of George Mills, private Captain Hubbard's
Company, Massachusetts Militia, 1776, with Arnold's expedition to Ouebec taken
prisoner, chained to a log with ten others, exchanged in 1777; later private in Captain
Webster's Company, Col. Fellows's Regiment, Massachusetts Militia.

Munson, Samuel Lyman. — Great-great-grandson of Stephen Munson, private in
Captain Durkee's Company, Wyoming, Pa.

Murphey, Elijah Warrener. — Great-grandson of Corporal Daniel Murphey of Col.
Rufus Putnam's Massachusetts Regiment; served at the siege of Boston and until
end of the war; also, great-great-grandson of Private Jonas Coolidge of Massachu-
setts Minute Men; served at Bunker Hill, siege of Boston, and Ticonderoga, where
he died in camp.

Nellis, Dr. William Jacob. — Great great-grandson of Private Peter Nellis, 2d Reg-
iment, Tryon County, New York, Militia.

SAMUHL L. MUNSON,

359

Newman, Charles, and Major John Ludlow. — Great-grandsons of Lieut. James
Lyman, Phineas Wright's Regiment, Massachusetts Militia, 1777, at Stillwater and
.Saratoga; Northfield, Massachusetts Militia, 1779, at Ticonderoga; Murray's Regi-
ment, Massachusetts, Militia, 1780; served on the Hudson.

Noble, Henry Harmon. — Great great-grandson of Asahel Noble, member of Com-
mittee of Inspection and Correspondence, New Milford, Litchfield County, Conn.

Norton, John Treadwell. — Great great-grandson of Major Ichabod Norton, Cap-
tain Mott's Battalion Connecticut State Troops, 1776; in Northern Department under
Gates, 1776-7; major 15th Connecticut Militia Regiment, Hooker's, 1779; also great-
great-grandson of John Treadwell. member of Connecticut Assembly.

Parsons, Hon. James Russell, jr. — Great-great-grandson of Surgeon Jonas Fay,
M. D., Col. Ethan Allen's Regiment, Green Mountain Boys, 1775 at Ticonderoga;
appointed by Massachusetts to muster troops at Ticonderoga, 1775; surgeon Col.
Seth Warner's Regiment, additional Continental Infantry, 1776; clerk of Dorset
Convention, 1776; secretary convention to form Constitution of Vermont, July, 1777;
agent for Vermont to Continental Congress, 1777, 1779, 1781, 1782; member of Ver-
mont State Council, 1778-84; judge Vermont Supreme Court, 1782; judge of pro-
bate, Vermont, 1782-87.

Parsons, John D., jr. — Great-grandson of Corporal Henry Browne, New Jersey
Line.

Peltz, John Dewitt. — Great-great-grandson of Capt John L. De Witt, 1st Regi-
ment Dutchess County N. Y. Minute-men, Col. Jonathan Van Ness, October 17,
1775; captain 1st Regiment Ulster County N. Y. Militia, Col. Abraham Hasbrouck,
January, 1776.

Pierce, George William. — Grandson of Joshua Johnson, minute man; also, great-
grandson of Col. Samuel Johnson, 4th Massachusetts Militia.

Pruyn, Col. Augustus. — Great-grandson of Lieut. Casparus Pruyn, Capt. John N.
Bleeker's Company, Col. Jacob Lansing, jr.'s 1st Regiment Albany County N. Y.
Militia, October 20, 1775.

Pruyn, Col. John Van Schaick Lansing. — Great-grandson of Lieut. Casparus Pruyn,
Albany County Militia, 1775; also, great-grandson of Quartermaster Christopher
Lansing, Albany County Militia, 1775-8.

Pruyn, Robert Clarence. — Great-great-grandson of Lieut. Casparus Pruyn ; also,
great-great-grandson of Abraham Yates, jr., member New York Provincial Conven-
tion, 1775; member New York Provincial Congress, 1775-7; member New York
Council Safety and Appointment, 1777-8; member New York Senate, 1779-90.

Pumpelly, John Hollenback. — Great-grandson of Col. Elizur Talcott, 6th Regiment
Connecticut Militia, 1775-6.

Read, Gen. John Meredith, former consul-general to France, former U. S. minis-
ter to Greece, knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer, etc. — Great-grand-
son of His Excellency George Read, one of the six signers of the Declaration of
Independence who were framers of the Constitution of the United States; president
of Delaware; president of the Constitutional Convention of that State; judge of the
Admiralty, 1782; United States senator; twice elected chief justice of Delaware;
also, great-grandson of Brig. -Gen. Samuel Meredith, major 3d Battalion, Philadel-
phia Associators, Col John Cadwalader, 1775; major 3d Battalion, Philadelphia Mil-
itia, Col. John Nixon, 1777; brigadier-general Pennsylvania Militia, April 5, 1777,

360

at Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown and Valley Forge; also, great-
grandson of Lieut. Isaac Marshall, private Capt. Moses Parker's Company, Chelms-
ford Mass. Militia, " Lexington Alarm;" private Capt. Zaccheus Wright's Company,
Colonel Brooks's Regiment, Massachusetts Militia, at White Plains; private Capt.
John Minot's Company, Col. Josiah Whitney's Regiment, Massachusetts Militia, May
10, 1777; lieutenant 2d Company, 7th Division, Middlesex County Mass. Militia,
1780; also, great-great-grandson of Thomas Cadwalader, examining surgeon Penn-
sylvania Militia, 177G.

Read, Major Harmon Pumpelly and John Meredith. — Great-great-grandsons of His
Excellency George Read, one of the six signers of the Declaration of Independence
who were framers of the Constitution of the United States; president of Delaware;
president of the Constitutional Convention of that State; judge of the Admiralty,
1782; United States senator; twice elected chief justice of Delaware; also great-great-
grandsons of Brig. -Gen. Samuel Meredith, major 3d Battalion, Philadelphia Asso-
ciators, Col. John Cadwalader, 1775; major 3d Battalion Philadelphia Militia, Col.
John Nixon, 1777; brigadier-general Pennsylvania Militia, April 5, 1777, at Tren-
ton, Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown, and Valley Forge ; also great-great-grand-
sons of Lieut. Isaac Marshall, private Capt. Moses Parker's Company, Chelmsford
Mass. Militia, "Lexington Alarm;" private Capt. Zaccheus Wright's Company, Col.
Brooks's Regiment, Massachusetts Militia, at White Plains; private Capt. John
Minot's Company, Col. Josiah Whitney's Regiment, Massachusetts Militia, May 10,
1777; lieutenant 2d Company, 7th Division, Middlesex County Mass. Militia, 1780;
also, great-great-great-grandsons of Thomas Cadwalader, M. D., examining surgeon
Pennsylvania Militia, 1776.

Rice, Col. William Gorham. — Great-grandson of Private Joseph Rice, Capt. Robert
Oliver's Company, Col. Ephraim Doolittle's Regiment, Massachusetts Continental
Line, April-December, 1775.

Richardson, Rev. Leonard Woods. — Great-great-grandson of Rev. Joseph
Wheeler, private in Captain Stone's Company. Colonel Prescott's Regiment, Massa-
chusetts Militia.

Richmond, Adelbert G. — Great-grandson of Private Thomas Hart, Captain Stod-
dard's Company, Colonel Hooker's Regiment, Connecticut Militia, on duty at White
Plains and along the Hudson, 1777.

Root, Dr. Arthur Guernsey. — Great-grandson of Corporal Jonathan Root, Massa-
chusetts Continental Line.

Sage, Dean. — Great-grandson of Chaplain Rev. William Linn, D. D. , 5th and (ith
Battalions Pennsylvania Continental Infantry, February to December, 1776.

Sanford, Roscoe Conkling. — Great-great-grandson of Private Joseph Sanford, Col-
onel Hooker's Regiment, Connecticut Militia.

Sanger, Hon. William Cary.— Great great-grandson of Richard Sanger, member
Massachusetts Provincial Congress, 1775; also, great-grandson of Lieut. Joseph
Requa, Dubois's Regiment New York Levies, to reinforce the army, 1780.

Sard, Grange. — Great-grandson of Private Joseph Russell, Capt. William Two-
good's Company, Col. Thomas Nixon's Regiment, 6th Massachusetts Line, 1777-79;
sergeant in Capt. Benjamin Haywood's Company, same regiment, January-De-
cember, 1780.

Scudder, Myron Tracey. — Great-grandson of Col. Nathaniel Scudder, M. D.,

GEN. FREDERICK TOWNSEND.

361

member of New Jersey Council of Safety, 1775-6 ; member of New Jersey Legisla-
ture and speaker of Assembly, November, 1776; member of Continental Congress,
1777-79; colonel 1st Regiment Monmouth County N. J. Militia, November 28, 1778.
Killed in action near Shrewsbury, N. J., October 16, 1781.

Shoemaker, Angus McDuffie, and James Duncan. — Great grandson and great-
great-grandson of Private Gottfried Shoemaker, Van Rensselaer Regiment, New
York Line ; siege and capture of Saratoga.

Slingerland, Cornelius H. — Great-great-grandson of Ensign Robert Andrews,
Captain Colton's Company, Colonel Brewer's Regiment, Massachusetts Continental
Line.

Stedman, Francis W. — Great-great-grandson of Corporal Amos Hooker, Colonel
Leonard's Regiment, Massachusetts Continental Line.

Townsend, Gen. Frederick. — Great-great grandson of Samuel Townsend, member
of New York Provincial Congress, 1775-7; member of committee to draft the Consti-
tution of New York, 1777; paymaster 5th Regiment, New York Line, Col. Lewis
Dubois, June 25, 1777-January 1, 1778.

Treadwell, Col. George. Curtis. — Great-great-grandson of Gov. John Treadwell of
Connecticut.

Tucker, Willis Gaylord, M. D. — Great- great-grandson of Stephen Tucker, corporal
in Captain McClellan's Company, Woodstock, Conn., lieutenant in command of 6th
Company of 11th Regiment of Militia at New York in 1776.

Van Allen, Theodore Frelinghuysen Collier, M.D. —Great-great grandson of Col.
Frederick Frelinghuysen, New Jersey Militia ; major in Colonel Stewart's Battalion
New Jersey Minute-men, February 15, 1776; captain Eastern Company of Artillery,
N. Y. State troops, March 1, 1776; colonel 1st Battalion Somerset County N. J. Mili-
tia, February 28, 1778; member New Jersey Provisional Congress, 1775-8; member
Continental Congress, 1778 and 1782-3.

Van Antwerp, John Henry. — Great-grandson of Lewis Simon Van Antwerp,
member of Committee of Correspondence and Safety, Schaghticoke, Albany count)-,
N. Y., 1776.

Vander Veer, Edgar Albert, M. D. — Great-great-grandson of Jacob Dievendorf,
captain in 1st Company, 5th Battalion, Tryon County, New York, Militia.

Van Heusen, John Manning. — Great-great-grandson of Joseph Manning, private
in Captain Olney's Company, Angell's Regiment, Rhode Island, 1780 and 1782.

Van Tuyl, George Casey, jr. — Great-great-grandson of John Van Tuyl, corporal
in Lansing's Company, Orange County Regiment, New York Line.

Viele, Maurice Edward. — Great-grandson of Col. John Knickerbocker, Albany
County Militia, 1775-8.

Wadhams, Frederick Eugene. — Great-grandson of Ebnezer Bostwick, private in
Capt. Elizur Warner's Company, 7th Regiment Connecticut Line, Col. Hcman
Swift; corporal same company, and sergeant same company.

Wallace, Major William Addison. — Great-grandson of Abijah Thompson, Capt,
Samuel Belknap's Company, Woburn, Massachusetts, Militia, at Lexington and Cam-
bridge, 19 April, 1775; also, great-great great-grandson of Private Rowlandson
Bond, Captain Warner's Company, Colonel Collins's Regiment, Massachusetts Line,
1777-80; also, great-great-grandson of Capt. John Wisner, captain of Florida and
46

3G2

Warwick Company, Orange County Minute-men, Col. Isaac Nichols's Regiment,
March, 1776.

Warner, Gen. James Meech. — Great-grandson of Lieut. Joseph Little, Welch's
Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteers; joined the Northern Army at Saratoga,
September 28, 1777. Gen. J. M. Warner died March 16, 1897.

Wetmore, Prof. Edward Willard. — Great-grandson of Surgeon Ellis Willard;
private Massachusetts Militia; at Boston, April, 1775; hospital surgeon, New York,
1775-9; surgeon in military hospitals at Boston, 1780 5.

Whitney, William Minott. — Grandson of Brig-Gen. Josiah Whitney, one of the
"Boston Tea Party," December 16, 1773; at Concord, April 19, 1775; lieutenant-
colonel of Col. Asa Whitcomb's Massachusetts Continental Regiment at Bunker Hill
and Siege of Boston, April to December, 1765; colonel of Massachusetts Militia be-
fore Boston, January to April, 1776; colonel of "Colony" Regiment raised to fortify
the town and harbor of Boston, April, 1776 — January, 1777; colonel in command of
Massachusetts Militia, Rhode Island Alarm, April, May and June, 1777, and Ben-
nington Alarm, August, 1777; at Saratoga, September and October, 1777; member
of last Provincial Legislature, 1779; member of convention that framed State Con-
stitution for Massachusetts in 1780; member of first State Legislature in 1780, and
also those of 1788 and 1789; promoted to brigadier-general, July, 1781.

Williams, Captain Chauncey Pratt. — Great-grandson of Jehiel Williams, corporal
in Captain Tilden's Company, engaged at Bunker Hill; enlisted from Connecticut.

Williams, Robert Day. — Great-grandson of Corporal Isaac Foot, gunner 2d Regi-
ment Connecticut Artillery, Col. John Lamb, 1777; corporal same, 1780.

Woodruff, Hon. Timothy Lester, Lieutenant-Governor of New York State. — Great-
grandson of Private Samuel Scott, Capt. William Judd's Company, Col. Samuel
Wylly'sM Regiment, Connecticut Line, served on the Hudson May 1, 1777-January
1, 1778.

Youngman, Hon. Yreeland Houghwout. — Grandson of Private John Youngman,
Wingate's New Hampshire Militia Regiment; private, also, in Frye's Company, 3d
New Hampshire Line; at Saratoga, Monmouth, and Valley Forge; and Harry
Vreeland Youngman, great grandson of above.

Following" are lists of members of other organizations of the charac-
actei under consideration, which have been prepared for this work:

Order of tJie Cincinnati. — J. Howard King, Richard Varick De Witt.

Sons of the American Revolution. — William H. McClure, Archibald Jermain lie-
Clure, William Herrick Griffith, George Comstock Baker, Captain C. C. Cussick,
Captain Chauncey Pratt Williams, Hon. Erastus Corning, Dr. Frederick Joseph
Cox, Hon. James A. Roberts, William N. Stetson, John N. Cutler, Hon. Edward T.
Bartlett.

Society War of 1S12 in the State of New York. — Henry Harmon Noble, William
Herrick Griffith (Pennsylvania Society), George Comstock Baker, Elijah Warriner
Murphey, James William Cox, jr., Frederick Eugene, Wadhams, James Duncan
Shoemaker.

V. S. Daughters of 1812. — Mrs. Henry Harmon Noble.

Society of Colonial Wars. — There are thirty-six members, nearly all of whom are
members of Sons of Revolution.

363

Military Order of Foreign Wars of the U. S. — Henry Harmon Noble, George
Lawyer.

Military Order of the Members of the Loyal Legion in Albany. — Major Richard
L. Annesley, Lieut. John M, Bailey. Judson Hooker Bailey, 2d class, Major Herman
Bendell, Major Charles J. Buchanan, Col. Stephen P. Corliss, M. H., Lieut.-Col.
Frank Chamberlain, Eugene T. Chamberlain, 2d class, Capt. Louis Dietz, Lieut.
Bertold Fernow, Lieut. William Kidd, Henry M. Kidd, 2d class, Capt. Charles R.
Knowles, Gen. Selden E. Marvin, Selden E. Marvin, jr., 2d class, Lieut.-Col. An-
drew E. Mather, Major John S. McEwan, Major John L. Newman, Lieut.-Col. Dud-
ley Olcott, Capt. John Palmer, Ensign Clarence Rathbone, Capt. Oscar D. Robin-
son, Gustavius C. Sniper, Lieut. Col. Alexander Strain, Lieut. David A. Teller,
Major Jacob H. Ten Eyck, Franklin Townsend, 3d class, Gen. Frederick Townsend,
Frederick Townsend, jr., 2d class, Major Albert Vander Veer, Edgar A. Yander
Veer, 2d class, Capt. Samuel B. Ward, Lieut. Andrew G. White, Major Bradford
R. Wood, Major George H. Treadwell, George Curtis Treadwell, 2d class. Col. Fred
Phisterer, Gen. Nathaniel Wales, Mass. Commandery; Gen. Robert Shaw Olliver,
Mass. Commandery; Edward Bowditch, 3d class, Mass. Commandery.

Ancient Chivalric and Heraldic Order of Knights of Albion. — Major Harmon
Pumpelly Read, Director-General and Herald; William Herrick Griffith, Registrar
General and Genealogist,

Older of Old Citard, Chicago. — George Comstock Baker, William Herrick
Griffith.

Daughters of the Cincinnati. — Mrs. Abraham Lansing.

Society of the Colonial Dames of America. — Mrs. Erastus Corning, Mrs. Selden
E. Marvin, Mrs. Anna Parker Pruyn, Miss Hybertie L. Pruyn, Mrs. William Gor-
ham Rice.

Society of Colonial Dames of State of N. Y. — Mrs. William H. McClure, Mrs.
John DeWitt Peltz, Miss Mary B. S. Tibbets, Mrs. Garret A. Van Allen, Mrs. Will-
iam Bayard Van Rensselaer, Mrs. Levi P. Morton, Mrs. James W. Cox, jr.

BANKS.

This city lias always been the home of banking institutions of high
character and ample means. Failure in such institutions have been
comparatively few, while the facilities afforded by them to tradesmen
and manufacturers have been liberal and progressive. The first dis-
cussion, as far as known, relating to the establishment of a bank in
Albany took place in Lewis's tavern on February :!, 1792. At that early
date the need of a bank in the northern part of the State was felt.
there being but one in the whole State. At a subsequent meeting plans
were outlined, the name, Bank of Albany, settled, and the capital fixed at
$75,000, in five hundred shares, with a board of thirteen directors, nine
of whom should reside in Albany. Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, Jacob
Van Derheyden and Barent Bleecker were to open subscription books

364

in the following- week and close them when five hundred shares were
taken. The books were opened February 17, and the stock was over-
subscribed in less than three hours. After the books were closed offers
of ten per cent, advance on the stock were made, and within a week it
rose to one hundred per cent. Considerable difficulty was encountered
in obtaining a charter, and the price of the stock fluctuated somewhat
until towards the close of the legislative session, when the act of incor-
poration became a law. The first board of directors was elected June
12, 1792, as follows: Abraham Ten Broeck, Cornelius Glen, Stephen
Van Rensselaer, Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, John Maley, Abraham Van
Vechten, Henry Cuyler, John Stephenson, James Caldwell, Jacob Van
Derheyden, Goldsboro Banyar, Daniel Hale and Elkanah Watson. Mr.
Ten Broeck was elected president of the bank, and business was com-
menced on the 16th of July. The incorporating act limited the bank
capital to $260,000, but in February, 1 794, it was increased to $540, 000, in
L35 shares. In 1832 the charter of the bank was extended to January,
1855, at which time, for the purpose of more widely diffusing the stock,
its par value was reduced to $30 and the number of shares proportion-
ately increased. The bank was at first located in an old Dutch edifice
in North Pearl street, but in 1794 a bank building was erected and oc-
cupied until 1810, when a second building was erected by the bank on
the corner of State and Broadway. This was demolished in 1832 in
widening State street, and the bank removed to No. 42 State street,
and from there to the Merchants' Bank building, where it remained
until 1861. The presidents of this bank from 1792 to 1861 were Abra-
ham Ten Broeck, 1792-98; Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, 1798-1806; Philip
S. Van Rensselaer, 1806-10; Dudley Walsh, 1810-14; John Van Schaick,
1814-20; Barent Bleecker, 1820-10; Jacob H. Ten Eyck, 1840-61.
During this period of seventy years there were only four cashiers,
namely: Garret W. Van Schwaick, 1792-1815; John Van Zandt, 1815-
32; Jellis Winne, jr., 1832-49; E. E. Kendrick, 1849-61.

This bank failed on May 11, 1861, at a time when the utmost con-
fidence was felt in the institution and $100 shares commanded $150 in
the market. It resulted from a combination of causes from which four
Albany banks failed in that year. Adam Van Allen "was appointed
receiver of the bank and closed up its affairs.

New York State Bci)ik. — This institution owed its existence largely
to Elkanah Watson, and was incorporated and began business in 1803.
The original directors were: The State comptroller, Elisha Jenkins,

365

John Tayler, Thomas Tillotson, Abraham G. Lansing, Peter Ganse-
voort, Elkanah Watson, John R. Bleecker, Francis Bloodgood, John
Robison, Gilbert Stewart, John De Peyster Douw, Richard Lush and
Thomas Mather.

At a meeting- of the directors on March 25, 1803, John Tayler was
chosen president, and John W. Yates, cashier. The bank began busi-
ness on September 7. Opposition to the incorporation of this bank
was very bitter, especially from the officials and prominent stockholders
in the Bank of Albany. The original capital was $460,000. It is at
the present time $250,000 and the surplus is an equal amount.

John Tayler continued president until his death in 1829. He was
succeeded by Francis Bloodgood, who died in 1840, the last survivor of
the original board of directors. Rufus H. King was elected president
in 1840 and remained as such until his death in 1867. He was suc-
ceeded by Gen. Franklin Townsend. J. Howard King was elected
president in 1879. John W. Yates died in 1828, and was succeeded as
cashier by his son, Richard Yates, whose successor was Aaron D.
Patchin. J. B. Plumb succeeded Mr. Patchin, who was succeeded by
John H. Van Antwerp. He was followed by D. W. Wemple. In 1850
the charter of the bank expired, when it closed up its business, paying
back to its stockholders their capital with a handsome surplus. Under
the same name, with new articles of association, and under the general
banking laws of the State, it commenced business on January 1, 1851.
Nearly all the old stockholders subscribed for equal amounts in the
new association. In 1849 the capital in this bank was reduced to
$369,000. The new bank began with a capital of $350,000. In 1892
the bank gave back to stockholders fifty per cent, as an extra dividend.
The present cashier is Willis G. Nash, who took the position in 1888.
J. Howard King, president; J. H. Van Antwerp and Ledyard Cogs-
well, vice-presidents; John H. Van Antwerp, J. Howard King, Fred-
erick Townsend, James H. Pratt, Marcus T. Hun, Henry K. McHarg,
Ledyard Cogswell, William Bayard Van Rensselaer, Edward N. Mc-
Kinney, Nelson H. Salisbury, James Ten Eyck, J. Townsend Lansing
and Rufus H. King, directors.

Canal Bank. — This institution was incorporated in 1829, with a cap-
ital of $300,000. The first directors were John T. Norton, Jeremiah
Clark, Edward C, Delavan, Lyman Root, Israel Smith, John I. God-
frey, Aaron Thorpe, David Wood, Henry L. Webb, James Goold,
Alexander Marvin, Edwin Croswell, James Porter, Richard V. De Witt,
Lyman Chapin.

366

From 1829 to 1835 John T. Norton was president. John Keyes
Paige succeeded him, who a short time after was followed by Joseph
Russell. The last president was Robert Hunter. Theodore Olcott was
was the first and only cashier of this bank.

The failure of this bank in Jul} 7 , 1848, was memorable as the first
failure of a banking institution in Albany. It was closed by order of
the comptroller, and a commission appointed to examine into the affairs
of the bank. No irregularity was discovered.

Mechanics' and Farmers Rank. — This institution was incorporated
March 4, 1811, and opened for business July 29, 1811. By the act of
incorporation, the following were named as directors : Samuel South-
wick, Benjamin Knower, Elisha Dorr, Isaac Denniston, Benjamin Van
Benthuysen, William Fowler, George Merchant, Thomas Livingston,
Giles W. Porter, Willard Walker, Walter Weed, Peter Boyd, Isaac
Hutton, Spencer Stafford and John Bryan. This bank was chartered
ostensibly for the benefit of the mechanics and farmers of Albany
county, and its charter provided that none but farmers and mechanics
should be elected as bank officers; but some years after, application
was made to the Legislature for an amendment to the charter, so as to
authorize the election of president and directors without reference to
the pursuits or employments in which they may have been engaged.

This bank was first located on the site of the post-office building.
It is a memorable fact and one that for a time created some uneasiness,
that the entire first board of directors were Democrats. It had been
understood that two Federalists would have a place on the board, and
a substitution was made a little later.

The first president was Solomon Southwiek, who filled the office un-
til 1813, when he was succeeded by Isaac Hutton. Isaac Hutton was
succeeded by Benjamin Knower in 1817, who remained president until
1 s : 5 4 , when financial embarrassments having caused his resignation, he
was succeeded by Charles E. Dudley as president pro ton., February
3, 1834. At the election in June of this year, Ezra Ames was elected
president and Charles E. Dudley, vice-president. This seems to have
been the first vice-president ever elected by this bank. Ezra Ames
filled the office of president until 1836, when Thomas W. Olcott having
resigned the office of cashier, was elected president, which office he
held until his death in 1880. As a clerk, cashier and president Mr.
Thomas W. Olcott had been connected with the bank for the long pe-
riod of sixty-nine years, besidestwo or three years passed in the Colum-

367

bia Bank of Hudson, N. Y. , a period of time almost beyond parallel in
this country. At his death, in 1880, he was succeeded by his son
Dudley. There is no record of the election of a vice-president from
the date of the death of Charles E. Dudley in 1841, until 1844, when
Samuel S. Fowler was chosen. He was succeeded by William H. De
Witt, who held this office until January 1, 1853, the date of the expira-
tion of the charter of the old Mechanics' and Farmers' Bank. From
this period, until June, 1865, the bank had no vice-president, when Mr.
Thomas Olcott, resigning- the position of cashier, was elected vice-
president, which office he held until his death in 1873. From this date
until January 1, 1879, there was no election of vice-president, when
Dudley Olcott having resigned as cashier was elected to that office.
He held it until March, 1880, when he was succeeded by John J. Ol-
cott, who now holds the position.

Gorham A. Worth was the first cashier, which position he held until
1817, when he resigned to accept the position of cashier of the Branch
Bank of the United States, at Cincinnati, Ohio Thomas W. Olcott
was appointed to the vacancy and held the position until June 7, 1836,
when he was succeeded by E. E. Kendrick. E. E. Kendrick held the
office until February 23, 1849, when he was succeeded by Thomas Ol-
cott, who resigned the position in June, 1865. Dudley Olcott was his
successor in the office, until January 1, 1879, when he was succeeded
by George G. Davidson. At the time of the appointment of Thomas
W. Olcott as cashier, in 1817, the bank's capital had become impaired,
owing to the financial troubles growing out of the depression following
the close of the last war with Great Britain ; but from this date, the
financial history of the bank has been one of unvarying prosperity.

At the expiration of the charter of the old bank January 1, 1853, the
stockholders received about 115 per cent., besides their stock in the
new bank, which was $350,000. The first charter expired in 1833 and
was renewed for twenty years. At the expiration of the second charter,
1853, the bank closed its affairs, dividing its surplus, and went into
operation again with the same officers. During the war of the Rebel-
lion it again wound up its affairs, and went under the national bank
system; this was abandoned in 1868. Thomas W. Olcott, to whom must
be credited a large share of the success of this institution, is by general
consent acknowledged to have been the great banker of Albany.

The present capital of this bank is $250,000, and it has a surplus of
nearly a million dollars.

368

National Commercial Bank. — A bill for the incorporation of the Com-
mercial Bank of Albany was passed by the Senate of the State of New
York on March 30, 1825, and by the Assembly on April 8, 1825, and
became a law by the signature of Governor De Witt Clinton on April
12, 1825. The following- were named as commissioners in the bill, and
constituted the first board of directors: AVillard Walker, Joshua Tuffs,
George W. Stanton, Lewis Benedict, William Cook, David E. Gregory,
vSeth Hastings, Ira Jenkins, Joseph Alexander, Robert Gilchrist, Rich-
ard Marvin, John Townsend, Asa H. Center.

The directors of the bank were for a time enjoined from opening on
account of the dissatisfaction of the subscribers with the distribution
of the capital stock, but August 29, 1826, the chancellor decided that
the bank might go into operation so far as to issue bills and discount
notes, but prohibited any transfer of stock, or making any loan or
pledges on stock. A meeting of the board of directors was held at
Knickerbocker Hall on the evening of May 23, 1826, at which all the
directors, with the exception of William Cook were present. At this
meeting the board was organized and Joseph Alexander was elected
president. On July 13, 1826, Henry Bartow was appointed cashier.

The bank began business September 5, 1826, with a capital of $300,-
000, and continued until the expiration of its charter on July 1, 1845,
and under an extension of its charter until July 1, 1847, when it was
reorganized under the general banking law of the State. On May 31,
1865, the bank was chartered under the act of Congress as a national
institution, and was reorganized and began business under that act Au-
gust 1, 1865. It continued under this charter for twenty years, until
May 31, 1885, when an extension of the charter was granted to May 31,
11)05. The capital stock was increased to $500,000 February 1, 1855,
and on June 10, 1875, was reduced to $300,000, in shares of $100 each,
the amount of the reduction being paid to the stockholders. On Jan-
uary 13, 1880, the number of directors was reduced to nine, and on
September 10, 1887, the number was again changed, so that it should
not be less than five nor more than fifteen.

Mr. Alexander was succeeded in the office of president by the follow-
ing persons, who were elected at the dates given: John Townsend,
June 7, 1832; John L. Schoolcraft, August 31, 1854; Ezra P. Prentice,
June 13, 1860; Robert H. Pruyn, November 24, 1875; Daniel Manning,
March 4, 1882; Robert C. Pruyn, May 23, 1885.

Vice-presidents: Seth Hastings, June 18, 1836; John L. Schoolcraft,

369

October 28, 1839; Andrew White, June 16, 1855. The death of Andrew
White, in 1857, made a vacancy until the election of Robert H Pruyn,
November 2, 1872; Robert L. Johnson, November 24, 1875; Daniel
Manning, April 9, 1881; Robert C. Pruyn, March 4, 1882; Nathan B.
Perry, November 20, 1885; Grange Sard, April 11, 1890.

The following cashiers have been appointed : Henry Bartow, July 13,
1826; James Taylor, October 21, 1835; Andrew White, March 17, 1854;
Powers L. Green, June 16, 1855; Visscher Ten Eyck, July 7, 1858;
Eliphalet Wickes, August 11, 1862; James Martin, February 24, 1866;
Edward A. Groesbeck, April 30, 1873.

Assistant cashiers: James Martin, August 11, 1862; Edward A.
Groesbeck, November 2, 1872; Edward J. Hussey, December 1, 1891.

The present board of directors: Abraham Lansing, Simon W. Rosen-
dale, Robert C. Pruyn, Grange Sard, Robert L. Fryer, James H. Man-
ning, Hamilton Harris, Horace G. Young, Anthony N. Brady, Charles
Tracey, William H. Weaver, William J. Walker. This bank has been
the depositary of the State of New York for nearly sixty years.

Albany City National Bank. — This staunch institution was organized
as the Albany City Bank April 30, 1834, with capital of $500,000. It
began business on October 1, of that year, with Erastus Corning, presi-
dent; Samuel S. Fowler, vice-president; Watts Sherman, cashier.
Charles L. Garfield was appointed clerk in October, 1836 ; in June, 1837,
he was appointed teller in place of Moses B. Wright, and held that po-
sition many years. In 1840 the bank purchased from Joel Rathbone
his store at 47 State street, and converted it into a bank building.
Watts Sherman continued cashier until 1847, when his health failed
and he was given a vacation in Europe, Henry L. Lansing taking the
position in his absence. In October, 1850, John V. L. Pruyn was
elected vice president. In July, 1851, Mr. Sherman resigned as cashier
and Henry H. Martin was elected to the position. The charter of this
bank expired January 1, 1864, and it was immediately reorganized
under the National Banking Laws with the same officers and capital.
The stockholders were then paid eighty per cent, in addition to their
regular dividends, and the sum of $90,000 of the undivided profits of
the old bank was carried as a surplus fund of the new one. On June
1, 1885, the charter of the bank was renewed with its present title. In
December, 1870, Mr. Martin resigned as cashier and Amos P. Palmer
was selected as his successor. Erastus Corning died in April, L872,
and was succeeded as president by his son, Erastus, who still holds the

370

office. Father and son have served the bank in the capacity of presi-
dent for a period of sixty-three years up to the present date (1897). In
March, 1873, work was begun on a new bank building on the same site,
and it was occupied in June, 1874 In February of that year the direc-
tors reduced the capital of the bank to $300,000. In November, 1877,
John V. L. Pruyn, one of the oldest officers of the bank, died and Eli
Perry was elected vice-president in his place. Upon the death of Mr.
Perry George H. Thacher succeeded to the office of vice-president, and
after his death his son, George H. Thacher, was elected in his stead.
The present officers are Erastus Corning, president; George H. Thacher
and George I. Amsdell, vice-presidents; Jonas H. Brooks, cashier;
Joseph S. House, assistant cashier.

National Exchange Bank. — This bank was organized in 1838 as the
Albany Exchange Bank, with capital of $311,100, and privileged to in-
crease it to $10,000,000. It was among the earliest associations under
the general banking act passed in April of that year. Its first board
of directors was composed of John Q. Wilson, who was elected presi-
dent, George W. Stanton, Alfred Douglas, Galen Batchelder, Fred-
erick J. Barnard, Lansing G. Taylor, John Thomas, Robert Hunter,
Oliver Steele, Henry Greene, John M. Newton, James McNaughton,
Giles Sanford, Samuel Stevens, Robert L. Noyes. Soon after organ-
ization, and before business was commenced, John Q. Wilson and
Robert Hunter resigned as directors, and Ichabod L. Judson and Gay-
lor Sheldon were appointed to fill the vacancies. A vacancy thus
occurring in the office of president, George W. Stanton was elected
president and filled the office until his death in April, 1841.

Some unfortunate speculations in the early history of this bank and
the loss of money through other bank failures, weakened its credit so
that at the outbreak of the Civil war its stock was offered at seventy
cents on the dollar. Careful management by its officers, however,
averted serious trouble, and when, in 1865, the affairs of the institution
were wound up preparatory to forming it into a national bank, a
creditable showing was made. On January 4, 1865, it became the
National Albany Exchange Bank, with a capital of $300,000. Chaun-
cey P. Williams, who had acted as receiver of the former bank, was
appointed cashier; William Gould, president; William G. Thomas,
vice president. Mr. Gould was succeeded as president by Ichabod L.
Judson; he by Chauncey P. Williams. He died May 31, 1894, and the
office was filled by John D. Parsons, jr., the present president. In

371

1875 Theodore L. Scott succeeded Mr. Williams as cashier; he died in
February, 1881, and was succeeded by Jonas H. Brooks. The latter
was succeeded in 1891 by John J. Gallogly.

In view of the expiration of the charter of the bank on the 10th of
January, 1885, the directors decided to not apply for the extension of
its corporate existence, but recommended the formation of a new
national banking association. Under direction of C. P. Williams,
Lansing Merchant and A. V. De Witt the institution was given its
present organization, the National Exchange Bank of Albany. The
present paid up stock is $300,000; ' the surplus, $60,000.

Merchants' National Bank. — This institution was incorporated under
the name of the Merchants' Bank January 19, 1853, with capital of
$250,000. The first board of directors was John Tweddle, Billings P.
Learned, Richard Van Rensselaer, Matthew J. Hallenbeck, Gilbert L.
Wilson, Maurice E. Viele, Henry P. Pulling, Joseph N. Bullock, John
Sill. The bank began business at No. 59 State street April 7, 1853,
with John Tweddle, president; John Sill, cashier. On April 22, 1805,
the institution was organized as a national bank with its present title.
In 1801 it was removed to its present quarters, No. 458 Broadway. In
1870 Richard Van Rensselaer became president, and was succeeded by
the present incumbent, J. W. Tillinghast in 1880. Nathan D. Wendell
was made cashier in 1804, and was succeeded by J. Irving Wendell in
1880. Nathan D. Wendell became vice-president in 1880 and held that
office until his death in 1880, when he was succeeded by John G. Myers,
the present incumbent. The present capital and surplus of this bank
is $400,000.

Union Bank. — This institution was first organized under the general
banking law as the Bank of the Union, June 8, 1853. It began busi-
ness January 1, 1854, at No. 35 State street, with a capital of $250,000.
The first board of directors was composed of Billings P. Learned, Gil-
bert C. Davidson, William N. Strong, Chauncey Vibbard, Amos P.
Palmer, Charles Coates, George H. Thacher, William L. Learned,
John H. Reynolds, Daniel D. T. Charles, Alfred Wild, Le Roy Mowry
and Adam Cottrell. Billings P. Learned was the first president of this
bank, holding the position from the date of its organization to the time
of his death, April 10, 1884, when he was succeeded by his son, Bill-
ings P. Learned.

John F. Batchelder was the first cashier, holding the office until his
resignation in 1857, when he was succeeded by Adam Van Allen, who
resigned in 1801, and was succeeded by Amos P. Palmer.

372

In the early part of the year 1865, the stockholders of the Union
Bank decided to abandon their organization under the State law, and
organize under the National Bank act; and March 8, 1865, it was au-
thorized to continue business, under the title of the Union Bank of Al-
bany, for twenty years. At the expiration of its charter, March 8,
1885, by agreement with the stockholders, this bank was satisfactorily
closed and its affairs liquidated in full. Shortly after its organization
as a national bank, a bank building was erected at No. 446 Broadway,
which was occupied until the expiration of its charter. The last cashier
was James C. Cook, who held this position from 1870.

Bank of the Capitol. — This was one of the four banks that failed in
1861, to which allusion has been made ; one of them has been described.
The Bank of the Capitol was incorporated in 1853, with a capital of
$300,000. The first directors were Thomas Schuyler, M. H. Read,
John G. White, Adam Van Allen, A. D. Shepard James Van Nostrand,
Matthew Vassar, Alfred Noxon, and Noah Lee. The latter was chosen
president, and was succeeded by Thomas Schuyler, and he by John G.
White. Horatio G. Gilbert was the first cashier, and was succeeded
by John Templeton. The bank failed May 18, 1861, when M. H. Read
was appointed receiver.

The National Bank was another of the four failures and went into
operation in 1856, with a capital of $600,000, and the following directors:
William E. Bleecker, Albion Ransom, James C. Kennedy, Richard J.
Grant, Samuel W. Burnett, Charles Adams and Robert C. Martin.
William E. Bleecker was chosen president, and Robert C. Martin,
cashier. Both of these officers remained in their positions until the
failure of the bank May 23, 1860. James Edwards was appointed
receiver.

The Bank of the Interior was the fourth one of those which failed in
1861 and was incorporated in 1851. Josiah B. Plumb was its principal
founder and was elected president, with John F. Batchelder, cashier;
both men were in office at the time of the failure, May 1, 1861. Orlando
Meads was made receiver.

First National Bank. — This bank was organized January 26, 1S64,
and began business on the 25th of the next month. It was the first
bank in Albany organized under the national system and became the
financial agent of the government for receiving and disbursing its funds
in this vicinity. Thomas Schuyler was the first president, and Adam
Van Allen the first cashier. The directors were Thomas Schuyler,

373

Garret A. Van Allen, Matthew H. Read, Charles H. Adams, and Frank
Chamberlain. Matthew H. Read was chosen president in 1869 and
continued such until his death in 1883, when he was succeeded by Adam
Van Allen. He died in 1884 aud was succeeded by Garret A. Van
Allen. The present cashier, S. W. Rowell, has handed in his resigna-
tion to take effect May 1, 1897, and up to the date of this writing his
successor has not been appointed. The directors besides Mr. Van Allen
are William M. Whitney, C. S. Merrill, John M. Bailey, Horace S. Bell,
Noel E. Sisson and John A. Dix. The capital of the bank is $200,000;
surplus, $100,000, and it has paid to stockholders since its organization,
$750,000.

The Hope Bank. — Organized and incorporated under the general
State law, began busines in 1863 with $100,000 capital. James Hen-
drick was president and William Young, cashier. It was continued
under these officers until 1874, when it was discontinued and the stock-
holders paid in full. In the same year it was succeeded by the Hope
Banking Company, of which Mr. Hendrick was president. This in-
stitution was discontinued in 1877.

Albany County Batik — This institution was incorporated under the
State banking law, and commenced business May 15, 1871, in Tweddle
Hall building. Removed to present building corner State and South
Pearl streets, January 16, 1883. Capital, $200,000. Its first board of
directors was composed of Jacob Learned, B. W. Wooster, Theodore
D. Smith, A. W. Brumaghim, Royal Bancroft, Elvin Taylor, Francis
N. Sill, Cornelius Smith, Joseph Mann, Henry A. Fonda and John
Templeton. Jacob Learned was president from 1871 to 1878, when he
was succeeded by B. W. Wooster. John R. Cornell now holds that
office. John Templeton was the first cashier. The present cashier is
Win. N. S. Sanders with George C. Lee, assistant. James Moore is vice-
president. Directors, John R. Carnell, James Moore, Jacob Leonard,
James Mix, Seth Wheeler, Lansing Hotaling, Albert V. Bensen, Clif-
ford D. Gregory, John J. White, Frank C. Herrick. The capital of
this bank is $250,000.

The Park Hank of Albany was organized in 1889 with capital of
$100,000. It has been prudently conducted and now has a surplus of
$25,000. The officers are Grange Sard, president; Robert C. Pruyn,
first vice-president; James D. Wasson, second vice-president ; Charles
H. Sabin, cashier.

374

SAVINGS BANKS.

The Albany Savings Bank is the second oldest savings bank in this
State and was organized through efforts of William James, Charles R.
Webster, Jesse Buel, John Townsend, and Joseph Alexander, who
petitioned the Legislature for an act of incorporation. The act was
passed March 25, 1820. The first officers of the institution were
Stephen Van Rensselaer, president; William James, first vice president;
Joseph Alexander, second vice-president; John Townsend, third vice-
president; Charles R. Webster, Jesse Buel, Thomas Russell, Volkert
P. Douw, William Durant, Douw Fonda, Simeon De Witt, Peter Boyd,
John Spencer, John L. Winne, William McHarg, Matthew Gill, Har-
manus Bleecker and Sylvanus P. Jermain, managers, none of whom
received directly or indirectly, pay for their services. The first meet-
ing of these officers was held May 16, 1820, at the Chamber of Com-
merce room, when Sylvanus P. Jermain was appointed secretary; and
a short time after, John W. Yates was made treasurer.

The first deposit was made June 10, 1820, the money being received
at the New York State Bank, with which the Savings Bank had made
arrangements for the safe keeping of its funds. The deposits received
this day amounted to $527. The first depositor was Joseph T. Rice, a
silversmith. The arrangements made with the New York State Bank
continued until 1828, when a contract was made with the Commercial
Bank to keep and invest the funds of the Savings Bank. In 1872 the
business of the Savings Bank was conducted in the rooms formerly
occupied by the First National Bank. It occupied its own building,
No. 89 State street, in May, 1875, but is about to remove to a new
structure, corner of Maiden Lane and North Pearl street.

Mr. Van Rensselaer was succeeded as president, in 1840, by John
Townsend; in 1854, by Gerrit Y. Lansing; by Rufus H. King in 1863;
by Harmon Pumpelly, in 1867; by Henry H. Martin, in 1882. J.
Howard King is now president, with Marcus T. Hun, vice-president.

John W. Yates was succeeded as treasurer, in 1844, by James Taylor;
by Visscher Ten Eyck, 1861; James Martin, 1869; Henry H. Martin,
1874; Theodore Townsend, in 1882.

This institution is one of the strongest in the State and has always
had the confidence of the community. Its deposits have increased from
about $14,000 in the first year until its assets now amount to nearly
$20,000,000, with a surplus of about $2,250,000.

The Albany City Savings Institution was incorporated on March 29,

GEN. SELDEN E. MARVIN,

375

1850, and began business in the Albany City National Bank build-
ing, No. 47 State street. The first trustees were Erastus Corn-
ing, sr , John Taylor, James Maher, Lansing Pruyn, James Kidd,
James McNaughton, John V. L. Pruyn, William Humphrey, Watts
Sherman, John T. Norton, James Goold, Samuel Pruyn, Henry H.
Martin, John Knower, John McKnight, William Boardman, John G.
White, Ellis Baker, Christopher W. Bender and Thomas Noonan. The
first president was Erastus Corning, sr. , who was succeeded by his son,
Erastus Corning. Selden E. Marvin now holds that position. Watts
Sherman was the first treasurer and was succeeded by Henry H. Mar-
tin. In 1874 Amos P. Palmer took this office and was succeeded by
Russell C. Case. The present treasurer is William S. Hackett. John
E. Walker and Horace S. Bell, vice-presidents. The deposits and sur-
plus amount to $2,740,582.71. The present trustees are: Selden E.
Marvin, Rodney Vose, George I. Amsdell, Francis H. Woods, Charles
R. Knowles, James W. Cox, jr., John E. Walker, John E. Palmer, Geo.
H. Thacher, E. De L. Palmer, Albert Hessberg, Horace S. Bell, Ed-
ward J. Gallien, J. H. Brooks, John Bowe, P. N. Bouton.

The Mechanics' and Farmers' 1 Savings Bank was incorporated April
12, 1855, and commenced business in the Mechanics' and Farmers'
Bank building. Thomas W. Olcott was its first president. He was
succeeded by his son, Dudley Olcott, who still holds the office. Both
Thomas W. and Dudley Olcott held the office of secretary, of which
the present incumbent is George G. Davidson. Charles Newman is
vice-president, and Horatio N. Snow, accountant. The surplus on
July 1, 189G, was $357,085.67. The deposits are nearly $2,000,000.

The Albany Exchange Savings Bank was incorporated in April, 1850,
with James McNaughton, president, and Joseph M. Lovett, treasurer.
The office of president has been held by William G. Thomas, Isaac A.
Chapman, John E. McElroy, and William Dalton, the present incum-
bent. In 1869 Chauncey P. Williams was elected treasurer. The
present treasurer is Abraham V. De Witt, John DeWitt Peltz is first
vice-president, and James McKinney second vice-president.

The National Savings Bank was incorporated May 6, 1868, and began
business in June of the following year. The first president was Eras-
tus Corning, sr. , who was succeeded by John H. Van Antwerp in L872 ;
he has held this position ever since. Albert P. Stevens was the first
treasurer, and he also has held the office to the present time. John G.
Myers and G. A. Van Allen are vice-presidents. On January 1, 1897,
its deposits and surplus reached the total of $8,443,594.56, exhibiting

376

a continuance of growth, year by year, measuring the confidence
reposed in it by its depositors in a most assuring and satisfactory man-
ner to its officers and trustees. Economy in its administration is
evidenced by the fact that its president, Mr. Van Antwerp, has from
the first declined holding the presidency as a salaried position.

The Home Savings Bank, located in its new building, No. 13 North
Pearl street, in this city, was incorporated May 10, 1871. William White
was the first president, holding the office up to the time of his death in
January, 1882. He was succeeded by John D. Capron, who held the
office until May, 1891. Peter Kinnear was then chosen to succeed
him, and held the office until January, 1806, when he was succeeded by
the present incumbent, James Ten Eyck, of the firm of Bacon, Stickney
& Co., also past grand master of Masons in this State. Edmund L.
Judson was treasurer from the organization of the bank up to the time
of his death in April, 1890, when he was succeeded by the present
incumbent, John D. Capron. The other officers are David A. Thomp-
son, first vice-president; John H. Farrell, second vice-president; and
Samuel L. Munson, secretary. The deposits on January 1, 1897,
amounted to $1,604,204.23. The surplus on the same date was $91,-

719.80.

The Albany County Savings Bank was incorporated April 30, 1874,
with Jasper H Pratt, president; who was succeeded by the present in-
cumbent, Jasper Van Wormer. John Templeton was the first treasu-
rer, and was succeeded by William N. S. Sanders, the incumbent. Al-
bert V. Bensen has been secretary from the incorporation. Seth
Wheeler, James Mix and F. C. Curtis are vice-presidents. Amount
due depositors January 1, 1896, $4,359,892,45; surplus, $200,226.33.

MANUFACTURES.

While Albany has gained a high position as a center of political in-
fluence, in art and educational affairs, and in the character of its financial
institutions, it has also attained prominence through the number and
importance of its manufacturing industries.

The iron industry in its various branches is one of the oldest and most
important in the city. What is now the Townsend Furnace and Ma-
chine Shop Company was established in 1807 by John and Isaiah Town-
send, who were succeeded in 1838 by John Townsend alone, who was
followed in 1849 by Franklin and Theodore Townsend. In 1856 Frank-
lin Townsend became sole proprietor, and in 1867 admitted George P.

:. :f§T !

flllHHI

JOHN H. VAN ANTWERP.

377

Jackson to a partnership. In 1871 Rufus K. Townsend, grandson of
Isaiah, took his father's place in the business, and in July, 1882, upon the
death of Mr. Jackson, became sole proprietor. Rufus K. Townsend died
in December, 1895, and his father (Franklin) again assumed control of the
business and organized a stock company with the above title and the
following officers: Ledyard Cogswell, vice-president; John T Brad}-,
secretary and treasurer; Ezra Loughren, superintendent.

The iron foundry of Isaiah Page & Son was established by the senior
member of the firm in 1832, and occupied its present site in 1850. Will-
iam B. Page became a member of the firm in 1883, and two years later
Isaiah Page died. For more than fifty years this establishment has
conducted a successful and honorable business.

The car wheel works now operated by Hon. John Boyd Thacher
and his brother, George H. Thacher, jr., merit notice. This busi-
ness was founded by George H. Thacher in 1852, and during many
years some of the leading railroads in the country, including the
New York Central, were supplied with wheels from this foundry. The
Albany Saw, Steel and File Works, conducted by E. F. Decker & Bros.,
was established by Pruyn & Lansing (Robert H. Pruyn and Charles B.
Lansing) in 1855. This firm was succeeded in 1879 by Lansing & Co.,
and they by the present firm in 1892. The name of the works sufficiently
explains its character. Other iron industries have been conducted by
Storks & Pruyn (established 1848), and operated later by Prince & Ott;
Sullivan & Ehler, steam engines; James McKinney & Son, the Albany
Malleable Iron Works, E. D. Ransom & Co., and others.

During many years Albany was the headquarters of stove manufac-
turing in the United States, and the industry is a prominent one at the
present time. Stoves were made here as early as 1827 by H. Nott &
Co., and from that time onward the industry rapidly advanced. The
great establishment of the Perry Stove Co. was started in 1837 by
Treadwell & Perry and for fifty years carried on a large business. For
reasons that need not be entered upon here the business was placed in
the hands of Selden E. Marvin as receiver in 1895.

Rathbone, Sard & Co., manufacture the celebrated Acorn stoves and
ranges, and have branches in Chicago, Detroit, and Aurora, 111. The
business was established in ls:>5 by Gen. John F. Rathbone, who is
still president of the company. George Sard is vice-president and man-
ager, and Edward Bowditch, secretary and treasurer. About 700 men are
employed in Albany and 500 in Aurora. The Littlefield Stove Com-
48

378

pany was organized in 1865 by D. G. Littlefield, who is now president
of the company, with H. C. Littlefield, as treasurer. D. G. Littlefield is
the inventor of the first successful base-burning stove. Among other
firms that have been represented in this industry are the Albany Stove
Company, organized in 1868; the Ransom Stove Company, Carroll &
Co., the Albany Co-operative Stove Company, and several individuals.

The brewing industry in Albany had its inception in the early years
of the city's existence, and before the granting of the Dongan charter,
Arent Van Corlaer making ale here in 1661. In 1695 Ben C. Corlaer
and Albert Ryckman were "authorized and directed to brew, for the
use of the Common Council, three pipes of beer at ,£10 13.s\" Another
early and prominent brewer was Harme Gansevoort who died in 1801. '
At about the same period a Mr. Gill was producing 150 barrels a year
aru3 boasted of the great quantity. At the present time there are
manufactured in the city approximately half a million barrels of malt
liquors annually, Robert Dunlop was an early brewer, as were also
John McKnight, and Andrew Kirk, the latter on the site of the present
Capitol City Brewery. Among the leading brewers of ale and lager in
the city at the present time is the Beverwyck Brewing Company, which
had its inception in a plant established in 1845 by James Quinn; this
brewery now has an annual product of 100,000 barrels of lager and 80,-
000 barrels of ale. The Albany Brewing Company had its inception in
1797 and now has a malting capacity of 150,000 bushels and produces
more than 100,000 barrels of ale and porter annually. The Taylor
Brewery was started in 1822 and is still in successful operation. The
Fort Orange Brewing Company was formed in 1839 and was succeeded
by the present Capitol City Brewing Company. In 1842 William Ams-
dell founded the ale and porter brewery now conducted by his son,
George I. Amsdell, the annual capacity of which is about 100,000 bar-
rels. Other brewers of importance are Quinn & Nolan, the Hincklc
Brewing Company, the Dobler Brewing Company, and the Hedrick
Brewing Company, all of which are comparatively large producers.
Intimately connected with this industry is the malting interest, in which
John G. White and his son, Andrew G, John Tweddle, J. W. Tilling-
hast, Thomas McCredie, William Appleton, Story Brothers, William
Kirk and others have been prominent.

The lumber industry, which is both manufacturing and mercantile in
character, has for many years been a prominent factor in the business
interests of the city. The Swedish traveler, Kalm, noted the fact that

GEORGE I. AMSDELL.

379

vast quantities of white pine existed in this region in 1749, from which
the early merchants and others sawed valuable lumber. The Patroon's
early saw mills, on the creek that bears his name, have already been
mentioned; they were in charge of Barent Pieterse Coeymans and Jan
Gerritsen for a time, and in 17G3 the former bought a large tract of
land twelve miles south of the city, on which mills had already been
built. In De Liancourt's notes of travel in 1795, he places timber and
lumber first among the exports from Albany. In 1840 there were
eighty-four saw mills in operation in Albany county; but the sale of
local lumber soon became only a small part of the traffic of this city.
In early years lumber was rafted and boated on the upper Hudson and
the Mohawk from Northern and Central New York and here loaded on
sloops and sent down the river. Two lumber yards were early estab-
lished, one at the foot of South Ferry street and the other between
Ouackenbush street and Lumber street (now Livingston avenue). With
the opening of the canals the business received a great impeUis. Lum-
ber was brought here in immense quantities and the wharves were
used for its temporary storage. These soon became inadequate and
slips were cut from the canal towards the river and the lumber piled
along their banks. In the course of time the Lumber District, as it is
termed, occupied about one and a half miles of river front and contained
numerous slips running east and west. There were also erected large
sawing and planing mills and other wood working establishments. In
1840 the receipts of lumber and timber were 124,173,383 feet of the
former, and 784,310 of the latter, valued at over $2,000,000. This
quantity was increased in 1850 to 425,095,436 feet of lumber and 3,039,-
588 of timber, valued at $6,800,213 The highest value in boards and
scantling received was recorded in 1853, the figures being $6,299,617.
In 1860 the valuation was a little more than $5,000,000. In 1870 the
receipts of sawed lumber by canal were 415,000,000. In 1880, 362,000,-
000. After that time the quantity was considerably increased for a
few years. The trade was at its height from 1880 to 1885, when about
500,000,000 were annually received by about thirty-five to forty firms.
I hiring that period by far the larger part of the receipts were from
Michigan and Wisconsin, the receipts from' Canada having gradually
diminished. In the past ten years the business as a whole has fallen
off largely, until at the present time there are less than twenty large
dealers, handling from 200,000,000 to 250,000,000 feet annually. The
decline is due to changes in business methods, under which mill owners

380

consign directly to market, driving out the middle men. Unfavorable
discrimination in railroad freight rates, too, has had an unfavorable in-
fluence against the business.

The Board of Lumber Dealers was organized in 1863 and was incor-
porated in 1869. It has been instrumental in maintaining equitable
business principles among dealers, disseminating valuable information
and adjusting difficulties. It is entirely impracticable here to give a
detailed account of the many companies and individuals who have been
connected with this great industry in Albany. Among them have been
Whitlock & Fassett, who began in 1832, and were succeeded by Will-
iam N. Fassett; Douglas L. White & Co., Dalton & Kibbe, Moore &
Zimmerman, W. H. Weaver & Co. (whose business was founded in
L862 by William McEchron, J. Ordway, James Morgan, A. M. Adsit
and W. H. Weaver), Rathbun & Co. (established in 1845 by Joshua
Rathbun), Rodney Vose (began in 1853), Maltbie & Simons (succeeded
by Simons & Richards), Gratwick & Fryer, L. Thompson & Co.,
Hughson & Co., Mattoon & Robinson, J. O. Towner & Co., Arnold &
Co., J. Benedict & Son, William N. Callender, Truman D. Cameron,
J. W. Dunham & Co., Charles P. Easton & Co., Fogg, Patton & Co.,
John H. Gordon, Hand & Babbitt, Hubbell & Hill, Harvey Hunter,
John Krutz, W. C. Many & Co., T. Miles & Co., Morgan Lumber
Company, Thomas Murphy, J. R. Nangle, Charles B. Nichols, Phil-
lips & Dunscomb, H. W. Sage & Co., Saxe Bros., Robert Scott, Smith,
Craig & Co., Henry Spawn, Staples & Van Allen, P. Van Rensselaer
& Co., Van Santford & Eaton, C. Warren, David Whitney, jr., N. R.
Wilbur & Son, C. H. Winne and Waine & Andrews.

The manufacture of agricultural machinery has been a considerable
industry in Albany. The Wheeler & Melick Company was founded in
ls:;o and for many years were the leaders in this line of business, the
value of their annual product reaching $500,000. The agricultural
and machine works of Peter K. Dederick & Co. also carry on a large
industry, manufacturing the Dederick patent hand and power presses,
and many other kinds of apparatus for farmers' use.

The manufacture of pianos was begun in Albany in 1825 by James A.
Gray. In 1837 he took as a partner William G. Boardman, the firm
name being Boardman & Gray. The business was successful and from
1840 to 1860 the firm was among the leading piano manufacturers of
the country. In 1877 William J. Gray, son of the founder of the busi-
ness, became a member of the firm. Mr. Boardman died in 1881 and

381

the business was continued by the Grays. In 185:5 Marshall & Traver,
two practical workmen from the Boardman & Gray factory, began
making- pianos, and two years later were succeeded by Marshall &
Wendell. In 1882 the firm, under the title of the Marshall & Wen-
dell Manufacturing Co., was incorporated, with Henry Russell, presi-
dent; J. V. Marshall, superintendent; Harvey Wendell, manager and
treasurer, and John Loughren, secretary. This business is still in exist-
ence, the present officers of the company being Jacob H. Ten Eyck,
president; Thomas S. Willes, vice president ; Edward M. McKinney,
manager and treasurer, and James L. Carpenter, secretary.

William McCammon was an early manufacturer of pianos in Albany
and his instruments acquired considerable reputation. Upon his death
in 1881 the business was continued by his son, Edward McCammon,
who finally removed it to Oneonta a few years since.

While there are very many other branches of industry profitably
pursued in this city, this brief glance at some of the more prominent of
the past and present ones will suffice to show that as a manufactur-
ing center Albany is not far behind other cities of its size.

WATER SUPPLY.

The first notice in the city records of a proposed water supply, other
than wells, occurs under date of 1794. An advertisement was then
published asking for proposals for supplying the city with water
through an aqueduct from a spring " at the Five-Mile House on the
road to Albany." No further notice of this matter appears in the re-
cords. Two years later the Legislature passed an act to enable the
corporation to establish a water supply, but this, too, failed of accom-
plishment. In 17 ( J? Benjamin Prescott received from Stephen Van
Rensselaer a grant of the Maezlandt Kill, and he laid a line of wooden
log conduits from the fountain head. For some unexplained reason
the grant must have reverted to Van Rensselaer, who, a few years
later, transferred all the rights on that stream to the water company.
The Albany Water Works Company was incorporated in 1802 with a
capital of $40,000. The first trustees were Stephen Lush, Philip Van
Rensselaer, and John Tayler. The work of laying iron and wooden
pipes through the principal streets was immediately commenced, and
the Maezlandt Kill continued to be the source of supply until L837,
when that stream failed to meet the demands made upon it and the

382

Middle Brook was drawn upon. Within a few years both streams proved
inadequate, and in 1845 a part of the Patroon's Creek was purchased by
the company. Meanwhile in 1844 the capital of the company was
increased to $80,000, and in the same year the Albany Hydrant Company
was incorporated, with John Townsend, John K. Paige, Bradford R.
Wood, James D. Wasson, Barnum Whipple, Rufus W. Peckham, and
Peter Gansevoort, trustees. This company caused extensive investi-
gation and surveys to be made for the purpose of providing a better
water supply, but nothing further was done.

A long- existing sentiment among progressive citizens that it would
be wise for the city to own its own water works culminated in the sub-
mission of a bill to the Legislature by the corporation, which became
a law April !», 1850. This law empowered the council to appoint a
board of five water commissioners, whose most important duty at that
time was to make the necessary investigations and report upon the
most feasible plan for establishing adequate water works for the city at
a cost not exceeding $000,000. The first water commission comprised
James Stevenson, Erastus Corning, John Townsend, John Tayler and
Robert E. Temple. The commission entered at once upon their task
and had examinations made of the Hudson River, Patroon's Creek, the
Normans Kill and the lakes on the Helderbergs. Plans were finally
devised and reported which met the approval of the council. On Au
gust 23, 1850, all the sources of water supply owned by the old com-
pany were purchased for $150,000, and most of the wooden pipes were
superseded by iron, but the old method of obtaining water by gravita-
tion was continued some years, the supply being the Maeztland Kill,
with a further source which was adopted in 1851. This was provided
by building a dam about six miles west of the city where three streams
united to form the Patroon's Creek, thus creating a body of water since
called Rensselaer Lake, covering full forty acres of land and holding
about '200,000,000 gallons. From this lake an egg shaped brick con-
duit four feet high and nearly four miles long, was built to Bleecker
reservoir, with a capacity of 30,000,000 gallons. In the same year two
other reservoirs were built a little east of West Albany, which took the
names of Upper and Lower Tivoli Lakes, the upper one being for stor-
age and the lower for distribution. These received their supply from
water entering the creek east of Rensselaer Lake. From the lower
lake a 24-inch main was laid to the intersection of North Pearl and
Van Woert streets, where the water entered the distributing mains.

383

This was the system of water supply up to 1875, and included iron
mains all through the city east of Bleecker reservoir.

Before the year last named, however, the demand upon the water
supply was so great, owing to growth of the city, that several water
"famines occurred, and it was evident that something must be done for
relief. The Hudson River was now brought forward and discussed as a
proper source of supply, and thorough analyses and investigations were
made to determine its purity. O. F. Chandler, Ph.D., made an analysis
of the water in 1872 and said : "I have no hesitation in recommending it
as a suitable and proper source of supply." This decision he supported
in 1885, when asked by the water commissioners if anything had taken
place since his first analysis to lead him to change his first opinion.
The plans of the water commissioners for the adoption of the river as
a source of supply were carried out in in 1875, the water being taken
from beyond the pier, carried into a well chamber six feet in diam-
eter and eighty feet deep through a copper wire screen of one hundred
meshes to the inch, and thence through a culvert below low water
mark. From this well chamber was extended a tunnel five feet in
diameter and nearly nine hundred feet long under the basin to the
pumping works, corner of Montgomery and Ouackenbush streets,
where engines were established which operated pumps to force the sup-
ply into Bleecker reservoir. While this plan gave an abundant supply
to the district east of Bleecker reservoir, there were more elevated
parts of the city that received no benefit from the new arrangement.
To improve the conditions another reservoir was built in 1878 on Pros-
pect Hill with a capacity of 7,000,000 gallons, and into this water is
pumped from the Bleecker reservoir. The use of water from the Hudson
River continued to cause discussion for a number of years, many intel-
ligent persons insisting that it could not possibly be wholesome On
November 17, 1884, the Common Council passed a resolution requesting
from the water commissioners a detailed statement of their information
concerning the possible sources of water supply for the city, and of
their reasons for adopting the plan of pumping water from the Hudson.
The board reported February 2, 1885, as follows:

This Board has no prejudice in favor of the river water, or against any other source
of supply, and if it can be shown that a better source of supply exists, it will gladh
take all practicable measures within its power to secure it.

The report adds that judging by experience and by the numerous

384

tests made, the river is the only practicable and attainable source of
supply.

The water subject continued to be agitated and before long an addi-
tional supply was needed to meet the increasing demand of the city. In
accordance with a law of 1885, a special water commission was appointed
consisting of Samuel Hand, president; Albert Vander Veer, secretary;
Archibald McClure and Owen Golden, "to make inquiry as to the
available sources of supply of pure and wholesome water for the city,"
and if the present supply was decided to be the best available, what
method could be adopted for purifying it. On November 30, 1885,
this commission recommended to the council 1st, That the supply then
obtained from Patroon's Creek and Sand Creek by the Tivoli Lake be
gathered and transmitted to the Tivoli main, the cost of which would
not exceed $230,000. 2d, " That a contract be-made for a new supply
of 10,000,000 gallons daily, to be delivered at Quackenbush street pump-
ing station, from the flats between the Troy road and the Hudson River
north of the city, at or about in the locality of the well from which the
water has been tested, to be furnished by the patent improved gang-
well system of William B. Andrews & Bro.," the cost of this improve-
ment not to exceed $450,000.

The commission further recommended in the event of the council not
approving of this plan, an alternative as follows: A new intake at a
point in the Hudson River about 2,500 feet above the present intake,
a new main from the pumping station to Bleecker reservoir, and addi-
tional pumps, with extensive facilities for aeration and filtration, and
the abandonment of Tivoli Lake, the estimated expense of all this
being $750,000.

In their report to the council for 1886 the water commissioners again
recommended the purchase of another and more powerful engine. At
that time the consumption of water was exceeding the capacity of the
pumps by more than twenty- five per cent. Although Tivoli Lake had
been in one sense condemned, it was indispensable during 1886, as it
was furnishing about one-fourth of the city supply. The report of the
board for 1887 called for increased pumping capacity. On the 6th of
January of this year Robert L. Banks, president of the Board of Water
Commissioners, sent a communication to the water committee of the
council, stating that the commissioners recommended such action by
the council in its recommendations to the Legislature as would result
in mutual action with the commissioners. That even if the driven well

385

project authorized by the law of 1885 should be successful, an unneces-
sary provision in the law of 1884 restrained the commissioners from
taking any progressive steps, after an engine had been contracted for
and land purchased for the completion of the plant. The commission-
ers' report for 1887 states that the engines already contracted for were
completed and installed, but that the city was under fearful risks of water
famine and destructive fire — a condition caused largely by the unnec-
essary provisions of the law before alluded to. The two new engines of
5,000,000 capacity, contracted for under the previous law, were finished
in 1888.

On March 16, 1891, a special water commission consisting of Dr. Albert
Yander Veer, Hiram E. Sickels, Owen Golden and John G. Myers, report-
ed the driven well project a failure, and that in anticipation of this con-
tingency they had made investigation as to the possibility of adopting
some other source of supply at reasonable cost. They reported that the
feeling against the use of river water for drinking purposes had not abat-
ed. One portion of the city, the eastern, where the supply was from the
new reservoir, was comparatively free from typhoid and other diseases,
which were then so prevalent as to amount to an epidemic in that part
of the city south of Pearl street, which drew its supply from the river.
This commission made careful examination of two sources of supply
which alone seemed available; one, the streams and small lakes in
Rensselaer county, east of the Hudson, and the other the Normanskill
and its tributaries. On account of the great cost of adopting the first
named source, the Normanskill was strongly recommended for adoption.
The commission submitted an estimate of the cost of using this source,
and further stated that the quality of the water compared favorably
with that then being taken from the new reservoirs.

On December 28, 1891, the same commission submitted a report on
tlie Normanskill, giving its flow, degree of purity, and suggesting meth-
ods for using it, adding, that by measurements and examinations mack-,
" we are the more firmly convinced that the Normanskill will furnish a
city supply amply sufficient and of good quality, and that a resort to it is
the best, the most practical, if not the only practical, solution of the
problem, how to give the city of Albany a better supply of water.
Various expert opinions were secured as to the excellence of this water
late in that year and early in 1892; but on January Hi, L892, the water
committee of the council reported t<> that body that the project recom-
49

386

mended by the special commission ought not to receive their sanction,
and therefore reported adversely upon the project.

The Board of Water Commissioners appointed in May, 1892, report-
ed to the council December 5, 1892, that one promising source of water
supply had been overlooked, which was Kinderhook Creek, which has its
source in a number of streams rising in the mountainous district along
the boundary of Massachusetts and New York. The commissioners
submitted plans for the adoption of this source and estimates indicat-
ing that it could be made available for the sum of $1,600,000. The
water was examined by experts and pronounced superior. On Decern -
18, 1893, Frederic P. Stearns, consulting engineer of Boston, reported
to Hon. Elnathan Sweet, president of the water commissioners, that
the Kinderhook Creek water was of excellent quality for all purposes,
and that a supply from it would cost about $72,000 less annually than
a supply from the Hudson, if properly filtered.

Two of the pumps, before alluded to, and ordered from Milwaukee
are at the present time in use, and all other plans for a better water
supply were abandoned up to the present year, 1897, when there is a
bill before the legislature authorizing the city to expend $500,000 for
an elaborate filtration system for the present supply. In 1896 a new
building for the water works on Montgomery street was erected. Will-
iam H. Weaver is now president of the board and George I. Bailey,
superintendent.

FIRE DEPARTMENT.

Something has already been written of the fact that Albany made
some effort towards protection from fire as early as 1694, through a
body called Brant-masters, who used brantleere (fire ladders) and hooks.
In December, 1706, the city had a primitive fire department, whose
members were called " fyre-masters. " In that year the records show
that William Hogan, Anthony Coster, William Jacobse, Joh s Claese,
Jan Evertse, and Jacobus Schuyler were appointed to that position for
one year; they were to examine chimneys, and " where they find chim-
neys extraordinary foule, to fine ye owner in ye summe of three shil-
lings." These fyre-masters were continued many years, and in 1726 cer-
tain fines were imposed upon any person refusing to serve in that office.
At a council meeting, November 24, 1730, it was ordered that "hooks
and ladders be made with all speed and kept within convenient places
within the city for avoiding the peril of fire."

ELNATHAN SWbHT

387

No engine was owned in the city until February, 1732, when steps
were taken resulting in purchasing "the Richard Newsham engine,
fifth size, with six feet suction pipe and forty feet leather hose pipe."
This engine was soon received in the city with great rejoicing and con-
stituted the only means of extinguishing fires for many years. The
engine was kept in a shed on what is now the corner of Beaver and
South Pearl streets. The second engine (probably) was purchased in
England by Harmse Gansevoort in 1763, for $397. 50, and in 1792 another
engine was in use in the city which was a superior machine for that
period. At that time the engine house was at the northwest corner of
the old English church on State street. On January 26, 1801, the Hand
Barrow company was organized with the following officers: Garrett
Bogart, superintendent; John Cuyler, sub-superintendent.

The engine companies constituting the old fire department were or-
ganized as follows: No. 1, Januarys, 1801; No. 2, January 15, 1801;
No. 4, July 1, 1805; No. 5, February 1, 1807; No. 6, June 25, 1810;
No. 7, November 11, 1811; No. 8, December 13, 1813; No. 9, October
24, 1814; No. 10, March 13, 1815; No. 11, January 6, 1840; No. 12,
May 22, 1843; No. 13, October 1, 1855; No. 15, April 16, 1866.

Hose Company No. 1 was organized, October 1, 1838; Engine No. 1
was reorganized into a hose company, November 13, 1854, known as
Hose No. 2; Hose Company No. 3 was organized October 1, 1855; En-
gine No. 4 was reorganized into Hose Company No. 4, November 13,
1854. On July 9, 1810, men were detailed from other companies to
serve as Hook and Ladder Company No. 1. On April 13, 1813, Hook
and Ladder Company No. 1 was regularly organized, and on January
28, 1813, Hook and Ladder Company No. 2 was organized.

March 6, 1843, the council passed a law regulating the duties of chief
engineer and fixed his salary at $600 per annum. On the 27th of No-
vember, 1848, a law was passed which entirely reorganized the depart-
ment. It was also ordered that no wooden building should thereafter
be erected in any part of Albany east of Lark street.

Hand engines only were used in the city until July 1.3, L863, when
the council authorized the purchase of a steam fire engine, to be locat-
ed on Capitol Hill at the house of No, 4, the cost not to exceed $3,500.
On the 4th of April, 1864, a company was organized for this engine,
with thirty members, and J. C. Cuyler was made foreman, William Mix,
jr., first assistant, William J. Shankland, second assistant, and Edward
Leslie, clerk. During the fall of the same year two other steamers

388

were purchased, the Putnam and the Thomas Kearney. The effective
service rendered by these engines soon produced a change in public
sentiment, and in 1867, on the application of the.council, the Legislature
passed a law authorizing the council to reorganize the department to
use steam engines, and to make appointments based upon merit by
which certain tenure of office was assured the appointees, thereby in-
suring effective service. The council's action was taken March 16,
1807, and the law was passed by a vote of 13 in the affirmative to 4
negative. On April 15, 1867, the council appointed the following com-
missioners under the law: George Cuyler, Lansing Pruyn, Thomas
Kearney, M. V. B. Winne, J. C. Cuyler, the last named being appointed
secretary.

wSection four of the law of 1867 conferred upon the commissioners
the entire control and management of the department, and immedi-
ately upon their appointment they took the necessary steps to initiate
the work of reorganization. The old department consisted of eighteen
companies, with a complement of between seven hundred and fifty
and eight hundred men, three steamers, seven hand engines, six hose
carriages and two hook and ladder trucks. It was in a demoralized
condition, and utterly inadequate for the purposes of its organization.
The introduction of steamers in 1864 tended to impair the efficiency of
the hand service, and the hand engines were virtually retired. Al-
though the membership of the department numbered upwards of eight
hundred, the attendance at fires seldom exceeded two hundred. The
spirit of the old volunteer system, in former times so thorough and
effective, was broken, and while there were some few who were prompt
in the discharge of their duties as firemen, the majority absented them-
selves from fires. The law reorganizing the department reduced the
number of companies to seven, and the entire working force to one
hundred and fifty officers and men. It provided for five steamers and
two hook and ladder trucks. There were but three steamers in the
department and none of them was in perfect working order. To re-
duce the force under the circumstances would have been unwise, and
have left the property of the citizens unprotected. The commissioners,
therefore, immediately ordered a steamer from the Amoskeag works,
which was delivered in June, 1867. It was at once put in service, in
charge of a new company, to be known as Steamer Company No. 4, and
on the 1st day of July, 1867, several of the old organizations were relieved
from duty. The steamer Putnam was subsequently removed to Arbor

389

Hill, to the house formerly occupied by Hose 9, and a new company or-
ganized for it, and known as Steamer Xo. 2. The McQuade steamer was
placed on Washington avenue, though it was temporarily located in a
barn on Willett street near State street, until necessary alterations could
be made to the house of Engine 5. A new company was also organized
for it, known as Steamer No. 1. The Kearney steamer was allowed
to remain in its old location, and was placed in charge of a new com-
pany, known as Steamer Xo. 3. Subsequently the commissioners or-
dered a second Amoskeag steamer, which was completed and deliv-
ered in the city in August, 1867. As soon as it had been accepted, it
was tempo