M.L.
74.702
i35n
214135
GENEALOGY COLUECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
lillllilll oi
3 1833 01150 3239
after
PLEASE CHECK MATERIAL IN
BACK POCKET
NEWBURQH:
Her Institutions, Industries and
Leading Citizens.
A Beautiful Volume— Just Published. g'4xi2 inches. 336 Pages 514
Illustrations (nearly all of which are Phototypes— sptfcimens of the highest
skill attained in this branch of the printer's art). Printed on coated, or
enameled, paper. The book also contains a " Personal Index" of over
3,400 people mentioned in the volume, so that any one can see at a
glance whether he or his friends are named therein.
The Mniiy AdTantaKes aud Attractions of this Beautiful City for Residence
or Place of Business are Fully Illustrated and Described.
Bf Mail.
FULL MOROCCO, GILT EDGES, - $5.00 J5-32
CLOTH BINDING, - - - - 300 3-3o
PAPER BINDING, ... i.oo 1.25
Morocco and Cloth-bound Books can be sent to nearb.v points by express cheaper than by mail.
Published by RITCHIE & HULL,
Proprietors Journal Printing House and Book-Bindery,
NEWBURGHa
'i^
"t\AX^ \XoA)k
Her
_^ HISTORICAL, DESCRIPTIVE AND BIOGRAPHICAL. D^^
'Remember, we know well only the great nations whose books we possess: of the others we know nothing, or, but little.'
COMPILED BY JOHN J. XUTT.
NEWBURGH, N. Y.
PuWished by RitGl]le & Hull, Proprietors Newbiirgl] Journal
^-£18912^-^
PUBLISHERS' NOTICE
X this book an earnest and candid effort has been made, first, to review the salient points
in the history of our city ; second, to record her remarkable advancement in the decade
just past ; and, finally and especially, to picture and describe truthfully and adequately the
Newburgh of the present time — her appearance, her institutions, her industries, and
her citizens — so as to give, not only a fair representation of her to our contemporaries,
but also to leave to those who will ere long fill our places a souvenir of the time and the place
in which we live.
As was said in our prospectus, it is one of the objects of this work to attract to Newburgh in-
creased population and wealth. Immigration is the touchstone of the growth and prosperity of a city.
Hence we see the attention given it by cities and States in the West ; and it is everywhere observable
that the localities which have shown the greatest enterprise in this direction have almost without ex-
ception surpassed other places of equal or even greater natural advantages. . That Newburgh possesses
adaptability for manufactures unexcelled by any other city in the eastern States, and that she has
many great advantages for commerce and as a place of residence, is conceded by all who have fairh-
weighed her claims with those of other cities. But the fact that she has these qualifications is not
alone sufficient. They must be made known abroad, so that those in less-favored places may be led
to transfer their interest and business to our city. We believe that the wide circulation of a book such
as this is the best method which can be chosen to disseminate a knowledge of Newburgh. A work
devoted to the advancement of a city, if possessed of any merit at all, cannot fail to prove of great
benefit to the place.
We know of no city in the land for which a work of this character has been completed on a plan
so large and elaborate. The co-operation which we have received from our fellow townsmen ex-
ceeded our expectations, and on our part we have more than fulfilled every promise made in the pros-
pectus. We have spared nothing to make the book what it ought to be — what it is.
Great care has been taken in its preparation to confine all statements within conservative bounds.
It is quite impossible to bring a book like this down to date. Some changes have occurred since
the sheets were put to press.
The publishers desire to express their thanks to the public-spirited citizens who co-operated with
them in this work. Without their help the enterprise could not have been carried out.
The historical information has been gleaned by the compiler from many sources. Every volume
known to contain anything in relation to Newburgh has been examined, and the files of newspapers
from the earliest times have been consulted. Acknowledgments are made particularly to tlic writ-
ings of Ruttenber, and also to those of Eager, Boynton, and Headley. And to all those who have
aided the compiler to information, or in any other friendly way have helped us, we desire to make
grateful recognition.
RITCHIE & HULL.
■
CONTENTS
PAGE.
A BRIEF REVIEW OF THE PAST— The Palatines— The Story of the Glebe— Early Inhabitants— Building a City - - 17
HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE CONTINENTAL ARMY— The Last Cantonment— Washing-
ton at New Windsor — The Public Building — No King But God— Mutiny Quelled — The Cincinnati — Dissolution of the Army 29
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS— Revolutionary Events Commemorated at Newburgh and Neighboring Towns - - - 43
LOCATION AND SURROUNDINGS— Advantages of Newburgh's Situation— Highland Terrace— Contributing District and
Neighboring Villages — Beautiful Drives — Nature's Handiwork — Historical Associations and Legends ----- 49
A VISIT FROM LA FAYETTE - - - - 55
A REMINISCENCE OF VILLAGE DAYS. (By N. P. Willis) - - 57
STEPPING-STONES IN A CITY'S GROWTH— Newburgh's Progress in Ten Years - - 59
THE CITY OF NEWBURGH— Characteristics and Advantages -------- 71
THE CITY WATER WORKS --------- 83
HEALTH .-----..------ 85
THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ----------- -^ 0-4 (i -j "O CT - - - - - Qi
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT - - - . _ - _ 93
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS— The Public Schools— The Free Library— The Board of Education— Mount St. Mary's Acade-
my — Siglar's Preparatory School - ----99
OUR CHURCHES AND PASTORS -------- 117
BENEVOLENCE— Institutions Which Care for the Bodies, Minds and Souls of the People -------- 151
BENCH AND BAR— The Courts and Those Who Practice Before Them - - 157
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ------- - - 167
THE PRESS— Newspapers and Newspaper Men of the Past and Present ------------ 177
THE POST OFFICE - - - - . . - - 1S5
REAL ESTATE - 1S7
THE BOARD OF TRADE— An Organization for the Pubhc Good— Men of Brains and Business— The Work They Have Achieved
for the Advancement of Newburgh ------------ 1S9
SOME OF OUR TOWNSMEN - -.--.----.--- 193
TRANSPORTATION— The Commercial Arteries of the City— Railroad and Navigation Facilities ------- 221
MANUFACTURING— The Leading Productive Industries of Newburgh Illustrated and Described, and the Men Who Manage
Them - - - 235
MERCANTILE— And Other Business Interests of the City of Newburgh 2S6
IN LEISURE HOLERS— Newburgh's Record in Out-Door Athletics— Rowing, Skating, Yachting and Base Ball - - - 322
SOCIAL LIFE— Clubs, Societies and Other Pleasant Attractions - - 330
CEMETERIES - ------ 333
SOME INTERESTING FIGURES - - - - ----------- 334
MEMORABLE EVENTS IN THE CITY'S LIFE - - - - - 335
^£ ILLUSTRATIONS %^
PAGE.
Academy' of Music 6S
Adams & Bishop Co.'s Paper Mill 2S5
Adams, George B 303
Adams, George B. , Store of 304
Adams, Hon. John C 283
African M. E. Zion Church 12S
" Aldendell " — The Residence of James
M. Wentz, Grand Avenue 54
Allan, Charles F., D. D. S., Residence
of 190
American Reformed Church 131
Andrews, John P 69
An Old Landmark— On First Street,
between Grand and Liberty S2i
Applegate, Rev. Octavius, M. A., S.T.D. 127
Arlington Paper Jlill, (H. Powell Rams-
dell's) 261
Armory, (The) 332
" Arno, (The) " 18S
Balfe, Thomas F 175
Balm of Gilead Tree, (The) 50
Banks, Hugh S 113
Barnes, Edgar C 293
Barnes, Edgar C, Warehouse of 293
Barnes, George, Store of 318
Barr, Rev. Robert H., Ph. D 122
Bay View Terrace and Courtney Avenue
— Southwest corner of 64
Bazzoni, Building 269
Bazzoni, Lewis J 265
Beacon Fire (A) 39
Beattie, Rev. Robert H 132
Beckman, Horatio B 264
Bedell & Seymour's Store 317
Beggs, George 296
Beggs & Moore's Store 296
Belknap, Moses C 168
Belknap & McCann's Soap Factory. . . . 269
Bethel Mission School 119
Beveridge Brewing Co.'s Brewery 262
Bigler, James 200
Bogardus, Edward T 301
Boynton, Major Edward C, A. M 191
Bradley, Capt. Ambrose 205
Bradley, Capt. Ambrose, Residence of. 205
Brewster, Eugene A 161
Brewster Hook and Ladder Co., House of 92
Bridgeman, Alfred, Residence of 192
Brill, Jacob S 292
Broadway — Looking East from Dubois
Street 58
Brokaw Mfg. Co.'s Factory 263
Brokaw, AVilliam B 264
Brown, Henry Kirke 194
Brown, Rev. John, D. D 116
Brown, Hon. John AV 15S
Brown Lime Works, (The) 2S5
Brown, William R 1S6
Brundage, J. B. B 292
Bull, Stephen M 29S
Bull, Stephen M. , Storehouse of 299
Bull, Stephen M., Storehouse of (In-
terior) 298
Bullis, Ephraim 212
Burke, William F 301
Caldwell, Ira, Store of 318
Calvary PreslDyterian Church & Manse. 141
Cameron, Daniel G 219
Campground, (The) 33
Cantine, Col. George A 216
Carlisle, Rev. John W. F 123
Carlisle. Rev. Samuel 123
Carroll Monument, (The) 309
Carter, Enoch ig8
Carter, Henry 313
Carter, Henry, Conservatories and Resi-
dence of 313
PAGE.
Cassedy, Hon. Abram S 163
Cassedy, William F 166
Chadborn & Coldwell Mfg. Co.'s Factory 239
Chadwick, James 250
Chadwick, James, Residence of 250
Chadwick, Joseph 250
Chadwick, Joseph, Residence of 251
Chambers, Albert N 246
Chambers, William 83
Chapman Hose Co. , House of 92
Chapman, Isaac C 305
Chapman, Isaac C Residence of 305
Chapman, Isaac C. , Store of 305
Chapman, Joseph H. H 98
Children's Home 155
Church of our Father — Unitarian 146
Church of the Good Shepherd — Protes-
tant Episcopal 1 50
Clark, Edson H 202
Clark, Hon. George 78
Clark, George H 165
Clark, Leander 207
Clark, Leander, Jr 202
Clark, Leander, Jr., Residence of 203
Clark, Monument, (The) 333
Clarke, E. Y iii
Class of '91 — Newburgh Academy —
With Instructors loi
Cleveland, O. M 260
Clinton, Gov. George 48
Cochran, Isaac, Residence of 70
Cochrane, James So
Coldwell, Thomas 267
Columbian Hose Co., House of 92
Consumers Gas Company, Works of . . . 282
Corwin, John 212
Court House, (The) 157
Crane, James M., A. M no
Crawford, C. Emmet 307
Crawshaw, Mark 254
Crawshaw, Samuel 254
Cubit, James C 292
Culbert, W. A. M., M. D 87
Cunningham, James 98
Dales Building, (The) 303
Dales, John 303
Delany, Patrick 249
Denniston, Hon. Augustus 211
Deyo, Nathaniel, M. D 87
Dickey, Col. William D 162
Dickey, Col. William D., Residence of. 162
Donoghue, James A 323
Donoghue, Joseph F 323
Donoghue, Timothy, Sr 326
Doughty, Charles H 204
Doughty, John W 112
Downing, Andrew J 196
Downing, Charles 196
Doyle, Hon. Michael 77
Dubois Street — Looking South from
First Street 26
Dudley, Henry 197
Dudley, Henry, Residence of 197
Duncan, H. C, Bakery and Restaurant
of 316
Dunphv, James G 1S3
Eager,'Frank S., Store of 316
Edgar, Grant E 302
Edgar, Grant E., Store of 302
Egan, J., Milk and Cream Depot of 319
"Elf wood" — Residence of Hon. Enoch
L. Fancher 196
Elevator Project, (An) — Near the Foot
of Washington Street 226, 229
Ely, Smith, M. D 89
Emerv, Rev. Rufus 144
" Erie' Railroad Yard," (The) 223
PAGE
Estabrook, Charles 112
Fancher, Hon. Enoch L 195
Ferry & Napier's Hat Factory 285
Findley, Rev. J. G. D 143
Findley, Rev. J. G. D., Residence of.. . 142
Fire Department of Ye Olden Time, (A) 94
First Associate Reformed Church 121
First Baptist Church 130
First Baptist Church Mission '. 130
First Congregational Church 64
First Presbyterian Church 117
First Reformed Presbyterian Church. . . 105
First United Presbyterian Church 142
Fishkill Landing and Ferry Appoint-
ments, 233
Forsyth, Rev. John, D. D ; . . . 116
Fowler, Nehemiah 163
Fowler, Thomas Powell 234
Free Library, (The) 105
Gait, John 204
Gait, John, Residence of 205
Gate of the Highlands, (The) 20
Gearn, Walter W 267
German Evangelical Lutheran Church. 14S
Gerard House, (The) 302
Gibb, Cornelius S 79
Gleason, W. S., M. D 220
Goodale, James H 217
Goodrich, Charles T 216
Gordon, James. M. D 89
Gorrie, R. H. , Store of 320
Gould)^ Francis, Residence of 192
Grace M. E. Church 145
Graham, Hon. James G 160
Graham, James G., Jr 331
Grammar School No. 1 102
Grammar School No. 2 102
Grammar School No. 3 103
Grammar School No. 5 103
Grammar School No. 6 104
Grand Avenue 49
Grand Street — Looking South from
Third Street 27
Granite Citv Soap Co.'s Factorv 281
Hall, Rev. William K., D. D..^ 120
Halstead, Charles H 218
Hamilton, James 212
Harper, J. Abner, Residence of — New
Windsor 55
Harrison, William 107
Harrison, WilHam R 301
Hastings, James loS
Hathaway Glen 50
Havemeyer, A. H., Residence of — New
Windsor 56
Havt, Col. Edward D 219
Headley, Hon. Joel T 193
Henry Avenue — Between Liberty Street
and Bay View Terrace ' 64
Henry, Rev. John C 147
Highland Mills — Front View, (Craw-
shaws') 253
Highland Mills — Rear View, (Craw-
shaws') 253
Highland National Bank 168
Highland Steamer Co., House of 96
Highlands, (The) — Looking North from
West Point 21
Highlands, (The) — From Near Downing
Park 25
Hilton, John 201
Hilton, John, Residence of ... 201
Hilton, William 200
Hirschberg, Hon. M. H 164
Hirschberg, Hon. M. H., Residence of . 164
Home for the Friendless 154
Howell, Rensselaer 115
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Hull, Frank S 182
HuU, Frank S., Residence of 183
Hunter, Ezra 1 203
" Idlewild " — The Home of Willis —
Cornwall 57
Irwin, Daniel 2S4
Irwin, Daniel, Sail Loft and Store of . . . 2S4
Jack, Rev. Alexander 137
Jacobs, Gilbert E 217
Jacobus, Charles C 292
Jenkins, Charles S 17-I.
Jenkins, Charles S., Residence of 175
John Ellison House, (The) — Front View
from the Old Road 31
Johnes, Mrs. E. R., Residence of —
Balraville 56
Johnston, Beverty K 20S
Johnston, Rev. John, D. D 116
Jones, Rev. Arthur 130
Journal Building, (The) 180
June, Charles F 327
Kelly, William H iii
Kerr, George W 172
Kilmer Mfg. Co.'s Rod Mill and Wire
Works 252
Kimball, Samuel G 266
Kimball's Son, S. G., Foundry of 266
Kimball, William G 266
King, Rev. James B 1 50
Kingston, R. J., M. D., Residence of.. . 90
Lander Street — Looking South from
South Street 82
Lawson, Henry B 80
Lawson Hose Co., House of 82
Leech, William K 292
Leonard, Chancey M 98
Leonard, C. M. Steamer Co., House of. 95
Leonard, James J 301
Leslie, S. J., Store of 318
Liberty Street and Courtney Avenue —
Northwest Corner of 64
Liberty Street and Henry Avenue —
Northwest Corner of 64
Liberty Street — Looking North from
Farrington Street 62
Liberty Street — Looking South from
Campbell Street 67
Liberty Street — Looking South from
Farrington Street 59
Liberty Street — Looking South from
Renwick Street 64
Links of the Fort Montgomery Chain. . 31
Logan, James J 288
Logan, James J., Residence of 288
Longacre, Rev. Andrew, D. D 125
Lynch, Francis, Residence and Barns
of — New Windsor 53
McCann, Thomas M 269
McCarrell, Rev. Joseph, D. D 116
McCord's Brush Factory 285
McCartee, Rev. Robert, D. D 135
McCoun, Henry T 66
McCroskery, L. W. Y 166
McCuUough, John W 200
McMeekin, William 219
Mabie, Jeremiah D 209
Macdonald, Benj. J 283
Mailler, William K 293
Mailler, W. O. & Co., Storehouse of 294
Malone, J. D., M. D 89
Manual Training School 104
Manz, Rev. Carl C 149
Map of the Cantonment, and Vicinity. . 32
Mapes, William H 309
Martin, Cyrus B 181
Martin, John H 217
Marvel, Thomas S 247
Marvel, T. S. & Co.'s Shipyard 248
Marvin, Albert D 292
Masonic Hall 330
Matthews, Elmer E 292
Matthews, John W 289
Matthews, J. W. & Co.'s Storehouse ... 289
Matthews, J. W. & Co.'s Storehouse-
Interior Views 290, 291
Merritt, Theodore 307
PAGE.
Merritt, Theodore, Residence of 307
Merritt, Theodore, Store of 30S
Meyer, Arthur M 314
Meyer, Rev. Emil F. C. A 149
Meyer, George S 314
Miller, J. Blackburn 214
Miller, James W 306
Miller, James W., Store of 306
Mills, S. C. Residence of 191
Mitchell, George R., Store of 320
Mitchell, John J., M. D 88
Moffat, Almet S 179
Montfort, R. V. K.,M. D no
Montgomery, James B 301
Montgomery Street — "Hudson Ter-
race " — Looking South from Broad
Street 82
Montgomery Street — Looking North
from near Clinton Street 156
Monell, Hon. John J 159
Moodna, (The) 52
Moore, Bartholomew B 296
Morrison, David A 211
Moscow; Charles E 213
Moshier, George 209
Mount St. Mary's Academy 115
Muchattoes Lake Ice Co.'s Houses 279
Muir, Munson, Residence of — Balmville 54
Myers, Rev. H. V. S., D. D 132
National Bank of Newburgh, (The) .... 171
Newburgh Academy 100
Newburgh Bay — Looking North from
Washington Heights 17
Newburgh Bleachery 249
Newburgh City, 1891, Map of, folded in front,
Newburgh — From Fishkill Landing. . .18, 19
Newburgh — From the River near Fifth
Street 23
Newburgh — From the River opposite
the Long Dock 224
Newburgh — From the River near Third
Street 24
Newburgh — From the River near South
Street 22
Newburgh Moulding and Planing Mill
— Thomas Shaw's Sons 254
Newburgh Plaster Works 251
Newburgh Savings Bank 173
Newburgh Steam Boiler Works 246
Newburgh Steam Mills 265
Newburgh Woolen Mills 285
New York Furniture Co., Store of 308
New York, Lake Erie & Western Rail-
road Depot 221
Odell, Hon. Benjamin B 280
Odell, Hon. Benjamin B., Residence of . 2S0
Odell, Benjamin B., Jr 281
Odell, Hiram B 281
Old Academy, (The) 106
Old Fashioned Hand Engine, (.A.n) 94
Old Union Church 135
Old LTnion Church, Interior of 135
Orange County Fair, Sept., 1SS7 — The
Site of Washington Heights 163
Orr, James 278
Orr, James, Residence of, Balmville . . . 279
Osbon, Rev. E. S 139
Osborn, David A 310
Owen, Samuel J 311
Owen, Samuel J., Store of 311
Patton, James 199
Peck, Elias, M. D 86
Peck, George, Store of 316
Peck & Van Dalfsen's Store 312
Penny, Very Rev. William L., V. F 134
Pennsylvania Coal Company's Works.. 225
Plurasted, Charles 301
Post, Alfred 167
Post, E. R 297
Post, E. R. , Residence of 297
Post, E. R. , Store of 297
Post, Major James Clarence 206
Potts, Rev. Arthur 148
Powers, D. & Sons, Oil Cloth Factory. . 285
"Pubhc Building, (The)"— Copy from
the Tarbell Drawings ". 36
PAGE.
Quassaick National Bank 179
Railroad and Water Communication
with Newburgh, N. Y. (Map of) 240, 241
Ramsdell, Homer 227
Rarasdell, Homer, Residence of 230
Ramsdell, H. Stockbridge, Residence of 231
Recollections of Old Times — Holding a
Hydrant Until the Boys Arrive. ... 93
Remillard, A. B. E 210
Richardson, Nathan H 203
Ritchie, Samuel i8i
Ritchie, Samuel, Residence of 182
Ringgold Hose Co., House of 92
Ross's Flour Mills 285
Rudolph, Henry 81
Ruttenber, Edward M 184
Ruttenber, J. W. F 183
Sanford, George A 152
Sarvis, James H 91
Savage, Rev. F. B., D. D 137
Sa.Kony Woolen Jlills 285
Sayer, Samuel 301
Schermerhorn, Wilmer W 301
Schoonmaker, John, Residence of 295
Schoonmaker & Weller's Store 294
Schram, William 184
Schultz, John L 218
Seaman, George W., Store of 318
Searle, Rev. Jeremiah 141
Senior, Augustus, Store of 312
Shaw, Charles B 255
Shaw, E. Kane 256
Shaw, George W 256
Shaw, Geo. W., E. Kane and Chas. B.,
Residences of 257
Sheldon, G. H., Residence of 142
Shiloh Baptist Church 138
Shipp, Samuel E 310
Shuart & Embler's Store 319
Siglar, Henry W. , A. M 114
Siglar's Preparatory School 114
Smith A. C. & Co.'s Building 312
Smith, Edwin T 81
Smith, Lewis M 242
Smith, Lewis M., Residence of 242
Sneed, Joseph A 108
Snyder, Charles E., LL. B in
South End Water Front— Before the
West Shore Railroad was Built. . . .60-61
Sprole, Rev. William T., D. D iiS
St. Luke's Home and Hospital 154
St. Mary's Roman Cathohc Church. ... 146
St. George's Protestant Episcopal Church 126
St. John, Daniel B 174
St. John, Daniel B., Residence of 174
St. John's M. E. Church 138
St. Patrick's Female Academy 133
St. Patrick's Parochial School'and Insti-
tute 176
St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church
and Deanery 133
St. Paul's Church as Originally Designed 144
St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church. 144
Starting for a Fire 93
Steamer Newburgh 233
Sterling, Hon. Robert 78
Stevens, Halsey R 198
Stocker, Edward 289
Storehouse of the Homer Ramsdell
Transportation Company, & Steam-
er " Homer Ramsdell" 232
Straw, Dr. L. S 206
Straw, Dr. L. S., Residence ot 207
Sweet, Clayton E 278
Sweet, Clayton E., Residence of 278
Sweet, Orr & Co.'s Factory 271-277
Taggart William G 185
Taylor, Hon. Grant B 165
Temple Beth Jacob 143
Templeton, James F 80
Theall, William L 207
Thompson, Rev. DeWitt B 145
Thompson, Rev. J. R 140
Thompson, Rt. Rev. Joseph P 129
Thornton, Hon. Howard 166
Tole, Rev. Wilham H 220
LLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE.
Tower of Victory 48
Townseud Building 188
Traphagen, William D 219
Trinity JI. E. Church and Parsonage.. . 124
Tucker, John F 179
Turner, Shipp & Osborn, Offices of ... . 310
Union (Presbyterian) Church 136
XJzal Knapp's Jlonuraent 33
Vale of Avoca 51
Valentine, John H 109
Van Cleft, Joseph 208
Verplanck House at Fishkill(The), Steu-
ben's Headquarters 33
Walsh, E. A., Residence of 190
Walsh, J. DeWitt 210
Walsh Paper Mill 285
Wands, William S 109
Ward & Logan's Store 286
Ward, Hon. Peter 287
Ward, Hon. Peter, Residence of 287
Waring, Cornelius L 165
Waring, Daniel S 79
Washington Baking Powder Co., Fac-
tory of 315
Washington's Chair 44
Washburn, Crosby Co.'s Eastern Store-
house for Flour at Fishkill (Stephen
M. Bull, Agent) 300
Washington, George 28
Washington's Headquarters — A Boot of
one of Riedesei's Dragoons at 47
Washington's Headquarters — A Case of
Clothing, Books, &c., at 42
Washington's Headquarters — A Case of
Indian Relics at 42
Washington's Headquarters — A Case of
Indian War Implements at 43
PAGE.
Washington's Headquarters — A Case of
Miscellaneous Relics at 41
Washington's Headquarters — Diagram
of First Floor 34
Washington's Headquarters — From the
Northwest 30
Washington's Headquarters — From the
Southwest 37
Washington's Headquarters — Room
With Seven Doors and one Window 34
Washington's Headquarters — Some In-
teresting Trophies at 40
Washington's Headquarters — The Old
Fireplace 35
Washington's Headquarters — Thirty-
two-pound Iron Gun at 41
Washington's Headquarters — West En-
trance 35
Washington Lake 84
Washington, Martha 38
Washington's, Martha, Watch 44
Washington Steamer Co. , House of ... . 96
Water Street— Looking North from
" The Square" 58
Water Street — Looking South from
Fifth Street 71
Weed, Jonathan N 170
Weller, A. Y . , Residence of 295
Weller, George 210
Wenzel. George C 268
Westervelt , John L 107
Westminster Reformed Presbyterian
Church 140
Weston, Wilbur H 214
West Shore Railroad Depot 222
Wevgant, Col. Charles H 66
Wh'itaker, Samuel 315
PACE
Whitaker, Samuel, Factory and Resi-
dence of 315
Whitehill & Cleveland's Factory 258-260
Whitehill Engine and Pictet Ice
Machine Company's Works 235
Whitehill Engine and Pictet Ice
Machine Company's Works — Main
Floor 236
Whitehill, Robert 237
Whitehill, Robert, Residence of 238
Wiggins, L. Y., M. D 88
Wilkinson, John G., Store of 314
Willard, Francis A 178
Williams, Charles E., Residence of .... 189
Willis, N. P 57
Wilson, Arthur i6g
Wilson, Arthur, Residence of 169
Wilson, Jonathan D 214
Wilson, Tilden H 213
Wright Engine Works 245
Wright, William 243
Wright, William, Residence of 244
" Woodburn Hall "—The Christopher B.
Miller Homestead 215
Woodlawn Cemetery 333
Women's Christian Temperance Union
Free Reading Room 155
Woolley, Charles N. . M. D 108
Young Men's Christian Association
Building 152
Young Women's Christian Association
Building 153
Young Women's Christian Association
— Fair of, 1890 153
Young Women's Christian Temperance
Union Parlor 156
^.^^*2k^§!^^
The Paper in this Book was furnished by the
HUDSON VALLEY PAPER CO., ALBANY, N. Y.
■ ^""^+[^^~er
PERSONAL INDEX.it.
Abbott, Rev. W. H
Abbott. Rev. William P..
Abrams, Capt. James C. . .
Abrams. M
Adams. Bernard T 329
Adams & Bishop Co 285
Adams, Ebenezer 1[}1, 328
Adams, George B 3(B. :»4. as, 918
Adams, John 141!
Adams, Hon. John C.43. 47. 74. 75. 70. 1(59. 176.
181, 185, 189, 191, 3.S2. 2S;5. 3.M. 32S. 329
Adams, President John 160
Adams, Rev. John Q 130
Adee, William 94
Ajon, Stephen 128
Akerly, Mary 155
Albertson, Joseph 22
Albertson, Richard 19, 22
Alexander, Duncan 22
Alexander, James 256
Alexander, James A 136
Alexander, Prince of the Netherlands. 327
Alexander, Rhoda B 256
Alexander, William 22
Allan, CharlesF., D. D.S 144, 190
Allan, Mrs. C. F 154
AUard, Nahum W 7ti, 84
Allen, 328
Allen, Ethan 41
Allen, Jeremiah 39
Allen, Rev. Sturges 150
Allison, Major Richard 45
Allstroon, Capt. J. V 45
Alsdorf. Charles B
Alsdorf, Mrs. D. B
Alsdorf, Prof. D. B
Alsdorf, Egbert
Alsdorf & Skidmore
Alsdorf, triysses J
Alsop, John
Alsop, John, jr
, Prof
, Peter
Amerod, Capt. G. C
Derrick
, Capt. James
Anderson, John
Anderson, Romer & Co
Anderson, R. W
Anderson, S
Andrews, Frederick
Andrews, Harriet Bronson . . .
Andrews, Josephine Jerome .
Anne, Queen
Anthony, Walter C IJ
Applegate, Rev. Octavius, M. .
44, 126, 137, 149, 150
Applegate, Mrs. O
Applegate, Rev. O., Jr
Applegate, Rev. L. W
Applegate, Rev. Thomas
Appleton, Capt. Daniel
Appleton, Miss E. J
Armour & Co
Armstrong Brothers
Armstrong, Major John
Armstrong, Rev. Robert, D. D
Ai-thur, Capt. Edward G
Ash, Lewis
Ashley, Stephen B
AtweU, Mrs. S.V
Austin, Col. David E
Austin, Nelson
Authouse, Frances O
Avery, G. A
128
Ayres, Rev. G. S
Bacon, Capt. Francis W
Bailey, Rear Admiral
Bailey, Dr. Roland
Baird, John
Balrd, Rev. James, D. D
Ball, Henry
Baldwin, John
Balfe, Mary A. (Weutz)
Balfe. Thomas F
Bancroft. Robert C
Banks, Fred W
Banks, Hugh S 76, 105, !
Banks, Rosllia H. (Bailey)...
Barr, Rev. R. H., Ph. D
Barry, Michael
Barker, Fordyce, M. D
Baker, Hon. O. D. M
Baker, William
Barber, Col. Francis
Barber, George
Barclay, David
Barclay, David H
Barclay, Dr. Peter M
Barnard, George G
Barnard, Justice
Bate, David W
Bate & McKissock
Bates, Egbert R
Barton, Charles
Barton, Emma M
Barton, Henry A
Bartlett, Bradbury C
Bartlett, T. & Son
Bartlett, William E
Bartrum, Charles W
Barnes, Andrew
Barnes, Anna
Barnes, Arthur
Barnes, Edgar C 1:», i
Barnes, George
Barnes, James W
Barnes & Mapes,
Barnes, Minnie
Barnes, Warren O
Baughan, Robert
Baumgardner, Henry
Bazzoni, Charles L
Bazzoni, Frank W
Bazzoni, James C
Bazzoni, Lewis J
Bayard, Hon. Thomas F
Beach,
Beach&Balley
Beach, Dr
Beach, Hon. Lewis
Beard, Captain Samuel
Beattie, Alexander
Beattle, I. O
Beattie. Lewis
Beattle, Rev. Robert H.. D. D. .
Beattie, Rev. Robert H
Beatty, Alexander W
Beatty, Elizabeth (Moore)
Beatty, JohnF
Beck, Lieut. Col. B
Beckman, Horatio B, . . . 75, 76,
Bedell, Alonzo
Bedell & Seymour
Bedford, Lyman O
Beebe, Hon. George M
Beede, N. B
Beede, William H
Beggs, George 175. 17
Beggs, Isabella
Beggs, Joseph
Beggs & Moore
Beggs, W. N
Belknap, Aaron
Belknap, Abel
Belknap, Abel W...
Belknap, Abraham.
Belknap, A. & M. H.
Belknap. Captain..
Betenap & Clinton . .
Belknap, Evelina (Di
Belknap, Isaac
Belknap, Isaac, Jr...
knap, Moses C. .75, 88, 105. 106. 1
168, 181, 189, 269, 270.
Belknap, Mrs. M. C
Belknap, Moses H
Belknap, Marietta (McCamly
Belknap. & McCann
Belknap, Mary H. (MalUer). .
Belknap, Nat
Belknap, Ruth (Cook)
Belknap, Samuel
Belknap, Ward
Belknap, William C
Bell, Captain H. H
Bell, Rear Admiral Henry H.
Bellows, Rev. Dr. H. W
Bend, Henry
Benedict, James W
Bennett, James Gordon
Bennett, Hiram
Bennett, Samuel
Bensel, A. A
Berry, Joseph H
Berry, William H
Bethune, George W., D. D. . . .
Betts, Samuel R
Beveredge, John
Beveredge, J. & Co
Beverldge Brewery
Beveridge Brewing Co
Beverldge, James B
Beveridge, Thomas
Beveridge, T. & Co
Biddle, Colonel
Bigler, Harriet E. (Smith). . . .
BIgler, James.. 74. 85. 154, 171, :
Bigler, Mary W. (Magee)
Bingham, Thomas
Birch, James G., M. D
Bird, Capt. Edward O
Birdsall, Daniel
Bir kins. Rev. H. R
Bishop, Rev. Edward
Bishop, Rev. George S
Bishop, Rev. William H
Blackman, — —
Blackman, Mrs. L. H
Blansjan, Mattys
Blansjan, Mattys, sr
Blalsdell, John
Bloomer, Tut
Bodine, Lawrence i
Bodine, Polly
Bogardus, Cornelius
Bogardus, Edward :
Bogart, Joseph N.. .,
Bogart. William. ..
Boggs, W
Boice, Daniel
Bols, Abraham du..
Bois, Isaac du
Bpls, Louis du
Boland&Delany,...
Bond, Joseph W
Booth, Edith
Booth, Thomas H
Bookstaver, Ophelia
Borst, Elman H., M. D
Bostwlck. Lieut.-Col. Charles 1
Bosworth, Rev. Richard H
Boss. Rev. Nelson R
Bourn, Hon. Augustus O
Bouton, Rev. w. S
Bower, Abram
Bower, Rev. E. K
Bowne, J. T
Boyd,
Boyd, Francis
Boyd, James
Boyd, John A
Boyd, John W
Boynton, Mary J. (Hubbard).
Boynton, Sophia (Cabot). . . .
Boynton, Thomas
Bowman, Phineas
Bradenburgh, Jacob
Bradley, Captain Ambrose S
Bradley, Bishop
Bradley, Emma (Turner). . . .
Bradley, George W
Bradley* Irvln
Bradley, Thomas W
Bremer, Frederika
Brennan, Patrick
Brewster, Anna (Brown). . . ,
Brewster, Deacon
Brewster, Eugene A.. 69, 76,
160, 161, 166, 171, 1?2
Brewster, Eugene A., jr
Brewster, Hiram S
Brewster, Juliet
Brewster, Samuel
Brewster Timothy
Brett, Walter
Brett, Walter & Co
Brlady, Rev. Edward S
Bridge,
Bridgeman, Alfred
Brill, Jacobs
Brink, Hiram
Brlnkman, William H
Broadhead, Rev. Dr. . . . ."
Brodhead, Col. Charles C...
Broglie, Prince de
Brokaw Manufacturing Co.. .
Brokaw. William B.119, 152, 1
264, 293
Brokaw, William H
Hon. CharlesF.. 159, 168, 166, 181, 1
Brown Charles G. .
Brown, Charles L. .
Brown. Charles L.. ,
Brown, Rev. C.S...
Brown, E. A
Brown, Eleanor F.
Brown. Eliza
Brown. Frances. ..
PERSONAL INDEX
PAGE.
BrowD, Isaac 23
Brown. Jacob 74, 105
Brown. James P 102
Brown, James S 241
Brown, John 120
Brown, John 142
Brown, John 194
Brown, Rev. John. D. D..56, 100. ICB, 126, 116,
lis, la, 123. 123. 143. 144. IM. 161, l?i321,
331.335
Brown, JohnH., A. B 112
Brown. JohnHobart 127
Brown, Col. J. W 55
Brown, Hon. John W. ...15S, 161. irs. lifi. 2.52
Brown. Henr.v Klrke 193. 194
Brown. Mrs. H. K 195
Brown. Leauder 76
Brown Lime Co 191
Brown, Ludlow 127
Brown. L.vdia Louisa (Udall) 194
Brown 4 McMeefcln 97
Brown. Marj- Alice (Townscnd) 186
Brown, Pauline 101
Brown, Robert 143
Brown, Thomas 22
Brown, Walter 255,324,325,335
Brown, William VM, 13T
Brown, William C 220
Brown, WilUam H 178
Brown, William N 121
Brown, William R. .61, 74, 76, 159, Iffi. 186. 252.
328
Bruce. Wallace 45 47
Brundam H D 125
Brundagi J B B "92
Bryant, Wlllnm Cullen 1 .9 160 I'M
Buchanan James S 98
Buchanan Norman B 97
Buchner r 326
Bucklni,h nn Beujimln F 97 S21
Bucklnuh irn Kkhard 26
Buck. C 11 t ^ J 43
Buck. Ri ^ D 139
Buck. Du 11« ^ 47
Buckmistcr Clarence W 101
Buckmastir Re^ JohnW 149
Buehlel Pe\ W R 148
Buhk-r, C l-irime F 44
Bull. Enill% ( rate 301
Bull, Johu sprinRstcad 2<w 301
Bull, Sleiihen M IM 191 25a 298 2<I9 300
Camcnm. William F..74.75. 76, I
Campbell,
Campbell, Anna E
Campbell, J
Campbell. Dr. John
Campbell. John C
Campbell. John J
Campbell. Samuel F
Candee, Lieut. Wlllard L
Cantiue. Abraham
Cantine, Christina
C.intinc. Christina (Hoesi
Cautlm-, Hanuah(H.ios)
Cantine, CSeneral John
Cantine, Marion J. (Co..k i
Cantine, Moses
Cantine, Moses I
Cantine. Peter
Cantlin. J. A
Capron, Seth M
Carey, Lucius
Carlisle, Rev. ,I,,|in \V. K
Carhsle. Letitiii (Crait;!
Carlisle, Lizzie
Carlisle, Margaret M. (Fenton). .
Cai«isle, Rev. Samuel 43, 44,
Carlisle, Rev. Samuel, Sr
Carlisle, Mrs. Samuel
Carlotta
Caruahan, R. B
Carnochan, Dr. J. Murray
Carpenter, Benjamin 27,
Carpenter, B. & Co
Carpenter, Gilbert
Carpenter, I. R
Carpenter, Jacob and Leonard .
Carpenter, John
Carpenter, Leonard
Carpenter, Lewis
Carpenter, Lieut
nnv
,Wllliim
52 53,298 306
ion Ri^ Peter D
D
142
|-;Lir,,ll. I:, X .1 ll;il>.
tcd.D.D
is. Lffli (Decker)
212
(JarruthiTs. David..
ls,( .pt W A
203 22
Carskaden. John . . .
212
139
ch. R^^ B H
■ Carson, William W.
..74.84,86, 146. 154,
den V < o
219
214
«an H V
47
Carter. Charles
Burgoyne (.eneral
Burhans Lewis
Burke, Thomas H
Burke, W llliam F
Burling Nathaniel
Burling Walter
Burnet, Re\ Eleazer
Burnet, Oo\ William
Btimett Mrb James S
Burnett Robert
Bums,
Bums, Rattle
Bums, John
Burt.C
Burt, Hon Orlnnell
Burt. J
Burton Mrs
Bush. Edwanl V
Bush, John
Butler, J W
Butler, N S ft Co
Butler, Re\ \Mlllam
Cabot, Francis
Cabot, Mary D« iRht
Caldwill Charles
Caldwdl Mrs Charles
Caldwill E O
Caldw( II Henry
Caldwill Ira
Caldwill William
Callahan Lieut C E
Callahan William H
Calycr, Ollliirl
Camack Robert
Carter, Edmund 150
Carter, Ellen 313
Carter, Enoch.. 155, 159, 161, 198, 199, 311, 323,
334.334
Carter, Ere 2.50
Carter, Henry 191, 313
Carter, Henry Francis 313
Carter, James 313
Carter, Jane (Linderman) 198
Carter, Jonathan 94, 198
Carter, Lewis 125
Carter, Mary 313
Carter, R. P 47
Carver, George B 140, 152
Carver, H. H 125
Case, Admiral 182
Case, A. Ludlow 182
Case, Capt. C. A 45
Case, Daniel 319
Case & Kldd 319
Case, Robert L 105, 147, 172
Case, Walter 158
Casey, Capt. William C 45
Cass. General Lewis wg
Casscdy, Hon. Abram S. . .61, 68, 69, 70, 74, 75,
76, 106, 119. 160. 161, 162, 168, 16.5. 166. 167,
ITO, 181
Cassedy, Archibald, Sr 162
Cassedy, Archibald, Jr 162
Cassedy, A. S. & W. F 160. 163, 16T
Cassedy & Brown 163, 166, 167
Casscdy, Frank H 160, 163
Cassedy, Lydla (Ourneo) 162
Casitedy, Margaret J. (Drake) 16S
Casscdy, William F 160, IG), 16«, 167
PAGE.
Cassedy, Mrs. William F 167
Casterllne, Joseph 181
Casterllne, Joseph, Jr 185
Cavan, Mr 213
Caviin, David T 133
Cavanaugh, Ella F 292
Cavanaugh, Garrett 292
Cathcart, James 121
Cauldwell. Alexander 74, 76. 95, 245, 247
Chadborn & Coldwell 237
Chadborn, Coldwell & Co 238,211,268
Chadbom & Coldwell Mfg. Co 63, 81, 191.
218. 238, 239, 2J1, 242, 255, 268, 288
Chadborn, George L 75, 238, 268
Chadwlck, James 126, 172, 191, 249, 250
Chadwick, Joseph 173, 191, 249. 250. Kl
Chadwlck, Thomas M 349
Chalmers, Rev. Dr 136
Chambers, ?2:!
Chambers, Albert
191,34:
Chambers, Jaue (McCcj
Chambers, Johu
Chambers, Sanmel
Chambers. William. . .
Chambers, William C.
Chamller, A. K
Chandler. Gcc.rgf H...
Chandler. Hon. Willia
ChanuiiiL-, Riv. Willia
Chapman. >!!>.. Al-'.xai
Chapman. Ilenri.-tta. .
Chapmau. Isaac- C — 7
, 172, 173, ISl, 1S9.
Chapman. Jolm H
306
Chapman. Louise
260
Chapman, Lydia W. (Sanxay).
98
Chapman. Paddock
305
Ohapman. Ralph
305
Chapman. William L
169
Cliasf. (apt. JamesT
....46,9
331
Chasti-llux. Marquis de
35
ChatfleUl, Jacob
132
Chatterton, Charles L
.141
152
160
Chatties, Dr
90
Chetwood, Rev. Hobart
144
Chew, Rev. John Marshall
150
Chrystle, Rev. Dr. James
121
139
Chry.stie. Thomas
322
Church, Sanmel P., M. D
..sr
ISl
Church,F.S
31 1
Crawford, C.F.nii, 1,1
Claflin, H. B. ,t < M
Clapp, George M
i, 1
, -'1
Clark, Abram
Clark, Augusta (Rogursi
7S
Clark, B. Franklin
.14.
.IMS
Clark. Chester
1S3
Clark. EdsouH 74,3ir
,m
265
366
Clark, Col. Emmons
45
Clark. Hon. George. .61. 74, 77, 78, 84
105,
107,
165, 3.35
Clark, George H 76,78,165
Clark, James 122
Clark &KlmbaU 202.265
Clark. Leander 75.206
Clark. Leander, Jr 84, 170, 202, 203
Clark, Lewis 26
Clark. Lucas 206
Clark, Mary 77
Clark, Mary J. (OIney) 206
Clark, Captain Oliver H 224
Clark, Phila 206
Clark, Robert Sterling 78
Clark, Ruth Ann (Clark) 202
Clark, Ruth Ann 2<H
Clark, Samuel 23
Clark, William 77,325
Clarke, E.Y 111,121
Clarke, James Freeman 160
Clarke, Captain Nathaniel Ill
Clarke, Rev. W. E 139
Clarkson, David H 143,144,234,328
Clarkson, Maud 234
Clay, 113
Clay, Henry T!, 160, ITS
Gilbert N 94
PAGE.
Clements. John A 174
Cleveland, Hon. Grover 45, 178, 283
Cleveland, Dr. J. A 306
Cleveland, Ordine M 136, 191, 257, 260
Cliff, Benjamin 75,76,150
Cline, Benjamin 46
Clinton, Bishop 128
Clinton, Charles 26,53
Clinton, Hon. De Witt 51, 53, 87, 159, 194
Clinton, Governor 31,42,280
Clinton, Hon. George 48
Clinton, (Seorge 5.3, 158
Clinton, Gteneral George 195
Clinton, Gov. George 210
CUnton, General James 51, 53, ST, 159
Clinton, JamesG 159
Clinton, General James G 321
Clinton. Sir Henry 30, 53
Clock, Sarah A., M. D < 86
Close. Rev. John 117
Clouser. John F 262
Cl.vde. General Samuel 166
Cobb. Captain 322
Cochran, Isaac 70,123.140
Cochrane, Alderman
Cochrane, Martha (Hewitt).
Cochrane, William H
Coffin, Caleb
CoflSn, Fannie M
Colbert,
Golden, Alex
Colden, Alexander
Colden, Alexander
CoMen, Cadn-alladf-r
James 68,75,80, 191
Cold I'
valiad
Cokk-u.CrissytGrlfflthl.
Colden. Governor
Colden. Lieut. Gov
Colden. Maria
Coldwell Lawn Mower C
Cole, Joseph 125, 128, 139
Cole, Morgan 25, 135
Coleman, Bev. L N 134
Coleman, John 76, 94
Coleman, Joseph 117
Coleman, W.T 139
Coles, Dennis 177
Colfax, WllUam 34
Collard, Noah 74, 75
Collins, 323
Collins, Capt. Wm. L 46
Colt, Colonel 296
romli=, coneral Leslie 159
i-,,Tni,.rt. Rev.L.L 211
, Dr. Stephen £
Cnukliu,
Cnukling,
Coukling, Senator Hoscoe
Council, J
Connelly, Rev. H
Conner, David
Connlck, Rev. Patrick
Connolly, Bishop
Connor, Captain Augustus W. .
Ctonyngham, John
Cook,
Cook, Dr
Cook, Rev. D 123
Cook, A. M 191
Cook, J. Hervey 44
Cook. Levis Co 278
Cook. General Solon H 216
Cooke, S29
Cooper, Rear Admiral G, H 45
Cooper, Joseph 150
Cooper, T. H., M. D 217
Copeland, Anna E. (Clark) 77
Corcoran, Capt. G. W 46
Corey, Rev. o. H 139
Corklns, Michael 98
Coriey, Charles G 136
Corliss, Mr 214
Corliss & Nightingale SUt
Corliss, Nightingale & Co 214
Cornell, Hon. AlonzoB 181
PERSONAL INDEX
Cornell. Henry
Cornell, J. B
Cornell. W. W
Corning, Erastus
Cornish. Joseph
Cormvallis,
Cornwell. Rev. Dr
Cornwell.
Cornwall. George
Cornwell. (George) & Sou
Cornwell. Henr.v.
Corrigan. Mt, Rev, Jl. A., D. 1
Corwiu, Daniel
Corwin, Echvaril P
Corwin, Frank R
Corwiu, HalseyS Co
Corwiu, Isaac L
Corwin, John 74. T.i, 7(i. l
Corwiu, .lolin H !.
Corwin, Matthias
Corwin, Stanton & Co
Courtland, Col
Courtney, Capt. William H. .
Coulter. John
Coutant. Mrs. Albert
Coutant, Daniel J
Coutant, W. A
Cowdrey. John
Cowling. David
Cowling. Mary L
Coyle, Rev. Denis
Crabb, Capt. G. W
. Craft, F. W
Craig, James
Crane, James M., A. M f
Crane, Joslah
Crane, Josiah, 3d
Crane. Stephen
Crary. Rev. B. F
Crawtoril. c. Emmet
Crawford. David
Crawford. David & Co 2
Crawford, F. & D. & Co
Crawford. Francis
Crawford, Francis & David.
Crawford & Harris
Crawford, James
Crawford, James B
Crawford . James I
Crawford. James W
Crawford. John
Crawford. Rev. M. D'C. D. D. .
Crawford, Mailler & Co
Crawford, O. Clark
Crawshaw, Elizabeth Prance. .
Crawshaw, George
Crawshaw's. George, Sons
Crawshaw, Mark
Crawshaw, Samuel
Crawshaw, Thomas
Crawshaw, William
Creagh,
Creveling. Rev. P. c
Crilly, James
Crlspel. Anthoine
Crissey. Gilbert R
Crist, Estelle
Croly, David G ,.
Cromwell
Cromwell, Major
Crook. James H., Jr
Crosby, Rev. Dr. Howard
Crosby, S. L
Crowell, Rev. J. M
Cruger, Colonel S. V. R
Cruicksliank. Rev. William
Cubit. Ja sc '■'■
Culbert. H.iirietta(P,,wc-lI) V
Culbert. John .'.''
Culbert. Fiauiis Ra]iisdeli
Culbert. William A. .M..,M. Ii. >
Culbert. Mrs. Williaui a. .M.
Cullen. Judge EdKarM
Cumniiugs. Lieut. Col
Cummins. Bishop George Davii
Cunningham, James
Currie, John
Currie. Margaret A
Curry, John [[[
Curtice Brothers
Curtin, Hon. A. G ' .
Curtis, '""
Curtis, George William
Cushing, William J
8 Cushman, Charles U. ...169. 173, 177. 1S4. 3
8 Custis. Martha .
^ Cutlibutsou, Rev i:
I Daggett. John j,
i Dales. Rev. J. B r
i Dales. John (31. 141. 170, 214, ;?(i:i, 3;
1 Dales, (John) l4 Co ! l<
) Dales. John & Co 3(
r Dales, Mrs 3(
! Daiton, 3;:
i Dal.v, Archibald .92
) Darby, Andrew i(
Darragh. John J 9
1 Dauphin of France 3ii. 3
Davenport. Rev. John 8
Davids, George W 17
Davi.s. Oliver 18
Da«-.T '..'.'.[ 32
Day. Rev. Alfred 12
Day. Rev. J. R.. D. D 12
Dayton. Col 3
Dean, Judge 20
Decker, 32;
Decker, Alonzo 14;
Decker, Charles N st
Decker, Frederick 4;
Decker, Jacob P 21:
Decker, James T i5(
Decker, John 32=
Decker, Rev. William H 123, 12(
De Forest, D. R 26i
De Forest, Captain Ezra 4=
De Forest, La Tour & Bazzoni 265
De Grandval, L uj
Degrove, Adolph ; 117
DeHart, Captain W. H 45
De Lancy. John 97. 301
Delano. Warren '14c
De La Salle 134
Delany. P. & Co 85. 191. 245. 247
Delany, John 247, 248 249
Delany. Patrick 75, 245^ 24(i! 247
Denuiston, Hon. Augustus 167. 311
Denniston. David .' 'm
Denniston. Rev. James Otis 148
Denuiston. Hon. Robert 211
Denning. William H 322
»™t. 317
Denton. James 33
Denton. Jonas 32
Denton. R. B 178
Denton. Samuel 22
Depuy. Thomas R [ 91
Dermott, Michael 22
Devereux, President 234
Devine,T. F [[]['_ gjg
Devyr, 328
DeWlut, John Peter 145, Kid, 197
DeWint, Peter '145
Dewitt, Andrus 133
DeWitt, Cornelius 94
DeWltt, John ' ' 21O
DeWitt, Simeon ...3.3."s7
DeWitt, Rev. Thomas. D. D .131. 137
DeWordt, Ivan ,326
Dexter, W. H ' ^ ' 324
Deyo, Christian 215
Deyo, Clarence W [[[ ii2
Deyo, Cornelia Bruyn (DuBois) 87 88
Deyo, Dr. Daniel N ' g-,
Deyo. Hattle C. (Estabrook) .... 112
Deyo. John. M. D 45,86,88
Deyo, Mrs. John 153
Deyo. Jonathan D ^ ^ ^ g;
Deyo, Mary Hardenbergh (De Witt) .... 87
Deyo, Nathaniel, M. D. .86, 87, 88, 161, 169, 321
Deyo, Nathaniel DuBois 88
Deyo, Robert E [' gg
Deyo, Van Zandt gS
Dick, Rev. Dr ....123 136
Dickey, Annie L ' jca
Dickey, Frank R [] 1^2
Dickey, Henrietta E 162
Dickey, James 75
Dickey, Hon. Joseph M. .44, 45, 65, 74, 85, 162,
Dickson, James R .
Dickson. W
Dillon.
Dillon. Glide & Co .
Dimmick. Samuel 1
Dix. Gov. John A. .
Dixon. Charles A . .
Dixon. Rev. Felix .
Dobbin. Tiionias
Doblin. Robert
Dodge, Levi
Dogan, Cliristlan...
Dogan, Pierre
Doherty, William..
Donahue, .Alichael.
Donnelly, James
Donoghue, James A
Douoghue, Joseph F
Donoghue, Timothy
Donoghue, Thnothy. Jr
Donveur, Louis
Doremus. Dr. Ogden
Dornin. William C
Doty. William H
Dotzert. J. H
Dotzert, Jolin
Dougherty, Dr
Dougherty, James J
Doughty, Charles H
Doughty, Harriet M. (Hale) .
Doughty, Prof. John W., M. ,
2(M
Doughty. Mary H
Doughty, Mary T. (DuBois) .
Doughty, Sarah
Doughty, Wesley H
Doughty, William B
Doughty, William H
Doutuey,
Dow, Susan C
6, 11)5, 280
Dunphy, Jennie
, ■
329
Duuphy, Mary
183
3*1
Dupreze, Captain
297
69
Durfee, Holder B
160
Durgin. H. W
2S3
195
Durkin.M.S
237
Duryea, Rev. Joseph T.. D. D 137
146
Dwight. Prof. Theodore
D 23J
9, 105, 135
Eager, Frank S
.,(,;
143
Eager, Samuel W
■)S lOT 17' 1S5 316
171
Earl& Wilson
87
Eastep, Rev. R. T
128
87
Eaton. Anna
323
Eaton, David
121
23
Eaton, Governor
86
76
Eaton, James
151
17
Eckerson, Clarence H...
101
34
Edgar, Grant E
74,106,301,303
.323, 326
Edgar. Mrs. Grant E
154
..<!23, 326
Edgar, Grant E.. Jr
302, 303
, 325, 328
Edgar. John
301, 302
326
Edgar. Margaret
302
101
Edmonds, Samuel
23
89
235
Edwards,
Edwards, Thomas
329
.... 101
Egan. J
319
.... 69
Eldrldge, Judge E. L
70
...74,75
Elliott, Miss
156
.... 109
Ellis. Colonel
67,211
.... 155
EUisou. John
30,33,52,53
.86, 204
Ellison, Thomas
30,33
.... 112
Ellison, CoL Thomas
52
112, m,
Elting, Capt. E. R
46
Ely, Augusta (Brown). . . .
127
.... 113
Ely, Eliza (Coleman)
.... 113
Ely, Gertrude (Hardy). . . .
.'..'''. S9
.... 313
Ely.Moses
89, 127
.... 113
Ely, Smith. M. D
....86,89. 105, 167
.... 191
Ely. Mrs. Smith
154
.... 113
Embler, Charles J
75,105
.... 268
Embler. Frank H
130,319
76, 146,
Die
162
Dickf
. I^ati- \V. (RJL-hmoud) 162
• "'illi:>'" 161,220
Dickey, Col. William D. .43, 45, 65, 76, 97, 160,
161, 162
Dickson, Agnes R., M. D 86
Downing, Andrew J 69, 161
), 163, 196, 197
Embler. Joseph s " ' '^ '^ '"
Downing, Charles. . .154, 196, 19
, 203, 203, 335
Emery. Abigail (l'n.,r,.ttj
'^
Downing, Mrs. Charles
151
Downing, C.& A.J
196
Emery. Braiuer.l l>re.sLott
.j_
Downing, Caroline E. (DeWint
1 icu
Emery. Capt. Flavlus
Downing, Eunice
Emery. John. .Sr
j„
Downing, George W
196
Emery. Moody
^
Downing, Mary (Wait)
Em-ery. Rev. Rufus
.144, 149, 130
m
Downing, Samuel
196
Ericsson. John
Doyle, Frank
77
Ernest, John, Jr
47
Doyle, Fred
77
Esmond, Darwin W
160,189
Doyle, James C
77
Esmond&Ward
160
Doyle, J. Farnam
77
Estabrook, Charles... 105, 111. 112. 129.145. i.ni
Doyle, Mary (Mclntyre)
77
Estabrook, Frank E
"II III) 113
Doyle, Hon. Michael. .75, 76, 77,
79, 84, 86, 126,
Estabrook, Lillie
10) \li
172, 191
Estabrook, Susan E. (Marshall)
112
Doyle, T. F
324
Ettrick
Do.vle, William
74,75
Evans, Rev. Israel
16
Doyle, William E
77
Evans. Rev. J. A
1'9
Drake, Charles, M. D K
, 162. 163, 172
Evans, John
17
Drake, Mary
S43
Evarts&Peck
Draper, Hon. A. S
70
Evarts, Hon. Wm. M
4o 47
1U9
Drew, N.athaniel
139
Everts. Dr. Orpheus
Driscoll. James
97
Fackner, Capt. Edward
46
DuBois. Broadhead
113
Fairbanks, Capt. Henry
203 223
14ti
Dubois, Colonel
288
Fairley, Rev. J. W
DuBois, Louis
88
Fairman, Colonel '
264
DuBois, Colouel Louis
88
Falls.Hiram
144
Dudley, Anna (Fellows)
197
Fancher, Hon. Enoch L..LL.D.44
IIJ lilj 196
Dudley, Henry, A. M
126,197
Fanning, James T
125
Duers, Henry
138
Farley, Rev. Dr. F. A
Dnffleld, Prof
136
Farnam. John
76
Duffy,
328
Farnam (John) & Co
Duffy, Rev. Patrick
133
Faruuni. Frederick W
171
193
Duke, Matthew
.95, 107, 132
Farragut. Admiral
DuMond, Emma
nil
Farrell. James C
97
Dumpsou, Rev. Henry
13X
F.arriiigt.ai.
329
Dumvllle, Benjamin
Mi;
Farni, ;;(,,„. Daniel
77 131 266
Duncan, Colonel
];,,
|-ai-riii.|n„, E
329
K. 233 321
II ir2 262
Duncan, Henry C
191, :;ii;
Farrii,^(.„,, Ezra 7li. 77
Duncan, John H
4S
Farriug.on. E.W m.
Duncan, Walter
31(i
Farrington, J. McC
Dungy, Rev. John
128
Farrlngton, Thomas
107
Dunlap, James
262
Farrington, Rev. Thomas T
121,333
Dunlap, Margaret R
101
Fawcett, Maria W
101
Dunlap, Samuel
123
Fay, ;
323
Dunn. George W
331
Fay,A
S''!
Dunn, Nettie
153
Feber. Abram
13
Dunning, Benjamin F
234
18
Dunning, Isabelle
234
Feber,lsaac
18
Duuphy, Mrs. B. A. (Bannon). . .
183
Febore, Andre le
87
Dtmphy, Edward
183
Pebore, Simon le
87
Dunphy, James G
183
Felter, Blanche E
101
PERSONAL INDEX.
Fentou, George W
Fenton, James
Fenton, John B
Fenton, John W.. JT P .
Ferguson, ..
Ferry, Capt. Daiiu-
Ferry, Emily (D""Tiiii^i
Ferry & Napier
Ficlieisseu. Rev. F. E
FleldinRi: JIusi-nw
Fields, William
Flere, Anna Maria
Fiere, Daniel
Flnck,
Fincke, Major C. L
Flndley, Kev. ,T. G. D
Findley , Mrs. J.G.D
Flndley, Mary L. (Gormley). . .
Findley, Hon. William
Flndley, Eev. William, D. D.,
Findley, William F
Flnnepau, W
Finley, Alexander
Fischer, .Toliaunes
Fischer. Maria Barlara
Fish, Elizaiietli
Fisher, Rev. Isaac M
Fisher, J.inies W
Fisk, Jonathan
Fisk, Clark ,si Fia^'-
Fitch, Charles E
Fitchey, John
Fitzgerald, Brit-.-General Lou
Fitzpatrick, Nicholas F
Fltzpatrick, P. J
Fltzsimmons, Kev. Patrick .
Flanagan, Anna E
Flansburgh, David H
Flemmlng, James
Fletcher, Eev. Dr
Foote,Dr.C.C
Foote, Ebenezer
Force, E
Ford, T
Forrest, Robert
Forson, David H
Forson
FuUerton, Rev. Matthew L I'li'
Fullerton, Capt. S. W 108
Fullerton, Hon, Stephen W.. 160, 164, 165, 209,
, Rev. J. H.
)dale, William Hi
)iliiue, William.,
)drich, Alfred...
Gains. John
Galatlan, Clark B
Galatian, Erwiu
Galatian, Luella
Gallagher, Rev. Mason. .
Gait, Clarence H
Gait, Eveline (Roberts) .
Gait, John
Gait, J. Randolph
Gano, Chaplain
Gardiner, William
Gardiner, Cicero A
Gardner, Major Asa B, .
Gardner, George
Gardner, John M
Gardner, Silas
Gardner, Silas D
Garner, Henry
Garnet, Rev. George —
, Gloriana
,.,■ , 136
Gearn, William
94-, 26-2
Geddes, John, Sr
Forsyth, John, Sr ....
Gedney, David
D.,LL. D.4;i.+4,47,70,
Gedney, Judge
79, 98, 105, IW, 119, I:
K.IIB, 136,141,172,262,
George, George
George II
91, 9T
George, King
171,262
George, Hon. Thomas..
Forsyth, Robert h ....
172
Gelssenhainer, Rev, Dr.
J28
Gerard &Boyd
125
Gerard, Franklin.. 84, U
20(1
Gerard & Halsey
Foster, William
191
Gerard, Mary
Fowler, Daniel W...
163
Gerard. W.-^sel S
Goodsell, John
Gordon, C. J
Gordon, Ehzabeth L.. ..
Gordon, General
Gordon, Hattie W
Gordon, James, M. D. . .
Gordon, John
Gordon, (John) & Co. . . .
Gordon, Joseph
Gordon, Nettie W. (Job
Gorham, John R., Sr. . . .
Gorham, Walter H
Goring, Thomson E —
Gormly, John A
Gorrle, Robert Hall....
Gorrie, Mrs. R. H
Gott, John W.
Gouldy, Francis
Gouldy, Jennie A
Gouldy, Mary E
Gourley, Robert
Gowen, President
Graff & Co
Graham.
Graham, Commodore .
Graham, George G., 31.
Graham, Helen C
Grant, Dr. C. W
Grant, Ulysses s 6T, ;T,
Grant, James C
Graves.
Gray, Miss E. K,
Gray,E. W
Gray, Rev. James M
Gray, Rev. John
Greatton, Col
Greatton, Brig.-Gen'l John. .
Greeley, Horace
Green, George W
Greene, General Nathaniel. .
Greene, Prof
Greene, Louise D.'.
Greer, Elizabeth
Fowler, Dr. John
Fowler, Lucretla A
Fowler, 3Iary C
Fowler, Matthew V. B. .
■'owler, Nancy M. (Merrill). . .
Fowler, Nehemlah
Fowler, Samuel
Fowler, Samuel, Sr
Fowler, Thomas Powell
Fowler, Walker
France, EltlngD.B
Eraser, Judge William F
I-Yazer, James, Sr
Frazler, Capt. Isaiah:
Fredrikscn, Oscar
Freeman, Rev. Jonathan...
Fremont, General
French, Rev. Dr
Frere, Hugo
Frothlngham, Lieut. Col. J,
FuUngar, Kelsey
Fuller,
Fuller. George W
Glbb, Eliza (Reed)
Gibb, Louisa
Gibb, Samuel
Gilbert, Justice
Giles, Rev, Samuel
Gill, J
Gillespie, Rev. D. D
Gillespie, William G
GlUlesft Schultz
Gillies, Schultz & Cruni
Gilmore, Henry
GIvens, Rev, John V
61assey,J
Gleasou, Rev. W. H. D. D. . .
Gleason, W. Stanton, M, D. .
Glynn, Patrick J
Godwin Park
Goetchlus, H, B
Goetchius, John £
Goldie,
Goldsmith, John K
Good, Henry, Sr
Goodale, Cynthia Augusta. .
Ooodale, James Harvey
Goodale, Mary E. (Gale)
sKlng
GTegov\
Gregtiri
Griffiim
Griffith
Guthrie, Captain Arthur.
Halgh, Edward
Haight, Nelson
Haines, Provosts
Halt, Eliza
Halt, John
Hale, Major Lewis
Hall,
Hall, Anna B, (Bond)
Hall,Dr.B.R
Hall. Rev. Charles Cuthbert. ,
Hall, G. A„ State Secretary y.
Hall, Rev, James
Hall, Mary Alice
Hall, W.B
Hall, Rey. William K., D. D. . .
141, 158, 181
Hallock, Nicholas
Halsey,
Halsey, Lewis B
328, Sffl
74
Halstead, Berrian
106
Halstead, Charles B
218
Halstead, Charles H
75,218
Halstead, Charles, Jr
172,323
Hamill James
...331,325,335
113
Hamilton, Harriet (Bontecou)
212
Hamilton, Hugh
74,96
Hamilton, James
94,212
Hamilton, James T
97, 333
Hamilton, Margaret
101
Hamilton, Robert J
312
Hamilton, Robert W
97
Hamilton, William
140,176
139
Hancock, General
45,67,109
Hancon,
326
Hancon, John
334
Hand, Adjutant General
35
Hantord, J. C
305
Hanmer, William S
76,125
Hanmore, Benjamin
199,328
Hanmore, Louis E..,M.D
86
Hannan, William F
91
Hansbrough, Henry C
279
Harcourt, Charles A -
75,311
Harcourt, Charles H
189
Hardenburgh, J. C.s
208
Harding, Chester
193
Harding, William
26
Hardy, Charles W
89
Hare, Rev. G. S., D. D
43,125
Harney, George A
146
Harney, J. E
131
Harper, J. Abuer
55
Harper.J.H
313
Harris,
ffiS
Harris, C. E
282
Hai-ris,I.P
282
Harris.John
94
Harris, Louis A., M. D
86
Harris, Minard
94
Harris, Thomas
328
Harris, William A
244
Harrison, James
...145, 151,191
Harrison, J. J. E
97
Harrison, Joshua
145
Harrison, Steele
ISrt
Harrison, William
.09,1115, 1116,107
Harrison, William R
301
Hart, Capt. Arthur B
45
Harter, Eugene W., A. B...
101
Hartshorn, Charles
95
Harvey, Dr. A. B
206
Harvey, Rev. C. A., D. D. ,,
308
Hasbroug, Abraham
87
Hasbrous. Jean
87
Hasbrouck, Charles
106
Hasbrouck, Charles H
11.15, 16», 170
Haslirouck, Eli
..Si, ISl, 1S9, 328
Hasbrouck, E. R
46
Hasbrouck, Col. H. C
TO
Hasbrouck, Jonathan
. .■2-2, 2o, 26, :i5, sa
Hasbrouck, Oscar
m
Hasbrouck, wmiam C
1116, l.i9, 31£
Haskins.John
145
Hastings, James
105, 106, lOS
lOt
Hathaway, Odell S
61,169.1?;
Hathaway, Ortell S., Jr
91
Havemeyer, A. H
Havemeyer, C
Haviland, Rev. Oscar .
Havlland, Thomas T. . .
Hawkins, Rev. E
Hawkins, W
Hawkins, W.H
Hawkins. William....
IIlUN I. \ , ll-li .("--I'll ■
Hay.len, Capt. Henry 1
Hays, Archibald
Hays, HughM
Hayt. Col. Edward D.. .
Hayt, Jansen & Wells.
Hayt, Nathaniel B
Hayt,N.B.&E.D
PERSONAL INDEX
Hay t, Stephen
218
Howell. Frances (Nicholas)
Hay t, (Stephen) & Son
218
Howell. John T.. M. D
Hayt, Stephen & Co
305
Howell. Julia A
Headley, Hon. Joel T. . . .42, 44, 45,
47, 160, 193
Howell. Margaret O
Headley, Russel
.76. 160, 105
Howell. Olive (Belknap)
Headley. Mrs. Russel
153
Howell. Rensselaer 1
Heard.James
45
Howell, Rensselaer N
Heard. John S., M. D
SO
Howell, Rensselaer, Sr
Heard. WilUam
144
Howell. William T
Heath. Maj. Gen'l 29. 30. 32, c
IS, 34, 36, 40
Hoysradt. Brace
Hedge* Lee
W
Hoysradt.J.W
Heinz Bros.&Co
292
Hoyt.Rev.J.C
Hem nilngway. Milton
245
Hubbard, E.,Jr
Henderson. Andrew
123
Hubbard, George
Henderson. Ida R
101
Huddelson, Robert
Henderson. W
:e9
Hudson. Daniel
Henderson, William J
91
Hughes. Bishop
Henrleke, Christian
18,19
Hughes, Mary Ellen
Henry, Caleb Sprague, D. D
201
Hull.Dr.A.G
Henry, John
146
Hull, Amelia J. P
Henry, Rev. John C
....146,147
Hull,Dr.Duane
Henry, Patrick
161
Hull, Franks 12.5.152.
Henry, Sarah (Dorrian)
147
Hull. Ida (Weygant)
Hepp. August
334
Hull. Marjorie W
Herbert John E
155
Hull, Sarahs
Herbert, Patrick
97
Hull, Stanley W
Herman. Fred
75,155
Hulse, George E
Hermance. Rev. Fields
145
Hunn,
Hermance, Rev. J. p
139
Hunn, John S
Herreschoffs, (The)
328
Hunn,PeterF
Heron, John
:ii, 140
Hunt, Francis W
Heustls, Henry O
aw
Hunt. George
Hewitt, Samuel J
30
Hunt. Peter
Hewitt. Samuel J.. Jr
97
Hunt, Peter F
Heyer, Rev. William S
131
Hunt,R.S
Higby. Dr. Moses
53.54
Hunter, Amanda (Theall)
Hlgby. William S
Hunter,EzraI
Hlgginson, Anna E
186
Hunter, General
Higgiusou, Henry C
251. 252. 328
Hunter, Dr. George
Hilton, Anna
ail
Hunter, Helen R
Hilton, Anna L. (Turner) . . .
201
Hunter, Henry J
Hilton, Bertha
201
Hunter, William G
Hilton, Clara
201
Hunter, William, Jr
Hilton, Edith
201
Hunter, Sarah
Hilton, Mai-y EUa
201
Huntington. Brig.-Gen'l
Hilton, Ellen J. (Lawson)...
201
Husted, Hon. James W
Hilton. Judge Henry
201
Hutchlns, John N
Hiltou.James
139
Hutehins,S.C
Hilton. John
201
Hyer-Sheehan Electric Motor Co,
Hilton, Mrs. John
153
Hylon.
Hilton. Joseph
201
Hyndman, Robert
Hilton. Minnie
201
Hyndman, William H
Hilton, Ralph
201
Ide.E
Hilton, Robert
201
Ide, George B. & Co
Hilton, Robert Jolin
201
Ironmonger, Frank
Hilton, Samuel
201
Isaacs. Rev. A. S.. Ph. D
Hilton, Samuel J
170
Iselin,
Hilton, Sarah
201
Irvin, Joseph C
Hilton William !)5, 123, 140,
200. 201, 208
Irving, Rev. Dr
Hilton, William H 70, 75 176, 189. 191. 201
Irwin, Daniel
Hilton. (William) & Son
105
Jack, Rev. Alexander B
Hilton, William T
86, 201
Jackson, General
Hinckle. Rev. Geo. W
150
Jackson,J.C
Hirschberg. Elizabeth (McAlles).
If 5
Jackson, Brig Gcul . R. H
Hlrschberg. Henry M
76
Jackson, Rev. William
Hirschberg. Hon. M. H. . . .42, 47, 1
05. 14:^, 160.
Jacobs.AdaLouI.se
161, 164, 167, 181, 255. 328
Jacobs Baking Powder Co
Hitch, Mrs. F. D
155
Jacobs. Bessie May
Hoagland, John
94
Jacobs. Eugene Ward
Hobart, Right Rev. John H
.... 120.127
Jacobs, Gilbert E
Hobbs, James
97
Jacobs, George H
Hoehiug Rcv.A. C
150
Jacobs. Lucy A
Hoes. Rev. Dr
215
Jacobs. Mary Ward (Muiin)
Hoffman. Gov. John T
195
Jacobs'. William H
Hoffman. Joseph
. .94, 98, 305
Jacobus. Charles C
Hoffman, Mary
305
Jacobson, Frank A., M. D
Holdredge. S. W
144
Jagger. Rev. S. H
Holland. Rev. F. W
146
James, Hon. Thomas L
Homer R.-imsdeli Transportation
Co., (The)
Jamison, John
26. 70. 228. Z«. 248. aw
Jamison, Thomas J
Hood. General
297
J.ines, Bishop
Hopkins. Rev. JmlsunH
141
Jannicky, Charles
Hornbeck. Henry D
215
Jansen. Mary E
Horton.
144
Jansen, Sally
Hort.m, Eugene B
101
Jarvis,Capt. J. M
Horton, James E
76
Jay.
Horton, Jeremiah
205
Jefferson, Thomas
Hovey, Henry
282
Jenkins. Caroline E. (Macy)
Howard. Gen'l O.O
171)
Jenkins. Charles S...42, 172, 173, ;
Howe.General
. . .IS, 30. 41
Jenkins, Mrs. Charles S
Howell, Anna R. (Lester)
115
Jenkins, Hannah B
Howell. Beuoni H
..94.97.177
Jenkins. James R
Howell. Charles J
141, 151
Jenkins. William B
Howell, Mrs. C. J
154
Jenkinson. Capt. Isaac
Howell, David
20
Jennings, Lewis
Jerome, Watson
Jessup, Sylvanus
Jessup Thomas
Jewell,
Jewett. Hugh J
Johansen, G
Johnes. Edward R
Jobnes, Mrs. E. R
Johnson, Andrew
Johnson, F
Johnson, Rev. Henry T
Johnson, L. F
Johnson, Peter
Johnson, Rev, T. W ,
Johnston & Alsdorf
Johnston, President Andrew. . ,
Johnston, Andrew M
Johnston, Beverly K
Johnston, Charles
Johnston, Capt. Charles
Johnston, Elvira S. (Beatty) . . . ,
Johnston, Frank M ,
Johnston, Rev. James R
Johnston, Rev. John, D. D..79, !
, 119, :
, 179
Johnston, John A
Johnston, Mary (Bull)..
Johnston, Robert
Johnston, W. C
Johnston, William
Johnston. William J. .
Jones, Rev. Arthur
Jones, Hiram A
Jones, Rev. John
Jones. William. M. D....
Jones, William C
Jova, A. v., M. D
Jordan, Capt. F. H
Jordan, J. V
June, Charles F. .203, '^2S,
June, George
June, Jacob
"June, Jennie"
June, Phineas
Kayne, Alfred, M. D
Kearny, General Philip..
Keefe, William H
Kelly, James F
Kelly, John D
Kelly, John P
Kelly William H.... 45, K
151, 328, 339
KeUy, Mrs. W. H
Kemp, Major John H
Kemp, Robert D
Kennedy, Joseph
Kennedy, Miss Letltia. . .
Kenset, J. F
Keruahan, Robert
Kernochan, John A
Kerr, Charles L. C
Kerr, Emellne (Ross)
Kerr, George, M. D
Kerr, George W 1(X),
Kerr, Hon. John B
Kerr-, Margaret (Brown).
Kerr Rev. Robert
Ketcham,
Ketcham, Frank H
Ketcham, Hon. J. H
Ketcham, Julia
Ketcham, Reeve
Ketcham. Samuel
Kidd Andrew
Kidd ,!t Benjamin
Kidd, D. L
Kidd, J. H
Kimball, Samuel G K4.
Kimball's, S. G.. Smi
Kimball, S. G. & S.-ns
Kimball, Thomas
Kimball, William G
Kimber, Herbert P
Kimber, H. P. & Co
Kimber, Marie A
King, Rev, James B
King, John
King, Gov. John A
King.Rev.L. H
King, Richard
King, Stephen
King (Stephen) & Co
Kingston, R. J„ M. D
Kipp, Capt. W. H
Kirkland, Fred T
Kissam, R
Kittel, Dr, Joseph
Klaproth, F
Knapp, Israel
Knapp, Uzal
Knevels, Isaac A
Knevels, John W
Knoll, Michael Christian
Knox, General 30, 33,
Knox. Mrs
Koch, John
Kockerthal, Joshua
Kockerthal, Sibyle Charlotte
Krebs. Rev. Dr
Kretchmar. Capt. C. P
Kripner, John F
Krom, Ella L
Labouchere, Henry
LaFayette, Marquis de..3it, 5.
Laflin & Rand Powder Co
Lambert, Valentine
Lamdin, J. R
Lander, Benjamin
Landon, Rev, Seymour
Lane, Rev. Michael
Langdill, Rev. Mr
Lansing,
Lappe, Charles
Lappe, John
Laraway, Harriet
Lasher, Rev, G. W
Lathrop, L
La Tour, A, T
Laurens, Col
Law, Beveredge & Co
PAGE.
.265, 266
Kiln
. Irvi:
Kilmer Manufacturing Co. .GS. 7
Kilmer.M. D
Kilmer, T. S
Kilmer, W. A
Kimball. Charles H
Kimball, Charles Henry
Kimball, Eliphalet Buotman..
Kimball, Mary Elizabeth
Kimball, Rev. Joseph
Kimball, Moses
Kimball, Sarah Frances
Law, James
Lawrence, Grand Master..
Lawrence, Omon H
Lawrence, WiUiam
Lawson, Andrew
Lawson, Charles J.. 130, 155
, 191,
, Mrs.
Lawson & Embler
81
Lawson, George
76
Lawson. Hannah (Budd)...
80
Lawson, Henry B
75,80
Lawson, James T 74
, 130, 151, 107, 173
Lawson, Jennie M. (Brown)
81
Lawsou, John
122,139, 201
Lawson, John E
170
Lavv.son, John K
...9.5,97,105, 323
Lawson, Robert
76.80,207
Lawsou, S
97
Lawson, William C
84.66,181
Lay, Rev. Geo. W
150
Leacoek. Rev. Benjamin B.
.D.D....147, 148
Lee. (General
Lt-e, Martin L
Lee, Rev. R. P
Leech, WiUiam K..
Leeper, Joseph M..
Leicht, Charles
Lelcht, John M
liCfevre, Simon
Lendrum, Agnes W
Lendrum, Miss E, S
Lendrum, George..
Lentllhon, W
Leon, David D
Leonard,
215
PERSONAL INDEX
Leonard, Hon. Chancey M..
98, 105. \T2, 286, 2*7, 288, S3
Leonard, D. amis
Leonard, Henry M
Leonard, Hope (Smith)
Leonard, James J
Leonard, Rebecca (Smith).
Le Roy, Julia E
Leslie, Augusta
Leslie, Alexander
Leslie, S.J
Levein.L
Leveridge, Caklass
Lewis, Dr
Lewis, Egbert
Lewis, Kev. Isaac
Lewis, John N
Lewis, Captain Stark
Liboschalu, Maria Johanna. . .
Llboschain, Susanna
Llderer, Barou de
LUburn, Adam
Lincoln, President Abraham.
195,209
Llndley, A.F
Llndlcv, A. L
Lipsett, Robert
LitchfleUI, James A 282
Little, Andrew 140
Little, John 70, 125, Ul, IM
Little, John, Jr I.i5
Little & Kelly '.ir.. !«:. 135, i:«. 3119
Livingston, Rev, James lis
Livingston, James : 128
Lockstead, George 18
Lockwood,- 329
Lockwood, Charles S 84
Lockwood. David S 7.5, 86
Lockw 1, |i. s. ,v r_ s 79
Lockw 1, I-,i,i. N 316
Lockw I, .l-hii U" 175
Lockwood. R 125
Lockwood, Rembrandt 133
Logan, James J.. .97. 144, 155. 1H9, 255, 287, 283
Logan, Mary A 287
Logan, Samuel 256
Logan, Capt. Samuel R 287, '288
Logan, Major Samuel 288
Lomas, John 74, 108, 209
Lomas, George 146
Lomas, Joseph 76, 185
Londergau, Margaret E 313
Longacre. Rev. Andrew. D. D 125
Longarn-, .I:imfs r! 125
Los-sill--, I- I, n ,1 160,181
Lott ,v 1 l..,l;.l„ 1. 316
Loudon, .Ml.-. 197
Loudon, Samuel 34, 35
LoulsXIV 17,87
Louvols, 17
LoveU, A. J 282
Low, Hon. Henry R 287
Low, Joseph 262
Lozier, Samuel 91
Lundy, Rev.Dr 144
Ludlow, Capt. Charles 322
Ludlow, Robert 127
Lull, Rev. De Loss 125, 139, 151
Lutorlus, Prof. Charles 149
Lynch, 323
Lynch, Bishop 146
Lynch, Francis 53
Lynn, William 123, 140
Lyon, Alfred H 305
Lyon, Charles H 76,181
Lyon, JohnL 101,108
Lyon, Martin 323
McAlles, Thomas S 151
McAllister, R. M 140
McAlplne, 115
McAuley, John 93, 94
McBurney, 329
McBuroey, Mary loi
McCain, C.C 256
McCamley, David 168
McCann.Alex 86,199
HcCaun, Alexander 74,270
HcCann, Alexander D 269, 270
McCann, A. & M. H 270
McCann, David C 270
McCann, Henry 69, 84, 170, 280
McCann, Sarah Caven 270
McCann, Thomas M 142, 143. 168, 369, 270
McCarrell, Rev. Joseph, D. D. . . .116, 118, 121,
123,131,136,137,141,267,302
McCarey, Charles 22
MeCarey, Patrick 22
McCartee, Rev. Robert, D. D 135
McCartney, Joseph A 97
McCausland, 328
McCord, James 63,84, 121
Mccormick, 327
McCormick, John 101, 140
McCoun, Elizabeth 257
McColm, Eliza (Waring) 66
McCoun, Henry T i.:>. f.ii. >'■:. liii. Jri7
McClintock, Rev. Dr. l jr.
McCloskey, Cardinal :; li;
McClung, Benjamin,. H^t
McClung& Deyi> 144
McCrackeu. Jnlm 91
McCroskery. H^.ii ,l..liii ,T. s l:;, 47, 74, 75,
, 79, 84, 119,
. 181
. l«l,
McCuUough, Sarah D. (McCartney)
McCullough, WUllam
McCutcheon, D
cCutcheon, Hugh 97, 105, 328,
i-Donnell, .John A
Madden & Fitzgerald. .
Madison,
Madison, James
Magee, John W
Maher, James
Mailler, Bartholomew.,
Malller, John
Mailler, John D
Mailler, William K.l*
Mailler. Jlrs. Williiiiii li
Mailler. Williimi Kt-tili
Mailler, William K. i t
MaiUer, William K. & f
Mailler, William O.
189, 294, 303
Mailler, William O. & Co
Major, Henry
Maliory & Co
Maione, J. D., M. D
Malone, >Irs. John Duhig
Manchester, A
Mauderville, Capt. James S
Mandeviile, Rev, G, H
Manning, Chattle Louise
Manning, James
Manning, Rev. Moses
Manolt,
Marison,
Manz, Rev. Carl C
Manz, Rev. C. G
Manz, Cornelia C. (Lutorius) —
Manz, Maria Catherine (Kraush:
Mapes, Albert W
Mapes, C
170, 173, 181,
191, 293. 291
McDowell, John 328
Mapes, Charles l,",. TC -• ,
McElrath, Charles E 155
Mapes. Mrs. Charles
McEntyre, Thomas W 91
Mapes. Charles H
McFadden, Agnes 101
Mapes, Edward .'. :,
McGahey, 321
Mapes, George W
McGahey, Mrs. Owen 154
Mapes, Helen
McGilfert & Wands IS, 109
Mapes, .Tames
McGiii, WiiUam L 33,36
Mapes, Lottie E
McGlynn, Rev. Dr 147
Mapes, Robert B
McGregor, John 80
Mapes, Mrs. Samuel P
McGrath, Rev. John J 146
Mapes, Sarah
McGregor, Gavin R 74
Mapes & Senior
McHenr.v, James 234
Mapes, Sidney
Mclntvre, 132
Mapes. Thomas
Mclntyre, Mark 77,184
Mapes. William E 136,
Mcintosh, Phlneas 137
Mapes, William H 309,
Mc Jimpsey, Rev. Dr. John 131
Mapes, William R
McKay, Alexander 160
Marcy, Governor
McKay, W. Johnston I'S
Marsh, E.l«-.-irdJ.F
McKenna, Rev. Mr 133
Marshali, I-'i-i-n,i
McKim, Mrs. Haslet 154
Martin. Ann Vcriutd- iMnv.lnl,-!
McKim, Mead & White 70
Martin, Cyrus B l.fi. 179. ivj. isi, i«.
McKlnstry, Stephen 76
Martin, Isaac 2i.i7. 343.
McKlssock, C. S 47
Martin, Isaac M
McKlssock, Hugh ;,-.. ;i;. 141
Martin. J
McKissock, Hon. Thomas W: l.iS
Martin. J.imes
McLaren.D. C 131
Martin, .lohnH 151,
McLaren, Rev. Malcolm A l:!l
.Mai-tln, Sanili E
McLaren, Rev. Malcolm X, D. D ill
Mai-tiu, William F
McLaughlin, S. G iii3
Mai-v.l, li.iijaiiiiu
McLean, Rev. A 139
M;irv,,l ,v r,,
McLean, Arthur A 146,181,189,191
M,n^.■l, 1- a. :5 247,248.249.
McMahon, 338
M,H^rl, 1,^ ,v !■,. 63,223,247.
McMasters, Susan 1.53
Mai-Vrl.I-lMM.KlS S.,Jr
Marvin, Albert D
McMillan, Rev. Dr 119
Marvine, Rev. Walter 149,
McMullin, Rev. S. H 118
Maslin.B
McMuUin, S. Hlldeburn 140
Mason,
McMulim, Rev. Mr 141
Mason,F. H
McNally.JamesJ 217
McNanghton, J. R 46
Mason, John A 76, 17S, 1T9,
McNeal,John 140
Mason, Rev. Dr. John M
McQuaid, Bishop 1»1
Masters, John C
McTurk, William . 323
Mast in,
McWIlllams, Rev. Alexander 142
Mathews, James H
Mabie, Jeremiah D 45,209,320
Matthews, Rev. Jacob
Macdonald, BenJ. J 176,282,283,284
Matthews, Elmer E
MacDougall, Major-General 31, S2, 36. 40
Matthews, Rev. George
MacDougall, Sawney 36
Mace, Benjamin H 185
Matthews, John W....130. IS2. 288, 389,
MacOi egoric, Col. Patrick 52
301
Machin, Captain S2, 54
Matthews, (John W.) & Co
Mackie, Miss 104
Matthews, J. W. & Co. .255, 288, 2S9, MO,
Mackin, James 181
292
MacLaren, Charles S23
Mattlson.
Macnaughtan, Rev. John, D. D 70, 121
Maubey. Jerome A., M. D
Macy, Charles B .'. 175
Maydole, David
Maydole. (David) Hammer Co 181
May. Euphemia 101
Mead. Charles H lb-
Mead, G. W 326
Mecklem, George 288
Mecklem. Mary E 288
Meehan, J. J 69
Meginn, Arthur 323. 3H
Mellor. Henry C 47. 97
Melrose& Moss 248
Members, 329
Mendes, D. P, DeSola 143
Meredith, Rev, Dr, R. R 150
Merrill, Nathaniel IM
Merritt, Daniel 306,307,308
Merritt, George 306
Merritt, George H 308
Merritt, Hiram 307, 308
Merritt, Humphrey 306, 307
Merritt, John, Sr 306
Merritt, Seneca W 45
Merritt, Theodore 1(B, 189, 306, 307
Merritt, Theodore A 308
Merritt, Underhill 306, 307
Merritt, Gen'l Wesley 179
Meyer, Arthur M .314
Meyer.Rev.F. C. A 149, 150
Meyer. George S 314
Meyers. Capt. Berthold 46
Meynders, Burger : 18, 19, 25, 35
Mickle, Rev. W. H 44. 46. 125
Middletou, George 147
Miles, Chri.stopher 91
■viili-v, ,Tnlni, P, n 125
V'P -r !, I:. V. .-. \V 145
Miller, Ji
Miller, J
Miller, Johaimi
. 76, 1
Miller,MissL 155
Miller, Mary E 154
Miller, S 329
Miller, Hon. Warner 45
MUler, William 22
Miller, William C 84.328
Milligan. Rev. Dr. James 122
Mills, 338
Mills, Rev.Dr 129
Mills, Samuel C 86, 126. 170. 173. 181. 189,
191,294,295
Mills, Mrs. S.C 155
Mills. W. H 46
MillspauKh, 329
Miispauith, H 328
Mlllspaugh, Dr. Peter 87
Millspaugh, (R.)&Co 213.283
Mitchell, A S28
Mitchell, Alice (Trask) 89
Mitchell, Edgar 126
Mitchell, EdgarOrmsby 89
Mitchell, Experience 89
Mitchell, George R 121,320
Mitchell, John James, M. D 86, 88. 89
Mitchell, Rev. John Sheffield 89
Mitchell, Marion 89
Mitchell, Philena B. (Rose) 89
Mitchell, Thomas 89
Mitchell, William 22
Moffat, Almet S 178,179
Moffat, Bethiah Reeder 298
Moffat, Currence Bostric 398
Moffat, Daniel C 179
Moffat, David H 86,298
Moffat, Juliana H 179
Moffat, Samuel 298
Monell, Elvira 159
Monell, Dr. Gilbert C 109. 172
Monell, Hon. John J. . .42, 44, 100, 105. 153, 1S9,
169. 172. 281, sa
Monell, Mrs. John J 160
Monell, Mary E 160
Monell, Mary E. (Smith) 160
Monell, Samuel 159
Montfort, R. V. K., M. D 47, 86, 105, 106,
109, 110, 144, 151, 153
Montfort, Theodosia B. (Crowell) 109
Montgomery, JamesB 301
PERSONAL INDEX
13
Montgomery, S. J
Mooney, Very Rev. Dean 133,
Moody, Dwight L 152. 268,
Moore Bartholomew B...45, 75, 105, 175, ]
296.297
Moore, David 61, 74. 1?2,
Moore, pavid) & Co
Moore, Eugene
Moore, James
Moore, John T .75,
Moore, J. Owen 44
Moore, Michael
Morgan, Alexander 76
Morgan, E
Morgan, Governor Edwin D
Morgan, Capt. F. B. S
Morison, Ale.xander
Morrell, John
Morrell, Thomas
Morris, H. D
Morris, John E
Morrison, 328,
Morrison, David A
Morrison, Hamilton
Morrison, John
Morrison, Maria (Mould)
Morrison, Mary K. (Lipsett)
Morrison, Robt
Morse, George F
Morse, Miss E. F
Morton, Bliss & Co
Morton, Burns & Co
Morton, Major
Moscow, Charles E
Moshier,
Moshier, Caroline (Tilton)
Moshier, Elijah
Moshier, George 76, ai, 130,
Moshier. George , Jr
Moshier, Harrison
Moshier, Howard P
Moshier, James 323,
Moshier, John
Moshier, Mabel
Moshier, Piatt
Moshier, Wash
Mott, Valentine, M.D S6,
Mould, Christoflel
Mould, Jonathan
Muhlemau, Gotleib
Muir, Munson G
MuUenneaux, M. H
Mulliner, A. C
Mundy, Mr
Munsell, Joel D
Munzeuheirner G
Murray, Capt. John W
Murray, Rev. Nicholas, D. D
Murtf eldt, Edward M
Murtteldt & Krom
Murtha,
Muse, Capt. W. S
Myer, Captain
Myers, Rev. H. V. S., D. D
Myers, W. H
Naoman,
Napoleon
Neafie & Levy
Neill, Hugh
Nelson, George F
Nelson, Lieut
Nestell,G
Newcomb, Col
Newman, Dr
Nichols, Francis E
Nichols, Henry F., M. D
Nichols, Moses
Nicola, Colonel
Nicoll.H.D
Nlven, Daniel
Niveu, Daniel, Jr
Niven, Hon. Thornton M. . . .121, 157, 169,
172, 199, 202, 309
Nixon, Edward
Nixon, William 69, 97, 176,
Nolte, Lewis
Norris, Rev. Richard
Norseug,
North, Rev. C. R
North, S.D
Northcott, T. C
Nott, Rev. Dr. EUphalet
Noyes, Aaron
Nutt, John J
Oakley & Davis 26, 27,
Oakley, Hannah P
Oakley, Isaac K
Oakley, Jackson
Oakley, Jacob
Oakley, Jesse
Oakley, Jesse & Co
Oakley, Lieut. J. K. R
Oakley, L. & J
Oakley, Martha
Oakley, Samuel
Oakley, Susan
O'Brien, P
O'Brien, S
O'Conor, Charles
O'Connor, Francis B
Odell, Hon. Benjamin B..67, C
111,176, I81,2ai, 324
Odell, Benjamin B., Jr 1
Odell, H.B
Odell, Isaac
Odell, Mary A
O'Donovan, William Rudolph
O'Fari-ell, Bishop
Ogdeu, James
Olmstead,
Olney, Nancy
Oluey, Stephen
O'Malley, James E., M. D
O'Neil,
O'Reilly, Rev. Edward J
O'Reilly. Rev. Philip
Orr, James
Orr, John
Ormiston, Rev. William, D. D
Osbon, Rev. A. M., D. D 1
Osbon, Rev. Ellas S., D. D
Osbon, Hattie Curtiss
Osbon, Nellie
Osbon, Sade J. (Pliilps)
Osborn, David A
Ostrander. S. G
Ostrander, Linus
Ostrom,
Oulton, Michael J
Oviatt, Lieut.-Col. M. N
Owen, Maria Gillespie
Oweu, Nelson
Owen, Samuel J
Pack, M. Theresa
Palmer, Rev. Aaron F
Palmer, Thomas
Parish, Mrs. Daniel
Parker, Dr. Willard
Parker, Rev. John
Parmalee & Robinson
Parmenter, Samuel
Parsons, Frederick W
Parsons, Sophia H
Patterson,
Patterson, Alex
Patterson, Brig-General John.
Patton, Adam
Patton, James
Patton, Mrs. William
Paulsen,
Payne, Charles
Peaslee, Dr. E. R
Peck, Abraham
Peck, Anna
Peck, Bros
Peck, Catharine A
Peek, Catharine I. (Millard)
Peek. Charles A
Peek. Dr. Ellas
Peck, Elizabeth
Peck, George
Peck, George G
Peck, Jeremiah
Peck, John E
Peck, Jonathan C
Peck, Thomas M
Peck, Van Dalfsen & Co
Peck & Van Dalfsen 177, 191
Peck, William
Peck, WUliamE
Peck, W. E. & J, C
Peirsou Charles H
Pellieux, Rev. Augustine
Penny, Josepli
Penny, Maria
Penny, Very Rev. William L.,
Perkins, Friend W
Perkins, George C
Perry, Rev. Richard
Peters, George W
Peters, Wm. T
Pettingale, Major
Pettit, Capt. George H
Petty, Charles E
Phelan, Rev. Michael J
Phillips,
Phillips, Adah H
Phillips, James H
Phillips. JohnD
Phillips, Lomas & Randall. .
Phillips. Spencer C
PhUlips, Willard M
Pingry, Rev. T. F
Pitts, Elias
Pitts, Elizabeth (Jamison) . .
Pitts, Margaret ( Whited). . . .
Piatt, Isaac
Piatt, John I
Platt&Schram
Platto, Capt. W
Plettel, Anna Elizabeth
Plettei, Johannes Jacob
Piumsted, Charles
Polhemus, John
Pollard, Capt. Don Alonzo. .
Pollock, John M
Porter,
Post, Alfred
Post, Edward Rogers
Post, James
Post, Major James Clarence
Post, John
Post, Captain John
Post, John R
Post, Richard
Po.st, William R
Potter, Bishop
Potter, F. W
Potter, Right Rev. Horatio .
Potts, Rev. Arthur
Powell, Frances E. L
Powell, George W
Powell, Louisa A
Powell, Mary Ludlow
Powell, Mary
Powell, Nicholas
Powell, Ramsdell & Co
Powell, Robert
Powell, Robert Ludlow
Powell, Thomas. . . .'27, 86, 94,
265,
Powell, Thomas & Co
Powell, Col. Willoughby. . . .
Power, Rev. John T
Power, Maurice J
Powers, D. & Sons
Powers, John
Powers, ( J. G.) & Co
Poyer, Henry C
Presler, William
Preston, Andrew
Preston, Viear-Geueral
Prentice, Rev.E. L
Price, George F
Price, Capt. James L
Price, Stephen
Priest,JohnW
Prime, Helen Lefferts
Prime, Rev. S. Ireneeus
Prime, Rev. Wendell. D. D .
181
Prince, George
Proudfit, Alexander, D. D . .
Proudflt, Rev. David L
Proudfoot, John
Purdy, Glorianna
Purdy, John S
Putney, Kev. RufiisC
Pm-dy, Thomas W
Quakeubush, T. s
PAGE.
Ramsdell, Homer. ...70, 126, 181, 198,223,227,
22S, 230, 231, 232, ZU. '262, 267, SOI
Ramsdell, Homer & Co 228
Ramsdell. H. Stockbridge 191,231,234
Ram«.|..ll, Jnm<.« .\. P 189,234
R.'"'-i'll .l"--(.li 22T
H.'i- ■' 234
l::"i ^ ■ "' '■■'■'■ 227
Kan, -I. •II, M:,r- 227
Rains.1,11, Mary L. P 234
Ramsdell. Thomas P 2S4, S2S
Ramsey. Ann - M im
Ramstedt. Theo 46
Rand, A. T 61
Randall, William lai
Randolph, Rev, Peter 1;J8
Rankin, Laura Wolcott 119
Rankin, Hon. Robert G 119
Rathbun, Rev. G. A 151)
Ray, Capt. Jam: 45
Raymond, J. L 325
Rea,AndrewD 143
Reach, 328
Reed, Commander A. V 45
Reed, Colonel 35
Reed, Ruf us A 179, 180
Reed, Mrs. Walter 199
Reeder, Emma 153
Reeve, Captain 322
Reeve, Charles F. V 100, 101, 105
Reeve, Christopher 27, 394
Reeve & Falls .55
Reeve, James H 1^5
Reeve, Joseph 94
Reeve, Nathan 100, 161
Reeve, Selah 94
Reeve, S. B 328
Reid, William
318, 219
Reilley, John
Reiily, Rev. Father
Remiliard, Abraham B. E
Remiliard & Co
Remiliard, Frank P
Remiliard, Grace E
Remiliard, Lenora ( Weygant) . .
Remiliard, Lillian E
Remiliard, Malvina (Lamontagu
RemiUard, Minnie M
Remiliard, Thomas B
Remington, Wolcott
Rennan, Heinrich
Renwick, James
Rennan, Johanna
Reveley, Henry
103, 105, 109, 169, 207,
Reyn
Reynolds, J
Rheutan, Daniel A
Rheutan, E, H
Rheutan, Tliomas K
Rhodes, Capt. George B
Rhyuders, William
Richards,
Riblet, Capt. William H
Rice, Rev. Gabriel
Richardson, Ann Maria (Par
Richardson, John
Richardson, Mary Ann (Ayei
Richardson, Nathan H
Richmond, Theodore
Rlder,D. C
Riley, Al
Riley, George
Ring, A. Smith
Ring, Thomas C 100, 105,
3-2:1, 334, 3-25, 8-28
Riske, George
Ritchie, Bodine & Hull
Ritchie, Frances A
Rltchie& Hull
■L. I Kelly
.129, 179, 181, 182
Robliiiis. Louis L..
Roberts. Stephen.
Roberts, W. J
Robertson, W. S. .
Robinson, ...
Robinson, Mrs. Chi
H
PERSONAL INDEX
Robinson. Capt. Henry.
Robiuson, Hugh
Robinson. Vplentlne
Rochambeau. General
RodermouU. Henrietta. . .
Rodman, Captain
Rodman. John G
Rodgers. R
Kodgers, Lieut. R. P
Roe, Cadwallader
Roe, James
Roe. Mark W
Roe. T. Hazard
Roe, William J
Roe. W. J.. Jr
Rogers. Captain
Rogers. Daniel
Rogers. Daniel T
Rogers. Captain Elvln. . . .
Rogers, Heur.v
Rogers, Jason W
Rogers, Mrs. John L
Rogers, MacLeod
Rogers, Martha (Griffith).
Rogers. Mary (Brown)
Rogers. Robert
Rollins Bros
Romalne. Rev. W
Romer& Treniper Steanil:
Roney. Rev. Moses
Roosa, Elmer E
Root. Charles
Ropes, Col. E. H
Rose, Johanna
Rose. Norman
Rose. Peter
Rose. Rev. Peter
Ross. Edward C
R0SS& Bate
Ross, George H
Ross. George H. & E. C . . .
Ross, George M
Ross, Henry
Ross, James L
Ross, Mary
Ross, Rev. M.
Ross, Robert .
Ross. William 158. 159
Rosslter & Wright 69
Root & Shaver 212
Rothery, Mr 267
Round & Chatterton 160
Round. Seward U 160
Rousseau 118
Rowland, Sidney S 46
Roy, James S 279
Royce, Charles B 74, 84
Royoe, Dr. William A 113, 206
Rudolph, Henry 75, 81
Ruger, Genl. Thomas H 179
Ruggles, Augustus 106
Ruggles. Charles 106
Ruggles, David Golden 106
Ruble. Elizabeth A S68
Russell. B. R 145
Russell & Co 178
Russell, John B 178
Ruttenber. Charles B 184
Ruttenber. Edward M....19. 44. 105. 177, 178,
179, 183, 184, 199
Ruttenber, J. W. F... .
Ruttenber, Matilda A. (Mclntyre).
Ryan, Daniel
Ryan & McDonald
Ryan, Thomas
HydeU.M
Ryer, Catharine (Carter)
Ryer, Henry
Sabine, Rev. Wm. P
Sachs. G.M.L
Sackett. Samuel B
Sager, Moses H
Sallmon, Wm. H
Sampson. Rev. Mr
Samuels, Wolf
Sanders,
Sands, Samuel
Sands. W.H.B
Sanford. George A
Sankey. Ira D
178.1
Saylor. Ceesar
Saylor, John
Sayres. J. R
Schaefer, F. J. A 191,
Scharps. Marcus
Scharps. Simon A
Schofleld. General John M
Schoonmaker. Charles B
Schoonmaker. John 86. 119. l?i. 173,
189. 294. 295
Schoonmaker. Peter
Schoonmaker. Mills & Weller. . . .152. 295.
Schoonmaker & Weller
Schoonmaker, Samuel V
Schoonmaker, Wallace
Schermerhoru. Wilmer W
Schram. N. H
Schram. Sarah H. (Hallock)
Schram. William
Schram (W.) & Co
Schultz & Crum 191.
Schultz, Jacob
Schultz. Jennie (Wheeler)
Schultz, John L 191.
Schuneman. Herman
Schwisser. Anna Catharine
Schwlsser. Lorentz
Scofleld. A. F
Scofleld. Samuel W
Scott. Major General Wlnfleld ....42. 193
Scott. David A 105. 161. 161.
Scott & Drake
Scott. Francis 76, 84. 86.
Scott, Henry
Scott & Hirschberg
Scott. William 95.
Scrimgeour. Rev. James
Seaman. Almlra
Seaman. George W 318.
Searle. Rev. Jeremiah 46. 141,
Searle. Rev. Jeremiah. Sr
Searle. Margaretta F. (Conover)
Searle, Mary Tomb
Searles. Rev. W. N
Seaverns. John L. . 261.
Seeger. A. H. F. . . .
Selleg. D.N
Senior. Augustus .
Senior, Sarah C. (Doughty). .
Senior. William
Serrlngtou, Rev. Samuel
Serrlngton, Rev. William . . .
Service, Rev. John
Sethbridge,
Severeuce, M.J
Seward, Governor Wm. H.
Seymore, Father
Seymour, Gov. Horatio
Seymour, Milton D
Seymour, T. J
Shafer. Jesse F
Shafer, Joseph D
Shafer, R.P.L
Shaffer, A
Shaffer, Rev. J. N
Shaler, Major-General
Shannon, William H. . . .
Shaver. John W
Sharpe Genl. George H
Shaw. Charles B I'.ii, v
Shaw, Charles F
Shaw. George W 3
Shaw, Harriet Walsh. .
Shaw, Henry B., M. D.
ShefBelil, Ruth
Sheldon. George H.
Shelling. Rev. Charl
Shelton. Thomas B. ,
, 357, 324, 325, ,328
.Smith, Pauline (Gerecke) .
Smith, Richard
Smith. R. J
Smith. Rev. T. B
Smith, Thaddeus
sii.ltli, William
smith. William
Sheppard. Col
Sheridan. General
Sherman. Cornelia A.(Deyo
.D.D
Shuart & Embler
Shuit. Morgan
Shumway, Capt. Henry C. .
Shurter, C. A
Shutes. Samuel E
Siglar, Henry W., A. M. . . . .
Siglar. Mary F. (Burr)
SUllck, Rev. Bradley
Sllllman. Rev. Geo. D
Simonson. Thomas A
Simpson. Bishop
218 Sisters
Simpson. Thomas
Sipperly. W.A
Charity
Sisters of St. Dominic. ,
Skeel. RufusR
Skidmore. Edwin T
Skldmore & Bull
Skidmore. Bull & Co...
.142. 144
Smith. W.L 328
119, 125
Smith. William P. C 83
.... 201
Sneed, George 144
.... 323
Sneed.John 207
.... .32
Sneed, Joseph A 7.5, 104. 105, 106. 108. 171;
143
Sneed & Mathews 108, 191
.... 88
Sneeden, Samuel G 331
Snodgra.ss, Rev.Dr 122
Snyder. Charles E.. LL. B 45, 76, 110, 111,
.191.194
161
119
.192.310
Snyder, Eleanor E. (Roberts) 110
.... 319
Snyder. Franks 101
.219. 319
Snyder, Hannah R. (Wright) Ill
.... 174
Snyder, John 110
.... 45
Southard, George H 146
.... 145
Southwick, Richard A 172
. .74. 178
Spalding, Elizabeth L. (Johnston) 179
.119.121
Spalding, John D 179
Spalding. John W 177
.... 189
Spalding. Rev. Joshua 179
.... 150
Spaulding. 95
.... 75
Speaight. Capt. Wm. A 45
.... 125
Speir. Aikman 97
.... 336
Speir. Hugh 94,120
.... 295
Spence, Rev. J. C 128
. . . . 46
Spenser, Mr 194
Splerin, Rev. George H
Sprague. Rev. William B
.Sprole, Rev. William T., D. D .
Squires. Major Alvin
Squires. Capt. George B
Stanhope. Capt. O.S
Skidmore Mercantile Co 191
Skidmore. Thomas H 125. 170. 191. SOI
Stansbury, Rev. A. I
Skidmore, Thomas H & Son
301
Stanbrough, John
207,
Slade, George W
. .281. 282
Stanbrough, John B
Sleight. Solomon
94
Stanbrough, Peter
Sloan. Moses
282
Stanbrough. Thomas G .
Sloan. J. T
. . .. 328
Stanton.
Sloat.J.C
IJO
Stanton. Clark & Co
■V.'.'.'.'.V.2Ce'.265.
Sloat, JohnL
76
Stanton. Curtis
Sly. Catharine
140
Stanton. Isaac
Sly.SarahE
154
Stanton. Samuel
249,
Small. Rev. J. B
129
Stapler.
Smiley. William E
. 179, ISO
Staples. John A
Smith.
:j2t)
St. Clair.
Smith, Ale-xander & Sons
35:!
St. Clair, Maj.Gen'l
'.''.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'Z.'.k
Smith. A. C
. 145. 191
St. John. Daniel
Smith. Capt. Alexis C
45
St. John. Hon. Daniel B..
...in, 173, 174,
Smith. Alfred C. & Co
312
St. John. Miss R.M
Smith. Arthur
23
St. John, Russell
Smith, Benjamin 22, 2
4.25.210
Stearns, Jirah
Smith, Charles Emory
181
Steel. Capt. Henry S
Sinil li, Cornelius
129
Steiner, Rev. J
Siiiltli, CffueliusC
172
Stephenson. Slattliew. M.
D
smith, C.& U.J
227
Sterling. Asa
smith, Daniel
...27.76
Sterling. James
Smith. Rev. Dnnlap
78
Sterling, Lord
Smith. E
329
Sterling, Richard
74,75,1
Smith. Edwin T 75,81
.238,242
Sterling, Hon. Robert....
74, 77, 78, 79, 84, I
Smith, Capt. Ed. M
46
172, .311
Smith, Ella
247
Sterrlt. L.S
160,:
Smith, F.B
S47
Stetson. George W
Smith, George K
242
Steuben. Baron
31,31.
Smith. Lieut. Col. George Monre . . .
Stevens. Bettina (Howe).,
Smith, Dr. Cilhprt
166
stev,.iis, E. Crfrry
191,198,:
Smltli!H,-..r>
•_>■,.
st,.v,.„., HalseyR
181.
. -.TJ
st.vrnsII.R. &Co
Smith, James 32.24. 95
Smith. John 46
Smith, Lewis M.42, 01, 70, 76, 79, 81, 81, 86, 105
1.30, 152, 167, 169, 175, 176, 235, 237, 238, 241,
242, 268, 334
Smith. Lewis M.. Jr 242
Smith. L.M. & Co 241.255
Smith. Lieut S5
Smith. M.C 323
Smith. Margaret 251
Smith, Rev. Marshall B 148
Smith, Major-General 55
Smith, Nathaniel D 242
Smith, UrvlUe M 74. 102. 105. 161. 169. 199,
Stewart. John
Stewart. Joseph
Stewart & Sayre
Stirling, Lord
Stirling (Lord), Major-General..
Stltt, Rev. B. H
Stivers, Hon. M. D
Stockbrldge. John
Stockbrldge, Ruth
Stocker, Edwaril 4C
Stocker. William
PERSONAL INDEX
stock
ton. Richard
193
Thompson. William. Sr
139
Van Cleft. Edwina Storey (Smith)
209
Waring, Phebe A. (Moffat)
79
Stone, M. C, M. D
SO. I2n
Thompson. Williiun
133
Van Cleft. Joseph
. . 189. 203
Warner. Capt. Joseph
4S
Stover,
»><
Thomson. Hon. A. .1
u
Vau Cleft. Josephine Storey
0119
Waruock.
Storey, Judge
Thomson. Prof. Williaiii li
220
Van Cleft. Lewis A
309
Warreu.
131
Storey, Jonas
!5S
Thorne.Edwin
307
Vau Dalfseu. James T 97. 105. l:
il. 189. 311
Warren. William E
143,144
Strachan, J.H.R
47
Thornton. Helena(DeWitti
166
Vauderbilt. Commodore
69
Warren! WllUam L. F
171,321
Strachan, James S
ua
Thornton. Hon. Howard. .. .45. lU
1. 166. 160,
Vanderbllt. William H
zu
Walsh. Catherine (Armstrong)
210
strachan, WiUiamG....
76
1?3. 176
Vanderveer. Rev. Dauiel
12-i
Walsh. Dr.C.J
Strahan, James L
IfiO
Thornton. Jlrs. Howard
166
Vanderveer. Rev. F. H
131
Walsh. E. A
190
strahan & McClung
160
Thornton, John
166
Vanduzer. Christopher
106
Walsh. Edith J
101
Strattou, Charles
144
Thornton, Matthew
166
Van Duzer. Florence
101
Walsh. Elizaljeth(L(c vVitu,,,,
210
stratton, J. Wllsou
147
Thornton, Genl. William A
166
VauDuzer.S. R
...108, 153
Walsh. Henry
121
Straw. Mary (Phalen)...
20(>
Thorpe, Mrs. Curtis M
200
VanDyck. Henry H
177
Walsh. Hugh 3T.l,>iM.>
1.310.293.294
Straw, Dr.L.S
181,206.207,328
Thurston, Daniel
22
Van Etteu. Sol
46,77
Walsh, J. De Witt
..ITl. 173. 310
Strong, Albert H
125
Tice,
329
Van Gaasbeck. Rev. D. W. C
145
Walsh. John H
310
Stroud, Capt. John D . . . .
45
Tice, Charles W
86
Van Nest. Rev. Abraham R.. Jr. .
135
Walsh.JohnJ
107
Stubbs, Rev. Nathaniel .
128
Tidd.Jonas
22
Van Nort, Benj. W
280
Walsh. Matthew
Sutherland, George
143
TifFany& Co
324
Van Nort, John F
,84. 86, 307
Walsh, William
11*;. 171
Sutton, Caleb
94
Tiffany, Capt. Lyman
45
Van Orsdall, James
101
Walsh. Rev. William
..149,1.30,210
Sutton, D. A
329
Tilden, SamuelJ
174
Van Reed, Capt. N. E
45
Washburn. Rev
149
Swain. Charles R
46
Tiltord, James A
288
Van Sclver. W. H
46
Washburn, Crosby Co
300, .101
Sweeney. Senan L., M. D
86,155
Tilghman. Colonel
35
Van Tassell, Louis H
97
Washington. George. . .24, 28, 29,
, 30, 31, 36, 37.
Sweet, Clayton E
126. 173. 191. 270. 278
Tilton. Enoch E
94
Van Wyck, Hon. Charles H
77. 160, 206
40.41,42.41.48.51,53, 55,56,
113, 127, 193,
Sweet. Clinton W
2711.279
Titus. Charles T
76
Van Zandt, Rev. A. B
131
194. 199. 314
Sweet, Orr & Co. .53. 191, 270. 271, 272. 273. 274.
Todd, James
..14:). 176
Vaux,
69
Washington. Rev. John
128
276, 27fi. 277. 27S. 2SII
Tole. Rev. William H
330
Vaux, Withers & Co
173
Washington. Martha 24, 35, 36, 38, 44
Sweetzer. J. Howard
268
Toohey. John
249
Vechten, Rev. Mr
131
Waters, Capt. Charles E
45
.Swift. Col
33
Toohey.JohnP
. . . . 76. 96
Veitch, George
118
Waters, John H
138,172
Swift. Horatio N
238. 268
Toohey. Sarah E
249
Vermllyea. William M
1-1
Waters, Thomas
22
Syme. Dr. James
■«;
Topping, Alanson O
91
Vernol. Isaac
125
Watklns.E.W
151
Symington, Rev. Dr
123
Toshack, David
53
Vernol. Lewis
139
Watkins. Hezeklah
19, 22
Taft. Elizabeth G
243
Townsend, Hon. Amos
45
Vernol, Lewis C
....75, 76
Watson. Capt. William L
46
Taggart, Archibald
121, 185
Townsend, Mary Augusta (Clark).
78
Verplanck. B
328
Watts, Solomon
130
Taggart. James
63
Townsend, Dora M
101
Vcrplanck. Gulian C
33
Wattson, Rev. Lewis T
130
Taggart. James C
97
Townsend, George W 46. 166. 171
Verplanck. J. Delanc,\
145
Wayne. (Jeneral
83,34,50
Taggart. William G
Tallmadge, William
185. 280
145
Townsend, Isaiah
Townsend, James A
167
Verplanck. 31
Vetter. Dr. Theodore
328
Webber, Anna Elizabeth
18
105
Webber, Forson & Ross
Talmadge. W.T
46
Townsend, James A. & Co
292
VlUefranche. Major
30
Webber, Jacob
..'.'.'.'.■..18,19
Tamkln. George
136
Townsend, Lewis
138
Volck, Andries
....18. 19
Webster. Daniel
106,113
Tappan, Rev. John
128
Townsend, Peter
52
Volck, Anna Catharine
18
Webster Noah
192
Tappen. Justice
61
Townsend, T. Powell
78
Voltaire
118
Webster, Rev. William E
130,293
Tarbell, John P
101, 102
Townsend. Timothy
84
Von Panshin, Alexander
327
Weddle, Joseph
328
Tarbell. Luther L
37
Townsend. William
86
Vredenburgh, Levi
91
Weed. Charles G
171
Tarbell. William
37
Traphagen. Benjamin
220
Vroomau. Hon. John W
331
Weed, Daniel T
313
Tarrant, Rev. Henry....
150
Traphagen, Linda C
381
Wadsworth. Colonel
52
Weed, David
170
Taylor,
328
Traphagen. Uriah
133
Wait. Samuel
197
Weed, Deborah (Noyes)
170
Taylor. General
191
Traphagen. William D
330
Wait. Dr. Wesley
255
Weed. Elizabeth M. (Goodsell).
154,171
Taylor. President
194
Traver. Rev. Vau Ness
145
Wakeley. Rev. J. B
145
Weed. Ella
171
Taylor, A. R. &
293
Travis. Henry F
74. 76
Walker, J.H
46
Weed, Frank
171
Taylor, Daniel
53
Treinper. Jacol>
76
Walker. Major
33
Weed, Harvey
115, 151
TayIor,E. P
96
Trustee. Rev. Jacob
138
Wallace & Hemingway
:505
Weed. Jonathau N. . . . 74. 76. 1(«
1. no, 189. 191
Taylor. Florence
101
Tuck.EdwardA
130
Wallace. Rev. R. Howard
137
Weeden.
:H8. 3-39
Tayl"r, FredM
69
Tucker, John F 46,178.179
Wallace & Sweet
177
Weigand. Anna Catharine
18
Taylor, Mrs. Frederick M
2»4
Tudor. Henry
94
Walsworth, Rev. L. W
139
Weigand. Martiu
23. 25
Taylor. Hon. Grant B. . . .
160. US. 160, 191, 327
Tupper, Colonel
36
Waudel. Jacob
22
Weigand. Michael
18.23,66
Taylor. James W
61,76, 181
Turck, Isaac
IS
Waudel. John
22
Weikert.Rev.S. A
150
Taylor. Estate of James.
191
Turner.Diah
-Jla
Wauds. Anna (Darby)
109
Welch. Capt. J. W
45
Taylor. Jonathan
176
Tm-ner, Rev. Edward
Wands. George M
109
Weller, Adeline (Crist)
211
Taylor. P. B.. Jr
125
Turner, E. S 69, 70. 151. 152. IS
(9. 314. 310
Wands, William S 105. 106. 1
(18. 109. 139
Weller.Abram
280
Taylor & June
.■i27
Turner & Sauford
. . . 152, 310
Wansley,
338
Weller, Alanson Y 136.17
3. 355, 294, 295
Teed, Oscar
236, 324
Turner. Shipp & Osborn
...191,310
Ward. Charles
325
Weller. Elizabeth (Galatlan). . .
211
Teed.S. F.,M.D
86
Turpin.Rev. N. H
129
Ward & Esmond
191
Weller, Frank S
209
Teller, James L
181
Tuthill, Daniel S
76
Ward, Capt. Q. S. L
45
WeUer.George
173, 210
Templeton, James F
7.3.80,121
Tuthill. W
324
Ward. Gilbert :
!24. 335. 336
Weller, George, Sr
311
Templeton, Jessie (McGregor) 80
Tweed, William
...140.176
Ward. Hank
3-33. 3-34, 339
Weller, George, Jr
211
Tennyck.
823
Tyler. Captain Bazaliel
278
Ward. Henry
....256,325
Weller, George S
79.152
TenEyck, J
;H3
Tyler, Lieut. G. W
45
Ward, Jeremiah
23
Weller, Hiram
94
TenEyck.T
323
Tyson. Major W. B
46
Ward, John
323
Weller, Mary (Dickerson)
211
Terpennlng, W. T
334
Udall. Hon. James
194
Ward. Joshua 355. 356. 33:5. :
r>4. 325. 326
Weller, T. A
305
Terry.G.L
68
Umpleby.J.F
329
Ward&Lary
287
Weller, William C
211
Terry. James W
101
Underhlll.G
339
Ward & Leonard
.97.387,388
Welling,
144
TerwiUiger, Aaron
139
Underhill, William I
75
Ward, Leonard & Co
,97. 387, 388
Wells, Albert
131
Terwilliger, Josephine. .
268
Updegrove, Mary Ann
266
Ward&Logan 69, 191, S
!86, 287, 288
Wells, C.F
46
Terwilljger, William W.
79.125
Upright. Elizabeth
202
Ward.LutherC
249
Wells, Edward
106
Terwilliger, Mrs. W.W..
156
Upright. Moses
140
Ward. Mackin & Co
62,287
Wells. Prof. Edward
7«
Thayer, Johns
105
Usher. George
SO
Ward. Hou. Peter. . . .44. 45. 47, 75,
97, 105, 140,
Wells. John H
331
Theall. Joseph D
208
Usher & Templeton
SO
141.161,181. 386.2.S7.28S
Wells.JohnW
-300.213
Theall.Loretta(Purdy).,
208
Vail. Walter
201
Ward, Rensselaer
91
Wells, Sarah
298
Theall, Thomas C
207
Vail. William
145
Ward. Col. Rodney C
45
Wentz, James M 54, IJ
18. 173. 173. 175
Theall, Mrs. Thomas C.
207
Valentine, Clara (Baldwin)
109
Ward. Stanton & Co. .2U(i. 347. SIS.
219,256.262
Wenzel. Gcwge C
75.80,268
Theall, William L
207
Valentine, James H
150
Ward, Thomas
22. iS6
Westcott. Rev. Isaiu-
130
Thomas, Rev . Jacob
128
Valentine. John H 105, l
06. 109, 150
Ward! Thomas L.. M. D
86
Westermau. Rev. James
146
Thomas, John W
97
Vallerie,
323
Ward, Warner E. L
im
Westervelt . Catharine (Gorham) 107
Thompson, Rev. Alexander R 141
85
Ward. William
...2,'. :H4
Westervelt. John L 105. 100. 107, 136
Thompson, Andrew
144
44
Ward, Rev. William
146
Westervelt, Kasparus van....
107
Thompson. Annie L
156
Van Benschoten,
329
Ward, William H
SS!
Westervelt, Lubbertse van. . . .
107
Thompson, Rev. Dewitt
B 145
VauBuren.Dr
88
Ward, William, Jr
22
Westlake, George
1»
Thompson, Rev. Henry .
Vau Buren. Jolm D
....69.105
WardeU,
3'29
Westlake, John
125
Thot
npson Ke^ J R
IJl. 139. 140
Vau Buren. President Martin
...199. 215
Wardrop, Smith ,4 C
Westlake, Theodore
139
Thot
npson James R Jr
101
Vau Buren. R
328
Wartord. Clarence O
1(11
Westlake, Walton
139
Thor
npson Right Rev J
oscphP 138.139
Vau Cleft. Alberta
309
Waring. Charles
:r3s
Weston. John
214
Tho.
npsOD M.. Joseph
P 139
Van Cleft. Alice
101
Waring, Cornelius L 4(;. T6.
KJi. ic,i. :ai
Weston. Justlue
215
Thoi
npson Mar\ Pranii
"slLawsoul 1411
Van Cleft. Augusta
209
Waring, Daniel S 69, 7.5, 76, 79. 1
Weston, Marv C. (Hornbeck). .
215
Thor
npson Riv N B
145
Vau Cleft. Bar(.'lay
209
176, 189, 190, 191, 242, 333. .334
Weston. Ralph
215
Thoi
..PS >„ \s
14(1
Van Cleft. Edwin L
209
Waring.M.V
46
Weston, Wilbur H
...176.191,214
1
i6
PERSONAL INDEX.
Weygant, Col. Charles H 45,
105. 125, 181, 191
Weygant, Charlotte (Sackett). .
We.vgant. James
PAGE.
65, 66, 67, 75,
its
21s
I-ACIE.
Wilson.J.E
WiNon John M
PAGE.
329
Woolley, C.K.,M.D 8
Woolley. Margaret B. (Fithian),
Woolsey, Antoinette
Woolsey, Captain DC
PAGE.
Wiggins, William
u.-.
rkl 7S
Wilson, Kate A. (Todd)
Wilson. Moses
Wilson. Nlehol.is
Wilson, Tildon II
WIN T..^.I
Wiltsl,-, Arthur V
Wiltsle, G. Fred
Wiltsie, John R 1-
Winans, H. E., M. D
Winans, Lemuel J
214
105, 202
III. Til. 191
. -21, 123
176
il.-iiil. :;il. 3W
Wiley. William M 1
Wilkin S Oott
Willlanis.C.L
Williams, George A
Williams. Right Rev. Jolm .
Williams. Jonas
WiUi:,u:-.M,un,.l\,i:.nuhl\v
223
Woolsey, Margaret (Carter!. . . .
Woude. Rev. Henry H
198
Wheh,:,, l..l.r, N
«9
146
\\1U|-I..|H , .I..I1II
■■■■ 'J^
Wright, Alexander
].>j
\\ hl|i| 1 .1 .,-"'^"
Wright. Colonel
Wright. Col. W. W
Wright (William) Engine Work
Wright. FrankA
Wright. Harry
Wright, Jacob
46
wlmlV,-:^:,'.^'u.l :::::::
..-ill. :!15
297
■.s..Ki.T2. 109
69, 149
'^\'"" • ' ■'■"
' ■ ■ ■ Jl
Winchester. Col. Loeke W
45
ffi9
327
.... 177
Windom, Hon. William
Wines, Rev. CM
Winfleld. Hon. Charles H
Wlnfleld. Elias
Wi.se. Charles H
120
,...44,161, 181
177
121
243
\\ lute. .Mar^iu-t
■i\ hited, I^.iae W
Wright, Nicholas
Wright, Samuel
Wright, Wm. .191, 220. 232. 212, 21
Wright. William & Co
94
94,122
7,258. a™, 260
lee Ma-
1,242,247,255
237
. 257, 260, 264
74
, 172, 189, 191,
241
Whitehill Engine and Pictet
ehiueCo 63,2Si,23f
,... ,.',,,
101
' '245
Wiseman. J. Seott
4,1.125
55
Whitehill. Hugh 237
Withers. Frederick C
Wood,
Wood, AmosR
Wood, A. Stanley
111.144
W^ - II > 1 . 1
84
Wllli.,ln~. \V,ll,:i„i
Willis, Jaiues,
Willis, Nathaniel Parker
Willson, Rev. James R.. D. D.
177,2(10
WiLson.
loe
52,57,85
...122,123,159,
329
:C5
W" • . 1 - 1 . •
Whitehill. Robert. . .69, 74, 79, 98,
23.1. ■i!T,2:S, 242,247
Whitehill Smith&Co
wv^antiwimamjiiiii;::;;;;;
185
Wood, Isaac. Jr ;;. ii;. >a. 2
Wood, John A
Woo.l.MaryG
155
128
Wynkoop, Gitty
Xavier, Rev. Henry
Yates, Edmund
Wier, Capt. G. V
Wierman, Catharine
Wlerman, Mary
45
18
146
Young, Alexander
170
Wiggliia,LeTlO..M.D
Wiggins, Mary (Cornell)
89
Wood.WillkiiiiH
«I
125
Youngblood, G. W
WIN. .11, U.nvs. 11. II
Wilson. .Juiuit hail D..Jr
101
7(;. 213
101, 125
150
T«" ,„:is. Olive (Jillettl
WlBKta8.L.Y.,Sl. D
W 1- Willinn I
328
Woodsell,
128
Ziegen£uss,Rev.H.L
150
.^%^.
The Phototyi'KS, uk " Half- Tone " Ii.lustk.'VTIons,
in this book (with three exceptions)
were furnished by
THE MATTHEWS-XORTHRUP CO.,
Buffalo, N. Y.
^ ■■^^#^' '
A BRIEF REVIEW OF THE PAST,
The Palatines — The Story of the Glebe — Early Inhabitants— Building a City.
X the western bank of the Hudson, where it expands
into the beautiful bay at the northern portal of the
Highlands, is the thriving and historic city which is
our home. Five miles north the river hides its course
behind the Danskammer ; to the south its waters
wash the stony foot of old Storm King, and a little
farther on
" The moon looks down on old Cro' Nest
And mellows the shades on his shaggy breast."
Across the bay the Beacons stand sentinel, with pretty villages at
their feet; behind us stretch the green, billowy fields of Orange
spirit thus implanted is manifest in the people of the place to this
day.
The present city of Newburgh is included in lands purchased by
Governor Dongan, of New York, in 16S4, and convej'ed by patent
ten years later to Captain John Evans. This patent was annulled in
1699, and that portion of the lands now in whole or in part embraced
in the city limits \vas subsequently granted in ten separate parcels.
In the year 16SS, Louvois, the war minister of Louis XIV, in order
to cripple the enemies of France, gave orders for the devastation of
the Palatinate, a strip of territory on the middle Rhine, now included
in Bavaria, Baden, Hesse-Darmstadt, and the states of Rhenish
Prussia. The French generals, eager to prevent as much suffering
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NEWBURGH BAY— LOOKING NORTH FROWl WASHINGTON HEIGHTS.
County, dotted with farm-houses and scarred by highways; here and
yonder a village; in the northwest the peaks of the Shawangunks
and Catskills outlined against the sky.
Where now the city sits on her several terraces the Waoraneck
(or Murderer's Creek) Indians had their dominion; on the northern
spur of the Schunemunk was their stronghold, on the Danskammer
they assembled to supplicate the Great Spirit. The first white settlers
of these parts were French Huguenots, Scotch Presbyterians, and
German husbandmen from the Rhine. Driven from the Old World
by religious persecution they came to the New, and here, on and near
the banks of the Hudson, they made a home and worshipped the
omnipresent God as their conscience moved them. The deep religious
as possible, gave the people warning of the fate awaiting them.
Quickly gathering such things as they could carry, the disconsolate
Germans fled for their lives, and wandered about Europe for some
years seeking a new home. A party of them went to England, in
1 70S, and the English Government, which had been for a long time
debating the wisdom of collecting the poor outcasts from the Palati-
nate and sending them to America as colonists, concluded to send
this party to the banks of the Hudson. Queen Anne, greatly inter-
ested in the fugitives, herself bore the expense of their passage to
New York, where they landed in the winter of 1708-9. They were
sent to the vicinity of Quassaick Creek, and ten years later a patent
was issued to them by the Government for 2,190 acres of land, ex-
[■7]
NEWBURGH
tending along the river-front from the Quassaick to a little stream
near the Balmville Tree, and westward to about the present line «i
West Street. They were all followers of Luther and members of the
Lutheran Church.
NEWBURGH CEXSUS FOR ]7()9.
list of the families originally constituting this
ife, Anna
The following
pioneer company:
1. JOSHU.\ KocKERTH.\L, minister, aged 39; his wife, Sibyle Charlotte,
their children, three in number.
2. LORENTZ SCHWISSER, husbandman and vii
Catharine, and their child, aged 8 years.
3. HeinRICH RENN-\U, stocking-maker and husbandman, aged 24; his wife,
Johanna, and their two children, and two sisters of his wife, Susanna and
Maria Johanna Liboschain, aged 15 and 10 respectively.
4. AXDRIES VOLCK, husbandman and viner, aged 30; his wife, Anna
Catharine, and their tour children.
5. MiCH-iEL Weig.\nd, husbandman, aged 52; his wife, Anna Catharine, and
their three children.
to assist them. The government made them a trifling allowance of
" gd. a day per head," and in the spring of 1710 sent them
tools and building material, also iron and steel for horseshoes,
nails, etc., medicines, books, paper, agricultural implements, horses,
cows and pigs. The Surveyor-general of the province was directed
to lay out farms for them, but the first sur\-ey (in 1714) was not satis-
factory to the settlers, who represented that the land being ' ' all up-
land" they were not able to obtain subsistence for themselves and
families " for want of some meadow land for fodder for their cattle in
winter." Finally the tract was diN-ided into nine lots, which were
numbered from one to nine, each lot containing a suitable quantity
for each family, to which they were apportioned.
Before the final allotment changes occurred in the original
company; some had died, and others had moved elsewhere, and in ap-
portioning the lands these changes were recognized. The patent
was finally issued Dec. iS, 1719, and the settlement was called "The
Palatine Parish by Quassaick." By the terms of the patent, forty
acres were reserved for highways, and five hundred acres for a
NEWBURGH— LOOKING
, aged 30; hi;
■ite.j
I Elizabeth,
i theii
7. JOH.iXNES J.^iCOB Plettel, aged 40, husbandman and viner; his wife,
Anna Elizabeth, and their three children. [Mr. Plettel died on the passage
to America, and his widow married George Lockstead, who arrived afterwards.]
8. JoH.\x.\ES Fischer, smith and husbandman, aged 27; his wife, Maria
Barbara, ami their son, aged 2 weeks.
9. Melcihor Gui.ch, carpenter, aged 39; his wife, Anna Catharine, and their
two children.
loi Isaac Turck, husbandman, aged 23, unmarried.
It. Pi: lER Rose (or La Ross), cloth-weaver, aged 34; and his wife, Johanna,
Mary Wierman, his mother-in-law, and Catharine, her child, aged 2.
12. Isaac Feber, husbandman and viner, aged 33; his wife, Catharine, and
their son Abram, aged 2.
13. Daxiel Fiere, husbandman, aged 32; his wife, Anna Maria, and their
two children.
14. Herman Schuneman, clerk, aged 28, unmarried.
They were fifty-three in numbe
brought nothing with them, and
, all in abject i)overty. They
left behind no friends able
Glebe. The first roads laid out were the King's Highway (now
Liberty Street), exteniiing north and south entirely across the patent,
and another running westward from the river (now known as
Broadway); but the latter was not opened till many years later. The
Glebe is bounded by South Street on the south, and North Street on
the north.
In apportioning the land George Lockstead and family received 250
acres bordering on Quassaick Creek. He had married the widow of
Johannes Jacob Plettel. Michael AVeigand and family received 250
acres adjoining on the north, which included the present Washington
Headquarters building. Herman Schuneman and wife received 100
acres l\-ing between Washington Street and Broadway. Christian
Henricke had 100 acres between Broadway and First Street, which is
the tract referred to hereafter as being the first to bear the name of
"Ncwburgh." The Rev. Joshua Kockerthal having died, his widow
and children received 250 acres between First and South Streets.
Burger Meynders, a blacksmith from Kingston, purchased the interest
of Peter Rose, and received 100 acres on the north side of North
NEWBURGH
19
street. Jacob Webber, Johannes Fischer and Andries Volck received
Lots 7, S and 9 respectively; and Melchior Gulch and Peter Johnson
had previously received (October, 1719,) 300 acres each, lying north of
the principal tract, in the district now called Jliddlehope.
Andries Volck and Jacob Webber were the first Trustees of the
Glebe, charged with administering its affairs for the benefit and
behoof of a Lutheran minister, for which purpose it was to be leased
in whole or in parcels for terms not longer than seven years, and to
be subject to the annual payment to the provincial authorities of one
peppercorn. A minister from New York made annual visits to the
parish until 1723, and after 1725 his successor made semi-annual
visits.
In the year 1733 Michael Christian Knoll was appointed a minister
at Quassaick Creek, Wappingers' Creek and Hackensack. He served
in the Parish of Quassaick three times each year, receiving thirty
"cheeples" of wheat annually. During his term of service the
Palatines erected the church afterwards known as the Glebe school-
house. It stood in the burial-ground in Liberty Street, and its site
to the eastern portion of the plot between First Street and Broadway,
which had been sold by Christian Henricke to Governor William
Burnet, from whom it was purchased by Cadwallader Golden and
others, comprising a company, and laid out in town lots, about 1730,
and given the name of the Town of Newburgh Plot, which sub-
sequently became a considerable hamlet.
Not only did the new-comers change the civil institutions of the
settlement, but the religious complexion as well. In 1747, outnum-
bering the Lutherans, they elected Alexander Golden and Richard
Albertson trustees of the Glebe, and the latter immediately pre-
pared to open the church to the ministers of the Church of
England, one of whom, the Rev. Hezekiah Watkins, being
even then stationed in the district. On the Sabbath when
they held their first service in the building some went armed
with swords and sticks. The Lutheran minister and his flock ap-
peared at the door and made a public protest, afterwards retiring to
a private house near by to hold their service. Tradition says the
Lutherans attempted a forcible ejectment of the occupants, and in the
FROM FISHK
is now marked by four posts. Its dimensions, it is said, were
about twenty (?) feet square, with a roof extending up four sides to a
little cupola, where hung the bell, the gift of Queen Anne. With
regard to this bell an aged resident now dead wrote: "It was the
smartest little bell I ever heard; you could hear it ring clear down to
Murderer's Creek." The house was of very primitive construction;
flooring and chimney it had none, save an aperture in the roof through
which the smoke ascended.
A CHANGE OF ADMINLSTRATION.
Some of the settlers, lured by promises of better lands, and more
intimate association with those of their own nationality, sold their
farms and moved away; others were laid at rest in the old churchyard,
and the settlement attracted new-comers, who gradually became
more numerous than the remnant of the original settlers, till from a
German settlement the place had passed, in 1743, almost wholly under
the control of the Scotch-English, and been rechristened with the
Scotch name of "Newburgh," which at first, however, applied only
skirmish the door of the church was torn from its hinges, and one
stalwart Lutheran (said to have been Burger Meynders), was buried
beneath it as it fell. He escaped with few bruises, and his brave but
outnumbered companions retreated with woeful countenances from
the house of prayer they had erected.
In 1749 a decision of the council of the provinces refusing to set
aside the election and the acts of the Trustees, practically put an end
to the Lutheran parish by Quassaick.
The little bell was taken by night from the cupola and hidden in a
swamp, where it remained for a number of years. It was again con-
cealed during the Revolution, and when peace came it was hung m
the old Academy and used at the assembly of coiu-ts there, as well as
for church and school purposes. In 1S33 it was sold by the Trustees
for $21.75, in exchange for the bell now in use.*
vhich I have
The old bell weighed 116 pounds, and s<
which I find, that even the freight charge
Rutlcnher.
rhich purports to be the old Glebe bell,
juch, but which I find to be an error.
precise are the details of an account
on it to New York is given.'-jF. M.
NEWBURGH.
NEWBURGH
NEWBURGH
NEWBURGH DIRECTORY FOR IT.JU.
In 1750 the resident
ing:
Richard Albertson,
Joseph Albertson,
Duncan Alexander,
Isaac Belknap,
Abel Belknap,
Henry Bend,
Isaac Brown, M. D.,
Thomas Brown,
Alex. Brower,
Alex. Colden,
David Conner,
Edmund Conklin, jr.
James Denton,
Samuel Denton,
real estate and leaseholders were the foUow-
Jonas Denton,
Michael Dermott,
Henry Don,
Jlorris Fowler,
Nathan Furman,
Jonathan Hasbrouck,
Caklass Leveridge,
WiUiam Mitchell,
Robt. Morrison, M.D.,
WilUam Miller,
Patrick McCary,
Charles McCary,
John Morrell,
Thomas Morrell,
William Smith,
James Smith,
Thaddeus Smith,
Henry Smith,
Samuel Sands,
Daniel Thurston,
Jonas Tidd,
Martin Weigand,
Thomas Waters,
William Ward,
WiUiam Ward, jr
Thomas Ward,
Jeremiah Ward,
Jacob Wandel,
John Wandel.
The new-comers were mainly members of the English Church.
Happily, they were energetic, enterprising and intelligent people.
corner of Broad and Liberty Streets, but afterwards moved to
Liberty Street opposite Gidney Avenue. Isaac Belknap lived near
where is now the junction of Colden and Water Streets, and sailed a
sloop; Richard Albertson was the sheriff of the county (then Ulster).
The Wards were of Palatine stock by inter-marriage, and ancestors
of the famous oarsmen, the Ward brothers. The farm h"ing between
First Street and South was purchased from the widow and family of
Joshua Kockerthal by James Smith, and eventually descended t' •
Benjamin Smith, except a piece in the southeast corner now covercl
in part by " the Square," which was sold to Alexander Colden.
In 1752 a new patent was issued by the Government, and the
Glebe lands of " The Parish of Quassaick" were formally transferred
to Alexander Colden and Richard Albertson, under the title of " The
Parish of Newburgh," to hold the benefice for the support of a minis-
ter of the Church of England and a school-master. One of the first
acts of the new Trustees was to lay out streets through the Glebe,
namely. South, Clinton, Broad, NicoUs and North, running east and
west; and Water, Hasbrouck (now Jlontgomery), Seckond (now
Grand), and Kings (now Liberty), extending between North and
South Streets, and two unnamed streets extending between Broad
and North, west of Liberty. South, Broad, Nicoll and North
L&5L.
J
MEWBURGH-FROM
HE RIVER NEAR SOUT
and their acquisition was most favorable to the growth of the place.
Alexander Colden was a son of Lieut.-Gov. Colden, of Coldenham;
he had been a resident for several years. In 1743 he obtained the
charter for the Newburgh ferry, by virtue of which the privilege
is still held. Sail and rowboats were used for the purpose of ferriage,
and the landing-place was at the foot of First Street. He erected a
grist mill on the site now occupied by the Newburgh Bleachery, and
sailed a sloop to New York from his dock at the foot of First Street.
Monathan Hasbrouck was from the Huguenot settlement at New
Paltz, and had acquired the possession of a large tract of land, part
of which is now the Headquarters property. He erected the historic
building in several parts at different times, .and purchased and
managed the Colden grist mill. James Denton erected a grist mill at
Denton's Creek, south of Balmville, and had also a small store.
Duncan Alexander was the brother of William Alexander, familiarly
known in the histor)' of the Revolution as Lord Sterling. John
Morrell, Doctor Jlorrison, William Ward, Henry Bend and Joseph
Albertson lived on the east side of Liberty Street, north of South ;
Henry Don lived on the northeast corner of South and Grand
Streets; WilUam Ward, jr., lived on the cast side of Montgomery
Street, north of Clinton; Martin Weigand tlien had a tavern at the
were laid out on the map to the western limits of the Glebe, and
Clinton only as far west as Liberty, South, Broad and North Streets
were each two chains wide, and the others each one chain. The land
was also divided into lots, of one acre each, making six lots in each
square.
The trustees also established a public landing at the foot of North
Street, held agricultural fairs, took temporal charge of the church,
erected a parsonage, and a residence and schoolhouse combined for
the school-master, and did other ennobling work which contributed to
the growth and prosperity of the place. The parsonage stood on the
■'west side of the King's Highway (Liberty Street),^" north of Gidney
"^Avenue. It had a single story and attic and a portico, and was about
thirty-five feet square. There Hezckiah Watkins, the first resident
English clergyman, lived. It eventually became a tenement house.
The school-master's house was also on the west side of Liberty Street
near CHnton.
In 1762 Newburgh was set off from the precinct of the Highlands,
and made a precinct by itself. The records of the town of New-
burgh date from the following year, when the citizens met at the
house of Jonathan Hasbrouck (Washington's Headquarters), and
elected the precinct officials. Newburgh then included the present
NEWBURGH
23
towns of Marlborough and Plattekill, which ten years later were in-
corporated as the Town of New Marlborough, leaving Newburgh
with its present bounds.
The hamlet on the Glebe in 1776 comprised less than a score
of houses. Three boats owned in the town made trips to New
York, and "people from the back parts of the country" brought
their produce to Newburgh for shipment. The first tavern was
erected by Martin Wygant (or Weigand), a grandson of Michael
Weigand, one of the original settlers, on the north side of Broad
Street, near Liberty. During one period of the Revolution General
Wajme had his headquarters at Martin Weigand's house, then on
Liberty Street, opposite Gidney Avenue, and there, also, the towns-
people often met to transact public business.
Many miUs were built on the creeks in the vicinity — on Quassaick
Creek, Tent Stone ileadow Creek and Fostertown Creek, among
others. Hamlets grew up near these mills, and at some places there
1775) in the southern district of Ulster County, of which Jonathan
Hasbrouck, of Newburgh, was Colonel^ Two companies were
organized for this regiment in Newburgh, the first commanded by
Samuel Clark and the second by Arthur Smith. In December follow-
ing a regiment of minute men was organized with Thomas Palmer,
of Newburgh, as Colonel. In the Summer of 1776 the convention di-
rected the general committee of the county to organize three companies
{201 men) of rangers, to be employed ' ' as scouting parties to range the
, woods " and prevent attacks by the Indians. Of one of the compa-
nies Isaac Belknap, of Newburgh, was appointed captain. In addition
-to these regiments and companies, the committee of safety was
constantly engaged in promoting enlistments. Even the aged were
not exempt from duty, and "those who under ordinary circumstances
would be exempts," were asked (in 1778) to form companies to repel
invasions and suppress insurrections; and a company of that kind was
formed, of which Samuel Edmonds was captain. Martin Weigand's
NEWBURGH FROM THE RIVER NEAR FIFTH STREET.
was a smith's shop, and, also, that Noah's ark of commerce, a
country store. The poprdation at Balmville became fully as large as
that on the Glebe.
The results of all these years of pioneer labor were exhibited in
many well cultivated farms, and in the substantial dwellings that had
supplanted the rude log cabins. The lumber business of the town
became important, and large quantities of ship-timber, planks and
staves were forwarded to market, the pubhc landing at North Street
being almost exclusively used for this purpose. Shipyards were
established, and Newburgh ships engaged in the Liverpool trade,
smaller vessels running to points on the coast and to the West In-
dies. In colonial days Newburgh was also a whaling town of some
importance.
THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD.
Newburgh's historic record is indissolubly bound up with that of
the great struggle for freedom from foreign dominion, and the city
has within its limits relics and memories of those times when the
terrors of the war tried men's souls to the uttermost, and when the
village acquired a distinction that will cling as long as the nation
shall endure. The Precinct of Newburgh had its own com-
mittee of safety, responsible at first to the general committee at the
City of New York, and subsequently recognized by the provincial
committee of safety, and invested with the control of the minute men
and the duties of local administration. A regiment was formed (June,
regiment " upon
tavern was the rendezvous for Colonel Hasbrouck';
any proper alarm."
How frequently the militia of Newburgh was called out is shown
by the following return made of the service of Colonel Hasbrouck's
regiment :
t Ramapo . . .
July,
Aug.
1776. .Alarm and
1777-.
at Fort Montgomery.
Peekskill 250 •'
; Fort Montgomery. .460 "
at Fort Constitution.. 200 " ..1
at Burning of Esopus. 460 '* ..3
at New Windsor 120 " ..4
April, 1778.. " " at West Point 420 " .,
A depot of stores, which was established in the precinct in 1777,
was maintained until peace came, the people often being called upon
to collect the stores needed by the army, and to transport them to
other points; the place was made a general rendezvous for troops, and
the billeting of soldiers on the inhabitants was of frequent occurrence.
It is true that the precinct escaped direct devastation by the British ;
even the vessels of the Crown did but little injury when they
voyaged up the Hudson in the fall of 1777, but manj' of the men
of the neighborhood were killed or taken prisoners in the gallant,
though hopeless, defense of the forts in the Highlands.
24
NEWBURGH.
In those days Newburgh had but few opened streets, the principal
one being the King's Highway, along which were scattered a few
odd-looking brown houses, the old church, the parsonage and
schoolhouse. Broad Street extended only a short distance below
Grand. jThe road to the ferry ran across Jonathan Hasbrouck's farm
and the Colden plot, from Hasbrouck's grist mill on Quassaick Creek,
to near the corner of Qolden and First Streets, and then circled around
the hill to the river. )There was a public dock there. When the
army came the lower'part of the Smith farm was occupied by store-
houses and barracks for soldiers. (These buildings were used after
the war for business purposes.) The Colden road was then extended
to where is now Third Street. After the extension of this road the
ferry ran from a place immediately north of where Mailler's dock now
is. The Government built a dock, in the early part of the war, at the
foot of Third Street (and subsequently another at Fourth Street), and
a road was laid out from the docks and arm}' buildings diagonally up
the hill to a junction with South Street, about opposite where is now
the First Baptist Church. Water Street was not completely opened
till the Newburgh and Sullivan turnpike was established.
There were seventeen houses in all on the Glebe (since known as
" Old Town"), and four at Colden's Gore, the name given to the inter-
was killed. Except as prisoners, no British soldiers were seen in the
vicinity afterward.
r One who was a resident of the village during the war left on
Vecord the following : " The appearance of General Washington was
familiar to me. He seemed different from anyone else. He was of
a commanding form, and had a kind, calm and majestic countenance ;
a splendid rider, and we boys reverenced him, and extended a due
share of our respect to his horse and servant Will, a handsome
black, somewhat in years. The General rode a bay horse, and his
servant rode behind on a brown horse. Mrs. Washington was short
and stout. I thought she was homely and could never have been a
handsome woman. The Headquarters house had a post and rail
fence around it, and an orchard on the west side ; a large barn and
monstrous hay barracks stood southwest of the house. The Life
Guards used to parade in the dooryard west of the house : they were
a fine body of men, every one six feet and over in height. "J
The Charter of the Glebe was complied with down to 1793, the
Protestant Episcopal Church having been recognized as the legal re-
cipient of the benefits of the Glebe. Probably the succession of the
Protestant Episcopal Church would have continued to the present
time had not that church ceased to exist on the German patent.
NEWBURGH^FROM THE RIVER NEAR THIRD STREET.
section of Water and Colden Streets, one of these being Capt. Isaac
Belknap's and another Alex. Colden's, At the south end of the ICing's
Highway was the Hasbrouck house^) James Smith had a residence
in Smith Street, east side, near Second. Benjamin Smith, who became
the owner of the Smith farm (lying between First and South Streets),
lived in Liberty Street, corner of Campbell. The hillsides were cov-
ered with orchards. A strip of land along the river from Barclay
Street to North was called the Dismal Swamp, and was covered
with a dense and unbroken thicket. Ship-building was an important
industry before and after the war.
During the Revolution the life and drum were heard almost con-
stantly in the streets. When the British sailed up the river to burn
Kingston, after the capture of the forts in the Highlands, October 6,
1777, Newburgh people hid their valuables in the woods. Almost
all the male portion of the population had gone to the defense of the
forts. The approach of the fleet was made known by the kindling of
fires on the mountain tops. Here and there independent bodies of
men assembled on the shore, and fired at the ships as they passed.
Many shots were fired at the village, and the women and children
hid in the cellars. On the 23d the ships passed down the river, and
again fired on the village. One man on the ferryboat (a periagua)
From 1793 to 1S15 there was no regular minister, and nothing but a
temporary church organization.
The absence of a legal ecclesiastical beneficiarj', and other reasons,
led the inhabitants in 1S03 to obtain a legislative enactment provid-
ing that the income of the Glebe be divided between the Newburgh
Academy and such other schools as then existed, or might thereafter
exist, on the Glebe. In 1S05 an effort was made in the courts to
regain the land, but it failed.
Created and endowed by the English Government long before the
conception of independence, or the establishment of our system of
titles to lands, preserved inviolate by the laws of the colony and con-
stitution of the State, the Glebe instituted an Academy which
served this community nearly a century, and in 1886, by the consoli-
dation of its capital and conversion of its leases, it paid nearly half of
the cost of the new Academy building. In 18S4 an act of the Leg^is-
lature was passed authorizing the trustees, on certain payments
being made, to commute the rents and release the property from
further charge; and the original tract has all been released with the
exception of a comparatively few lots.
An old gentleman, born in Newburgh before the Revolution, left the
following reminiscence : ' ' The old story of the seizure of the Palatine
NEWBURGH
25
Church, and carrying oflf the bell,
years ago. It was always said it
heard repeated a great many
as Burger JMeynders who was
buried under the falling door during the fracas. /Meynders then own-
ed the Headquarters property, and I always untierstood he built the
oldest part of the houss-J< The church was used as a blacksmith-shop
by Morgan Cole before it was fitted up as a schoolhouse. Once
during the war soldiers stabled their horses in it. After the war
Martin Weigand, who had a deep regard for the old church, suggest-
ed that it be repaired. The project was agreed to by others, and
the repairs were made. After that the Methodists, and preachers of
other denominations, conducted services there."
" 'Twas a low t)uilding reared by pious hands
'Midst the deep foliage of the darksome wood;
Poor was its state, and many years had told
Their passing seasons o'er its humble roof;
Relentless time had grasped the lowly gate,
And crumbling dust bespoke its fearful might.
The mouldering doorway and the falling walls,
The creaking pulpit and its aged cloth.
The glassless frames, the time-worn sacred book.
The worn-out seats, and the cold, forsaken aisle.
Seemed in the dimness of the evening shade
The fearful relics of departed years.
Untouched of earth and sacred made to Heaven."
LAYING OUT THE CITY.
Notwithstanding the hardships and sacrifices imposed on the
people by the war, the growth of the town was rapid both during
Newburgh plot had been opened by Cadwallader Colden previous to
1730, and was located between First Street and what is now Broad-
way (though the latter street was not opened till 1801). It was the
first plot to bear the name of Newburgh.
Until 1790 the village was a disjointed settlement. The three
township plots of which it was composed had no connection, except
through Liberty Street and a few " cross-lot" roads. South, North,
Nicoll, Clinton, Water, Montgomeiy and Grand (on the Glebe)
existed mainly on paper; while High Street and the road described
as running diagonally across the plot, were, (with the exception of
Liberty Street) the only opened roads in the Town of Newburgh
plot. None of the lateral streets intersected each other till 1790,
when the road commissioners accepted the dedications that had been
made, and took the task in hand of joining together the streets of the
three distinct original divisions of the present city. An angle was
unavoidably formed in Water Street at the junction of Colden, at
High and Smith, and at Montgomery and Hasbrouck (now called
Hudson Terrace), and the citizens thus have a perpetual memorial of
the Township of Newburgh, the Township of Washington and the
Glebe. South Street, the dividing line between the Glebe and the
Township of Washington, was originally laid out from the river
directly west to the west bounds of the patent, and was at first
opened from Liberty Street to the river. West of Liberty Street its
course was subsequently changed, by order of the trustees, because
the western end, as originally laid out, " running through wet ground
and over a high hill" was "impracticable," and it was agreed to
THE
IGHLANDS— FROM NEAR DOWNING PARK,
and immediately after that period. With the disbandment of the
army the precinct received an increase of population, some of those
who at last laid down the sword resuming civil pursuits here. There
was also a considerable addition of families who had fled from New
York City upon its capture by the British. Hitherto New Windsor
(through the Ellisons) had mainly absorbed the commercial business
of the district. In 17S2 Benjamin Smith laid out in streets and lots
that part of his farm lying east of Montgomery Street, and between
First and South Streets. The streets were named Montgomery,
Smith and Water, and First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, and
South. To this plot he gave the name of the Township of Wash-
ington, But it was never popularly known by that name, and if so
the name is now lost and forgotten, and is only found on the original
map and the few old deeds that continue to retain the record of its
birth and death.
These lots were rapidly taken up, as well as the adjoining lots on
the Glebe, and in the Township of Newburgh. The " Old Town " of
allow the road to follow the course now known as Gidney Avenue
' ' from opposite JIartin Weigand's to the northward of a piece of
swamp land adjoining said high hills."
In 1790 the population of the town was 2,365. In 1797 the village
had grown so large that it was considered advisable to organize a fire
department, and for this purpose a law was passed by the Legislature
directing the election of Trustees of the Fire Company of the Village
of Newburgh. The limits of the village defined by this act included
that portion of the original patent south of an east and west line
running six rods north of the Academy, and east of Liberty Street.
Other events of the concluding years of the century were the
erection of the Academy, the founding of the first Presbyterian
church, the Methodist Episcopal classes in 17S6, and the Associate
Reformed in 1797. The first newspaper, the A'ewbiirg/i Packf/.
was published in 1795. The Newburgh post-office was established in
1705-
26
NEWBURGH
The village threw off the town title and was incorporated in iSoo,
being the third incorporated village in the State. Charles Clinton
was the first president. The next j'ear the Ne-wburgh and Cochecton
Turnpike Company was incorporated with a capital of $125,000.
Both were measures largely influencing the prosperity of the place —
the one giving local government, and the other, by opening a new
route of travel to the west, brought a trade which had previously
reached the Hudson at New Windsor. Up to that time all roads to
Xewburgh were of the character of cross roads.
The turnpike was of incalculable benefit to Newburgh, as it open-
ed an avenue of trade extending many miles into the interior, and
eventually by it the product of a vast region of country was brought
here for shipment to New York. The effect was magical. New
Windsor was speedily shorn of its supremacy and its merchants
removed their business to Newburgh. Within the next few years the
town made great strides in prosperity, and an unprecedented spirit of
public and private enterprise was manifested. Other roads followed —
the Newburgh and New Windsor in 1808, connecting at New Windsor
Newburgh's extensive trade with the interior of the State was
due to Its location on tide-water, and, consequently, its facilities
for shipping. It was the first shipping point of consequence on the
west bank of the river north of New York. The Highlands, Pali-
sades and other mountain ranges were a natural barrier to easy
access to the river south of Newburgh, and, as we have said before,
Newburgh was the natural outlet for the trade of a vast section of
country before the daj'S of railroads and canals. The transporta-
tion business was consequently the most important in the town.
Docks and storehouses lined the water-front. The first dock was
built about 1731 by the proprietors of the Town of Newburgh Plot,
and was afterwards known as Colden's dock. It was near the
foot of First Street. Colonel Jonathan Hasbrouck built a small dock
and storehouse, afterwards known as the Old Red Storehouse, on
his property just below the Headquarters, for the purpose of ship-
ping grain and receiving flour. During the Revolution the Conti-
nental Dock, at the foot of Third Street, was built for military pur-
poses. North of it was an enclosure for cattle and a slaughter-house,
DUBOIS STREET— LOOKING SOUTH FROM FIRST STREET.
with the turnpike to Monroe; the Newburgh and Sullivan County in
iSio, and the Newburgh and Plattekill in 1812. Water works were
built, docks erected, and new freighting and passenger lines estab-
lished. The Newburgh Bank commenced business, and many public
and private improvements were made.
In 1810 the population of the town of Newburgh was 4,627, an
increase of 1,369 in ten years, In 1814 the population of the 7'illagc
alone was 2,323.
As the new turnpikes were opened the trade of the village was
extended in many directions, and a very considerable portion of the
trade of the southern tier of counties of this State, and of northern
New Jersey and Pennsylvania, found here its natural mart.
In 1819 the trade had spread as far west as Canandaigua, with
which place Newburgh was connected by passenger coaches and
freight wagons. In that year a company, that was aided largely
by Newburgh capital, built on Cayuga Lake a steamboat, which con-
nected the Newburgh stage lines with Ithaca, the whole journey be-
ing made in two days. This line of travel was subsequently (in 1834),
extended to Buffalo, and was the shortest and most expeditious route
from the Hudson River to the Western country. From 1S20 to 1S30
the Newburgh Bank had a liranch in Ithaca.
etc. During the year that peace was proclaimed another was built
at the foot of Fourth Street, afterwards known as Oakley & Davis's,
also a storehouse for provisions for the army. After the close of the
war David Howell built a dock near the foot of Second Street. Then
came Walsh's dock, now Mailler's, and then the dock of Jacob and
Leonard Carpenter (now owned by The Homer Ramsdell Transporta-
tion Compan)-)- John Anderson built a dock south of Third Street,
and there were others. It would be impossible to locate the old docks
precisely from present landmarks. The army buildings appear to
have been the first storehouses. Many of the docks were west of
what is now Front Street (which was opened in 1S33), and the old
storehouses were nearly on the present east line of Water Street.
After the war Major Pettingale established what was called Pettin-
gale's Landing, near the foot of North Street, which was then a good
road. Large quantities of ship timber, staves and shingles were
sent off from this landing.
Major Isaac Belknap sailed a sloop prior to the Revolution from
Colden's Dock, and frequently made trips to the West Indies. Will-
iam Harding, Richard Buckingham and Lewis Clark sailed sloops
before the war. These vessels were frequently in the public service,
and just before the British sailed up the river they were sent to
NEWBURGH
27
Albany to carry troops to reinforce General Gates, and thus es-
caped destruction by the British men-of-war. They were built at
Albany, of red cedar, and after the Dutch model. During the Rev-
olution the boating business was of course suspended, and though
resumed at the close of the war, was not engaged in extensively till
after 1790.
As early as 179S there were four lines of sloops. Caleb Coffin
sailed George Gardner's sloop on alternate Fridays. Daniel Smith
and William Wilson, owners, Daniel Smith, master, sailed the sloop
Morning Star from Daniel Smith's dock on alternate Fridays.
John Anderson sailed the sloop Eliza on alternate Tuesdays. Derrick
Ammerman sailed the sloop Ceres, owned by Hugh Walsh, from
Hugh Walsh's dock. Until 1S30 the business was continued by
means of sloops. In 1S30 Mr. Christopher Reeve purchased the
steamer Baltimore, and a half interest was soon afterward sold to D.
Crawford & Co., the steamer making alternate trips from Reeve's
dock and from Crawford's. Benjamin Carpenter, not to be out-done,
had built at Low Point the same year a steamboat called the William
Young, which commenced its trips in September. Other freighters
when the streets leading to the docks were frequently blocked for
hours with farmers' loaded wagons, coming in long processions to
unload their contents on the wharves, and then to be re-laden with
supplies for the household and farm.
But the completion of the Erie Canal, diverted most of this
great trade through other channels, and on the night when the
waters of Lake Erie mingled with those of the Atlantic in the harbor
of New York, with beacon fires blazing on the headlands along the
Hudson, Newburgh rolled up and laid away its map of the Southern
Tier. Considerable travel by stage coach continued until the opening
of railroads through the center of the State, and a large trade remained
with the southeastern portion of this State, and neighboring portions
of New Jersey and Penns^dvania; but the Delaware & Hudson Canal
at length penetrated this region and cut off another source of wealth.
Efforts were made to repair the loss thus sustained by the organiza-
tion of a company to engage in whale fishing, and by endeavoring to
secure the establishment here of a government navy-ynTd. The
former enterprise, however, met with limited success, and the
proposal to establish a navv-yard did not receive the favor of the
GRAND STREET-LOOKING SOUTH FROM THIRD STREET.
immediately built or purchased steamboats. Oakley & Davis put
on their Une (in 1S32) the Providence, and D. Crawford & Co. (in 1833)
built the Washington, and after purchasing Mr. Reeve's interest in
the Baltimore, ran both boats. In 1S35 the Baltimore was put on the
Albany and Newburgh route. The Messrs. Reeve had in the mean-
time supplied the place of the Baltimore with the steamer Legislator.
The Washington was the best boat in the trade, and Mr. Carpenter
built in 1S35 the James Madison, a superior boat to the Washington;
she was the first beam-engine steamer in the trade. During the same
year Oakley & Davis changed the Providence for the Superior, and
Mr. Thomas Powell, who had been in retirement for several years,
now again entered the list of competitors and built the famous
steamer Highlander. The Thomas Powell was the best steamboat
built for the Newburgh trade, and was put on the route in 1846, leav-
ing Newburgh in the morning, and returning in the evening. On the
i6th of July of that year she made the trip from New York to New-
burgh m two hours and forty minutes actual running time.
The number of firms and vessels engaged in the transportation
business exhibits the magnitude of Newburgh's trade in those days,
Government. The construction of the Erie Railroad from Goshen to
Piermont, and its subsequent extension in other directions, took away
the last vestige of the ancient trade of Newburgh, and the old stage
coaches and the long lines of farmers' wagons, with their stores of
butter and pork, became but a memory.
But another change has come; a new era has dawned; the tidal
wave of prosperity that swept over the village a hundred years ago
has returned. The old turnpikes have been paralleled with railroads,
stretching to us from every direction; and the river, too, gives com-
munication with the Atlantic coast and all the world. Many manu-
factories are springing up within otir bounds, and the year 1S91 finds
us the most thriving city on the Hudson, with citizens full of the spirit
of public enterprise, with public institutions comparatively un-
equalled, and with apparently every factor and requisite to ensure its
bright future as a manufacturing and commercial city of importance.
NEWBURGH
3E0RGE WASHINGTON
HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
OF THE CONTINENTAL ARMY.
The Last Cantonment — Washington at New Windsor -The Public Build-
ing — No King But God — Mutiny Quelled — The Cincinnati —
Dissolution of the Army.
^ Sacred is this mansion hoary;
'Neath the roof-tree yeai's ago,
Dwelt the father of our glory,
He whose name appalled the foe ,
Greater honor
Home nor hearth can never know.
a commanding eminence on the west bank of the
Hudson, overlooking the beautiful bay of Newburgh,
and taking within its range all the grandeur of the
water and mountain scenery for which the region is
famed, there stands an ancient dwelling. It is a hal-
lowed place, a casket of precious memories, an impres-
sive orator.
Stand here on the old piazza, where Washington often sat in
meditation, and see yonder through the portal of the Highlands
West Point enthroned among the mountains, the Gibraltar of the
Revolution; Pollopel's Island, which during the latter part of the war
was a military prison, lifts its bald head out of the waters of the baj'
at your feet; the beacon summits of the mountains where the watch-
fires blazed, the camp grounds in the woods of New Windsor, the
sites of the public building, barracks, storehouses and hospital of
our army, the headquarters of the generals — all are within short
distances from this sacred spot, j
Under this low-descending roof Washington made his headquarters
and his family their home during the latter part of the war for
independence; and in and about this place were enacted scenes and
events of such vital and thrilling nature that the)' shall never be for-
gotten while love of country is a characteristic of American manhood.
At two periods previously the headquarters of the commander-in-
chief were at the little village of New Windsor, only two miles south.
Commencing with the campaign of 1777, the region in which are
West Point, Newburgh and Fishkill was an arena of almost constant
military activity. Fishkill village was long the principal depot of the
American army. There they placed their chief magazines,* their
hospitals and their workshops, which formed a town of themselves,
besides a military prison, and "handsome large barracks " built in the
wood at the foot of the mountain. It was clear that the plan of the
British was to render themselves masters of the whole course of the
Hudson River, thus separating the States east of it from those west,
and subdue each section in turn. West Point was, therefore, made
choice of as the most important place to fortify, and Fishkill, and
subsequently Newburgh also, on either side of the river, as the places
best adapted for the principal depots of supplies. A dock (called the
Continental Dock) was built for military purposes at Newburgh, and
in its neighborhood were some of the army buildings.
One who saw West Point in 17S0 wrote: " Lifting your eyes you
beheld on every side lofty summits thick set with redoubts and bat-
teries, and from the fort proper at West Point, which is on the edge
of the river, to the top of the mountain are six different forts, all in
the form of an amphitheatre, and protecting each other."
As an additional security, an iron chain of immense strength was
thrown across at the short bend of the river, and fixed to huge blocks
on each shore. It was buoyed up by very large logs, about six-
teen feet long, pointed at the ends to lessen their opposition to the
force of the current at flood and ebb tide. The logs were placed a
short distance from each other, the chain carried over them, and
made fast to each by staples.* There were also a number of anchors
dropped at proper distances, with cables made fast to the chain, to
give it greater stability. The New England colonies were the prin-
cipal source of the supplies and material for carrying on the war, and
as the British occupied New York and patrolled the Hudson up to
the Highlands, the ferry between Fishkill and Newburgh was the
connecting link between the two sections of country. Loaded teams
were constantly arriving at the former place, and when the army was
in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, were ferried across the river, and
took their tedious way back of the Highlands till they reached their
destination. This was the door of communication ; West Point was
the key that locked it, and of all the posts in the United States Wash-
ington deemed it the most important. From September, i77S,f until
the close of the war the " main " Continental army was almost con-
stantl)' in the Plighlands or in their vicinity.
On June 25, 1779, General AVashington estabHshed his head-
quarters at New Windsor village. He remained there till July 22,
and then took up his headquarters at West Point. The main army
was then posted at West Point, Constitution Island, Fishkill, New
Windsor, Ft. Montgomery, and Smith's Clove, fourteen miles south-
west of West Point. While at New Windsor Washington planned
. large qua;
s time, (January, 1782), nine or ten thousand stani
ty of powder, brought from France by Colonel
iost.m to Fishkill.' -Major-Gem-ral fh-ath's Mem
See Illustration on Page 31.
" The grand army under General Washii
30
NEWBURGH
the attack on Stony Point, which Waj-ne carried out so successfully.
He left West Point in November, spent the winter in Morristown,
and came again to New Windsor Dec. 6, 17S0.
Here he spent the wmter of i78o-'8i, near his stronghold, watching
through his secret service the doings of the British on the lower Hudson.
His headquarters were in the Thomas Ellison house, on the hill imme-
diately south of the village. The main army was separated into
several cantonments. There was a large force at W^est Point,
including four Massachusetts brigades; two Connecticut brigades
were on the opposite side of the river; there was another cantonment
" in the woods two miles in the rear of the works at West Point," and
another at Fishkill; a force of New Jersey troops was at Pompton,
two thousand Pennsylvania troops at Morristown, several New York
regiments at Albany, and other troops elsewhere.
Gen. Knox had his headquarters at the John Ellison house, at
Vail's Gate. LaFayette joined his commander at New Windsor, and
in Virginia, Heath forwarded to him supplies, principallv collected in
New England, till General Washington wrote (Oct. 27, 17-Si,) that
" there will be no occasion for forwarding any more beef cattle from
the northward for this army."
After the surrender of Cornwallis the Continental troops engaged
in the Yorktown campaign (with the exception of the Pennsylvania,
Maryland and Virginia troops, who were detatched, with St. Clair in
command, and ordered to join Greene in the south) started on their
long journey northward. The French army remained in Virginia.
The " main army" on the Hudson went into winter quarters at West
Point and its vicinity.
In the spring of 1782 we find the main body of the Continental
army encamped along the Hudson, on both sides of the river, in
proximity to the highlands.
On March 31, Washington established his headquarters in the
Hasbrouck house at Newburgh.* The mam English army was Sir
WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS-FROM THE NORTHWEST.
had his headquarters there for a short time in the winter. ' He was
not with Washington at Newburgh, as has often been stated, and
did not even visit the Headquarters when in Newburgh in 1824.
We are aware that his name has been coupled with the Newburgh
Headquarters in song and story, and for those who have set much
store on the tradition, there is consolation in the fact that it is only a
mistake of two years in time and two miles in distance. In Dec,
1 78 1, after the surrender of CornwaUis, he sailed for France, and did
not return to this country till I7S4.\
Here at New Windsor Washington planned that master-stroke of
strategy and generalship that culminated in the surrender of the
army of CornwaUis at Yorktown. General Heath was left in com-
mand of the army i-emaining at West Point and its vicinity, consisting
of two regiments of New Hampshire, ten of Massachusetts, five of
Connecticut infantry, the corps of invalids, Sheldon's legion, and the
Third Regiment of artillery, together with all such State troops and
militia as remained in the ser\nce. During Washington's campaign
Henry Clinton's at New York, and now once more Washington
watched his movements from his Highland stronghold. Hostilities
had almost ceased, negotiations were commenced for the restoration
of peace, and the army passed a whole year in comparative idleness.
r Although never again to meet the enemy in deadly conflict in the
field, they were yet to participate in events that will always be of
thrilling interest to all who read of their noble deeds. The first was
the celebration of the birth of the Dauphin of France, on the 31st of
May, 17S2. Major Villefranche had emplo^-ed a thousand men fin-
ten days in the construction of a curious edifice at AVest Point. It
was called an arbor, and was composed of the simple materials
which the common trees of the vicinity afforded, and was about 220
feet in length and 80 in width, supported by a gi'and colonnade of 118
* Extract from General Heath's diary : "March 31.— His Excellency Generi
Washington arrived at Newburgh ; he had been absent from the main arm
since the 19th of the preceding Angust, having spent the winter at Philadc
phia after the capture of Earl Cornwallis."
NEWBURGH
31
pillars, made of the trunks of trees. The covering of the roof con-
sisted of boughs and branches of trees curiously interwoven, and
the same material formed the walls. On the inside every pillar was
encircled with muskets and bayonets, bound around in a fanciful and
handsome manner, and the whole interior was decorated with ever-
greens, festoons of flowers, garlands, emblematical devices, ^f«rj de
lis, and other ornaments significant of the existing alUance between
LINKS OF FORT MONTGOMERY CHAIN.
France and America. The superb structure in symmetry and pro-
portion and elegance of arrangement has seldom been surpassed on
any temporary occasion, and it affected the spectators with admira-
tion and pleasure. All the troops were paraded on the contiguous
hills on both sides of the river at West Point at 2:30 o'clock, forming
a circle several miles in circumference in plain view from the edifice,
and at a signal (the firing of three cannons), the regimental com-
manders repaired to the building for the entertainment prepared for
them. At 5 o'clock General Washington and ladyled a dis-
tinguished company from the quarters of General MacDougall
to the arbor, where more than five hundred ladies and gen-
tlemen partook of a magnificent festival. Each toast, thirteen
in all, was announced by the discharge of thirteen cannons.
In the evening the arbor was illuminated by a vast number of
lights, and at a signal from the battery the soldiers on the hills
discharged their guns, and all the cannons in the forts and
batteries were fired. This feu de joie was three times re-
peated, each time followed by three shouts of acclamation and
benediction for the Dauphin by the united voices of the whole
army on all sides. The mountains re-echoed like tremendous
peals of thunder, and the flashings from thousands of fire-
arms in the darkness of evening could be compared only to
the most vivid flashes of lightning from the clou„s. Wash-
ington, escorting Mrs. Knox, opened the grand ball, and with
a dignified and graceful air carried down a dance of twenty
couples in the arbor on the green grass.* The celebration
was concluded by the exhibition of fireworks, consisting of
rockets, wheels, fountains, trees, bee-hives, balloons, flowers
and Tftv/r J dc lis, admirably constructed, and played off at
twenty minutes after eleven o'clock.
On the Fourth of July a similar celebration occurred, in honor of
the anniversary of the Declaration of lAdependence, the army being
assembled in the same manner as beforej
The inspection and muster of the different corps took place in the
month of June, and the commander-in-chief publicly complimented
several regiments for their respectable and soldier-like appearance.
Every other day, by brigade and by detail, the troops were exercised
and drilled. The army was in the best of spirits at this period,
* Tluuiu-r's Journal.
proud of its victories, and confident of its strength and efficiency in
battle. Baron Steuben had exercised the officers and soldiers in the
various movements and evolutions, and exerted all his great powers
for the establishment of a regular system of discipline among the
heterogeneous bodies of soldiers. One of the finest companies in the
army was the "light company" of the Eighth Massachusetts Regiment,
and Washington said he had never seen its superior. Other splendid
organizations were the Tenth Massachusetts Regiment, the
Second Connecticut Brigade and the First and Second Massa-
chusetts brigades. Washington assured Major General the
Baron Steuben that the credit for the efficiency of the army was
due to his indefatigable assiduity and eminent services; and
in pubhc orders expressed approbation of the laudable dispo-
sition and pride of corps which seemed to be diffused throughout
the army, remarking also upon the amazing contrast between
the past and present appearance of the troops.
On August 31 the army (mainly in boats) moved down the
river from New Windsor, Fishkill, West Point, and adjacent
positions, ande ncamped at Verplanck's Point, for the purpose
of reviewing and extending a welcome to the French army
then on its return march from Virginia. The camp presented
a beautiful and picturesque appearance. In front flowed the
grandest river in the world, and the noble mountains formed
the most sublime background that painting can express. All
the tents were decorated with laurel, evergreens and limbs of
trees. On Sept. 14, the French army arrived and encamped
within a few miles of the Americans. General Washington re
the French army on Oct. i, and the next day the French officers
reviewed the American army. A fortnight later eight bat-
talions were picked from the Continental troops and manceuver-
ed before the officers of the two armies. The Americans bestowed
every courtesy and attention upon the French soldiers, who had
aided them in throwing off the British yoke. On October 22 the
French army left for Boston, where it embarked for home.
The American forces consisted of about eight thousand men who,
for the first time since the beginning of the war, were decently
clothed, well armed, properly equipped, and camped in tents of
regular model. Six years' service in the field had made them trained
THE JOHN ELLISON HOUSE— F
veterans, and Prince de Broglie said that to him " they all seemed
good looking, robust and well chosen." Several of the French army,
who had seen troops of different European nations, bestowed enco-
miums and applause on our arm)-, and said they had seen none
superior to the American. Such was the army that came to New-
burgh.
At that time the main army was divided into two wings, each
of which was sub-divided into two divisions, which in turn were
sub-divided into brigades, composed of several regiments each.
32
NEWBURGH.
Right Wing — Major-Generai. Gates.
First Division — Major-General MaLDoitgall.
First Brigade, Col. Swift.
Second Connecticut Regiment.
Fourth Connecticut Regiment.
Rhode Island Regiment.
Second Brigade, Brig. -Gen. Huntington.
First Connecticut Regiment.
Fifth Connecticut Regiment.
Ninth Connecticut Regiment.
Second Division — Major-Genera/ St. Clair.
First Brigade, Col. Courtland.
First New York Regiment.
Second New York Regiment.
Second Di''ision — Major-General Howe.
First Brigade, (ieneral Patterson.
Second Massachusetts Regiment.
Fifth Massachusetts Regiment.
Eighth Massachusetts Regiment.
Second Brigade, Col. Greatton.
Third Massachusetts Regiment.
Sixth Massachusetts Regiment.
Ninth Massachusetts Regiment.
On the morning of the 26th of October, 1782, the troops of the
left wing marched from Verplanck's Point to Garrison's, and on the
the next day crossed the river to West Point, marched through the post,
over Storm King Mountain, and passed the night on its northern
slope in the open field. On the morrow the various brigades pro-
ceeded to the positions assigned them. The right wing of the army.
^"^^
MAP OF THE CANTONMEN
AND VICINITY,
Second Brigade, Col. Dayton.
First New Jersey Regiment.
Second New Jersey Regiment.
Left Wim; — Majok-Genekai. He.vtm.
First Divisioji— Major-General Lord Stirling.
First Brigade, Col.
Tenth Massachusetts Regiment.
First New Hampshire Regiment.
Second New Hampshire Regiment.
Second Brigade, Col. Sheppard.
First Ma.ssachusetts Regiment.
Fourth Massachusetts Regiment.
Seventh Massachusetts Regiment.
r.
under General Gates, with the e.xception of the Connecticut regi-
ments, which remained at West Point and its vicinity, came a few
days afterwards.
The campgi-ound is situated in the Town of New Windsor, mainly
along the Silver Stream (designated in the map as the Beaver Dam),
and on the slopes south and southwest of Snake Hill— from two and
a half to three miles distant from Washington's Headquarters, in a
southwest direction. Silver Stream flows through a wide valley,
southeasterly, the fields rising on either side in long, gentle inclines,
till they reach a considerable elevation, from which a great range of
country is unfolded to view. The water course for a distance is
through a morass, on either side of which most of the troops were
encamped. The soldiers built a causeway across the swamp, and
remains of it can be seen to this day. The New York, New Hamp-
shire and New Jcrscv lines were on the west side of the stream, and
on the eastern slupL-s were Uic i-"irst and Third Massachusetts Bri-
NEWBURGH.
33
gades, mainly on lands now owned by W. L. McGill. The camp of except on the northwest, where you can see far up the valley, and
the Second Massachusetts Brigade was on the high ground directly on the southwest, where there is a view of the Hudson,
south of and half a mile distant from Snake Hill, on the farm now
, t T u TT J? 1 i.1 IT r "These hills shall keep their memory sure;
owned by John Heron, tormerly the Munn farm. ^^ k- •• h il f u
The only map of the cantonment that has been preserved is Simeon The mountain fastnesses endure,
DeWitt's, found recently among the papers of General Gates, in the And speak their glorious deeds for aye."
possession of the
New York Historical
Society.* It shows
the location of the
several State lines,
with the exception
of the Rhode Island
Regiment and the
Maryland Battalion.
The former was or-
dered from the New
Windsor cantonment
to the Schuylerville
barracks, and the lat-
ter came to the can-
tonment after the
map had been made.
The campground
was mainl)- covered
with woods, but now
most of it is cleared
land. The soldiers'
quarters were spa-
cious, healthy and
well built, and con-
sisted of log houses,
containing two
chambers, each in-
habited by eight
soldiers. The bar-
racks were mainly
arranged in State lines and brigade lines, but the non-commissioned
officers occupied a separate range of barracks. They were not all
built together in rows, for other huts were scattered through the
vicinity. They were built without a bit of iron or even nails. To
obtain the wood for constructing the barracks, the soldiers cut great
quantities of timber; they also cut a vast amount of firewood.
HE CAMPGROUND.
Walk over the
fields and even to this
day can be seen the
remains of bake-
ovens and the found-
ations of huts. A
number of years ago
several graves were
found in a strip of
woods on the Heron
farm, and Mr. McGill
has ploughed up on
his land many relics,
such as buttons, etc.
Where were prob-
ably the barracks of
the Second Massa-
chusetts Brigade, on
the Heron farm,
there is an old well,
now filled up with
stone, and the former
owner also found
near by foundations
of huts, the stones of
which he removed
to use in building
walls. A road, form-
erly a Continental
road, runs through
the campground.
The headquarters of General Gates from December, 17S2, to April,
17S3, v,-as in the John EUison house at Vail's Gate, a short distance
south of the New Windsor cantonment. It is still standing, a pictur-
esque building of stone, erected by Col. Thomas Elhson, founder of
the New Windsor family of that name. He was a pioneer merchant
of 1723. The original residence of Colonel ElUson wa-; ^n tht bank
THE VERPLANCK HOUSE AT FISHKI
UZAL KNAPP'S MONUMENT,
General Heath said the cantonment for its nature and kind was
beautiful. Those who will visit the place now will say the same.
Stand on the slope on either side of the valley and the whole camp-
ground is spread out before your eyes. Hills are on every side.
;ituted 1
Boyn
, of New-
of the Hudson, at New Windsor \'illage. Washington had his head-
quarters therein i77g-'8o-'8i. Major-General Knox, at the time of
the New Windsor cantonment, was in command of West Point. He
had previously been in command of the artillery. He and General
Greene had their headquarters at the Ellison house at Vail's Gate,
five weeks in the months of June and July, 1779, and General Knox
was there ten weeks in the Fall of the same year; also from Nov. 20,
34
NEWBURGH.
17S0, to July 4, i-Si; and from Jlay, 17S2, till ordered to take
command at West Point, Aug. 24, 17S2. While the army was at
Snake Hill, General Greene and General Wayne were in the South.
At one period of the war General Wayne had his headquarters at Mrs.
Wool's house (formerly Weigand's hotel), in Hroad Street, near Liher-
sions of the Provincial Convention and of its Coinmittee of Safety
were held in the old Reformed Dutch Church, from August, 1776, to
December, 1777, during which time the preliminary work of forming
a State government was transacted and the first Constitution of the
State nearly completed. More or less directly connected with the
ty. James Donnelly, who was living in Old Town then, related
that he saw the General almost every day. " He was short and
stout and had red eyes. I remember his eyes because we had a cross
dog that had red eyes, and we called him ' Mad Anthony 'altogether."
General Heath spent the Winter at his home in Roxbury, Mass. ,
returning to the cantonment in the Spring. Lord Stirling was at
Albany, where he died before the close of the war. Baron Steuben
had his headquarters in the Verplanck house at Fishkill. St. Clair
is supposed to have had his headquarters at the Edmonston house.
"Wood's," on the Little Britain road, was the Mrs. Falls house,
where Governor Clinton had his residence after the fall of Fort Mont-
gomery; in 1782-3 it was the quarters of Colonel Francis Barber,
Asst. Inspector-General to Baron Steuben, and is believed to have
been also the quarters of Major John Armstrong, the author of the
•'Newburgh Letters."
The Life Guards were stationed a few rods northwest of Wash-
ington's Headquarters. They were all native Americans, "sober,
young, active and well made," the pick of the army, and none less
than 5 feet 9 inches tall. Their uniform consisted of a blue coat,
with white facings, white waistcoat and breeches, black stock and
black half-gaiters, and a round hat with blue and white feather.
The motto of the corps was " Conquer or Die." Their number was
about sixty. William Colfax was the Captain Commandant. The
last survivor of this corps was Uzal Knapp, of New Windsor. He
died January 11, 1S56, aged ninety-six. His body lay in state in
these headquarters four days, and was buried with great honors at
the foot of the flagstaff near the building over which he kept faithful
vigil three-quarters of a century before, and on the same green slope
where he and his companions watched and sported.
One of the store-houses of the Commissary-General was where
the Union Church now stands. Fishkill Village, besides having long
been the principal depot of the army, was the place where the ses-
action of these bodies was the establishment there, or rather its re-
moval from New York to Fishkill, of the only Revolutionary news-
paper in the State — the Fishkill Pack ft, by Samuel Loudon — in
WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS DIAGRAM OF FIRST FLOOR.
Room with Seve
nd One Window
E— Parlor, or Sitting Room.
F— Washington's Office.
G— Washington's Bed-room.
H -Store Room.
NEWBURGH
35
the office of which were printed the first copies of the Declaration
of Independence which were issued in the State, as well as of the
first Constitution of the State.*
The Headqu \i ters building is constructed of rough-hewn stone. It
is one story high and has a frontage of fiftj six feet and a depth of
WEST ENTRANCE TO WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS.
forty-six. The farm once belonged to Burger Meynders. He sold it
to Jonathan Hasbrouck (1747), who built the house and retained the
ownership till his death in 17S0, and when
Washington vacated the house the family
returned to it, and occupied it till a short
time anterior to 1849, when it came into the
possession of the State.
The large room, which is entered from
the piazza on the east, known as " the room
with the seven doors and one window," was
used as a dining-room by Washington's fam-
ih-, which consisted of himself, his wife, and
his aid-de-camp Colonel Tilghman, he who
carried the news of the suiTender of Corn-
wallis to Congress. The housekeeper was a
Mrs. Thompson. The small northeast room
was Washington's bedroom, and the larger
one adjoining was used by him as a private
office. The famil)--room was the southeast
room, and the kitchen the southwest room ;
the northwest room, was the parlor. Be-
tween the kitchen and the pai-lor were the
hall and stair-case and the storeroom, so-
called from having been used by Colonel
Hasbrouck, and subsequently bj' his widow
as a store. The parlor was reserved for
Mrs. Washington and her guests.
No alterations in form have been made,
not even to the old piazza, nor to the great
wide-open chimney and the old fireplace ;
and the sun still streams through the one
window into the room with the seven doors.
The orchard that shaded the house on the
southwest, and the post and rail fence, are
gone, and the haystacks that stood to the
southeast ; graveled walks wind among the trees, and a great
monument stands on the green slope in front. But we see the same
natural scenes that Washington saw ; the same noble river runs at
the foot of the hill, and about us are the same green fields and blue
mountains. Inspired by the patricjtic memories that thrill every vis-
itor, cannot imagination picture the father of his country and his
generals gathered on this old piazza as of old, and in the distance
the camps of the soldiers ? Can we not also see the General on his
shapely bay horse, with the servant Bill riding behind? They were
familiar figures in the village. The General was a bold horseman,
leaping the highest fences and going extremely quick, without stand-
ing in his stirrups, bearing on the bridle or letting his horse run wild.
His horse was as good as he was handsome, but above all perfectly
well-trained, easy in hand and stopping short in a gallop without
bearing on the bit. Washington himself broke all his own horses.
Distinguished statesmen and high officers in the arm)^ were fre-
quent guests at headquarters. There was little room to spare in the
dwelling, and if a guest remained during the night it was the practice to
make up a camp-bed for him in the parlor. The Marquis de Chas-
tellux passed the night in that room once. When he went in to break-
fast the next morning at ten, his bed was folded up, and his chamber
became the sitting-room for the whole afternoon. The smallness of
the house, and the difficulty to which he saw General and Mrs. Wash-
ington put themselves, made him apprehensive lest General Rocham-
beau, who had set out for headquarters the day after him, by
traveling as fast might arrive on the day that he remained there.
He therefore sent to Fishkill to meet him with a request that he
would stay there that night. His precaution was not superfluous,
and the messenger found Rochambeau already at the landing,
where he slept, and did not come to the headquarters till the
next morning. 1 21 "^ 1 *^ ^
*The late Gulian C. Verplanck said: "The Constitution of the State
New York was printed in 1777, and was the first as well as the most importa:
book ever printed in the State. The people could find but one press in the
domain with which to print the work of their representatives. It was done
THE OLD FIREPLACE, AT WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS.
But guests at dinner \\-ere numerous and welcome.* This meal
was served about five. <")n the day de Chastellux was there Adjutant
General Hand, Colonel Reed and Major Walker dined with him.
Fishkill by Samuel Loudon, wh.
city, of Xew York, and who had 1
had been
■in-chief, has \nng \
36
NEWBURGH
The repast was served in the English fashion, and consisted of
butcher's meat and poultry, with vegetables of several sorts, followed
by a second course of pastry. After this the cloth was removed, and
a great quantity of nuts was served, which the General usually
continued eating for two hours, toasting and conversing all the
while. S-upper was usually served at nine, and after that a few
bottles of good claret and Madeira were placed on the table. The
handsome and gentlemanly Gates, the hero of Saratoga; the brave
and faithful Knox, the trained artillerist and Washington's warmest
friend; the gentle-hearted Steuben, the skillful tactician; the scholar-
ly Heath, the watchful guardian of the Highlands; Howe, St. Clair
and ;MacDougall, were oft-times guests.
In the company of ladies the Baron Steuben appeared to pecuHar
advantage. Though never perfectly master of our language, he un-
derstood and spoke it with sufficient correctness. Sometimes purposely
Now that the war was drawing to a clcjse and independence had
nearly been achieved, there was naturally a feeling of thankfulness
and happiness pervading the encampment, such as had never before
been felt. The officers visited and dined at each others' quarters,
and receptions were given at country houses. Mrs. Washington,
Mrs. Knox and Mrs. Gates frequently exchanged calls, and dined
together. Mrs. Knox was a very handsome woman, and the com-
mander-in-chief often spent the evening at General Knox's house, and
used to like her for a partner in the dance. One night he stayed ver\-
late, not reaching home till the small hours of night. A person in
the adjoining room heard Mrs. Washington read him a curtain lecture
after he got in bed. The general listened in silence, till she had
entirely finished, and then simply said, " Go to sleep, my dear."
On Christmas Day, 17S2, in public orders General Washington
highly approved of a proposal that had been made by the Rev. Israel
'THE PUBLIC BUILDING. "-Copy from
Tarbell Drawings.
he would miscall names, or blend or adopt words of similar sound
but different meaning, to the merriment of the company. One day
at dinner Mrs. Washington asked him how he amused himself over
in Fishkill.
" Oh," said he, "I read and write, my lady, and play chess ; and
yesterday, for the first time, went fishing. They told me it was a very
fine business to catch fish, and I did not know but this new trade
might be useful by-and-by to me; but I fear I can never succeed. I
sat in the boat three hours. It was exceedingly warm, and I caught
only two fish. They told me it was fine sport."
" What kind of fish did you catch, Baron?" asked Mrs. Washington.
" I am not sure, my lady, but I believe one of them was a whale."
"A whale, Baron, in the North Riverl" she exclaimed in surprise.
"Yes, I assure you, a very fine whale, my lady. Was it not?" he
said, turning to one of his aids.
"An fcl. Baron," was the reply.
" I beg your pardon, my lady, but that gentleman certainly told
me it was a whale."
MacDougall was a Scotchman, affable and facetious, often indulg-
ing in pleasantries, and adverting to his national peculiarities and
family origin, at the close of which he would add, " Now, gentlemen,
you have the history of Sawney MacDougall, the milk-nion's son."
Evans, D. U., the Chaplain of the New Hampshire brigade, for
erecting a public building, and gave his consent to the general and
field officers meeting to determine the situation and plan. The next
morning the officers met at General Gates's headquarters and plans
were adopted. Each regiment was required to furnish a certain part
of the material, including lumber and shingles, and Colonel Tupper
was appointed superintendant of construction. Carpenters, masons,
blacksmiths and tools were supplied by the regiments; and nails,
nail-rods and iron, boards, etc., were obtained from the quarter-
master. The artificers and laborers pressed to the work (under the
direction of Colonel Tupper and his assistant Lieut. Nelson), with
' ' spirit and alacrity," which was doubtless in jjart owing to the liberal
potions of rum dealt out to them. The site of the Public Building is
not indicated on the map, but without doubt it was upon the eminence
on the eastern side of the valley of the Silver Stream, on the farm
now owned by William L. McGill, notwithstanding that the centennial
celebration was held at another place near by. The site is command-
ing and beautiful. It was a frame building upon a stone foundation.
The interior was lathed and plastered. It was handsomely furnished
with a spacious hall sufficient to accommodate a brigade of soldiers
on Lord's day, having an orchestra at one end; tlie vault of the hall
was arched; at each end of the hall were two rooms conveniently
NEWBURGH
37
situated for the issuing of general orders, for the sitting of boards of
officers, courts-martial, etc., and an office and store for the quarter-
masters and the commissary departments. Ou the front was a cupola
and flagstaff, on which flags were hoisted occasionally for signals.
It was finished early in March, and services were held there every
Sabbath. The chaplains preached in rotation, and different brigades
assembled at different hours of the day, ' ' to give that homage and
adoration to the Supreme Being who has, through His infinite mercy,
brought our public calamities and dangers {in all human probability),
very near to a happy conclusion."* But the building was also used
for levees, public meetings, etc., and was officially designated " the
New Building," or as "the Public Building;" and by the soldiers it
was sometimes popularly called "the Temple of Virtue," "the
Temple," and "the Chapel." Major Edward C. Boynton, one of the
Trustees of the Headquartei-s, in iSgo obtained from Luther L. Tar-
bell, of Boston, original drawings made by his father, William Tar-
bell, a soldier in the Seventh Massachusetts Regiment. They were
The joy caused by the outcome of the struggle for liberty was not
unmixed with distress, nor the success of the army with danger to
the existing Government. Here, Washington declared, occurred the
greatest crisis in our long struggle, one that filled him with more
alarm than all the disasters of the previous seven years, and here at
last were exhibited the noblest self-sacrifice and the loftiest patriotism
the world had ever seen.
The soldiers viewed the coming disbandment of the army with
forebodings. They were goaded by a thousand stings of reflec-
tion on the past and anticipation of the future. For a long time
neither officers nor privates had received any pay, for the treasury
was empty, with no hope of its immediate replenishment. They
were about to be turned on the world, soured by penury, and by
what they called the ingratitude of the public, involved in debts,
without one farthing of money to carry them home, after spending
the flower of their days and many of them their patrimony, in estab-
lishing the freedom of their country.
WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS— FROM THE SOUTHWEST.
drawn on sheets of paper pasted together, the whcjle being about
seven feet long by eighteen inches wide. They represent the " Tem-
ple of Virtue," the buildings occupied by officers and soldiers of the
Massachusetts line (216 in number), and the framework for an illumi-
nation in the celebration of the successful termination of the war.
The drawings were made with the juices of grass, butternuts, etc.
The Headquarters' Trustees had fac-simile copies made.
The first assembly at the Public Building was on February 6, 17S3,
before its entire completion, to celebrate the anniversary of the al-
liance with France. The troops were paraded, and reviewed by
Washington, and a feu dc Jon- fired by all the troops. Afterwards
there was a recepti(m at the building, attended by the officers and
their ladies, and a cold collation was provided.
'Washinffto
Washington said that they had suffered everything that human
nature is capable of endm-ing this side of death, and he could not
avoid apprehending a train of evils of a very serious and disturbing
nature, as he perceived that the patience and long-suffering of the
army were well nigh exhausted.
On May 6, 17S2, a dangerous mutiny was discovered among the
soldiers of the Connecticut line. It had been conducted with
great secrecy, and was on the point of execution before it was di-
vulged. The defection was general in the line. The soldiers had
determined to march at reveille the next morning to Fishkill,
where they intended taking a number of field pieces, with ammuni-
tion and provisions, and proceed to Hartford and demand of the As-
sembly that justice which they considered their due. The most
guilty soldiers were arrested, and the ringleader was sentenced to
death.
NEWBURGH
Contemplating the seemingly inherent weakness of the Govern-
ment, many were inclined to consider it a normal condition of the
republican form, and sighed for a stronger one. This feeling became
so manifest in the army that Colonel Nicola, an officer greatly re-
spected, addressed a letter to Washington in Mny, 17S2, in which,
professing to speak for the army, he declared that a republic was the
least stable of all forms of government, and that the English Gov-
ernment was the nearest to perfection that could be established. He
said it was plain that the same abilities that had led them through
difficulties apparently insurmountable by human powers to victory
and glory, and which had merited and obtained the universal esteem
and veneration of
the army, w-ould be
most likely to con-
duct and direct the
people in the
smoother paths of
peace.
" Owing to the
prejudice of the
people," he said,
"it might not at
first be prudent to
assume the title of
royalty, but if all
things were once
adjusted, we be-
lieve strong argu-
ments might be
produced for ad-
mitting the title of
king."
Washington's re-
ply w-as a stern re-
buke, administered
in a letter, to
Nicola. He said ;
"It is with a mix-
ture of surprise and
astonishment 1
have read the sen-
timent you have
submitted to my
perusal. Be assur-
ed, sir, no occur-
rences in the course
of the war have
given me more
painful sensations
than your informa-
tion of there being
such ideas existing
in the army as you
have expressed ,
which I must view
with abhorrence
and reprehend with severity. * * * * * i am much at
loss to conceive what part of my conduct has given encourage-
ment to an address which to me seems big with the greatest mischief
that can befall my country. If I am not deceived in the knowledge
of myself, you could not find a person to whom your .schemes arc
more disagreeable. * * * Let me conjure you, then, if you have
any regard for your country, concern for yourself or posterity, or re-
spect for me, to banish these thoughts from your mind."
"The ('.rr i* I^rT-inhli.- had its birth
'I'll I "1 ilie Army's wing,
Wli.i.i I t by native worth
'I'll. 1 1, iji Mhli r than tlie king."
In the latter part of 17S2 the discontent in the army appeared more
formidable than ever. A committee from the army visited Congress
in December and returned with a series of most unsatisfactory
resolutions passed by that body. Feeble in resources, they made no
definite promises of present relief or futiure justice. This gave rise to
the celebrated Newburgh Letters, or addresses, of which two were
issued anonymously and written with great power and ability. The
first letter, dated Saturday, March S, 17S3, advised the army to appeal
from the justice to the fears of the government, make demonstrations
of power and determination, arouse the fears of the people, and so
obtain justice for themselves. It began with a recital of their wrongs,
of the alleged insults heaped upon them b)' Congress, of its cold
neglect, of their own forbearance and patience under them, and of
their self-sacrifice
and patriotism.
"If this," he
says, "be your
treatment, while
the sw-ords you
wear are necessary
to the protection of
vour country, what
have 3'ou to expect
from peace, when
your voice shall
sink and your
strength dissipate
by division — when
those very swords,
the i n s t r u m e n ts
and companions of
■\-our glory, shall be
taken from your
sides and no re-
maining mark of
your military dis-
tinction left you
but your infirmities
and scars ? Can
you consent to re-
tire from the field
and grow old in
poverty, wretched-
ness and contempt?
Can you consent to
wade through the
\-ile mire of depend-
ency and owe the
remnant of that life
to charity which
has hitherto been
spent in honor? If
you can, go, and
carry with you the
jest of Tories, the
scorn of Wliigs,
and what is worse,
the pity of the
world. Go, starve, and be forgotten." Growing bold in his indig-
nation, he swoops down on AVashington himself and exclaims:
' ' Suspect the man w' ho would advise to more moderation and longer
forbearance. Let nothing but death separate you from your arms."
With this address was circulated privately a notification of a meet-
ing of officers at the New Building, the following Tuesday. In gen-
eral orders, March 11, Washington expressed disapprobation of such
disorderly proceedings, and at the same time requested the general
and field officers, and one officer from each company, and a proper
representation of the staff of the army, to assemble at 12 o'clock on
the following Saturday at the New Building, to hear the report of the
committee of the army to Congress. This was a master-stroke. It
assured him the control of the meeting, and the selection of the num-
ber and rank of the officers to compose it. On the appearance of
WASHINGTON.
NEWBURGH
39
this order the writer of the anonymous address issued another, more
subdued in tone, in which he sought to give the impression that
Washington approved of the scheme.
The meeting was held, General Gates presiding, and deep solem-
nity pervaded the assemblage. Amid the most profound silence the
beloved commander commenced reading the address he had pre-
pared in these old headquarters, so compact in
form and construction, so clear in expression
and meaning, so dignified and patriotic, so
mild yet so severe, and so important to the
well-being of the unfolding republic.
" Gentlemen," he said, " by an anonymous
summons, an attempt has been made to con-
vene you together. How inconsistent -with the
rules of propriety, how unmilitary, and how
subversive of all order and discipline, let the
good sense of the army decide."
Pausing for a moment he drew out his spec-
tacles, carefully wiped and adjusted them, and
while doing so remarked: "These eyes, my
friends, have grown dim, and these locks white
in the service; yet I have never doubted the
justice of my country."
This simple remark, under the circumstances
had a powerful effect on the assembly. He
concluded his address with these memorable
words:
"Let me conjure you in the name of the
common country, as you value your own sacred
honor, as you respect the rights of humanity
and the national character of America, to ex-
press the utmost horror and detestation of the
man who wishes under any specious pretence
to overturn the liberties of our country, who
wickedly attempts to open the floodgates of
civil discord and drench our rising Empire in
blood. By thus determining and thus acting
you will pursue the plain and direct road to
the attainment of your wishes— you will defeat
the insidious designs of our enemies, who are
compelled to resort from open force to secret
artifice, and you will give one more distin-
guished proof of unexampled patriotism and
patient virtue, rising superior to the most com-
pUcated sufferings, and you will by the dignity
of your conduct afford occasion for posterit\-
to say, when speaking of the glorious example
you have exhibited to mankind: Had this day
been wanting, the world had never seen the
last stage of perfection to which human virtue
is capable of attaining."
Then he descended from the platform and
walked out of the building, leaving the officers
to discuss the matter, unrestrained by his
presence. Their conference was brief. They
passed resolutions by unanimous vote, express-
ing unshaken confidence in their chief and in
Congress, and their determination to bear with patience their griev-
ances until in due time they should be redressed. More than forty
years elapsed before it was discovered that the writer of these
anonymous addresses was Major John Armstrong, one of General
Gates's aides, who after the war held civil offices of distinction in our
government.
Let it not be supposed that strict discipline was not maintained
during all these trying times, The troops were regularly drilled and
exercised. We read in Washington's orders that John Blaisdell, for
breaking open the clothing store at Newburgh, and stealing from
there a number of boots and shoes, was sentenced to be reduced to a
private sentinel, and to receive twenty-five lashes on his naked back
each morning for four mornings successively. And only four days be-
fore the proclamation of the cessation of hostilities, Jeremiah Allen, a
drummer, for stealing a number of shirts and blankets out of the
public store at Newburgh, was sentenced to receive twenty-five
lashes at four different periods, each time in front of a different
regiment.
ReUgious services were
conducted with reg^arity and '
decorum every Sabbath, and |
the chaplains labored with "t
zeal and ability. Regimental j^
gardens were laid out, for
the purpose of raising greens and vegetables. Seeds were obtained
from the farmers in the surrounding country.
But at last the tidings of peace, so long prayed for, came. At
noon, on the igth of April, 17S3, e.xactly eight years after the com-
mencement of the war, the cessation of hostilities was proclaimed
from the door of the New Building. Accompanying the order for
40
NEWBURGH
tliis proceeding was a congratulatory address to the army, in which
occurred these memorable words : " While the General recollects the
almost infinite variety of scenes through which we have passed, with
a mixture of pleasure and astonishment and gratitude ; while he con-
templates the prospect before us with rapture, he cannot help wish-
ing that all the brave men, of whatever condition they may be, who
have shared in the toils and dangers of the glorious revolution of
rescuing millions from the hand of oppression and of lajnng the
foundation of a great empire, might be impressed with a proper idea
of the dignified part they have been called to act. under the smiles of
Providence, on the stage of human affairs ; for happy, thrice happ}-,
shall they be pronounced hereafter who have contributed anything.
who have per-
formed the mean-
est office 111
creating this stu-
pendous fabric ol
freedom and em-
pire on the broad
basis of indepen-
dency, who have
assisted in pro-
tecting the rights
of human nature
and establishing
an asylum for the
poor and oppress-
ed of all nations
and religions."
The little army
was assemble d
about the building
when the procla-
mation was read,
and three mighty
cheers of joy went
up, and then every
voice was hushed
as Chaplain Gano
returned thanks
to the Jlost High,
the King of Na-
tions, for all his
great blessings.
Then, with glad
voices, that grand hallelujah hymn, "No King but God," was sung
by the thousands of voices to the accompaniment of instruments —
The States, Oh, Lord, with songs of praise
Shall in thy strength rejoice.
And blest with thy salvation raise
To Heaven their cheerful voice.
To the King they shall sing : Hallelujah
And all the continent shall sing,
Down with this earthly king !
No king but God !
Can we not picture the scene ? Can we not share their joy and
pride as they give reverential praise and homage to Him who had
brought them thus far?
May Rome, France and Spain
And all the world proclaim
The glory of the fame
Of our loyal king.
God is the King. Amen !
The Lord is his name. Amen
May his reign be glorious,
America victorious,
And may the earth acknowledge
Amen ! Amen ! Amen !
Again at sunset of the same day the army is assembled on parade.
and at the head of every regiment we hear the proclamation oncu
more, and the voices of the chaplains standing before them "render-
ing thanks to the Almighty God for all his mercies, particularly for
overruling the wrath of man to His glory, and causing the rage of
war to cease among the nations." * Then all the soldiers drank per-
petual peace, independence and happiness to the United States of
America.
Orders were issued for a " general rejoicing " to take place later,
and the regiments were ordered to square and deliver ninety-seven
large pieces of timber for a frame for an illumination, which was to
be a part of the celebration. The Tarbell drawings show this frame-
work completed, and the accompanying inscription states; "The
building erected to display the fireworks was not occupied for that
pui-pose, as the
display was made
at Bowling Green,
New York, in
November, 17S3."
The officers real-
izing that the dis-
solution of the
ami}- was drawing
nigh, and wishing
ti. perpetuate that
SOME INTERESTING TROPHIES AT WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS.
friendship which
numerous hard-
ships, sufferings
and comm.on dan-
gers had inspired
in their breasts,
resolved to form
themselves into a
society of the
name of the Cin-
cinnati. Several
meetings were
held for the pur-
pose, at the Public
Building, and an
institution was be-
{Tun. Some of the
I >fficers had serious
I ibjections to the
institution, and for
a time refused to
become members
of it. General Heath, for one, was opposed to the idea of
anything that had any semblance of an order or any insignia or
badge of distinction, asserting that it would only ser\-e to mark
them in an unfavorable light with their fellow-citizens ; but the
prevailing opinion of the officers was otherwise. General Heath, with
the others, seeing that the organization was ineN-itable, at length
signed the roll, for the sole reason that his posterity, if they should
have no insignia of the society in the family, might think that their
ancestor had been guilty of some misconduct which deprived him of
it. On June ig, a number of the officers, viz., several general of-
ficers, and officers commanding regiments and corps met at the New
Building and elected General Washington President-General; Gen-
eral MacDimgall, Treasurer; and General Knox, Secretary pro tem-
pore to the Society of the Cincinnati.
On June 2, 17S3, th^^ t;ciKral orders of the day announced that the
men " engaged for the w ar " w . >u!d be immediately furloughed, with
a proportion of the ofticcrs. maixhcd home in divisions, and as soon
as a definitive treaty of peace arrived they would be discharged.
Those men that remained engaged for other periods were to be
formed into complete corps, the officers to agree who should stay, and
in cases where they could not ag^ee seniority was to decide. Generals
and commanding officers were requested to make arrangements for
> Washington';
i.rde
NEWBURGH.
41
marching the troops of their respective States to their homes. This
was a judicious method of disbanding the army gradually, without
entirely losing the hold of the Congress upon the soldiers before the
treaty of peace should be ratified. As this was not done till long
afterwards these furloughs amounted to absolute and final discharge.
The issuance of this order was the beginning of the end of the last
cantonment of the main Continental array.
The first body of soldiers to leave was the battalion of Maryland
troops, which marched southward on June 5, going down the old way
back of the Highlands and through New Jersey.
On June 6, in the morning, the New Jersey regiments marched
from the cantonment to their own State, where they, like the others,
were to be disbanded. The same day the First New York Regiment
made a present of their standards and band to Governor Clinton and
marched to Poughkeepsie, escorted by the light company of the
regiment. The other New York troops were furloughed and dis-
banded at the cantonment on the same day. The soldiers for the
war of the First New Hampshire Regiment, continental infantry,
and the Second New Hampshire Continental Battalion also marched
for their homes on this day. The men entitled to furlough in the four
invalid companies were disbanded, and the company of sappers and
miners at West Point were also dismissed.
One by one the regiments and companies were marching away to
their own States, there to separate to their individual homes, or else
disbanding on the spot. Next it is the turn of the faithful Life
Guards to bid each other farewell. On the following day, June 7,
the company was broken up, some going one way and some another,
and a guard of about forty men from the Massachusetts line assem-
bled at noon at the New Building and relieved them.
But not all the men entitled to leave desired to avail themselves
of the privilege. Some of them had no homes to go to. The best
years of their life had been spent for their country, and now they
were to be cast upon the world, penniless, many of them without ad-
equate knowledge of the means of earning a livelihood by civil
pursuits, their hard-earned military knowledge worse than useless, to
go in silence and alone, and poor and hopeless — is it any wonder
many of them did not go ? So Washington directed that those who
wished not to go should notify their commanders, and an equal nimi-
ber of soldiers who had enlisted for three years might go in their
stead. Those who remained were required to continue their duties
as soldiers until the ratification of the treaty of peace.
Commencing with June 8, a division of ]\Iassachusetts troops
marched away each day, until all entitled to furlough had gone. Four
regiments of Jilassaehusetts three-year men remained.
The levees that had been held each day
at noon, since April 15, at the New Building
were now discontinued. On the day that the
order was given lightning struck the flag
staff of the New Building, entered the house,
ran down the side of it, doing some damage,
and stunning several soldiers near the door.
On the 13th the men who had enUsted
for three years, and for shorter periods not
expired, were formed into regiments.
On June 20 the troops remaining at the
cantonment were ordered to march on
Monday morning, the 23d, at 5 o'clock, by
the left, the senior Brigadier on the Massa-
chusetts line to conduct the column over
Storm King to West Point. The baggage,
with a proper escort, was to go by water.
These corps, with the troops at West
Point, were to compose the garrisons at that
post and its dependencies.
Accordingly, on the next Monday, the
troops were astir at day-break, and early
in the morning they left their barracks and
tents and marched away over the Storm
King, and the last cantonment of the main
Continental army came to an end. Four
companies were left to do ordinary g^ard
duty over the public property, and were di-
rected to be reheved every nine days by
^ a detachment from West Point. All the gen-
eral officers who had been doing duty lately
in camp were given leave of absence, except Major-General Knox, who
had assumed command at West Point, and Brigadier-Generals John
Patterson and John Greatton, who served under him. General Howe
was retained for temporary duty at Philadelphia.
On August 26, 17S3, the Quartermaster-General's oflSce at New-
burgh issued a notice that on Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 2 p. m., the
THIRTY-TWO-POUND IRON GUN-AT WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS.
Part of the Armament of Fort Ticonderoga. Captured from the English by Ethan Allen.
Recaptured by Burgoyne, and returned to the Americans at Saratoga.
huts lately occupied by the First and Third Massachusetts Brigades,
the building called the Temple, and other scattered huts in the vicinity,
would be sold at auction. Also, on the following day, at Newburgh,
42
would be S(
stores. It i
and that th
NEWBURGH
lid at auction a number of wagons and a quantity of public
s presumed that this sale occurred as per advertisement,
. huts and the Temple were removed immediately there-
marched to Nc
evacuation by
was present.
A CASE OF CLOTHING, BOOKS, &C.-AT WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS,
after. Considerable property was
mained there for many years,
ington proceeded up the Hudson. At
Albany he was joined by Governor Clinton
and a small party. After visiting the scene
of Burgoj-ne's surrender, Lake George, the
Mohawk Valley and other points of interest,
he arrived back at Newburgh August 5. On
August 17 he issued his last general order
from army headquarters, announcing his de-
parture to meet Congress at Princeton. On
the following day he left Newburgh, stop-
ping at West Point, and thence resuming
his journey; his temporary headquarters be-
ing ultimately established at Rocky Hill,
where he issued his farewell orders, and
where he remained till November, when he
returned to West Point. In October, after
the treaty of peace had been ratified. Con-
gress by proclamation discharged all the
soldiers who had been "enlisted for the
war," and been furloughed in June. The
remaining men, consisting of those who
had enlisted for shorter periods, were dis-
banded Nov. 3. A small force of re-enlist-
ed men were retained for duty at West
Point, and these, with such disbanded men
and militia as could be brought together.
emoved to West Point, and re-
On the iSth of July Wash-
Hon.
A. S.
York and took possession of that city on its
British on Nov. 25, at which event Washington
December Washington surrendered his com-
mission to Congress, and this terminated
his career with the Continental army.
On the 4th of July, 1S50, the ancient
dwelling that had been his headquarters
was dedicated to be a monument of the
gi'eat and touching events above related,
while a multitude of people stood by. A
military and civic procession marched to
tile grounds and gathered about a lofty
tlagstaff newly erected, from which was to
float a Hag bearing the inscription, " Liber-
ty and Union now and forever, one and
inseparable." Major-General Scott was
there to raise it. Judge Monell made an
address, and an ode, composed for the
occasion by his wife, was sung. As the
last verse rang out upon the Summer air —
th a prayer your faith expressing,
Raise your country's flag on high;
•re, where rests a nation's blessing.
Stars and stripes shall float for aye'
Mutely telling
Stirring tales of days gone by,"—
the old hero puUed on the halyard, and
the flag rose to the top, and as it swung
out to the breeze, a deafening hurrah rang
out over the river.
The building is owned by the State
and in the control of the Trustees appointed
by the Governor, viz: Hon. Joel T. Headlej',
Major Edward C. Boj-nton, John C. Adams,
James G. Graham, Charles S. Jenkins, Hon. M. H. Hirschberg,
Ring, Jos. H. H. Chapman, David Carson and Lewis :M. Smith.
CASE OF INDIAN RELICS-AT WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS.
Revolutionary Events Commemorated at Newburgh and Neighboring Towns.
EWBURGH celebrated the advent of the Centennial
Year bj^ a general rejoicing. The jubilee began about
nine o'clock on the evening of Friday, Dec. 31, 1S75,
and continued throughout the night, although the par-
ticular demonstration occurred during the few hours
first following midnight and the birth of the new 3'ear.
The principal feature of the celebration was a torch-
light procession. After the preparatory hum of assembling, the
organizations intending to join in the nocturnal parade began tr.
arrive at the ren-
dezvous on Broad-
way at half-past
eleven. Scarcely
had they formed
the line ere a rocket
soared heavenward
announcing the
end of the old year
and the birth of
the new, the signal
for the procession
to move. Then en-
sued a pandemon-
ium the like of
which Newburgh
never heard before.
IM i g h t y huzzas
went up from the
great multitude
that packed the
broad thorough-
fare. A hundred
steam-whistles rent
the air with ear-
splitting shrieks.
Every whistle in
the city — locomo-
tive, factory and
steamboat whistles
and every bell,
great and small,
joined in the glad
acclamation. Dis-
charges of cannon-
ry reverberated along the hills, a countless number of tin-horns
were blown, the sky became aflame with the glare from monster
bonfires, colored fires, rockets and all manner of pyrotechnics, and
thousands of voices shouted forth thanksgiving that the nation had
lived to see this day. And thus was the birth of the centennial year
announced.
The jubilee procession was commanded by Colonel William D.
Dickey and was composed of the Nineteenth Battalion, lire companies.
Ellis Post and several societies. A hay-rigging, loaded with barrels
filled with straw and saturated with oil, was hurried ahead of the
procession, and its crew started bonfires on every corner. Nearly
every house was illuminated and decorated. The noise of the
demonstration was heard miles away, and the illumination seen afar
off. The procession reached Washington's headquarters at 1.15 a.
m., and while standing around the flag-pole " My Country, 'Tis of
Thee" was sung. The celebration was a spontaneous and almost
extemporaneous outburst of patriotic enthusiasm. Ellis Post went
down to the Long
Dock and fired a
national salute, and
sang patriotic
songs. Watch-
night services were
held in five church-
es, banquets were
given, and the
thanksgiving and
merry - making
were continued till
nearly davbreak.
THE CENTENNIAL
FOURTH.
The Sabbath pre-
ceding the Fourth
of July, 1S76, was
devoted by the
people to the praise
and worship of the
Almighty Ruler of
the universe for the
preservation of the
nation. Patriotic
sermons were
preached and ap-
propriate hymns
^\-ere sung in all
the churches. In
the afternot)n five
thousand people
gathered at Wash
ing ton's Head-
quarters. At 2.30 o'clock a children's service was held, presided over
by Mayor McCroskery. The service for adults commenced at 4
o'clock, Rev. Dr. John Forsyth presiding. The One Hundredth
Psalm was sung, the singing being led b)^ a large choir. Rev. O.
Applegate read the 35th Psalm, and prayer ^^ as offered by Rev. G.
S. Hare. The national hymn, "Lord, While for all Mankind we
Pra}'," was sung to the tune of Dundee. A sermon was preached by
the Rev. Samuel Carlisle from the following text: "Thou hast
[43]
WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS,
44
NEWBURGH
brought a vine out of Egj-pt ; thou hast cast out the heathen, and
planted it. Thou preparedst room for it, and didst cause it to take
deep root, and it filled the land."— Psalm So: 8-9.
The Centennial Fourth was celebrated with great spirit, and with
the usual cannonry and bell-ringing at sunrise, noon and sunset. In
the morning there was a parade by the fire department, military com-
WASHINGTON'S CHAIR,
asbrouck family.
panies, veteran soldiers and many societies. Exercises were after-
ward held at Washington's Headquarters, consisting of vocal and
instrumental music, the reading of the Declaration of Independence
by Major E. C. Boynton, an oration by Hon. A. J. Thomson of
Schenectady, and a poem by Mr. J. Owen Moore, of Washington-
ville. In the evening a fireworks exhibition was given on the City
Terrace, at the head of South Street.
CELEBRATIONS OF 1883.
The great Revolutionary centennials, commencing with that
of Lexington and followed during the course of eight years by cele-
brations at Bunker Hill, Philadelphia, Stony Point, Saratoga, York-
town and other places, were brought to a close by a series of celebra-
tions at Newburgh and its vicinity, where the closing scenes of the
Revolution were enacted. The centennial of the proclamation of the
cessation of hostilities was the first. The 19th of April was observed
as a holiday in Newburgh, and Mayor Ward issued a proclamation.
At noon a salute from Washington's Headquarters was fired and an-
swered by salutes from West Point and Fishkill Landing ; the church
bells rang out in glad acclaim, and many steam whistles joined in the
great rejoicing. In the afternoon the Tenth Separate Company, Cap-
tain Joseph M. Dickey, made a street parade. In the evening fires
were burning on the Beacons, on Breakneck, the Storm King and
Snake Hill. The Tenth Separate Company gave a banquet at the
United States Hotel, Captain Joseph M. Dickey, presiding, and ad
dresses were deUvered by Judge Monell, E. M. Ruttenber, Hon.
Joel T. Headley, Rev. Dr. Forsyth, Major E. C. Boynton, J
Hervey Cook and Hon. James G. Graham. These exercises were sup-
plemented by an additional commemoration of a religious character
on the ensuing Sabbath, held at the Newburgh Armory, in charge of
the clergymen of the city. Though the day was stormy several
thousand people were present. The Rev. Dr. William K. Hall pre-
sided, and made an address. JIayor Ward, the Common Council,
nearly all of the clergymen of the city, members of the Newburgh
and Fishkill centennial committees and others occupied seats on the
platform. The large audience sang hymns, led by a choir of a hun-
dred voices and a brass band. The Rev. Dr. Forsyth offered prayer,
the Rev. Samuel Carlisle read Scripture passages, another prayer was
offered by the Rev. W. H. Mickle ; the Rev. Dr. O. Applegate and the
Rev. Arthur Jones made addresses ; Dr. Hall read the Revolutionary
army's great anthem, " No King but God," and various other clergj--
men had a part in the exercises.
Saturday, June 2, there was a memorable observance in the
Village of Fishkill, across the river from this city. The village was
gaily decorated. Business was entirely suspended. There was a
procession, including thirty-eight yoimg ladies in a representation of
the States; also music, addresses and a general rejoicing.
On June 22, a celebration was held at Temple Hill, New Wind-
sor, on the old campground of the army where so many memorable
events occurred. Several thousand people assembled there, including
the veterans of the 124th Regiment. Patriotic addresses were made
b}' Hon. James G. Graham, Judge E. L. Fancher, E. M. Ruttenber,
General George H. Sharpe, Hon. C. H. Winfield and William Van-
amee, Esq., of Middletown. A long letter from Judge Monell was
read, Clarence F. Buhler read a poem, and the people sang Billings'
anthem.
The Newburgh Centennial, the greatest of all the Revolutionary
celebrations, occurred October 18, 1883. Two years had been spent
in preparation, and Congress, the Legislature and the Common
Council had made liberal appropri-
ations. When the sun looked over
the Fishkill mountains that memor-
able morning, the North Atlantic
Squadron of five men-of-war lying
in the bay had just shaken the
city to its foundations with its
tremendous guns. Again at eight
o'clock windows rattled and the
houses shook with the concussions
of the great guns as they proclaim-
ed the arrival of the Tallapoosa
with the Secretary of War. The
day had hardly dawned ere thous-
ands of people began to flock into
the city, by railway trains, road-
wagons and steamboats. Thous-
ands upon thousands were landed
by the ferryboats. A multitude
was surging about the ferry-house
at Fishkill for hours, the people
accumulating faster than the boats
could transport them over the river.
The railroads brought thousands
into the union depot at Newbvirgh,
and up to eleven o'clock about
twenty-five excursion boats had
arrived. The river-front was lined
with steamers from Sherman's
Dock to the coal docks, and
anchored in the stream were the men-of-war and numerous yachts.
The day was very propitious, and so full and ample were the
preparations by the Centennial Committee that everything passed off
in a satisfactory manner, to the great delight and pleasure of a vast
number of people. Newburgh never looked handsomer or appeared
MARTHA WASHINGTON'S WATCH
ng with
before he
m
rriage with
and was
^or
by her for
including
the
period of h
cy of the
Hea
dquarlers b
her husba
nd.
Its authen
questiona
ble,
butthecas
of "Brida
Watch ■• attac
fiction.
Ma
rtha Custis
NEWBURGH
45
to better advantage. So profuse and beautiful were the decorations
that the city seemed one mass of brilHant color, and here and there
was an outburst that almost dazzled the beholder and made him think
of scenes in fairyland. For days before the place had a holiday
appearance, giving evidence of what might be expected on the great
day, when the greatest anticipations were not disappointed.
The procession was a magnificent pageant, and the general verdict
was that a finer parade of mixed organizations of the same number
of men had never been seen in this countr)-. The military bodies
were the best the States afforded, and were supplemented by the
splendid naval brigade, and as fine a division of firemen as ever
dragged a machine. There were fully forty bands, including several
of the most famous in the country, and nearly a score of drum corps.
The procession approached three miles in length and required about an
hour and a half to pass a given point. The line formed in Broadway
and the side streets, between Golden and Dubois, and started at 11.50.
The last of the procession did not pass Grand Street going down
Broadway till 1.05 p. m. The head of the column, then passing south
in Grand Street, was out on Broadway again two minutes after. The
corner was cleared just in time. In other words the moving column
extended from the corner down Broadway, through Golden and Water
Streets to Grand, and back southward in Grand Street to Broadway
again — this in the early portion of the parade, when the bodies were
moving close together.
ORDER OF PROCESSION.
Company of New York City Police.
Grand Marshal, Charles H. Weygant.
H. P. Ramsdell, Chief of Staff.
Aids:
Thomas W. Bradley
J. Owen Moore,
Charles E. Snyder,
J. D. Mabie,
N. H. Schram,
James Heard,
Clark B. Galatian,
Buglers, Color Bearers i
Dr. John Deyo,
William H. Kelly,
John A. McDonnell,
Frederick Decker,
Charles Mapes,
James W. Benedict,
Seneca W. Merritt.
. Orderlies.
FIRST DIVISION.
Marshal, Brigadier-General Louis Fitzgerald.
Staff, Bugler and Orderlies.
Seventh Regiment, N. G. S. N. Y., of New York City, 700 men.
Cappa's Seventh Regiment Band, 55 pieces.
Drum and Bugle Corps, 30 pieces.
Col. Emmons Clark and Stafi. Lieut.-Col. George Moore Smith. Major
Richard Allison.
Company C— Captain Don Alonzo Pollard.
Company B— Captain Henry S. Steel.
Company G— Captain James C. Abrams.
Company A— Captain Augustus W. Connor.
Company I— Captain William C. Casey.
Company E— Captain George B. Rhodes,
Company H— Captain James L. Price.
Company K— Captain Francis W. Bacon.
Company F— Captain Daniel Appleton.
Company D— Captain \V. H. Kipp.
Uniformed Seventh Regiment Veteran BattaHon, 350 men.
8th Regiment Band, 40 pieces.
Colonel Locke W. Winchester.
Lieutenant-Colonel Charles B. Bostwick.
Major John H. Kemp.
Company A— Captain Henry I. Hayden.
Company B— Captain John C. Griffing.
Company C— Captain John W. Murray.
Company D— Captain William H. Riblet.
Company E— Captain Wm. A. Speaight.
Company P— Captain Edward O. Bird.
Company G— Captain Lyman Tiffany.
Company H— Captain Henry C. Shumway.
Company I— Captain Edward G. Arthur.
Company K— Captain James Ray.
Officers of day and distinguished guests in 50 carriages.
Peter Ward, Mayor of Newburgh, Chairman of the Committee in Charge.
Hon. Joel T. Headley, President Washington's Headquarters Commission.
Hon. Thomas F. Bayard, Presiding Officer.
Hon. Wm. M. Evarts, Orator.
Mr. Wallace Bruce, Poet.
Rev. S. Irenaeus Prime, D. D., Chaplain.
Hon. William E. Chandler, Secretary of the Navy.
Hon. Grover Cleveland, Governor of New York, and Staff.
Hon. Augustus O. Bourn, Governor of Rhode Islrnd, and Staff.
Major-General Carr and Staff.
Major-General Shaler and Staff.
Members of the Joint Congressional Committee, viz.:
Hon. Lewis Beach, Hon. Warner Miller, Hon. J. H. Ketcham,
Hon. Joseph R. Hawley, Hon. A. G. Curtin,
Hon. Amos Townsend.
Brevet Major-General W. D. Whipple, A. A. G.
Major Asa B. Gardner, Judge Advocate, and
Captain G. S. L. Ward, Aide-de-Camp,
of General Hancock's Staff.
Common Council of City of Newburgh.
Delegates Society of the Cincinnati and 100 distinguished guests
SEGOND DIVISION.
B. B. Moore,
Augustus Senior,
Albert N. Chambers,
G. Gartzman, M. D.,
G. Fred Wiltsie,
J. S. Wiseman,
E. A. Brown,
Kelsey Fullagar,
James Ogden,
John A. Staples.
Battalion of 5th U. S. Artillery, dismounted.
Governor's Island Band.
Brevet Brigader-General R. H. Jackson, commanding.
Company A— Captain and Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel B. Beck.
Company B— Captain N. E. Van Reed.
Company I-Captain G. W. Crabb.
Company M— Captain G. V. Wier.
Naval Brigade, from North Atlantic Squadron, 800 men.
Marine Band, 20 pieces.
Pioneer Corps.
Commander A. V. Reed, U. S. N., commanding.
Lieutenant C. E. Callahan, U. S. N., Adjutant-General.
Marine Battalion— Captain W. S. Muse, U. S. N., Commanding.
Infantry Battalion (Sailors)— Lieut. R. P Rodgers, U. S. N., commanding.
Artillery Battalion— Lieut. G. W. Tyler, U. S. N., commanding.
Rear-Admiral G. H. Cooper, staff and officers of fleet, in carriages.
Tenth Separate Company, of Newburgh, 40 men.
Tenth Regiment Band, of Albany, 24 pieces.
Captain J. M. Dickey, commanding.
Putnam Phalanx Battalion, of Hartford, 125 men.
Battalion Drum Corps, 14 pieces.
Alvin Squires, Major, commanding, and staff.
First Company— Captain C. A. Case.
Second Company — Captain Joseph Warner.
Honorary Corps- Captain J. W. Welch.
Nineteenth Separate Co., N. G. S. N. Y., of Poughkeepsie, 60 men.
Drum Corps.
Captain Haubennestel, commanding.
Twenty-third Regiment, N. G. S. N. Y., of Brooklyn, 550 men.
Twenty-third Regiment Band, 50 pieces.
Fife and Bugle Corps, 20 pieces.
Colonel Rodney C. Ward and Staff. Lieutenant Colonel J. B. Frothingham.
Major C. L Fincke.
Company G-Captain Alfred H. Williams.
Company E— Captain Arthur Guthrie.
Company H— Captain Alexis C. Smith.
Company K— Captain Charles E. Waters.
Company F— Captain George H. Pettit.
Company B— First Lieutenant Willard L. Candee.
Company C— Captain Ezra De Forest.
Company A — Captain Arthur B. Hart.
Company D— Captain Darius Ferrv.
Third Regt., N. G. S. N. J. (Garfield Legion), EHzabeth, N. J., 400 men.
Third Regiment Band, 25 pieces.
Colonel E. H. Ropes and Staff. Lieut.-Colonel M. N. Oviatt. Major A. B. Lee.
Company A — Captain G. C. Amerod.
Company B-Captain J. V. Allstroon.
Company D— Captain John D. Stroud.
Company C— Captain W. H. DeHart.
Company G— Captain O. S. Stanhope.
Company E, Seventh N. J., 70 men— Captain .\. J. Buck. Temporarily attached
to Third New Jersey Regiment.
46
NEWBURGH
Cadet Battalion of the Peekskill (N.Y.) Military Academy, 125 strong.
Drum Corps.
Colonel \Yright commanding.
THIRD DIVISION.
Marshal, Edward D. Hayt.
C. L. Waring, Chief of StafiE.
Aids:
Wm. T. Peters, Edward Whelan,
John Smith, W. H. Van Sciver,
Edward Stocker, F. H. Slason,
M. V. Waring, C. P. Wells.
Thirteenth Regiment, N. G. S. N. Y., of Brooklj-n, 600 men.
Dodworth's Thirteenth Regiment Band, 50 pieces.
Drum and Bugle Corps, 30 pieces.
Colonel David E. Austin and Staff, Lieutenant-Col. Theodore B. Gates.
Major W. B. Tyson.
Regimental Veteran Corps, Col. Willoughby Powell.
Company G— Captain William L. Watson.
Company H— Captain C. P Kretchmar.
Company D— Captain Edward Fackner.
Company I-Captain James S. Manderville.
Company K— Captain George B. Squires.
Company F— Captain William H. Courtney.
Company C— Captain F B. S. Morgan.
Company A— Captain Wm. L. Collins.
Company D— First Lieut. D. M. D.
Company B— Captain Ed. M. Smith.
13th Regiment Battery, Captain G. W. Corcoran.
Fifth Separate Company, of Ne%vbiu-gh, 60 men.
Moscow's Newburgh City Band, 16 pieces.
Fife and Drum Corps, 12 pieces.
Captain J. T. Chase, commanding.
Co. H, Seventy-first Regt., N. G. S. N. Y., of New York City, 60 men.
Capta
Fifteenth Separate Company, of Poughkeepsie, 40 men.
Drum Corps.
Captain Berthold Meyers, commanding.
Eleventh Separate Company, of Mount Vernon, 40 men.
Mount Vernon Band, 15 pieces.
Captain J. M. Jarvis, commanding.
Fourth Separate Company, of Yonkers, 40 men.
Captain Isaiah Frazier, commanding.
Twenty-third Separate Company, of Hudson, 60 men.
Drum Corps, 18 men.
Captain E. R. Elting, commanding.
G. A. R. BRIGADE.
Assistant Marshal, W. H. Mickle.
Staff— D. L. Kidd, George Barber, W. T. Talmadge,
Egbert Lewis.
Ellis Post, No. 52, of Newburgh, So men.
Tottenville Band, 19 pieces.
W. H. Mills, commanding.
Uniformed Delegates, 120 men.
Rankin Post, No. 10, of Brooklyn, 150 men.
14th Regiment Band, 20 pieces.
J. H. Walker, commanding.
Delegates from other Posts, 100 men.
Harry Lee Post, No. 21, BrookljTi, 60 men.
Drum Corps, 35 pieces.
J. R. McNaughton, commanding.
Delegates from other Posts, 40 men.
Howland Post, No 4S, of Fishkill, 24 men.
Stephen Price, commanding.
Carroll Post, No. 279, of Port Jer\ds, 75 men.
Emmett's Band of 18 pieces.
Sol. Van Etten, commanding.
Pratt Post, No. 127, of Kingston, 150 men.
Post Drum Corps.
R. W. Anderson, commanding.
George G. Meade Post, No. — , of Brooklyn, X. Y., 100 men.
Abram Vosburgh Post, No. gs, of Peekskill, 75 men.
Band.
W. A Sipperly, commanding,
Waldron Post, No. S2, of Nyack, 60 men.
Band.
Louis L. Robbins, commanding. Accompanied by Commander W. H.
Myers and 20 men from Silliman Post, No. 172.
John Hancock Post, No. 253, of N5-ack, 40 men.
Band.
George F. Morse, commanding.
J. H. Ketcham Post, No. 88, of Wappingers Falls, 40 men.
Band.
James Fenton, commanding.
First Company, Washington Continental Guards, N. Y. City, 24 men
Drum Corps, 12 pieces.
Independent Veteran Volunteers, of Poughkeepsie, 20 men.
Captain W. Platto, commanding.
Veterans of the 124th N. Y. S. Volunteers.
FOURTH DIVISION.
Marshal, John R. Post.
Chief of staff, E. R. Hasbrouck.
Aids:
G. W. Townsend. Ward Belknap.
West Point Band, 30 pieces.
Knights Templar Battalion.
Hudson River Commandery No. 35, K. T., of Newburgh.
Commander, Eminent Sir Knight J. Searle; 100 men.
Poughkeepsie Commandery, No. 43, K. T., of Poughkeepsie.
Commander, Eminent Sir Knight A. F. Lindley; 50 men.
Knights of Pythias Battalion.
Albany Uniformed Division, No. 2, of Albany.
Commander, Sir Knight M. J. Severence ; 60 men.
lona Uniformed Division, of Haverstraw.
Commander, Sir Knight Alonzo Bedell; 51 men.
Odd Fellows Battalion.
Brooklyn Uniformed Degree, Camp No. 2.
Commander Sidney S. Rowland; 65 men.
Washington Uniformed Degree, No. 10, of New York City,
Commander Lewis Noltej 40 men.
Highland Falls Lodge, No. 429, of Highland Falls.
John F. Tucker, N. G.; 40 men.'
Cornwall Lodge, No. 340, of Cornwall.
Henry Reveley, N. G.; 25 men.
MisceUaneous Societies.
German Mannerchor of Newburgh.
Theo. Ramstedt, President; 40 men.
Juvenile Temperance Association of Newburgh; 80 strong
George W. Bradley, President.
FIFTH DIVISION.
Marshal, Chief Engineer Nicholas Powell.
Staff:
Assistant Engineers of Newburgh Fire Department.
Visiting Companies.
Sixth Battery Band, of Binghamton.
Alert Hose Company, No. 2, of Binghamton.
J. W. Butler, Foreman; 50 men.
Erie Cornet Band, of Port Jervis.
Delaware Hose Company, No. 2, of Port Jer\'is.
E. B. Wilkinson, Foreman; 40 men.
V. M. C. A. Band of Yonkers.
Lady Washington Hose Company, No. 2, of Yonkers.
James McVicar, Foreman; 75 men.
Yonkers Brass Band; 15 pieces.
Hudson Hose Company, No. 4, of Yonkers.
Benjamin Cline, Foreman; 40 men.
Peekskill Comet Band,
Courtland Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, of Peekskill,
Charles R. Swain, Foreman; 45 men.
North Tarrytown Fire Patrol, of North Tarrytown.
NEWBURGH.
47
Tarrytown Cornet Band; 17 pieces-
Pocantico Hook and Ladder Company, No. — , of Tarrytown
John P. Kelly, Foreman; 40 men.
Rhinebeck Brass Band, 14 pieces.
O. H. Booth Hose Company, No 2, o£ Poughkeepsie,
E. O. Caldwell Foreman ; 60 men.
Hurley Brass Band, of Kingston.
Kingston Hose Company, No. 2, of Kingston.
H. A. Burgan, Foreman.
Goeller's Band, 14 pieces.
Weber Hose Company, No. 3, of Rondout. •
R. P. Carter, Foreman; 27 men.
Band.
Protection Hose Company, No. i, of Catskill,
Spencer C. Phillips, Foreman; 30 men.
Washington Hose Company, No 3, of Newburgh,
Henry Scott, Foreman,
NEWBURGH FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Montgomery Band, of Montgomery, N. Y.
Brewster Hook and Ladder Company No. i, of Newburgh,
Wm. W. Boyd, Foreman.
71st Regiment Band, of New York.
Ringgold Hose Company No. i, of Newburgh,
John Ernest, Jr., Foreman.
2ist Regiment Band, of Poughkeepsie.
C. M. Leonard Steamer Company, No. 2, of Newburgh,
C. S. McKissock, Foreman.
Piano's Band, of Fishkill,
Columbian Hose Company, No. 2, of Newburgh.
J. H. R. Strachan, Foreman.
Jlillerton Band, of Millerton.
Highland Steamer Company, No. 3, of Newburgh,
H. C. Mellor, Foreman.
Eastman's College Band, of Poughkeepsie.
Chapman Hose Company, No. 4, of Newburgh,
Thomas H. Burke, Foreman.
Collins' Band, of Newburgh.
Washington Steamer Company, No. 4, of Newburgh,
Alex. J. Blitt, Foreman.
Cline's Albany City Band, of Albany.
Lawson Hose Company, No. 5, of Newburgh,
D. C. Cameron Foreman.
Grand-Stands were placed at intervals along the route. The
reviewing stand was in front of the Court House, in Grand Street, and
when the procession arrived there the distinguished guests left their
carriages and entered the stand, all the bodies saluting when they
passed.
After the parade exercises were held at the Headquarters.
ORDER OF EXERCISES.
I Introductory Overture— " William Tell ". ...Cappa's 7th Regt. Band.
2. Assemblage called to order by Hon. Peter Ward, Mayor.
3. Prayer Rev. S. Irenasus Prime, D. D.
4. Te Deum, "We Praise Thee, O God," by Dudley Buck. Grand Cho-
rus by 500 Voices and Band.
5. Introduction by United States Senator Thomas F. Bayard, President
of the afternoon.
6. " Hail Columbia " Chorus and Band.
7. Reading of a Poem (.original) "The Long Drama from '76 to '83."
Wallace Bruce.
8. (a) Music by Cappa's Band.
(d) Chorus, "No King but God."
g. Oration Hon. William M. Evarts.
10. Benediction Rev. Dr. John Forsyth, of Newburgh.
11. March Cappa's Band.
At night occurred a magnificent fireworks displajr from floats in
the river. Many additional excursion boats had aiTived early in the
evening, and the bay was filled with craft. The men-of-war and the
yachts were brilliantly decorated with colored lights, and besides set
off a great number of fireworks, thus supplementing the prescribed
exhibition. A large portion of the population viewed the spectacle
from the balconies and windows of their homes, while others congre-
gated on the nouse-tops down town and on the steamboats. The
chorus ot steamboat whistles on this occasion will long be remembered
by those who heard it.
The celebration was in charge of a committee of five — Mayor
Ward, ex-Mayor J. J. S. McCroskery, Hon. Joel T. Headley, Hon.
John C. Adams and Hon. M. H. Hirschberg, with Dr. R. V. K.
Montfort as clerk ; and under their directions were several sub-com-
mittees. Congress appropriated §25,000, the Legislatm-e SiS.ooo, the
Common Council about $7,500, and citizens subscribed about $5,000.
Thirty-five thousand dollars was reserved for a monument at Wash-
ington's Headquaters.
The press of the whole country, with one accord, complimented
Newburgh for " the most successful and the finest of all the centennial
celebrations." We quote a few of their expressions:
JVe7e^ York Observer — " The Committee of Arrangements had
been hard at work for many months in making preparations, and
their energy, wisdom and patriotism were fully rewarded by a
magnificent celebration, and a perfect success, not an accident having
occurred, and no failure in anything having marked the admirably
arranged program."
Ne-u.1 York Sun — " The procession was a very remarkable one in
its length, order and beauty. The oldest New Yorkers never saw
anything that they
think excelled it.
General Hawley,
of Hartford, said
he never saw any-
thing like it."
New 1 'ork Com-
mercial Ad7'ertzs-
rr— "The fire pa-
rade was the finest
ever seen in this
section."
The New York
Herald—" It was
a glorious day, and
the little city on the
Hudson had as fine
a military turnout
in its streets as has
been seen any-
where in the coun-
try this great while.
* * * * Though
perfected slowly,
the arrangement
of the procession
was skillfully car-
ried out, and after
the start was once
made there was
not the slightest
hitch."
New York Mail
and Express —
"The Newburgh
Centennial was a
perfect and mag-
nificent success.
The day was glor-
ious; the attendance was immense; the parade was splendid; the ar-
rangements were judicious and well carried out; the pageant was a
worthy culmination of a long series cf centennials, and the oration, by
Mr. Evarts, w-as a great effort, both as a historical review of a most
interesting and touching episode in the history of Washington and of
the country, and as a grand oratorical display."
New York Star—" The account of the celebration given elsewhere
tells with what spirit and zeal the people of Newburgh worked up
and carried out one of the most interesting and successful of our
centennial celebrations."
Hudson Register — " Newburgh has been drawn upon to its utmost
limits, and has proved equal to the emergency. The narrow streets
and narrower pavements are packed with a moving, surging throng
of human beings, but the utmost order prevails, and there is little
BOOT OF ONE
OF RIEDESEL
S DRAGOONS— (h
ESSIANS)
A
Washington's
Headquarters.
The man was
taken prisoner at Saratoga in
1777.
He
traveled on
foot with othe
prisoners on the
ir wa
to
Easton, Pa.
wearing boot
s of which this
s one
as
far as Middlehope (North
Newburgh), whe
e he
ex-
changed th
m for a lighte
pair.
N E W B U K G H
work for the large police force brought into requisition as a precau-
tionary measure."
Brooklyn Eagle — "Yesterday's celebration at Newburgh trans-
cended the expectations of the most sanguine in almost every respect.
THE TOWER OF VICTORY.
The crowd that attended the ceremonies immensely overtaxed the
capacity of the little town ; the best of order prevailed ; there was
only one accident worth mentioning ; the pageant was imposing, citi-
zens, soldiery and ships of war contributing all they could to the gen-
eral effect ; and lastly, the orations were excellent. The weather
favored the celebrants generously, and the main regret the thousands
who participated in it could feel was that all their friends could not
share with them the pleasure they felt. It is worth noticing that the
preparations made by the people of Newburgh, and the State and
General Governments, were singularly quiet and unostentatious, and
that the fact greatly exceeded the promise."
Kingston Frcfman—'' The celebration at Newburgh on Thursday
was m no sense a local or even a State affair, but it can fitly be termed
a national demonstration and a glorious commemoration of the cen-
tennial of the Revolutionary War. It was more than a great day for
the city set on a hill, and well may its citizens feel proud of the cele-
bration down to the smallest detail. The most captious critic could
not possibly find even a point to harp on. * * * All honor to the
Committee of five ! All honor to Newburgh's citizens, public and
private ! They undertook an immense undertaking, and how grandly
it was carried out will be a story that will be told again and again,
both by young and old who were there. That the marshals did
their work well, with precision and good judgment, was conceded by
all."
The memorial monument, or "Tower of Victory," standing on
the northeast corner of the Headquarters' ground at Newburgh, is
the result of a movement which was originated in the years 1S80-S1,
the primal design of which was to mark by a fitting monument not
only that spot, but also the encampment grounds at New Windsor
and those at Fishkill. This design, however, was subsequently
changed to a single monument at Newburgh which should commem-
orate the whole, and with this conclusion the matter was placed
in the hands of a committee of Congress and the Secretary of
War, who approved plans submitted by Mr.
Maurice J. Power, of New York, drawn
by Mr. John H. Duncan, architect. Some
changes were made in these plans resulting
in the structure as it appears. The dimen-
sions or ground lines of the monument are
3- by 32 feet, with a total height of 53 feet.
The four large archways open into an
atrium and stairways leading into a belve-
dere. In the centre of the atrium is a
bronze statue of Washington, copied from
Houdon's celebrated model by Mr. WiUiam
Rudolph O'Donovan, and is presumed to
be life-size as well as a true ideal of Wash-
ington's person.
Resting in niches on the walls are four
bronze figures representing the four arms
of the service in the army of the Revolution
— the Dragoon, the Artilleryman, the
Rifleman and the Line Officer — which
are claimed to be dressed in exact cos-
tumes of the times. Four large bronze
gates bearing seals and coats-of-arms of
the thirteen original States guard the
approach to the atrium, and are raised
and lowered by portcullis. A bronze tab-
let is set on the exterior east wall with
a figure of Peace in relief. It bears this
inscription; "This monument was erected
under the authority of the Congress of the
United States, and of the State of New
York, in commemoration of the dis-
bandment, under proclamation of the
Continental Congress of October iS, 17S3,
of the armies by whose patriotic and miU-
tary virtue our National Independence and
■ignty were established." The total cost of the monument was
GOV. GEORGE CLINTON.
LOCATION AND SURROUNDINGS.
Advantages of Newburgh's Situation — Highland Terrace — Contributing
District and Neighboring Villages — Beautiful Drives — Nature's
Handiwork — Historical Associations and Legends.
'W
EWBURGH is situated on the margin of the Hudson,
on the face of its western bank — which rises from the
water in wide terraces — and on the plain to which the
terraces ascend. It presents a beautiful appearance
from the water, or opposite shore, especially when
lighted up by the morning sun, or by countless lamps
at night. The natural scenery about Newburgh has
an aspect of mingled grandeur and beauty, peculiar and unrivaled.
Before the city is the lofty range of the Fishkill Jlountains, on which
signal fires were lighted during the Revolution, and the group of the
Highlands through which the river flows. These are re-
flected in the broad and beautiful bay, broken by one soli-
tary rock island, and at all times animated by water craft.
The city is sixty miles from the mouth of the Hudson,
and one hundred from the head of navigation. Its harbor
is the best on the river, which is here a mile and a quarter
wide, with a deep and clear channel from shore to shore.
The whole length of the river front is lined with docks.
main turnpikes, from all parts of Orange and the adjoining counties
concentrate here, and are interlaced with innumerable subordinate
highways. Two score of villages are within contributing distance,
and a thickly settled farming country. Directly across the river are
two important manufacturing villages, Fishkill and Matteawan;
southward on the river are Cornwall, Cold Spring, West Point and
Highland Falls; and northward, also on or very near the river, are
Carthage Landing, New Hamburgh. Marlborough, Milton and
Wappingers Falls — all within
Numerous steamboats connect
^ GRAND AVENUE.
The largest ships that enter New York Harbor may have an
unobstructed and unchanging channel up the Hudson to New-
burgh Bay. Along the western bank, from Kingston south, a dis-
tance of ninety miles, the Palisades, the Highlands, and the
precipitous nature of the shore elsewhere, afford no advantageous
sites for large towns, except at Newburgh; and the flats, character-
istic of the east shore, and the unfavorable nature of the bank, are
obstructions to the buildmg of large commercial towns on that side.
Newburgh is the chief city of Orange County— a district famed
for its butter and milk, horses and cattle— and the largest commercial
and manufacturing city between New York and Albanv. A dozen
twelve miles of Newburgh.
with every other city, and with
almost every village, on the river,
some oi the craft being engaged
exclusively in the Newburgh
trade.
Besides being located on tide-
water, Newburgh is an import-
ant railroad center, having the
advantages derived from five
great inter-State routes, and the
lesser benefits of two or three
smaller roads.
The city is very compactly
built, with few breaks in the
blocks of buildings in the main
portion. The houses are mainly
constructed of brick. The place
has a solid, substantial and en-
terprising appearance.
In the immediate suburbs, just
outside of the legal boundary
lines, which, though outgrown,
have not been extended since the
lULorporation of the village in
I -'uo, is a large and wealthy popu-
lation, inhabiting charming
country-seats, with ample
grounds prettily ornamented.
Beyond is a g^eat farming
country, where the deep, warm soil is highly cultivated and pro-
ductive. Near the river fruit-growing is the principal business of
the farmers ; elsewhere dairjang receives the most attention.
The mountain formations south and west of us have been Ukened
to Nature's arm thrown lovingly around us. Willis said they ap-
peared to him " like a waving arm — like a gestiu'e from Nature, and
an invitation to come in and look around )-ou." It is the section
mainly within the curve of this bent arm, a ten-mile plain that was
years ago named " Highland Terrace," which we will attempt to de-
scribe in this chapter The terrace we speak of has an average
elevation of one hundred and twentv feet above the Hudson. Except
[49]
50
NEWBURGH
where villages clot its broad expanse, it is divided into well-ordered
farms, with walls and fences in good repair, roads hard and smooth,
the orchards full, neat capacious houses, and ample barns, and
the whole section quite rid of angularity, and having the graceful-
ness of a long-settled country. The drives are varied and beautiful,
and a curious as well as a picturesque feature of the landscape,
GLEN
is the multiplicity of deep glens. They are formed by the many
streams that cross the plateau — and the river into which they
empty being far below the level of the country, they have grad-
ually worn beds much deeper than the ordinary stream. At every
mile or so you will come to a sudden descent into a richly-wooded
vale, having visions of beauty everywhere, a winding brook at the
bottom, and romantic recesses, with a glimpse of —
•The
■ that mi
; stops on the i
so grandly along,
: to ripple a song."
From every little rise of the road, you must remember, the broad
bosom of the Hudson is seen, with the mountains in the background.
Any lover of nature will understand to what degi-ee sunsets and
sunrises and moonlights are embellished by such surroundings.
Along the river, with land highly priced for ornamental residences,
are some of the smoothest as well as the most romantically beautiful
of drives. It is a tempting trip along any of them when the hills
throw their afternoon shade.
For our first excursion let us drive directly northward, where we
have the choice of two lovely suburban roads, which, running through
the city only two hundred feet apart, touch each other at the city
line, then again two miles further on at the Balmville Tree, and
finally unite, after running parallel for five miles, on the farther side
of Cedar Hill. Both are wide and smooth, and lined all the way
with country-seats, with their green lawns and commanding river
vistas. Let us enter one of these Newburgh homes. The open gate
admits us to the smooth avenue. We have glimpses of an arbor
vitse hedge, a small and exquisite lawn — rare and flowering trees,
and bushes bey<md — a lustrous and odorous thicket, a gleam of the
river below — "a feeling" of the mountains across the river. The
grounds, though comprised of but five acres, are laid out in a large stj-lc,
that greatly enhances their apparent extent. A portion of the city
lies at the bottom of the hill, between the garden and the river, and
there is a road at the foot of the garden. But so skilfully are the
trees arranged that all suspicions of town and road are removed.
The enchanted visitor sees only the garden ending in the thicket,
which is so dextrously trimmed as to reveal the loveliest glimpses of
the river, each a picture in its frame of foliage, but which is not low
enough to betray the presence of road or town. An extensive walk
exhibits a complete botanical circuit of plants arranged in a scientific
manner — a rock-work for Alpine plants, a hot-house for superb tropi-
cal plants, and a pond for an aquarium, in which the water lilies and a
number of the aquatic plants are thriving. The house is externally
simple, but extremely elegant ; indeed its chief impression is that of
elegance. It is an EHzabethan style, designed to prove that a beau-
tiful, durable and convenient mansion could be built as cheaply as a
poor and tasteless temple. The house and its grounds are in con-
formity with the sun'ounding landscape, and in obedience to the
truest taste.
Continuing on our way, we pass the site of Weigand's old log
house, where General Wayne had his headquarters ; and farther on
Hathaway Glen — where a brook tumbles down successive rocks
through a magnificent gorge — and other little vales where rippling
waters flow. Two miles north of the cit)' is the Balm of Gilead,
which is certainly the oldest inhabitant. It is the largest tree in all
the country round, being nearly twenty-five feet in circumference.
There is a tradition that the old monarch was once only a drover's
gad, which, being stuck in the ground, took root. It is soft wood,
of the kind that grows from the shp. One day an old Middlehope
preacher came along, and seeing the slender rod growing there.
THE BALM OF GILEAD TREE.
thought it wovild make a good gad. So he stopped his horse, and cut
off the entire stock, and used it to enliven the movements of his nag.
The old tree is a hub where several roads concentrate. One
comes in from the northwest, from New Paltz, Plattekill, Modena, and
NEWBURGH
51
Fostertown, bordered all the way by fine farms, mainly growing
fruit. Another goes northward through Middlehope, past Cedar
Hill Cemetery, and through the thriving villages of Marlborough and
Milton, This is the principal highway through one of the best fruit
districts in the land. It is a prosperous section where many varie-
ties of fruit originated with men foremost in pomology-. It is
remarkable to see the long trains of wagons laden with fruit going
down to the wharves to meet the evening boats, just as in other sec-
tions hundreds of loads of milk go down to the railroad stations and
wharves.
Another road from the Balmville hub runs over the hill past the
Convent of the Sacred Heart, situated on a commanding eminence.
Our drive goes along the river-shore on the edge of the Terrace, be-
tween rows of green hedges and pretty country places. After a long
but gradual descent to the margin of the river, we come to Roseton,
where several large brickyards have almost destroyed the natural at-
tractions of a once pretty cove. That green point a bit beyond, jut-
ting into the river like a shapely index finger, is the Danskammer,
which marks the northern extent of Newburgh Bay. Its wild
attractiveness is somewhat marred by the railroads, but otherwise it
is as Nature made it. Here the native Indians for many generations
before the white man came met together to supplicate the Great
Spirit. Its name signifies the devil's dance chamber. Before start-
ing on expeditions the painted savages met here, built a
fire, and danced about, shouting and making strange con-
tortions. To the early settlers they seemed like hideous
devils. They worshipped here in this rude way for near-
ly a hundred )fears after the discovery of the Hudson.
Not far away in a field on the hill, years ago, a farmer
came to sow, and found a female form beautiful in death;
her silken hair damp with the dew of the i^Iay morning,
her white hands clasped over her brow, her pretty neck
marked with the prints of ruthless fingers. In the plowed
ground were the marks of footsteps, and by the fence the
track of a wagon's turning. Among all the country folks
none had seen that face before, nor could they find a trace
of him who left in their peaceful community the speech-
less evidence of a crime.
Southward from Newburgh extend several other broad
highways which split into feeders every few miles. One
of these, after passing through a manufacturing district,
crosses Quassaick Creek at its mouth. This creek is the
southern boundary of the city, and has a dozen mills and
factories on its banks from Orange Lake to the river.
Near its mouth it flows through a deep valley called the
Vale of Avoca. From a small glen a mile west of the
river the chasm widens and deepens as you follow the
course of the stream. The south bank sweeps ofE into a
semi-circle, but again crowds against the creek just before
its union with the Hudson. The banks on either side are
over a hundred feet high and precipitous. To one passing
the mouth of the stream in a boat the sides of the chasm
once presented a gloomy pass, just wide enough for the water,
railroad tracks run along its sides and cross the creek; but eve
changes cannot wholly deface its olden charms.
It was here an attempt was made to capture Washington while he
had his headquarters at New Windsor village. In this vale lived a
man named Ettrick. The tide set up close to his dwelUng in those
days, and a boat could be launched and reach the Hudson in five
minutes. This Ettrick professed to be a warm patriot, but those who
knew him best looked on him with suspicion. This man and this
spot were selected to effect Washington's capture. The plan pro-
posed was to have a boat ready, and a party of Tories secreted in the
wood near by when Washington should be in\nted to dinner. His
daughter overheard a conversation that exposed this plot, and in-
formed Washington of her suspicions, and begged him not to accept
the invitation of her father to dinner. The dinner hour was to be
late, so that it would be dark before the meal was over. Then the
seizure was to be effected, and the captive borne off to the bosom
of the Hudson. The boat, manned by strong rowers, would easily
have reached the English vessels below West Point before Washing-
ton would be missed. Instead of declining the invitation, he accepted
it, but in the mean time ordered a detachment of his life guard to
march to the place just at evening, and present themselves at the
door. While Ettrick was engaged in conversation with his distin-
guished guest, he heard their footsteps and the low command of
their leader, and supposing them to be the detachment of Tories, he
rose and laying his hand on Washington's shoulder, said;
" I believe. General, you are my prisoner."
" I believe not, sir, but you are mine," was the reply, as the life
guard closed around him.
He was immediately marched oft" and locked up.
A mile below the vale we pass through the ancient village of New
Windsor, a little collection of houses on the river-shore. The place
is now given over to brick-making, but before and during the Revo-
lution it was an important trading village. Its importance then
exceeded Newburgh's, and it was predicted it would become the chief
city of the central-Hudson valley. A large town was mapped out,
and the work of the projectors may be traced in the few remain-
ing streets, but it has its principal existence in old maps of record. In
this httle hamlet General James Clinton lived after his marriage, and
here his son DeWitt wns cradled. Subsequently James moved to his
Now
these
VALE OF AVOCA,
father's homestead in Little Britain. On the brow of the hill, on the
east side of the road, stood the old Ellison house, celebrated as
Washington's Headquarters at New Windsor. Washington came to
this place in 1779, and again in 17S0, remaining till the Summer of
1 78 1. When the British expedition passed up the river in 1777
treasure was buried in the soil. On November 12, 1S69, Silas Corwin,
while digging in his brick-yard, near the site of the headquarters,
unearthed a Mexican water-jug, which was placed with the mouth
downward resting on a flat stone. It contained 650 Spanish and
Mexican silver dollars, which were bright and clean. The treasure
was probably buried by someone who died without reveaUng his
secret.
A mile below New Windsor village is Plum Point, a wooded
promontory at the mouth of the Moodna approached over a natural
causeway. On Plum Point m the early part of the war for independ-
ence was erected a battery of fourteen guns, designed to assist in
maintaining obstructions to the navigation of the river which, at this
52
NEWBURGH.
point, consisted of a chevaux-de-frise stretching across to PoUopel's
Island. It was known in official orders as Captain Machin's battery.
Outlines of its embrasures are still visible. In the vicinity of the
battery are the remains of the cellar of the first dwelling-house in
this county. Its owner was Colonel Patrick MacGregorie, a Scotch
gentleman of fortune, who was chosen leader of a company of perse-
cuted Presb\-terians, who emigrated from Scotland and settled on
this beautiful spot. MacGregorie's brother-in-law, David Toshack,
who claimed the title of " Laird of Minivard," opened a store on the
south side of the creek and traded with the Indians. MacGregorie
was appointed muster-general of the militia, and held other official
trusts under the government. He was killed in the Leisler revolution
in New York in 1691. Toshack was buried here, as were other
members of the original coinpany, and ultimately the little settlement
was lost in the shadows of history. All that remains to mark it is
this old excavation.
The northern side of Plum Point is washed by the Moodna (or
Murderer's Creek), a fine clear stream that comes down from the hill
country of Orange County The glen where we cross it is one of
the most picturesque
places hereabouts.
It, too, has its le-
gends, but space for-
bids us telling the
story of the sacrifice
of the noble Indian
Naoman and the
massacre of the
Stacey family. One
of the tributaries of
the Moodna is a
brook that rushes
from the glen at
Idlewild, once the
home of Nathaniel
Parker Willis. In
full view on the brow
of the glen, two
hundred feet above
us, is his cottage.
The whole acclivity
is covered with the
primeval wood. In
this deep glen the
brook flows in
pic-
turesque rapids and
cascades over and among rugged rocks and overhanging trees
and .shrubbery, with a rustic footbridge, the solitary testimony that
man has ever penetrated this wild retreat.
We are now on the skirts i>f Cornwall, where painters come for
landscapes, professional men for exercise and inspiriting intercourse
with nature, and youth for schooling amid pure and ennobling scener5\
There are many summer hotels and boarding houses and fine man-
sions. Our road would take us up the side of Storm King if we
would go and view the whole of Highland Terrace at our feet. Its
summit afff)rds a view of a landscape at once one of the grandest
and most beautiful that can be found in the Union. Rising as it does
abruptly from the plain, the spectator gazing from this height is
placed as it were upon a boundary, a frame of mountains extending
quite round the picture. In this lies the Hudson, swollen into a
lovely expanse of bay, and on either side the fine, cultivated lands of
the rich old river counties — the clustered villages, the neat farm-
houses and the elegant villas gleaming through the foliage that sur-
round them. The soft green of the meadows, the golden hue of the
grain fields, and the darker tints of the forests, the sparkling lustre
of the river and the two small lakes west of Newburgh, which shine
like sheets of silver — all these form a picture such as we may suppose
greeted the eyes of Moses when he looked down upon the promised
land. The valley is also interesting to those who are fond of studying
the wonderful revolutions that have taken place on the face of our
continent, as being the supposed bed of a lake, the southern bound-
ary of which was the Highlands, through which the mass of waters,
ha\'ing burst, found their way to the ocean, leaving the bed of the
lake dry and forming the present channel of the river. Besides the
proofs which the man of science finds in the formation of this valley
— the various deposits, the erratic, rounded boulders scattered over
the plain like huge marbles cast in sport from a giant hand — the ter-
races of the river banks — the chain of mountains bearing witness to
a sudden convulsion — all serve to convince you that you are looking
upon a dry bed of a lake of noble dimensions.
Our road would also take us over Crow Nest's weird mountain,
through a labj-rinth of knolls, past small mountain farms inlanded
among irreclaimable rocks, among them some contrived by hermits
for inextricable privacy. A scion of a proud family after leaving col-
lege expended a small competency In a farm on the ridge. After
building his cottage he sought out a beautiful and poor girl, whoUy
uneducated, married her, and commenced cultivating a \'irgin mind
and a virgin farm, both with success. His wife grew a lady of un-
common dignity and intelligence, and while they passed their even-
ings with books,
their farm and dairy
were models by day-
light. Here you pass
through the f a i r 5-
scenes of the Culprit
Fay's romance of
love and its trials,
and coming out on a
high promontory,
the Hudson, long
hidden, bursts into
view again; and
West Point nestles
at your feet, framed
in the grandest
witcheries of nature
unrestrained.
Let us go back
to the Moodna,
where—
DODNA. A little way up
stands the building
known as his headquarters. After its occupation by La Fayette it
suffered very little change for years, the old stairways and
quaintly-carved mantels being retained. Now tenantless, it is
falling into ruins. The vault m the cellar, wherein it is said
the money obtained under "the Dutch loan" was deposited,
is still in good condition. The valley in which it is situated has an Ar-
cadian quiet and a rare picturesqueness from the ancient pines. It
has a history, too, from other causes than its association with the
name of La Fayette. Just beyond the headquarters, at the foot of
Forge Hill, Deacon Brewster, a Puritan, had a forge, with four fires
and an anchory. The ore used was from the Forest of Dean mines.
Here the chain which Peter Townsend forged at the Sterling Iron
Works was partly put together. Grass-grown mounds cover the
ruins of the old works.
Leaving the valley of the ^loodna, we ascend Forge Hill to the
tablelands of New Wmdsor, and on the old Continental road come
to a picturesque old stone and frame house known as the headquar-
ters of Generals Knox and Gates. The frame portion was erected
by Colonel Thomas Ellison, in 1734, for his son John. The stone
portion was built in 1754, William Bull being the builder. Generals
Knox and Greene and Colonels Biddle and Wadsworth occupied
three rooms in this house during five weeks in June and July, 1779;
General Knox occupied three rooms as military quarters ten weeks in
the fall of the same year; also, from the 20th of November, 1780, to
NEWBURGH
53
the 4th of July, 17S1, two rooms as military quarters ; and from May,
1782. to September, one room, making fourteen weeks. General
Knox was Washington's chief of artillery. Altogether his residence
here covered a period of over one year. The building was subse-
qviently occupied by General Gates— December, 17S2, to April, 1783.
REbiCENcE
OF FRANCi:
Two wide halls extend through the house, one in the main or stcne
portion, and one in the frame part, or wing. In the latter the ceilings
are only seven feet high, and show the heavy oaken beams. In the
dining-room, which is in the main part of the house, the walls are
panelled in oak, the handiwork of "William Bull. In the halls and in
all the rooms are open fire-places, whose woodwork reaches to the
ceiling. In the old days some of the fire-places could accommodate
logs six feet in length. Up stairs are numerous storerooms and
chambers, and the quaintest of all quaint stairways to the attic — a
mere square "wellhole," with angular steps on two corners. The
rooms all through the house are fitted with deep, roomy closets and
wide window seats. The windows have little panes of glass, most
of which have remained unbroken since they were put in. Tradition
affirms that on one occasion the brilliant Mrs. Knox gave an enter-
tainment here at which Washington was present, and opened the
dance with Maria Colden, who is said to have been the daughter of
Cadwallader Colden, jr. , of Coldenham ; that among the guests were
Gitty Wynkoop and Sally Jansen, of Kingston, who were great belles
in their day, and that a French officer who was present gallantly in-
scribed with his diamond ring the names of the trio on one of the
small window panes in the sash of the principal room. The glass
with the graven names remained in the sash to attest the truth of
the story for over one hundred years, and until recently removed to
insure its continued preservation during a period when the house was
not occupied. The mansion stands a short distance south of the
New Windsor cantonment, on the Silver Stream that rises in the hills
beyond Little Britain Square, and flows through the encampment
ground into the Moodna. Here at the mansion it forms a lake,
through which the highway crosses. From the lake the water was
conducted to the wheel of one of the oldest flouring mills in the
country, nestling under the trees on the
edge of a deep ravine.
Three hundred feet west of the house
stands the first Methodist church m Orange
County, erected by John Ellison in 1791.
He occupied the first floor as a store, and
the second floor was used for the religious
services of the class he had started some
years before. It was occupied by the
pioneers of Methodism till 1S07, when the
edifice on the hill was erected.
Along the old grass-grown Continental
road is the route to the last cantonment of
the main army of the Revolution. It is the
way along which came the recruits and
supplies from New England to the army
when in the Jerseys, and even when it was
far down in Virginia with Cornwallis in its
clutch. Washington and Knox and Gates
and those other Generals have traversed it
many times. As we drive along, the road
begins to ascend a hill, a wide valley spreads
out before us, and Snake Hill looms up
ahead. We are upon the campground.
The Silver Stream ripples along on our left;
the eminence on which the Temple stood is
on the right.
"The eye of fancy backward looks
Across a hundred years.
And lo, on Snake Hill's southern slope
The Temple reappears."
Leaving the campground we pass a stone house that has on its
northern gable the date of its erection — 1763. It was the house of
Deacon Samuel Brewster, who had the forge and anchorage on the
Moodna Soon our road intersects the turnpike leading to AVashing-
ton Square, in the district known as Little Britain. This was once a
district of such comparative importance that almost every place out-
side of Newburgh was said to be in Little Britain. It was the home
of the Clinton famil}' — Charles, James, George and DeWitt — who
had a controlling influence in the affairs of the State and nation, and
whose statesmanship, bravery and patriotism are recorded in the his-
tories and encyclopaedias of the country. When Forts Montgomery
and Clinton were carried by assault by the British, the American
garrison, under Governor George Clinton, were dispersed through
the mountains, and at length encamped at Washington Square, Gov-
erner Clinton having his headquarters at the Falls house. At noon
some soldiers brought to headquarters a man they had captured.
The story is that the stranger asked to whose command the soldiers
belonged, and they replied, "General Clinton's." As that was also
the name of the British commander, the spy, for such he was, asked
to be taken before him, expecting perhaps to be taken before Sir
Henry Clinton. They took him to Mrs. FaUs's house, where, instead
of Sir Henry CHnton, he found Governor George Clinton. Immedi-
ately the prisoner was observed to put something into his mouth and
swallow it. Dr. Moses Higby, who lived two miles east, was hastily
summoned, and gave an emetic that brought forth a silver bullet.
" Out of his own mouth " the spy, Daniel Taylor, was convicted.
Inside the hollow sphere was found a message from Sir Henry Clin-
ton to General Burgoyne, at Saratoga, telling him of the fall of
Forts Montgomery and Clinton, and that there was nothing between
them but Gates. This was the message for which Burgoj-ne long
waited. Hurrying on the march to the defence of Kingston. Clinton
took the spy along, and hung him at Hurley, almost in sight of the
burning town of Kingston.
54
NEWBURGH
Turning toward Newburgh again, we pass other historic land-
marks, among them the home of Dr. Higby, whose name will be ever
associated with the story of the Silver Bullet; and the residence of
"ALDENDELL"— THE RESIDENCE OF JAMES M. WENTZ— Grand Aven
Robert Boyd, the Revolutionary gun-maker, whose factor}' stood
on Quassaick Creek.
Ouassaick Avenue is another pretty drive. Starting from the great
stone bridge over the Quassaick, it is one of the most fashionable
residence suburbs — level, smooth and shaded. We
pass handsome gateways, showing the way by
winding roads to aristocratic residences partly
hidden by stately trees, and see evidences of the
highest art in landscape gardening. The avenue
leads straight to Woodlawn Cemetery, two miles
down, a pretty place, where some of the Clintons
are buried, and where roads branch off right and
left, the main highwaj' continuing on through the
townships of Cornwall and Blooming Grove, pass-
ing through the pretty villages of Vails Gate,
Salisbury Jlills and Washingtonville. Branches of
the Erie Railroad also run in this direction, con-
necting Newburgh with the main line, both at
Greycourt and near Turners. Along these roads
are, besides some of the villages we have already
named, Mountainville, Central Valley, Highland
Mills and Craig\-ille, all of which contribute to
Xewburgh's commerce.
Westward and northwestward extend other
highways that in the olden days freighted the
commerce of a large section of country to the
Hudson River at Xewburgh. The Newburgh and
Cochecton Turnpike, built at the beginning of tht-
century extends from the Hudson to the Delaware
through many villages. Along it are many his-
toric places, notably Coldenham, the home of the
Golden family, and Montgomer\- village. The
South Plank Road runs westerly to Orange Lake,
Walden, Pine Bush and to EUenviUe on the Dela-
ware & Hudson Canal. Orange Lake is a beautiful
covering 4<jo acres. It
and its outlet is Quassaick Creek. There is excellent fishing in its
waters and shooting on its shores. There is a trotting track here,
and Summer boarding houses. The Orange Lake Club, of Newburgh ,
have a clubhouse, where they have sports both
summer and winter.
The historical fact connected with the lake is,
that shortly after the war there was a coinage mill
or mint here, built on the outlet. It was erected by
Captain Machin, first for a grist mill. In 1787 he
formed a partnership with several New York men
for the purpose of coining money, and the firm
was afterward incorporated with a similar com-
pany chartered by the State of Vermont. Copper
was coined into money, Vermont money solely.
The building was of wood 30.X40 feet and two
stories high. The copper was obtained by melting
cannon, leaving the zinc in the alloy. A Httle
silver was coined also. The workmen sometimes
wore masks to create a terror in the neighbor-
hood. It is said that the first coin bearing the
motto " E Pluribus Unum " was made at this mill.
The enterprise was abandoned in 1790 on the
adoption of the Constitution. During the war
Captain Machin superintended the placing of ob-
structions in the Hudson. He settled in Newburgh
at the close of the war, but subsequently removed
to Schoharie County, where he died in 1S16.
Walden is a busy village on the Wallkill in the
midst of a dairying country. A fall of forty feet in
the river affords water power. The little town lies
embosomed in evergreens on both sides of the
river. The New York and the Walden Knife
Companies' works are here, as well as engine
works and other helpful industries.
The North Plank Road is the route to the northwest,
through various villages and districts. There are many other
roads that might be named to show the facilities for reach-
sheet of water
is fed by internal springs and small streams.
RESIDENCE OF MUNSON G.
ing Newburgh by wagon, and the wide extent of the contributing
district.
A VISIT FROM LA FAYETTE,
utterance
May this
|UESDAY evening, September 13, 1824, the beacon fires
were blazing on the mountain tops, proclaiming that
the ^Marquis de La Faj^ette would arrive in the village
on the morrow. The Vesuvian appearance of these
fires, reflected from shore to shore in the still waters
of the Hudson in two long, trembling columns, was
both grand and beautiful in the extreme, says a news-
paper of the period. The Marquis had received a briUiant reception
in New York, and came up the river on the chartered steamboat
James Kent. In Newburgh elaborate preparation had been made.
Two lofty arches, gaily decorated with green branches and flow-
ers, spanned Water Street. The one near the store of Messrs.
Reeve & Falls bore these inscriptions on opposite sides:
Hail! La Fayette, Son of Liberty, Hail!
Welcome once more to the land of the free.
Where remembrance of thee and thy deed.s will prevail,
And thy name with Washington's hallowed be.
Hail to the Nation's Guest!
The veteran hero 's welcome here,
Where Washington dismissed
His soldiers from their bright career.
On the other arch was this greeting: " La Fayette and Liberty!
Welcome, Illustrious Chief! "
In Colden Street an arch displayed this sentiment,
of La Fayette shortly after the close of the Revolution
great monument raised
to Liberty be an encour-
agement to the oppress-
ed and a warning to the
oppressor. "
In Smith Street an
arch, equal in tasteful
construction to any of the
others, bore beneath a
banner the words: " Our
Friend and Hero, La
Fayette." There were
other arches and profuse
decorations.
The Long Room in the
Orange Hotel had been
beautifully o r n a mented
for the occupation of the
General, and he was
pleased to remark that its
appearance exceeded in
elegance any other that
he had entered in Amer-
ica. At an early hour on
Wednesday morning
thousands of people were
hastening to the village
from the adjacent towns,
and at three o'clock in the
afternoon they were surg-
ing through the streets and congregating on the wharves. Four
companies of cavalry under the command of Colonel Charles C.
Brodhead were conspicuous: and besides the three infantry com-
panies of the village, led by Captain Myer and Lieutenants
RESIDENCE OF J, ABNER HARPER-
Smith and Carpenter, there was one from Fishkill Landing under
Captain Stevens, and another from Washingtonville commanded
by Captain Wyatt. It was a great disappointment that the late
hour of the Genej-al's arrival prevented the military display with
which as a soldier, he would have been gratified. But the steam-
boat which conveyed him from New York ran aground, and her
progress was prevented for three hours, so that it was near seven in
the evening when she arrived at Reeve & Falls's dock.
The troops were drawn up ready to receive him, and his landing
was announced by a national salute from a pair of six-pounders.
He was welcomed by the committee of arrangements, and presented
to Major-General Smith and suit and to Colonel J. W. Brown and the
officers in command of the cavalry and infantry. La Fayette being
seated in a carriage, the procession moved through Colden, First and
Smith Streets to the Orange Hotel, the houses being illuminated and
all the bells ringing merrily. At the door he was received by the
chairman of the committee and escorted to the Long Room, where
he was presented to the Corporation of the village and addressed by
President Francis Crawford, who said in part:
" Although, Sir, at this place you will not find Washington and
your former companions in arms, you will meet an ardent people who
love you. Although you will not find (in our vicinity), those soldiers
whose enthusiastic love of Liberty led them to encounter every
danger without the hope of reward, you will meet a small remnant
of that army, who, forgetting their age and wounds, have traveled to
a distance from their homes to welcome the arrival of their old com-
mander. And you will meet the children of those who boasted when
living that they had
fought b)^ your side in
Carolina, at'Brandywine,
at Yorktown, and were
fed and clothed at your
expense when languish-
ing with disease or sink-
ing under the severity of
a rigorous climate."
To which La Fayette
replied in substance that
he returned to the corpo-
ration and the inhabitants
of the Village of New-
burgh his sincere thanks
for the kind reception he
met with from them, and
for the remembrance of
his former services; that
he regretted extremely
that he could not have
arrived at an earlier hour;
that it would have given
him the greatest pleasure
to have visited the house
so long tenanted by the
great Washington, and
the ground where the
American army had en-
camped: that he felt the
greatest satisfaction at
the growth of our village
and the increase of its population, and the prosperit\- and happi-
ness of our country in general.
General La Fayette was then introduced to a great number of ladies
and gentlemen in attendance, and as soon as an opportunity offered
[55]
56
NEWBURGH
Johannes Miller, Esq. . president of the Agricultural Society of the
County of Orange, presented him a diploma of that society, with an
which the General made a short reply.
RESIDENCE OF A. H. HAVEMEYE
He then appeared on a balcony on the front of
the Orange Hotel, under a large arch, and re-
ceived the cheers and congratulations of the im-
mense crowd which filled the street.
About 9 o'clock a deputation from Hiram Lodge,
F. & A. M., invited and accompanied the General, his
son and M. Levasseur to the lodge room in the hotel
building, where he was received with Masonic honors,
and the Rev. Dr. John Brown deUvered to him an
address, to which La Fayette made an eloquent and
appropriate answer. After an introduction to his
Masonic brethren, he retired to the rooms provided
for him and partook of refreshments. He appeared
to be much fatigued, and on being introduced to
Colonel Brodhead he requested h'm to tender his
thanks to the cavalry under his command for their
attention.
The clamor of thousands of people in the streets -
to see him induced him to show himself again on the
balcony, and he expressed to them his regret that
unforeseen events had prevented him from arriving
by daylight m the village where he was experiencing
such a kind and marked attention.
While the supper was preparing he, with some
gentlemen of the Cincinnati Society and the Corpora-
tion of New York, visited the ladies in the ball room
at Crawford's Hotel, with the decorations of which
he appeared much pleased. Declining a superb seat
prepared for him he walked through the room among
the ladies and affectionately took the hands of all. On his re-
turning he expressed to one of the committee his great happi-
ness in this short visit, and that there were ' ' many beautiful
ladies in Newburgh." After 12 o'clock he
sat down to supper with about one hun-
dred gentlemen, and as he was about to
arise, Mr. Hunn, one of the gentlemen of
the reception committee, addressed him m
behalf of the Revolutionary inhabitants of
this vicinit)'. He said in part:
"You have now around you many
revolutionary characters (amongst whom I
glory in being numbered), who, like you,
heard the clang of battle and saw the blood
of war, and whose tottering limbs and
hoary locks do not prevent them from ex-
ulting in the reflection that they fought and
bled with Washington and La Fayette. * *
* If your time had permitted, it was our
intention to invite you to view the classic
ground where the American Armj- rested
upon their arms, after achieving the glorious
object for which they were called together,
where the immortal Washington, surround-
ed by his brave and experienced generals,
offered up to the omnipotent God of battles
his thanksgiving and praise for favoring
his arm to emancipate from the oppression
of a foreign potentate three millions of his
fellow beings and establish them a free,
happy nation; and where he disbanded an
army whose hearts he possessed, and like
another Cincinnatus retired from the field
of victory to the plough and the arms of
domestic peace."
The Marquis was then conducted by the
committee to the steamboat, which left the
dock about 2 o'clock, a. m., for Poughkeep-
sie. A deputation from Newburgh accom-
panied him to Poughkeepsie.
RESIDENCE OF MRS. E. R. JOHNES— Balm
A REMINISCENCE OF VILLAGE DAYS.
By N. P. Willis,
OuUDoors at lille^aild,'' 1855.
lUT the most interesting shop in Newburgh would never
be found out by the stranger. It is indeed, curiously
contradictory in its looks and run of custom. You
would go in and out of it and describe it as a cheap
bakerj', one of those old-fashioned, dingy half-shops,
with a long, single counter, on the street end of which
is a glass case for tarts and cakes, while the remaining
extension is covered with fresh loaves, scales and weights, brown
paper and ginger-bread. It is partly a grocery, too ; and behind you
against the wall, as you stand at the counter, are boxes of herrings,
drums of figs, coffee-bags, peanuts, starch, soap, lemons, candles, and
brooms. At the far end where the bags and barrels are set back to
give a foot or two of space, there stands a cheap old stove, with a
rusty funnel running up to the ceiling, and one or two old wooden
chairs around it. In all Newburgh there is scarce so shabby a shop.
Yet, in all Orange County there is not an apartment which receives
such an amount of aristocratic society. With the first settlement of
the town Chapman's bakery was the stopping place of the vehicles
of the wealthy families of the country round about ; and in spite of
a modern and spacious confectioner's shop a little further on, and
larger and more comfortable "stores" of every kind, near by, the
descendants of the old family aristocracy have continued to make the
narrow baker's shop their place of gossip and gathering. Towards
noon of every pleasant day. Winter and Summer, the handsomest
equipages in the neighborhood begin to assemble along that part of
the sidewalk at Newburgh. The gentlemen hand the ladies into
the shop, and there, for two or three hours, is the place for rendez-
vous, after the different errands of each, the place to be found by
their friends at a distance, and the place to exchange news, and gos-
door, are of
' IDLEWILD"— THE HOME OF WILLIS.-Cornwall.
sip away the morning. There are no better horses, more well-
appointed turnouts, or neater coachmen, on any public promenade in
in the country than are daily to be seen here. The gentlemen who
group about the flagstone step, or inside the little j
high consideration in the
city, for their fortunes and
family names. The ladies
who lay their costly hand-
kerchiefs down upon the
flour-barrels and sit around
the stove in the old whittled
chairs, and eat ginger-nuts
at the counter, are very fash-
ionable persons in full prom-
enade toilette. And so crowd-
ed is the long shop, between
eleven and two, that the boy
who has looked in at the
bow-window, and come in
for his cent's worth of gin-
ger-bread, fairly elbows his
way into the " best society"
to get at it.
But the curious part of
Chapman's bakery is, that it
suffices for the social want N. P. WILLIS,
of a large and wealthy neighborhood. There is no other so-
ciety. Nothing like a "party" is ever given by the rich fre-
quenters of the bakery. Dinner parties (in the common acceptation
of the word among the people of the same
fortunes) are unknown. Even calls on each
other at their houses are rare. And this is
_^ from no intended economy of time and money.
r " - They lead lives of ample leisure, and are as
liberal and cordial-hearted a set of people
as any in the world. But the restless liquid,
society, has been permitted to stand still, and
this (the social chemist will be interested to
know) is the natural precipitate. The Ducal
Cascine at Florence — that centre of the public
drive, where all the equipages of the fash-
ionable meet and stand still at a certain
hour, is the Chapman's bakery of the Tuscan
Court and nobility, only that they differ
from the Newburgh aristocracy in wanting
balls and suppers besides. The English ex-
clusives need a Hyde Park for a comparison
of equipages, matinees for a comparison of
out-door toilettes, and routs for the exchange
of ideas and the bettering of acquaintances,
but all these "first principles" are met and
their wants supplied by Chapman's bakery, at
Newburgh. Whether the bubbling cham-
pagne of fashionable life all over the world
would, if left long enough to itself, settle
down into the same small modicum of full-
ness of the social glass, is — open to dis-
cussion. [57]
58
NEWBURGH
WATER STREET— LOOKING NORTH FROM "THE SQUARE.'
Bk^. iTnnip ^
r.
^^^Hi^'' '"
■
:■— •'-■fcp
<$ip>^|^^H
'■
•■■'■-
BROADWAY- LOOKING EAST FROM DUBOIS STREET.
STEPPING-STONES IN A CITY'S GROWTH.
Newburgh's Progress in Ten Years.
HE City of Newburgh was incorporated April 22, 1S65,
and the first Mayor, Aldermen and other city officers
were elected in the Spring of iS56. The incorporation
was one of the encouraging results of a period of com-
parative great prosperity and growth. The village had
always made substantial progress, though during a
certain period the growth was slow, owing to the de-
pressing effects resulting from the change in the mode of inland trans-
portation from stages to railroad trains, and from the exclusion of the
village for a time from railroad communication.
Without the financial ability to so control the enterprise of other
communities as to render the modern avenues of communication which
they have constructed tributary to the interests of Xewburgh, the
capitalists and business men of the place made a bold strugy;le for
)-ears against
the combina-
tions that
threatened i t s
overthrow. At
each successive
stage of the
changes grow-
ing out of the
general devel-
opment of the
country success-
ive generations
have met the re-
quirements that
have been laid
upon them. The
labor, the liber-
ality and the
capital which
were necessary
in I 801 to carry
the Cochecton
turnpike to com-
pletion were,
considering the
comparative
value of capital
and labor, equal
to that involved
in the construction of any railroad in the county. But it was not
the only undertaking of that character; its capital of $126,000 was
followed by a capital of $5,000 in the New Windsor turnpike,
S90 000 in the Newburgh and Ulster turnpike, S35,ooo in the
Newburgh and Sullivan turnpike, §14,000 in the Newburgh and
Plattekill turnpike, and S14.000 in the Snake Hill turnpike — making
a total of $284,000 expended for roads prior to 1S20. This sum
was to some extent shared by residents along the lines of the roads,
but the greater part was drawn from Newburgh.*
LIBERTY STREET— LOOKING SOUT
" History
EOr
age County,
In 1S29 Newburgh undertook single-handed the construction of a
railroad from the Hudson to the Delaware River, with a view to reach
the coal beds of Pennsylvania; but the charter was permitted to be-
come void. When the construction of the New York and Erie was
commenced, an effort was made to connect the Hudson and Delaware
with the Erie, and thus give Newburgh the eastern terminus; but
through local jealousies and disagreements between the leading cap-
itaUsts of Newburgh and of Goshen, in regard to the route which the
Erie should take, Newburgh lost the prize which her people hoped to
grasp. The road to the Delaware, however, was re-chartered and a
portion of the route was graded.
Under the financial revulsions of 1S37, work was suspended on both
roads, but on the Erie it was soon resumed, and the road was com-
pleted from Piermont to Goshen. At this time difficulties arose in the
prosecution of
the work on the
Erie, and fresh
efforts were
made to secure
to Newburgh
some of the ad-
vantages of its
construction.
This was ac-
complished b y
a n agreement
on the part of
the Erie Com-
pany — confirm-
ed by an act of
the Legislature
releasing the
company from
its Uability to
the State— to
construct a
branch road to
Newburgh.
Newburgh's
subscription to
the construction
of the Erie
Branch amount-
ed to one-third
of its cost, and an additional sum of $145,000 by loan or endorse-
ments.
The road was opened with appropriate ceremonies in January, 1850,
and was the first of the many railroads which now ' ' literally cover the
county with a network of iron rails." In the meantime the Hudson
River Railroad was building along the other side of the river. These
roads encouraged the establishment of manufactories, and by thickly
populating the surrounding country, served to build up a new country
trade.
The years 1S51-3 were remarkably prosperous; many enterprises
were started, and among the more important were the Washington
[59]
FROM FARRINGTON STREET.
6o
NEWBURGH
Iron Works, the Quassaick Bank, the Savings Bank, gas works and
the present water works system. The construction of two plank
roads, one to EllenviUe and the other to Shawang^unk, was also un
dertaken, and both were completed, involving an expenditure of
about §150,000.
The population of the town and village increased from 9,001 in
1845, to 15,196, in 1S60. In 1S62 the Warwick Valley Railroad was
built from Greycourt to Warwick, and trains began running daily
between Newburgh and Warwick. Of the capital stock ($100,000)
Newburgh furnished $10,500.
During the war the total number of enlistments from Newburgh
was 2,410, and the total amount of money raised (aside from general
and old ones extended, and the private building operations were
considerable.
In 1S6S-9 the Newburgh and New York Railroad was built, being
completed in September of the latter year. It connected with the
Erie at Turners and made a shorter route to New York than the old
branch, and also brought Newbtirgh into easy communication with
another section of the county. About the same period Newburgh
capital contributed in a measure to the construction of the Dutchess
and Columbia Railroad, now known as the Newburgh, Dutchess and
Connecticut Railroad, and for a period a free ferry was maintained
between this city and Dutchess Junction, the terminus of the road on
the opposite side of the river.
WATER FRONT— BEFORE THE
taxes) was $367,644.94. But the sacrifices imposed on the town by
the war were not without their recompense. Great activity was
excited in channels which the war developed. The Washington Iron
Works, for example, had so increased its business that in 1S65 its
works covered twenty acres, and its monthly pay roll was $60,000.
Other branches of business prospered likewise, and the prices of real
estate and the compensation of labor were greatly enhanced. At
the time of its incorporation the city had a population of 13,905, and
with the town added, 17,389.
The effect of the municipal reorganization was another impetus to
business. Many public improvements were made, the facilities for
public education wrre greatly multiplied, new streets were opened
In the Winter of 1S67-S the Newburgh and Wallkill Valley Rail-
road Company was organized, and in the ^lay following the Legis-
lature made it lawful to borrow on the credit of the city $350,000 to
aid the construction of the road, and to issue the bonds of the city
therefor, on condition that the consent should be obtained in writing
of a majority of the taxpayers, who should own or represent more
than one-half (in value) of the real and personal property of the city.
The route selected was from a connection at Vails Gate with the
Newburgh Branch and the Newburgh and New York Railroad to
Walden. But to that route a number of influential citizens objected,
and, furthermore, the Newburgh and New York Railroad Company
having made no tangible agreement to second the enterprise, the
NEWBURGH
result was the failure to obtain the necessary consent to bond the city.
The Newburgh and Midland Railway Company was organized
shortly afterward, mainly bjr the opponents of the Vails Gate route.
George Clark was elected President; Odell S. Hathaway, Vice-Presi-
dent; Alfred Post, Treasurer; John Dales, Secretary; and the
Directors were, besides the above named, A. S. Cassedy, A. T. Rand,
Bradbury C. Bartlett, Seth M. Capron, David Moore, James W.
Taylor, Wm. R. Brown, W. J. Roe, jr., Lewis M. Smith and Wm.
O. Mailler. An effort was made to bond the city for $500,000, and,
what was presumed to be, the consent of taxpayers representing more
than one-half of the value of the taxable property was obtained.
The project was strongly opposed by the supporters of the Vails
the condition of the city in which they lived. The project of building
a road to the Wallkill valley has been agitated every few years since
then.
Newburgh experienced about the same effects from the reaction fol-
lowing "war times" and from the panic of 1873 as did other cities,
except that it continued to progress, and resumed its normal ac-
tivity at the first sign of the returning tide of prosperity. In 1S75 the
value of the annual products of the city was estimated at $3,369,175,
of which the seven steam engine works produced nearly one-half.
The past decade has been the most prosperous in the history of
Newburgh. In iSSo the growth became so rapid and substantial, so
tangible and definable, that it was popularly called in the language
WEST SHORE RAILROAD WAS BUILT.
Gate route, as the hne selected was to extend from the west end of the
city to Walden, thence to Fair Oaks on the :Midland Railroad. County
Judge Thomas George decided that the signatures to the petition did
not represent one-half of the value of the taxable property of the
city — $555,099 of the amount being held by executors, administrators,
etc. , whose right to represent the trusts in this matter was denied.
The General Term affirmed the decision, Justices Tappen and Gilbert
concurring and Justice Barnard dissenting. That ended the project.
These various enterprises, even though some of them failed,
owing to honest differences of opinions, proved the remarkable public
spirit, the energy and liberahty of our citizens in those days. They
encouraged and contributed freely to all proper schemes to improve
of the day " a boom." It has continued ever since, in apparently the
same degree. All branches of business have felt the impulse, and
under its enlivening effects the appearance of the city " has been
transformed and its size greatly increased. The growth has been
so remarkable for an eastern town as to attract wide attention. The
population has increased about twentj'-eight per cent, in the ten years,
and now (iSgi) it is estimated at abovit 24,000, not counting the large
suburban population. Newburgh is a much larger and more import-
ant city than would appear from a consideration of the space and pop-
ulation enclosed within its corporate lines, and our people com-
monly estimate that it is the center of trade for a population of 65,000.
The number of our manufacturing industries has nearly doubled in
62
NEWBURGH.
the past ten years, while in the value of their products they have in-
creased many fold. Large districts within the corporate limits hitherto
sparsely or altogether unoccupied, have been compactly built up, and
both private and public enterprise has been greatly stimulated. The
increase promises to continue in as great ratio for years to come,
when Newburgh's advantages as a manufacturing city shall become
more fully appreciated.
One of the forces which imparted the impetus was the building of
several new lines of railways to the city, opening up new sections and
affording competing routes to all parts of the country. Seeing that
every requisite — water and rail communication, cheap coal, cheap
freight rates, nearness to the great trade center of the nation, a large
population, and every desirable municipal convenience — awaited their
hand, it was a natural consequence that manufacturers should be at-
tracted to the place, and that those already here should put forth
greater efforts.
A NEW ROUTE TO THE EAST.
Newburgh awoke Thursday morning, December S, iSSi, to find
itself the western terminus of the New York and New England Rail-
road, extending from the Hudson to the Atlantic, through Danbury,
Waterbury and Hartford to Springfield, Worcester, Norwich, Prov-
idence and Boston.
The first work for
this road on the east
side of the river was
beg^n March 27, of
that year. A large
tract of land was re-
claimed from the
river,piers and ferry-
slips were built,
tracks laid and sev-
eral depot buildings
erected. On this
side a ferr y-s 1 i p
was built in the Erie
Railroad yard, and
subsequently anoth-
er in theWest Shore
Railroad yard. The
first regular passen-
ger train arrived at
Fishkill from the
East in the morning
of December 8, and
passengers crossed
the river on the
ferry to Newburgh,
and continued their
journey westward. For
IBERTY STREET— LOOKING NORTH FROM
few weeks freight trains were ferried
across the river by tugboats and scows, but on January 6, 1S82, the
large transfer steamer William T. Hart arrived, and took her place on
the route, and has ever since been engaged in transporting trains be-
tween the Erie and West Shore, on the west side of the river, and the
New York and New England, the New York Central, and the New-
burgh, DutchesE and Connecticut on the east side. It is the largest
transfer steamer on the Atlantic coast, being nearly three hundred feet
in length, eighty feet width of beam, and capable of carrying twenty-
seven cars in one load. It has two decks, and two engines and two
boilers, working independently, and is steered by steam. As the
distance is only about a mile between docks, and as the boat is kept
running day and night, some idea can be formed of the heavy traffic.
Passenger trains, as a rule, are not now transferred from shore to
shore, but for a considerable period express trains were run without
change between Washington and Boston, via Newburgh. Hundreds
of freight cars are transferred daily, thus making a direct and cheap
route between the New England States and the West and Southwest.
The coming of the new road caused important enlargements in the
railroad facilities in Newburgh. The Erie laid another track to Vails
Gate Junction, made an additional switchyard, and built a new round-
house at West Newburgh, and, in brief, practically doubled its
already large terminal facilities here.
BUILDING THE WEST SHORE.
In the meantime the New York, West Shore and Buffalo Railway
was building along the west shore of the Hudson and across the State,
parallel to the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad. The
contractors for the work through this city were Ryan & McDonald
from First Street south, and Ward, Mackin & Co. from First Street
north. Operations were begun here Monday, December 5, 1S81, by
tearing away the rear of the buildings between Fourth and Fifth
Streets and Water and Front. On January g, following, the first
work was done at the South End. Entering the city at grade, the
road passes through a tunnel under the Erie tracks, thence gradually
ascending until it reaches an elevated structure, on which it runs
over numerous cross streets through the principal business section.
Like a scythe it cut a swath through solid blocks of buildings. The
rear ends of many were removed, and in numerous cases buildings
were entirely demolished. The appearance of the southeastern part
of the city especially was greatly changed. Railway trains now run
over the old sites of
a number of manu-
facturing and other
important estabhsh-
ments, which were
forced to put up new
buildings elsewhere.
Building operations
were thus greatly
stimulated; numer-
ous transfers of real
estate were made
daily, a Board of
Trade was organized
several new factories
were started, and
every branch of bus-
iness was enlivened.
In the spring of 1S82
one of the public
journals estimated
that there were two
thousand more
people employed in
the city than were
here eighteen
,RRiNGTON STREET. months before.
The West Shore
was opened between Newburgh and New York June
The first train left here at 7.15 a. m. A great crowd
and about one
When the train
Railway
4, 1883.
gathered at the station to see the train depart
hundred and thirty Newburgh people took passage
sped away the crowd cheered, and many steam whistles sounded
noisy salutes. Similar demonstrations were made at other places
along the line. This new road not only gave Newburgh another
route to the West, but, what was at that time of more importance,
direct communication with all the villages on the west shore of the
river.
OTHER NEW ROADS.
The New York, Ontario and Western Railroad was opened to
Newburgh and New York the same day as the West Shore. This
road extends from a junction with the West Shore, four miles and a
half south of Newburgh, to Lake Ontario.
The Warwick \'alley Railroad having been extended to Belvedere,
N. J., and connected with the Pennsylvania and Jersey Central
systems and reorganized as the Lehigh and Hudson, in iSSg a con-
NEWBURGH
63
necting line called the Orange County Railroad was
laid from Greycourt Junction to Burnside on the Central
New England and Western Railroad, which was built
through Orange and Ulster Counties the same year.
About the same time the Pennsylvania, Poughkeepsie
and Boston Railroad was opened between Goshen on
the Erie and Slatington, Pa.
NEW MANUFACTURING CONCERNS.
Within the past ten years the following important
manufacturing concerns have been started in Newburgh:
1880— Brokaw Manufacturing Company, (flannel out-
ing garments.)
1881— Sweet, Orr & Co., (overalls.)
1881— Whitehill & Cleveland, (overalls.)
1883 — Edison Electric Illuminating Company.
1883— Newburgh Paper-Box Factory.
1884 — Coldwell- Wilcox Company, (iron founders and
machinists.)
1885— T. S. Marvel & Co., (iron shipbuilding and engi-
neering works.)
1885 — Newburgh Electric Light & Power Company.
1S86— Ferry & Napier, (hats.)
1886— The Perfect Liquid-Measure Manufacturing Co.
1887— Kilmer Manufacturing Company, (wire works.)
1887— Newburgh Upholstering Company, (furniture.)
18S8 — Storm King Pants Company.
1889— Newburgh Wood-Working Company, (builders'
supphes.)
i8Sg — Hudson River Paint Company.
1889 — Standard Chemical Fibre Company.
1890 — Granite City Soap Company.
1890 — Hyer-Sheehan Electric Motor Company.
iSgo — Newburgh Reed Company, (reed chairs.)
i8go — Newburgh (artificial) Ice Company.
1890— McGiflEert & Wands, (soap.)
1S90— F. W. Perkins, (flour and feed mill.)
1891— Little Falls Paper Company.
1 891 — Coldwell Lawn Mower Company.
The above, however, does not adequateljr indicate
the increasing importance of Newburgh as a manufac-
turing city, as it does not take into account the remark-
able growth of the manufactories established here
previous to 1880, nor the rapid development of the
newer ones, some of which starting with a very few
hands now employ hundreds. The following large con-
cerns have either erected new and larger establishments
on new sites, or have added large buildings to old
plants within the past ten years:
(William) Wright Engine Works, (new plant.)
Whitehill Engine and Pictet Ice Machine Co., (new.)
Chadborn & Coldwell Manufacturing Co., lawn
mowers, (new.)
Newburgh Moulding and Planing Mill, (new.)
James McCord's brush factory, (new.)
Newburgh Woolen Mills, (enlargement.)
Newburgh Bleachery, (enlargement.)
Newburgh Plaster Works, (enlargement.)
Newburgh Steam Boiler Works, (new)
Grove Paper Mills, (enlargement.)
Newburgh Steam Mills, (enlargement.)
Highland Mills, cai-pets and rugs, (new.)
ACTIVITY IN REAL ESTATE.
As has been said, the construction of the New York,
West Shore and Buffalo Railway through the heart of
the business district brought about great activity
in real estate affairs. Then the establishment of
NEWBURGH
65
new manufactories and the enlargement of old ones, together with the
numberless other enterprises that were undertaken, attracted many
new residents, for whom dwelling places had to be provided. At times
builders could not hire enough help, and no man or woman that could
work had to look far for a situation. Newburgh being compactly built,
the operations were principally on the skirts of the thickly settled por-
tion ; thus the city has grown southward and westward, and in a les-
ser degree northward. Probably the proportion of citizens who own
their own homes is greater now than ever before. Ambition has been
stimulated in that direction, and it is unnecesssry to note the good re-
sults which follow the gratification of this desire in the great majority
of cases.
All the indications are that the growth is healthy. It is altogether
based on the results of past earning and saving. There is every
reason to expect the continuance of the " good times." The situation
and advantages of the place are now such that it is not likely to
lose its share of the good things going.
Unfortunately no record has been made — except for a period of
two years and three months — of the number of buildings erected
within the corporate limits. In the Fall of 1S87 a Building Inspector
was appointed b)' the Common Council, but in 1890 the Mayor, hold-
ing that there was no authority in the Charter for the appointment
of such an officer, made no appointment. The following will show
the number of buildings (not counting additions) erected from
October i, 1887, to January 1, 1S90:
Brick. Frame. Total.
October, 1S87, to January, 188S 31 17 48
Jan'jf to April, 1SS8 18 5 23
April to July, iSSS 20 12 32
July to Oct., 188S 54 33 87
Oct. to Jan'y, 1889 26 24 50
Jan'y to April, 1S89 23 9 32
April to July, 1889 35 12 47
July to Oct., 1S89 50 23 73
Total, two j'ears 257 135 392
October, 1S89, to January, 1890 28 21 49
285 156 431
From March 1, 1890, to March i, 1891, the Superintendent of the
Water Works issued 140 permits for tapping the mains; 108 were for
new buildings, but often one tap was made to answer for two
buildings.
On October 22, 1887, an auction sale of city lots occurred on the
Roe property, in the western portion. Several streets had been laid
out through the plot. About one hundred lots were sold, together
with the stone mansion. There was a huge clambake in the open
field, and refreshments were served in a tent.
December 26, 1887, fifty-one building lots were offered at public
auction by James Taggart, at West Newburgh, and thirty-one sold
for $11,007.
WASHINGTON HEIGHTS.
This beautiful tract of nearly one hundred acres of land in the
southern part of the city, so recently reclaimed from husbandry and
built up with substantial dwellings, demands extended notice; but
in a brief sketch of what it was and is the contrast will show what
growth and development has obtained in a very short period. Only
about four years have passed since this district, now presenting every
evidence of thrifty city life, had but a single habitation, a farm
house in the midst of broad fields on which bountiful harvests were
produced, It was a beautiful landscape, wonderfully adorned by
Nature. It was the homestead farm of the late Captain Henry Robin-
son, who had purchased the tract of two hundred and sixty-seven
acres and upward at a public sale, under the foreclosure of a mort-
gage, on July 21, 1824. He was a retired sea captain, and resided in
a mansion long since removed, but which stood near the corner of
Liberty and South WilHam Streets. He died March 9, 1866,
possessed of this farm, with its original boundaries substantially un-
broken. Subsequently to his death the entire tract was used for agri-
cultural purposes, but the high bluff at the east end overlooking the
river, was at various times secured for public purposes, and became
the scene of popular sports, the site of the county fair, of military
encampments, and the Newburgh Base Ball Association fenced a
field for ball grounds. In 1S86 the city had grown close up to the
northern boundaries of the farm; on the north, east and south sides
were many important industries, and it became evident that the
barriers to the possession of the property could not long withstand
the onward march of Progress.
On October 26, 1S86, Henry T. McCoun purchased from theheirs-
in-law of the original proprietor that part of the plateau east of Lander
Street, embracing about forty acres, and entered into an arrangement
with Colonel Charles H. Weygant for its speedy development on an
extended scale. These gentlemen caused this land to be carefully sur-
veyed and laid out. They opened and graded streets, and laid sewer
and water pipes through each; they flagged the sidewalks, curbed,
sagged and paved the gutters, macadamized the roadbeds, and set
out shade trees. All these and other improvements were made at
their own expense, and no lot was sold without such improvements or
a contract therefor that was in all cases faithfully performed.
The streets are from fifty to sixty-six feet in width, and the
deeds require the buildings to be placed twelve feet back from the
street lines. This twelve feet of space in front of each house, form-
ing a grassy terrace between the sidewalk and the houses, is a pretty
feature. Liberty Street and Lander Street, two of the principal thor-
oughfares of the city, were extended through the plot, and the fol-
lowing other streets were opened: Carson Avenue, Overlook Place,
Courtney Avenue, Henry Avenue, Beacon Street and Bay View Ter-
race, the latter extending along the edge of the bluff on the south and
east sides. Renwick Street was already open through the property
from Bridge Street east to the river, but commonly only the plot
south of this street is designated Washington Heights. Over 2 "3
miles of streets and 450 lots were thus laid out.
It is worthy of mention that in all the deeds for building lots
executed and delivered to purchasers is inserted the stipulation and
agreement that no strong, spirituous or intoxicating liquors or
beverages of any kind shall ever be manufactured, brewed, distilled,
prepared, rectified, sold, or offered or exposed for sale upon any part
of the premises, a covenant which will last as a memorial to these
gentlemen after they have passed from earth.
All the work on the Heights was well done and received instant
and grateful approval by an appreciative public. The streets are
regularly laid out, broad and straight, and the squares have generally
right angles. The streets were accepted by the city, the electric
light introduced, the horse railway extended to the corner of Liberty
and Renwick Streets, and the denizens of the Heights enjoy the
same municipal privileges as their more crowded neighbors.
The enterprise has been successful far beyond the expectations of
even its projectors. The first lot was sold December i, 1886, and
only about a score of the four hundred and fifty remain with the
company at the present time. The first building was erected in
the Spring of 1887; at this writing there are 185 houses on the plot.
They vary in cost from two to eight thousand dollars ; the aggregate
valuation of the whole plot and its improvements is estimated at
$1,000,000. In some of the more recent sales, lots have sold for four
times the price originally charged, and in no instance has a lot been
sold except at an advance from the first price.
On October 25, 18S7, that part of the Robinson farm located west
of Lander Street and east of William and Bridge, 42 acres in all, was
purchased by Colonel William D. Dickey and Captain Joseph M.
Dickey, brothers, from the heirs. They immediately began to im-
prove that part north of Renwick Street by opening and grading
streets, and on the following Thanksgiving Day they held a public
auction of building lots. Ninety-six lots were sold for a total of S22,-
257. In the Spring they laid out and graded other streets through a
portion of the land south of Renwick Street, conforming to the adjoin-
ing plot of the Washington Heights Company, and on Decoration Day
held another auction sale, with a balloon ascension by Carlotta as an
added attraction. About eighty lots were sold under the hammer that
day, for a total of $22,687. Since that time many more have beensold
at private sale. So far 130 houses have been erected on this plot, and
66
NEWBURGH.
the indications are that dwellings will be erected at the same rapid
rate till the whole Washington Heights district is built up.
The location of the Heights is most sightly. The plateau is about
one hundred and thirty-seven feet above the Hudson, and on the
eastern side lises precipitously almost from the shore. It is no higher in
reality than the general level of the city on the hill, its distinguishing
peculiarity being the high bluff on the river side. It commands a
magnificent view of the whole expanse of Newburgh Bay, the High-
lands, and all the grand water and mountain scenery surrounding
the city. It is Init a few rods south of Washington's Headquarters,
and the pretty Vale of Avoca is on the southern side. The dwellings
line nearly every street and avenue, generally in regular succession. It
is difficult to select any particular spot for the subject of admiration,
but standing at the east end where people resort for the river view,
and looking westward the scene is one of unparalleled thrift and
beauty. The angular and broken roofs rise far in the distance.
Flowerbeds and miniature parks and lawns surround pretty cottages.
The settlement is highly creditable to our good name, and consistent
with the general beautiful appearance of the city. The majority of
the houses are owned by their occupants, who desired individuality,
comfort, and convenience in their homes. Besides the beautiful and
convenient location, one of the qualities of the Heights is healthful-
ness. Pure air, sunlight and perfect drainage are secured. The rapid
growth and improvement of the Heights will undoubtedly continue
with verj' little abatement, until all the intervening land lying toward
the southwest boundary of the city is built upon.
The Washington Heights addition has encouraged improvements
in that neighborhood, so that the whole southern part of the city has
undergone a remarkable transformation in the past few years. Within
a comparatively brief period also the Second AVard between Dubois
Street and Robinson Avenue has been compactly built up. Many in-
expensive but neat cottages have been erected there. Broadway has
likewise shared in the building movement, and has become, mainly
within the past ten years, a business thoroughfare of importance.
HENRY T. McCOUN was born in the Town of N-ew Winds. .r,
(adjoining Newburgh) in the neighborhood called Bethlehem, in iSn-.
He remained at home till sixteen years old, and then went to Tr. >
N. Y., where he spent eight years learning the business of a jewv
and watch-maker. He came to Newburgh in 1S41 and started in
mercantile business for himself. In 1S51 he was elected a member
of the Board of Village Trustees and served one year. He was al>' i
a member of the hook and ladder fire company.
In 1S62 he went to New York and continued in mercantile business
there till 1S85, when he retired with a competency, having engaged in
many enterprises of the day, most of which were very successful.
The latest, and probably the most important and successful, was the
development of the Washington Heights section of this city, in which
operation the rare business sagacity of the man was best exhibited.
Although comparatively a stranger in Newburgh for the preceding
twenty years, he at once perceived the possibilities of the project
when the plan was unfolded. And while his large investment of
capital has returned to him vastly increased, there is no one to
begrudge him a farthing of it, for by it he has wonderfully helped
the city, aroused the dormant spirit of enterprise throughout the
whole community, and by his liberal conduct in the handling of the
property has enabled many persons to benefit themselves. Although
now seventy-five years old, !Mr. McCoun is still in vigorous health and
strength, and in the full enjoyments of the fruits of his well directed
labors. He frequently comes to Newburgh from his home in New
York City. His wife was Eliza Waring, of the Town of Newburgh,
and she with three daughters and one son yet survives.
COLONEL CHARLES H. WEYGANT is a representative of the
oldest Newburgh family. He is a descendant of Michael Weigand, one
of the original Palatine settlers of this city, and was born in Cornwall
COLONEL CHARLES
WEYGANT.
July S, 1839. After graduating from the public schools of Newburgh,
he was prepared for college at the Ashland (N Y ) and the Clavarack
Collegiate Institutes. But instead of going to college he went to the
NEWBURGH
67
war. When the raising of the 124th Regiment, N. Y. S. V. , was begun,
he was commissioned as captain and raised the first company for that
famous regiment, which left for the seat of war early in September,
1862. Captain Weygant was the senior captain of the regiment, com-
manding Company A. He took an active part in the battles of Fred-
ericksburgh, Chancellorsville, Beverly Ford, Gettysburgh, Wilder-
ness and Spottsylvania; and in every general engagement of the
Army of the Potomac after Cold Harbor until the close of the war.
At the battle of Gettysburgh, Colonel Ellis and Major Cromwell
were killed, and Lieutenant-Colonel Cummings was wounded, leav-
ing the regimentincommandof Captain Weygant for about a month.
Shortly afterward he was commissioned as Major, his commission
dating from July 2, 1863, and later he was made Lieutenant-Colonel,
dating from the same time. Colonel Cummings commanded the regi-
ment until the morning of the second day's battle of the Wilderness,
when he was severely wounded, so much so that he never resumed
duty.' The regiment then passed under the command of Colonel
Weygant.
Previously to receiving his commission as Colonel from his State,
he had been brevetted Colonel by Congress as a special recognition
of his services and those of his regiment, who during the siege of
Petersburg captured
one hundred and
eighty Confederates,
their commanding
officer and battle
flag, killing and
wounding thirty
others, without los-
ing a single man on
his side. Colonel
Weygant was
wounded first at
Chancellorsville, a
scalp wound which
only invalided him
for a few days, after
. the battle was over.
The 124th was one
of the eight regi-
ments which led
Hancock's charge al
Spottsylvania, and
here Colonel We)--
gant was wounded
in the leg, after his
regiment had cap-
tured four guns,
over three hundred
prisoners and a rebel flag. This wound kept him from dutj^
about seven weeks. At Boynton Roads, while in command of
a force consisting of the 124th New York and Berdan's second
regiment of sharpshooters, he was again wounded — in the side
— which kept him from duty about five weeks. His regiment,
acting as sharpshooters, took a conspicuous part in Grant's last
campaign, skirmishing with the enemy's rear guard nearly every
day from Petersburg to Appomattox, capturing many prisoners, guns
and wagons, and losing twenty men, killed and wounded, in the last
encounter between the Army of the Potomac and the Army of
Northern Virginia, the day preceding Lee's surrender.
After the war Colonel Weygant engaged in carriage manufactur-
ing, and continued in business till 1S70, when he was elected by the
Republican party Sheriff of Orange County for the term of three
years. In 1878-80 he was Mayor of the city. In 1S86, in company
with Henry T. McCoun, he purchased the eastern portion of the
Robinson farm, and planned and carried out the greatest real estate
movement in the history of the city. This work has conferred a last-
ing benefit upon Newburgh, and the Washington Heights addition
will ever stand a monument to his enterprise and ability. Colonel
Weygant has for years filled a prominent place in both the
social and business life of the city. He was chosen as the Grand
Marshal of the great Centennial parade in 1S83, and how ably he
planned and led it has been told already. Colonel Weygant is a
working member of the Board of Trade, a Trustee of Trinity M. E.
Church, and was for a number of years Commander of Ellis Post, G.
A. R. He is the author of the " History of the 124th Regiment, N.
Y. S. Vols.," a well-written book that has had a large circulation.
In 1S6S Colonel Weygant married Charlotte, daughter of Samuel
B. Sackett, of Newburgh, and they have one daughter.
THE STREET RAIL'WAY.
On January iS, 1S86, the Newburgh Street Railway Company made
application to the Mayor and Common Council for the right to build
and operate a surface road from a point at or near the western line of
the city, down Broadway to Colden Street, through Water to Third, to
Front, to the Union Depot; also a branch thereof on Liberty Street
between Broadway and Renwick. On February 19 the Common
Council granted the application upon specified conditions.
On March 30, 1SS6, the company asked for the right to extend the
line from the corner of Water and Third Streets, along Water to a
point at or near the
northerly line of the
city, and on May 7
the franchise w a s
sold at public auction
in the Common
Council rooms to the
Company, the nomi-
nal price being one-
tenth of one per
cent, of the gross
earnings of the ex-
tension from Third
Street north. Ground
was broken Novem-
ber 22, and a large
force of men was
employed till the
road was completed
to the Union Depot
in Front Street, De-
cember 22. The of-
ficers of the com-
pany were Charles
D. Haines, Presi-
dent; Andrew G.
Haines, Vice-Presi-
dent; George W.
Elmer T. Haines, General Man-
D. Haines, George W. Stetson,
Andrew G. Haines, Frank H.
IBERTY STREET— LOOKING SOUTH FROM CAMPBELL STREET.
Stetson, Secretary and Treasurer;
ager. Board of Directors; John
David S. Haines, Elmer T. Haines,
Stanley and Charles D. Haines. New officers have since been
elected.
On Thursday evening, December 23, 1886, the railway was form-
ally opened between West Newburgh and the Union Depot. Build-
ings were decorated and great crowds gathered along the line. About
seven o'clock three cars started from the stables at the western end.
The cars were named the " B. B. Odell," in honor of the Mayor, and
" G. W. Stetson," and " Haines Brothers," in honor of the builders of
the road. The first car was drawn by " Tom " and " Jerry," a beau-
tiful pair of Norman horses loaned for the purpose by the Beveridge
Brewing Company, and to the other cars were attached two other fine
teams also owned by the Brewing Company. All the way down the
line bonfires were blazing. A squad of police headed the procession
and cleared the way. They were followed by a band of music and a
mighty throng of people. The ovation began at the house of High-
laud Steamer Company. The fire-bell was rung; the steamer was
run out on the street and its whistle blown, the firemen and the
assembled populace cheered, and many kinds of fireworks were set
68
NEWBURGH
I
oflf. As the procession marched down town the enthusiasm waxed
warmer. Discharges of caunonry shook the houses, steam whistles
shrieked, rockets hissed, and the broad avenue became choked with
people. The people in Colden and Water Streets also made a great
demonstration. The cars were occupied by the Mayor and other
municipal oiScers, members of the Street Railway Company and
representative citizens.
PROPHETIC WORDS.
They halted in front of the United States Hotel, and JIayor
Odell introduced Mr. G. L. Terry, of New York, who addressed the
crowd in behalf of the Haines Brothers. He said in the course of
his remarks:
"You can hardly imagine, now that this road is only being
what great and important changes it will make and intro-
duce among you. Far-seeing as you may be, familiar as you may
be and as you are with the past history of Newburgh, with its present
enterprise inaugurated to-night. I am proud to have taken so humble
a part in such an auspicious occasion, and especially as it occurred in
this beautiful and historic city, rich in associations with the past, rich
in its bright prospects for the future, than which there is none more
beautiful and renowned even of all the cities which line the shores of
the famous river whose waters roll at your feet."
Ex-Mayor A. S. Cassedy responded for Xewburgh.
The railway line was subsequently extended through Water Street
to the northern line of the city; and in addition to the stables at the
western terminus, large and handsome brick car stables were built on
Broadway, corner of Carpenter Avenue.
DOWNING PARK.
In his Annual Message to the Common Council in 1SS7, Maj-or
Odell said:
"At various times it has been suggested that we should make use
ot the property now owned by the city, and which was formerly a
part of the Smith estate, as well as such additional lands surrounding
ACADEMY OF MUSIC.
condition, with its needs for the future in the way of business
and otherwise, with its advantages for increased development,
you will still find, as time goes on, that this road will work
changes, all beneficial, valuable and helpful that you did not dream
of, that you did not and could not anticipate. Facilities for business
and travel create business and travel, but to what extent, to what
marvelous extent, will be known only when this enterprise shall be
in full and successful operation. It would seem vain in me to at-
tempt to describe to you, who are so much better acquainted with
the city, its future prosperity as a result in part at least of this enter-
prise, but I may say what is I believe a judgment based on some
experience. It means increased activity in all your business interests
and their material and immediate enlargement. It means steadier
employment for all classes of workingmen and better reward for all
kinds-of labor. It means more business for all your banks, and mer-
chants and newspapers, and hotels and mechanics, for all who minis-
ter to either the wants or luxuries of your people; it means an exten-
sion of your territorial limits; new streets, new residences, business
blocks. It means, in short, the development of the city in every possi-
ble manner, and in every possible direction. When you see outlying
sections improved, and intervening sections built up by reason of new
and convenient facilities for intercourse; when you see prosperity in-
creasing and ambition augmented, you will attribute it largely to the
the same as might be deemed necessary, as a public park. Certainly,
no portion of our city is better adapted for this purpose. Situated in
the center of the city, of easy access, and commanding, as it does, a
magnificent view of the surrounding country, it seems to have been
designed by nature for such a purpose. Statistics from other cities
show that the increased valuation of adjacent property fully repays
the cost of acquiring and maintaining such imprcivcmen't. If' deemed
wise, the subject should be thoroughly investigated, and I believe a
presentation of the same could be made that would meet the approval
of all our citizens."
At a meeting of the Council on April 5, the Street Committee, with
the Mayor and the city attorney added, was instructed to make
inquiries in reference to the purchase of land between Dubois Street
and Carpenter Avenue, and between Third and South Streets, for
the purposes of a public park, and to ascertain the price and other
information. At the next meeting the committee, consisting of
Aldermen Kernahan, Cochrane and Kelly, and Mayor Odell and
City Attorney Graham, made a favorable report. A special election
was ordered to be held at the house of Columbian Hose Company on
May 24. On the evening previovis to the election a public meeting
NEWBURGH
69
was held at the Court House. A. S. Cassedy, Daniel S. Waring,
James G. Graham, Rev. J. N. Shaffer and W. W. Gearn spoke in
favor of the appropriation. On the morrow 373 ta.xpayers voted in
favor of the appropriation of $30,000 and 153 against.
On the first of July W. L. Smith executed a deed of the property
to the City of Newburgh.
Messrs. Vaux and Olmstead, architects and landscape gardeners,
formerly pupils of the late Andrew J. Downing, volunteered in con-
sideration that the park should be named " Downing Park," to
furnish plans for laying out the grounds. The sentiment of the
people, as voiced by the press, seeming to concur, the offer was
eventually accepted.
Downing Park has a very sightly location, and part of it being on
a high eminence, a view of the river, the surrounding country and of
a large part of the city is afforded. It has long been a popular resort
and playground in Summer.
THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC.
The projectors of the enterprise which secured to Newburgh this
large and beautiful edifice and a popular place of amusement were
J. P. Andrews and E, S. Turner. In December, 1SS6, the lot was
purchased from Robert Whitehill for $15,000, and the erection was
commenced in the Spring of 1SS7. The building stands on the north-
west corner of Broadway and Grand Street. It has a frontage on
Broadway of 85 feet, and a depth of 140 feet. The style of architect-
ure is Romanesque; the walls of the first story are built of brown
stone, and the rest of North River brick, with terra cotta trimmings.
The auditorium is eighty feet long by forty-five in depth, and about
forty feet high. The stage is eighty by thirty-five feet. There are
twelve dressing rooms, two balconies, four bo.xes, and the auditorium
will seat nearly thirteen hundred people. It is heated by steam, and
lighted by both electricity and gas. The interior is handsomely finish-
ed, and the arrangements and conveniences fulfil the most modern
ideas. The first story on the Broadway side is rented for mercantile
purposes, the second for offices, and the third and fourth to Masonic
societies. Messrs. T. & J. Wilson were the contractors for the mason
work; Thomas Shaw's Sons, carpenters; Ward & Logan, painting
and frescoing; William Nixon, gas fixtures; Henry McCann, plumb-
ing; J. H. Dotzert, electric light fixtures; L. W. Seavey, of New
York, scene painter; J. J. Meehan, of New York, stage carpenter.
The Academy was formally opened September 17, iSSS. The total
cost was about 895,000. The stock-holders are J. P. Andrews'
estate, Thos. Shaw's Sons, T. & J. Wilson, Ward & Logan, Henry
McCann, J. Henry Dotzert, E. A. Brewster, John D. Van Buren,
Henry T. McCoun. The first manager was A. Stanley Wood, and
the present lessee and manager is Fred M. Taylor.
JOHN P. ANDREWS, to whom Newburgh is mainly indebted
for its beautiful Academy of Music, was born at AVoodbury, Conn. ,
June 6, 1817. In his 5'outh he learned the mason trade, and the knowl-
edge he possessed of this practical art was the basis of the success he
achieved in after life. He became an expert at his trade, and was
entrusted by his employer with the most important work. When
comparatively young he undertook contracts on his own account, one
of the first, if not the first, being a railroad job for Commodore Van-
derbilt.
In the years that followed Mr. Andrews built railroads in many
parts of the country, and had a wide acquaintance among the lead-
ing railroad operators. As a member of the firm of Dillon, Clide &
Co. he built the Grand Central Depot, and the approaches thereto, in-
cluding the Fourth Avenue Tunnel, in the City of New York. He
built the great Bergen Tunnel for the Erie Railroad, and all the ma-
sonry for the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad through
Buffalo, the road being elevated in that city. At the time of his death
he was engaged on three contracts, namely, the construction of the
Dutchess County Railroad, an extension of tlie Lehigh Valley Rail-
road, and an extension of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.
Mr. Andrews for several years owned and lived at Home Farm,
at Wallkill, N. Y. In 1877 he bought the handsome residence 291
Liberty Street, and moved to Newburgh. He formed a strong at-
tachment for the city, and contributed to its advancement in many
ways. He erected several fine buildings, and aroused the spirit of en-
terprise in other capitalists. He was an officer of the Newburgh Real
Estate Company, which developed a valuable tract of land in the city,
and was one of the organizers, and at the time of his death the Vice-
President of the Edison Electric Illuminating Company.
But his crowning work for Newburgh was in connection with the
Academy of Music, for which he furnished most of the capital. At
his death he owned three-fourths of the stock and was President of
the company.
Mr. Andrews died at his country-seat near Cairo, Greene County,
November 26, 1S90. The cause of death was apoplexy. In him New-
burgh " lost a citizen unportentious in manner, active in public spirit,
upright in character, and who demonstrated repeatedly in this city his
interest and devotion to the public weal." The people of Newburgh
had a warm regard for him, and his memory will be cherished for his
identification with the material advancement and progress of our city.
JOHN P, ANDREWS.
Mr. Andrews was twice married. By his first wife, Harriet Bron-
son, he had two sons and one daughter, namely, J. B. Andrews, of
Denver. Col., Frederick, and Edna H., wife of William C. Chambers.
His second wife was Josephine Jerome, who has one daughter, Adelee
M,, wife of Dr. F. S. Cole.
NEWBURGH FREE ACADEMY.
This institution of learning was completed and dedicated Septem-
ber 2. 1SS6. The architect was F. A. Wright (of Rossiter & Wright,
of New York), a graduate of the Academy; the contractor was Thomas
Dobbin; Thomas Shaw's Sons sub-contractors for the carpenter work;
the superintendent of construction was William Harrison, a member
of the Board of Education; the total cost was about S6S,ooo. Work
was commenced August i, 18S5. The edifice, which is constructed
of brick, with brown stone trimmings, contains three stories and a
basement. It stands on Montgomery Street, on the site of the old
NEWBURGH
Academy, which was erected in 1796. It has a frontage of 112 feet
and a depth of 6S. There are twelve class rooms, each 31^^x23 feet,
and each containing single desks for forty-five pupils. There are
twenty-one rooms in all, including an assembly hall SS feet in length
by 64 in width , which will seat between six and seven hundred persons ;
janitor's quarters, drawing room, laboratory, etc. The heating and
ventilating is by the Rutan S5-stem; the light enters all the class rooms
over the left shoulders of the pupils; the stairways are broad, easy of
ascent and descent, without windings or abrupt turns. In these as in
many other particulars, the Academy is patterned after the most
modem ideas in school architecture. The interior can be lighted by
gas or electricity.
The dedicatory exercises were held in the Assembly Hall on the
third floor, and over six hundred people were present, among them
Hon. A. S. Draper, State Superintendent of Instruction; Rev. Dr.
John Forsyth, of Newburgh; Rev. Dr. Cornwell, Prof. Edward Wells,
of Peekskill ; Colonel H. C. Hasbrouck, Commandant of Cadets at
the interior are of pine, with shellac finish. The joiner work is all
hand-made, and that in the best manner. The doors are heavy and
beautifully paneled. The rooms are handsomely fitted up and cheer-
ful. At the dedicatory exercises there were present a number of
delegates from other Associations. Addresses were made by Rev.
Dr. W. K. Hall, President E. S. Turner, and Rev. G. A. Hall, and a
poem entitled " E. S. Turner, His JIark" was read by Rev. John
JIacnaughtan. The Association owes the building mainly to the in-
defatigable efforts of E. S. Turner, who was the President, and J. T.
Bowne, who was then Secretary. Mr. Turner subsequently erected
a handsome office building adjoining the Y. M. C. A. building, of
simUar design.
GRAMMAR SCHOOL NO. 6.
On March iS, 1S91, the Board of Education aw-arded to T. & J.
Wilson the contract for the construction of a new school building,
situated at the comer of Liberty and Renwick Streets. The building
West Point; Judge E. L. Eldridge, Superintendent of Schools of
Poughkeepsie, N. Y.; Major E. C. Boynton, Homer Ramsdell, Esq.,
Mayor Odell and ex-Mayor Cassedy, of Newburgh. Dr. Forsyth
offered prayer, and addresses were made by President L. M. Smith,
Hon. Jas. G. Graham, Hon. A. S. Draper, Hon. O. D. M. Baker, Presi-
dent of the Poughkeepsie Board of Educaticni, and Mr. T. C. North-
cott, of Elmira.
THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION BUILDING,
Which is located on the corner of Third and Smith Streets, has a
frontage of 31 feet and a depth of 77, with three stories and a base-
ment. The architects were McKim, Mead & White, of New York;
the contractors, William H. Hilton for the carpenter work, and John
Little for the mason work. The construction commenced in Septem-
ber, 18S2, and the building was dedicated with appropriate ceremo-
nies June 15, 1SS3. The general style of the building is colonial.
The exterior walls are of selected North River brick laid in red mor-
tar, and trimmed with quoins of molded Croton brick and blue stone.
The total cost of the building complete and furnished was over S24,-
000. The first floor and basement are used as a gymnasium, in the
second story are the parlor and reading rooms, and on the third floor
is a hall with a seating capacity of three hundred. The finishings of
is 74 feet in width and 76 in depth. There are eight class rooms,
each 28x23 feet, and having desks for forty pupils. A hall, sixteen
feet wide, extends through each of the first two stories, with two class
rooms on either side. The third storj- contains the assembly room.
The building is heated and ventilated by the Rutan-Smead system.
The estimated cost is about $30,000. F. E. Estabrook, of Newburgh.
was the architect.
THE GOVERNMENT BUILDING.
In 1S91 Congress appropriated Sioo,ooo for the erection of a pub-
lic building in Newburgh, and the Government purchased a plot at
the southeast corner of Montgomery and Second Streets on which to
erect the structure. This plot is 100 feet on Montgomery Street and
125 feet on Second Street.
Other evidences of recent growth are: Three new churches; three
newspapers; the enlargement of the water works system; two iron
steamboats for the Homer Ramsdell Transportation Company; electric
fire alarm system; the proposed addition of two new wards, and the
rearrangement of the system of municipal government; mail delivery
by carriers; Newburgh made a port of delivery.
THE CITY OF NEWBURGH.
Characteristics and Advantages.
E year iSgi finds Newburgh a large, bustling, thriving
city, equipped with every modern facility and con-
venience preferred by an ambitious and cultivated
people. By these is determined the civilization of a com-
munity more than by anything else, for without them it
could not do the complex duties of a highly organized
society. Judged by its institutions, Newburgh is a
model city. Its educational system, its religious, benevolent and
social organizations, its sanitary, water, fire, street and police ar-
rangements would befit
a municipality of far
larger growth. It has
become an important
manufacturing and rail-
road centre, as well as a
delightful residence place
and the general market
and depot of supply for a
broad region of country.
Our streets are mac-
adamized or paved, and
our flagstone side-walks
beneath stately elms and
maples, are miles and
miles in extent. Water
is cheaply supplied by
the city. The rate ol
taxation is lower than in
any other place of equal
population; the municipal
debt is insignificant ami
merely nominal. The
cost of living is low;
rents are not high; coal
is cheap; meat, flour and
the staple household
supplies are as reasonable
i n price here as anywhere
else, while milk, butter
and vegetables can be
had at country prices;
clothing, drygoods, fur-
niture and carpets are
supplied by our large
houses at New York
prices. No comforts of
the great cities are denied to residents of Newburgh, while a
thousand and one that may be had here cannot be obtained in New
York. The social standard maintains a healthy and moral atmos-
phere, which permits a greater degree of liberty, and discourages the
rough element to an extent which challenges comparison with any
city in the land.
We have a climate nearly perfect, whose hygienic qualities no
language can fitly describe; an ideal mountain range to temper the
WATER STREET— LOOKING SOUTH FROM FIFTH STREET
wind and purify the air, while north and south in beauty ever renewed
stretches the valley of the Hudson, fringed in the distance by the
softened outlines of the mountains.
'' For whereso'er we turn our ravished eyes.
Bright gilded peaks and shining prospects rise."
Great cities do not occur by accident. They rise from natural and
artificial causes, chief among the former being a dominant geograph-
ical position. That must be where extended lines of land and water
carriage meet, and where the contributory country is extensive and
rich in resources. When
these are joined with en-
ergetic and capable men
the result is as certain
as anything may be with-
in our range. Now apply-
ing this to Newburgh, let
us consider the follow-
ing :
First— The city is sit-
uated almost midway on
the great river which
separates the Eastern
from the iMiddle States,
and on the only water
course freighting the
products of the great
West to New York city
and the ocean. It is also
located in the centre of
one of the best agricul-
tural and dairy districts
nf the United States.
Second — The city is
in direct communication
with the great coal fields
and iron deposits of
Pennsylvania, whereby
these products are trans-
ferred to the water's edge
in the city without break-
ing bulk, and thence by
floats or boats the same
cars are transferred to
rails which penetrate
every part of New Eng-
land, while coal-carrying
and transport coal to any accessible port on
the coast.
Third — The city is situated in the very heart of one of the largest
fruit-growing districts in this country, the cultivation of which is
annually increasing and furnishing employment to thousands of men,
women and children.
Fourth — The city bears on its three .sides, within easy distances,
the first or second great Hudson River brick-making industry. [71]
72
NEWBURGH
Fifth — The city is favored with a railroad and steamboat system
which leaves nothing to be desired. The resources for cheap trans-
portation are, therefore, all at hand here.
Sbcth — The cheapness with which coal can be laid down here in
quantities, added to the water power which is running to waste,
answers the question as to the cheap power for manufactm-ing.
Water transportation is the key to commerce, and when joined with
railways completes the situation. Cheap coal, competing freight rates,
good sites, low taxation, and water power are the keys to manufac-
turing. Reviewing all these conditions, one risks nothing in predict-
ing that Newburgh will become a great manufacturing and com-
mercial city.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
The appearance of the city proper is not only inviting, but visitors
are impressed with its compactness, with the regularity and neatness
of the avenues, and the solid and substantial appearance of the build-
ings. It is singularly tree from dingy streets and squalid tenements.
It is laid out generally in regular squares. The site bcmg mainly on
the slope of the river bank, there is good drainage, and every rain
washes the streets clean. The surface water is collected in silt basins
where required, and conducted in sewers to the river. The streets
also carry pipes for water, gas and electric wires.
Water, Colden and Front Streets, running parallel and close to the
river, and Broadway, extending westward from the river, are the
principal business streets. Grand Street, which has eight churches
and three public buildings, is on the edge of the first plateau, and
at Dubois Street begins the broad tableland on which the west end
of the city is built.
The streets are lighted by both gas and electricity — 383 gas lamps
and no electric lamps. The total cost of lighting the streets last
year was $24,180.04. Within the fire limits the erection of frame
buildings is prohibited.
The streets are in charge of a superintendent, who has a corps of
corporation workers, who clean and macadamize the roads, collect
garbage and make all ordinary repairs. Dioring the past fiscal year
the amount expended under the supervision of the street superinten-
dent was $10,058.96.
For two miles the river-front is fringed with almost an unbroken
line of wharves. Newburgh is a port of delivery, with a resident
customs officer. Ocean vessels are constantly at the docks among
the river steamers. At the extreme south end of the river front we
have the group of New Windsor brick yards. At the mouth of Quas-
saick Creek are the iron works of the Coldwell- Wilcox Co. , and the
great depot of the Pennsylvania Coal Company, where coal is
shipped to points along the coast, the river and the canals. Coming
north we pass the West Shore Railroad switchyard. Marvel & Co.'s
iron, ship building and engineering works, one of the two Erie
Railway switchyards and the New York and New England Railroad
ferry; next, the landing places of the regular lines of boats, and far-
ther north, the Beveridge Brewery, the paint works, plaster works,
cotton mills and Wright's engine works. Interspersed along the line
are large storehouses, foundry and machine shops, coal and lumber
yards.
The streets next the river are Front and South Water. The former
extends from the Union Depot to South Street, and gives access to
the steamboat landings. It has wholesale houses, manufactories, etc.
South Water Street extends through the South End manufacturing
district. Water Street, next west of Front, is the principal retail
thoroughfare, though Colden Street and Broadway have recently
given it a strong opposition.
It is predicted by some that Broadway will eventually become our
principal business street. Handsome buildings are almost constantly
under construction, and solidly-built blocks now extend from Colden
Street far over the hill. It has factories, stores of all kinds, churches,
missions, clubs and places of amusement, and day and night the
sidewalks are thronged with people.
The Quassaick Creek, which is the southern boundary, furnishes
excellent water power, and has a dozen factories on its banks, with
room for many more. Newburgh has two public parks: Downing
Park is the height of land seen in the west, and Washington's Head-
quarters park may be distinguished by the flag always flying from its
giant staff. To those who pass on the river, or along the opposite
shore, we would say that it is only about one-third of the town which
they see, and that the hills are not so steep as they appear to them.
CITY GOVERNMENT.
The growth of Newburgh has been encouraged since its incorpor-
ation as a city by wise government. In the administration of its affairs
there has been nothing to regret — nothing which we would wish to
undo. The Government has alwaj-s been forehanded in its policy.
Its system of public works is complete, and need only be extended
from time to time as the growth of the population demands. The laws
and ordinances provide for every detail of government. No extraor-
dinary expenditures can now be foreseen, and the rate of taxation,
small as it is, will more probably be reduced than increased in the
future.
YEARLY TAX LEVIES.
The City's Assessed Valuation, and the Amount of Taxes Required
for Different Purposes Since Incorporation.
^1
STATE AND
>* '
2-S
Is
^r,,:.-..
VALUATION.
LEW.
RENTS.
TAX.
TAXES.
1867
$8,032,667
00
$67,376 72
$14,796 05
$110,998 44
$193,17121
186S
7,873.049
54
77,966 00
20,086 79
117,414 69
215.467 48
lS6q
7.569,415
63,489 50
17.754 64
111,960 43
193.204 57
1870
7,004,929
50
81,770 27
19,566 73
100,173 57
201,510 57
1871
6,056,995
00
79.849 97
19,679 63
111,586 07
211,115 67
1872
6,093,305
00
96,684 98
20,667 60
92,027 Si
209,380 39
1873
00
104,477 95
23,572 68
79.493 01
207,543 64
1874
5.723.850
00
99,233 28
27,258 17
85,006 49
211,497 94
IS?';
5.628,735
00
102,925 49
29.307 71
90,519 17
222,752 37
1876
5,617,060
00
104,999 32
28,295 02
72,804 50
206,098 84
IS77
11,821,025
00
103,658 II
29,882 01
58,001 82
191,591 94
1878
11,470,775
00
98,068 25
29.767 33
60,844 16
188,679 74
1879
9.273.035
00
99,358 48
28,559 75
56,721 76
184,639 99
18S0
9,122,010
00
80,562 37
30,696 29
53.745 01
165,003 67
8.591,859
00
90,475 64
27,334 50
52,333 17
170,143 31
1882
8,678,168
00
97,629 57
27,429 II
46,421 47
171.480 15
18S3
8,716,043
92
100,236 38
30,427 37
45,175 46
175.839 21
18S4
8,971,729 05
103,297 02
30,882 78
65.S91 78
200,071 58
188s
8,981,845
36
111,374 88
29,944 16
61,614 82
202,933 86
1886
9,058,203
50
112,513 79
30,882 00
61,336 49
204,732 28
1887
9.130,399
00
113,217 07
34,384 00
62,732 96
210,334 03
iSSS
9,208,604
00
131,227 50
32,885 00
64,346 56
228,459 06
lS8q
9,330,819
00
145,560 93
36,054 50
61,706 58
243,322 01
1890
9,328,170
00
145,519 42
37,056 50
79.270 80
261,846 72
1891
9,203,785
00
138,057 14
38,594 09
69,242 25
245.893 48
There are outstanding bonds against the city as follows :
Water bonds $ 286,000 00
Glebe fund bond (issued 1S85) @ 3 per cent 25,170 00
City Park bonds (issued 18S7) ® 3'A per cent 12,000 00
Quassaick Creek Bridge bonds (including New Wind-
sor's share, issued 1881) @ 4 per cent 56,000 00
Electric fire alarm bonds (issued 1S89) @ 3K per
cent 3,60000
$382,770 00
The Water bonds, ?'. c, the debt on the water works, are provid-
ed for by the annual water rents.
The total amount of taxes levied and raised upon the taxable
property of the city during the past year was as follows;
School and Contingent, Police and Light, (City taxes) $138,057 14
State and County taxes 69,242 25
Water rents, levied by Board of Water Commis-
38,594 09
5245.S93 4S
NEWBURGH
n
The valuation placed on city property (real and personal), for
assessment purposes last year was only §9,203,785. The rate for City
taxes was $1.50 on every $100. The rate for State and County taxes
was 0.7554. The water tax may be estimated at about 42 cents on
every $100. Thus it will be seen that the total taxes levied upon city
property aggregates about $2.67 on every $100 of assessed valu-
ation. A careful comparison has been made in Newburgh between
the assessed valuation and the real valuation, and the result shows
that real estate as a whole is assessed for only one-third its true value.
Therefore, the tax rate of 82. 67 represents three times what it would
be if property were assessed at its true value, or about 89 cents on
each Sioo.
DISBURSEMENTS.
The disbursements ending JIarch 9, 1S91, were as follows;
Incidentals S 5.455 01
Board of Health 762 99
Election Expenses 1,012 27
Fire Department 4i479 89
Printing Expenses 1.553 44
Roads and Bridges 22,675 59
Salaries 6.S75 00
Police and Light—
Miscellaneovis $ 7^2 47
Station House 1.397 26
StreetGas Lamps 12,164 o3
Repairs to Street Lights 121 12
Electric Street Lights 11,916 01
Gas for Fire Houses 1,327 96
Salaries of Policemen and Recorder 21,389 37
Old Town Cemetery S 49 50
Broadway Sewer 350 15
Carter Street Sewer 1,126 00
Johnes Street Sewer 664 03
Lutheran Street Sewer 1,065 55
Washington's Headquarters 1,000 00
Carpenter Avenue Sewer 510 52
Overpaid Tax Fund 75 75
Interest on City Debt 693 00
Electric Fire Alarm Bonds 1,200 00
Supervisors' Audits 5, 540 46
Chambers Creek Bridge 2,251 25
Bills Payable 20,000 00
Board of Education 44.503 21
Newburgh City Park Bonds 6,000 00
Water 37.766 19
$ 49,098 22
214,708 02
PLAN OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
List of the Officials Required, What They are Paid, Etc.
NUMBER AND TITLE.
One Mayor
One President of Common Council
One Recorder
One Treasurer
One Collector
Four Assessors
Two Justices of the Peace (one every 2 years) .
Two Constables
Four Commissioners of the Alms House
Eight Trustees of Common Schools (2 each year)
Eight Aldermen
Alderman-at- Large
Four Supervisors
Sixty Inspectors of Election
One Chief Engineer of the Fire Department. . .
Three Assistant Engineers do do ....
Four Fire Wardens
One President of the Board of Education
One Vice-President of the Board of Education.
One Clerk and Superintendent of Schools
One Librarian
Two Assistant Librarians
One Clerk of Common Council
One Assistant Clerk
One Superintendent of Streets
Asst. Supts. of Streets, not more than three. . . .
One Marshal
Two Police Sergeants
Police Constables (not exceeding twenty)
One City Engineer and Surveryor
One Corporation Counsel
Board of Health (six persons)
One Health Officer
Special Police Constables (not exceeding fifty) .
Three Excise Commissioners
Five Water Commissioners
One Superintendent of Water Works
One Superintendent of Tower Clock
One Clerk to the Excise Board
One Superintendent of Alms House
One Alms House Physician
One Matron of Children's Home
Three Civil Service Commissioners
One Clerk to Civil Service Board
HOW APPOINTED OR ELECTED.
Elected by City at large ....
do Common Council .
do City at large
do do ....
do do
do do
do do
do do
Elected by City at large and 2 by Town Newb'j
do do do
do One each year by each Ward
do by City at large
do one each year by each Ward
do three in each Election District.
do by active members of fire companies. . .
do do do do do
do do do do do
do by Board of Education
do do do
do do do
do do do
do do do
do by Common Council
Appointed by City Clerk
do by Mayor — consent of Common Council .
do by Board of Health
do by Mayor
do do
One Elected each year by City at large ,
Appointed by Water Board
do
do by Excise Board
do by Alms House Board
do do do do
do do do do
do by Mayor
Appointed by Act
TERM OF OFFICE.
Two years . .
One year. . . .
Four years . .
Three years .
Three years.
Three years.
Four years . .
One year
Three years .
Four years . .
Two years . .
Two years . .
One year. . . .
One year. . . .
Three years .
do
One year.
do
do
do
do .
do
One year
do
Dur'g good behav'r
do do
do do
One year
do
do
do
Fifteen days or less .
Three years
Five years
One year
do
do
do
do
do
Until successors ap.
do do
$Soo per year.
Nothing.
§1,000 per 5-par.
S500 per year.
Paid bv fees, (a)
S300 each per j^ear.
Paid by fees, (c)
do do (d)
Nothing.
do
do
do
$75 each.*
About $60 per year.
$300 per year.
Nothing.
$2 perday.f
Nothing.
do
$1,500 per }-ear.
$1,200 per year.
$400 each per year.
$1,200 per year.
$Soo per year.
S800 per year.
Fixed by Com. C'l.
$1,200 per year.
$950 each per year.
$900 do
Nothing, j:
$200 per year.^
Nothing.
$250 per year, (e)
$2 per day.
$100 each per year.
Nothing.
$1,000 per year.
S50 per year.
$100 and fees.
$800 pr yr, & board
$300 per year.
$240 pr >T, & board
$75 each per year.
$75 per year.
1 addition to the same compensation from the county as is received by Supervisors from towns. + For actual days service, wh
1 any one year. } Presents bills for services rendered. § Also presents bills for services rendered.
The ofHee is worth about $2,500 per annum. (c) The office is worth about $500 per annum. (</l The office is worth about $20
(e) $25 monthly extra allowance for sanitary inspection, with fees for registering vital statistics.
74
NEWBURGH
The chief executive officer is the Mayor, and the chief body the
Common Council, which consists of nine members — two from each ot
the four Wards, and a member at large. Other municipal bodies are:
the Board of Education, the Board of Water Commissioners, the
Board of Alms House Commissioners, the Board of Health, the
Board of Assessors, the Board of Excise Commissioners, and the
Board of Civil Service Commissioners.
« > . >< s
NEWBURGH'S ASSETS IN 1891.
VAI.l-E
BUILDINGS
PROPERTY.
OF
LAND.
AND
CONTE.NTS.
TUS.
TOTAL.
830,000
38,000
36,500
10,000
18,500
25,500
75,000
30,000
838,000
58,000
46,500
14,000
20,000
30,000
go, 000
37.000
do No
10,000
2,000
4.500
15,000
do No 4
$2,000
do No 6 ...
Books in Library (17,-
Steamer Co. No. 2
5,000*
5.000
11,000
do No. 3
600
3,500*
5.500
9,600
do No. 4
2,000
4,000*
5.000
11,000
Hook and Ladder Co..
2,000
3,800*
2,000
7.800
Hose Co. No. I
3.000
4,500*
2,500
10,000
do No. 2
1,000
4.500*
2,000
7,500
do No. 4
1,000
3,500*
2,000
6,500
do No. 5
2,000
4,000*
2,500
8,500
Electric Fire Alarm
System
6,000
Downing Park (not in-
cluding Reservoir lot)
Water Works System
(cost)
'V^
Police Headquarters...
Soo
5,000
Storage building and
1,500
3,000
4.500
Horses, wagons, im-
2,500
Four-fifths interest in
Alms House
48,000
Miscellaneous personal
5,000
Fortv acres of land,
34.000
Land in Court House
30,000
Quassaick Creek bridge
Cash in the Treasury,
March 9, 1891
22,509
Total .
81,234,253
* Not including furniture, which is owned by the companies.
The foregoing is a plain and complete statement of facts and fig-
ures showing the financial condition of the city, except that we have
omitted from the assets the improved streets, and the docks at the
ends of streets running to the river. The city has ever maintained a
liberal policy in all its departments, and yet the municipal debt is
small, and taxes are low.
OFFICIAL REGISTER.
Mayors and Aldermen of the City of Newburgh.
From March 11, 1866, to March 12, 1867.
Mayor — George Clark.
Aldermen:
First Ward— Daniel A. Rheutan, John Lomas.
Second Ward — Henrv Ross, John Corwin.
Third Ward— Edson'H. Clark, Benjamin B. Odell.
Fourth Ward — James Bigler, James Whitehill.
Clerk— Charles B. Rovce.
From March 12, 1867, to March 10, 186S.
Mayor — George Clark.
Aldermen:
First AVard — Daniel A. Rheutan, George M. Clapp.
Second Ward — Henry Ross, James H. Phillips.
Third Ward— Edson H. Clark, Charles Root.
Fourth Ward — James Bigler, David Moore.
Clerk — Charles B. Royce.
From March 11, 1868, to March 9, 1869.
Mayor — George Clark.
Aldermen:
First Ward — George M. Clapp, Alexander McCann.
Second Ward — James H. Phillips, William R. Brown.
Third Ward— Charies Root, Jonathan N. Weed.
Fourth Ward — David iloore, Abram S. Cassedy.
Clerk— Charles B. Royce.
From March 9, 1869, to March 8, 1870.
Mayor — George Clark.
Aldermen:
First Ward — Alexander McCann, Gavin R. McGregor.
Second Ward — William R. Brown, Francis Boyd.
Third Ward— Jonathan N. Weed, John J. S. McCroskery.
Fourth Ward — Alexander Cauldwell, Jacob Brown.
Clerk — Charles B. Royce.
From March 8, 1870, to March 7, 1871.
Mayor — Robert Sterling. (Died April 30, 1S70.)
Alexander McCann, Presiding Officer and Acting Mayor.
Aldermen:
First Ward — Alexander JlcCann, Gavin R. JIcGregor.
Second Ward — Elkanah K. Shaw, Francis Boyd.
Third Ward— Charles Root, John J. S. McCro'skery.
Fourth Ward — Alexander Cauldwell, James T. Lawson.
Clerk— Orville M. Smith.
From March 7, 1S71, to March 6, 1S72.
Mayor — William W. Carson.
AlHermen:
First Ward — Alexander JMcCann, William Doyle.
Second Ward — Elkanah K. Shaw, Robert Whitehill.
Third Ward— Charies Root, John J. S. McCroskery.
Fourth Ward — Nathaniel B. Hayt, James T. Lawson.
Clerk— Orville M. Smith.
From March 6, 1872, to March 10, 1873.
Mayor — Samuel E. Shutes.
Aldermen:
First AVard — Joseph M. Dickev, AVilliani Dovle.
Second Ward— Henry F. Travis, Robert Whitehill.
Third Ward— Edward Haigh, John J. S. McCroskery.
Fourth Ward — Nathaniel B. Ha}-t, Robert Kernahan.
Clerk— Daniel J. Coutant.
From March 10, 1873, to March 10, 1874.
Mayor — Samuel E. Shutes.
Aldermen:
First Ward— Joseph M. Dickey, AVilliam Dojde.
Second Ward — Henrv F. Travis, William F. Cameron.
Third Ward— Edward Haigh, John C. Adams.
Fourth Ward — Nathaniel B. Hayt, Robert Kernahan.
President of the Common Council — Joseph M. Dickev.
Clerk— Daniel J. Coutant.
From March lo, 1874, to March 10, 1875.
Mayor — Chancey il. Leonard. (Died Dec. 3, 1S74.)
President Nathaniel B. Hayt, acting Mayor.
.\ldermen:
First Ward — William Doyle, Hugh Hamilton.
Second Ward — William F. Cameron, John Dotzert.
Third Ward— John C. Adams, Grant E. Edgar.
Fourth Ward— Nathaniel B. Haj-t, Lewis B. Halsey.
President of the Common Council — Nathaniel B. Hayt.
Clerk— Daniel J. Coutant.
From March 9, 1875, to March 13, 1876.
Mayor— John J. S. :McCroskery.
Aldermen:
First Ward— William Doyle, Hugh Hamilton.
Second Ward — AVilliara F. Cameron, John Dotzert.
Third Ward — John C. Adams, Grant E. Edgar.
Fourth Ward— Noah Collard, Richard Sterhng.
President of the Common Council— John Dotzert.
Clerk— Daniel J. Coutant.
NEWBURGH,
75
From March 13, 1876, to March 12, 1877.
Mayor — John J. S. McCroskery.
Aldermen:
First Ward— William Doyle, Benjamin Clifif.
Second Ward — William F. Cameron, John Dotzert.
Third Ward — John C. Adams, Wallace Schoonmaker.
Fourth Ward— David S. Lockwood, Noah CoUard.*
President of the Common Council — William Doyle.
Clerk— Daniel J. Coutant.
* Died May 13, 1876, and Richard Sterling appointed May 2q, 1876, to fill '
From March 12, 1877, to March 12, 1878.
Mayor— John J. S. McCroskery.
Aldermen:
First Ward— William Doyle, Benjamin Cliff.
Second Ward — John Dotzert George L. Chadborn.
Third Ward — John C. Adams,* Wallace Schoonmaker.
Fourth Ward — David S. Lockwood, James Dickey.
President of the Common Council — John C. Adams, f
Clerk— Daniel J. Coutant.
■ Resigned July 3, 1S77, and Moses C. Belknap appointed August 7, 1877, to
Resigned July 3, 1877, and William Doyle elected President.
From March 12, 1878, to March 10, 1879.
Mayor — Charles H. Weygant.
Aldermen:
First Ward— William Doyle, Benjamin Cliff.
Second Ward — James C. Grant, George L. Chadborn.
Third Ward— William I. Underhill, Bartholomew B. Moore.
Fourth Ward— James Dickey, Robert Kernahan.
President of the Common Council— George L. Chadborn.
Clerk— Daniel J. Coutant.
From March 10, 1879, to March 8, 1880.
Mayor — Charles H. Weygant.
Aldermen:
First Ward— Benjamin Cliff, Charles J. Embler.
Second Ward — James C. Grant, WilUam Chambers.
Third Ward— William I. Underhill, Bartholomew B. Moore.
Fourth Ward — Robert Kernahan, Hugh McKissock.
President of the Common Council — Bartholomew B. Moore.
Clerk — Daniel J. Coutant.
From March, 1880, to March, 1881.
Mayor — Abram S. Cassed)'.
Aldermen:
First Ward— Charles J. Embler, William Doyle.
Second Ward — William Chambers, Lewis C. Vemol.
Third Ward — Bartholomew B. Moore, Thomas A. Simonson.
Fourth Ward— Hugh McKissock, Richard Sterling.
President of the Common Council — Bartholomew B. Moore.
Clerk — Daniel J. Coutant.
From March 8, 1881, to March 13, 18S2.
ilayor — Abram S. Cassedy.
Aldermen:
First Ward— William Doyle, Joseph S. Embler.
Second Ward — Lewis C. Vemol, John T. Moore.
Third Ward— Thomas A. Simonson, Bartholomew B. Moore.
Fourth Ward— Richard Sterhng, Charles A. Harcoiu-t.
President of the Common Council — Richard Sterling.
Clerk— Daniel J. Coutant.
From March 13, 1SS2, to March 12, 1883.
Mayor — Peter Ward.
Aldermen :
First Ward— Joseph S. Embler, William Doyle.
Second Ward— John T. Moore, Lewis C. Vernol.
Third Ward— Bartholomew B. Moore, Charles H. Halstead.
Fourth Ward— Charles A. Harcourt, Richard Sterhng.
President of the Common Council— Lewis C. Vernol.
Clerk— Daniel J. Coutant.
From March 12, 18S3, to March 11, 1884.
Mayor— Peter AVard.
Aldermen:
First Ward— William Doyle, Patrick Delany.
Second Ward — Lewis C. Vernol, Curtis Stanton.
Third AVard— Bartholomew B. Moore, Charles H. Halstead.
Fourth Ward— Richard Sterling, Charles A. Harcourt.
President of the Common Council— Richard Sterling.
Clerk— Daniel J. Coutant.
From March 11, 1884, to March 10, 1885.
Mayor — Benjamin B. Odell.
Aldermen:
First Ward— William Doyle, Patrick Delany.
Second Ward — Leander Clark, Curtis Stanton.
Third Ward — Bartholomew B. Moore, Joseph A. Sneed.
Fourth Ward — Charles A. Harcourt, Robert Kernahan.
President of the Common Council — William Doyle.
Clerk— Daniel J. Coutant.
From March 10, 1885, to March 8, 1886.
Mayor — Benjamin B. Odell.
Aldermen;
First Ward — William Doyle, James Cochrane.
Second Ward — Leander Clark, William H. Kelly.
Third Ward — Joseph A. Sneed, John Corwin.
Fourth Ward — Robert Kernahan, William H. Brinkman.
President of the Common Council — Joseph A. Sneed.
Clerk— Daniel J. Coutant.
From March 8, 1886, to March 8, 18S7.
Mayor — Benjamin B. Odell.
First Ward — James Cochrane, William Doyle.
Second Ward — William H. Kelly, Leander Clark.
Third Ward— John Corwin, William H. Smith.
Fourth Ward — William H. Brinkman, Robert Kernahan.
President of the Common Council — Robert Kernahan.
Clerk— Daniel J. Coutant.
From March 8, 1887, to March 13, 188S.
Mayor — Benjamin B. Odell.
Aldermen:
At Large — Bartholomew B. Moore.
First Ward — William Doyle, James Cochrane.
Second Ward — Leander Clark, William H. Kelly.
Third Ward— William H. Smith, Cornelius S. Gibb.
Fourth Ward — Robert Kernahan, Horatio B. Beckman.
President of the Common Council — Leander Clark.
Clerk — Daniel J. Coutant.
From March 13, 1888, to March 12, 1889.
Mayor — Benjamin B. Odell.
Aldermen:
At Large — Bartholomew B. Moore.
First Ward — James Cochrane, Fred. Herman.
Second Ward — William H. Kelly, James F, Templeton.
Third Ward— Cornelius S. Gibb, William H. Hilton.
Fourth Ward — Horatio B. Beckman, John M. Leicht.
President of the Common Council — William H. Kelly.
Clerk— Daniel J. Coutant.
From March 12, 1S89, to March 11, 1890.
Mayor — Benjamin B. Odell.
Aldermen :
At large — George C. Wenzel.
First Ward — Fred. Herman, James Cochrane.
Second Ward — James F. Templeton, Henry Garner,
Third Ward— William H. Hilton, Cornelius S. Gibb,
Fourth Ward — John M. Leicht, Horatio B. Beckman.
President of the Common Council — James Cochrane.
Clerk— Daniel J. Coutant.
From March 11, 1890, to March 9, 1891.
Mayor — Michael Doyle.
Aldermen :
At Large — George C. Wenzel.
First Ward — James Cochrane, Alexander ]\Iorison.
Second Ward — Henry Garner, James F. Templeton.
Third Ward— Cornelius S. Gibb, William H. Hilton.
Fourth Ward— Horatio B. Beckman, Edwin T. Smith.
President of the Common Council — James Cochrane.
Clerk— Daniel J. Coutant.
From March 9, 1891, to .
Mayor — Michael Doyle.
Aldermen :
At Large- George C. Wenzel.*
First Ward — James Cochrane, Alexander Morison.
Second Ward — James F. Templeton, Henry B. Lawson.
Third Ward— Cornehus S. Gibb,f Wilham H. Hilton.
Fourth Ward— Edwin T. Smith, Henry Rudolph.
President of the Common Council — George C. Wenzel. |
Clerk— Daniel J. Coutant.
* Died April 4, 1891, and Edward M. Murtfeldt appointed to fill vacancy.
I Died April ig, 1891, and Daniel S. Waring appointed to fill vacancy,
j: James Cochrane elected to fill vacant presidency.
76
NEWBURGH
City Collectors.
Bancroft, Roberto 1869-71 Lyon, Charles H 1867
Beede, William H 1SS7-90 Lomas, Joseph 1S75-81
Goodrich, Charles T 1S68 McKinstry, Stephen 1881-83
Grant, James C 18S4-S6 Tremper, Jacob 1S72-74
Leonard, Henry M 1890-91
City Collector in 1S91— Henry M. Leonard.
Treasurers.
Dickey, James N. 1872, 1S79-91 Smith, Lewis M 1869-70
Ring, A. Smith 1876-78 Weed, Jonathan N 1891
Scott, Francis.i866-68, '70, '73-75
Treasurer in 1S91 — Jonathan N. Weed.
Recorders.
Kerr, John B 1S75-78 Titus, Charles B 1871-74
McCroskerv, L. W. Y iSgi Waring, CorneHus L 1879-90
Shafer, Joseph D 1S66-70
Recorder in 1891— Lewis W. Y. McCroskery.
Corporation Counsel.
Brewster, Eugene A. . . .1890-91 Fenton, John B 1870-71
Cassedv, Abram S 1S75-76 Graham, J. G 1873-74, '85-90
Clark, George H 18S0-81 Headlev, Russel 1881-84
Dickey, William D. .1S72, '78-So Taylor, James W 1865-69
Counsel in 1S61 — Eugene A. Brewster.
City Surveyor.
Caldwell, Charles— 1S66-91.
Supervisors.
Adams, John C. . . .
Beveridge, James B
Brennan, Patrick. . .
Brown, Wm. R., (in place of J
87-91 Leslie, Alexander,
1S70 Mason, John A 1879
n, Jc
Miller, John 1875-
Moshier, George 1878-S1
Tremper, resigned).'. 1876 McKissock, Hugh 18S2-91
Brown. Charles L 18S7-91 Oakley, Jackson 1S66-68, '71-72
Cameron, William F 1886 Purdy, Thomas W 1881
Cauldwell, Ale.xander 1872 Sloat, John L 1882, '84-S6
Chapman, Isaac C 1873 Strachan, William G 1S69
Chff, Benjamin iSSg-go Taylor, Jonathan 1S79
Corwin, John 1867 Travis, Henry F 1871
Dickson, James R 1866
Farrington, Ezra. . . .
Hirschberg, Henry M
Horton, James E.' 1S67-68
Tremper, Jacob 1S76
1S66-68 Tuthill, Daniel S 1887-88
1875, '83 Vernol, Lewis C 1869-70
Waring, Daniel S 1872, '74-85
Johnson, Andrew 1872-74 White, John H if
Lawson. George.
-70 Wilson, John M 1S91
Leonard, Chan~cey M 1867 Withers, Alex. J, ..1S77-7S, 'S0-81
Leon, David D 1873-74
The Newburgh Supervisors for 1891 are: First Ward— John M.
Wilson. Second Ward— Charles L. Brown. Third Ward— John C.
Adams. Fourth Ward— Hugh McKissock.
Superintendents of Streets.
Lawson, Robt 1S78-80 Peters, George W iSgo-gi
Lozier, H. .1870-71, '74-77, '80-84 AVinans, Lemuel J 1866-69
Morgan, Alexander 1872-73 Withers Alex. J 1885-90
Superintendent in 1S91— George W. Peters.
Assessors.
Allard, Nahum W 1867-6S Grant, James C 1881-87
Booth, Thomas H 1867-68 Hanmer, William A i8S7-go
Boyd, John A 1878-81 Higby, William S 1867
Brown, Charles L 1872-77 Johnston, Charles i86g-7i
Coleman, John 1869-74 Kelly, WilUam H 1868-77
Corwin, Isaac L 1878-81 Oakley, Jackson 1872-74
Donoghue, Timothy 1875-81 Ryan, Daniel 18S1-91
Gibb, Cornelius S 1875-83 Smith, Daniel 1S69-71
Goodrich, Charles T 1890-91 Toohey, John P 1881-91
Wilson, J. D 1884-gi
Assessors in 1891: First Ward — John P. Toohey. Second Ward —
Charles T. Goodrich. Third Ward— William A. Hanmer. Fourth
Ward — Daniel Ryan.
Civil Service Commissioners, 1891.
Charles E. Snyder, M. S. Durkin, H. B. Beckman. Daniel J.
Coutant, Clerk of the Board.
Excise Commissioners.
Michael Donahue, President; Charles Mapes, John C. Campbell.
Leander Brown, Clerk of the Board.
Justices of the Peace
Nchemiah Fowler and Hugh S. Banks.
HON. MICHAEL DOYLE, Mayor of Newburgh, has been almost
a lifelong resident. He was born in Ireland, February 26, 1S22, and
was brought here by his parents when six months old. When a lad
he was sent to Mr. Goodsell's school, where the rudiments of his
education were implanted, and afterwards he pursued his studies at
the High School. Desiring to follow a mercantile career, he obtained,
in 1837, a position in the large general store of John Farnam at 92
Water Street. He was an apt student in business methods, and
quickly made his services valuable to his employer.
In 1846 he became a partner, the firm being styled John Farnam &
Co. Newburgh was at that period the natural mart of a far larger
territorj^ than now, and there being no communication with New York
in Winter except by turnpike, it was necessary for merchants to carry
very heavy stocks during certain portions of the )-ear. In 1852 Jlr.
Doj'le purchased Mr. Farnam's interest, and for thirty years thereafter
continued the business in the same place. His unbending integrity,
admirable business methods, and personal popularity attracted a
large trade.
In 1882, having acquired a competency, he retired from business,
having been in the same store forty-five years. But being in vigorous
health, with all the energy and ambition of early manhood fully
retained, he was not one to sit idly down and pass the rest of his days
in seclusion. A good portion of his time has since been given to
public affairs and to church work. For years he had been a trusted
advisor and leader in the councils of his party, but, with the excep-
tion of two terms as a Village Trustee, in 1857-60, never accept-
ed official position. In 18S3 he accepted the nomination for AVater
Commissioner, and being elected, performed the important duties
connected with the management of the city water works with unusual
fidelity and ability for the term of five years.
In the Spring of i8go Mr. Doj-le, at the earnest solicitation of his
friends, and the united appeal of his party, accepted the nomination
for the highest oifice under the city government. He received not
only the solid support of his own party, but of a considerable faction
of the Republican part)-, and such was his popularity and the exist-
ing condition of local pohtics that he overcame a normal Republican
majority of about four hundred votes, and was elected by a majority
of more than eight hundred votes.
" A plain, honest, business-like administration" was promised by
the Democratic press upon the election of Mr. Doyle, and expecting
that it would indicate the lines of policy he would pursue, the
Mayor's message to the Common Council was awaited with unusual
interest by the public. It was received April 8, and created a most
favorable impression. The enforcement of the excise law was a
subject then receiving considerable pubhc attention, and in that con-
nection the Mayor said:
' ' I desire to say in as emphatic a manner as is possible for me to do,
that as a sworn executive of the law, I purpose to see that this pro-
vision of law is enforced, and I respectfully ask your hearty co-opera-
tion in this matter, that we may bring about this long-desired condition
of affairs: a quiet day of rest, with saloons and drinking places all
closed. The people of the city will find me persistent, not only to
have Sunday properl}' observed for a few weeks, but continued
throughout my term of office."
He recommended the revision and re-arrangement of the entire as-
sessment of city property in such manner as would place all property
liable to taxation upon the tax roll, and secure a fair, just and
equitable assessment. He recommended a plan for improving the
source of the water supply and the removal of electric wires from
overhead; also recommendations pertaining to the improvement and
proper maintenance of streets. He advised the sale of a large tract
NEWBURGH
n
of city land at the west end; suggested the establishment of a pound,
and denounced lax discipline in the police department.
Mayor Doyle is discharging the duties of his oiBce with singular
fidehty, and to the general contentment of the people. He devotes
most of his time to his official duties, and gives personal attention to
the several departments of the city government under his immediate
control.
In poUtics, Mayor Doyle cast his first vote for Henry Clay, and on
the dissolution of the Whig party afBhated with the Democrats. He
is entangled with no faction or clique in his own party, nor allied with
any outside of it He is
daughter: J. Farnam, of New York; William E., of Newburgh; James
C. and Fred, of North Dakota, and Mrs. Samuel P. Mapes, of New
York. Another son, Frank, died in 18S4..
HON. GEORGE CLARK, the first Mayor of Newburgh, was bom
in Newburgh, August 6, 1817. His parents were William and Mary
Clark. The former emigrated from the north of Ireland at an early
age and established his residence in Newburgh. The only survivor
of the family of ten children is Mrs. Anna E. (Clark) Copeland, wife
of ex-Mayor Copeland, of
neither vacillating in his opm-
ions, nor an extremist.
During the Rebellion he
was a War Democrat and
loyalty personified. He, with
Colonel Isaac Wood and Ezra
Farnngton, was largely in-
strumental in organizing the
56th New York Volunteers
(Tenth Legion), which went
to the front from this city
under Colonel Van Wyck. At
the reunion of the Legion in
Newburgh in iSgo, Mayor
Doyle presided, and a touch-
ing incident of the day was
the tribute paid by Surgeon
Van Etten to Mr. Doyle for
his valuable services and kind
personal acts rendered to the
Legion at its organization,
and the cheers which these
expressions called forth from
the old soldiers. Previous to
the war Mr. Doyle was cap-
tain of the local miHtia com-
pany called the Washington
Continentals.
Mr. Doyle has been useful
and prominent in many other
relations, and has had a part
in one way or another with
most of the important move-
ments of his time. He was a
stanch advocate of the rail-
road projected from New-
burgh to Syracuse, and sub-
scribed a portion of the
money that was raised to
defray the expenses of the first
survey. He subscribed to the
stock of the Dutchess and
Columbia Rairload, and also
to the capital stock of the Warwick Valley Railroad. For sixteen
years he was an active member of the Fire Department. In
1 841 he joined the Hook and Ladder Company. The following
year he resigned from that company, and joined Cataract Engine
Company No. 3, of which he was assistant foreman and after-
wards foreman for a number of years. He resigned the foremanship
in 1S49. He was one of the charter members of the Fire Department
Fund, and represented Cataract Company in that body for several
years.
Of St. George's Episcopal Church he has long been a useful mem-
ber. He is a vestryman of the church, and was a member of the
committee having in charge the erection of St. George's Chapel, now
known as the Church of the Good Shepherd. He is also a Director of
the National Bank of Newburgh.
In 1S49 he married ^lary McIntjTe, daughter of Mark Mclntyre,
of Newburgh. She died April 11, 18S8, leaving four sons and one
L^
HON. MICHAEL DOYLE.
which he \
public life
Brooklyn. The book educa-
tion of Mr. Clark was obtained
at the common schools and at
Goodsell's Academy in this
city. At the age of sixteen he
was apprenticed to Daniel
Farrington and Benjamin
Lander, of Newburgh, to
learn the trade of a painter.
After two years he com-
menced business on his own
account in partnership with
James S. Young, and remain-
ed in that connection for two
or three years. In 1840 he
married, and one year later
he moved to New York City,
where he carried on the
wholesale and retail painting
business for fifteen years. At
the expiration of that time,
having accumulated a com-
petency, he returned to his
native city of Newburgh in
1856, and thereafter engaged
in no special business, but de-
voted his time and attention
to public affairs, and to the
support, direction and man-
agement of various local in-
stitutions and enterprises.
The zealous interest which
he took in all pubUc measures
and enterprises affecting
Newburgh caused him to be
closely identified with the
local history of the place for
the fifteen years preceding his
death. No measure which he
thought would advance the
PHOTO. BY ...PES. — ' prosperity of the place ever
failed to receive his support,
and the enterprises with
connected were many and important. He entered
a member of Assembly from the Fourteenth Dis-
York City, for the session of 1S51. He was also
Council of that city by the Re-
member
trict, of Nev
elected a member of the Cc
publican party. After his return to Newburgh he became ;
of the Board of Education, a Trustee of the Savings Bank and a Di-
rector of the Ouassaick Bank. He was ]\Iayor of the city from March,
1866, to March, 1S70, and was succeededby his brother-in-law, Robert
Sterling. In 1S6S he was elected the delegate from his Congressional
district to the Chicago Republican convention which nominated Gen-
eral Grant to the Presidency, of whom he was always a warm friend
and admirer. Upon the occasion of President Grant's visit to New-
burgh August 7, 1869, he was the special guest of Iilayor Clark, at
whose hospitable home he was entertained, and who delivered the ad-
dress of welcome at Washington's Headquarters. At the time
of his death Mr. Clark was president of the Board of Water
78
NEWBURGH
Commissioners, president of the Newburgh and Midland Railway
Company, a member of the Board of Managers of the Hudson
River State Hospital, and was filling several other positions of honor
and trust. He was the virtual founder of Woodlawn Cemetery; he
HON. GEORGE CLARK.
selected the site, purchased the land and had it surveyed, laid out and
adorned, and at the time of his demise owned a large part of it. One
of the most successful enterprises of the kind in the country, it must
ever stand as a monument to his judgment and public spirit.
During his residence in New York City he was a member and a
trustee of the Presbyterian Church in Twenty-third Street, of which
the Rev. Dunlap Smith, D. D., was pastor, and after his removal to
Newburgh he united with the First Presbyterian Church, and re
mained a devoted and faithful member till death.
In all the places of trust to which George Clark was called by his
fellow citizens and associates, he was faithful to every obligation.
He was painstaking to a remarkable degree in the execution of public
trusts, doing his duty conscientiously, and without fear or favor. In
his private relations he was a warm friend, and in his family a most
devoted husband and father. Of him it may with great truth be said
that he bore himself with dignity and self-respect in all the relations
of life, and that his death was lamented as that of a firm friend in
private life, a useful citizen, a faithful public officer, and one well
worthy of being the first Mayor of Newburgh.
He died June 3, 1S71. Flags were displayed at half-mast on
buildings in the city and on vessels in the bay. The Common Coun-
cil, the Board of Water Commissioners and the various other bodies
to which he belonged passed memorials in his honor.
Mr. Clark married January 27, 1840, Augusta, daughter of Jason
W. and Martha (Griffith) Rogers, of the Town of Montgomery, and
granddaughter of Daniel Rogers, one of the first settlers on the
Wallkill in that town. Her father served as a captain in the war of
1812. Her maternal grandfather was Robert Griffith, a sea captain
and a native of Wales, who married Miss Peck, daughter of the
gentleman after whom "Peck's .Slip" was named. Crissy, his
daughter, married Cadwallader Crilden, and lived at Coldenham.
Robert, his son, grandfather of Airs. Clark, settled in Orange
County, two miles beyond Walden, about 1795, and was twice mar-
ried. His first wife was Rebecca Barnes, of whom were born six
children, among them Martha, wife of Jason W. Rogers.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Clark were Marj- Augusta, wife of
T. Powell Townsend; George H., who at his death in 1S88 was a
practicing lawyer in Newburgh; Martha Louisa, who married Jonas
Williams, of Newburgh, November 8, 1876, and died July 15, 1877;
and Robert Sterling, who graduated at Princeton, in 1S74, and died
August 20, 1876.
HON. ROBERT STERLING, the second Mayor of Newburgh,
was born in Ireland in 1S14. When a boy of ten he came to this
country with his parents, and resided in Newburgh upwards of forty
years. At an early age he engaged in business as a gunsmith, but in
1843 he entered the clothing trade, and at the time of his death was
the head of the largest establishment in that line in the city.
Mr. Sterling was closely identified with the prosperity of the place,
and was always prominent in local affairs. For seven years he was
trustee of the old village, and for two years he was the village presi-
dent. He was pressed by his friends to take the Democratic nomina-
tion for Mayor at the first election under the city charter, but he de-
clined to be considered a candidate. He was one of the Water
Commissioners under the reorganization of the Board in 1869, and
when his short term expired the following year, he was elected Mayor
of the city. The people looked to him with confidence for a success-
ful administration of public affairs.
But the seeds of disease had been sown, and only needed the ex-
citement and labors attendant upon his new duties to ripen them to a
HON. ROBERT STERLING.
fatal issue. He died Saturday evening, April 30, 1S70, at his residence
in Liberty Street.
Mr. Sterling was also an officer in botli the Newburgh Savings
Bank and the Ouassaick National Bank. Of the former he was Vice-
president, and of the latter a Director at the time of his death.
NEWBURGH
79
In early life Mr. Sterling chose the wise path of a christian life,
and united with the Presbyterian Church, then under the charge of
the Rev. Dr. Johnston. At his death he was an elder in the Calvary
Presbyterian Church.
In all these relations Jlr. Sterling bore himself as a faithful and
conscientious servant and upright citizen. He won and retained
DANIEL S, WARING,
through life the respect of his neighbors of all classes, and, in a larger
measure than usually falls to the lot of a man always in active and,
at times, heated political life, was the possessor of the personal es-
teem of those who most widely differed from him on questions of
public polic)-.
He was liberal without ostentation, and there were not a few who
had experienced at his hands that treatment which made his loss to
them that of a sympathizing and helpful benefactor. While his death
was a sad blow to a large family circle, the gap which his removal
left in the business and official life of the city was wide and deep.
The memory of Robert Sterling will long be treasured by the people
of Newburgh as that of an upright citizen, a faithful magistrate and a
generous neighbor.
DANIEL S. WARING, one of our most useful citizens, was born
in the Town of Newburgh November 22, 1S27. He remained at home
on the farm till 1S53, then embarking in the coffee and spice business
in Brooklyn. In the year that Newburgh became a city he returned
here and built a coffee and spice mill, which he operated for one year
and then sold to N. B. Beede. He then entered the firm of D. S. &
C. S. Lock wood, in the coal business, and in 1S73 succeeded the Lock-
woods in the proprietorship of the yard on Mailler's Dock. In iSSS
he opened a coal yard at the corner of Broadway and Lake Street,
which he still continues, in partnership with George S. Weller. His
interest in the other yard he sold in 18S9 to W. O. Mailler. The same
year Jlr. Waring became a large stockholder and trustee in the Kil-
mer Manufacturing Company.
He organized the Newburgh Ice Company in 1SS5, and is now sole
proprietor. In iSoo, in partnership with Messrs. L. M. Smith and
Robert Whitehill, he purchased the Walsh paper mill property, and
commenced the manufacture of ice by the Pictet process on the prem-
ises. Mr. Waring was a stockholder and the Secretary of the New-
burgh Highland Hotel Company, which erected the large building af-
terwards known as the " Baldwin House" and " The Leslie." He is
a trustee of the Newburgh Savings Bank and a Director of the High-
land National Bank. He represented the Third Ward in the Board
of Supervisors in 1S72, and again from 1874 to '85. On the death
of Dr. Forsyth he was chosen President of the Woodlawn Cemetery
Association, which office he still holds. He is also an Elder of the
First Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Waring has given his aid and influence to many public move-
ments, and does all he can to encourage the growth and prosperity of
the city. He was one of the organizers of the Board of Trade and its
first President, and was annually re-elected till two years ago, w-hen
he declined in favor of Robert Whitehill. He has been foremost in all
the good work the Board has accomplished, and rendered invaluable
service in securing the removal to this city of the Kilmer Manufacturing
Company. He is a member of the Newburgh Real Estate Company,
which purchased the Roe property between Grand and Montgomery
Streets, now occupied by a number of handsome dwellings and Miss
Mackie's large boarding school. He built a number of fine d\\-ellings
in Grand Street, and has otherwise dealt considerably in real estate.
In i8gi IVIr. Waring was appointed by Mayor Doyle an Alderman
from the Third Ward, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Alder-
man Gibb. He was married in 1857 to Miss Phebe A. Moffat, of the
Town of Blooming Grove, in this county, who died in 1SS9, leaving a
son and a daughter.
CORNELIUS S. GIBB was the son and last surviving child of
Samuel and Louisa Gibb, and was born in Newburgh, November ig,
1S46. During his boyhood he attended the pubHc schools, and after
his graduation was variously employed as clei-k and bookkeeper, and
also learned the art of photography. For a time he was a resident
of Amenia. Dutchess County, and there met and married Miss Eliza
Reed. On the death of his father he formed a partnership with
William W. Terwilliger and continued the undertaking business which
his father had established on the corner of Smith and Fourth Streets,
and was in that occupation at the time of his death (April ig, 1S91),
residing mean-
while in the house
in which he w a s
born, a house
which had been the
homestead of the
family for over half
a century.
He was a Re-
publican from edu-
cation, sincere in
his convictions and
earnest and u n-
flinching in his
work for the ad-
vancement of the
interests of his
party. And his
party honored him
by continuing him
for twelve years in
the office of Asses-
sor and transfer-
ring him from that
post, in 1SS7, to
membership in the
Board of Alder-
men, and re-elect-
ing him in iSSg,
and again only a few w
Assessor were faithfully
CORNELIUS s.
eeks before his death. His duties as
performed, and from the acquaintance
8o
NEWBURGH.
JAMES
flPLETOK
with city aiTairs which he gained in their discharge he entered the
Board of Aldermen fully equipped for the greater responsibilities
which devolved upon him. With remarkable aptitude he became
master of the city's
laws and prece-
dents, and earnest
and active in pro-
moting their ob-
servance and in
advancing the
interests of the
people whom h e
member of the
Masonic fraternity
in 1S70. That he
an active
member of the
order need not be
stated. As in
other relations in
fe, the energy of
his nature was in
the work which he
was called to per-
form. During its
continuance he
held every post of
distinction in
Lodge and Chapter
and was a mem-
ber of the Com-
mandery, and Noble of the Mystic Shrine in New York. He was
also a member of the North River Lodge, Knights of Honor, and
of Columbian Hose Company.
After a short service at Trinity M. E. Church, the remains of the
deceased were interred, witn Masonic honors, in Woodlawn Cemetery.
His aged mother and his wife and four
children survive him.
JAMES F. TEMPLETON has repre-
sented the Second Ward in the Board of
Aldermen since 1S8S, having been re-elected
by the Republican part)' in 1S90. He was
born in Wigtownshire, Scotland (where his
ancestors had lived for many generations),
June 28, 1S45. He was reared in the Free
Church of Scotland, and was educated in
the excellent school connected with the
church at Glenluce. His father being a
master carpenter and builder, James learned
the trade and worked under him till 1S6S,
when he emigrated to America and settled
at Newburgh,
In 1882 he formed a partnership with
George Usher (Usher & Templeton), in the
carpenter and building business. Their
shop is at 32 Chambers Street. For nine
years Mr. Templeton was a Trustee of thu
First Associate Reformed Church. He has
been through all the chairs in Acme
Lodge. I. O. O. F., and for two years past
has filled the office of Secretary; he was
twice elected to the Grand Lodge. He is a
man of large and powerful frame, and in his
early manhood took pleasure in Scottish
games, at which he was very proficient. He won prizes at tourna-
ments for throwing the hammer and putting the stone. It was he
who introduced curling in Newburgh. Mr. Templeton married
Jessie, daughter of John McGregor, of the Town of New Windsor,
and has two sons and two daughters.
JAMES COCHRANE, the President of the Common Council, is
serving his seventh successive year as an Alderman from the First
Ward, and is oc-
cupying the Presi-
dent's chair for the I ' 1
third time, having
both preceded and
succeeded the late
President Wenzel.
He is one of the
most popular citi-
zens of the town,
and has never yet
experienced a po-
litical defeat. He
was born in the
north of Ireland
December 19, 1842,
being the youngest
of seven brothers,
but one of whom
besides himself left
their native land.
The oldest came
to America before
James, but the lat-
ter did so in early
life, first becoming
a farmer's boy a
few miles from this
city. Thirty years
ago, in 1861, he
moved into Newburgh, soon aftenvards entering the U. S.
Xavy, in which he served during the closing years of the civil war —
principally on the gunboat Eutaw, on the
James River, on which Dr. J. D. Malone, of
this city, was then surgeon. With this
vessel he took part in the second attack on
Fort Fisher, the successful one, and helped
to fire one of the last guus discharged by
the navy, in the taking of Fort Darling,
which was among the closing events of the
war.
Subsequently Mr. Cochrane became a
cartman at Newburgh, but for twenty-two
years past has carried on a large grocery
business in Liberty Street, in a building
owmed by himself, his store being one of the
best kno\\-n in the city. As a merchant, he
is highly successful. As a citizen, he is
law-abiding, generous in aiding the unfortu-
nate, and informed on public matters of
local interest. He belongs to the Masonic
fraternity and the Orange Lake Club. Mr.
Cochrane has uncommon strength in polit-
ical circles. He married Martha, daughter
of Samuel J. Hewitt, of Newbm-gh, and has
one son, William H.
HENRY B. LAWSON.
JAMES COCHRANE
HENRY B. LAWSON, Alderman from
the Second Ward, was born in New Bruns-
wick, N. J., February 29, 1S56. He is the
son of Robert and Hannah (Budd) Lawson.
Coming to Newburgh in 1862, he entered the public schools and
])assed through all the grades till he reached the Academy, liut did
NEWBURGH
not complete the academical course. He learned the tobacconist
trade with George M. Ross, and in 1879 commenced business on his
own account, at 100 Broadway. Thence he removed to a better
location, No. 7 Water Street, and conducted both a wholesale and
retail business in tobacco and cigars. When he purchased the book.
n
^^^^^^^HH^H^H^^^
stationery and news business of William H. Callahan at 55 Water
Street, he conducted both stores.
A few years ago he disposed of these stores, and forming a part-
nership with George A. Embler, embarked in the grocery business at
No. 12 Golden Street, and is now doing one of the largest retail trades
in the city. The firm (Lawson & Embler) also owns the cigar, tobacco
and news stand at 8 Golden Street.
In 1891 he was elected Alderman by the Republicans of the
Second Ward by a majority of 220, and at the organization of the
Gouncil he was appointed chairman of the Fire Department Commit-
tee, and a member of the Sewer and Auditing Committees.
He married Jennie M. Brown, daughter of Charles G. Brown, of
Newburgh, and the}' have one son.
Mr. Smith was elected to the Common Council in 1S90 by the Dem-
ocratic party. He is a member of Newburgh Council of the Roj-al
Arcanum, Hudson River Lodge, F. & A. M., Highland Chapter and
Hudson River Commandery; also of Mecca Temple, Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine, New York City. He is also an exempt fireman, having
been a member of Ringgold Hose Company. He married Pauline,
second daughter of F. W. Gerecke, of Newburgh, and they have two
children — a son and a daughter.
HENRY RUDOLPH, Alderman from the Fourth Ward, was
elected by the Republicans in 1S91. His ward is usually Democratic,
but Mr. Rudolph's popularity was so great as to secure his election
over H. B. Beckman, who had been a member for a number of years.
Mr. Rudolph came to Newburgh in 18S0, with no means except a
thorough knowledge of the baking business. He commenced busi-
ness for himself in North Water Street in 1882, and now has a large
and flourishing trade.
He was born in Germany in 1853. In 1S70 he came to this coun-
r)', and worked at his trade in New York City for several years.
N ^
HENRY RUDOLPH.
EDWIN T. SMITH, Alderman from the Fourth Ward, is the When he had accumulated sufficient capital, he started in business at
second son of Lewis M. Smith, and was born in Newburgh, June Keyport, but lost all he had. Then it was he came to Newburgh, and
22, i860. Upon leaving school he entered the office of the Chadborn his career here has been successful and honorable. He is President
& Coldwell Jlanufacturing Company, where he has ever since re- of the Turn Verein, a member of Leonard Steamer Company, and a
mained. In 1891 he was elected secretary of the company. Mason, Odd Fellow and Knight of Honor.
g2
NEWBURGH.
MONTGOMERY STREET-" HUDSON TERRACE "—LOOKING SOUTH FROM BROAD STREET.
LANDER STREET— LOOKING SOUTH FROM SOUTH STREET,
THE CITY WATER WORKS.
HE source of the water supply is Washington Lake, a
pretty sheet of water three and a third miles from the
river, and at an elevation of 276 feet above it, the sup-
ply reaching the city by gravitation. It is a natural
body, fed by countless internal springs and by an arti-
ficial connection with the Silver Stream. Its waters
are clear, tasteless and odorless, as chemical analysis
; proven, and need no filtering to make them palatable. Bright,
pure and fresh, it has furnished the drinking water of the population
for nearly forty years, and a more healthful community than ours does
not exist. The lake covers about 140 acres, and has a storage capac-
ity of 300,000,000 gallons.
Its natural outlet for nearly a mile is subterranean. Close by the
lake the water tumbles into the " Swallow Hole," the entrance to a
natural, rocky underground passage, not to be seen again till it gushes
out of the " Trout Hole Spring," around which a reservoir of masonry
has been constructed. From this point the water is conducted in
mains into the city. The effect of the subterranean passage is to pu-
rify, and in warm weather to cool the water, and altogether it is a re-
markable provision of Nature. There is also a main leading directly
to the lake, so that the Trout Hole Reservoir may easily be cleaned
whenever desirable. The level of the Trout Hole is 44 feet below the
lake, and 232 above the river. It is the usual practice to use the water
from the Trout Hole in Summer, and directly from the lake at other
times. The supply is abundant for all purposes, and by the intervention
of water motors it is also used to run light machinery. Mains ex-
tend through all the populated streets, and the extension of the works
keeps pace with the growth of the city. Over 6,000 feet of iron pipe
was laid in 188S; 7,662 feet in 18S9, and 12,301 feet in 1890, with all
necessary valves and hydrants thereon.
There are in all about 30 miles of water mains, var5ang in size from
4 inches to 24 inches. Newburgh has about 37 miles of streets within
its corporate limits, showing that the diffusion of the water supply is
unusually large.
In 1883 a high-service reservoir was constructed in the northwest-
ern part of the city at an elevation of 331 feet above the river, into
which water is pumped from the mains. It supplies dwellings in its
vicinity. A third reservoir is now building in Downmg Park. All are
formed of masonry, with cement bottoms, so that they can be kept
clean.
As a protection against fire the water supply is invaluable. In
most parts of the city the natural water force is sufficient to throw a
stream to the top of ordinary buildings. There are about three hun-
dred fire plugs in the streets.
The construction of the works was commenced in 1853. Prior to
that time the Cold Spring, on Clark Street, was the main supply for
those who had not wells. The water was taken from a " penstock "
in Liberty Street, at Dunlap's brewery, and conducted in logs down
Ann, Colden, Water and Smith Streets. These works were construct-
ed about 1S17, after the village trustees had purchased the Cold
Spring from Jonathan Hasbrouck, Eli Hasbrouck, George Gardner
and the Mackin heirs for $3,650. In 1821 the trustees purchased, for
$450, the Ritchie lots in the vicinity of Grand and Third Streets,
which were covered by a pond fed by a spring. Logs conducted the
water through the streets. Later, an additional source of supply
was found on the land of William P. C. Smith, and a reservoir was
built there. It was situated on Liberty Street near the residence of
the late Rev. Dr. John Johnston. In 1829 the Ritchie lots were sold
by the village for §4,715, and the pond was filled up. When Third
Street was opened the spring (which was between Grand and Lib-
erty Streets), was arched over, and its waters now enter the sewer.
The Cold Spring is still owned by the city. Its outlet flows through
St. George's Cemetery.
The present water works have cost S554.5-14-79- For the year
1854 water rents amounted to $8,369: in 1890 the receipts were about
$40,000. The expenditures last year were:
Construction and repairs $12,018 80
Pumping and high service 3.322 02
Contingent 6,073 98
Interest on bonds 14.560 00
Sinking fund 2,000 00
Reservoir improvements 2,063 02
Refunded ta.xes 41 00
$40,078 82
The bonded debt is $286,000. The Water Board cares for its own
debt, and furnishes water very cheaply, far below the average cost
in most cities. The following is the scale of rates:
of Building.
Stor\
o to 18 feet $4-00
19 to 22 "
=3 to 27 "
28 to 32 "
33 to 37
38 to 42
43 to 50
$6. 00
7.00
8.00
9.00
10.00
11.00
12.00
Stories.
$8.00
9.00
NEWBURGH
Special low rates are given to manufactories and others usiiil;
steam engines, as the policy of the city is to encourage manufactur-
ing by every means in its power.
The Board of Water Commissioners is at present constituted as
follows; Robt. Huddelson, President; Tilden H. Wilson, James :\K-
Cord, Friend W. Perkins, William H. Smith. WilHam Chambui:
Superintendent of Works and Secretary of the Board. The Comnii--
sioners are elected by the people, and serve for a term of five years.
They have full control of the works and report annually to the
Common Council. The following is a list of citizens who have been
members of this Board;
Beckman, Horatio B . . . . 1876-78 McCann, Henry 1880-90
Clark, George 1S66-71 Moshier, George 1884-89
Carson, William W 1872-78 McCord, James 1887-
Chapman, Joseph H. H.. 1875-80 Perkins, Friend W 1891-
Crane, James M 1S85-91 Root, Charles, 1876-79
Doyle, Michael 1883-88 Scott, Francis 1866-71
Gerard, Franklin 1871-75 Shafer, J. D 1866-69
Gerecke, Frederick W. .. 1879-S4 Shaw, E. K 1S75-76, 1S82-87
Huddelson, Robert 1888- Smith, Lewis M 1S75-76
Kimball, Samuel G 1S73-77 Smith, William H 1890-
Lawson, William C 187S-83 Sterling, Robert 1S68-70
Leonard, Chancey M . . . .1869-72 Townsend, Timothy 1S71-75
Lockwood, Charles S 1S81-86 Van Nort, John F 1S70-75
Mailler, William O 1877-82 Wilson, Tilden H 1S89-
Wyckoff, William 1869-72
SUPERINTENDENTS OF WATER WORKS.
AUard, N. W 1S69-70 Miller, William C iS8i-go
Boynton, Edward C 1874-81 Rogers, Daniel T 1866
Clark, Leander, jr 1S66-68 Royce, Charles B 1S70-73
Chambers, William 1S91-
WILLIAM CHAMBERS, Superintendent of the Waterworks, was
born in County Down, Ireland, May 15, 1822. His father's name was
Samuel, and his mother's, Jane McCord; Willliam was their first
born. When he was but two years old his parents emigrated from
Belfast to Newburgh. The lapse of sixty-five years has not effaced
the memory of scenes and events in Newburgh in his early childhood,
and he can relate many reminiscences of Newburgh at that early
period in strange contrast with the present times. Mr. Chambers
recollects crossing the river in 1827 on a ferry horse-boat named the
" Caravan," which was propelled by horses; in 1828 he saw the first
steam ferry boats, "Jack Downing" and "Post Boy," and in 1830
the first steamboat owned and run from Newburgh, the " Baltimore."
His first schooldays were passed at a private school; at that time
the public school accommodations were insufficient for the population.
In 1829 the High school was built, and opened for scholars in 1830;
this school was very popular and inviting in its day. It had long-
been needed, and its capacity was promptly filled. He went to this
school from its opening until 1832, when his school days ended in
Newburgh. His parents attended the First Presbyterian Church,
Rev. Dr. John Johnston, pastor, of which his mother was a member.
His father was a carman; the village archives of 1832 record the
names of Samuel Chambers and five others licensed to do all the
carting of the village. Wood was then exclusively used in dwellings
for fuel; the day of coal and coal stoves had not arrived. The
farmer with his load of wood, and the man with buck and saw, were
prominent characters daily seen on the streets. He, hke most all
sons, inherited his politics from his father, and religious beliefs from
his mother; early education and impressions were enduring; this is
why he is a Republican in politics and a Presbyterian in religion.
When the Asiatic cholera was epidemic in this country, in 1832,
his father was the first victim of the destroyer in Newburgh; he was
attacked in the evening and died the next day at noon, August
28. This bereavement soon made a change for William. It left his
mother with five children to care and provide for, and with financial
circumstances inadequate to the responsibility.
When ten years old he went to live with a farmer in the Town of
Warwick and learn the art and science of husbandry. In those days
to be a farm boy was to labor; labor was the rule, leisure the excep-
tion. But he was fortunate in his new home with strangers; the wife
NEWBURGH,
was a Christian woman, and treated the lad with the kindness of a
mother. On the Sabbath after church, they all read chapters in the
Bible, repeated the Lord's prayer, and recited the catechism. The
change from village association and influence to farm life, when so
young, was by Providence favorably compensated for by a physical
and moral development for health and longevity. In 1846, when 24
years of age, he began seriously to anticipate the future, and was in-
spired to change for a higher vocation. At that time he was acquaint-
ed with a school teacher at Edenville — a popular instructor and Meth-
odist exhorter. He was a good Samaritan in word and deed; by his
good council and influence Mr. Chambers acquired the qualification
and commission to become a school teacher, and while his memory
lasts will owe him affectionate gratitude. He taught school for three
years (1847-49) first in the Town of Wawayanda, and next at Salis-
bury Mills. January 4, 1849, he married Hannah J. Case, of Waway-
anda. After leaving the schoolroom he was clerk for Van Allen &
Son, at Salisbury I\Iills; the father was postmaster, and the son sta-
tion agent for the railroad; they also kept a store and operated a paper
mill and a cotton factory. The Newburgh Branch of the Erie
Railway commenced running trains to Newburgh January 8, 1850.
Through business relations with Newburgh station officials, he re-
ceived a clerkship at Newburgh station. He was in the Erie Railway
ten years, from 1850 to 1861. The last two years he was sta-
tion agent, and then resigned for another change.
When the " War of the Rebelhon" commenced, his two and only
brothers, John and James, enlisted in the Union army, and he volun-
tarily sent a substitute before drafting began. He accepted a position
as bookkeeper with James Bigler, in the lumber and timber and saw
mill business, and was with him iS years, from 1861 to 1878, both as
clerk and co-partner. The business was a very large one, and for a
term of years Mr. Chambers' annual salary was five thousand dol-
lars. In 1879 he was elected an Alderman from the Second Ward by
257 majority. In 1S81-82 he was with J. P. Andrews at Buffalo, who
had a contract for masonry with the Delaware & Lackawanna Rail-
road Co. in building their road through the city of Buffalo. On his
return to Newburgh he was appointed by Postmaster Joseph M.
Dickey to be Deputy Postmaster, and served from April i, 1883, to
1887. March 9, 1891, he was appointed by the Board of Water Com-
missioners to be Superintendent of the Water Works and Secretary
of the Board. Mr. Chambers has three sons and two daughters. His
son William C. is Deputy Postmaster, Albert N. is a member of the
firm of P. Delany & Co. , proprietors of the Newburgh Steam Boiler
Works, and James L. is a book-keeper at Ferry & Napier's hat fac-
tory.
HEALTH.
HE sanitary affairs of the city are in charge of the Board
of Health. It is independent of the control of the
Common Council, and has power to enforce the pro-
visions of its excellent sanitary code. It has always
been a highly intelhgent and efficient body. Its mem-
bers are appointed by the Jlayor. The Health Officer
is a salaried physician. The duties of the Board take
a wide range, and its work is of inestimable value. Its recommenda-
tions to other municipal bodies are invariably followed, and aU its
acts have the co-operation of the people.
The sanitary arrangements are as complete as possible, and con-
sidered with the naturally healthy situation of the city, we have a
combination of favorable conditions. The sloping nature of the land
on which the city is built allows thorough sewerage and drainage.
It is difficult for any place to obtain good sewerage if built on land
that has a level surface. In such localities sewers may be and are
constructed, and if they do their work at all, they do it sluggishly
and inefficiently. The great majority, even if not all, epidemics and
scourges which sweep off their victims by the hundreds and thousands
— often designated " visitations of God " — are attributed to the want
of, or imperfect, sewerage. Happily Newburgh is so situated that it
needs no artificial means to force running water through its sewers,
or to wash its streets and gutters. Nature takes this work upon her-
self here, and does it well. There is no stagnant water — neither
puddle nor frog pond — anywhere within the limits.
Nearly all the streets are sewered, with one or more basins at the
intersections of streets to collect surface water. The gutters are
curbed, sagged and paved. Vaults are not allowed in streets where
sewers are, and no poultry nor cows can be harbored.
Inspections are made whenever nuisances are reported. The Health
Officer makes the inspection and reports to the Board of Health. If
nuisances exist a notice is served upon the owner or occupant of the
premises, ordering him to abate or remove it. If this order is disre-
garded the Board makes the abatement and charges all expenses upon
the estate. Defective house drainage, cesspools, sources of drinking
water, and contagious diseases are controlled by the Board; and it
also has power to compel those living near a sewer to connect their
drains with it. No house offal is allowed to be thrown into the street.
The Street Superintendent's department removes all ashes on stated
days of the week. The streets are cleaned by the abutters, the city
removing the collected heaps of sweepings. The business streets are
cleaned three times a week, and the others twice a week. Garbage
is removed by contractors in closed tank-wagons.
For the year 1887 the whole number of deaths was 363. Of these
51 were seventy years old and over, 38 were seventy-five years old
and over, 24 were eighty and over, 3 were ninety and over, i was
ninety-seven, and one was one hundred and two years old.
In 188S the number of deaths was 469 (22 being by violence). Of
these, 61 were seventy years old and over, 44 were seventy-five and
over, and 33 were eighty and over.
In 1889 there were 474 deaths, including those by violence. Of
these, 73 were seventy years old and over, 46 were seventy-five and
over, 20 w^ere eighty and over, 10 were eighty-five and over, i was
ninety-three, and i was ninety-four.
The country about Newburgh is a great health resort, and harbors
thousands v{ boarders in Summer. Many gentlemen who have re-
tired from business elsewhere have come to this beautiful and health-
ful place to spend their declining years, while others doing business
in New York have their country seats here.
N. P. Willis, in the introductory chapter to " Out-doors at Idle-
wild," (1855) says:
" To many the most essential charm of Highland Terrace, how-
ever (as a rural residence in connection with life in New York), will
be the fact that it is the nearest accessible point of complete inland
chmate. Medical science tells us that nothing is more salutary than
change from the seaboard to the interior, or from the interior to the
seaboard; and between these two climates the ridge of mountains at
West Point is the first eft'ectual separation.
" The raw winds of the coast, so unfavorable to some constitu-
tions, are stopped by this wall of cloud-touching peaks, and, with the
rapid facilities of communication between salt and fresh air, the bal-
ance can be adjusted without trouble or inconvenience, and as much
86
NEWBURGH
Uken of either as is found healthful or pleasant. The trial of climate
which the writer has made for a long summer, in the neighborhood
of these mountainous hiding-places of electricity, the improvement of
health in his own family, and the testimony of many friends who have
made the same experiment, warrant him in commending it as a pe-
culiarly salutary and invigorating air." Then, addressing a certain
class, he adds:
" For those who have their time in some degree at their own dis-
posal — who have competent means of luxurious independence — who
have rural tastes and metropolitan refinements rationallv blended —
who have families which they wish to surround with the healthful
and elegant belongings of a home, while at the same time they wish
to keep pace with the world, and enjoy what is properly and only en-
joyable in the stir of cities — for this class, the class as we have said
before of leisure, refinement and luxury — modern and recent changes
are preparing a new theory of what is enjoyable in life. It is a mix-
ture of city and country, with a home in the country. And the spot
with the most advantages for the first American trial of this new com-
bination, is, we venture confidently to record, the Highland Terrace,
encircled in the extended arm of the mountains above West Point."
The Board of Health is at present constituted as follows: Mayor
IMichael Doyle, President cx-officio: Chas. H. Doughty, *William C.
Lawson, Charles Mapes, Samuel C. Mills. John Deyo, M. D., Wilham
T. Hilton. James Gordon, M. D., Health Officer; D. J. Coutant,
Clerk.
The following citizens have been member of the Board of Health:
Cameron, William F.
Carson, William W iS
Kimball, Samuel G 1S67-68
Lawson, William C iSgo-gi
Comstock, Stephens., M. D.1866 Lockwood, D. S 1887-gi
Church, SamuelP.,M. D.1868-69 Mapes, Charles. ...1878-82, 1883-gi
Callahan, W. H. 1S73-78, 1S82-S3 Marsh, Edward J. F 1883-85
Crissey, Gilbert R^ 1881-82 McCann, Alex part of 1873
69
Decker, Charles N
Deyo, Nathaniel, M. D
Deyo, John, M. D 1882-91
Doughty, Charles H 1S90-91
Garner, Henry i888-go
Heard, Johns., M. D "' ~
Hilton, William T 1891-
Jones, Hiram A 1866-67
Mills, Samuel C i88g-gi
Moffat, David H 1866-67
Schoonmaker, John 18S5-88
Scott, Francis 1867-68
Smith, Lewis M 1880-81
867-S3 Tice, Charles W i86g-7o
Townsend, Wilham i86g-8g
Van Nort, John F i86g-72
HEALTH OFFICERS.
Deyo, John, M. D 1880-S2 Montfort, R. V. K., M. D. . 1866-69
Fenton, John W., M. D.. 1870-71 Stone. M. C, M. D 1878-80
Gordon, James, M. D. 1872-76, 1882-gi
Health Officer in i8gi, James Gordon, M. D.
PHYSICIANS.
The number of physicians in the city is thirty-five, as follows: A.
E. Adams, Peter M. Barclay, James G. Birch, Elman H. Borst, Miss
Sarah A. Clock, F. S. Cole, John Deyo, Agnes R. Dickson, Smith
Ely, Gustav Gartzmann, W. Stanton Gleason, James Gordon, Louis
E. Hanmore, Louis A. Harris, John T. Howell, Frank A. Jacob-
son, Wilham Jones, A. V. Jova, R. J. Kingston, Joseph Kittel, J. D.
Malone, Jerome A. Maubey, John J. Jlitchell, R. V. K. Montfort,
Henry F. Nichols, James E. O'Malley, L. G. Roberts, M. C. Stone,
Senan L. Sweeney, S. F. Teed, Thomas L. Ward, L. Y. Wiggins,
Henry Wilson, H. E. Winans, C. N. Woolley.
DR. ELIAS PECK was descended from William Peck, one of the
founders of the New Haven colony in the Spring of 1638. With his
wife, Elizabeth, and his son Jeremiah, William emigrated from
England to this country, with Governor Eaton, Rev. John Daven-
port and others, in the ship Hector, arriving at Boston from London
June 26, 1637. Dr. Peck's ancestors continued to reside in New
England until the year 1804, when his father, Abraham Peck, and
Anna, his wife, migrated from Greenwich, Conn, (which had been
their home for several generations), to Warwick, Orange County,
N. Y.,and purchased what is now known as the Benedict Farm,
on which Elias was born in 1806.
At the age of 12 his parents removed to Kentucky, and his boyhood
from that period was spent in that State. Soon after arriving
an epidemic, known locally as milk sickness, prevailed and both par-
ents contracted the malady and died. At this early age (14 years)
Elias was thrown on his own resources. He succeeded in securing
the educational advantages that the common schools and academy af-
forded, and commenced reading medicine with Dr. Beach, of New-
York, at the age of 20. He received his medical education at the Col-
lege of Physicians and Surgeons, of New York City, and settled in
Newburgh m 1S33.
In the same year he married Catherine I. Millard, of New York
City, and his long Hfe of usefulness is well known by the older New -
burghers. His efforts were expended in relieving suffering, and tht-
poor of this city ever found in him a friend whose best vears were
ELIAS PECK, M. D.
spent in promoting their welfare. After a successful life, measured
by 32 years of active professional work, he died in July, 1865. Three
children survive him: Thomas M. and John E., of Grand Rapids,
Mich., and Catherine A., of New York City.
WILLIAM A. M. CULBERT, M. D., was born in New York
City November 4, 1S22, where during his earlier years he resided.
His father, John Culbert, settled in New York soon after the Revolu-
tion, and for almost half a century was engaged in mercantile pur-
suits. Dr. Culbert was a graduate of both the Academic and Medi-
cal Departments of the University of the City of New York, and
pursued a post-graduate course in the former, after receiving his
degree of B. A., and entered the latter from the office of his precep-
tor. Dr. Valentine Mott, then the most noted surgeon in the world
and Professor of Surgery in the University. Dr. Culbert, early in
his professional life, espoused the principles of homoeopath)', and
settled in practice in Newburgh in the Fall of 1847, where he remain-
ed until his death.
Carefully educated, possessed of an unusually clear and logical
mind, fully alive to every advance in his profession and allowing no
one dogma to fetter his judgment — he was a physician in the broad-
est sense of the term. Ever true to the interests of his patients, Dr.
Culbert soon won and maintained to the time of his death the repu-
tation of an accurate diagnostician, an independent thinker and an un-
usually practical and successful prescriber.
Dr. Culbert was married October 12, 1852, to Miss Henrietta,
daughter of Robert and Louisa A. Powell, and grand-daughter
of Thomas Powell, who was then in the enjoyment of a vigorous
old age.
Besides occupying the position of an intelligent and successful
physician in the community in which he passed so many years of his
NEWBURGH
87
life, Dr. Culbert was also recognized as a leading citizen, perform-
ing in a plain, modest, dignified and courteous manner the various
social duties that devolved upon him.
His patient, earnest effort in the interest of health, his devotion
to the suffering, his rare good judgment which seldom failed in
effecting prompt relief, his gentleness, his honesty — all these qualities
endeared him in the hearts of many until he ceased to be looked
upon as a physician merely upon duty bent, and was held in esteem
as a friend. This place which he won, this honor in which he
was held, this solicitude which the whole city expressed during his
illness, are so many evidences that he possessed a rare quality of
manhood. Besides his widow he left one son, Francis Ramsdell.
Dr. Culbert died November 10, 1890.
be the study of this multiplication and dispersion, which has now cov-
ered a period of over two hundred years, our purpose is to note simp-
ly the career of a single member of one of its branches — that of Na-
thaniel Deyo, a lineal descendant of Christian Doyau, whose life-work
was performed, as was that of many other descendants of the ancient
refugees of New Paltz, as a citizen of Newburgh.
Nathaniel Deyo was born in that portion of the Paltz now called
Gardiner, Ulster County, May 14, 1S17. His father, Jonathan D.
Deyo, was a farmer. His mother, Mary Hardenbergh Deyo, was a
DeWitt, niece of Simeon DeWitt, Geographer of the Army of the
Revolution, and also of Mary DeWitt, the wife of General James
Clinton, the mother of DeWitt Clinton. After finishing an academic
course at the Montgomery Academy, he commenced the study of
medicine with Dr. Daniel N. Deyo, at New Paltz; subsequently con-
tinued his studies with Dr. Peter Millspaugh, of Montgomery, and
matriculated at Jefferson Medical College, in Philadelphia, receiving
his degree from that institution in 1S38.
Dr. Deyo began the practice of his profession at Marlborough,
Ulster County, and continued there until 1S43. During the Winter
of 1843-44 he attended lectures within the venerable walls of his
A /in a Mater, at Philadelphia, and on his return to his native State
located at Newburgh, where he continued practice until his last ill-
ness. He died January 21, iSSi.
His career as a phj-sician was of the most successful character,
his practice including a very large number of our most substantial
citizens, which, taxing his physical energies to the utmost, no doubt
hastened his death. His professional attainments gave him the con-
fidence of the community, and his fellow physicians consrdted him
with great frequency in difficult cases. With these attainments he
possessed a genial disposition and a ready tact, which made his pres-
ence welcome in the sick room, and endeared him to a large circle of
friends.
NATHANIEL DEYO, M. D. The result of the revocation of the
Edict of Nantes by Louis XIV of France, was that rather than con-
form to the established religion, four hundred thousand Protestants —
among the most industrious, the most intelligent, and the most relig-
ious of the nation, quitted France and took refuge in Holland, Eng-
land and America, while the persecution, which preceded the revoca-
tion led many to anticipate the event by leaving the country. Among
the latter class were Louis du Bois, Christian Doyau, Abraham Has-
broug, Andre le Febvre, Jean Hasbrou?, Pierre Doyau, Louis Be-
viere, Anthoine Crispel, Abraham du Bois, Hugo Frere, Isaac du Bois
and Simon le Febvre, who, escaping from France to Holland, and
thence coming to America located in the Summer of 1677 in the prov-
ince of New York, on a tract of 36,000 acres, in what is now the County
of Ulster, to which they gave the name of New Paltz, by which it is
still known.
Multiplying in their new home their children went forth to found
others, permeating the social life and indoctrinating the religious sen-
timent of settlements around them — sending their sons into the coun-
cils of the State and to the battle-fields of the Nation in all its stages
of development and perpetuation. Interesting and valuable as would
NATHANIEL DEYO.
Dr. Deyo was a member of the Orange County Medical Society,
and also of the Board of Health of the City of Newburgh from 1S70
to 1879, and was one of the founders and the first President of Cedar
Hill Cemeterv. He married in 1S40 Jliss Cornelia Bruyn DuBois,
88
NEWBURGH
daughter of Louis DuBois, and grand-daughter of Colonel Louis
DuBois of the 5th New York Continental Regiment of the Revolu-
tionary Army. CIoikI DuBois was a delegate to the Provincial
Congress of New York in 1775, and also a delegate to the Provincial
Congress whicli met later in the same year.
The surviving children of Dr. Nathaniel Deyo andCorneha Bru>Ti
DuBois, his wife, are Evehna, wife of M. C. Belknap; Robert E.,
Nathaniel DuBois. John Van Zandt and Cornelia A., wife of D. D.
Sherman.
LEWIS YOUNG WIGGINS was born June i, 1825, near Otis-
ville, Orange County, N. V. His grandfather, ^VilHam, emigrated
from the north of Ireland and resided first at Hempstead, L. I., and
afterwards in the Town of New Windsor, where his son Stephen was
born. When Stephen reached manhood he and his father jointly pur-
chased a large farm lying south of Otisville, and moved thereto.
Stephen married Olive Jillett, of Otisville, daughter of a French Hu-
guenot; Lewis Young Wiggins was a child of that union. When he
was a lad of five his parents moved to a farm in the Town of New-
burgh opposite the Middlehope M. E. Church, remaining there two
years; during which time Lewis attended school at Balmville. Then
returning with the family to the old farm near Otisville he attended
school there till he was fifteen, and then taught the same school him-
self for one term in the Summer. The following Winter he became
a pupil again, but the next year he taught in the Town of Minisink,
and subsequently in the Town of Wallkill, then again at Otisville and
last a school near Bloomingburgh. In the meantime he had begun
to read medicine in the evenings in the office of Dr. Cook, of Otis-
ville, and in the Winter of 1843-44 he attended the lectures at the Al-
bany Medical College. Being dependent solely upon his own endeav-
ors for the means of acquiring his professional education, the follow-
ing Summer found him again teaching school in the day time and
studying medicine under Dr. Cook's oversight at night. The next
Winter (1844-45) ^^ entered the medical department of the LTniversity
of the City of New York, and the next Summer taught school in that
city and also sti.died under the preceptorship of Dr. Valentine Mott,
the leading surgeon of his time. The following Winter he again at-
tended the medical college, and received his diploma in 1846, when he
had arrived at the age of 21. Dr. Wiggins, however, continued his
studies at the hospitals, and took up his permanent residence in New
York. He opened an office at the corner of Wooster and Houston
Streets, and had a drug store in connection therewith. While he
continued in New York Dr. Wiggins' relations with Dr. Mott and his
son-in-law. Dr. Van Buren, were very intimate, and most of their
night calls were turned over to him. The instruction and encourage-
ment he received from these eminent men were of priceless value.
In 1847 Dr. Wiggins married Mary Cornell, of New York, the sis-
ter of J. B. and W. W. Cornell, the well-known iron men. His resi-
dence in Newburgh began in 1855, when he opened an office and drug-
store in Colden Street. He immediately acquired a high standing in
the profession, having great repute for surgical ability. Dr. George
Brown, who then had the largest practice in the city, employed him
in one hundred and sixty cases to perform difficult operations in child-
birth. During the forty-five years he has been a physician he has al-
ways done the best he could for suffering humanity, and how many
of the first accents of the living and the last farewells of the dying
have fallen upon his earl Between ten and eleven thousand infants
have passed through his hands into this breathing world. He has
been indefatigable in his devotion to the interests of his patients and
skillful in the treatment of complicated diseases; sympathetic with
the suffering, his aid has been given as willingly to the penniless as
to those abundantly able to compensate him. For thirty-two years
he was the physician to the Alms House, and an esteemed advisor of
the Board; and since the completion of the West Shore Railroad he
has been the resident surgeon. As a citizen he has large property
interests and has concerned himself in whatever was for the munici-
pal advantage, not holding aloof from his fellows nor confining him-
self exclusively to his professional field; his interest gi-asps every
worthy topic of the day, and his cheery greetings and bright conver-
sations are the characteristics of a man of simple manners and com-
prehensive mind. His first wife having died, Dr. Wiggins married
NEWBURGH
ilary E. Olmstead, of Delaware County, by whom he has two sons
Dr. Levi O. and Charles L., both of whom have adopted their father'
profession.
SMITH ELY, M. D., is the son of Moses and Eliza (Coleman) Ely,
and has been a resident of Newburgh since he was nine years old, at
which time his parents moved from Washingtonville, Orange County,
where he was born. After having graduated at the ordinary
establishments of intermediate education, he entered the French
institute of Prof. Alzamora, and afterwards studied medicine
first in the office of Dr. Charles Drake, and subsequently at the Col-
lege of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, and at the Ver-
mont Medical College. After graduating he became one of the resi-
dent physicians at the Emigrants' Hospital, Ward's Island, N. Y.,
and afterward made several voyages as surgeon on the steamer
Franklin between New York and Havre. In further pursuance of his
studies he passed two winters in the schools and hospitals of London
and Paris. Thus equipped he finally settled in partnership with his
former preceptor. Dr. Drake, of Newburgh, and ever since he has
had a large and most successful practice. He is devoted to his pro-
fession, and is recognized as skillful in the diagnosis and treatment
of diseases and as a surgeon of high standing. Dr. Ely was a mem-
ber of the Board of Education from 1876 to 1880. He is now a mem-
ber of the New York State Medical Society and of the Orange County
Medical Society. He married Gertrude, daughter of Charles W.
Hardy, of Portsmouth, N. H., in 1870.
JOHN JAMES MITCHELL, M. D., is the son of the Rev. John
Shefiicld Mitchell, D. D., of Block Island, R. I., and Ahce Trask,
of Exeter, N. Y. He was born at Cortlandville, N. Y., July 8, 1834.
The family is of Puritan ancestry. His father was a direct descendant
of Thomas Mitchell, who settled in Block Island, R. I., and bought
one-fourth of one original share of the Island in 1677. This
JAMES GORDON,
Thomas Mitchell was the eldest son of Experience Jlitchell. who
came to America in 1623 in the ship Ann, which was the second
boat to arrive at the Plymouth Colony after the Mayflower, which
came in 1620. His
grandmother, Ruth
Sheffield, was di-
rectly related to
John Sheffield,
Duke of Bucking-
ham and Earl of
Mulgrave, of Eng-
land, whose tomb
occupies a promi-
nent position in
Westminster Ab-
bey. Dr. John J.
Mitchell spent eight
years of his early
life in Baltimore,
Md. Had his pre-
liminary education
there, and in Ne\\
York and Nc«
Haven, Conn IV
gan the stud\ t
medicine with Di
C. C. Foote, of
New Haven. En-
tered the New
York Medical Col-
lege in 1854, and
was there under
the instruction of Drs. Fordyce Barker, E. R. Peaslee, J.
Murray Carnochan, Ogden Doremus and others, and graduated
in 1857. Received the appointment of city physician for the
Eastern District of Brooklyn after his graduation, which he re-
tained until his removal to New York City in 1859. Settled in 50th
Street near Beekman Hill. He maiTied, in June, 1S63, Philena B.,
daughter of Nor-
man Rose, Esq., of
Schuyler's Lake,
six miles from
Richfield Springs,
N. Y. Dr. Mitchell
occupied the chair
of chemistry in the
New York Hom-
oeopathic Medical
College for several
years, until his re-
moval to New-
burgh in i86g. In
1883 he was elect-
ed President of
the Homoeopathic
Medical Society of
the State of New
York, and deliver-
ed the annual ad-
dress before that
body in the capitol
at Albany, Febru-
ary 13, 1883. He
has two children,
Edgar Ormsby,
born in New York
City, educated at
Phillips (Exeter) Academy and Harvard University, and a graduate
of Harvard Medical College in 1891; and Marion jMitchell, who was
born in Newburgh.
MALONE, M.
90
NEWBURGH
DR. JAMES GORDON, who has faithfully served our city in the
capacity of Health Otficer for about fifteen years, was born in the
North of Ireland, in the Town of Hillsborough, within ten miles of
Belfast. He came to this city in 1S57, before he had reached his ma-
jority, for the purpose of visiting friends; hut he afterwards con-
cluded to remain here. For a time he attended the Newburgh
Academy, and subsequently pursued a course of study at Fort Ed-
ward Institute, in this State. After completing this course he taught
in public schools in New Jersey for two years. During the second
year he took up the study of medicine, under Dr. Chatties, at Long
Branch, New Jersey. He attended lectures at the Jefferson Medical
College, of Philadelphia, and graduated from that institution in 1866.
After graduation he located in Newburgh in 1867, and has been en-
gaged in the practice of his profession in this city ever since, except
for a period of about six months during the Winter of 1867 and Spring
of 1 868, while on a tour in the Old World spent mostly in visiting
celebrated hospitals.
Dr. Gordon was brought up in the established or English Church,
and from childhood was associated with the Sunday schools and
church work in his native land. When he came to Newburgh he was
received into membership in St. George's Church by letter. His mem-
bership with St. George's continued until St. Paul's Parish was found-
ed, when he transferred his membership to that church, where he
still belongs. He has been a member of the Vestry of this church,
serving continuously since 1S73.
Dr. Gordon was one of the organizers of the Knights of Honor and
Knights of Pythias in this city, and has also been a member of the
Masonic fraternity for about twenty years. He has been an ex-
amining surgeon for pensions for the United States Government since
1S68, and still holds that p().sition. In 1S72 he was appointed Health
Officer for this city, and served till 1877. He was appointed again in
1882, and has served until the present time. As Health Officer he has
always been deeply interested in every measure that would result in
the sanitary well-being of the city and in the suppression of nuisances
of every kind. Particularly has he taken an active interest in the
building of sewers, and the abolishing of vaults and introducing of
sanitary closets in the houses.
He married Nettie W. Johnston, of Washington, New Jersey, in
1872, and has one son and three daughters.
JOHN DUHIG MALONE, M. D., was born at Limerick, Ireland,
November S, 1841. At the age of ten he entered St. Munchin's
College, Limerick, where he received his literary and classical edu-
cation, and was graduated at the age of seventeen. His medical
education was received at the Queen's University, Ireland, and at
the hospitals in Dublin, Cork and Limerick. In the early part of 1863
he came to the L^nited States, and shortl}' after was appointed Acting
Assistant Surgeon in the L^nited States Navy. He served in the At-
lantic and Gulf fleets, and was in special service on the Canadian
coast. In 1867, while on a leave of absence, he received the diploma
of M. D. from Dartmouth College. In 1868 he was honorably dis-
charged from the navy, and commenced the practice of medicine and
surgery in Newburgh. In 1872 he married the daughter of the late
Thomas Ryan. She died the following year, leaving a daughter.
The doctor continues faithfully and skillfully to discharge the duties
of a large practice, but occasionally, in the Summer months, finds
rest and recreation in a trip to Europe.
RESIDENCE OF R, J KINGSTON.
> Grand Street.
THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.
HE citizens of Newburgh are an exceedingly orderly
and law-abiding people. The Palatines and their suc-
cessors left us a heritage of morality and decorum
that have been characteristic of the city till this day.
The sentiment of the community frowns upon all un-
seemly conduct — drunkenness, disorder, blasphemy
and lawlessness; we respect life and property and re-
member the Sabbath day. The normal tone of the municipality is
on a high moral standard. Crime is not unknown here, but it is ex-
ceptional; usually peace and decency reign.
Order is preserved by a model police
force. The same prudence, prescience and
liberality manifested in other departments
of municipal government are exemplified
here. The force consists of twenty-two ath-
letic men — a marshal, two sergeants, two
roundsmen, sixteen patrolmen and a janitor.
The headquarters are in First Street, in a
three-story building apportioned into a
court room, sitting room, office, sleeping
rooms and cells. The force is divided into
two reliefs, which are alternately six hours
off and six hours on duty during the
twenty-four. In reality a poHceman is al-
ways on duty, for when not patrolling his
beat he is at Headquarters, ready to re-
spond to any call. They are liberally paid,
neatly uniformed, and strict discipline is
enforced. The company is thoroughly drill-
ed, and when at the head of a procession no
line of militar)' can march better than our
policemen. They are brave, courteous and
faithful, the terrors of evil-doers and ad-
miration of peaceable citizens. Besides
guarding our homes and persons, by day
and by night, they perform many other
public services. A considerable number of
night watchmen, regularly commissioned,
and, though not all uniformed, possessing the powers of regular po
licemen, are also a great protection to property and help to the de
partment.
The department is now constituted as follows;
M,\RSH.\L.
JAMES H. SARVIS.
SERGEANTS.
Janitor — George Robinson.
Morgan, Alexander 1866-69 Forsyth, John W 1874
Goodrich, Alfred 1870-71 Bancroft, Robert C 1875-86
Chase, James T 1872-73 Sarvis, James H 1887-91
James Maher,
Samuel Lozier
: Relief.
PATROLMEN.
Sergeant Maher'
John Powers,
John McCracken,
Rensselaer Ward,
WilUam J. Henderson,
John Conyngham,
Michael J. Oulton,
Alanson O. Topping,
Christopher Miles,
Clark B. Galatian, Special PoHce, Washington's Headquarters
Eugene Moore.
WiUiani F. Hannan.
Sergeant Moore's Relief.
John Koch,
Thomas R. Depuy,
Thomas W. McEntyre,
Charles Barton,
Patrick J. Glynn,
William Rhynders.
Watson Jerome,
John J. Darragh
JAMES H. SARVIS, Chief of Police, came of a family long
settled in the Town of Newburgh. His grandfather, John Sarvis, came
from New Jersey before the present century
and cleared up a farm at Fostertown; he
lived 94 years. William Sarvis, the father
of the Chief, was born and reared on the
farm, and there also James H. was born
May 4, 1S40. His parents moved to New-
burgh when he was about three years old.
When he came of proper age he was sent to
the Clinton Street school and afterwards to
the High School. In 1S55 he shipped on a
sailing vessel that plied between Newburgh
and Albany, and afterwards was on various
sea-going vessels in the coasting trade. He
became an expert seaman and navigator
and was promoted to first mate and captain.
In 1S62 he was captain of the John R.
Brick, a Hudson River sailing vessel, which
position he relinquished in July of that year,
and volunteered to go to the war with
the Nineteenth Regiment. He served
with it during its three months' ser-
vice. He went out as a private but af-
terward was elected corporal. In 1863
he engaged with Benjamin B. Odell in
the ice business, and continued with
him as Superintendent till the Spring
of 1887, when he was appointed by
S— Chief of Police. Mayor Odell to the command of the
department of police. When the Seven-
teenth Battalion of the National Guard was organized he became
a member of Company E, and was elected corporal. He won the
prize for the best marksman in the battalion, and was a mem-
ber of the battalion team of marksmen which won the cham-
pionship of the brigade. An ardent Republican, he was for
many years an efficient worker in behalf of the local party, and for
about twenty years a member of ward committees. He was com-
plimented with the nommation for Supervisor of the First Ward,
and in 1S85 elected to the Board of Alms House Commissioners.
On taking command of the police force he at once took measures
to increase its efficiency; and during his administration it has
been strengthened in numbers, and its discipUne and system
greatly improved. In i88g, by act of the Legislature, the salaries
were increased. Marshal Sarvis is a good officer, prompt in de-
tecting criminals, and rigid in enforcing law and order. He
has been married twice; his first wife was Susan, daughter of
Levi Vredenburgh, of Newburgh, who died in 1864, leaving
four children; his present wife is Flora M., daughter of Samuel
Bennett, of West Virginia, who has had three children.
BREWSTER HOOK Ar^D LADDER CO NO 1 — B^.:i;.dl^.av neir Grand St.
S*^!- * n ''"^'-1 ' iimmiiiiiiiiiiiw* """
-^m^
COLUMBIAN HOSE CO, MO 2, and LAWSON HOSE CO, NO, 5.
Montfomc-.y Street, corner .,f Second Street
R NljGOLD HOSE COMPANY NO
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT,
HE Newburgh volunteer fire department is one of the
oldest in the State of New York. It has ever been
conspicuovis because of its efficiency. Its unrewarded
service has been performed with skill and heroism,
that have been of inestimable benefit to the city, as
well as having brought honor to the members. From
its earliest days, nearly one hundred years ago, and all
through the years until now, the registry of the department has had
enrolled on its pages men who have obtained honored places in busi-
ness, the professions and in official service. Being composed of men
of good character, in love with the service, prompt in answering
duty's call, and careful in their government, the department has right-
ly won the admiration of the community.
The record of the department speaks for itself. It is not only one
of the oldest, but it has not its superior among the volunteer depart-
ments of the State. The confidence born of this efficient service is
manifested in the attitude of the insurance companies, and the low
rates on which risks are taken on property within the limits of the
city.
The present department consists of three steam fire engine com-
panies, five hose companies and one hook and ladder company,
namely: Brewster Hook and Ladder Company No. i, C. M. Leonard
Steamer Company No. 2, Highland Steamer Company No. 3, Wash-
ington Steamer Company No. 4, Ringgold Hose Company No. i,
Columbian Hose Company No. 2, Washington Heights Hose Com-
pany No. 3, Chapman Hose Company No. 4, Lawson Hose Company
^fl
STARTING FOR
The membership of the department 1
three assistant chief engineers: seventy-
company, seventy-five members of the
onsists c)f (ine chief engineer,
Sve members of each engine
hook and ladder company.
and fifty of each hose company, making a total force of five hundred
and fifty.
The engines are drawn by horses and have hose carts attached.
The alarms are sounded by means of the Gamewell electric system,
and are struck on the Union Church bell, the First Presbyterian
RECOLLECTIONS OF OLD TIMES.
Church bell, in the houses of the companies, at police headquarters
and at the residence of the chief engineer. The boxes are located in
all sections of the city. The system was adopted in 1889. The tele-
phone has also been of service to the department. There are 276 fire
plugs. The force of water, as has been stated, is sufficient for fire
protection in most parts of the city without the intervention of the
engines. The engine houses are all fine structures, and complete in
their appointments. Each company has its parlors handsomety fur-
nished. They are scenes of many social gatherings.
The Fire Department Fund is managed by representatives from
the fire companies. The fund is derived from the receipts of foreign
insurance companies for the benefit of local fire departments, and
from the interest of such portion of the fund as may be invested. It
is appropriated for the relief of disabled firemen and their families.
It amounts to about $20,000.
The Legislative act providing for the organization of a fire depart-
ment in the Village of Newburgh was passed March 24, 17.97, three
years before the village was incorporated. The Newburgh Packet
— the first newspaper printed in the village — in its issue of February
20, 1795, gives an account of a fire in the store of John McAuley and
urges the necessity of having an " engine in town." This suggestion
was probably soon after followed, for before the passage of the act,
the citizens had alreadv purchased an engine. The act specified two
classes of firemen, " one to have the care, inanagement. workmg and
[93]
94
NEWBURGH
using of the engine now provided;" the other class the bucket bri-
gade, of which everj' house-holder was a member. The engine was
probably purchased in 1796. The act defined the fire limits and
directed the election of five trustees, " to be called the Trustees of the
Fire Comuany in the ^'illage of Newburgh," the freeholders in which
A F RE DEPARTMEt4T OF YE OLDEN TIME.
were empowered to elect annually not more than five trustees, who
should have the appointment of firemen and the control and manage-
ment of the fire department. The Board of Trustees of the Fire De-
partment was therefore the first form of government in the -s-illage.
The first engine was not a suction machine, and it was the duty of
the bucket brigade to keep its tank full of water. All house-owners
were required by law to keep on hand for use at a fire a certain
number of fire buckets, with their names, or initials, painted thereon.
When the fire alarm was sounded, the men hurried with the buckets
to the fire; if the men were not at home, the women set the buckets
out on the sidewalks, and firemen'ran through the streets, gathered
them up and carried them to the fire. Engine
Company No. i was limited to twenty members,
but the trustees had power to command the assist-
ance of all able-bodied inhabitants; there was
seldom a lack of helpers. Arrived at the fire, the
men formed in bucket lines often extending to the
river, and passed water to the engine. It was not
uncommon to see women working in the lines.
The act of 1797 was superseded by the act
incorporating the village, and the powers which -
it conferred were thereafter vested in the Village
Trustees. Another engine was purchased (pre-
vious to 1802) and designated No. 2. In 1805 an
organization designated ' ■ Bagmen " was formed,
the members of which were required to attend
all fires for the purpose of taking charge of
goods. Each member furnished himself with a
bag, and wore a hat with a crown painted white
and the rim black, and having the letter B paint-
ed in black on the front of the crown. John
McAuley was the foreman of the company, which consisted of eight
members.
The first engine house was probably erected about the time of the
purchase of the first engine, and was "near the house of Robt. W.
Jones, on Eight-Rod Street," now called Broadway. Subsequent-
ly a house was built for Company No. 2 on the ' ' northeast comer of
the Presbyterian Church lot," where Union Church now is. The
buildings were of wood and very rude structures. In 1806 the com-
panies were composed of the following members :
No. I.— William L. Smith, Enoch E. Tilton, Walter Burling, Henry
Tudor, Ward M. Gazlay, Gilbert N. Clement, Minard Harris, John
Carskaden, Caleb Sutton, George E. Hulse, John Coleman, John
Hoaglaud, William Adee, Andrew Preston, Nicholas Wright, John
Forsyth, Walter Case.
No. 2. — John Harris, Jonathan Fisk, John
Anderson, jr., Leonard Carpenter, Selah
Reeve, James Hamilton, Samuel I. Gregory,
William Gardiner, Nathaniel Burling, Solo-
mon Sleight, Jonathan Carter, Hiram WeUer,
Samuel Wright, Hugh Spier, Thomas
Powell, Cornelius DeWitt, Joseph Hoffman,
Cadwallader Roe, Daniel Niven, jr., Benoni
H. How-ell, Sylvanus Jessup, Joseph Reeve,
John Richardson.
jf V ^ On March 3, 1810, the Trustees passed a
I [ ] I ] ^ _^^'''^-| resolution providing for an addition of eight
men to the two fire companies, " which eight
men shall be under a foreman, and vice fore-
man, and it shall be their duty to take in
charge the fire hooks and ladders and exer-
cise with them each and every day that the
fire company No. 2 exercises."
In Januarj', 1S24, the Trustees, in com-
pliance with a petition passed at a mass
meeting of citizens, contracted with E. Force,
of New York, for a new engine, at a cost of
S750. In the same month they purchased a
lot on the northeast comer of Montgomery
and Second Streets for §92, and laid a tax
of Si, 200 to pay for the engine and build an engine house. The
insurance companies contributed a total of S250 in addition. The
new engine arrived in March, and was assigned to Company No. i.
which immediately re-organized as Company No. 3, and a new com-
pany was formed to man engine No. i. All the companies took up
their quarters in the new engine house.
On August 5, 1828, the hook and ladder company was made a dis-
tinct and separate organization. The original engine house did not
occupy the full lot, and a long, narrow shed was built in the rear for
the implements of the hook and ladder company-. The truck was a
two-wheeled vehicle, and never was painted. The meetings of the
AN OLD-FASHIONED HAND ENGINE.
company were held on the sidewalk.
tion of citizens, Washington Engii
ganized, and an engine ordered.
Western Avenue (Broadway) for S3C
On May 6, 1835, on the peti-
e Company, No. 4 was or-
A lot was purchased on
D, and an engine house erect-
ed thereon. On July 4, 1837, Niagara Engine Company, No. 5
was organized, A house was erected for the company on the
north side of South Street, between Smith and Water, and it is still
standing. This house and that of Washington Engine Company
were alike in every respect. Niagara engine was also the duplicate
NEWBURGH.
95
of Washington engine. A new engine was also purchased for No. i
company, and No. 3 became known as Cataract Engine Company.
Some of our old citizens relate interesting reminiscences of the fire
department about this period. In 1835 there were very few houses
above Montgomery Street, except at Old Town. The river was
the principal source of water supply, but wells and cisterns were
often di-awn upon. A village ordinance required that during the
time the river was frozen over holes should be cut in the ice at the
foot of every street extending to the river, and that the persons
whose duty it was should cut away the ice that had formed the
previous night, so that in case of fire, water could be drawn up
through these holes without delay.
Engine No. i was a small machine, but an extraordinarily good
one for its size, and peculiarly useful. The tank was less than five
feet long, and the firemen were accustomed to lifting the machine
bodily and carrying it where they wished. Ex-Chief Engineer Chap-
man remembers seeing Mr. Spaulding, then the editor of the Journal,
a tall and powerful man, aided by but one other fireman, pick up No.
I and carry it into a yard back of Matthew Duke's row of houses (cor-
ner of Smith and Third Streets) when they once were on fire. That
was done for the purpose of reaching a cistern and many a cistern
did the old machine pump dry. The engine was sold to a theatrical
troupe in New York, and was exhibited on the stage in a play.
After the purchase of engines Nos. 4 and 5, No. 2 was not vised as
often as before, but was useful at fires at a distance from the river.
Another engine would pump water from the river and force it into
the tank of No. 2, which, being stationed near the burning building,
could then throw a stream on the flames. Engine Company No. 2
was disbanded in 1849. William Hilton was the last foreman.
The suction engines overcame the necessity for the bucket lines,
except at fires inconvenient to water supply. After a time reservoirs
were built. There was one under each of the engine houses; one at
the corner of Liberty and Third Streets; one at the corner of First
and Grand Streets; another in Third Street at the crown of the hill
between Montgomery and Grand Streets, one at the head of Fifth
Street, one in North Water Street, and another in Old Town.
In 1S44 a meeting of citizens authorized the purchase of a new
engine for No. 3 company. It was the first " piano " machine. In
1849 a new one was purchased for No. 4, and the following year one
for No. 5. These engines were the best that could be obtained in
their time. Nos. 4 and 5 were very similar. No. 5 was slightly the
better engine, but the members of No. 4 company were lively and
athletic fellows, and not only held their own against No. 5, but fre-
quently "washed her." It was customary to exercise the engine
companies and the hook and ladder company once a month, and the
contests that ensued excited intense rivalry among the firemen. The
members of No. 5 wore red hats as a distinguishing feature.
In 1S40 the membership of the companies exceeded the limit fixed
by the trustees (twenty for each company), and it was proposed that
the surplus should be permitted to act as volunteers. The trustees
referred the matter to a committee who reported against the plan,
with the result that the volunteers of No. 5 company made an "in-
dignation parade." But the cause of complaint was removed b)' the
passage of a resolution by the trustees (September 14), permitting
each company to have a membership of fifty.
The first hose company was organized in 1S41 through the efforts
of J. H. H. Chapman, Abel W. Belknap, WilUam Scott and John K.
Lawson. The company was at first known as Matrimony Hose
Company, because of the unusual number of its members who within
a short period were married. Excelsior was a more lasting name,
being retained till 1S52, when a new carriage was purchased. This
machine came from Utica, and was known as Columbian Hose No. 2,
the name being inscribed on the carriage. The company adopted
the name, and has ever since been so designated.
Not till 1S52 was a suitable house erected for the hook and ladder
company. For years it had withstood many discouragements. With
only a shed for its ladders and implements, and nothing but the side-
walk for a meeting-place, it continued to do efficient duty, and at
length impressed the authorities with its importance. A house, now
the police station, was erected in First Street, and new ladders and
implements provided. " Clinton " was the first name of the company.
In 1861 the name of " Brewster" was adopted, in honor of Hiram S.
Brewster, for several years its foreman.
The construction of the water works was begun in 1853. At that
time there were three engine companies, one hose company and one
hook and ladder company in the department. With the natural force
of water that could be obtained from fire hydrants, the value of hose
companies became apparent. The engine companies had light hose
carts, or " spiders," as they were called, with which they ran to fires,
and in most cases fires could be subdued without the aid of the en-
gines. In the course of a few years three new hose companies were
formed. In 1S61 a new engine was built by James Smith for Wash-
ington No. 4, and Cataract Engine was rebuilt in 1S67 by Charles
Hartshorn. Niagara Engine Company No. 5 disbanded Sept. 8, 1865,
C. M. LEONARD STEAMER COMPANY. NO. 2.
Water Street, near Garner Street.
because of the refusal of the village trustees to erect a new engine
house for them. The engine was given to Highland Engine Com-
pany when it was organized the following year. Cataract engine
was sold in 1S71, and the company was reorganized as Lawson Hose
Company No. 5.
On February i, 1S54, a new hose company called Muchattoes, was
sanctioned by the Trustees. The meeting for the organization of this
company was held in Joseph Cornish's shoe shop. Alexander Cauld-
well was elected foreman; John Proudfoot, assistant foreman; Joseph
Cornish, treasurer; Alex. Patterson, steward. Muchattoes had a two-
wheeled jumper, made by Corwin, Halsey & Co., and housed in First
Street. In May, 1S55, the Village of Newburgh bought from the City
of New York the carriage used by Ringgold Hose, and when passed
over to Muchattoes Hose, that company resolved to be thereafter
known as Ringgold Hose Company No. i. The house occupied by
Ringgold Hose, in Colden Street, was erected in 1862. The lot (which
then extended to South Water Street), cost $950 ; John D. Kelly was
the architect, and Little & Kelly the contractors for $2,835. The
company erected the brown stone front at its own expense. The house
has since been enlarged. A new parade carriage was built in 1SS3.
96
NEWBURGH
The annual parade of 1S57 was a fair example of the parades of
hand-engine days. John D. Kelly was the chief engineer. The
guests were Ringgold Hose Company No. 7, of New York (guest of
Ringgold Hose Company of Newburgh), Washington Engine Com-
pany No. 3, of Kingston, Engine Company No. 2, of Peekskill, Lack-
WASHINGTON STEAMER CO., NO, 4— Broadway, opposite High Street,
awanna Engine Company No. i , of Rondout, Engine Compan)' No.
3, of Port Jervis, and Phoenix Hose Company No. 1, of Poughkeepsie.
The Cataracts of Newburgh, wore red shirts, blue hats, white fronts;
Clinton Hook and Ladder Company of Newburgh, blue shirts, white
fronts, black hats; all the other Newburgh companies wore the regu-
lation uniform. After dinner the procession was reformed and
marched to the corner of Grand and First Streets, where the trial of
engines took place. The first trial was made by No. 3, but unfortun-
ately the hose burst twice, after the engine had forced the stream 149
feet. No. 4 next played, bursting its hose on the first trial, but throw-
ing 156 feet. No. 5 threw 160 feet. After the regular trial No. 3
again took its place at the reservoir, and threw 171 feet. One of the
most exciting performances of the day was the race between Ringgold
Hose and Columbian Hose. Starting from Catherine Street they ran
to First, Columbian going down Liberty and Ringgold down Grand.
Columbian succeeded in attaching their hose and " getting water "
first. E. P. Taylor, of Poughkeepsie, E. H. Rheutan, of Peekskill.
George H. Sharpe, of Kingston, and C. A. Gardiner, of Newburgh.
were the judges.
The first steam fire engine was ordered by the Common Council
in September, 1S71, from the Amoskeag Company, the cost being
about 84,500. The steamer arrived, and on Monday afternoon, Jan-
uary I, 1S72, was tested by Chief Engineer Leonard in the presence
of the city authorities and a large number of citizens. On the follow-
ing day the steamer threw a stream through a i}4 inch nozzle and 100
feet of hose over the top of the cross on the spire of St. Patrick's
Church, 161 feet high. With a nozzle of the same size .she forced a
stream through 100 feet of hose to a distance fif 193 feet on the level.
This was measuring the length of the solid stream and not the spray.
In 1S5S a hose company was organized in North Water Street and
designated Neptune. A brick building was erected for them on the
west side of the street, north of Broad, in 1S59. Their hose carriage
formerly belonged to Mazeppa Hose of New York. A steamer was
purchased for this company in 1S73, and thereupon the company
changed its name to C. M. Leonard Steamer Company No. 2, in
honor of the chief engineer. In 1878 their present engine house was
erected.
Chapman Hose Company was organized in September, 1S59, at the
store of Jjhn P. Toohey, then on the corner of Clinton and Liberty
Streets. Mr. Toohey was elected the first Foreman and Hugh Hamil-
ton Assistant Foreman. The company was at first quartered in a
shed on the east side of Liberty Street, north of Gidney Avenue, and
in 1SG3 a suitable house was erected in South Street, from plans made
by John D. Kelly.
New houses were built for Lawson and Columbian Hose Compan-
ies in 1S75, on the site of the old engine house (corner of Montgomery
and Second Streets), at a cost of $5,494. E. K. Shaw was the archi-
tect and William McMeekin the contractor. The lot was enlarged
by the purchase of adjoining property for Si, 600. In 1SS9 the house
of Columbian Hose Company was enlarged and otherwise improved
at an expense of about two thousand dollars. The carriage of Law-
son Hose was purchased in 1S75, and has several times been re-
modeled and otherwise improved. The carriage of Columbian Hose
was purchased in i860.
The house now occupied by Brewster Hook and Ladder Company
was erected in I S62; the architect was John D. Kelly, and the con-
tractors Little & Kelly. The truck was purchased in i860 from the
City of New York, and was once in charge of Chelsea Hook and
HIGHLAND STEAMER CO,, NO. 3— Broadway, near West Street.
Ladder Company. It is sometimes called " the White Swan," \:
cause of its color and peculiarly graceful appearance.
The house of Washington Steamer Company was enlarged
1S6S, under contract with John D. Kelly. The brown stone fro
was erected at the expense of the company.
NEWBURGH
97
Highland Engine Company was organized in L. G. Ostrander's
store on July 12, 1S66. On that occasion Henry Ross was the chair-
man, and J. J. E. Harrison, now president of the company, the secre-
trary. The following were elected the first officers: Moses H. Sager,
foreman ; S. Lawson, assistant; J. J. E. Harrison, secretary ; H. Ross,
treasurer; Charles L. Brown, steward. Committee on by-laws —
—Moses H. Sager, James Hobbs, C. L. Brown. The engine house
was erected in 1867, under contract with Brown & McMeekin, for
$2,990. In 1SS2 the city appropriated $5,000 for the purchase of a
steamer for the company. The contractors were the La France
Company, of Elmira, and the engine arrived Tuesday, September 6.
It weighs 5,400 pounds; the other steam fire engines weigh 4,000
pounds each. The hand engine of the Highland Company was sold
to the Village of Florida.
In 1891 the Washington Heights Hose Company was organized,
with Colonel W. D. Dickey as president; John Sansbury, foreman;
Louis H. Van Tassell, assistant foreman; Edward A. Bush, secretary.
Parade of 1889.
Platoon of sixteen members of the Newburgh Police Department,
Marshal James H. Sarvis commanding.
Cappa's Band.
New York Veteran Firemen's Association of New^ York,
Union Hill Cornet Band.
Columbian Hose Company No. 2, of Union Hill, N. J.
Middletown Cornet Band.
Phoenix Engine Company No. 4, of Middletown.
Goshen Cornet Band.
Cataract Engine Company No. 4, of Goshen.
Goeller's Cornet Band, of Kingston.
Rapid Hose Company No. i, of Rondout.
West Point U. S. M. A. Band.
Visiting Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs.
Chief Engineer and Assistants of Newburgh Department.
Brewster Hook and Ladder Companj-, No. i.
Voss' First Regiment Band, Newark, N. ].
Ringgold Hose Company, No. 1.
Brennan's Band, of Wappinger's Falls.
C. M. Leonard Steamer Company, No. 2.
Conway's Cornet Band, of Fishkill.
Columbian Hose Company, No. 2.
Collins' City Band, of Newburgh.
Highland Steamer Company, No. 3.
Ketcham Post Band, of Marlborough.
Chapman Hose Company, No. 4.
St. Joseph's Band, of Yonkers.
Washington Steamer Company, No. 4.
Albany City Band.
Lawson Hose Company No. 5.
Chief Engineers and Assistants.
Benoni H. Howell, Chief.
James Belknap, Chief.
Benjamin F. Buckingham, Chief.
1850 — William Lisle, Chief.
183I — Cicero A. Gardiner, Chief. Isaac Wood, jr.. First Assist-
ant. John W. Thomas, Second Assistant.
i.';52 — Isaac Wood, jr.. Chief. John W. Thomas, First Assistant.
Joseph A. McCartney, Second Assistant.
'S53-54^Benjamin F. Buckingham, Chief. Aikman Speir, First
Assistant. James T. Hamilton, Second Assistant.
1855-56 — John K. Lawson, Chief. Joseph A. McCartney, First
Assistant. John Proudfoot, Second Assistant.
1857-58— John D. Kelly, Chief. Joseph H. H. Chapman, First
Assistant. John J. S. McCroskery, Second Assistant.
1859-60 — Joseph H. H. Chapman, Chief. John J. S. McCroskery,
First Assistant. Hugh McMcCutcheon, Second Assistant,
1861-62 — Chancey M. Leonard, Chief. Hiram S. Brew.ster, First
Assistant. James C. Taggart, Second Assistant.
1863-64 — Chancey M. Leonard, Chief. John B. Stanbrough, First
Assistant. John W. Forsyth, Second Assistant.
1865 — Chancey M. Leonard, Chief. John DeLancy, First Assist-
ant. James C. Farrell, Second Assistant.
1866-68 — Chancey M. Leonard, Chief. James T. Van Dalfsen,
First Assistant. Archibald Hays, Second Assistant.
1869-72 — Chancey M. Leonard, Chief. Archibald Hays, First As-
sistant. Patrick Herbert, Second Assistant.
1S73 — Chancey M. Leonard, Chief. Archibald Hays, First Assist-
ant. John Fitchey, Second Assistant.
1874 — Archibald Hays, Chief. John Fitchey. First Assistant.
Odell S. Hathaway, jr. , Second Assistant.
1875-77 — William Nixon, Chief. Elkanah K. Shaw, Michael
Barry, Robert W. Hamilton, Assistants.
1S7S-80— William Nixon, Chief. Samuel J. Hewitt, jr., Robert
W. Hamilton, Hugh M. Hays, Assistants.
18S1-S3 — Nicholas Powell, Chief. Samuel J. Hewitt, jr., Norman
B. Buchanan,* Charles A. Miller, f Hugh M. Hays, Assistants.
18S4-S6 — James Cunningham, Chief. Charles A. Miller, Thomas
H. Burke, Henry JI. Leonard, Assistants.
1887-89- James Cunningham, Chief. J. Henry Chapman, DeWitt
C. Cameron, Henry C. Mellor, Assistants.
iSgo— James Cunningham, Chief. DeWitt C. Cameron, James
Driscoll, Nicholas F. Fitzpatrick, Assistants.
CHANCEY M. LEONARD was born in Newburgh in the year
1825, and in a house that occupied the site of the Bigler building at
the corner of Third and Smith Streets. He resided here until six-
teen years of age, receiving his education at the Newburgh Academy.
Then he went to New York City and learned the trade of painting.
In early manhood he became a member of the old volunteer fire
department of the metropolis, first as one of Hose Company No. 8,
and subsequently of Engine Company No. 5, which had its quarters
in Ann Street, near the spot now occupied by the Herald building.
He was elected Assistant Foreman of the engine company. At the
age of nineteen he married Miss Rebecca Smith, of New York City,
who died two years afterward, leaving a daughter, who married
Thomas K. Rheutan. In 184S he married Miss Hope Smith, a sister
of his first wife, and had several children.
In 1S50 he returned to his native city and continued to reside here
till his death. He was employed as a painter by E. T. Comstock,
and on Mr. Comstock's death in 1S59, the firm of Ward & Leonard
(Peter Ward and Chancey M. Leonard) was formed. James J. Logan
afterward being received into the partnership, the firm became
Ward, Leonard & Co. The business reached large proportions and
was then, as it is to-day, one of the most important in the trade in the
Hudson River Valley.
Mr. Leonard joined Ringgold Hose Company, No. i, in 1853. He
was elected Assistant Foreman, but his ability and experience as a
fireman were such that he was called to fill a position of greater prom-
inence. In 1861 he was elected Chief Engineer of the Newburgh Fire
Department, and at each successive election thereafter was re-elected
to the same office, till March, 1874, when he was called to take the
higher position of jNIayor of the city.
In 1S73 he was a delegate to the Democratic State Convention, and
was an honorary member of the national Association of Chief Engi-
neers. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and well advanced
in the degrees of the order. He died at his residence, 62 Ann Street,
Thursday, December 3, 1874.
Few men who have lived in Newburgh have won the unqualified
esteem and warm friendship of his fellow-townsmen to so gi-eat a de-
gree as did Chancey M. Leonard. Coupled with his acknowledged
ability as a business man and exceptional qualifications as a fireman,
were qualities of manhood that endeared him to many. He was gen-
ial and companionable, and a frank and honorable man. His mem-
ory will long be cherished and reminiscences of his deeds related
by the firemen of the city. It was natural, then, that the an-
NEWBURGH.
nouncement of hi;
dences of sorrov
death should be received with extraordinar)^ evi-
The services in connection with his burial
were held on the
Saturday after-
noon following.
Places of business
were generally
closed, and many
buildings were
draped in white
and black. The
funeral procession
was composed of
the Police Depart-
in ent, Masonic
Lodges, the Fire
Department, the
Common Council
and ex-Aldermen,
the Board of Edu-
cation, the Board
1 >f Water Commis-
sioners, the Board
I if Alms House
Commissioners, the
clergy and physi-
cians of the city.
The hearse was es-
corted by fifty
Knights Templar.
The funeral dis-
course was dehvered at Union Church by the Rev. Wendell Prime,
D. D., and prayer was offered by the Rev. John Forsyth, D. D. and
the Rev. W. H. Gleason. A chorus of fifty voices led the singing.
The interment was in St. George's Cemetery. Henry M. Leonard,
at present City Collector, and James J. Leonard, are sons.
LEONARD.
of St. George's Church thirty-ttve years, and in its time a Trustee of
the Mechanics' Library Association. He joined Newburgh Lodge, F. &•
A. M. in 1853, was
a charter member
of Hudson River
Lodge, F.& A.M.,
and has been its
Treasurer for
twenty-five years.
He was also a char-
ter member of
Highland Chapter,
Hudson River
Commandery, and
King Solomon's
Council of Royal
and Select Masters.
In Odd Fellowship
he has been a mem-
ber of Highland
Lodge and Mount
Carmel Encamp-
ment. He was a
member of the
Board of Water
Commissioners m
1S75-S0. In 184S
Mr. Chapman mai -
r i e d L y d i a W
Sanxay, daughter
of Edmund Sanxay
She died in 1S76 leaving three sons and one daughter, the latter being
the wife of Robert Whitehill. His second wife was Mrs. Alexander
Thompson, daughter of Josiah Conger, of Montgomery. She died
JOSEPH H. H. CHAPMAN was bom
March 12, 1S23. In 1846 he was taken into
partnership by his father. Paddock Chap-
man, in the bakery and grocery business
established by Joseph Hoffman in 1793. On
the death of his father in 1S67 he became
sole proprietor. After conducting the busi-
ness a number of years he sold out to James
S. Buchanan. He was afterward in the
grocery business at the northeast corner of
Water and Second Streets, and more recent-
ly at the corner of Liberty and Third Streets.
He retired from business in 1S90. Mr. Chap-
man has been prominently identified with
many interests in his native city, and has
been a very useful member of the community.
In 1 841 he joined the Fire Department as
a member of Excelsior Hose Company, and
for ten j^ears he was Foreman of the Com-
pany. He was First Assistant Chief Engi-
neer in 1857-58, and Chief Engineer in
1859-60. There were then three hand-engine
companies, four hose companies and one
hook and ladder company. Chapman Hose
Company was organized during his term as
Chief and named in his honor. While not
performing active duty, he is still asso-
ciated with the department and is often an honored guest at
their festive gatherings. He was a member of the Board of
Village Trustees from 1859 to 1S63 inclusive. He has been a Trustee
of the Savings Bank almost since its organization, and since 1874 a
Trustee of Wa.shington's Headquarters. He has been a Vestryman
:m icr
Chief Engii
JAMES CUNNINGHAM, the present
Chief Engineer of the Newburgh Fire De-
partment, was bom in County TjTone Ire-
land, in 1843. He was brought here during
his infancy by his parents, who first settled
at West Troy, where James attended school.
When the lad was ten or twelve years old
the parents moved to New York City, where
James pursued his studies till he was appren-
ticed in a wall-paper factory to learn the trade
of a stainer, or printer. He early acquired a
liking for the duties of volunteer firemen,
and as a boy it was his wont to run with
Chelsea Hook and Ladder Company No. 2.
which then lay in Twenty-fourth Street.
When the volunteer department of Kc\\-
York Citv was disbanded Chelsea truck was
sold to the City of Newburgh, and has been
in service here ever since with Brewster Hook
and Ladder Company. In 1869 Mr. Cunning-
ham purchased the wholesale root beer busi-
ness of Michael Corkins in this cit;- and
moved here. Soon afterward he joined
Brewster Hook and Ladder Company, and
has been an active member ever since. He
was once Assistant Foreman and a£ter\.'ard
Foreman of that company. During his 'ong
and faithful service he acquired a reputation
in the department as one who thoroughly
understood the business of fighting fire. In April, 1SS4, he was elected
to the office of Chief Engineer for the term of three years, and re-ek ct-
ed in 1SS7 and 1S90. The introduction of the Gamewell electric fire
alarm system, resulting in the greatly increased efficiency of the de-
partment, has been the most important event of his adininistration.
INGHAM,
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
The Public Schools— The Free Library— The Board of Education— Mount
St. Mary's Academy— Siglar's Preparatory School.
Xt^.
X no portion of its development has Newburgh achieved
a greater success than in that of education. The
pubhc schools have always kept abreast of the times,
both as regards accommodation and instruction. They
are fref in every meaning of the word. No tuition
whatever is charged to resident pupils, and the text
books are furnished them free of cost. Therefore,
a child of five years may enter the public schools, pass through
all the grades, and those courses which he may elect, and be grad-
uated from the academy with a superior education without a dollar's
expense to his parents.
In making choice of a residence people generally consider the op-
portunities afforded for the education of their children. That New-
burgh from its earliest settlement has been fully awake to the im-
portance of popular education we have ample proof; that it is not
niggardly in its expenditures we have the fullest evidence in the
character of its school buildings, especially the new academy.
There are seven pubhc school buildings and one public library
building. The number of children over five and under twenty-one
years of age on June 30, iSgi, was 7,066. On July 26, 1S91, the number
of children attending the schools was 3,531. In the primary depart-
ments the whole number of pupils enrolled was 2, 724; grammar depart-
.ment, 572; academy, 235. The number of teachers employed was 79,
and their aggregate salaries $39,200. The total expenditures for the
year was $74,482.51. The total number of private schools in the city
was II, and the number of pupils attending them was 1,384.
The public schools are under the charge of the Board of Educa-
tion, which is, within certain limits, independent of all other govern-
ing bodies. The Board is assisted by a superintendent, who has
general supervision. Under the fostering care and executive wisdom
of the Board, and the able administration of the superintendent, en-
couraged and supported by a cultured people, the city school system
has reached an advanced state of perfection, and does not fear com-
parison with that of any other city. Clearly recognizing that New-
burgh is a rapidly-growing manufacturing and commercial center, it
has been the earnest aim of the school authorities so to adapt the
course of study in all departments as best to meet the needs of such
a. population, while at the same time offering the most liberal facilities
for acquiring the higher education.
The fact that the great majority of the pupils never reach the
academy has led to continuous and persistent efforts, and with the
most pleasing results, so to perfect the primary and grammar schools
as to secure to the pupils therein the be.st and most practical educa-
tion possible.
So, too, the courses of study in the academy are arranged with
special reference to the needs of students who complete their studies
here, while at the same ■time providing studies adapted to those pre-
paring to enter college. The regular course in the academy is three
years, with another added for those who wish to continue the study
of the languages and solid geometrj'.*
* In July, iSoi, by resolution of the B .ard, a four years' course was adopted
for those who study the languages, frr those who desire to attend a higher in-
struction, and for those who wish to teach ; and a course of three years for
thiise taking plain English studitrs.
The English course includes grammar, history, arithmetic, alge-
bra, geometry, trigonometry, book-keeping, drawing, natural philos-
ophy, astronomy, chemistry, physiology, botany, geology, English
literature, rhetoric and science of government. For the study of the
natural sciences special facilities are offered by a laboratory and ap-
pliances necessary to the experimental method.
The Latin- English course is the same as the English course through-
out the three years, except that Latin grammar and lessons are sub-
stituted for English grammar and composition the first year, Caesar's
Commentaries (four books) for English grammar and astronomy the
second year, and Virgil's ^neid (four books) for rhetoric and general
history in the third year.
The Classical course is the same as the Latin-English course dur-
ing the first year. In the second year Greek grammar and lessons
are substituted tor natural philosophy and book-keeping, and in the
third year Xenophon's Anabasis (four books) for chemistry and Eng-
lish hterature. In other respects the course is the same as the Latin-
Enghsh course. In the last two years of the course French may be
substituted for book-keeping in the B Class, and for rhetoric in the A
Class.
In the higher grades special subjects are taught by special teach-
ers. For instance, in the academical department there are certain
teachers for mathematics, another for sciences, another for drawing,
another for languages, and so on, who teach these subjects in all the
grades of the department in which they are studied, changing from
room to room at fixed periods each day, and not being confined to any
particular class, so far as those studies are concerned, if they are
taught in more than one class.
Drawing is taught in all grades, from the D primary to the A
academic. As soon as the child is old enough he is also taught nmsic,
and in the academy he has the benefit of a special teacher. The ex-
perience of years has fully demonstrated that music, in addition to
the benefits usually admitted, also exerts a beneficial moral influence,
and, strengthening, softening and modulating the voice, is likewise a
great aid in making good readers; while drawing, educating as it
does the eye and hand, lays a solid basis for the rapid mastery of any
vocation requiring mechanical or artistic skill, for it is the educated
eye and the trained, deft hand that makes the chief difference between
the skilled workman and the "botch." Physiology is taught in all
the grades from C primary to A academic. The instruction in English
grammar is also very thorough. In the primary department, where
the study of grammar is not pursued, the pupils are held responsible
only for the correct use of the word; but the teachers are expected to
correct grammatical errors when they occur, so as to familiarize their
scholars with the proper form.
Manual training is an important branch of the system. Girls in
the C grade, grammar department, and A, B and C grades, primary
department, receive instruction in sewing from special teachers. The
boys of the academy and those of the A grade, grammar department,
receive instruction in wood-working and mechanical drawing from a
special teacher.
The public library contains over seventeen thousand volumes, and
all the best periodicals of the day. It is open from 9 a. m. to 9 p. m.
It is not only appreciated by the public at large, but is a most valu-
[99]
[OO
NEWBURGH
able aid to both teachers and pupils in all departments of the schools.
In the appointment of teachers preference is given to normal
school graduates, or those otherwise specially trained for the profes-
sion of teaching. The salaries of teachers range from $i,Soo to $350.
The school budget for iSgo-gi amounts to $69,475.13, less §11,200
State moneys. This includes about §15,000 in partial payment of a
new school building; $39,200 for teachers' wages; §2,800 for main-
tenance of library; §2,300 for fuel and light; $1,400 interest; §2,300
for school books and drawing materials; $2,200 for janitors' salaries;
§1,000 for superintendent's salary; §1,300 for repairs and other minor
expenses.
The free schools of Xewburgh exist in virtue of an act of the
Legislature, passed April 6, 1S52, which provided " that all that part
The circumstances under which the free school system was intro-
duced here were, briefly stated, as follows: When the schoolhouse in
Clinton Street was built by the Trustees of the Glebe, though it was
considerably smaller than now, many persons deemed it entirely too
large. The school was entrusted to the charge of William N. Reid,
an experienced and able teacher, and almost as soon as it was
opened the new building was so overcrowded with pupils that its
speedy enlargement, or a new edifice, was a manifest necessity. While
this subject was under consideration the passage of the general free
school law of 1 85 1 imposed upon the trustees of all school districts the
necessity of inquiring how they could best give effect to this law. At
a joint meeting of the Trustees of what was then known as District
Xo. 13 (Jloses H. Belknap, Nelson Haight and Robert Sterling) and
^JEWBURGH ACADEMY
of the Town of Newburgh included within the bounds of the corpora-
tion of the Village of Newburgh shall hereafter constitute one com-
mon school district; " that as soon as possible after the passage of the
act nine trustees should be elected who, with their successors in of-
fice, should constitute a body to be styled " The Board of Education
of the Village of Newburgh," and should be invested with certain
corporate powers for carrying out the purposes of the act. An elec-
tion was held, according to the provisions of the law, on the 3d
of May, 1852, when the following gentlemen were chosen: John
Beveredge, John J, Monell, Nathaniel Jones, Charles F. V. Reeve,
George W. Kerr, D. G. Leonard, L. B. Gregory, John Brown, D. D.,
and Thomas C. Ring. On the 12th of May the first meeting of the
Board -was hold, and its organization was completed by the election
of John Beveredge president, and Nathaniel Jones clerk.
of the Trustees of the Glebe, or No. 15, as it was then styled (John
BeveiPdge, Dr. A. G. Hull and Nathan Reeve) held in May, 1851, a
resolution was passed calling a public meeting at Washington Hall.
to consider the propriet\- of apph-ing to the Legislature for a law to
unite the whoi'i village in one district — to make all the schools in the
district free — tht same to be under the charge of a Board of Educa-
tion to be elected by the people. The idea was well received by the
people, and at another public meeting held in February, 1852, the
draught of the law was approved, and it was resolved to petition the
Legislature to enact the same. In the month of August, 1S52, the
schools were formally opened on the new plan.
To form a proper judgment of the merits of the present system of
education, and the results accomplished by the Board of Education,
it is necessarv to compare the system wuh the one it superseded, or
NEWBURGH
101
to contrast the means of instruction which we now possess with those
which existed in former years. We shall notice the public schools in
their historical order:
THE GLEBE SCHOOL.
The property, long known as the Glebe, was given to the Palatine
settlers for the support of a Lutheran minister. In 1752 the " En-
glish new inhabitants " obtained a new patent of the Glebe lands for
the maintenance of a minister of the Church of England and of a
schoolmaster, so that the Glebe school may be said in law to date
from 1752, just one hundred years before the estabHshment of the
free school system. A building was soon afterward erected in Lib-
The school was regularly held in the schoolmaster's house in
Liberty Street till about 1774. Mr. Hutchins and Mr. King held the
school in the ' ' parsonage house. " In 1 789 the trustees rented a house
for a school from James Van Orsdall. ilr. Spierin held it in a house
which afterward formed part of the residence of Charles F. V. Reeve,
on the northeast corner of Grand and South Streets. From 1797 to
1809 it was combined with the so-called English room of the academy.
The " act to amend the charter of the Glebe," passed by the Legis-
lature in 1S03, directed that the sum of $200 should be paid annually
to the trustees of the academy, and that "the remainder of the
money arising from such income " should be paid to the trustees of
the other schools on the Glebe, as the inhabitants should direct.
I— Eugene B. Horton.
6— John McCormick.
7— Wolcott Remington.
8— James R. Thompson,
9— Florence Taylor.
10— Mary E. Jansen.
ii-John Wise.
12— Elizabeth L. Gordon.
13— Almira Seaman.
^-3-Ja
I M. Cr,
CLASS OF
15— Clarence H. Eckerson.
16— Ulysses J. AJsdorf.
17— Clarence O. Warford.
iS— Maria W. Fawcett.
19— Frena Marshall.
20 — Anna Eaton.
21— Emma DuMond.
23— George E. Raitt.
24-Gertrude Wise.
II— NEWBURGH ACADEMY— WITH INSTRUCTORS.
-Pauline Brown
6— James W. Terry,
7— Mark W. Roe.
8-Alice Van Cleft.
9- William T. Howell.
D— Florence Van Duzer.
I— Eleanor F. Brown.
2— Margaret R. Dunlap.
3— Frank R. Corwin.
t— Anna E. Flanagan.
35— Margaret Hamilton.
36— Mary McBurnev.
37— Helen R. Hunter.
38— James E. Wilson, jr.
39— Euphemia May.
40— Blanche E. Felter.
41— Ida R. Henderson.
42— Frances O. Authouss
43-William J. Wygant.
1 H. Doty, Asst. Principal.
B., Teacher of Langua
i Agnes McFadden, Teacher of Mathem
2-Willi:
i-Mi
i Dora M. To\
44 — ilarie A. Kimber.
45— Hattie W. Gordon.
46-William H. Brokav
47-Edith J. Walsh.
48-ClarenceW.Buckrai
49— Ella L. Krom.
5<^Jonathan D. Wilsoi
51— Luella Galatian.
52- Frank S. Snyder.
, Teacher of Higher English.
erty Street, near the head of Clinton Street. From the records of the
Glebe it appears that Mr. Palmer was the schoolmaster in 1765;
Louis Donveur in 176S; Joseph Penny in 1769; Thomas Gregory in
1773; John N. Hutchins from 1774 to 17S2; Richard King from 17S2
to 1790, when the two offices of minister and schoolmaster were com-
bined in the person of the Rev. George H. Spierin. Difficulties,
growing out of the claims of the Episcopal Church to the property, led
to his resignation in 1793.
In 1S09 "the juvenile school in Old Town," as distinct from the
Academy, was established in the old Lutheran Church, which hence-
forth was known as the Glebe schoolhouse. It was conducted for
several years by Ebenezer Adams, who was succeeded by John P.
Tarbell. John Goodsell was the teacher from about 1S30 to 1S43.
The last teacher in the structure was John L. Lyon, who taught
there from 1843 to 1S45. In the latter year he removed the school to
the Academy, occupying the south room on the first floor. Soon
t02
NEWBURGH.
afterward the building in the old town cemetery was demoHshed.
Those of our citizens who attended the Glebe school in the grave-
yard will recall it, to quote Eager's description, as " a long, low, nar-
row, unsightly building— old, patched up, disjointed and weather
GRAMMAR SCHOOL NO
beaten." During recess and before and after school sessions the
children played among the grave-stones in the old cemetery.
In 1S48-49 the Clinton Street school building was erected, as the
result of the division of school district No. 13 and the erection of No.
15, and the new school, in district No. 15, became of-
and received )w "s^^
obtain for a small tuition an education above that of the old-fashioned
district school, and it included both classical and English depart-
ments. For forty years the courts were held there, and the court
room was the place of public meetings, the general and town elections,
and the cradle of several of the churches of the city.
The principals received at first a small salary in
addition to the tuition fees from pupils, and were
permitted to occupy a portion of the building as a
residence, and also to have the use of the garden.
.-Vfter 1S13 a separate house was rented for their use.
There was a department for girls in the northeast
room of the first floor. Among other things they
were taught "tambouring" and sewing. In 1S37-3S the
trustees erected the building now the Home for the
Friendless, at a cost of S7.094.58. It was used as a
Ijoarding-house for pupils Of the Academy not resi-
dents of the village. Previous to that time '■ students
were furnished with board in respectable families."
THE HIGH SCHOOL
Was incorporated April 23, 1829, and was constituted
ihe common school for district No. 13, which then
embraced the whole village. The building was com-
pleted and opened in February, 1S30, and John P.
Tarbell and j\Iiss Mary Ross employed as teachers.
Orville M. Smith succeeded Mr. Tarbell in 1S34, ^^^
held the position tiU the close of the December term
in 1S48, when he resigned. James P. Brown was
his successor. He served till ilarch, 1S52, when S. G.
McLaughlin was appointed, and held the position till
the sj'stem of free schools was established.
There was also a school for colored children, es-
tablished a few years before the passage of the Act of 1852, and ac-
commodated in a small wooden structure in 'Washington Street.
When the present system went into effect the schools above de-
scribed were transferred to the Board of Education. The High School
ficially known as the "Glebe school,
the revenues of the Glebe over and above the sum re-
quired by law to be paid to the academy.
THE ACADEMY.
This institution may be said to have been founds 1
by the Rev. George H. Spierin and the trustees of the
Glebe jointly, in 1790, when the offices of school-mas-
ter and minister Were combined in the person of Mr.
Spierin. In an advertisement published by the trus-
tees on the 13th of July,- 1790, they state that Jlr.
Spierin, who had lately settled in Newburgh, propos-
ed opening an academy for the instruction of the
youth "in the Greek and Latin languages and the
different other branches of literature," as soon as a
sufficient number of pupils should present themselves,
and it was proposed by the trustees to raise sub-
scriptions with which to erect a building. For some
years the proposition was held in abeyance by the
opposition of a large portion of the community.
The Glebe charter provided for a minister a/ti/ n
school-master, and a school by a regular school-mas-
ter had always been conducted separate and distinct
from the ministerial office. The combination of the
two functions in one person was not regarded with
favor. A fierce local agitation sprang up, in the
midst of which Mr. Spierin resigned. In 1796
the erection of the school was commenced by the Trustees,
and a part of it was occupied the following year. It continued under
the care of the Glebe trustees till 1804, when the inhabitants elected
nine trustees "to take charge of the school in the Academy." In
1806 it was incorjiorated. For many years it was the only institution
of a public kind in this region in which the youth of both se.xes could
in Grand Street, and the Glebe School in Clinton Street, were trans-
ferred without cost. The Academy property, which was also trans-
ferred by its trustees, carried with it certain obligations, which were
assumed by the Board of Education, so that the property cost the
Board $5,?8o. In 1S55 or '56, as the brick building adjoining the
Academy was not deemed necessary for school purposes, it was sold
NEWBURGH
103
with a lot 75 feet front on Montgomery Street for $5,000.
These were at first the only school-houses available, with the ex-
ception of a small room rented on Western Avenue near Stone Street,
rooms in the basement of Union Church, and two rooms in the brick
building near the Academy. There were four male and twelve female
K
GRAMMAR SCHOOL NO. 3— Corner of South and Johnston Streets.
teachers in the employ of the Board. The number of pupils on reg-
ister at the High School in 1851-52 was 348, and at the Glebe School
and Academy about 120. During the first year of the new order of
things the number of pupils was doubled.
William N. Reid was the first principal of the Academy under the
new system. He purchased the present Home for the Friendless
building and conducted it as a boarding-school, after resigning his po-
sition in the Academy. The Board of Education then ceased to use
any portion of it.
For a time a small school was held in the "gymnasium," which
was a part of the property transferred to the Board by the Academy
trustees. The crowded state of the schools also obliged the Board to
make temporary provision for the children by renting the Mission
building of the Baptist Church in west Washington Street for a prim-
ary department. In the Fall of 1 864 they purchased the German Catho-
lic Church in Liberty Street, north of Farrington, and in May, 1S65,
they opened a primary department in it. For several years following
1862 the Home for the Friendless school was under the care of the
Board.
School No. I, in Washington Street, was erected in 1S57. It has
been three times enlarged. The German Catholic Church in
Liberty Street was sold after it had been occupied as a school for a
short period, and a lot 100x212 feet on the corner of South and Johnston
Streets was purchased, on which School 5^o. 3 w*s erected in 1866, at
a cost of $35,830. The opening of this school in January, 1S67, marked
the commencement of a new era in the history of the public schools
of Newburgh. For the first time it was possible to organize a graded
school. For the inception and successful accomplishment of this plan
the community is largely indebted to Hiram A. Jones, then clerk and
superintendent.
School No. 5 was built in 1867, at a cost of $16,795.60. The Clinton
Street school (No. 4) was enlarged in 1870 (for the second time), at a
cost of $6,738.92. School No. 2 was erected in 1872 on the site of the
High School and library building, at a cost of $37,072.91. The new
Academy was completed in 1886, and School No. 6, at the corner of
Renwick and Liberty Streets, is now (September. 1891) in course of
erection.
The Academy building contains twenty-one rooms, including the
janitor's apartments. School buildings Nos. i, 2 and 3 each contain
fourteen schoolrooms, Nos. 4 and 5 each six rooms, and No. con-
tains eight classrooms, and a large assembly-room.
The daily sessions are from 9 to 11.30 a. m. and from i to 3 p. m.
For many years we have practiced the no-recess plan, and our e.x-
perience commends it. In all primary classes a regular calisthenic
exercise is prescribed and practiced during each school session,
instead of the recess formerly allowed.
The manual training school was opened in September, 18S6. It
occupies a portion of the Clinton Street building, and is supplied with
an electric motor, lathes, jig saws, hand-tools, benches, etc. It is in
charge of William J. Woods, a graduate of the Worcester Technical
Institute. By far the greater number of boys must, after leaving
school, get their living by the use of their hands and eyes, and it is
evident that whatever of skill with hand or eye they may acquire in
their school training must be greatly to their advantage in after-hfe,
even if not exactly of the same kind as that which shall be required
in their daily vocation. But in addition to mechanical skill, habits of
carefulness, patience and perseverance are acquired. The ability to
do something begets manliness and self-reliance, and the more skill
he acquires the more respect and appreciation the pupil has for man-
ual labor and manual laborers. " If manual training simply does
nothing but do away mth the snobbish notion that labor is degrading,
it is worthy of a place in the public schools."
With us pupils are trained in the use of the common hand-tools for
working wood, in wood-carving, lathework, cabinet making and
mechanical drawing. The course extends through four years, two
and a half hours in each week being devoted to it. One hundred and
sixty boys are in attendance.
The annual exhibitions of the manual training classes — in carpen-
try, drawing, sewing and penmanship — win the highest praise from
competent judges.
The free-book system was adopted in September, 1886. The Board
provides everything used by the pupils — pens, paper, ink, pads, pen-
cils, text books, etc. Experience shows that it has increased the at-
tendance at the public schools, besides creating habits of care and
thoughtfulness.
The teachers hold monthly meetings for an interchange of opin-
ions and experience in matters of importance in schoolwork. All the
GRAMMAR SCHOOL NO, 5-West Street
teachers are required to attend, and the superintendent presides. A
question-box is always provided, and through this agency many ques-
tions are asked and answered which otherwise would remain unasked
and unanswered, and the more experienced teachers inform and in-
struct the younger ones.
I04
NEWBURGH
Believing that the instructions and impressions of early youth are
the most lasting, and patriotism, love of flag and country are among
the most commendable virtues of our citizens, and the inculcation of
those virtues is properly within the province of our public school sys-
tem, the Board of Education on October 27. 1SS9, adopted a resolu-
GRAMMAR SCHOOL NO. 6 Corner of Liberty and Renwick Streets.
tion offered by Trustee Joseph A. Sneed to the effect that the national
flag be displayed from the school buildings from the opening to the
closing of school every school day; that the Principal of each school
shall select a color-guard, consisting of a certain number of boys and
girls, whose duty it shall be to raise the flag at the opening of school
in the morning and lower the same at the close of school in the after-
noon, the color-guard to be chosen from among those who during the
preceding month have shown the greatest proficiency in their studies.
Therefore " Old Glory" waves over the heads of our school children
every school da\-, and other cities and towns have followed the ex-
ample set by Newburgh.
Besides the public schools there are three under the care of the
Roman Catholic churches, described in another place, and eight
private schools, with an attendance of 1,384. pupils. Notable
among the private schools are Mt. St. Mary's Academy and
Miss Mackie's boarding school for girls, and Siglar's preparatory
school for boys.
THE FREE LIBRARY.
The library has attained an important position. Its elevating in-
fluence is felt and acknowledged, and in a constantly increasing de-
gree is recognized and appreciated by the public. Our people speak
of it with pardonable pride, and visiting strangers accord it many
words of commendation. It is provided with a commodious and
attractive building, fronting on one of our best streets, and in a cen-
tral location with pleasant surroundings. The rooms are large and
inviting, well lighted, and furnished with all that is needed to meet
the reasonable demands of those who choose to avail themselves of
its privileges. It is open from 9 a. m. to 9 p. m. on week days
throughout the year. The books have been selected with care, are in
plain sight, and not disfigured with paper covers. They are arranged
in low cases where they can be readily reached by the library attend-
ants. The leading periodicals, with our local daily newspapers, are
on the reading-room tables for public use. Cyclopedias and other
books of reference have been liberally provided, and no part of the
library-work is more cheerfully performed by the librarian or his
assistants than that of answermg questions and giving all possible
aid to persons seeking information on special subjects.
The eftorts that have been made in the past to establish a closer
relationship between the free schools and the free library are produc-
ing the desired results. One evidence of this is found in the fact that
the Board of Education, on the recommendation of the superintend-
ent of our public schools, has added to the library a teachers' reading
room. A portion of the large upper room, some-
times known as Library Hall, has been tastefully fit-
ted up and furnished for the purpose, and supplied
with books and periodicals adapted to the needs of
the teachers in their special vocation. This room can
also be used by citizens or strangers who may desire
a quiet retreat for study or literary work.
The superintendent of our schools has urged upon
the teachers the importance of cultivating in the
minds of their pupils a taste for useful reading. The
teachers have heartily co-operated, and, among
other means to this end, have been in the habit of fre-
quently suggesting special historical or scientific
questions for investigation by the pupils. This re-
quires the use of such books in the library as will aid
them in their researches, and leads them to a course
of reading which they soon find is profitable and
pleasant. The superintendent, librarian and teachers,
having the same end in view, without any premedi-
tated plan have been working in concert, and to a
considerable extent have accomplished their purpose.
This library was organized September 7, 1S52,
and is among the oldest of the free public circulating
libraries. Previous to 1S50 there was none in Great
Britain, but four in this State, ten in the New
England States, and besides these but six in the
But one of these libraries organized pre\'ious to 1S50
circulation now as the Newburgh
United States.
has as many books or as large
MANUAL TRAINING SCHOOL— Cli
near Liberty Street.
^''^^^i^s}r=r*'"
Free Library,
butions and
and that or
s free only
is supported by voluntary coiitri-
At a meeting of the
NEWBURGH
105
Board of Education, held September 7, 1S52, on motion of
George W. Kerr, it was resolved "that all the school libra-
ries be consolidated and placed together in the academy room,
now in readmess." At the next meeting WilUam N. Reid was
appointed librarian; 924 volumes from the High School, 737 from the
Glebe, and 418 from the Academy were thus united and deposited in
one of the smaller rooms of the Academy, making a total of 2,079
volumes. These were carefully examined, the duplicate volumes
thrown out, and some additions made by purchase. Five hundred
catalogues were procured and the library, with 2,001 volumes, was
opened to the public Saturday, November 6, 1S52, from 2 to 3 p. m.,
and at the same hour each succeeding Saturday, until January, 1S61,
when by an amendment of the rules it was required to be open on p
Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p. m. for adult males and young men not
connected with the schools, on Thursdays from i to 5 p. m. , ex-
clusively for ladies, and on Saturdays from S a. m. to 1 2 m. for the
school children. This arrangement continued until 1865, since
which time it has been open daily, except on Sundays and legal F
holidays. In i860 more room and better accommodations
were needed for the proper care of the books, and a neat
library building was erected on the corner of Grand and Camp-
bell Streets, adjoining the High School building, at a cost of
$2,494.49. This was occupied until 1S72, when the High
School and Library buildings were removed, the present No.
2 Grammar School building erected, and a room in the north- ^-
east wing fitted up for the accommodation of the library.
In 1862 the books of the Mechanics' Library Association jijil'l
were transferred to the Board of Education, and by this ar- ^ j
rangement 2,Soi volumes were added to the library. In 1S73 a
fund of $734 was donated to the Board of Education by the
Mechanics' Library Association upon the stipulation that it
should remain a permanent fund, and that the interest shotdd
be expended annually in the purchase of scientific books.
In 1875 a lot on Grand Street, opposite School No. 2, was
purchased, and the erection of a fine building was commenced
in 1876, under the superintendence of Thomas Kimball. John A.
Wood, of New York, was the architect; William Hilton & Son,
carpenters; Thomas Dobbin, mason. The building was completed
in June, 1877. Charles Estabrook was appointed librarian April 18,
1S77, ^i^d Charles A. Peck and Frank E. Estabrook were appointed
assistants. The library was opened for the delivery of books Feb-
ruary 13, 187S, with 10,421 volumes. In September, 1878, a card sys-
tem of keeping accounts was introduced by the librarian, and is still
in use. By this system it is possible with the present library force to
receive and deliver three thousand volumes daily, and keep an accu-
rate account and a daily record of the work and condition of the libra-
ry. In 18S2 the late Rev. John Forsyth, D. D., presented the hbrary
with 603 volumes, many of them rare and very valuable as books of
reference, which, if lost, could probably not be replaced; and in 1889
299 volumes were received from his heirs. In October, 18S4, George
W. Kerr and Eugene A. Brewster, executors of the estate of the late
Rev. John Brown, D. D., deposited in the hbrary the original records
of the Newburgh Academy from 1807 to 1S56, and his family added
to the library 20 large volumes of old and rare books, some of them
being fine specimens of block printing and hand illuminations pub-
lished in 1468. Many volumes are presented yearly.
In October, 1S84, a letter was received from Dr. Theodore Vetter,
of Frauenfeld, Switzerland, asking for some information, and stating
that he was preparing a lecture on hbraries in America, was famihar
with some of the prominent libraries of Boston, New York and other
large cities, had visited the Newburgh Free Library, was very
much pleased with its arrangement, and selected it as a model for
libraries in smaller cities.
The library room is also used as a reading room, and besides the
building contains the private office of the librarian, the office of the
superintendent of schools, and the meeting room of the Board of
Education, which is also used as a reading room and meeting place
for teachers. Mr. Estabrook continues as the eflicient librarian, and
his present assistants are Miss Lilhe O. Estabrook and Thomas M.
Hawthorne.
CLASSIFIED CONTENTS OF THE LIBRARY.
I'a/s. Per cent.
Poetry, periodicals and miscellany 4,268 24.45
History, geography and travels 3,660 20.97
Adult fiction 2,869 16.44
Art and science 2,010 11.52
Biography 1,358 7.79
U. S. Government publications 1,098 6.29
Juvenile fiction 762 4.37
Juvenile histor}-, biography, etc 549 3.15
New York State publications 496 2. 85
Cyclopedias, dictionaries and atlases 379 2.17
17,450 100.
r
I.
BOARD OF EDUCATION.
The members of the Board in past years have been as follows:
Alsdorf , Egbert 1862-65
Belknap, Moses C 1884-
Beveredge, John 1852-57
Beveridge, Thomas 1858-60
Brewster, Eugene A 185S-63,
'67-6S, '73-77. 'So-84
Brown, Rev. John 1852-58
Brown, Jacob 1855
Callahan, Wilham H 1S61
Case, Robert L 1874-77
Cassedv, Abram S 1S74-7S
Clapp, 'George M 1865
Clark, George 1S5S-60
Corwin, John 1S64-73, '77-Si
Culbert, W. A. M., M. D.1S55-57
Dickson, James R 1S57-59
Ely, Smith, M. D.
Embler, Charles J
Estabrook, Charles 1S64-67
Leonard, D. Gillis 1S52-57,
'60-62, '64
Lewis, John N 1S70-72
Martin, Cyrus B 1868-73
McCroskery, John J. S..1880-S4,
'84-87
McCutcheon, Hugh 1S63-66
'68-69
Merritt, Theod'-'re 1870
Moore, Bartholomew B..1S72-75
Monell, John J 1852-54, '65
Peck, William E 1862-64
Reeve, Charles F. V 1852
Reilley, John 1872-75
Ring, Thomas C 1852-57
Rogers, Daniel T. .1S66-72, '75-79
1876-Sc Ruttenber, Edward M . . . 1857-64,
1881-85 '66-69, '82-86
Scott, David A 1S87-90
Forsyth, Rev. John 1853-77 Skidmore, Edwin T 1S77-81
Gearn, Walter W 1876-80
George, Thomas 1859-61
Gregory, L. B 1852-54
Haines, Provost S 1S67-70
Harrison, WiUiam 18S5-
Hasbrouck, Charles H...1SS4-8S
Hastings, James 1S87-
Hirschberg, Michael H. . .1S71-83
Johnes, Edward R 1S61-63
Jones, Nathaniel 1S52-56
Jones, Hiram A 1S78-82
Kerr, George W 1852-54
Kimball, Thomas 1S64-67, '73
King, Stephen 1S82-86
Lawson, John K 1858-61 Wilson, Nicholas 1867-75
Leonard, Cbancey M 1869-71 WooUey, Charles N.,M. D.18S9-
SUPERINTEiNDENTS OF SCHOOLS.
Banks, Hugh S 1857-59 Miller,John 1883-86
Jones, Nathaniel 1852-57 Mont'ort, R. V. K., M. D. 1859-63,
Jones, Hiram A 1864-72 '72- -,, '86-91
Ruttenber, Edward M. 1S63-64
Smith, Lewis M 18S1-
Smith, Orville M. .1856-57, '59-64
Sneed, Joseph A. .1S86-90, '90-
Thayer, John S 1855
Valentine, John H 1890-
Van Buren, John D 18S3
Van Dalfsen, James T. . .18S3-S7
Wands, William S 1S88-
Ward, Peter 1861-66
Westervelt, John L 187S-82,
'86-
Weygant, Charles H 1877
Williams, George A 1S79-83
Wilhams, Samuel 1856-58
io6
NEWBURGH
The present members (if the Board of Education are Moses C.
Belknap, President; William Harrison, Vice-President: Charles X.
W'oolley, Joseph A. Sneed, John L. Westervelt, James Hastings,
John H. Valentine, William S. Wands. Dr. R. V. K. Montfort, Clerk.
OLD ACADEMY BOYS.
From the Address by Hon. J. G. Graham, at Dedication of netu Academy,
September 2, iSSb.
It is most fitting that this festal day for this new Academy has
come when the fervid Summer has just passed into the golden Au-
tumn, freshened by cooler airs, and under skies as blue, and surround-
ed by landscapes as sunny and bright as in the days of June. Nature
has rendered homage to the day with pomp and glory of the sky and
plain and hillside.
We are honored, too, by the presence of digtiitaries of the State —
one who has rendered ser%nce in halls of legislation, and is advanced
now to yet higher and more influential position as head of the De-
partment of Public Instruction. Here also have come brave officers
and learned Professors from West Point, and members of the Board
of Education of our sister city of Poughkeepsie. Here are gathered,
too, teachers of to-day in goodl}' number, and present members of the
Board of Education, under whose wise oversight this splendid hall
has been reared; and members also of former Boards.
ster, when addressing the veterans of the Revolution, i
Bunker Hill oration:
Of later graduates in my own time, some are living, and some of
these are with us to-day — William Walsh and Henry Comwell — those
model scholars in studious habits and exemplary conduct, and in later
years devoted and eloquent ministers of religion and genial and ac-
complished men. David Gedney, who, as a writer and speaker, was
the model after whom other students tried to copy, alas 1 so often in
vain, became naturally an eminent lawyer and wore the judicial er-
mine without a stain. Grant Edgar, too, then, as well as now, al-
ways doing well the work he had to do, and who in maturer life, both
in the workshop among his men and in self-denying labors on the
coal docks and in prison cells, so beautifully illustrates, in a way so
rare and yet so needed, the reality of the religion he professes. Walker
Fowler, a valued friend and college chum, as well as schoolmate, who,
after much judicial service here, is now a successful farmer in Dakota,
a region whose marvelous growth reads almost like a page from the
' ' Arabian Nights. " And there was ' ' Tom " McKissock, another life-
long friend and a fellow student, also in the law office of his honored
father — Judge McKissock, and Judge Bate, whose early homes, as
as well as that of W. C. Hasbrouck, were all so near my father's in
the Wallkill \' alley. For years " Tom" has been a famous civil engi-
neer, m the Mississippi Valley. And " Gus" Ruggles, whose then de-
lightful home in Washington Place was my favorite resort in the
strawberrv season, became a successful banker in Wisconsin. Berrian
THE OLD ACADEMY.
Here, too, have come one or two survivors of the teachers of
former years, with eyesight dimmed, and locks thin and whitening.
One short year ago 'there was gathered to his rest among the green
hills of Vermont, one whom we all knew and loved — Irenasus Prime
— who, after service as a teacher here, made his home in oiu- great
city by the sea, and there, in the larger field of journalism and author-
ship, and public speech, made for himself a treasured name even in
other lands than this.
There have also come survivors of former scholars of the old
Academy, and )'et how thin and scattered are their ranks !
The old Academy had stood and done its work for well nigh a
century, and with the passmg years the great reaper was gathering
many to His harvest.
No record in those earlier days was preserved of the scholars in its
charge, and there was no daily paper then, and their names can only
be gathered from some stray publications in the journals of the day,
of perchance some public exhibition, and from the uncertain recollec-
tions of survavors. I can only speak of the students of my own time — not
of that far larger number who preceded and who followed me, who
are doubtless quite as deserving of mention, and whose names and
histories will be readily recalled by all our citizens.
Here on this platform may be seen a few of the survivors of earlier
classes, and they must attribute it to my feeling of respectful rever-
ence alone, if I feel almost like using towards them the words of Web-
Halstead, genial and bright, who also became a bank president in
New York; and Charles Hasbrouck also, now a bank president, as boy
and man, beloved by all. Sebring Fowler, long a successful mer-
chant here, and whose sons are accomplished lawyers and railroad
presidents. Frank Ironmonger, a skilled physician in Brooklyn; Ed-
ward WeUs, an eloquent and successful lawyer of Westchester County.
Oscar Hasbrouck, whose home is on a farm near Modena, and is the
envy of his schoolmates as being a director in half the banks in Ulster.
There too were the Carpenter boys, Gilbert and Lewis and John, and
my younger friend, Richard Smith, whose present dwelling place
amid fruits and flowers might well have been the envy both of Shen-
stone and Epicurus, had they hved and flourished in our day, under
the elms of Grand Street.
The roll of my dead schoolmates of that day is longer than that of
the living; Jacob Fowler, a model man in business and social Hfe;
Daniel Boice, who as a faithful lawyer enjoj-ed general confidence;
Jonas Williams, a prominent business man and cultured gentleman,
so recently taken from us; William Williams, who fell in the War for
the Union; David Colden Ruggles, who was also a victim in that un-
holy Rebellion, and lost his life by the torturing cruelties of Salisbury
Prison; Charles Ruggles, who died young after an honorable career
as a lawyer at Poughkeepsie; Christopher Vanduzer, who shared
largely in his family gifts of brilliant eloquence and manly beauty;
Daniel Rogers, taken away from his beautiful home just as he begun
NEWBURGH
107
to enjny it; and Thomas Farrington and Joseph Kimball and John J.
Walsh, all rollicking boys, and yet good students. The first two,
after a faithful service as ministers in our State, were laid away from
their life-work in oiur neighboring cemetery, when middle life was
reached. Walsh became a missionary to India, and then soon after
returning home, he, too, hke all the others of this hst I have named,
heard his name called from the Starr)^ Heights and answered, as did old
Colonel Newcombe at the last, "Adsum "(" Here"), and passed into
the presence of the Heavenly Master.
These dead schoolmates, as their memories come vtp to me to-day,
present themselves most prominently as Academy " boys." I cannot
picture them on the walls of memory as grave, careworn, gvey-
headed men, but as boys, bright and gaj^-hearted, studying as hard
as they thought good for their health, doubtless, but when play-time
came giving then all the energies to the business in hand. The large
plaj'-grounds, then reaching from Mr. Williams' garden to South
Street, gave fine room for ball-pla^nng, while for riding down hill
there never was such a location, and never did boys better improve
their opportunities. Sleighs were brought along to school in Winter
almost as regularly as books. We commenced at the doorsteps, and
went wth some velocity, you may imagine, by the time we reached
the foot of South Street; and even stud}' hours in the evening were
shortened so that we might have a few riies, and thus drink in health
with every inspiration of that Winter air. Glorious sports, glorious
days and nights they were — never to be seen again on earth, save in
the magic mirror of memory.
JOHN LAWSON WESTERVELT. School Trustee, is descended
from Lubbertse van Westervelt, who, with his two brothers and
their families, emigrated from ^Jleppel, in the Province Dreuthe, Hol-
land, by the ship
Hope in April,
1662, and settled
near Hackensack,
New Jersey. Kas-
parus, grandson of
Lubbertse, ex-
changed his prop-
erty in New Jersey
for fifteen hundred
acres on the east
side of the Hudson,
four miles below
Poughkeepsie. On
this tract of land
fohnL.AVestervelt
was born June 27,
TS26. The old
deed, made in the
reign of George H,
■s still in his pos-
sessicm. His edu-
cation was obtain-
ed at a country
schoolhouse. After
li arning the trade
.it a silversmith at
\V a 1 d e n , Orange
County, N. Y., he
came to Newburgh
in 1S4S and worked for a time at his trade. In 1S53 he opened a shop
at the corner of Fifth and Water Streets, in the second story, and since
that date has been engaged in the manufacture of silverware, adding
of late solid rings and the selling of fine diamonds and jewelry. His
place of business is now at 142 Water Street.
In 1S49 Mr. Westerv-elt became a member of the Presbyterian
Church under the Rev. John Johnston, D. D., and has ever since been
an active and successful Christian worker. Leaving the old church
with the families who built Calvary Church, he was, in January, 1S57,
soon after its organization, ordained an elder of that church and af-
terward superintended its Sabbath school. He filled the same offices
at the First Presbjrterian Church, where as Superintendent of the Sab-
bath school for six years he was never absent a single Sabbath. Re-
moving to Union Church when Dr. Wendell Prime became its pastor.
JOHN
WESTERVELT.
he gathered a Bible class of young men, which he taught for eighteen
years. During that time the class had about one hundred and fifty
members, many of whom are now earnestly engaged in Christian work
in Newburgh and other parts of the land.
Although never a politician, j\Ir. Westervelt has always taken a
deep and active interest in public affairs. It is an interesting fact
that to fiUa vacancy and by appointment of Hon. George Clark, New-
burgh's first Mayor, he sat in the county legislature just one day as
Supervisor for the Second Ward of the city. In 1S7S he was elected
and in 1SS6 and iSgo twice re-elected a member of the Board of Edu-
cation, each time by large majorities. In the Board he has always
been an advocate of measures that would increase the advantages
of the children of the poor. JIarch 10, iSSo, and again November 16,
iSSi, he offered a resolution providmg that the Board purchase all the
text books and other supplies used by the pupils, and until its adop-
tion he was the unswerving and zealous advocate of the free-book sys-
tem, one of the many points of excellence in the Newburgh schools.
Mr. Westervelt's personal popularity with the pupils in the schools is
evinced by the rounds of applause which greet him when he rises to
speak in the assembly room in his always interesting and enjoyable
manner. In 1850 Mr. Westervelt was married to Catherine Gorham, a
native of Newburgh, by whom he has had seven children, five of
whom — four sons and a daughter — are still living and happily married.
WILLIAM HARRISON, Vice President of the Board of Educa-
tion, was born in the North of Ireland, May g, 1832. His father's
progenitors e m i-
grated there from
England, and his
mother's (the Al-
exanders) from
Glasgow, Scotland .
His parents died
when he was yet
a lad, and in his
14th vear he came
to America with
his sister.
For several
months he lived
in New York, and
afterwards, for
short periods, in
the Villages of
Walden and Mont-
gomery. He set
tied permanently
in Newburgh in
1S4S. In 1S50 he
engaged with Ge-
rard & Boyd to
learn the mason's
trade, and after
serving his time
worked for a year
or two in New
York. About 1862 he started as a builder on his own account in
Newburgh, and has continued in active business here ever since.
He was elected a member of the Board of Education in 1S85, and
re-elected in 1SS9. For several years he has been the Vice President
of the Board and Chairman of the Building Committee. Under ap-
pointment from the Board he superintended the construction of the
new Academy.
Mr. Harrison was for many years, previous to 1S85, a member of
the First Reformed Presbyterian Church, long an officer of the so-
ciety and superintendent of the Sabbath school. He is now a mem-
ber of Trinity Church, and superintendent of its Sabbath school. He
married Sarah, daughter of the late Matthew Duke, of Newburgh,
and has five sons.
ILLIAM HARRISON.
[o8
NEWBURGH
JAMES HASTINGS, School Trustee, was born in the North of
Ireland in 1S37, came to Xewbnrgh when four or five years old, and was
educated in the public schools. Since 1866 he
IS been in business
in the stove, tin-
ware and plumbing
trade. He served
his apprenticeship
as a plumber and
tinsmith with John
Lomas. He has a
well equipped es-
tablishment at 162
Broadway. During
the war Mr. Hast-
ings went to the
front in 1S61 and
again in 1S62 as a
member of Com-
pany I, 71st Regi-
ment of ililitia.
In 1887 he was
elected to the
Board of Educa-
tion by the Repub-
lican party for the
term of four years,
and was re-elected
in i8gi. Heis
Chairman of the
Finance Commit-
tee. In iSgo he
was honored by his
party with the
nomination for Mayor of the citj'. He is a member of Newburgh
Lodge, F. & A. M., and a trustee of the Masonic Hall Association.
He is also a member of Acme Lodge, I. O. O. F., FuUerton Post,
G. A. R., and the Union Presbyterian
Church. He married Mary A. Brown, of
Newburgh, and has two sons and three
daughters.
JAMES HASTINGS.
JOSEPH
CHARLES N. WOOLLEY, M. D..
School Trustee, was born at Southampton,
L. I., October S, 1S3S. He attended the
public school and Southampton Academy.
After teaching several years he prepared
for college, and entered Michigan University
in 1862. Immediately after graduating he
entered upon the study of medicine, at-
tending lectures at Bellevue Medical Col-
lege, New York, and Long Island College
Hospital, Brooklyn. After graduating at
the latter institution he married Miss Mar-
garet B. Fithian, and began the practice
of his profession in Waldeu, N. Y. Five
years later, 1873, he came to Newburgh.
Almost immediately he acquired a large and
lucrative practice, and has long been one of
our most popular practitioners. He became
a member of the Board of Education in
1889, and is now Chairman of the Commit-
tee on Teachers.
JOSEPH A. SNEED, School Trustee,
entered the employment of A. K. Chandler, a dry goods mercha:.:,
as cash boy, and with one or two short intermissions remained there
until the breaking out of the Rebellion. Then he enlisted (April,
1861) in Captains.
W. Fullerton's
company of the
Third New York
Volunteer Infantry
as a private, for
two years. He
was honorably dis-
charged in May,
1S63, then holding
the position of Or-
derly Sergeant.
During the latter
part of the Sum-
mer and the Fall
of 1863, with Cap-
tain James Ander-
son and Lieutenant
J. K. R. Oakley, he
recruited a com-
pany for the gSth
New York Volun-
teer Infantry, and
was commissioned
Second Lieutenant
of the same by
Governor Horatio
Se)-mour. He was
mustered out at
the Chesapeake
Hospital for disability in the Fall of 1S64. Since the war Mr. Sneed
has been almost continuously engaged in the marketing, provisions
and livestock business. For the past four years he has had the man-
agement of Armour & Co.'s branch house at
Newburgh, and he is also a partner in the
firm of Sneed & ^lathews.
Politically he has always been a Repub-
lican. He cast his maiden vote for Abra-
ham Lincoln in 1S64. In 1SS4 he was elected
Alderman from the Third Ward, and was
President of the Board in 1S85. In 18S6 he
was elected a member of the Board of Edu-
cation on the free text book issue; and in
the Spring of iSgi he was re-elected for I'our
years.
Mr. Sneed has well defined impressions
concerning practical education, and has
been a most valuable member of the Board.
The introduction of manual training in the
public schools was mainly brought about
through his personal efforts, and he has
seen the system developed into an import-
ance not even dreamed of at its initiation.
Believing that patriotism and love of the
country's flag should be instilled in the
youthful mind as well as arithmetic and
grammar, he introduced the resolution that
the flag should wave over every schoolhouse
in the city each schoolda}%
WOOLLEY, M.
WILLIAM S. WANDS, School Trus-
was born in Newburgh in 1S39, in the tee, was born in the province of New Bruns-
part called Old Town. He iirst attended the old Glebe school, wick in 1S30. He came to Newburgh with his parents in 1852.
in Liberty Street, and afterwards in the comb factory on the Since fourteen years old he has been a wage-earner. He learn-
side hill — on property now owned by S. R. Van Duzer. At that time ed the trade of pattern-maker in the old Washington Iron AVorks.
the school was taught by John L. Lyon. At the age of fourteen he From 1S70 to iSSo he was employed in the West Point Foundry
NEWBURGH.
tog
at Cold Spring, and since that time has been foreman of the
pattern-making department of the Wright Engine Works in this city,
which is one of the largest engine-building concerns in the country.
Mr. Wands is a valued member of St.
John's M. E. Church, of which he has been
a trustee and superintendent of the Sabbath
school for a number of years. He married
Anna, daughter of Andrew Darby, of New-
burgh. George :M. Wands, of the firm of
McGiffert & Wands, soap manufacturers, is
his son.
JOHN H. VALENTINE, School Trus-
tee, was born at Peekskill, N. Y., in i860,
and is the youngest member of the Board,
and the only representative of the Demo-
cratic party in the body. He was a warm
supporter of the successful movement to
secure a public school for Washington
Heights, and has taken a deep interest
in the details of its construction, as his
experience in building quahfies him to do.
Two handsome dwellings on the Heights
were erected by him, one of which he has
sold, and the other he still occupies. He
is an officer of the Washington Heights
Congregational Church, and was until re-
cently interested in the Newburgh Reed
Company, manufacturers of reed chairs,
which business he helped to estabhsh. For
some years past he has been connected
■with the wholesale grocery house of J. G. v
Powers & Co. , of New York. He was until
recently president of the Newburgh Democratic Association
married Miss Clara Baldwin, of this cit)'.
R. V. K. MONTFORT, M. D., Clerk of the Board of Education
and Superintendent of the Public Schools, was born at Fishkill ^"il-
lage, N. Y., March 23, 1S35. He was only a
few weeks old when his father died. His
early life was a series of struggles to obtain
an education, but so ambitious was he, and
so untiring in his efforts, that he was enabled
to accomplish his desires. After passing
through the common schools he attended
the private school of Rev. T. F. Pingry at
Fishkill. Such good progress did he make in
his studies, that when onty fifteen years old
he obtained a position as teacher in a dis-
trict school. For several years following
he taught schools in Dutchess and Putnam
Counties, and in his leisure hours improved
his education by private study.
He came to Newburgh as teacher in the
Academy February 14, 1S53, remaining as
assistant to William N. Reid till July, 1854.
Having already taken up the study of
medicine in the hours not employed in the
schoolroom, he relinquished his position
as a teacher that he might give his whole
time to his medical studies, which were
thereafter pursued under th? oversight of
Dr. Gilbert C. Monell, who then resided at
the corner of Montgomery and Third
Streets. With this skillful practitioner he
remained till he entered the Albany Medical
College, from which institution he was
graduated in December, 1856. Immediately after graduating he
commenced the practice of his profession in this city.
In October, 1859, he was elected to the responsible office of Clerk
of the Board of Education and Superintendent of the Public Schools
of Newburgh. The school buildings then consisted of the old Acad-
emy, the High School, the Clinton Street
School, the school for colored children in
Washington Street, and the school at the
corner of Washington and William Streets,
then a very small building, accommodating
not more than two hundred pupils. He re-
signed in September, 1862, and accepted a
commission as Assistant Surgeon in the
124th New York Volunteers (Orange Blos-
soms). He was on every battlefield of the
jfc^j Army of the Potomac from Chancellorsville
^^ to the end of the war, and was one of the
five original ofTicers who served with the
regiment during its whole term of service.
He was promoted Surgeon March, 1865.
In endorsing the numerously signed recom-
mendation for his promotion, Orpheus
Everts, Surgeon-in-Chief of the Third Di-
vision of the Second Corps, wrote. " There
is no medical officer with whom I am ac-
quainted more worthy, or better qualified
for promotion, than Dr. Montfort; " and
Medical Director Dougherty, of the Second
Corps (Hancock's) joined in the above
recommendation. For a period Dr. Mont-
fort was executive officer of the division
hospital.
He was mustered out of service in
June, 1865. The following year he was ap-
pointed Health Officer of the City of New-
burgh, and served four years. He was Alms House physician in
1865 and 1866; physician to the Home for the Friendless, 1866-82, and
a member of the staff of St. Luke's Hospital from its organization
to the present year. In 1868 he was Assistant Cattle Commissioner
to investigate the outbreak of Texas fever in Orange County, and
Inspector of the State Board of Health to investigate the outbreak of
supposed typhus fever during the construc-
tion of the West Shore Railway.
In 1867 Dr. Montfort was one of the
charter members of EUis Post, G. A. R.
and ever since has been one of the most
helpful members. Seven times its Comman-
der, he is now serving his fifth consecutive
term. He has been a Trustee of the Glebe
fourteen years. He has been a member of
St. Paul's Church since its foundation; was
a member of its first Board of Vestrymen,
and continued a vestryman to about 1876.
He was one of the founders of the Young
Men's Christian Association, and a mem-
ber for more than twenty years. He also
holds a membership in the Orange County
iledical Society. Not the least of the many
trusts confided to him was the secretaryship
of the Centennial Committee. This was not
the trivial work of a day, but a prolonged
labor of a national importance, discharged
with singular ability.
But Dr. Montfort's best service to his
community has been as Superintendent of
the Schools. For nineteen years he has fill-
ed a position demanding high mental abili-
ties. His long retention therein, and the ad-
vancement which the schools have made un-
her his administration, tells the kind of a
man he is. Dr. Montfort's first wife died in October, 1864. In 1870
he married Theodosia B. Crowell, of Newburgh.
NEWBURGH
JAMES M. CRANE, A. M., Principal of the Newburgh Free
Academy, is a descendant uf Stephen Crane, who emigrated from
Plymouth, England, and settled in New Jersey. His great-grand-
MONTFORT, M
father, Josiah Crane (who was the grandson of Stephen) was a Cap-
tain in the American Army of the Revolution, and about the year
I -S3 came from Morristown, N. J., and settled in the Town of Wall-
kill, Orange County, N. Y.
James M. was bom near Circleville. Orange County, N. Y. His
father (Josiah 2nd) was a farmer and Justice of the Peace, and during
his life spent much time in teaching. In early life Prof. Crane at-
tended the district schools, and at the age of seventeen began to teach
school. He took a collegiate preparatory course under a private tutor
and also in a private school in Circleville, but afterwards decided to
take a Normal course. Entering the State Normal School at Albany
in September, 1862, he was graduated in July of the following year.
Since then he has been teaching in the pubHc schools of the State
continuously. He was Principal of the RosljTi, h. I., public school
part of a year, leaving there to take a similar position at Walden, N.
Y. After three years' service at that place he was appointed Princi-
pal of Newburgh Grammar School No. 4, in September, 1S66. Two
years later he was transferred to the Academy and appointed
assistant Principal.
For eighteen years he was the instructor of the graduating class.
His ability and thoroughness as a teacher of the higher branches
earned not only the entire confidence of the Trustees, but in a marked
degree the respect and good-will of his students. When Prof.
Doughty retired in 1SS6, Mr. Crane succeeded him, and as Principal
of the Newburgh Academy he fills a most honorable and responsible
position.
In 1885 Professor Crane was elected by the Republican party a
member of the Board of Water Commissioners, to fill a vacancy, and
in :8S6 he was re-elected for the full term of five years. For three
years he was President of the Board. He is a Trustee of Calvary
Church, and a Trustee of Newburgh Lodge, F. & A. M. His hon-
orary degree was conferred by Union College in 1S90.
WILLIAM H. KELLY, Principal of Grammar School No. i, is
a native of Glens Falls, N. Y., where he attended the common
schools, and afterward received an academical training. At the
early age of seventeen he adopted the profession which he has fol-
lowed with marked success all his life. He fir.st taught school at
Lake George. It was in 1859 that he came to Newburgh, and in
I .?6o he was teaching the New Wmdsor school. He was appointed
to his present position in September, 1S61. Since then the school
edifice has been enlarged three times ; the number of pupils has
increased from two hundred to nearly eight hundred ; then there
were but four teachers, now there are seventeen.
Aside from the duties of his profession, Mr. Kelly has been related
to several things worthy of note. In early manhood he was an ex-
pert in the game of baseball, and on coming to Newburgh his skill
as a pitcher was first enlisted for the Newburgh club, and next for
the famous Hudson Rivers. He continued in that pleasant relation
during the subsequent existence ot the club, participating in nearly
all its great games. He has been a useful man in Trinitv Church.
For thirty years he has been the Secretary of its Sabbath School,
for many years the leader of the church choir and of the singing in
the Sabbath School ; fourteen years a Steward, and now a Trustee.
In his political relations he has been a Republican. He was an
Assessor nine years, an Alderman four y-ears, and for one year
President of the Common Council. He has been a Mason since 1863,
and a member of Leonard Steamer Company since 1S7S.
CHARLES E. SNYDER, LL. B., Principal of Grammar School
No. 2, was born in Constableville, Lewis County, N. Y., Januarys 10,
1836. His father, John Snyder, was a descendant of an old Dutch
family of Columbia County, N. Y., and was born near Saratoga
Springs. His mother, Eleanor E. Roberts, was bom in Wales, and
came to this country when about ten years of age, with her parents,
who were among the first Welsh settlers of Lewis Countv.
NEWBURGH
Mr. Snyder attended the village schools till 1S50, when his parents
smoved to the vicinity of Rome, Oneida County, N. Y. There he
attended school
only in Winter, and
in the Summer
worked on the
farm. Commencing
in the Winter of
1S52-53. he taught
different country
schools for several
\\'inters, and work-
ed on the farm in
Summer seasons.
In the Fall of 1S54
he attended at the
Oneida Conference
Seminary at Caze-
novia, N. Y. For
three years he
taiii^iit in the
township of Wood-
bridge, X. J.
In March, 1S5S,
he entered the
State Normal
School at Albany,
completed the
course, and was
graduated in Feb-
WILLIAM H, KELLY-Pnncpal Gramma, School No. 1. ruary, 1859. After
teaching awhile
longer, he began the study of law in the office of Beach & Bailey,
at Rome, and attended lectures at the Albany Law School. He re-
ceived the degree of LL. B. from the University of Albany, and
was admitted to the bar in 1S62. Meanwhile
war had begun, and within a few weeks af-
ter leaving the law school, Mr. Snyder vol-
unteered as a private in Company C, 50th
N. Y. V. Engineers. He served with that
company and regiment m the Army of the
Potomac to the end of the war, and returned
home in July, 1S65, with the rank of First
Lieutenant.
Choosing the profession of teaching
rather than law, Mr. Snyder took charge of
a school at Walden in 1S66, and remained
there till 1S6S, when he became principal of
Grammar School No. 4, in Clinton Street,
Newburgh. On the completion of the large
school building in Grand Street, he was
transferred thereto as principal, where he
has continued ever since. The school has
nearly seven hundred pupils and sixteen
female teachers. He has been prominently
identified with the Orange Count}' Teach-
ers' Association, and has been Vice-Presi-
dent of the New York State Teachers' As-
sociation.
Mr. Snyder has been an Elder of the
First Presbyterian Church since 1S74, and
has also been Superintendent of its Sabbath
School. He has been a Director of the
Young Men's Christian Association since its Charles e. snyder, ll.
organization, and was President one year.
He was appointed a Civil Service Commissioner by Mayor Odell when
the Board was organized, and still holds that position. Mr. Snyder
was married at Rome, N. Y., in 1S66, to Miss Hannah R. Wright, a
descendant of one of the first settlers of the part of that town
known as Wright's Settlement. They have two sons and two daughters.
CLARKE— Principal of Gramrr
E. Y. CLARKE, Principal of Grammar School No. 3, was born
June 17, 1S29, at Saybrook, Conn. His father was Captain Natha-
niel Clarke, who
for many years
was engaged i n
ship-building and
in the transporta-
tion of passengers
and freight be-
tween New York,
Charleston and
Havana. After-
ward he retired
from this business
and purchased a
farm, where the
greater part of Mr.
Clarke's early life
was spent. He
attended the vil-
lage school Win-
ters, and later fin-
ished his studies
at the Saybrook
Academy, a well
conducted institu-
tion.
Mr. Clarke com-
menced teaching in
November, 1849, at
Westbrook, Conn.
After teaching four
years in that place he was called to take charge of the high school
at Clinton, Conn., now known as the Morgan School, a position
which he filled for six years. He then received a call to the Academy
at Newburgh, entering upon his duties as
teacher and principal December 22, 1S58.
The Academy pupils then numbered
about one hundred and fifty, with two male
and two female teachers. The principal was
required, besides teaching, to take charge of
the public library, which was then open only
on Saturdays.
The first of the exhibitions given by the
pupils of the Newburgh Free Academy,
which have since become so popular, was
held under his management at the Opera
House, April 21 , 1865. It was a decided suc-
cess, both from a literary and financial point
of view. The mone^' realized from the en-
tertainment, which was about two hundred
dollars, was used in purchasing chemicals
and philosophical instruments, and formed
the nucleus of the extensive apparatus now
in use at the present Academj-.
October 2, 1S6S, he left the Free Academy
to take charge of Grammar School No. 3,
where as principal he still remains. As
principal of this school Mr. Clarke has un-
der his supervision and direction sixteen
teachers and nearly five hundred scholars.
i.-Pnn. Gram. School No. 2. CHARLES ESTABROOK, Librarian,
was born in Rochester, N. Y., October iS,
1S23. He came with his parents from Hyde Park, N. Y., to
Newburgh in 1835. About 1840 he was a teacher in the New-
burgh High School, and followed that vocation two or three
years. Then for twelve years he was bookkeeper and cashier of the
freighting establishment of Wardrop, Smith & Co., and afterward
112
NEWBURGH.
for about fifteen years he was in the book and stationerj- business.
In 1S77, upon the erection of the present handsome Library Build-
ing, Mr. Estabrook was appointed Librarian, a position for which he
is eminently qualified by both education and experience. Previously
the library had been of small proportions, and open only a few hours
in the day. ilr. Estabrook at once reorganized and made many im-
provements in the system of library work. In 1864-67 he was a mem-
ber of the Board of Education and Chairman of the Teachers' Com-
mittee.
He united with the Second Presbyterian Church, of Xewburgh, in
1S42, and after its disbandment in 1852, he with others of its members
joined its successor, the Second Methodist (now St. John's) Church.
He was its first organist and for more than twenty-five j-ears a mem-
ber of the Board of Trustees. He was the first Secretary c.f its Sun-
day School, and for many years its Superintendent. For twenty-five
years past he has been a local preacher. Mr. Estabrook was initiated
into the mysteries of Free Masonry in Newburgh Lodge, No. 309 ; in
1854 he was a charter member of Hudson River Lodge, No. 607, and
its first Treasurer.
Since 1S64 he has
been a Royal Arch
Mason — a member
of Highland Chap-
ter, No. 52; and for
nine years High
Priest. In 1865 he
w a s knighted i n
Hudson River
Commandery, No.
35, Knights Tem-
plar, and has been
Prelate in that
Commandery for
about twenty
years.
He has been a
member of the
Board of Counsel-
lors of the Home
for the Friendless
since 1S65, and is
Secretary of that
Board. He has
been an active
member of the
Historical Society
of Newburgh Bay
and the Highlands
and of the Newburgh Cemetery Association since their organization,
and is the Secretary of both. He has always been a prominent tem-
perance man of the total abstinence stamp, and has filled the highest
office in nearly all the local temperance societies of the past.
But the enumeration of his various connections, and of the posts
of honor he has filled, can only suggest the useful and busy life he has
led. As befits one in his position, Mr. Estabrook is a man of varied
learning and accomplishments, and withal a man of affairs, of keen
perception and fair-minded. He is particularly well informed in local
history, and has written many graceful historical articles for publica-
tion. He married Miss Susan E. Marshall in 1S48, and has three chil-
dren living— Frank E., a resident architect, Lillie O., assistant librar-
ian, and Hattie C, wife of Clarence W. Deyo. Mrs. Estabrook died
September 27, iSgo.
CHARLES ESTABROOK- Librarian at Newburgh Library.
JOHN W. DOUGHTY was born August 12, 181 7, in the Town
of Clinton, Dutchess County, N. Y., of English ancestry long resident
in this country. The family name on the maternal side was Arm-
strong. The father went to New Orleans while John was an infant,
and not succeeding in business, joined a miUtary company then form-
ing for the purpose of occupying the territory of Florida. In this ex-
pedition he lost his life. During this time the boy was at his grand-
father Armstrong's with his mother, to whose care and kindness, he
says, any good qualities found in him are mainly due.
Commencing school at six he was up to his thirteenth year rarely
absent. The next ten years, depending upon himself, he worked on
the farm and in the shop, or attended such institutions of learning as
opportunity offered and his earnings might permit. He then taught
some three or four years, occupying his spare time in the study of
Greek and Latin.
In 1S44 he married Miss Harriet M. Hale, daughter of the late
Major Lewis Hale, of Glasco, Ulster County, N. Y., and at Hyde Park
opened a boarding school, which enterprise, financially, was not a
success. In 1S4S he accepted a position of associate instructor in the
Chelsea Collegiate Institute (N. Y.), of which John H. Brown, A. B.,
was principal and proprietor. He remained in this institution four-
teen years. During the last six years of this period he also taught
geometry and chemistry in a French and Spanish school in Hoboken.
N. J., of which Mons. L. De Grandval was principal and proprietor.
Although never
practicing, he com-
pleted a course of
medical studies,
receiving in 1S52 a
diploma from t he-
New York State
Medical Society.
In the Fall of
1862 he obtained
the position of
teacher of Greek
and Latin in the
Newburgh Acade-
my. The institu-
tion was then of
far less importance
than now. It was
officially termed
the " senior de-
partment" of the
common schools
and only by court-
esy an "academy."
In 1866 Prof.
Doughty was ap-
pointed principal.
He recommended
wise changes in the
curriculum , advo-
cated a more strict adherence to the graded system of classifi-
cation of the pupils, and recommended that examinations, hith-
erto conducted orally, might be made in writing. He also
earnestly requested the superintendent and board of officers to
allow commencement exercises at the close of the year, and
confer diplomas upon such pupils as might complete the course
of studies prescribed. All the above recommendations were of-
ficially adopted, and the institution not only escaped the danger
of obliteration that had been threatened, but rose rapidly in
public estimation, and eventually acquired a high degree of res-
pect as its usefulness increased under Prof. Doughty's wise adminis-
tration. The first commencement occurred in 1871, since which time
the essential features in the academic course have, with few modifi-
cations, remained as then established. He also introduced element-
ary exercises in field trigonometry and leveUng, the use of the tele-
scope in astronomy and transit observations for sidereal and mean
time. In his intellectual pursuits he found time also to enter upon
different inventive lines of activity. One result of this was a clock
for the transit building, on the Academy grounds, indicating both
sidereal and mean time, and showing the culmination of the principal
stars at any time of day or night. For twenty years he remained at
the head of the institution, steadily improving its standard, widening
JOHN W. DOUGHTY.
NEWBURGH
113
Its influence, increasing its popularity, and retaining the love of his
pupils, and the unqualified esteem of the community for his learning
and noble characteristics as a man. He resigned in 1SS6, when the
old academy was demolished.
With his wife he continues to reside in Newburgh. Two of their
children are dead. Mary H., the eldest, died in this city; William H.
in the City of New York. Sarah C, now Mrs. Augustus Senior, re-
sides in Newburgh, and Wesley H., the youngest, married Miss Mary
T. DuBois, daughter of the late Broadhead DuBois, and resides in
Nebraska City, Neb. Prof. Doughty, now in his seventy-fourth j-ear,
is not engaged in any special work, but says the day is barely long
enough for the lesson which Nature and a kind Providence continually
suggest, and the night sometimes too short for the contemplation of
its starrv dome.
HUGH S. BANKS was born in the Town of South Salem (now
Lewisborough) Westchester County, on the banks of Croton river,
near the head of the lake which supplies the City of New York with
water. His par-
ents were both na-
tives of Westches-
ter County, and
their ancestors
were among the
earHest settlers of
the country. He
was sent to the
common district
school at an early
age, where he was
taught the ele-
mentar)- branches
' if education, and
at the age of seven
years he could read
quite fluently, and
at eight had read
the Bible entirely
through. After
twelve years of age
he attended school
only in the Winter.
At the age of
eighteen he w a s
employed to teach
PHOTO BV AT.tr.S0^. ^ dlstrict SChOOl,
HUGH s. BANKS. which he Continued
for nine months.
During this time he procured Day's algebra, which he mas-
tered by himself and reviewed, solving ever)- question propos-
ed with the exception of five or six in the application of al-
gebra to geometry. He then attended a select school for two
months under the care of an excellent classical teacher, where he
gained such a knowledge of the principles of the Latin language that
he was enabled to pursue the study of it by himself. After this he
continued the occupation of teaching in district schools for four or five
years, with the exception of four months as a student in the academy
at Bedford, N. Y., where in addition to Latin he studied geometry
and elementary Greek.
All the spare time he had out of school he spent in studj-, often
sitting up late at night, until he had read not only the studies required
for admission to college, but the whole course of classical studies pur-
sued in our best colleges. He was advised by a valued friend who
knew his requirements to apply for admission to an advanced class
m Union College, which he accordingly did. He was admitted
upon examination without any condition to the senior class.
The class, numbering S2, was graduated in 1S29. Ten or eleven
were marked of the highest grade possible, and among them was Mr.
Banks.
In the Fall and Winter after his graduation he was employed as an
assistant in the academy at North Salem. In the Spring of 1S30 he
was offered the superintendency of the academy at Bedford, where
he continued five and one-half )-ears.
In 1S32 he was married to Miss Rosilia H. Bailey, daughter of Dr.
Roland Bailey, of Putnam County, with whom he lived for 57 years,
she dying in November, 1SS9.
In the Autumn (1S32) he was induced to take charge of the acad-
emy in Dover, Dutchess County, a new institution, where he continued
two years; but not being fully satisfied with his situation there he re-
moved to Ridgefield, Connecticut, in the Fall of 1S37, where he estab-
lished a private classical and English school. After nine 3-ears of con-
stant and arduous labor with a large patronage, his throat began to
trouble him with pain and hoarseness, and threatened permanent bron-
chial affection. He sought a change of occupation. He procured an
iuterestin the book-selling business with the late Rev. D. L. Proudfit,
of Newburgh, in the Fall of 1S46. This continued for a year, when
Mr. Proudfit wished to retire, and sold out his interest to Mr.
Banks. He continued the business for thirteen years, keeping a very
good collection of classical, scientific, miscellaneous and school books,
also stationery and some fancy articles belonging to the trade.
At the breaking out of the Rebellion in 1861 the business of book-
selling was very much curtailed. Besides, the close confinement in a
store not well ventilated brought on frequent attacks of vertigo. sf>
much so that one day in crossing the street he suddenly fell prostrate.
These frequent attacks were alarming, as they betokened apoplexy.
He therefore disposed of his business and resumed that of teaching,
at first by giving private lessons in several families, also having a
room where he heard the lessons of some pupils in the morning.
In the course of his teaching he can count over 70 young gentle-
men and four young ladies whom he has aided in their preparatorv
education for admission into different colleges, many of whom are oc-
cup}-ing honorable positions in the various learned professions.
In the course of his life he has kept up and added to the studies
of his younger days. He also is able to read quite readily French
and Spanish. The latter he has learned since he was eight)- years of
age.
In religion Mr. Banks, both b)- education and from principle, is a
Presbyterian, and when he came to Newburgh he and his family con-
nected themselves with the Presbyterian Church under the charge of
the venerable Dr. Johnston. After Dr. Johnston's death, and upon
the organization of Calvary Presbj-terian Church in 1S56, in which he
took a great interest, he united with others who left the old church.
He was soon after elected an elder of that church, which office he
holds to the present time.
In pohtics he learned his first principles from the histories and
writings of Washington, Hamilton, Jay and Madison, who in former
days were called Federalists, and in later times, with the small changes
under Clay and Webster, were denominated Whigs. In still later
times, upon the breaking up of the two great political parties, that
part of the Whigs denominated "Woolly Heads" and that of the
Democrats called ' ' Barnburners " united to form a free-soil party in
order to oppose the continued aggressions of the pro-slavery advocates
against the opponents of the extension of slavery upon the free soil of
the North. Jlr. Banks was among the first to unite with the party,
afterwards assuming the name of Republicans. He with four others
(one of whom was Dr. W. A. Royce, of this city), in answer to a call
for a meeting, formed the first Republican club in 1S56, in the cam-
paign when General Fremont was nominated for President. Of this
club Mr. Banks was chosen president, and so served through the cam-
paign. Upon the announcement of this club it is difficult to tell who
were the most ready and earnest to unite with it, whether " Woolly
Heads " or " Barn-burners," until the number became so large that no
room in the \-illage could hold them, so a large log cabin was erected
in Front Street for their accommodation. The result was that a large
majority was given Fremont. Since that time Mr. Banks, believing
in the principles of the Republican party, has voted with it on the
great questions of the day, but if any candidate nominated
is deemed unworthy by him for the office, he leaves his name
off his ticket.
114
NEWBURGH
HENRY W. SIGLAR, A. M.. Principal of Siglar's Preparatory
School, was burn October ii. iij3, in the Town of Seneca, Ontario
County, \. Y. He spent his entire minority in that town and in the
adjoining town of Gorham, the last ten years of this time on a farm
on the eastern shore of Canandaigua Lake. He attended a country
State. Returned to school the following August, but was obliged to
teach a district school during the Winter, returning to school the
following March.
In July he passed the examination required for admission to the
sophomore class in Yale College, and worked on a farm in Connecti-
SIGLARS PREPARATORY SCHOOL.
district school during Winters till eighteen years of age, when he
began teaching in the same grade of schools. When of age he had
read enough mathematics for admission to the sophomore class in
college, doing this at odd times stolen from
farm work, and mostly without a teacher.
On the very day he was twent^'-one he
started for Franklin, Delaware County, N.
Y., for the purpose of finishing his prepara-
tion for college. Arriving there he entered
the Delaware Literary Institute. Dr.
George Kerr was then principal of the
school. Being obliged to catch up with
classes in Latin and Greek that had been
under way about two months, he had to ac-
commodate himself to circumstances. For
instance, he had to recite Greek to Dr. Ken-
after school hours, and on several occasions
in the garden while the doctor was digging
potatoes. To keep up his physical condi-
tion, the foundations for which had been
well laid im the farm, and to pay his board,
resort was had to .sawing wood, and during
the two years that followed many a cord
of hard wood fell under the saw, and was
carried up two and three flights of stairs.
In March, 1856, the Institute building
was burned, and Mr. S. lost everything,
save a pair of trousers, a coat, and a pair of
boots, barely escaping with his Ufe down
the outer walls of a stone building from a
room in the third storj-. This calamity
spoiled old plans, but new ones were made HENRY w.
at once. School had to be given up for the
ensuing Spring and Summer. The time was devoted to teaching phon-
ography in several academies and seminaries in different parts of the
cut till college opened m September, 1857. After a hard struggle
with all sorts of difficulties that come to one with little or no money,
he was graduated in July, i860. In October of the same year he ac-
cepted the pnncipalship of Staples's Free
Academy, Easton, Fairfield County, Conn.,
in which position lie remained till the Sum-
mer of 1S63.
In August, 1S61, he marned Miss Mary
F. Burr. During the last two years of his
connection with Staples's Academy he re-
ceived a few boarders into his family, and
the boarding department was continued af-
ter leaving the academy till the Spring of
1S64, when he removed to Newburgh, where
he has since been conducting Siglar's Pre-
paratory School.
The school occupies the large stone edi-
fice and grounds formerly used as the Theo-
logical Seminary of the Associated Reform-
ed Church, beautifully situated on a com-
manding eminence. A few years ago the
lirick building used as a gymnasium and
schnolroom was erected. The school has al-
ways had an efficient corps of teachers, and
it is a m( ist excellent institution. Out of six
hundred boys that have been connected with
it. sixty-nine have gone to college (forty-one
to Yale) and five have taken valedictories,
two of them at Yale.
GLAR, A M RENSSELAER HO'WELL. though
now retu'cd from teaching, is still regarded
as one of our most successful educators. He is the son of Rensselaer
and Olive (Belknap) Howell, of Xewburgh. With only the advan-
NEWBURGH
115
tages of the district school and a term at an academy, he fitted him-
self for admission to the State Normal School at Albany, N. Y., from
which he graduated Febru-
ary, 1854.
Having had no experience
in teaching, he did not wait
for a large and remunerative
charge, but took what was
open to him. His first en-
gagement was at Setauket,
L I , and from this small
bc^mnmg he arose step by
sttp until he was called in
OLtober, 1864, to take the
prmcipalship of the High
School on Grand Street, in
this city. Here he remained
tdi ten } ears, doing effective
sLiMce, and for several suc-
cLssue Winters having
charge of the evening
schools in the same building.
In September, 1874, he was
appointed an assistant
teacher in the Free Academy
where he remained until
June, 1S7S, when he resign-
ed. After retiring from
teaching he filled the office of Justice of the Peace in this city
for fom- years, and has been engaged to some extent in real es-
tate business.
Mr. Howell married Frances Nichols, daughter of Moses Nichols,
Feb. 17, 1856, and of this union Margaret O., Julia A. and Rensselaer
N. were born. Mrs. Howell died July 17, 1883, and of the children
only the son survives. August 6, 18S5, he married Anna R., daugh-
ter of Thomas S. Lester, of Fishkill-on-the- Hudson.
RENSSELAER HOWEL
MOUNT ST. MARY'S ACADEMY,
Under the direction of the Sisters of St. Dominic, was founded as an
institution of learning in 1SS3, and chartered in 1888. It is under the
visitation of the Board of Regents of the University of the State of
New York. The property was formerly the country-seat of the late
Harvey Weed, and was sold by his successor, Mr. McAlpine, to the
Sisters of the Order of St. Dominic. The institution is delightfully
situated on an elevation commanding a view of the Hudson for miles.
The grounds, six acres in extent, are handsomely designed with
walks, carriage drives and lawns for exercise and recreation. The
mansion was recently greatly enlarged, and is now a commodious and
handsome structure expressly arranged for a boarding school, and
furnished with every modern improvement.
Mount St. Mary's Academy is now one of the most prominent in-
stitutions of learning in our city. Those in charge aim to make the
institute a school of the highest grade, to stimulate a love for study
and to surround the pupils with influences ennobling the character by
conducing to the highest culture, tending to form the heart to virtue
as well as to cultivate the mind. The course of instruction embraces
two departments, elementary and academic. In the latter the studies
are Christian doctrine, grammar, epistolary correspondence, composi-
tion, elocution, penmanship, physical geography, arithmetic, book-
keeping, algebra, geometry, physiology, etiquette, calisthenics, sacred
and profane history, civil government, rhetoric, Uterature, natural
philosophy, astronomy, typewriting, shorthand, instrumental and
vocal music, drawing, painting, wax flowers, plain and fancy needle
work. Three times a year written examinations are held by the
Board of Regents, Albany, for all the pupils who are old enough to
receive benefit from such work. At the completion of the course, if
the final examinations are accepted, the graduates receive their diplo-
mas from the State.
i6
NEWBURGH
REV JOHN BROWN. D D (See Page I
REV JOHN FORSYTH, D D iSee Page 136.1
REV. JOHN JOHNSTON, D D iSee Page 119 i
REV JOSEPH McCARRELL D D .See 'S' '2'
OUR CHURCHES AND PASTORS.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
ITHIN a few months after the disbanding of the Army
of the Revolution and the breaking up of its encamp-
ments upon these stirrounding hills, the First Presby-
terian Church of Newburgh had its formal, legal exist-
ence. Its history, therefore, is contemporaneous with
our national history. But previous to this time for
nearly a score of years there had been a religious or-
ganization composed of those who were by education and conviction
of the Presbyterian faith — or, in the language of those daj's, "in
communion with the Church of Scotland. " It was an informal society,
somewhat irregular and incomplete as to its ecclesiastical structure,
and constituting
hardly more than
an outljring mission
station or district
But it was so far
independent as to
have its own Board
of Trustees and
the management
of its own temporal
affairs and the
freedom of co-op-
erating with other
neighboring socie-
ties in the choice
and support of a
minister. We find
in the records of
t h e Marlborough
Society that in the
)-ear 1773 it united
with that society in
procuring the sup-
ply of a minister
for both congrega-
tions for a very
brief period. It
appears however to
have been in the
earUer years in
more cordial and
active sympathy
with the old church at Bethlehem —
Presbyterian Churches in this region
FIRST PRESB^
e venerable mother of all the
To her it looked for religious
aid and oversight, and from her it received cooperation in supplying
the religious needs of this then sparsely-settled district.
Through the long gloomy years of the Revolvition and amid all the
distractions incident upon the long encampment of the army in this
vicinity, this feeble congregation continued to maintain its existence,
though having no pastoral supervision other than that given by an
elder — William Lawrence.
Immediately after the close of the war the organization, strength-
ened by the additiun of several persons who became permanent resi-
dents on the disbandment of the army, obtained the building which
had been erected by the army as a storehouse for clothing at the cor-
ner of First and Montgomery Streets, where it appears to have held
public worship in the Winter of 17S3, or Spring of 17S4. We learn
from the church records that divine service was held in this build-
ing in 17S4, and that on the 12th of July of that year this feeble flock
formally organized itself as a Presbyterian Society under the laws of
the State, enacted the preceding April. It elected as its Trustees
Adolph Degrove, Daniel Hudson, Thomas Palmer, Joseph Coleman
and Isaac Belknap. Who or how many constituted this corporate So-
ciety we do not know. Its roll of membership has not been preserved.
In the February of the following year, they united with the congre-
gation in New Windsor, the compact to continue for seven years,
" for the purpose," as the resolution stated, " of promoting the preach-
ing of the Gospel."
From 17S5 to 1796 the Rev. John Close was the stated supply. He
was succeeded by
the Rev. Isaac
Lewis, who served
also as stated sup-
ply until the year
iSoo. On May 6,
iSoi, the Rev.
Jonathan Freeman
was installed pas-
tor over the two
congregations. He
resigned his charge
in 1S04, and was
succeeded by the
Rev. Eleazer Bur-
net in the following
year, whose brief
pastorate was ter-
minated by death
one year later. On
the 5th of July,
1S07, the Rev. John
Johnston was or-
dained and install-
ed pastor over the
two churches, and
continued to hold
this relation until
iSio, when the
union was dissolv-
-_ ; . ■ J-, : ,,d South Streets. ed and the Xew-
burgh congrega-
tion, having acquired sufficient strength to support alcjne a pastor,
secured exclusively his services. Thus for more than forty years the
society had continued its uninterrupted life, and for twenty-six years
as a legally incorporated organization, and had not been able during
all this period to furnish the support for a minister.
Such was their poverty that even the church building, erected
eight years afterwards upon the same site, was left in an unfinished
condition. It was hardly tenable. Dr. Johnston tells us in his auto-
biography that ' ' it was without galleries, plastering or pulpit — a mere
shell, and that he often preached standing on a carpenter's bench
with a few boards on which to rest the precious Bible." The congre-
gation was too poor to finish the building and place pews in it, and
the plan devised to seat it was that every person who chose to
do so should have the privilege of putting up his own pew with a
choice of location for so doing. And not only did these tew
Christian families have to contend with poverty. The com-
[■.7j
ii8
NEWBURGH.
munity was pervaded with a spirit of irreligion and infidelit)-.
The openly avowed infidels were sufficiently numerous and
strong to form a club or society for the dissemination of their
opinions ; to hire a man, a certain apostate minister, upon a stipulated
annual salary, to give public lectures on the Sabbath upon the teach-
ings of Rousseau, Paine, Voltaire and others, and to support a week-
ly newspaper devoted to their cause. Their attacks upon Christianity
and the Christian Church were most virulent. So notorious was the
place for its wickedness, for its open flagrant vice, as well as for this
determined spirit of opposition to the Christian religion and its insti-
tutions, that the friends of Dr. Johnston, hearing of his purpose to
accept the call to a pastorate here, remonstrated with him and begged
him to reconsider it. His biography states that his mother wept and
besought him not to locate in such a wicked place.
WTien Dr. Johnston came to Newburgh though the leaders of the
infidel party had died and its strength and members had considerably
diminished, yet the baneful effects of the influences that had long
been at work remained. There was a widespread apathy and indif-
ference to the cause of religion. In the young, particularly, these
efliects were marked. The few people who cordially welcomed him,
and who were ready to co-operate with him, were chiefly those of ad-
vanced age. The church at no time had number-
ed more than sixty-five, and numbered only thir-
ty-seven when he assumed the charge of it. So
we can understand how, under all these com-
bined circumstances, the outlook must have
been very dark and discouraging to this young
man entering upon his first pastoral charge.
But it was not long before the outlook
brightened. The spirit in which he undertook
his work was indicated by the text he chose for
his first sermon — "Brethren, pray for us, that
the word of the Lord may have free course and
be glorified among you." Dr. Johnston was
not by mental nature or habit a disputant. He
did not love controversy. He preached the
Gospel in its simplicity, confident that it would
win its own triumphs, giving no heed to the
attacks that were made upon it by unbelievers.
The attendance upon divine service was soon
greatly increased. He instituted a weekly
prayer meeting, which was held in the homes
of his people. A larger place was soon found
to be necessary. A chapel or lecture room was
built for the purpose. In the fifth and sixth
year of his pastorate there was a large and
genuine revival of religion. It was the first
revival of religion Newburgh had ever witnessed. Three years later
his ministry was blessed with another spiritual refreshing, when
nearly fifty more were added to the church. There were seven
such marked events in his ministry.
The church during the pastorate of Dr. Johnston — this honorary
title was conferred upon him in the latter part of his ministry by
Lafayette College — was lifted out of insignificance into prominence,
out of weakness into commanding strength; whereas there were
less than two-score communicants when he became its pastor, there
were years when upwards of four hundred were reported as its mem-
bership to the Presbytery. The church roll has the names of nearly
a thousand that were added to it during his ministry.
Twice the church building was enlarged to accommodate the in-
creasing congregations. In the Summer of 1S37 a second Presbj-terian
church was organized, and mainly through the urgent and oft-re-
peated appeals and earnest personal efforts of this zealous pastor. It
was his heart's desire to see the kingdom of God advancing in this
region, and it had long been his cherished wish to send out a colony
from his own church to plant another of like faith and order in
Newburgh. This second church, largely in consequence of the agi-
tations that arose over the division of the Presbyterian Church into
the Old and New Schools, which took place at this time, did not gain
a firm footing. It had for awhile a languishing existence and then
WILLIAM T. SPROLE
died. At the start it united with the New School branch, and by this
it alienated some of its prominent members and withdrew itself from
the active sympathy and aid of the mother church, which had by a
very decided majority voted to continue its relations with the Old
School. Dr. Johnston's pastorate extended over a period of forty-
eight years, during which more than fifty ministers preached for a
longer or shorter time in Newburgh, with all of whom he had main-
tained most friendly relations. Between him and his nearest clerical
neighbors, the Rev. Dr. McCarrell, pastor of the Associate Reformed
Church, and the late Dr. Brown, rector of the Protestant Episcopal
Church, with the former for thirty-three 3'ears and with the latter for
thirty-nine years, there existed without interruption or jar the most
cordial Christian friendliness and Christian courtesy.
Dr. Johnston's death occurred on the 23d of August, 1S55, and on
the 19th of the following December the congregation called the Rev.
S. H. McMuUin to the vacant pastorate. Mr. McMuUin had been for
some months the assistant of Dr. Johnston, and had greatly endeared
himself to many of the people. A remonstrance, however, from the
minority against his settlement was presented to the Presbytery,
which had such weight with that judicial body, that it hesitated to
put the call into the hands of the young pastor-elect. The commis-
sioners appointed to prosecute the call before
the Presbytery decided to delay until receiving
further instruction from the congregation. The
call was renewed. But the Presbytery deemed
it inexpedient to settle Mr. McMuUin under all
the existing circumstances. The congregation
did not further press the matter. On the
27th day of August, of the following year, 1S56,
forty-five members requested dismission from
the church to constitute another church, and
the request was granted. It was at this time
and with these persons, together with others
that soon joined them, that what is now Calvary
Presb}'terian Church was organized.
On the loth of September following, a call
was made out to the Rev. William T. Sprole,
D. D., and on the 28th day of the ensuing
month he was installed pastor of the church.
He came with a large and ripe experience from
a ministry in Philadelphia, Carlisle and Wash-
ington, and from the chaplaincy and a profes-
sorship at the West Point Military Academy.
He was a man richly endowed with mental
gifts, of commanding personal appearance and
of strong individualit)-. With the settlement of
Dr. Sprole the church entered upon a fresh
and invigorated life. His pulpit abilities attracted large congre-
gations. The old meeting-house, which even in Dr. Johnston's
time was too limited in its accommodations for the congregation,
proved now wholly inadequate,
The question of building a new house of worship had been agitated
as far back as 1827. At that time the Board of Trustees resolved that
one should be built, but with the proviso "if it could be done with
unit)', peace and harmony." The matter progressed so far that ar-
rangements were made for holding di\-ine service in the Academy,
while the new building was being cousb'ucted. But it was not until
the year 1S57 that decisive steps were taken, when the present site of
the church at the northwest corner of Grand and South Streets was
chosen. Upon the 8th of August of that year the work upon the
foundation was begun, and the building was dedicated November 4,
1858. On Thanksgiving morning, November iS, the iron cross was
fixed upon the spire. The building, with walls of blue and g^ey
stone dressings, is in the early geometrical style of Gothic art. and
affords very comfortably 830 sittings. George Veitch was the builder.
The total cost was about 843,750. The total height of the spire is
135 feet.
The prosperity of the church in this its stately, beautiful home
continued. Its pecuniary resources were increased; its roll of mem-
bership was extended. It kept full pace with the growth of the com-
NEWBURGH
19
munit)' in population and material wealth. Dr. Sprole's pastorate
extended through a period of sixteen years, which were years of
great usefulness and invaluable service to the church. He resigned
his charge November 4, 1S72. In the year 1S74 he accepted the call
of the Second Congregational Church in Detroit, which he resigned
in 1877. On the gth day of June, 1SS3, he entered into rest.
Soon after the resignation of the Rev. Dr. Sprole the church in
February, 1S73, extended a call to the pastorate to the Rev. William
K. Hall, of Boston, Mass. The following month of March he as-
sumed the pastorate, and was installed in the following May, the
Rev. Dr. Howard Crosby, of New York, preaching the installation
sermon.
In November, 1SS4, this church celebrated its centennial, having
had, during its long history, only three regularly settled pastors.
On Sunday, November g. Dr. Hall — he was honored with the doctor-
ate by the University of New York in iSSi — preached an historical
discourse, and on Thursday, the 13th, memorial services were held
in the afternoon and evening. A memorial tablet to the two deceased
pastors was placed upon the wall, the Rev. Dr. S. I. Prime delivering
a memorial address upon the life of the Rev. Dr. Johnston, and the
Hon. E. L. Fancher upon the life of the Rev. Dr. Sprole. The Rev.
Dr. J. Forsyth also delivered an address, containing personal remin-
iscences of these pastors and
of the early church life of
Newburgh. Brief addresses
of greeting were given by
the pastors of the several
city churches and others. In
the evenmg a sermon was
preached by the Rev. Dr.
Howard Crosby upon the
text Eph. iii: 10. The full re-
port of these interesting ex-
ercises of its centennial has
been preserved in an attrac-
tive form, the book contain-
mg much that is of histori-
cal value in the reference to
events and incidents con-
nected with the early history
of many of the churches of
Newburgh.
This church in 1883 pur-
chased and enlarged at an
expense of $14,000 the house No. S4 Grand Street for a manse. The
present elders of this church are M. C. Belknap, Daniel S. AVaring,
Charles E. Snyder, Rensselaer Howell, John Schoonmaker and
George Barnes. Deacons — William C. Belknap and Henry W. Siglar.
Trustees— WilUam O. Mailler, M. C. Belknap, David Carson, John
Schoonmaker, Alfred Bridgeman, Stephen King, Charles E. Wil-
liams, Abram S. Cassedy and Howard Thornton.
BETHEL MISSION SCHOOL.
Soon after the settlement of Dr. Hall, Bethel Mission School,
which had been an independent union organization, though largely
deriving its pecuniary aid and force of teachers from the First Pres-
byterian Church, became organically connected with the church.
This mission enterprise had its humble beginning in a small base-
ment room at No. 1S4 North Water Street, January 14, 1866, and was
known as the North Water Street Mission Sunday School. In De-
cember of that year it moved to the rear room in the building on the
corner of North Water and Clinton Streets, which had been erected
and occupied by what is now the Union Presbyterian Church, and by
it sold to the Newburgh Steam Mills company. This proved very
soon to be of insufficient capacity, and the adjoining room was add-
ed. The school grew rapidly. A church organization under the
pastoral care of the Rev. Charles Shellmg, a Methodist minister, had
leased and fitted up the large room on the first floor for public meetings,
and this organization being extinct, the lease and furniture were
bought, and this mission school, thenceforth called the Bethel Mission
issiON school-Co
School, found a home in these new and more capacious quarters.
Here it has continued to the present, a vigorous and prosperous in-
stitution, accomplishing a great good in that neighborhood.
Its first superintendent was the Hon. Robert G. Rankin. He was
deeply interested in the work, and his name, together with that of
his devoted wife, Mrs. Laura Wolcott Rankin, who died December
24, 1887, has been closely identified with the mission through its whole
history. William B. Brokaw succeeded Mr. Rankin. The present
superintendent is John Schoonmaker.
There has been held in the Bethel Chapel for the past few years
on Sunday and week-day evenings an evangehstic and mission ser-
vice, under the leadership of Egbert R. Bates, attended with large
and beneficent results.
REV. JOHN JOHNSTON, D. D., was born in the township of
Montgomery, N. Y. , January 2S, 177S. His parents were from the north
of Ireland. His father was an intelligent farmer who had been a
school teacher. John was engaged on the farm as soon as he was
able to work.
" In the Fall of 1794," says Dr. Johnston in his autobiography, "I
went to remain for the Winter in the store of a man who lived three
miles distant. In the Spring
when on a Monday morning
I was preparing to return to
the store, my father told me
to sit down, that he wished
to have a conversation with
me; and he went on to say
that it was time I began to
think what I would wish to
be employed in for Hfe; that
he had been thinking that
if I preferred farming he
would purchase a farm
which was for sale, and it
would be ready at the time
I would want it; or, if I wish-
ed to be a merchant, I must
complete my clerkship, and
lie would try to help me in
commencing business; or if I
chose an education, I should
have that. ' Take time,' said
he, ' to consider these propositions, and when you have made up
your mind let me know, and my conduct shall be regulated accord-
ingly. But remember when you decide it must be a final decision; I
will have no change.'
" I replied, ' Father, I am ready.'
" He tried to dissuade me from an immediate decision. But I re-
plied I was as ready to decide now as I would ever be.
" ' And what,' said he, ' is your decision?'
" I said, ' Give me the books.'
" ' Well,' said he, ' go and bring home j-our effects from the store,
and you must remain with me on the farm till the Fall harvest is gath-
ered in, and then you shall have your discharge.'
" I did as directed; and I do not know that Jacob served his time
more cheerfully, in view of obtaining Rachel, than I labored through
the Summer, in prospect of obtaining an education."
Dr. Johnston then entered upon a course of study under the Rev.
Jonathan Freeman, of Hopewell Church, and two years later entered
the Montgomery Academy, remained two years, and then went to
the Kingston Academy. After he had been studying there a few
months his father died. His mother was, however, able to supply
the means of continuing his education.
In October, 1799, he entered Princeton, and graduated in iSoi.
He then went to western Pennsylvania to study theology under Dr.
McMillan, and in 1S03 he was taken under the care of the Presbytery
of Ohio as a candidate for the ministry. His funds becoming ex-
hausted, for a year and a half following he was a teacher in a private
20
NEWBURGH
family in Maryland, and then in the Spring of 1805, liaving replen-
ished his purse, he returned to Princeton, and resumed his theological
studies. In the Fall he was appointed a tutor in the college.
In October, 1806, he was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of
New Brunswick. Then he returned to his native place, and received
appointments to preach in Newburgh, New Windsor, Florida and
Pleasant Valley, all of which congregations were then without pas-
tors.
From all these churches he received invitations to become their
pastor, and he accepted the one from the united churches of Ne^w-
burgh and New Windsor. He began his regfular service on the ist
of April, 1807, and was ordained and installed the following July
at New Windsor.
In January, 1S07, he married Mary Bull, and after coming to New-
burgh they occupied a small house in Old Town. In 1S13 he erected
the residence now 273 Liberty
Street, between South and Farring-
ton, and resided there till his death.
His salary at first was $650, of which
each congregation paid half. In
iSio he was relieved from the charge
of New Windsor, and thereafter he
gave
ice to the
Newburgh congregation, at a sal-
ary of S750. Here he continued to
labor till his death, August 23, 1855.
For thirty-eight years he was a
director of the theological seminary
at Princeton. He was long the
stated clerk of his Presbytery; four-
teen times he was a commissioner to
the General Assembly. In 1S14 he
was appointed by the General As-
sembly a delegate to the General
Association of Massachusetts, and
in 1S16 a delegate to the General
Association of New Hampshire and
the General Convention of Vermont.
In 1S40 he was elected a trustee of
the College of New Jersey, and in
184S Lafayette College conferred on
him the honorary degree of doctor
of divinity.
"To pursue the history of his
ministry in Newburgh would be to
rehearse the record of a pure, godh-
man, whose walk and conversa-
tion were without a spot and blame-
less, and whose life was a long
testimony to the power of simple
gfiodness. He rarely preached a
sermon without weeping. But he wa:
said, and when pleading with sinners
with saints to be more like the Savi
voice would break, so that he could scarcely proceed with his dis-
course. This was not weakness, for he was not a weak man; he had
immense energy, industry and endurance; he went about doing good
with vitality and perseverance rarely equalled in the ministry. "
REV. WILLIAM K. HALL. D. D.. was born in Boston, Mass..
November 4, 1836. He was fitted for college at the Boston Public
Latin School, and was graduated from Yale in the class of 1859. After
graduating he pursued his theological studies in New Haven, and in
Berlin, Germany. In October, 1862, he was ordained a Chaplain of
the 17th Connecticut Volunteers. Was installed pastor of the First
Congregational Church of Stratford, Conn., in October, iS6f). Febru-
ary, 1S73, he accepted the call of the First Presbyterian Church, of
Newburgh, and in the following May was installed.
; sincere. He felt all that hi,-
to be reconciled to God, and
our, tears would flow and his
He was elected Moderator of the New York Synod in 187S. In
1S79 he was honored by the President with the appointment as a mem-
ber of the Board of Visitors at the United States Military Academy,
at West Point. Other members of the Board of that year were e.';-
President Porter, of Yale College, ex-Secretar\- Windtjm and General
Gordon, formerly Governor of Georgia, and recently elected L'. S.
.Senator from that State, a position which he held when serving on
the Board of Visitors. In 188 1 he was honored with the degree of
Doctor of Divinity by the University of New York.
He married Anna B. Bond, of Boston, and has four daughters and
one son. Three of these were born in Newburgh. The following
reference to him is made in the Encyclopedia of the Presbyterian
Church in the United States:
" Dr. Hall has fine scholarly attainments and a vigorous and
healthy intellectual organization. He combines with an earnest and
intelhgent interest in the various
phases of modern thought a wise
and strong conservatism. He is
decidedly a thinker, and shows his
New England training in his lean-
ing toward the philosophical and
metaphysical aspects of truth. But
not less marked are the practical
tendencies of his thought, which
are always characterized by keen
spiritual insight, elevation of tone,
width of view, comprehensiveness
of grasp and vigorous common
sense. His sermons show marks of
careful preparation, Hterary finish,
rhetorical power and logical se-
quence of thought, and never lack
the directness and earnestness and
simplicity which distinguish his or-
dinary address. His manner in the
pulpit is impressive. He combines
liieadth of sympathy with decision
it character and thought. He is a
nan of public spirit, ready and ef-
1 ii.nt in the support of everj- public
■.j-ood."
Dr. Hall is President of the His-
torical Society of Newburgh Bay
and the Highlands, and has been
prominently connected from the be-
ginning with the Associated Chari-
ties of Newburgh. He has spoken
at many assemblages of his towns-
people; he presided and delivered
HALL, D D an address at the Religious Cen-
tennial at the Armory in 1883, and
delivered the principal address at the presentation of the flag by Ellis
Post, G. A. R., to the pupils of the Academy, at Washington's Head-
quarters, <3n Memorial Day, 1S89.
FIRST ASSOCIATE REFORMED CHURCH.
This congregation was formed in 1798, and leg-all\- incorporated
February 7, 1S03, when Derick Amerman, Hugh Walsh, Daniel
Niven, Robert Gourley , Robert Boyd, John Brown, Isaac Belknap, jr. ,
John Coulter and Robert W. Jones were elected trustees. The rul-
ing elders were John Currie, Samuel Belknap, Hugh Speir and John
Shaw.
The first pastor was the Rev. Robert Kerr, a native of Ireland.
He was installed April 6, 1799, and resigned January 14, 1S02. The
Rev. James Scrimgeour, from Scotland, was installed August 1 1 , 1803.
He resigned in 1S12 to accept the pastorate of the Little Britain
Church (founded in 1763). where he remained until his death in 1S25.
The Rev. A. 1. Stansbury was the next pastor; installed December 4,
NEWBURGH
iSi6; resigned April, iSiS, and accepted the pastorate of the First
Presbyterian Church at Albany. The Rev. James Chrystie was in-
stalled September 20, iSiS, remaining as pastor and winning the warm
regard of his congregation until October, 1S21, when he joined the
Reformed Presbyterian Church, and moved to another city.
His successor. Dr. Joseph McCarrell, commenced his labors as a
supply on the 4th of December, 1S22. He was installed March, 1S23,
and served the congregation faithfully for more than forty years.
He was succeeded in 1S64 by the Rev. Thomas T. Farrington, who
died June 5, 1875. He was succeeded by the Rev. John Macnaughtan,
December 24, 1S75. He resigned to accept the pastorate of a church
at Morristown, N. J., and was succeeded by the Rev. R. H. Barr in
November, 18SS. The present elders are James Cathcart and E. Y.
Clarke. Trustees— James McCord, James W. Miller, Archibald Tag-
gart, James Cathcart, James F. Templeton, William N. Brown,
George R. Mitchell, David Eaton and Charles H. Wise.
The first church stood on the hill west of Renwick's Dock, on a lot
given by James Renwick, afterwards forming part of the Captain
Robinson farm. It was completed in 179S. As the growth of the vil-
FIRST ASSOCIATE REFORMED CHURCH-Co
lage was more toward the north than the south, the church came to
be very inconveniently situated for most of its members. In 1821 it
was taken down and rebuilt on its present site, the congregation hold-
ing services in the meantime in the Academy. The present edifice
was dedicated January 4, 1S22. The lot on which the church stands
was bought of William L. Smith for $goo. The lot on which the par-
sonage stands, which was erected in 1S20, was purchased by the exe-
cution of the will of the late Hugh Walsh, who left $1,000 for that
purpose, and given to the Trustees of the A.ssociate Reformed Church.
The cupola on the church was erected in 1S34, and the bell hung
therein. The lecture-room was built in 1S40. During ilr. Macnaugh-
tan's pastorate the interior of the church was remodeled, new pews
built, the old pulpit at the east end removed, and a new one built at
the west end.
Union Church was organized by a colony from this church. In
1858 a large secession of congregations joined with the Associate
Church Society and formed the United Presbyterian Society, leaving
at this writing but two Associate Reformed churches in the State of
New York, but a large body of the Associate Reformed Church con-
tinues in the Southern States.
THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.
The theological seminary of the Associate Reformed Church was
the first institution of the kind in the United States. The first steps
towai-d its establishment were taken in 1796 on the suggestion of one
of its youngest members, Dr. John M. Mason, of New York, then in
the early dawn of his brilliant career. He went to the old country
and obtained a fund of $5,500, which was chiefly expended in the pur-
chase of a noble library. He was chosen to preside over the infant
institution, which was first opened in New York. It was very suc-
cessful for a time, but suspended in 1821, mainly owing to the failing
health of Dr. Mason.
By a vote of the General Synod of the church in 1S22 (which a few-
years afterwards was declared illegal) the library was transferred to
the seminary at Princeton.
In 1S29 the Associate Reformed Seminary was resuscitated and
fixed at Newburgh, and the Rev. Dr. McCarrell was elected professor
of theology, and the Rev. Drs. John Mcjimpsey, Alexander Proudfit,
Robert Forrest and D. C. McLaren were chosen superintendents.
The following j^ear the necessary steps were taken (after sundry fruit-
less appeals to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church) for
the recovery of the library and funds removed to Princeton in 1822,
and after a protracted lawsuit they were restored to their old owners.
The decision then recorded is the law of church properties to this day.
The foundation of the seminary was laid in 1S37, and the building
completed in 1S39, and cost, including the land, $25,000. It is 104
front by 40 in depth. It is a stone structure, and stands on the
crown of the hill at the head of Campbell Street. Thornton M. Niven
was the architect. The land was purchased from Henry Walsh.
In 1858 an organic union was effected between the Associate Pres-
byterian Church of North America and the Associate Reformed
Church under the title of the United Presbyterian Church. A few
congregations of the Associate Reformed S}Tiod refused to enter into
this union, one of them being the church at Newburgh. These laid
claim to the seminary, but by a suit at law it was decided that the
property rightfully belonged to that portion of the Synod, the great
majority, which had assented to the union. The use of the building
as a seminary ceased several years ago, and it is now rented to Henry
W. Siglar for school purposes.
REV. JOSEPH McCARRELL. D. D., was a native of Shippens-
burgh. Pa., and was born on the 9th of July, 1795. His parents were
warmly attached members of the Associate Reformed Church of that
place, and the region was one whose hist(.iry was connected with the
eariiest annals of the denomination, in the communion of which Dr.
McCarrell lived and died, and for which he had an unchanging affec-
tion. His mind was early turned toward the ministry of the gospel,
and he entered upon studies preparatory thereto, availing himself of
such steps as were within his reach, though in the main he had to
depend upon his own efforts, and was in fact, to a great extent, a
self-made man.
While preparmg himself for college in 1S14, the country was elec-
trified by the capture of Washington, the burning of the capitol and
other public buildings, and the threatened attack on Baltimore. The
militia of the adjacent counties of Pennsj-lvania marched as quickly
as possible to the scene of danger. Among them was Joseph Mc-
Carrell. For three days and nights the young student-soldier was in
the trenches, awaiting the onset of the enemy, and witnessed the
bombardment of Fort McHenry.
He entered Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, Pa.,
and was graduated with high honors in the class of 1815. In iSiS he
entered the theological seminary of the Associate Reformed Church,
then in New York, under the care of the distinguished Dr. John M.
Mason. He brought to the seminary an amount of attainment in
certain branches of learning which very few persons possess on leav-
ing it, for he had made himself a thorough Hebrew scholar, and had
read the whole of the Old Testament in that language. Having fin-
:22
NEWBURGH
ished the prescribed course of study, lie was licensed by the Presby-
tery at Big Spring. Pa., June 21, 1S21.
For several months he supplied the Associate Reformed Church
in Murray Street, Xew York (vacant by the resignation of Dr. Mason)
with so much acceptance that not a few of its members wi.shed to call
him as their pastor. But he was destined to spend his Ufe in another
sphere. Declining a call to a church in Hagerstown, Md., at the
same time, he was soon after invited to assume pastoral care of the
Associate Reformed Church at Newburgh. This invitation he ac-
cepted, and was ordained to the gospel ministry and installed pastor
March 14, 1S23.
His pastorate of this church covered a period of forty-one years.
The society though one of the oldest in Newburgh was by no means
large when he came, but from that time it steadily advanced in num-
bers, and became the mother of two other churches. In 1829 the
Seminary, which had been suspended in New York City for some years,
was revived, established, and Dr. JlcCarrell was chosen Professor of
Theology by the Associate Reformed Synod of New York. He held
this office until a few years before his death, and during that period
he had some seventy young men under his care, all of whom ever felt
for him the warmest aflfection because of
his rare goodness in every sense of the word ,
and the highest respect for his intellectual
abilities.
As a preacher, he had not a particle of
sensationaUsm about him. In the pulpit he
was wholly free from all mannerisms, and
usually calm, yet occasionally he would rise
to a high strain of pathetic eloquence,
showing what a latent power there was in
the man. He had a profound reverence for
sacred things. The creed he professed was
the creed he held with his whole heart, and
from which he never varied. The tones of
his voice, the changing expressions of his
face, the ballad-like simplicit}^ of his lan-
guage, all showed the intense reality of his
feelings, and hence very readily communi-
cated them to others.
" In the discharge of his duties as Pro-
fessor." wrote the late Rev. A. B. Jack.
•' the doctor was chiefly remarkable for the
completeness and conscientious thorough-
ness of all he undertook. In all that he
did he seemed impressed with the profound-
est sense of his responsibility, a feelinf;
which grew deeper and deeper as he advanc-
ed in life. Of no man could it be more truly
said, that whatever his hand found to do
he did it with all his might. In his intercourse with students
there was always an utter want of display, a noble incapacity of guile,
compelling him to seem what he was. Honesty and integrity were
the habits of his soul, and one might say of his body, too. The doc-
tor was pre-eminently true, unmistakably, invariably, fearlessly true,
and he could well aiTord to be so, for his nature was as gentle as it
was genuine."
Dr. McCarreU died at his home in Newburgh, March 28, 1S64, aged
68. He had been able to preach in his own pulpit until within three
weeks of his decease. The funeral took place Friday, April i. The
ser\nces at the house were conducted by the Rev. Dr. Brown, of St.
George's Episcopal Church (the neighbor and friend of the deceased
for many years), and the Rev. Dr. Krebs, of New York. The services
at the church were conducted by the Rev. Joseph Kimball, of Fish-
kill, the Rev. Alexander B. Jack, the Rev. G. H. Mandeville and the
Rev. Dr. Forsyth, of Newburgh, and the Rev. Dr. Snodgrass, a
classmate in college. Father Reilly, of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic
Church, was among those who followed the body of Dr. McCarreU to
the grave. He asked for himself the privilege of walking in the pro-
cession with the other clergy of the town. I le Vi^ished to show this mark
of respect for one with whom in life he had held pleasant intercourse.
REV. ROBERT H. BARR, Ph. D.. was born thirty-nine years
ago in Glasgow, Scotland, and was brought to this country by his
parents when a child. He is a graduate of Rutgers College, and of
the theological seminary of the Reformed Church at New Brunswick,
N. J. He was pastor of the Owasco Reformed Church, Cayuga
County, N. Y., and of the Old Bushwick Reformed Church, of Brook-
Ijm. He became pastor of the Associate Reformed Church, of New-
burgh, in 188S.
FIRST REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
REV. ROBERT
This denomination is historically known as the Covenanter Church
of Great Britain; so called because of the public covenants that were
entered into in behalf of civil and religious liberty during the Reform-
ation in Scotland. In later years it bears the name of the Reformed
Presby^terian Church and still manifests some of the spirit and
heroic courage of its martyred ancestry in \nndicating the claims of
Christ as Ruler of the nations as well as King m Zion. In this
country the church is the outgrowth of the Reformed Presbyterian
Church in Great Britain. In the latter part
of the iSth century members of this denomi-
nation began to settle in the United States,
and some of them found a home in Orange
County, N. Y., and were organized into a
society at Coldenhani in 1750 by the Rev.
Mr. Cuthbutson, a minister from Scotland.
The first planting of this denomination
in Newburgh was in the year 1793, when
several families of the Covenanter faith
settled in the \-icinity and began to hold ser-
\-ices on the Sabbath in their different
homes. With the incoming of new families,
the little band was strengthened so mater-
ially that in 1802 the first Covenanter Soci-
ety was organized. The leading members
'if the organization were Josiah Gailey,
Robert Johnston, James Clark, and John
Currj-. This society became a branch of the
Culdenham congregation, in which Mr.
Clark, mentioned above, was chosen as an
Elder in 1S03. For some time this society
held services in Mr. Clark's house in Clark
Street, which received from him the name
it still retains. Afterwards it occupied the
old Academy as a place of worship until a
church edifice was erected in iSiS. For
BARR, Ph. D. several years this society was ministered
to by the fathers in the church; but es-
jjecially by Dr. James Milligan, who was pastor of the Coldenham
congregation, and afterwards by his successor, the Rev. J. R. \ViU-
son, D. D., an eminent theologian and a man of commanding pres-
ence and of matchless pulpit eloquence that attracted large audiences
to his public ministrations. In 1822 Dr. Willson began the publica-
tion of the Evange/icai Wi/ness, a magazine of forty-eight pages,
which continued for four years. He also edited the Albany Quar-
terly and Christian Statesman, which had but a brief e.\istence.
He delivered the eulogium at the interment in Goshen of the bones
of those that fell in the battle of Minisink, and which is published in
" Eager 's History of Orange County." Such is a brief history of this
denomination in Newburgh until the formation of a distinct and sep-
arate congregation.
The First Reformed Presbyterian congregation was separated
from the Coldenham church in the year 1824, and was organized into
a separate congregation. James Clark, Samuel Wright and John
Lawson were chosen Elders, and John Crawford elected Deacon.
The next year ilatthew Duke was elected an Elder, and William M.
Wiley and William Thompson were also ordained Deacons, and the
latter was soon after chosen to the office of Ruling Elder. In 1825
the Rev. James R. Johnston was installed as the first pastor of the
NEWBURGH.
123
congregation and continued in that relation until 1829, when he re-
signed and connected himself with the Presbyterian Church. He was
succeeded bj' the Rev. Moses Roney, who served with great accept-
ance from 1830 to 1S4S, when he resigned because of failing health
and moved to Pittsburgh, where he died in 1853. While in Newburgh
Mr. Roney published a monthly magazine of thirty- two pages, which
is still published in Pittsburgh.
The third pastor was the Rev. Samuel Carlisle, of Coleraine, Ire-
land, who was ordained and installed over the congregation on the
14th of November, in the year 1S49. His pastorate covered some
thirty-eight years, Mr. Carlisle being called to his rest July 3, 1887.
During his administration the congregation was blessed abund-
antly in the increase of members, being compelled twice to enlarge
its edifice. The debt on the old church building was discharged in
1851, and in 1852 the edifice was remodelled so as to make double
seating capacity.
During the Autumn of 1S54 a large number withdrew from the
First Church and formed the Second Congregation (Westminster),
calling to its pas-
torate the Rev. J.
R. Thompson.
As the First
Church increased
in members, it was
compelled to make
a second enlarge-
ment of their edi-
fice. This was
done in the Fall of
1S77. The im-
provements con-
sisted in putting a
basement under
the former build-
ing and making
an addition to the
front of thirty feet
by fifty. This im-
provement cost ten
thousand dollars,
all of which was
discharged some
years before the
death of the pas-
tor through his en-
ergetic efforts.
Under his pastor-
ate o V e r seven
hundred were admitted into membership by certificate and pro-
fession of faith.
The fourth pastor and the one now in charge is the Rev. John W.
F. Carlisle, the eldest son of the late pastor. Called to the congrega-
tion from his charge in New Alexandria, Pa., in December, 1S87, he
was installed in June, 1888.
The present condition of the congregation is most encouraging
and promising. It numbers three hundred and has a membership
list of two hundred. It has an active board of officers, a strong mis-
sionary society, an energetic organization of Young People's Chris-
tian Endeavor, and three well equipped Sabbath schools. It has a
most cheerful and commodious house of worship, well situated, fine
acoustic features, entirely free of debt. In addition to those previous-
ly named, the following have been elders in the church: David T.
Cavan, William Brown, David Stewart, Alexander Wright, WiUiam
Hilton, John F. Beatty, John W. McCullough, Isaac Cochran, Henry
Ross, Hugh Robinson, WiUiam Lynn, William AVilson and James
Flemming.
The present board of oflScers are; Pastor— John W. F. Carlisle;
Elders— James Greer, Andrew Henderson, William McMeekin, John
Frazer ; Deacons— Samuel Dunlap, Thomas j\I. Ross, George Haw-
thorne, AV. Johnston McKay and James L. Ross.
REV. SAMUEL CARLISLE was born at Coleraine, Ireland, May
4, 1828. He was the son of the Rev. Samuel and Letitia (Craig) Car-
lisle. His father was an eminent minister of the Covenanter Church
and was settled over the congregation of Coleraine. The education
of Mr. Carlisle was of a thorough nature. Born of a pious parentage,
he was reared most carefully in the things relating to morality and
the Christian faith. At an early age he attended the Coleraine acad-
emy; took his college training at Queen's College, Belfast; studied
theology in the seminary of Paisley, Scotland ; and was licensed to
preach by the Northern Presbytery of the Covenanter Church of Ire-
land on May 4, 1S4S. Thus he was ready for his lifework at the
youthful age of twenty.
As a theological student he was brought into close contact with
minds of the first order, as Drs. Cook, Dick and Symington. This
contact moulded greatly his own mental powers, and imparted the
clearness and strength that so marked his unfolding of the Truth of
God. At the age of twenty-one, in the Spring of 1S49, he came to
this country. A few months after his coming he received a hearty
call to the Reform-
ed Presbyte rian
Congregation o f
Newburgh. He
accepted the call,
and was ordained
and installed Nov-
This was his first
and only charge —
in his twenty-
second year and
ending in 18S7, in
his f i f t y-n i n t h
year: thirty - eight
years of constant
and faithful ser-
tora t e witness-
ed many great
changes in New-
bur
^l|
JOHN W.
, CARLISLE
vicinit}'. In 1849
it was a small vil- '
lage on the Hud- [
son; in 1SS7 it had
become a thriving
city of twenty-two
thousand. In 1849 the Rev. Drs. Brown, Johnston and McCarrell
were in their active ministries; in 1S87 they were gone, and other
servants of God were laboring in their places. All this makes the
history of Mr. Carlisle of more than local interest, connecting it
closely with that of the city itself. For a period of nigh two-score
)^ears he was conspicuous as a most earnest Christian, a most evan-
gelical minister of the Word.
Both his private and public life were of spotless integrity. Sim-
plicity of character, honesty of purpose, faithfulness to convictions
of soul, loyalty to his Lord and Master, were the striking features of
his manhood. As a servant of God, he was deeply conscious of his
great responsibility, and in his presentation of the truth he was for-
getful of self and aimed entirely at the salvation of his hearers. As
a thinker, he was clear, forcible, honest and helpful. The strength
of his pen may be seen in the thoughtful paper on ' ' The History of
the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Newburgh and Vicinity, and
the Life of the Rev. Dr. James R. Willson," delivered by him before
the Newburgh Historical Society, Feb., 1885; also the "Centennial
Discourse," delivered by him at the request of the Newburgh Minis-
terial Association, at Washington's Headquarters, July 3, 1876.
Both of these were published in pamphlet form and widely circu-
lated. Living in the midst of the "slavery contest," from the very
NEWBURGH
lirst his voice was heard on the side of the slave; his pulpit was true
to the abolition cause and the Union. In a word, on all questions of
Reform, he was " out and out " for the right. As a citizen, he mani-
fested a keen interest in whatever concerned the welfare of society.
He was identified \vith every public measure that tended to lessen
human want, to elevate public morals, to promote good government,
and to advance the cause of his Master. He was chosen as one of
the first members of the Newburgh Organization for Improving the
Condition of the Poor, now the Associated Charities of Newburgh.
away on Sabbath morning, July 3. He was buried at Cedar Hil!
Cemetery, a large concourse of friends following his body to its rest-
ing place. He was married May 10, 1853, to Margaret M. Fenton,
daughter of Dr. Fenton, of Newburgh. His wife and four children
survive him.
REV. JOHN W. F. CARLISLE was born in Newburgh Septem-
ber 21, 1S5S. He attended the grammar schools and the academy,
graduating in 1S75. He was prepared for college under Prof.
E CHURCH
^D PARSONAGE -Corn
He was made by the Newburgh Bible Society a life member of the
American Bible Society in 1851, and a hfe director of the same in
1874.
Of a strong and vigorous constitution, he enjoyed unusual health
throughout his whole ministry. His record was a rare one, of not
being absent from his pulpit a Sabbath through illness. On the 6th
of January, 1887, he preached his last sermon on tlie words: " In the
day of adversity consider," and on the next morning he was stricken
with paralysis which affected his right side. For a time he rallied,
but on June 28 received a second stroke, and passed peacefully
Uoughty and Prof. Banks. He entered Columbia College in 1876,
and was graduated in 1880. Mr. Carlisle was made a member of the
honorary society Phi Beta Kappa in May, 1S80. Mr. Carlisle studied
theology in the Reformed Presbyterian Seminary at Allegheny, Pa.,
in 1SS0-S4, and was licensed to preach by the New York Presbytery
of the Reformed Presbyterian Church May 13, 18S3. He was ordained
by the Pittsburgh Presbytery and installed pastor of the congregation
at New Alexandria, Pa., June, 1SS4. He resigned this charge in
January, 18SS, and was installed over the First Reformed Presbyterian
Church of Newburgh in June, iSSS.
NEWBURGH
25
TRINITY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
In 17S6 there stood on the site of the present First Presbyterian
Church a dweUing occupied by Elnathan Foster. The class from
which Trinity Church grew held its first meeting in this house in the
year named. The church was organized in 1808. It was supplied by
circuit preachers until 1S20, when Samuel Fowler, son of Samuel
Fowler, of Middlehope, became the first settled pastor. The first
house of worship was erected in 1S0S-9 on the southwest corner of
Gidney Avenue and Liberty Street, built of brick, 45x35 feet. The
first trustees were Morgan Cole, Lewis Carter, William Baker, Joseph
Cole and George Westlake. Before the church was erected services
were held in the old Lutheran Church, in the Mcintosh house, and
in the upper room of the Academy. In 1S34-35 the building now
known as the Opera House was erected as a church edifice at a cost
of §10,000.
November 14, 1S60, the corner-stone of the present edifice was laid.
The architect was R. Lockwood; Little & Kelly, carpenters; John
Little, mason ; Madden & Fitzgerald, stonework. The building
was dedicated by Bishop Simpson November 13, 1861. The
church is purely Gothic and architectually enriched. On Lib-
erty Street it has a frontage of seventy - three feet and six
inches, and on Third Street it was originally one hundred and
forty-three feet deep. The middle tower and spire rise to a
height of one hundred and eighty feet, with rich architectural
trimmings. The side towers are sixty-three feet high. The side
walls are supported with buttresses of heavy masonry, and all the
windows are of stained glass. The dimensions of the main building
inside are; nave, eighty-five feet in length by sixty-two in breadth;
transept, seventy-eight feet in length, terminating at each end with
a large window. The ceilings of nave and transept are gToined to a
height of forty feet from the floor, and are finely finished with the
walls in rib work. The nave has an organ loft and singers' gallery,
and an organ that was put in (1870) at a cost of $5,000. The cost of
the building and lot was about $35,000. This church, on account
of its situation and architectual beauty, is an object of general
interest.
During the pastorate of the Rev. J. R.'liay, D. D. , (18S7) about thir-
teen thousand dollars was expended in enlarging the chapel, which
now contains a lecture-room with seating capacity for six hundred
persons, a spacious parlor, pastor's study and several smaller class
rooms, affording ample accommodation for the Sabbath school and
prayer and class meetings. A parsonage was erected in 1S90 on the
plot at a cost of $10,000.
The church is in a flourishing condition, having a membership of
750. The annual income is about §5,500, in addition to which there
is contributed annually $4,500 for benevolent purposes. The Sabbath
school has six hundred and nineteen on the roll, with an average at-
tendance of three hundred and eighty. The school is graded, having
primary, intermediate and senior departments, with an assembly for
adult members, young men's Bible class, young women's Bible class,
and other Bible classes, into which promotions are made from the
senior department. The contributions from the Sabbath school
amount to $2,000 a year, $1,000 of which is contributed for missionary
purposes. The societies and methods of work are quite varied, in-
cluding Women's Foreign Missionary Society, Society of King's
Daughters, Christian Endeavor and Epworth League Society, Kheira
Bajera Society, reception committees, entertainment committees,
class meetings peculiar to Methodists, Children's Missionary So-
ciety, etc.
The following is the list of pastors since 1S60: 1860-61, the Rev.
Charles Shelling (the Rev. John Parker filled part of the term, as Mr.
Shelling went to the war as Chaplain of the 56th Regiment); 1S62,
M. D'C. Crawford, D. D.; 1863-65, G. S. Hare, D. D.; 1866-68, John
Miley, D. D.; 1869-71, Wm. P. Abbott; 1S72-74, Andrew Longacre;
1875-77. G. S. Hare, D. D.; 187S-79, DeLoss Lull; 1880-S2, AV. N.
Searles; 1883-85, W. H. Mickle; 1S86-8S, J. R. Day, D. D.; 1889-91,
A. Longacre, D. D., present pastor.
Trustees— Francis Gouldy, President; T. H. Skidmore, Vice Pres-
ident; W. H. Kelly, Secretary; T. J. Seymour, Treasurer; T. S.
Quackenbush, C. H. Weygant, W. S. Hanmer, W. W. Terwilliger, S.
M. Bull.
Stewards — M. Rydell, President; John Westlake, Secretary; James
T. Fanning, Treasurer; John Woodin, Ezra I. Hunter, David D.
Miller, Milton D. Seymour, M. C. Stone. J. Scott Wiseman, Isaac
Vernol, James W. Barnes, H. H. Carver and Frank S. Hull.
Sunday School oflicers — Albert H. Strong, Superintendent; James
W. Barnes, Asst. Superintendent; Mrs. W. H. Kelly, Female Asst.
Superintendent; W. H. Kelly, Secretary; J. Scott Wiseman, Treas-
urer; W. A. Coutant, Librarian; J. D. Wilson, jr., J. H. Kidd, P. B.
Taylor, jr., and H. D. Brundage, Assistant Librarians,
REV. ANDREW LONGACRE, D. D., pastor of Trinity Church,
was born in Philadelphia, June 12, 1S31, the son of James B. Long-
acre, a portrait engraver, and for twenty-five years the engraver to
the Mint of the United States. He was converted in childhood, and
was a member of the Union Methodist Episcopal Church until admit-
f
REV. ANDREW LONGACRE, D. D.
ted to the ministry in the Philadelphia Conference, in 1852, after
serving an appointment for one year under the Presiding Elder.
After filling charges for four years he was compelled to suspend
his ministry by impaired health. In 1S60 he resumed work, going to
the American Chapel, in Paris, as assistant to the Rev. Dr. Mc-
Clintock. Since then Dr. Longacre has filled pulpits in some of the
most prominent churches of his denomination, and is recognized as
one of its ablest divines.
In 1S62, on his return from Paris, he was appointed to the church
at Hestonville, Philadelphia; in 1863-65 he war at Trinity in Phila-
delphia; i866-f)S, Charles Street, Baltimore; 1S69-71, Central Church,
New York; 1S72-74, Trinity Church, Newburgh; 1S75-77, Green
Street, Philadelphia; 1878-S0, Tabernacle, Philadelphia; 1SS1-S2,
Trinity, Philadelphia; 1883-S5, Arch Street, Philadelphia; 1SS6-S8,
Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore; 1SS9-91, Trinity, Newburgh.
126
NEWBURGH
ST. GEORGE'S PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
This is one of tlie oldest Episcopal Church organizations in the
Diocese of New York. The earliest notice of it is an application made
to the Propagation Society in England for help toward the support of
a missionary in 1-2S. In 1752 there is record of the grant of five hun-
dred acres of land for a glebe, and at various other dates reports were
made by the missionaries sent here of their services and successes.
In 1770 the church was incorporated. The Revolution was a period
of great adversity for the church throughout the country, and this
parish suffered severely. When the war was ended it had neither
minister, nor wardens, nor vestn-, and practically it had ceased to
exist. No attempt to resuscitate the church appears to have been
made until 1790, when the Rev. George H. Spierin was elected to dis-
charge the double duty of minister and schoolmaster, but he resigned
in 1793, and the station again became vacant.
In 1S05 the parish was re-incorporated. In 1S14 the Rev. John
Brown, then in deacon'sorders, commenced his ministerial labors at
Fishkill. During the Summer of 1S15 he held a third ser\ace in
Newburgh, and later removed here at the solicitation of Bishop Ho-
of a gallery, and an organ was procured. In 1834 it was again en-
larged, and the tower was erected in which a bell was hung. Again,
in 1853, it was further enlarged and beautified, and a commodious
Sabbath school building and vestry-room were added. The church,
as originally built, was a substantial stone structure, rectangular in
form, according to the usage of that early period; but at this time a '
recessed chancel was added, giving it a more churchly appearance,
and in this year also the old organ was replaced by a new one.
Dr. Brown resigned February 6, 1S78, but was made Rector Emer-
itus for life. He died August 15, 1884, after a residence of si.xty-nine
years in the parish. February 6, 1S7S, the Rev. Octavius Apple-
gate, who, since November 8, 1S6S, had been assistant minister with
full pastoral charge, became rector of the parish.
In 1874 the ladies of St. George's Church projected a home and
hospital, which was incorporated by the ladies of Newburgh and
New "Windsor. In iSSo the old-fashioned, narrow pews in the church
were replaced by more modern and comfortable ones, the chancel
was decorated in a chaste and suitable manner, and a beautiful chancel
window erected. In 1884 the rectory in Grand Street was purchased:
and also a new organ for the church. In 18S6 the Sunday school build-
-lES PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH-Corner
bart, as affording him a larger field of usefulness. Deeply imbued
with the religious missionary spirit, possessed of untiring energy and
an enduring constitution, he then entered upon a vigorous, success-
ful and almost unprecedented ministry of sixtj'-two years. Speaking
of the time when he began to work in this parish, he said, " I stood
alone, the only clergyman of the church between Yonkers and Pough-
keepsie upon the eastern side of the Hudson, and between the City of
New York and the Town of Catskill on the western." The labors of
Dr. Brown were not confined to St. George's parish. He was most
helpful in organizing new parishes in the neighborhood, and in keep-
ing weak parishes alive.
The services of St. George's were first held in the Lutheran
Church, afterwards known as the old Glebe schoolhouse. It is not
known when it ceased to be used for that purpose, but probably at
the time of the Revolutionary War. When Dr. Brown came to the
parish a building was temporarily fitted up as a chapel. In the fol-
lowing year the increase of the congregation made it expedient to
provide for their accommodation by the erection of a church edifice.
The work proceeded slowly, but steadily, until it was finally com-
pleted, and solemnly consecrated by the bishop of the diocese No-
vember 10, i8rr). In i82fi its capacity was increased by the addition
ing was again enlarged, and other rooms were added. Dr. Applegate
still continues rector of the parish. Part of his successful work has
been the planting of the Church of the Good Shepherd.
The officers of the church are as follows: Senior Warden — Homer
Ramsdell; Junior Warden — Eugene A. Brewster; Vestrymen — Joseph
H. H. Chapman, Michael Doyle, James Chadwick, Henry Dudley,
Samuel C. Mills, Clayton E. Sweet, A. H. Havemeyer and Edgar O.
Mitchell.
REV. JOHN BRO'WN, D. D., was born in the City of New
York, ilay 19, 1 791 . He was baptized in the parish of Trinity Church,
of which his parents were members. He received his early education
in his native city, and entered Columbia College, October 22, 1807.
He was graduated August 7, iSii, and pronounced the valedictory
address for his class. He selected the ministry as his profession, and
studied theology under the Right Rev. John H. Hobart, the Assist-
ant Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Diocese of New York. He
was licensed as a lay reader to Fishkill, October 12, 1812, and con-
tinued as such in the old parish of Trinity Church — which had been
closed for the want of a clergyman for more than seventeen years —
until April 13, 1S14. He returned to New York City, and was admit-
NEWBURGH
127
s'here the services of the young
call to the rectorship of St.
ted to the order of Deacon in St. Mark's Church in the Bowery, July
10, 1S14. On September 13 of the same year he received and accepted
a call to Trinity Church, Fishkill. On November 5, 1815, having
arrived at the canonical age, he was ordained to the priesthood, by
Bishop Hobart, in Trinity Church, New York City. During the
Summer of 1815, after officiating twice on Sunday in his own parish
at Fishkill, he established a third service in Newburgh. He found
but two communicants in the village. A room was obtained in the
Bath Hotel, in South Water. Street,
minister were favorably received.
November 20, 1S15, he received 1
George's Church, Newburgh, and wrote his acceptance on the follow-
ing day. By the advice and consent of his Bishop, he resigned his
charge at Fishkill, and entered upon his duties as Rector of St.
George's, December i, 1815. His mmistry commenced in a room
fitted up as a temporary chapel in the Mcintosh House in Liberty
Street. Here he dehvered his introductory sermon December 24,
1815. His text was from I Timothy, iv: 16. The manuscript of the
sermon is still preserved.
Dr. Brown also organized St. Thomas's Church, New Windsor, was
chosen its rector, and held that position — devoting one-foiirth of his
time to the New Windsor parish — till 1847. During his earlier j^ears
he performed a large amount of missionary work in this section of the
country, he being for many years the only minister of his church on
the west side of the Hudson between New York and Catskill. He
organized St. John's Church at Monticello, Grace Church at Middle-
town, and the churches at Cornwall and Marlborough. He revived
the church at Goshen; also St. Andrew's, at Walden, St. Peter's, at
Peekskill, and St. PhiHp's, at Garrisons, holding services at intervals
at those places until the churches were strong enough to support rec-
tors.
Speaking of this work long afterward he said; " It is to me a sub-
ject of unfeigned gratitude that I was made the humble instrument
of organizing so many of these new congregations, and of resuscitat-
ing many which were then in a state of decay. It is to this portion
of my ministry that I look back with most pleasure and satisfaction."
He attended to the whole work of his parish without assistance
till February i. 1859, when an assistant minister was appointed. He
continuedin full charge of his church till November 8, 1S6S, when, still
retaining the title of Rector, the spiritual care of the congregation
was resigned into the hands of the assistant minister. On February
6, 1878, he resigned the Rectorship, and was made Rector Emeritus.
Dr. Brown received the degree of Master of Arts from Columbia
College in 1S15, and the degree of D. D. from Hobart College in 1S41.
He declined the proffer of the Presidency of Hobart College at its or-
ganization. He was elected a Trustee of the General Theological
Seminary in 1S32, and continued a member of that board till his death.
In 1844 and in 1S47 he was elected a Deputy to the General Convention.
During his ministry Dr. Brown preached special sermons on the
occasion of the death of ten Presidents of the United States. Janu-
uary 14, 1856, he presided at the obsequies of Uzal Knapp, the last of
the Life Guards of Washington. On November 5, 1S65, the semi-
centennial anniversary of his admission to the priesthood, he deliv-
ered a historical discourse, wherein he reviewed his labors in organ-
izing and reviving churches of the Episcopal faith, and gave the fol-
lowing statistics from the parish register: He had baptized 1,574
children, and 175 adults, making in all 1,749. He had solemnized 499
marriages, enrolled gii communicants, and buried 1,321 persons.
Aside from his distinguished services to the church. Dr. Brown
exhibited a devotion and zeal in other matters within his appropriate
sphere, second only to his fidelity and love for his priestly calling.
He ser%^ed as one of the Trustees of the Academy, and was President
of the Board from 1833 till the property was transferred to the School
Trustees of the village. He was a member of the first Board of
Trustees of the common schools, and was President of the first Hor-
ticultural Society of Newburgh. He was chaplain of the Nineteenth
Regiment, and delivered a sermon to its members one Sunday
afternoon in April, 1861, in St. George's Church, a few days before
the regiment left for the front. On the afternoon of August 25, 1S61,
he delivered a sermon before the Tenth Legion, then in camp at
New Windsor. At the reception of Lafayette in Newburgh in 1824
he delivered an address of welcome. Other public appearances of
the Doctor might be mentioned, but enough has been related to show
the temper of his mind, and his abiding interest in the welfare of his
community and of his country. Dr. Brown became a member of the
Masonic fraternity in 1S17, in Hiram Lodge. From 1S73 till his death
he was chaplain of Hudson River Lodge.
Dr. Brown's life was a singularly eventful one — full of sacrifice
and zeal in the work of the Master. His influence was ever exerted
in the encouragement and support of various benevolent, educational
and ennobling movements of the day. The good he accomplished is
immeasurable. He was the oldest minister of his denomination in the
State. Old residents say of his preaching that it was remarkably
thoughtful, logical, impressive, reverent and imbued with the spirit
of religion. It was as a father addressing, comforting and encourag-
ing his children. People of all sects and denominations recognized
the perfectness, the beauty, the worth of such a life as his.
REV. OCTAVIUS APPLEGATE, M. A,, S. T. D.
Dr. Brown married November 15, 1S19, Frances Elizabeth, daugh-
ter of Robert Ludlow, of Newburgh. The ceremony was performed
by Bishop Hobart in St. George's Church. She died April 19, 1871
They had ten children, namely: William, Ludlow and Frances, who
died in childhood, Mary, who married Daniel T. Rogers; Margaret,
who married George W. Kerr; Augusta, who married Moses Ely;
Helen; Anna, who married Eugene A. Brewster; John Hobart and
Charles L.
He died at his home in First Street, August 15, 1884, aged 93, and
was buried in St. George's Cemetery.
REV. OCTAVIUS APPLEGATE, M. A., S. T. D., rector of
St. George's P. E. Church, was born July 8, 1840, at Kingsbridge,
Devonshire, England. His father, the Rev. Thomas Applegate, was,
in 1846, resident supply for the First Baptist congregation of New-
burgh, and shortly afterward entered the Episcopal Church. He has
a brother in the ministry, the Rev. L. W. Applegate, who is rector of
128
NEWBURGH.
Christ Church, Streator. 111. Dr. Applegate is a graduate of Hobart
College, Geneva, from which he received his master's degree in course,
and in 1SS3 his doctorate. He took his divinity course in the General
Theologfical Seminary, of which he is an alumnus. Was ordained
Deacon in Calvary Church, New York, by the Right Rev. Horatio
Potter, July 3, 1S64, when he became assistant minister of Grace
Church, Brooklyn Heights, where he was ordained a priest March 12,
1865, in order to become the first rector of St. Paul's Church, of Frank-
lin, Delaware County, N. Y. Here he built a beautiful gothic church,
and secured for the parish on the same grounds a commodious
rectory.
November 8, 1868, he entered upon his duties in Newburgh, hav-
ing accepted a call to be the " assistant minister of St. George's, with
full pastoral charge," etc. February 6, 1878, the Rev. John Brown, D.
D., resigning the rectorship after an incumbency of 62 years. Dr. Ap-
plegate was elected rector. In 1S77 he became Dean of the Western
Convocation, but on its reorganization as the Archdeaconry of Orange
a few years ago, he declined reappointment as the Archdeacon on
account of ill health. Since 1S73 he has been a member of the Mis-
sionary Committee of the Diocese, for several years on its Committee
on the Canons; he was elected by the General Convocation a member
of the Board of Managers of Domestic and Foreign Missions, in which
he is chairman of its leading committee — that on funds. Dr. Apple-
gate ranks as a learned and influential minister of the Diocese of New
York.
Sincerity of conduct, and zeal and earnestness in religious work are
marked traits in his character. His style as a preacher and writer is
finished and scholarly in a high degree, and his logical powers are
well developed. He has a special inclination, it may be said, for the
discussion of ethical questions and the many subtle influences which
largely control the opinions and ccjnduct of men. He prefers the con-
sideration of great principles, rather than the varied facts of every-
day life.
Earnestness is the marked feature of his style of preaching. His
voice is deep-toned and well modulated. He uses gesture very mod-
erately in his delivery, but his sermons are marked by beaut)' of
thought and elegance of expression. His inclination undoubtedly
is for studies in the line of his profession, or those which are most
efficient aids in his work.
He gives himself unsparingly to church duties and faithful minis-
tration in all church services. He is zealous in laboring for the ex-
tension of that church to which his vows have been given, and to
engage in every form of missionary work. He is ever ready to min-
ister to those who are in " sickness, soiTow, or any other adversity."
The membership of St. George's Church has largely increased
under his pastorate, and so has its financial strength. He has aided
in organizing many societies for church work and for purposes of
charity.
The organization of St. George's Mission Chapel, now the Church
of the Good Shepherd, has been greatly promoted by his earnest
labors. There and in the old parish church of St. George's will be
found the enduring record of his work.
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL ZION CHURCH.
This church was organized in 1827, by the Rev. George Mat-
thews. The meeting was held at the house of Caesar Saylor,
in Montgomery Street. The society was placed under the care
of Father Seymore. Brothers Woodsell (white) and Joseph Cole,
exhorters, assisted in the church. The Rev. Jacob Matthews, pastor
of the A. M. E. Zion Church, New York, afterward took charge of
the society, and sent his son, the Rev. George Matthews, to preach
to the people.
In 1832 the Rev. William H. Bishop took charge. Religious services
were held from that time at Lewis Beattie's house, in South Water
Street. Afterward they moved to the basement of the Catholic
Church, in Liberty Street. In 1833 a lot was purchased from John
W. Knevels, on which the church building was erected under the pas-
torate of the Rev. William H. Bishop. The following persons composed
the Board of Trustees — Peter Schoonmaker, James Moore, Cssar Say-
lor and James Fortune.
From 1834 t" 1847 the following ministers had charge of the
church — Rev. Messrs. William Serrington, Samuel Serrington, Daniel
Vanderveer, George Garnet, Edward Bishop, John Tappan, Richard
Norris, James Hall, Henry A. Thompson and John Dungy.
In 1847 the Rev. Joseph P. Thompson (now Bishop Thompson), took
charge of the church as Presiding Elder of the District, having under
him the Rev. R. T. Eastep.
In 1S48 the Rev. J. P. Thompson took full charge by appointment.
He had the church incoi-porated, and paid S50 on the indebtedness of
the church to Captain Robinson. The following persons were elected
trustees at the time: Lewis Beattie, Stephen AVood, John Saylor,
James Livingston, Caesar Saylor, John King, Stephen Ajon.
In 1S50 the Rev. Samuel Giles became the pastor, and continued
in that relation till 1851. The Rev. Peter Rose was pastor from 1S51
to 1853. The church was rebuilt under his pastorate. He was as-
sisted by the Rev. John Washington.
In 1856-57 the Rev. James Livingston was in charge, but died
during the term. The Rev. J. C. Spence filled the unexpired term.
In 1S58 the Rev. Joseph P. Thompson was again appointed to the
charge. He paid off the debt and finished the vestry of the church.
At a watch meeting, held in December, i860, a number of rioters
made an attack upon the church, broke down the door, and com-
mitted other depredations. The Rev. Mr. Thompson had the of-
fenders arrested, and thev paid Sioo to settle the matter.
AFRICAN M. E. ZION CHURCH
betty Str.
In 1862 the Rev. Jacob Trustee was pastor. The watch meeting
was again disturbed and broken up; this time by a band of soldiers.
In 1863 the Rev. William H. Decker was appointed pastor. During
this year Dubois B. Alsdorf assisted the pastor in having the church
painted. New blinds were put on, stoves bought, the church insured,
and the debt paid off.
In 1S66 the Rev. Moses Manning was pastor of the church.
In 1S67 the Rev. Joseph P. Thompson took charge of the church for
a third time. During that year he purchased the organ, which is now
in use.
In 1870 the Rev. Jacob Thomas, pastor, enlarged and rebuilt the
church at a cost of $2,487.02. It was re-dedicated by Bishop Clinton,
assisted by the Rev. Joseph P. Thompson.
In 1871 the Rev. Gabriel Rice, the next pastor, paid $210 on the
debt of the church.
In 1S73 the Rev. Henry Dumpson was appointed pastor two years.
In 1875 the Rev. Nathaniel Stubbs was pastor. During the year
the bond and mortgage on the church of Si, 000 was paid, through
the efforts of Valentine Robinson and Charles B. Alsdorf (both of
whom are now deceased), in commemoration of which a jubilee was
held in the church in February of that vear.
NEWBURGH
29
In the year 1S7G the Rev. William H. Decker was appointed pastor
the second time, for three 5'ears.
In 1S79 the Rev. N. H. Turpin filled the unexpired term of the
Rev. M. H. Ross.
In iSSo the Rev. J. A. Evans was appointed for one year.
In 1881 the Rev. J. B. Small was pastor, serving from May to
November. Part of iSSi and 1SS2 the Rev. John V. Givens had pas-
toral charge. He raised $200 on the debt of the church.
In 1SS3 the Rev. John Jones was appointed to the charge. During
his time the church was repainted.
In 1884 the Rev. T. W. Johnson was assigned to the church. He
paid several insurances and a number nf scattering debts, serving
three 5'ears.
In 1SS7 the Rev. Alfred Day took charge, keeping up the insur-
ance.
In 1SS8 the Rev. R. H. Stitt was appointed pastor, and com-
menced to actively engage himself in building up the condition of the
church. His energy and excellent method of working won the hearty
co-operation of the church and sister church-
es. Having the support of Bishop Thomp-
son, an appeal was issued to the public, and
after several months of untiring effort the
Rev. Mr. Stitt succeeded in cancelling the
entire debt of the church — SSoo, and putting
on a new roof. The jubilee was celebrated
on the i6th day of March, i8go, that being
the fiftj'-sixth anniversary of the church.
ilr. Stitt was succeeded by the Rev. E.
J. Miller, who served till April, 1S91. The
present pastor is the Rev. W. H. Abbott.
The Rev. Dr. Osbon, father of the
present pastor of St. John's M. E. Church,
this cit}', assisted by Cornelius Smith, mer-
chant, greatly assisted the Rev. Mr. Ross
to build the church during his time. The Rev.
Robert Ritchie, father of editor Ritchie, of
the Journal , alwaj-s interested himself in
the church during the Rev. Mr. Thompson's
absence, and was most highly respected and
beloved by all. After the labors of Joseph
Cole, who owns the property on the corner
of Dubois Street and Broadway, James H.
Phillips has been a constant help to the
church, preaching and speaking whenever
called upon. Charles Estabrook, City Li-
brarian, has devoted many years in assist-
ing the officials of the church and especially
the Sunday school. His work has been the foundation of much good.
The church has passed through many troubles. Three times it has
been taken from the hands of the Sheriff by Bishop Thompson
while others were pastors.
RIGHT REV. JOSEPH P. THOMPSON has resided in this city
for many years. The highest honors of his church have been con-
ferred upon him, and in his official capacity he has exerted a wonder-
ful influence with his people, and done much to elevate their moral
and social condition.
Bishop Thompson was born in slavery, at Winchester, Va.,
December 20, 1S18. He ran away from his master while yet a youth,
and found a home with a kind-hearted man in Pennsylvania. He was
brought vip in a good family, under moral and religious influences,
and encouraged to improve all the advantages that could be afforded
him for his future welfare. He was sent to night school and per-
mitted to attend the district school during the Winter months, and
thus acquired a common-school education. He was naturally studious,
loved books, and early determined to qualify himself for some useful
vocation in life.
Although his opportunities were limited, he was ambitious and re-
solved to enter a profession or calling where he could help his less-
RIGHT REV. JOSEPH P. THOMPSON
favored people. It so happened that he had the opportunity to
study medicine with a physician residing at Middletown Point, now
Matawan, N. J., a study which he has continued through life. But
serious thoughts of preferring holy orders to any other profession
gave a happy turn to his mind, and he decided in favor of the min-
istry.
He read theology under the direction of the late Rev. Dr. ]\Iills,
of Auburn, a privilege which he has often mentioned to his friends
with an indelible sentiment of gratitude. He was licensed to preach
in 1839, and attracted much attention and drew large crowds to hear
him. His sermons were delivered with animation and zeal.
In 1853 he was sent by his church to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where
he preached with acceptance, and found great demand for his med-
ical skill. In this he was so successful that he concluded to return to
"the States" and take a regular course in a medical college. He
succeeded in this resolve, and graduated from the University of Med-
icine, in the City of Philadelphia, with the degree of Doctor of
Medicine, his diploma bearing date April i, 1858.
Since then he has devoted his life to the
service of his church and people, equally
competent to preach the gospel and admin-
ister to the sick and dying. By precept and
example he has taught and encouraged his
people, and been to them a benefactor and
faithful friend. He has served almost all
the churches in the Zion connection along
the Hudson, and was three times pastor of
the Zion Church in this city.
His faithful and efficient services have
not been unrewarded, and in July, 1876, he
was consecrated to the Bishopric of the A.
M. E. Z. Church, in the City of Louisville,
Ky. This distinguished mark of confidence
and esteem on the part of his denomina-
tion, at once commended him to the atten-
tion and respect of all other sects and creeds,
and he has become one of the most popular
and honored men in the ministry. Officials
at Washington have frequently conferred
with him on public measures, especially on
affairs in the South. In 1S81 he was invited
to England, and, by special request, read a
paper before the Ecumenical Conference of
Methodist Episcopal Churches convened in
London from all parts of the world.
During the last fifteen years he has been
engaged in his duties as a Bishop, a posi-
tion of great importance and responsibility. Mrs. Thompson, the
partner of his j^outh, is still spared to him. She is a most estimable
woman, deeply interested in her husband's life-work, and for many
years past the treasurer of the missionary funds of their church. They
have one daughter, the wife of Professor D. B. Alsdorf , residing in
this city.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
The first organization of a Baptist church in the village of New-
burgh was in the j-ear 1S21. This society maintained a feeble exist-
ence until some time in the year 182S, when it dissolved. The pres-
ent church was formally reorganized by a council convened in the
brick meeting-house of the Methodist Society, December 24, 1834.
The constituent membership numbered thirteen. The early years
were those of struggle and discouragement, but they were bravely
met and safely passed. The growth that followed these has been
sure if not swift, until the church now has a membership of 430. It
raises annually for church expenses and regular denominational be-
nevolence about S6,500.
After its reorganization in 1834 the congregation held services in
a building in Liberty Street, called the Jlclntosh house, and after-
wards it occupied the old Methodist church in Liberty Street, corner
[^0
NEWBURGH
of (lidney Avenue, which building was purchased by the society. It
was sold in 1S42 for S925, and the society worshipped in Washington
Hall. In 1S49 the erection of an edifice was commenced at the corner
of Montgomery and Fourth Streets. It was opened for public worship
in the Spring of 1S50. It was occupied till i860, when it was sold to
the United Presbyterian Church.
The present home in South Street was dedicated Augitstis, 1S60.
The structure is of brick and contains an audience room with a seat-
ing capacity of 600. Beneath this are the rooms used for the Sabbath
school and social gatherings. The tower and spire are 175 feet high.
The cost of the property has been about §30,000, and it is free of debt.
The pastors smce 1S60 have been the Rev. Isaac Westcott, the
Rev. G. W. Lasher, the Rev. Lyman Wright, the Rev. E. W. Bliss,
the Rev. John O. Adams, and the present pastor. Rev. Arthur Jones.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH-South Street near Grand Street.
The officers of the church are : Deacons— Solomon Watts, James
T. Lawson, Thomas Coldwell, Lewis M. Smith, Edgar C. Barnes,
and Frederick W. Parsons; Church Clerk— Albert W. Mapes; Board of
Trustees— James T. Lawson, Lewis M. Smith, Edgar C. Barnes,
John W. l\Iatthews, Edward C. Ross, Charles T. Goodrich and Charles
J. Lawson; Treasurer— Charles J. Lawson; Clerk of Board of
Trustees— Edward C. Ross ; Superintendent of Sabbath school-
Charles J. Lawson ; Secretary' — Frank H. Embler ; Treasurer —
Frederick W. Parsons.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH MISSION.
The Mission of the First Baptist Church began with a Sunday
school and weekly prayer meeting, held in a vacant store on the
south side of Broadway west of William Street. The first session was in
June. iSSi. Great success attended the effort, and in December,
18S3, the commodious brick chapel corner of William and Ann
Streets was completed at a cost of about SS,ooo, and dedicated
free of debt; Steele Harrison, mason; George Moshier, cai-penter. The
constant growth of the Sunday school made enlargement necessary.
and in the Fall of 1SS9 the extension for the primar}- class was com-
pleted at a cost of §2,200. The average attendance of the school is
now over 300. In addition to the Sunday school session, a morning
and evening Sunday service and two week-night prayer meetings
are sustained. Mr. Warren O. Barnes was the missioner in charge
of the work, commencing in the Fall of iSSi, and was succeeded in
August, iSSS by the Rev. W. E. Webster, who resigned in July, 1SS9.
The next was Edward A. Tuck, who resigned in July, 1S91. The pres-
ent officers are: Missioner in charge. Rev. M. G. Coker; Committee —
the Rev. Arthur Jones, James T. Lawson, Thomas Coldwell, Lewis
M. Smith, Edgar C. Barnes, Lewis Burhans, Frederick W. Par-
sons, Charles H. Peirson, Charles J. Lawson; Superintendent of Sun-
day school — Edgar C. Barnes; Assistant Superintendent — Lewis Bur-
hans; Secretar)' — Gotleib Muhleman; Treasurer — Frank M Johnston.
REV. ARTHUR JONES
County, N. Y., March 20, 1850
College, Clinton,
N. Y., in J873. For
five months he was
on the staff of the
Troy Times. He
then entered Ham-
ilton Theological
Seminary, from
which he was grad-
uated in 1875.
While in the sem-
inary he, for one
year, fiUed the
place of Dr. Lewis,
professor of Belles-
lettres, while that
gentleman made a
tour around the
world. In the
Summer of 1875 he
was settled as pas-
tor of the Baptist
Church at Water-
ford, N. Y., where
he continued t
March, 1879, wher
he became pas
tor of the Firsi
,vas born in South Trenton, Oneida
He was graduated from Hamilton
ARTHUR JONES.
NEWBURGH
131
Baptist Church at Newburgh. Mr. Jones married in 1S74 Maria
Moore, second danghter of Michael Moore, of Trenton Falls, N. Y.
AMERICAN REFORMED CHURCH.
In October, 1S34, Rev. William Cruickshank was sent to New-
burgh to found a Dutch church, and in five months had succeeded
so far that it was deemed wise by the Classis of Orange to organize
one. The beginnings were feeble and the prospects not flattering.
There were at that time seven churches in a population of 5,000.
The meeting for organization was held in the Associate Reformed
Church, corner of Grand and First Streets, of which Dr. McCarrell
was then pastor, on Tuesday, February 24, 1S35, at 11 a. m. The
male applicants to the Classis for the organization assembled at 10 a.
m., at the house of John W. Knevels, in William Street between Ann
and Washington, and elected Isaac Belknap, Thomas G. Stansbor-
ough, Isaac A. Knevels and John W. Knevels, elders; and Cornelius
Bogardus, Thomas Jessup, Daniel Corwinand Albert Wells, deacons.
At the subsequent meeting at the church the Rev. Mr. Vanderveer,
of New Hurley, preached the sermon, the Rev. R. P. Lee, of Mont-
gomery, performed the ordination service, and the Rev. Mr. Van
Vechten, of Blooming Grove, addressed the people. Twenty-six per-
followed by an address by the Rev. Thomas DeWitt, D. D.; the
: concluded with prayer and the benediction by the Rev. Sey-
mour Landon, of the M. E. Church. Service was held in the basement
Sabbath, November 13, 1S37, and on the 7th of December following
the church was dedicated, the officiating clergy being the Rev. William
Cruickshank, the pastor; the Rev. Dr. DeWitt, the Rev. R. P. Lee,
the Rev. William S. Heyer and the Rev. F. H. Vanderveer. The
proceeds of the first sale of pews were about $3,000.
The church edifice is of Grecian architecture, is built of stone,
stuccoed, and was originally 50x80 feet, with a portico of 20 feet,
making a total depth of 100 feet. The first cost, including lot, etc. ,
was about $20,000. Mr. Warren, of New York, was the architect,
Gerard & Halsey, masons ; A. Whitemarsh, carpenter. The church
was surmounted by a massive dome, which was afterwards removed.
The parsonage was built in 1S51, at a cost of $3,277, and was after-
ward enlarged at a cost of $5,000. The church was enlarged in the
Fall and Winter of 1S67-6S, by an addition of 20 feet and the tran-
sept, giving an audience room of 100 feet in depth and 82 in width at
the transept. The improvements were from, plans by J. E. Harney,
architect, and cost about $22,000. The church was reopened for ser-
vice April 19, 1S68.
The health of Rev. Air. Cruickshank, the founder of the church,
failed, and he resigned December 28, 1S37. There were forty mem-
IERICAN REFORMED CHURCH— Com
sons were received into communion. Ten thousand dollars was soon
subscribed for a church edifice ($9,000 of which was raised by ilr.
Cruickshank in New York City), and the beautiful site at the corner
of Grand and Third Streets purchased. Contracts were awarded in
September.
The consistory having invited Rev. William Cruickshank to be-
come the pastor; he accepted, and was installed October 22, 1835.
The service was held in the Academy, then occupied by the church
for regular worship. After the installation the congregation moved
in procession to the foundation walls of the church in the following
order: i. The Building Committee. 2. The Consistory, 3. The
officiating clergy. 4. The clergy at large. 5. Congi-egation. 6. The
citizens in general. The corner-stone was then laid. The Rev.
William Cruickshank read a history of the organization of the church,
and a list of the contents of the corner-stone; the Rev. William S.
Heyer offered prayer; the box was set m the stone by Elder Isaac
Belknap, who made some feeling remarks ; the Rev. Dr. Broadhead
deUvered an address standmg on the top of the stone buttress, and
bers at that time. The Rev. Isaac M. Fisher was then for a few months
the pastor, and in October he too resigned because of faihng
health. The material prosperity of the church became seriously af-
fected by the general financial depression of 1S37-3S, and in April,
1839, the property was sold and purchased by Daniel Farrington, on
behalf of the creditors, for $10,053. An arrangement was soon after
made by which Matthew V. B. Fowler became the purchaser in trust
for the church. May 17, 1839, the Rev. F. H. Vanderveer became the
pastor and served the church till 1S42. September 13, 1S42, Rev. A.
B. Van Zandt was installed, and served for seven years, and the church
prospered greatl)'^ under his ministry. There were 135 members in
1849. Then for nearly a year the church was without a pastor, but
on January 27, 1850, the Rev. Malcolm A. McLaren was called and
served till February, 1859, and the Rev. G. H. Mandeville succeed-
ed him. In May, 1859, the congregation resumed possession of
the property, after it had been held in trust for them b}' Mr. Fowler
for twenty years. During Mr. Mandeville's ministry of ten years the
membership increased from 166 to 297. It was during the closing
1^2
NEWBURGH
years of his pastorate that the church was enlarged and made
as we see it to-day. The Rev. W. H. Gleason became the pastor in j\Iay,
1870, and during his term the parsonage was enlarged, the debt of
§20,000 reduced to 85,000, and the membership increased from 297 to
504.
In September, 1S76, the Rev. J. Halsted Carroll became the pastor,
serving five years, and during his term there were added to the
church 173. In April, 1SS2, the Rev. H. V. S. Myers was called, and in
May was installed. He resigned in January, 1S91 , and was succeeded
by the Rev. R. H. Beattie.
On Sabbath, November 5, 1SS2, the entire debt of 89,000, with
interest for one year, was pledged when the Rev. F. B. Savage, of
Union Chirrch, made the efiort to lift the debt. In December, 1SS3,
the last payment on the debt was made.
The church has a membership of about 400; number in Sabbath
school, 200; Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor. 70.
Benevolent agencies connected with the church; Ladies' ilissionary
Society, Ladies' Aid Society, Sabbath School ilissionary Society.
The members of the Consistory are as follows: Elders— Linus
Ostrander, Uriah Traphagen, Jacob Chatfield and David L. Whit-
beck. Deacons — Ambrose Bradley Edward T. Bogardus, Andrus
Dewitt and Gilbert Calyer.
REV. HENRY VAN SCHOONHOVEN MYERS, D. D., was
born in the City of New York, May 27, 1S42. He was prepared for
college at the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute, and entered the LTni-
versit}- of the City of New York in September 1S60. In March, 1863,
he entered the sophomore class of AViUiams College and graduated,
s. MYERS, D, D.
receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts in August, 1865. In the
Summer of 1868 he received the further degree of Master of Arts from
the same institution. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred
by the University of the City of New York. Dr. Myers began his
ministerial service in the Spring of 1870 as assistant minister in the.
Prospect Hill Reformed Church of New York City. In January, 1S71,
he became pastor of the Reformed Church of Upper Red Hook,
Dutchess County. Thence in October, 1S74, he was called to the
South Reformed Church of Brooklyn, where he officiated for seven
and a half years. In May, 1S82, he became the pastor of the Ameri-
can Reformed Church of Newburgh, and continued its pastor until
Januar)-, 1891. He is now the pastor of the Union Reformed Church
in Sixth Avenue, New York City.
REV. ROBERT H. BEATTIE, pastor of the American Reformed
Church, is the youngest son of the late Rev. R. H. Beattie, D. D., of
New Hurley, Ulster County. His early education up to the time of
his entering college was carried on at home under his father's imme-
diate supervision,
and in the Autumn
of 1881 he was
regularly matricu-
lated m the fresh-
man class
Princeton.
Upon his gi-ad-
uation in 18S5 he
was chosen as in-
structor in the
Syrian Protestant
College at Beirut,
SjTia, where he
taught four years,
and during the lat-
ter two years held
the position of
principal of the
p r e p a r a tory de-
partment in that
institution.
During his resi-
dence in the East,
Mr. Beattie travel-
led widely in Pal-
estine and Syria,
besides making
tours in Egypt,
Greece, and other
parts of the Levant. In the Summer of 1S89 he returned to the
United States and entered upon his theological course at Princeton,
where, owing to previous study in Arabic and Hebrew, he was en-
abled to complete the usual three-year course in two years. During
the second year, he also occupied the position of tutor in Latin in
Princeton College.
At his graduation from Princeton Theological Seminary in ilay,
1891, he was awarded the Alumni Fellowshipin New Testament Liter-
ature, which gives the privilege of one year's study in any approved
university.
On June 24, 1S91, the services were held ordaining Mr. Beattie to
the gospel ministry, and installing him pastor of the American Re-
formed Church.
ROBERT H. BEATTIE,
ST. PATRICK'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.
The first documentary evidence of the existence of Catholics in
Newburgh is found in a letter written by Bishop Connolly, of New
York, in the year 1818. It is dated the 24th of January of that year,
and addressed to Rev. Mr. Langdill, in care of Mr. Jlclntyre, of New-
burch. From other sources, however, it is learned that for several
years previously, certainly as early as 1S16, divine service was held
from time to time in Newburgh by visiting clergymen from New
York. A certain Rev. Mr. JIcKenna is said to have occasionally cel-
ebrated mass and administered the sacraments about that period, and
he was the first j^riest to do so of whom tradition speaks. He was
followed in iSi- by a Rev. Dr. French. The small gathering of
Catholics who tlien lived in Newburgh was accustomed to assemble
NEWBURGH
133
for divine worship in the house of Henry Gihnore. Its location
was on Western Avenue (now Broadway) and opposite the present
St. Patrick's Cemetery. The names of the original worshipers there
are still remembered to the
number of at least fourteen,
who were heads of families.
This kind of religious min-
istry — at intervals only — con-
tinued until about 1830. In
the meantime the number of
Catholics had increased, and
in that j^ear the Rev. Philip
O'Reilly made Newburgh his
headquarters, whence he at-
tended several other places
more or less distant. Some
time during his administration
the place of worship was
changed from Mr. Gilmore's
house to the rented upper
story of a small frame build-
ing called the Mcintosh
house, which occupied the
southwest corner of the pres-
ent church property on Lib-
erty Street. The first perma-
nent pastor of St. Patrick's
was Rev. Patrick Duffy, who
fixed his residence in New-
burgh in 1836. In 1838 the
ground for a church was pur-
chased. In 1839 the erection
of the church was commenced.
The work, however, was soon
suspended, and was only re-
sumed in 1840. In 1S41 it
was far enough advanced to
have service in the building. The dimensions of the church were go
feet in length by 55 feet in width. At that date the congregation
ST. PATRICK'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCI
The church was formally dedicated
numbered about two hundred,
in 1849 by Bishop Hughes.
In 1850 a school was begun
in the basement. In 1852 the
grounds for a cemetery were
obtained. Father Duffy re-
mained in charge until his
death in 1S53.
He was succeeded in the
Fall of the same year by the
Rev. Edward J. O'Reilly. The
first act of the latter was to
procure additional lots on
Grand Street, south of those
already owned by the congre-
gation, on which in 1854 a
pastoral residence was built.
In 1S55 the Library Associa-
tion was formed, and it has,
under various names, existed
to the present time, and is
now known as the Young
Men's Catholic Lyceum. In
September, 1S56, a monthly
periodical entitled the Neio-
burgh Library Magazine
was started, and continued
to be pubUshed until August, iS6o. In 1S5S the building on Liberty
Street, now occupied by the female department of the parochial
school, was erected. That year witnessed also the introduction of
the Sisters of Charity into Xewburgh. In 1S60 the church, which had
become too small for the congregation, was so altered and enlarged
that it was made virtually a new one. Its former dimensions were
increased to 150 feet in length and 75 feet in width at the transepts,
and a steeple 135 feet in height
was added. The architect
was Rembrandt Lockwood;
J. Gill, mason; Little & Kelly,
carpenters. The number of
Catholics in Newburgh in
1S60 was about two thousand.
Father O'Reilly remained
pastor until 1867, when he
was transferred to New York
to take charge of one of its
oldest and most important
parishes. He died there in
1 88 1. His successor was the
Rev. Edward S. Briady. The
first work of importance un-
dertaken by Father Briady
was the enlargement of the
parochial residence. This was
done in 1S68. The other
events of his pastorate were
the purchase of the property
at the south end of Grand
Street, which is at present
known as St. Patrick's Female
Academy, and the purchase
of sixteen acres of land in the
town of New "Windsor, which
were intended for the purposes
of a cemetery. In 1875 the
members of the congregation
living in the Third and Fourth
Wards were formed into a
separate parish, and since then
consequently there have been two Cathohc congregations in New-
burgh. Resigning in March, 1879, on account of ill health, Father
Briady only survived for a few months afterwards. In July, 1879,
Very Rev. Dean Mooney was
<JD DEANERY
65 Grand St.
appoi
nted. The repairs and
ST, PATRICK'S FEMALE ACADEMY— No. 5 Grand Street
improvements — that were
deemed necessary — on church,
school and cemetery, were at
once made. In i8So the out
mission of St. Joseph's, New
Windsor, was estabHshed and
a chapel, for the accommo-
dation of the Catholics of the
vicinity, built. In i8Si anew
building for the Young Men's
Catholic Lyceum was erected
on Liberty Street. During the
ensuing two or three years the
efforts of the cougi-egation
vrere directed towards the
liquidation of the cost of these
improvements, as well as to-
wards the reduction of the
original debt. When the first
result was accomplished and
the second was well under
way it was determined to
thoroughly renovate and beau-
tify the church. This was
done in 1S85 and with a success that has left nothing to be desired.
In St. Patrick's Church Newburgh possesses an ecclesiastical
structure, which, while much might be said of its exterior, as to its
interior, in perfection of detail, in variety and beauty of decoration,
134
NEWBURGH
and in artistic finish, has few equals. From vestibule to altar, with
its exquisitely carved bas-relief, its rich, harmonious blending of
color and shade and symbol, with its striking procession of saintly
figures standing out from niche and shrine or moulded in hues and
nctuary, a fitting setting
liat rises up throne-like
■v..ti.>n. It is one of the
gone far, for once seen
tints of rarest glass, with its cathedral-
for the pure white marble table of s:k
in its center, i; breathes, speaks relii^i^
attractions of the city itself, and its fai
it is not easily forgotten.
The following year (1.886) was marked by two events which had
and which continue to have an influential bearing upon the matter of
religious education. A new impetus was given to the cause in
question by the arrival of four members of the justly celebrated com-
munity founded by De La Salle two hundred years ago for the ad-
vancement of Christian education — the Brothers of the Christian
schools. They have since conducted the male department. Their
arrival made necessary, owing to the great increase in the number
of their pupils, the construction of the large and well-appointed build-
ing on Liberty Street called St. Patrick's Institute. Begun in 1886, it
was completed in 1S87.
The occurrence of the year 18SS was a reminder to the people of
St. Patrick's that it was just fifty years since the congregation was
first organized and the erection of the church entered upon. Being
known in ecclesiastical parlance as " Jubilee year," it was resolved
to signalize the occasion by a celebration that would be memorable.
No more appropriate way could be desired than to have their beauti-
ful church solemnly consecrated to the service of God forever. To
do this it was required that the church should be unencumbered with
any debt. The mortgage consequently which was upon it was soon
raised by a general subscription and the people had the happiness to
see their beloved temple of worship, on the 21st of October, 18S8,
duly consecrated with magnificent and impressive ceremonies by Arch-
bishop Corrigan, assisted by Bishop McQuaid, of Rochester, and
Bishop Bradley, of Manchester, N. H.
At the present time St. Patrick's congregation numbers about
four thousand souls. Three priests minister to its spiritual wants.
There are seven hundred and seventy-five pupils in its schools. The
male and female departments are entirely distinct, occupjnng sep-
arate buildings and each having its own teachers. Both departments
are subdivided into an academic, an intermediate, and a primary de-
partment. Preparatory to each is a Kindergarten school. Four
Brothers arid three lady teachers instruct the boys; six Sisters and
one lady teacher the girls, making, with the music teacher, fifteen in all.
The congregation is organized into various societies adapted to
the particular needs and benefits of its several ages and classes;
A Society of the Holy Name for men, a Lyceum for young men,
a Sodality of the Blessed Virgin for the larger boys, and a Confra-
ternity of the Sacred Heart for the younger ones, an Association
of the Children of Mary for young ladies, a Society of Holy
Angels and a Society of the Sacred Infancy for those who are
still in school. There are besides organizations of the Holy
Rosary and Sacred Heart for all indiscriminately, as well as a
mutually benevolent organization under the charter of the Catholic
Benevolent Legion.
There are seven services in the church every Sunday, exclusive of
Sunday school.
With regard to its financial condition, St. Patrick's parish has for
the last ten years made a remarkable showing. The improvements
which within that period have been planned and carried out, have
cost upwards of fifty thousand dollars, all of which has been paid.
At the same time the orignal debt has decreased from thirty thou-
sand to twelve thousand dollars, which is the total indebtedness on a
church property which could not be duplicated for a hundred and
fifty thousand dollars. The temporalities of the parish are admin-
istered by a corporation consisting of the Archbishop and Vicar.
General of the Diocese, the Rector of the parish, and two Trustees
from the congregation.
Dean Mooney left this congregation to accept the pastorate of the
Church of the Sacred Heart, in New York, in January, iSgo, and was
succeeded by the Very Rev. William L. Penny, \ . F.
VERY REV. -WILLIAM L. PENNY, V. F., rector of St.
Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, and Dean of Orange and Rockland
Counties, was born in Rondout, N. Y. He attended St. Mary's school
there, and after completing the course entered college in 1862. He
was graduated from Niagara University in June, 1867, and entered
St. Joseph's Seminary, at Troy, in September of the same year. He
was ordained there in June, 1871, and afterwards appointed assistant
pastor of St. James's Church, in New York City.
In December, 1875, he was promoted to the pastorate of St. Ann's
Cliurch, Xyack, where he completed the edifice then in course of erec-
tion, lie also had charge of St. John's Church, at Piermont, and dur-
ing his fifteen years' ministry there he decorated and beautified both
of those churches, and reduced the heavy debts that encumbered
them, and did many other ennobling acts. In 1886 he was honored
with an appointment to the Board of Examiners of parochial schools.
He was appointed to the irremovable rectorship of St. Patrick's
in March, i8yo, and also made Dean of Orange and Rockland Counties.
Already Dean Penny has acquired a strong hold on the affections of
his people. He has reduced the debt on the property 84,000 since he
came here, and in other ways greatly strengthened the church. He
is an able pulpit orator and popular platform speaker, and has done
a large amount of work as a lecturer since he has been a priest, or-
ganized many societies and exercised special care in school matters.
He was a classmate of the former pastor of the church, the \'y. Rev.
Dean Mooney, and also of Bishop Bradley, of Manchester, N. H.
Fathers Penny and Mooney were also boys together in Rondout.
UNION CHURCH.
This congregation was organized July 13, 1837, and erected
their first church building on the southwest corner of Water and
Clinton Streets. It was composed of members who had withdrawn
NEWBURGH
135
from the Associate Reformed Church, and as a new society received
their spiritual baptism under the ministry of the Rev. John Forsyth,
D. D. He was installed jjastor December 5, 1S37, and resigned
OLD UNION CHURCH— Co
Montgomery Stree
January 7, 1S4S, but retained a paternal interest in the charge until
the day of his death, October, 17 1SS6
He was succeeded by the Re\ Abraham R Van Nest ]r , and the
which is the site of their present church home. Mr. Jack was a man
of remarkable eloquence and power, and possessed rare abilities as a
preacher. He spent twelve j-ears with this congregation, where in
a very uncommon degree his labors were blessed. He left Newburgh
January i, i86g, to spend the remainder of his active and useful life
in Pennsylvania,
but he ever re-
tained the attach-
ment which he had
formed in early
manhood for this
place and its
people.
Since his pas-
torate closed Union
Church has been so
fortunate as to en-
joy the ministry of
the Rev. Wendell
Prime, D. D., now
editor of the New
York Observer,
and the Rev.
Charles Cuthbert
Hall, at present
pastor of the First
Presbyterian
Church of Brook-
l)m. The former
was installed June
3, iS6g, and resign-
ed September 28,
1875; and the lat-
ter was ordained p^^,„, „, union Church from 1849 to 1856.
and installed De-
cember 2, 1S75, and resigned March 28, 1877. The Rev. Frederick
B. Savage, D. D., was then called, and installed as pastor July 2,
1878, and still remains as such. Photographs of this exceptionally
able galaxy of clergymen adorn the wall of the Sunday school room
and a tablet to the memory of the Rev. John Forsyth, D. D. , LL. D.
REV. ROBERT McCARTEE,
ordained whose
Rev. Robert McCartee, D. D. .
and installed January 20,
184S, and resigned October
14 of the same year; and the
latter was installed August
17, 1849, and resigned April
9, 1856.
But progress in this con-
gregation was naturally
slower than with many
others, for there was more to
surrender. The original col-
on)' of persons who formed
it, brought with them the
old Scotch version of Psalms,
retained their alliance with
the Associate Reformed
Synod, and erected their
house of worship in the ex-
treme northeast corner of the
city. These and other ob-
stacles were overcome during
the ministry of the Rev. Al»
exander B. Jack, who was
ordained and installed pastor
June 25, 1857. The congre-
gation united with the Old
.School Presb)'terians, and
purchased the First Presbyterian Church property on the northwest
corner of First and Montgomery Streets, in the center of the city.
■ has become a household ^
INTERIOR OF OL
,'ord in this city, was unveiled
at the left of the pulpit, Feb-
ruary 19, 1S8S.
The new church edifice
where two towers rise from
consecrated grotmd, was
dedicated September 24
1872. It is a brick structure
in the form of the letter T,
of Gothic architecture, from
plans by E. K. Shaw, of
Newburgh. The auditorium
has a seating capacity of one
thousand. Thomas Shaw &
Sons were the contractors
for the carpenter work, and
Thomas Dobbin for the ma-
son work. The total cost
of construction was $60,000,
which was paid, and a
Thanksgiving service held
October 26, 1882, which was
addressed by the Rev. AVil-
liam Ormiston, D. D., then
of the Collegiate Reformed
Church, New York City,
who had assisted at the ded-
ication. About one-third of
the building, at the north end, is divided into a commodious lecture-
room, a very cheerful Sunday school room, a parlor, and pastor's
ION CHURCH.
136
NEWBURGH
study. This is the only real property owned by the society, but the
writer has opportunity to know that it is only a matter of a few years
until this church will be endowed with facilities for greater useful-
ness.
The official boards are composed of men of popularity in the com-
munity, of irreproachable character, and devoted members of the
church. The working force of the church is large and energetic, and
actuated by rare unanimity of thought and purpose. The Sunday
school contains nearly five hundred scholars, is admirably conducted
and always generously entertained at the holiday season. The school
educates two Indian children at a missionary station in the West.
The Ladies' Missionary Society, a Society of Christian Endeavor, and
other active agencies are all doing a good work. Ten annual offer-
ings are taken for charitable, benevolent, philanthropic and religious
uses, and a fvmd accumulated, designated the Helen Lefferts Prime
Memorial Fund, the interest
on which is expended for the
purchase of libraries for sail-
ors and seamen.
The directory for public
worship conforms to the
constitution and standards
of the Presbyterian Church,
with the single innovation
of responsive readings at the
morning service. Congre-
gational singing is conduct-
ed by a chorus choir, with
organ accompaniment. On
July lo, 1SS7, the semi-cen-
tennial of the organization
of the church was duly ob-
served with appropriate ex-
ercises, and a memorial ser-
mon by the pastor.
The pulpit of this church
has always been strictly Cal-
vinistic and never sensation-
al, avoiding political discus-
sion and the vexed questions
which burn in the columns
of the press. But in every
great National crisis affect-
ing the religious or temporal
interests of the country, the
lamp of religion has been
turned upon the affairs of
men, and the voice of its
pulpit, in admonition or cen-
sure, has been heard in no
uncertain sound.
The officers of the church
are as follows : Elders— J.
J. S. McCroskery, Alexander
Beattie, John L. AVestervelt
and William E. Mapes;
Trustees — George Tamkin,
John Gait, Isaac C. Chapman, Charles G. Coriey, Elkanah K. Shaw,
William F. Martin, Alanson Y. Weller, David Lawson and John J. S.
McCroskery. Deacons— David Lawson, O. M. Cleveland, Alexander
Golden and Edward P. Corwin.
REV. JOHN FORSYTH, D. D., LL. D.. was born in Newburgh
December 10, 1810. He was the son of John Forsyth, a native of
Scotland, and one of the foremost citizens of Newburgh. After at-
tending the pubUc and private schools here. Dr. Forsyth entered Rut-
gers College and graduated with honor in 1829. He subsequently
studied theology at Newburgh under the Rev. Dr. McCarrell, and at
a later period visited Scotland, where some of the kindred of his father
resided, and continued his theological studies under the Rev. Dr.
Chalmers, at Edinburgh, and also at Glasgow, under the Rev. Dr.
Dick. Having completed his theological studies under these two
distinguished men, he was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of
Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1S33.
He returned to his home in Newburgh the same year, and was
married to Anna B. Hyer, widow of the Rev. Matthew L. FuUerton,
of Hagerstown, Md. At the time of his death this union and compan-
ionship had been happily continued for over fift\--three years.
In July, 1S34, he was ordained by the Presbytery of New York,
and in December he accepted the pastorate of an Associate Reformed
congregation at Philadelphia, in which relation he remained until
1S36.
In the Fall of the following year he accepted a call to become the
pastor of the Union Associate Reformed Church of Newburgh, and
December 5 he was install-
ed, the ceremonv taking
place in the old Academy.
In this pa.storate he re-
mained until 1S4S. He was
also Professor of Biblical
Literature in the theological
seminary. His life at this
period was verj- busy. Be-
sides the duties of a faithful
pastorate and those of the
professorship, his contribu-
tions of varied literary effort
were very large. His schol-
arship became widely noted
and distinguished, and this
fact, combined with his abil-
ity as an instructor in the
Newburgh Theological Sem-
inary, led to his appointment
as Professor of Latin and
History in the College of
New Jersey Princeton.
" His immediate prede-
cessor," says Prof. Duffield,
of Princeton, "was James
A. Alexander. It was felt
that a man of more than or-
dinary ability was needed to
'] such a vacancy. The
-.ontion of the trustees was
ituracted to Dr. Forsyth by
his reputation as a professor
at Newburgh, and his schol-
arly contributions to the
Princeton Review and other
religious magazines. Pre-
vious to his appointment hi.s-
tory had not been one of the
regular studies in the cur-
riculum. In view of Dr.
Forsyth's proficiency in that
professorship. For five years the
ere discharged with
d Mont^
department, it was added to h
duties of the two important department
ability, fidelity and success. In 1S52 when he resigned his profes-
sorship to return to the seminary at Newburgh, his removal from
Princeton was regarded as a serious loss both to the college and the
community. In 1S64 he was appointed lecturer on History, and for
seven years gave an interesting and profitable course of lectures to
the senior class.
' ' Successful as an instructor, his influence on the intellectual life
of the college during his connection with the institution was not con-
fined to the class room. He was a man of rare breadth of culture.
Endowed with a vigorous intellect — developed and disciplined by
faithful study — he was distinguished not only for classical and bibli-
NEWBURGH
■n
cal scholarship, but for proficiency in theology, philosophy and liter-
ature as well as in history. * * * Of the many distinguished
men who have been connected with Princeton, few were in literary
labors more abundant. Besides frequent contributions to other peri-
odicals, he contributed more than a score of valuable articles to the
Princeton Review, and crowned his labors in connection with the
Review by a service for which he will be held in lasting remembrance
by loyal Princetonians — the preparation and publication in 1869 of an
analytical index of the first four volumes and an exhaustive topical
index of the remaining forty volumes — a service requiring so much
time and labor that few men would have had the courage to under-
take it, and no one could have performed it more successfully.
" His ability and varied attainments, combined with a genial dis-
position, courteous demeanor, manly character, and exemplary piety,
secured for him the respect and esteem both of his pupils and col-
leagues, and made his personal influence one of the important intel-
lectual and moral forces of the college. "
In 1S60 he accepted the Professorship of English Language and
Literature in Rutgers College and remained there three years. In
1S71 he was appointed Chaplain and Professor of Law and Ethics at
the United States
Military Academy
at West Point. He
served till 18S2,
when he was retir-
ed with the rank of
Colonel.
For nearly twen-
ty-four years he
was President of
the New burgh
Board of Educa-
tion, and from 1858
until his retirement
in 1S77 he was the
President of the
Board. He was a
Director of the
Newburgh Nation-
al Bank, and a
Trustee of the Sav-
ings Bank; for
nearly thirty years
he was Correspond-
ing Secretary of
the Newburgh
Bible Society, a
member of the So-
ciety for the Pre-
vention of Cruelty to Animals, of the Society for Improving the Con-
dition of the Poor, and of several other organizations.
His writings were voluminous, and besides his articles in the Prince-
ton Rei'iew, Christian Magazine, Christian Intelligencer, Chris-
tian Instructor, Scottish Guardian (Glasgow), New Brunswick
Review and the Theological and Literary Review, the following
works are best known: Memoirs of Alexander Proudfit, D. D., the
Rev. "W. Romaine, Thomas DeWitt, D. D., Joseph McCarrell, D. D.,
and the Rev. R. Howard Wallace; " History of the Associate Re-
formed Church," " Pastor's Counsels to a Young Christian," " Sketch-
es of the Lives of the Early Governors of New York," "Additional
Notes to the Epistle of James in Henrj^'s Commentary, London edi-
tion," contributions to Lang's Commentaries, etc., etc.
To use the words of another, " Dr. Forsyth was a great man, with
a grand body, a grand brain, and grand heart. He was a towering
personality. He belonged to a church and was loyal to his denomin-
ation, but he was too great to be limited to the bounds of one sect.
He was the patriarch and bishop of us all. For ages he will continue
to speak to this community. Though he is dead we have the legacy
of his great and noble character, and shall be inspired and guided by
his holy example."
-EXANDER B. JACK.
Dr. Forsyth died at his home in Third Street, Sabbath evening,
October 17, 1S86.
REV. ALEXANDER B. JACK, one of the famous pulpit orators
of this country, was identified for a number of years with the religious
and social life of Newburgh, and countless thousands love to recall
him. This man was born at Dunbar, in the east of Scotland, June
13, 1836, and was the third in a line of noted Presbj'terian divines.
He received his classical education in the best institutions of learning
in his native land, and came to America while yet a young man, and
studied theology at the Associate Reformed Seminary in this city.
His first charge was the LTnion Church, in which he was ordained and
installed on June 25, 1S57. He achieved distinction in the ministry,
and his reputation spread far beyond his home. Wherever he went
he preached to overflowing houses, and great crowds were awed b}'
his power and electrified by his appeals. He was not an enthusiast,
but eloquent; not a zealot, but a genius; and his sermons and lectures,
always bold and striking in composition, were profusely illustrated
with beautiful word-pictures.
awkward man, self-forgetful, regardless of his
Mr, Jack was ai
person al appear-
ance, and attracted
much attention. He
was odd and eccen-
tric in manner, and
reminiscences o f
his peculiarities
and genius have
been handed down
from parent to
child. Such a con-
trast of body and
mind seems almost
impossible. A com-
position so rare as
his one does not
meet often in a
lifetime. But he
was held in the
highest esteem by
all of his fellow-
citizens, and the
clergy of every
sect were friendly
with him. He was
a jovial man, with
the sunniest of
temperaments, and
upon his removal
from Newburgh, in the year 1S69, all who had enjoyed an intimacy
with him felt that they had parted with an exceptional citizen and a
warm friend. He served two Presbyterian congregations in the State
of Pennsylvania — at Danville and Hazleton — with acceptability rare
in any community. At the age of fifty he lay down to die, at Hazle-
ton, Luzerne Countv, on Mav 21, 18S6.
REV. FREDERICK B. SAVAGE, D. D., the present pastor of
Union Church, was born in Montreal, Canada, April 30, 1S44. He
was graduated at Phillips' Andover Academy in 1S61, and at Williams
College in 1865. He then studied theology two years in Union Theo-
logical Seminary. After spending a year and a half abroad, he re-
turned and resumed the study of theology with the Rev. Joseph T.
Duryea, D. D., at that time pastor of the Classon Avenue Church in
Brooklyn.
Dr. Savage was licensed to preach at Lanesboro, Minn., January
6, 1S72, and was ordained at the same place, June 12, 1872. The fol-
lowing year he became pastor of the Presbj'terian Church at Coop-
erstown, N. Y., and served two 3-ears. In January, 1878, he was
called to the pastorate of LTnion Church in Newburgh. His honorary
degree was bestowed by Union College.
1^,8
NEWBURGH
SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH-
SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH.
This congregation was organized in 1S4S, and its first meeting-
house was in Liberty Street, on property now owned by St. Patrick's
Church. The Rev. William Jackson, from Xew Bedford, Mass., was
the first pastor. He served two years, and
was succeeded by the Rev. E. Hawkins, of
Xewburgh, formerly of Richmond, Va. , who
labored hard to build up the church and
overcame many obstacles. In the hope of
bringing about a reconciliation between fac-
tions in the church, he resigned the charge,
and was succeeded by the Rev. Peter Ran-
dolph, of Chelsea, Jlass., whose stay was
less than twelve months. He was succeed-
ed by the Rev. Mr. Sampson (white), who
ministered to the people for a short period,
and then the Rev. E. Hawkins was recalled
to the pastorate.
Trouble arose again, some of the mem-
bers being in favor of calling the Rev. Rich-
ard Perrj-, of Plainfield, N. J. A split
occurred, and the adherents of Mr. Perry
left the church and worshiped under his
ministration on Broadway near Dubois
Street, but after a few months they repented
and returned to the old body. But before
this time the mortgage on the church prop-
erty in Liberty Street was foreclosed
and the property sold. The present house of worship, in Wil-
liam Street, was built in 1871. In the following year there was a
notable revival, and a great work was done by the Rev. J. H. Gaines,
who assisted Pastor Hawkins. The Xewburgh church established a
mission in Pough-
keepsie, which
flourished for a
time and then died.
A few 3'ears later
trouble came to the
church in William
Street, then under
the ministration of
Henry Duers, a
^•oung licentiate, of
Yonkers, N. Y.,
which ended in a
spht; and spiritual
interest waned. A
mortgage of Si, 100
was foreclosed and
the church was sold
at public auction,
but the congrega-
tion still continued
to worship there.
September 15, 1SS5,
the present pastor,
the Rev. H. T.
Johnson, from
Washington, D.C.,
was installed. He
is a graduate of the
theological branch
of Howard Uni-
versity. He began
his work under
many discourage-
ments. Through the kindness of citizens the sum of S500 was
raised, and a first payment upon the church propertj- was made,
and the deed is once more in the possession of the congregation.
CHURCH— Co
In 18S9 the church, which had been a member of the Southern
New York Baptist Association, united with the Hudson River Central
Baptist Association. The present officers are the Rev. H. T. John-
son, Pastor; William Hawkins, J. C. Jackson, L. F. Johnson, Lewis
Townsend, J. 11. Roberts, Deacons; William Hawkins, L. F. John-
sun, Lewis To\\-nsend, Joseph Stewart and
. H. Roberts, Trustees.
ST. JOHN'S METHODIST EPISCO-
PAL CHURCH,
Located on Broadway, corner of High St.,
was formally organized May 23, 1S52, main-
ly through the instrumentality of Joseph
Longking, Henry Cornell, and James Mar-
tin. In 1S51 these gentlemen proposed to
the trustees of the First, now Trinity,
Church that that body should hire, for the
use of a new Methodist society, the build-
ing formerly occupied by the Second Pres-
byterian Church — the applicants agreeing to
pay the interest on the debt then existing
im the biiilding for that )-ear. This propo-
sition was not accepted by the First Church.
After further consideration, and with the
approval of the presiding elder of the dis-
iViiiiam St, near Washington. trict, and of the Rcv. A. M. Osbou, the
pastor of the First Church, Mr. Longking,
and his associates determined to prosecute the enterprise; and in
comphance with their request the presiding elder appointed the Rev.
Aaron F. Palmer, a local deacon, preacher in charge until the ensuing
session of the New York Conference. The society was organized at
the residence of
Mr. Cornell, at
which time certifi-
cates of member-
ship were received
from seven persons
all of them from
New York City.
The originators
of this movement
had been strongly
advised by Bishop
Janes, on their de-
cision to come to
Newburgh. to at-
tempt the organi-
zation of a second
Methodist Church.
Previous to this
time arrangements
had been made for
the use of the Sec-
ond Presbyterian
Church edifice,
and, on the gth of
June following,
Henry Cornell,
James Martin, John
H. Waters, Nelson
Austin and Joseph
Longking were
unanimously elect-
ncr of Broadway and High Street. ed trUStCCS, and the
articles of corpora-
tion were formed. The building which had been rented for the
society at the time of its organization was purchased by its
trustees in March, 1S53, for $5,000, and at about the same time
NEWBURGH
139
arrangements were made for erecting a parsonage and also a lecture
room. These latter buildings were completed in September, 1S53.
The church edifice was dedicated on the 13th of June, 1853, and on
the 25th of that month the society had a membership of 129 persons,
nearly all of whom had been previously connected with the First
Church.
In the Spring of 1S74 the church was partially destroyed by fire,
but was immediately rebuilt and greatly improved. Two years later,
as the result of perhaps the greatest revival ever known in the city,
the congregation and membership were so greatly increased as to
necessitate an enlargement of the building. From that time it has re-
mained as it is to-day, probabl)^ the largest church as to its seating
capacity in Newburgh.
As an organization it has been exceedingly active and aggressive
from its origin. Each year it has been visited with revivals, in some
instances the number of converts reaching into the hundreds. Its
present membership is, exclusive of probationers, over seven hundred,
which makes it one of the largest churches, numerically, in the New
York Conference. It is exceeded in respect to its numbers by only two
others.
Following is the list of its pastors: 1852-53, Rufus C. Putney; 1854
-55, L. W. Walsworth; 1856-57, D. Buck; 1858-59, E. L. Prentice;
1860-61, J. P. Hermance; 1862-63, C. S. Brown; 1S64-65, T. B. Smith;
1866, G. H. Gregory; 1867-68, D. Lull; 1869-70, H. R. Birkins; 1871
-72, W. E. Clarke; 1S73-74, G. H. Corey; 1875-77, L. H. King; 1878-
80, F. Hamlin; 1SS1-S2, A. McLean; 1883, B. H. Burch; 1S84-S6,
C. R. North; 1S87-88 G. H. Gregory; 1889-91, E. S. Osbon.
Its present Board of Trustees is as follows: President — William
H. Shannon; Secretary — George W. Fenton; Treasurer — John JI.
Wilson; WiUiam S. Wands, George C. Perkins, Lewis Vernol, E.
Garrison, Edmund Sanxay and Ira Caldwell.
Its Stewards are the following: Theodore Westlake, Valentine
Lambert, Wilham S. Wands, Isaac W. Whited, Nathaniel Drew,
Aaron TerwilHger, Emory Fowler, W. T. Coleman, James H. Crook,
jr., Walton Westlake and Henry C. Poyer.
Sunday school Superintendent — James R. White.
REV. ELIAS SILLICK OSBON. D. D., was born in Middlebury.
Vermont. His father was the late Rev. A. JVI. Osbon, D. D., widely
known in this vicinity, twice as a pastor in Newburgh and twice as
the Presiding Elder of the Newburgh District of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church. His mother was the daughter of the Rev. Bradley Sil-
lick, also a well known clergyman of his day. Two uncles were Meth-
odist ministers. The different branches of the family have contrib-
uted more than two hundred years of effective service in the ministry
of that denomination.
His education was commenced in the pubhc schools of New York
City. During his father's pastorate of the church in Second Street,
in this city, he was a scholar in the Newburgh Academy and in the
private school presided over by the Rev. Mr. Connelly. For two years
he pursued his studies at the New York Conference Seminary, at
Charlotteville, Schoharie County, then one of the largest and most
famous schools in the country, and would have entered college but
because of his youth he was forbidden, by college regulations, to carry
out his purpose. Turning his attention to business he accepted a sit-
uation m a retail dry goods establishment. Always fond of the sea
he became, at this time, enamored of the hfe of a sailor. Sailing from
New York in an American clipper ship he spent eighteen months on
the ocean, visiting various points in Europe, Asia and Africa. On
his return he again engaged in business, entering a large importing
house, first as an assistant to the confidential clerk, and on the retire-
ment of the latter being promoted to that responsible position.
During an extensive revival in his father's church in Eighty-Sixth
Street, New York, he was converted, joined the church and decided
to enter the ministry. In 1858 his studies were resumed at the Hud-
son River Institute, at Claverack, and in the following Autumn he
was admitted to the Troy University. The class of which he was a
member did not graduate owing to the failure of the institution. He
afterwards pursued the prescribed course and graduated at the Syra-
cuse University. In 1885 the Upper Iowa University honored him
with the degree of Doctor of Divinity. His life has been spent in the
ministry in the following places: Eddyville, Hillside and Riverside,
Milton, Goshen, Ellenville, Peekskill, and Greene Street, New York.
In 1875 he became Presiding Elder of the Ellenville District, and is
said to have been, up to that period, the youngest man ever appointed
to that office in his conference. Returning to the pastorate he has
since served the following churches : Bedford Street, New York;
Middletown, St. James of Kingston, Poughkeepsie and West Harlem,
now known as Calvary, New York. In the Spring of 1889 he was
stationed in his present charge, St. John's, in this city.
A powerful pulpit orator. Dr. Osbon's aid is often obtained by his
ministerial brethren for special services, as at the dedication of
churches, and in preaching and raising money for the liquidation of
church debts. He has also been extensively engaged in lecturing,
without having
sought engage- ^ " ^
ments in that field,
and he has won
great appreciation
from the general
public. Dr. Osbon
has seen a great
deal of the world
he lives in; he has
crossed the Atlan-
tic twelve times,
and besides the
voyages to Asia
and Africa in his
youth he has visit-
ed almost every
country in Europe
from the Mediter-
ranean to the North
Cape.
Dr. Osbon has
been twice married,
first to Miss Sade
J. Philps, a teacher
in the State Normal
School of New Jer-
sey. The fruit of
this marriage was
two children, one, a son, dying in infancy, the other, a daughter,
Nellie, who died but a few days before her mother, as the result of
an epidemic raging in Kingston in the winter of 1885. Second, to
Mrs. Hattie Curtiss, of New York.
WESTMINSTER REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
On November 12, 1854, a second congregation of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church, composed of thirty-three members, was organ-
ized and is now known as the Westminster Church. The first officers
were WiUiam Thompson, James Frazerand William Johnston, elders;
John Lawson and James Hilton, deacons. The public ser\dces of
the church were first held in the court house. The church building
was completed in November, 1S55, and dedicated on the 25th day of
that month. The morning service was conducted by Rev. Dr. James
Christie, of New York, who delivered an able lecture on the 12th
chapter of Isaiah. In the afternoon the discourse was by the Rev. J.
R. Thompson from Genesis xxviii : 17; the evening service was con-
ducted by Dr. Christie.
In 1872 the edifice was enlarged and now will accommodate about
six hundred persons. In the basement is a commodious lecture room
which is used by the Sabbath school, and for prayer meetings and
church meetings.
After accepting a call from this congregation, the Rev. J. R.
Thompson was ordained and installed pastor on December 12, 1855,
REV, E, S, OSBON, D,
140
NEWBURGH
and still continues in that relation, being the senior pastor of the
city. From its organization the congregation has had a continuous
growth ; and there have been on several occasions e\4dences of
marked spiritual interest, and special manifestations of a revival of
religion. Twice in its history thirty members were added at com-
munion and on one occasion over fifty persons were received into
the fellowship of the church. Not one communion season in its his-
tory has passed without an increase in its membership. Since its or-
ganization over 700 persons have been members of the congregation.
Its present membership is 300, with many attendants besides. There
is a large and thriving Sabbath school, under the control of the Ses-
sion of the congregation. This congregation has stood in the front
rank in all reformatory movements. From its pulpit has sounded forth
not only the Gospel trumpet, but also fearless protests against all social
e\-ils, with earnest pleas for the legal prohibition of the hquor traffic,
for Sabbath observance, and for Bible principles as the basis of con-
stitutional and statute law in the nation. As a part of the old historic
Covenanter Church it occupies the place of a reformatory congrega-
tion, where all social reforms will find a home and an uncompromising
advocate. In 1S91 a mission was established on Broadway. The
present boards of officers are as follows: Elders — Andrew Little, R.
M. McAllister. AV. Thompson, J. C. Sloat, Isaac Cochran, WilUam
Lynn and Hugh Robinson; Deacons — Adam Patton, W. C. Johnston,
John \V. Magee, WiUiam Tweed, Thomas W. Gavey, John McNeal,
James Boyd, William Hamilton, George B. Carver. The deceased
officers are "William Thompson, sr. , "William Johnston, Francis Wilson,
James Frazer, sr. and John Frazer, Elders; and John Lawson and
James Hilton, Deacons.
REV. J. R. THOMPSON, the son of Elder William Thompson,
was born in Newburgh, prepared for college in the old Newburgh
Academy, and graduated from the New York University in 1847.
After studying theology for four years in the Reformed Presbyterian
During his long pastorate, the longest now in the city, he has made
the salvation of men the chief aim of his ministry, and at the same
time in his pulpit has claimed the right of free speech on the great
moral questions of the age. In the days of slavery his voice was
WESTMINSTER REFORMED PRESB'
Seminarv' in Cincinnati, and afterwards in Northwood, Ohio, he was
licensed to preach the gospel April 16, 1852.
Having spent more than a year in Europe, he returned and was
called as pastor of the Westminster Church in Newburgh, N. Y.,
December 19, 1856, where he still continues in that relation. On June i ,
1S58, he was married to Miss Mary Frances Lawson, only daughter
of the late John Lawson.
always heard in favor of the oppressed, and now in the second great
reform, the overthrow of the liquor oligarchy and the promotion of
the cause of temperance, he occupies an advanced position.
CALVARY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Calvary Presbyterian Church was organized September i, 1S56, by
the "Committee of Church Extension of the Presbytery of North
River." Fortj'-five persons presented letters of dismission from the
First Presbyterian Church. William G. Gillespie and John :Mc-
Clelland were unanimously elected ruling elders. On the isth day
of the same month a call was made for the pastoral ser\-ices of the
licentiate, S. Hildeburn McMuUin. The call was accepted, and he was
ordained to the work of the ministry and installed as the first pastor
of Calvary Church, October 16, 1856. The ordination services were
held in the Court House, and were conducted by the Rev. E. K.
Bower, Moderator of the Presbytery.
The first meeting of the Session was held October 17, at the
residence of Mrs. Catharine Sly, on High Street. On October 20
Moses Upright, William K. Mailler, Walter H. Gorham, Wesse! S.
Gerard, Peter Ward and Charles Johnston were elected as the first
Board of Trustees. At the first communion, which was celebrated
on Sabbath, November 2, the membership had increased to eighty-
two.
Steps were at once taken toward the erection of a house of wor-
ship. l:)uring the Winter of 1856-57 a sufficient sum was subscribed to
justify the trustees in purchasing a site, and they secured the plot
bounded on the east by Liberty Street, on the north by Farrington
Street, (in the west by Chambers Street, and on the south by the
property now owned and occupied by Trinity M. E. Church, the
NEWBURGH
141
price paid being §4,000. A plan for the church edifice, drawn
by Gerard & Boj-d, was adopted, and the contract for its erec-
tion was awarded to John Little. Architect Withers was appointed
to superintend the work in conjunction with a building committee
CALVARY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
of Liberty and Farnngtt
consisting of Trustees ^Mailler, Gorham and Ward. Ground was
broken in April, 1S57. On the gth day of July following, the corner-
stone was laid, on which occasion, in addition to the service of praise
under the leadership of the choir, prayer was offered by the Rev.
Slalcolra N. McLaren, D. D., of the Reformed Dutch Church; the
Rev. Joseph McCarrell, D. D., of the Associate Reformed Church,
read the scripture lesson, and Charles Johnston, on behalf of the
board of trustees, read a statement in reference to the organization
and progress of the church. In the absence of the pastor on account
of illness, the Rev John Forsyth, D. D., of Union Church, after some
appropriate remarks, laid the corner-stone, after which addresses were
delivered by the Rev. Alexander R. Thompson, of Staten Island,
and the Rev. J. M. Crowell, of Philadelphia, and the benediction was
pronounced by the Rev. Dr. Forsyth.
The edifice was dedicated on the 24th day of February, A. D.,
1858, by the Rev. Nicholas Murray, D. D., of Elizabeth, N. J., who
preached from I Kings vi; 4 and viii: 16. The Rev. William T. Sprole,
D. D., Joseph McCarrell, D. D., and the pastor took part in the ser-
vices. The cost of the church building and its furniture was about
817,000. All the services, prcNdous to the dedication, had been held
in the Court House.
In April, i860. Rev. Mr. McJIulUn resigned the pastorate. He
was succeeded by the Rev. Judson H. Hopkins, who was ordained
to the ministry and installed as the second pastor December ig, i860.
After a service of three years Mr. Hopkins resigned. A long va-
cancy ensued, the pulpit being occupied by a number of supplies, one
of whom, the Rev. C. M. Wines, preached for three months and re-
ceived a call to the pastorate, which he declined. This was a period
of great trial and discouragement, and the fear entered many hearts
that the church could not be continued.
At length they were united in calling the Rev. George S. Bishop,
who accepted, and was installed in April, 1866. Mr. Bishop's minis-
trj' was a very successful one, during which the membership of the
church was stimulated to fresh activity, many souls converted, and
new life communicated to every department of Church work. Dur-
ing his pastorate a convenient manse was erected north of the church
building, and over two-thirds of the amount raised to procure the pipe
organ which is now in use.
In the Autumn of 1S72 Mr. Bishop resigned the pastorate and ac-
cepted a call to Orange, N. J., and was succeeded by the present pas-
tor, the Rev. Jeremiah Searle, April i, 1873.
Mr. Searle was installed May 6, 1873. At the in-
stallation services the Rev. Wendell Prime presided,
the Rev. William K. Hall offered the prayer of in-
stallation, the Rev. George S. Bishop preached the
sermon, the Rev. S. H. Jagger delivered the charge
to the pastor and the Rev. Edward D. Ledyard the
charge to the people. During this pastorate, which
still continues, the church has been blessed in many
respects in a remarkable degree. At its beginning
there was resting upon the church and manse a
mortgage debt of $13,500. This was reduced from
time to time by special efforts and by the application
of surplus revenue, imtil on the ist of April, 1881, the
entire debt was about Sg.ooo. The great success
which had attended similar efforts in neighboring
churches prompted and encouraged the officers of the
church to make an appeal to the congregation for
that amount. The Rev. F. B. Savage, D. D., of
Union Church, rendered valuable aid in the matter,
and on Sabbath, April 10, 1881, the people responded
noblj' to the appeal; and on that day and a few days
following pledges were received to the amount of
Sg,625, almost all of which pledges were fully re-
deemed; and the burden of debt which had so long
hindered and impeded the church in its work was
completely removed.
In 18S9 the church was supplied with new pews
and carpets, and the electric light was introduced.
The annual contributions of the church average
about $5,500. Up to September i, iSSi, when the quarter-centennial
of the church was celebrated, there had been enrolled as
cants 4g6, of whom
W -^St-^-
86 had died and
172 had been dis-
missed to other
churches, leaving
at that time 238
names on the roll.
The membership
has increased to
about 320 in 1S91.
The present of-
ficers of the church
areas follows: Ses-
sion — the Rev. J.
Searle, pastor; Rul-
ing Elders — Hugh
S. Banks, John
Dales, Charies L.
Chatterton, Charles
J. Howell, William
G. Kimball, John
McDougall, Hugh
McKissock, Samuel
W. Scofield and
Aug-ustus Senior.
Deacons — Andrew
Barnes, Thomas J.
Jamison, Frank H.
Ketcham, George
G. Peck and Chas.
E. Petty. Trustees— Charles J. Howell, Thomas J. Jamison, Charles
L. Chatterton, John Dales, Augustus Senior and James M. Crane.
Church Clerk and Treasurer— John Dales ; Treasurer of Benevolent
Funds— George G. Peck; Sunday School Supt.— Augustus Senior.
REV. JEREMI/
SEARLE.
142
NEWBURGH.
REV. JEREMIAH SEARLE was born at Coxsackie, X. V., July
13, 1636, Uk- sixth child and third son of the Rev. Jeremiah and Mary
Tomb Searle. He received his preparatory training at Coxsackie
Academy and afterward by private study, was graduated from Rut-
■JITED PRESBYTERI/
CHURCH— Corr
and Fourth Streets.
gers College, New Brunswick, X. J., 1S56, and from the Theological
Seminary of the Reformed (Dutch) Church in the same city. May,
1858, and the same month was licensed to preach the gospel by the
Classis of Jlonmouth. He received the degree of M. A. from Rut-
gers College June, 1858.
Mr. Searle was married August iS, 1S5S, to Margaretta F. Con-
over, of New Brunswick, N. J. Having in June of that year accepted
a call from the Reformed Church of Bloomingburgh,
he was ordained to the ministry and installed pastor
of that church September 21, 185S. In 1S62 he was
for several months chaplain of the 143d Regiment,
N. Y. S. Volunteers, then stationed on the defenses
of Washington, at Upton Hill, Va. Subsequently
pastorates were filled at Oyster Bay, L. I., Syracuse,
Albany and Peekskill.
April I, 1873, he began his ministry in Calvary
Presbyterian Church of Newburgh, and under his
ministration the church has greatly prospered.
Presbytery of New York held its first meeting, November g, 1859. a
petition was received from this people asking to be organized into a
congregation. The request was granted, and on the 6th day of De-
cember, 1859, the Rev. Alexander McWilliams preached by the ap-
pointment of Presbytery and the organization was duly effect-
ed. The elders chosen were George Gearn, George Lendrum,
John Geddes, sr., and Matthew Stephenson, M. D. The fol-
ing trustees were appointed: Andrew Johnson, Benjamin
W. Chambers, Thomas M. ilcCann, James S. Strachan. Robert
Hyndman, George Lendrum, George Gearn, John Geddes, sr..
and John Brown.
The use of the church edifice on the corner of Montgomery
and Fourth Streets, in which the congregation still worships,
was secured at an early date, and was purchased from the
trustees of the First Baptist Church on the loth of January,
i860, for the sum of §4,000.
The first settled pastor was the Rev. Robert Armstrong,
D. D., who, having accepted their call, commenced preaching
on the third Sabbath of February, 1861, and was installed pas-
tor of the congregation on the 12th day of March, following.
He continued to preach and labor in this field about seven and
a half years with large success in building up the chm-ch, the
congregation being self-sustained from the beginning. Mr.
Armstrong tendered his resignation, and on the 21st of Octo-
ber, 1S6S, was by the Presbytery released from the pastoral
charge, at once accepting a call to the congregation of Hobo-
ken in the same Presbytery.
In the following year, on the 22nd of June, a call was made
out for the present pastor, the Rev. J. G. D. Findley. He com-
menced preaching regularly on the second Sabbath of August, and
was ordained and installed as pastor on the 14th of October, i86g.
This congregation has enjoyed a steady growth from the begin-
ning. There has never been a communion season without some ac-
cessions to its membership. At the organization, thirty years ago, 36
FIRST UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
This congregation was organized December (,,
iSsg. During the preceding year the United Presby-
terian Church of North America had been founded by
the union of the "Associate" and the "Associate
Reformed" branches of the Presbyterian Church.
There were at that time two congregations of the As-
sociate Reformed Church in Newburgh, both of which
declined going into the United Church. A few of the
members, however, had earnestly advocated the
cause of union because they believed that denomina-
tions so thoroughly one in doctrine and worship
ought to be one in ecclesiastical organization. Be-
ing in hearty accord with the principles of the United
Presbyterian Church as set forth in the ' ' Basis of "^^
Union," they felt it their duty to enter into the fel-
lowship of that church by establishing a United Presbyterian con-
gregation in Newburgh, and took steps accordingly.
They held their first meeting for public worship October g, 1859,
the Rev. John Service giving them a day's preaching. On the next
Sabbath (October 16, 1859) the Rev. Peter Bullion, D. 1)., preached
and organized the Sabbath school. When the United Presbyterian
members were enrolled, of whom eleven are still members, ^^'hen
the first pastor took charge, there were 56 members in the congrega-
ion. At the ordination of the present pastor, 136 was the number
reported, and at the time of making up the last annual statistics the
membership resident in the city was counted at 230. In the
Summer of 1S71 the church building was enlarged by an addi-
NEWBURGH.
t43
tion to the front at a cost of about eighteen hundred dollars.
Over a thousand dollars was expended m iSSi in painting and fres-
coing the main audience room and in furnishing it with a new pulpit
and with new cushions and carpet. The Sabbath school rooms were
also thoroughly renovated during the Spring of iSSg, painted and kal-
somined, wainscoted in hard wood and furnished with new desk,
chairs and matting. These are among the most cheery and beautiful
Sabbath school rooms in the city.
The following are the present oflScers of the congregation; Pastor
and Moderator of Session — J. G. D. Findley; Elders — Andrew D.
Rea, Clerk of Session, Thomas M. McCann, Robert Hyudman, Rob-
ert Brown and James Todd; Board of Trustees — George Sutherland,
President; Samuel F. Campbell, Secretary; Robert Hyndman, Treas-
urer; James Crilly, Robert Brown, Thomas M. McCann, Andrew D.
Rea, James Stewart and James Todd.
tery of New York. He was Stated Clerk of his Presbytery from 187 1
to 1SS3, and has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the
United Presbyterian Synod of New York, and also Secretary of the
Board since 1885. He was elected Moderator of the Synod and presi-
ded during its meeting at Asbury Park, N. J., in 1886, and has four
times been a delegate from his Presbytery to the General Assembly
of the church.
Mr. Findley was married September 3, 1874, to Miss Mary L.,
daughter of John A. Gormly, of Bucyrus, Ohio.
REV. J. G. D. FINDLEY is a native of western Pennsylvania,
son of the late Rev. William Findle)-, D. D., and great-grandson of
Hon. William Findley, who for a number of years represented the
Westmoreland district in the national Congress.
His early years were spent in Butler County, where his father min-
istered to the congregations of Prospect and White Oak Springs. In
1857 he entered Westminster College, at New Wilmington, Pa., and
graduated in June, 1S61. During that Fall and Winter he taught a
district school in Greene County, Ohio. In the Spring of 1862 went
to Harrisonville, in Scioto County, and opened a select school. He
had just commenced the second term in August when President Lin-
coln's call for another three hundred thousand volunteers led him and
the larger boys to lay down then' books and take up arms in the na-
tion's defense.
He enlisted at Camp Portsmouth in Company F, gist Regiment,
Ohio Volunteers, August 11, 1S62, and was appointed Sergeant Major
when the regiment was mustered in, August 22. He was promoted
to First Lieutenant
January 3, 1864,
and appointed Ad-
jutant of the regi-
ment in the month
of March following.
Mr. Findley was
wounded at the
battle of W^inches-
tcr. Va., Septem-
ber 19, 1864. He
was discharged at
the muster-out of
the regiment June
24, 1865. This regi-
ment was attached
tn the Army of
West Virginia and
to. .k part in many
"f the campaigns
tha
mountam-
lius region, includ-
ing: Hunter's Raid
; nn Staunton and
I.ynchburgh, and
J Sheridan's march-
CONGREGATION BETH JACOB.
This society was organized about 1S60. In iS64it obtained a burial
plot from the Big Rock Cemetery Association, and has maintained it
ever since. For many )-ears the congregation worshipped in the
Townsend Building, while the number of those in full membership
was but seven. In 1SS9 nineteen new members were received, and it
was resolved to erect a house of worship. In January, 1S90, a lot in
and battles in
REV. J G. D. FINDLEY. the Valley of Vir-
ginia.
In Autumn of 1S65 Mr. Findley graduated at the Iron City Com-
mercial College, of Pittsburgh, Pa., and entered the L'^nited Presby-
terian Theological Seminar)- in Allegheny. He completed the course
in this institution in the Spring of 1S6S. and in June of the following-
year was called to the pastorate of the First United Presbyterian
congregation of this city. Took charge of the pulpit in August, and
on October 14, 1869, was ordained and installed bv the First Presby-
rEMPLE BETH JACOB-
SuUti
South Street, between Grand and Liberty, was purchased. Plans
prepared by David H. Flansburgh were accepted, and the contract
for the construction was also awarded to Mr. Flansburgh.
The corner-stone was laid October 21, 1890. Marcus Scharps,
President of the Congregation, presided. Collins' Band furnished
music. Addi-esses were delivered by Dr. Isaacs and Lewis Ash, of
New York City, and the Rev. R. H. Barr,. of Newburgh. The total
cost of the building and site was Si5,ooo. The present Rabbi is A. N.
Coleman; President — Marcus Scharps; Vice-President — M. Abrams;
Secretary — Robert Doblin; Treasurer — Wolf Samuels. The congre-
gation is composed of twenty-eight families.
The temple was dedicated Tuesday afternoon, September S, iSgi,
with appropriate ceremonies conducted by Rev. A. N. Coleman, the
rabbi. Addresses were delivered by D. F. De Sola ilendes, of New
York; Rev. A. S. Lsaacs, Ph. D., editor of the. Jcmzs/i Messenger,
of New York; Hon. M. H. Hirschberg, of Newburgh, and the Rev.
R. H. Barr, Ph. D., pastor of the First Associate Reformed Church, of
Newburgh.
ST. PAUL'S PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The first definite action having reference to the formation of a new
Episcopal parish in the village of Newburgh was a meeting of all
interested in such an undertaking. May 29, 1S60, and a petition pre-
sented to the Rev. John Brown, D. D., asking his canonical consent
to the organization of a new parish, dated May 12, iSOo, signed by
David M. Clarkson, William E. Warren, and twenty-seven other
members of St. George's Parish. Dr. Brown gave his consent May
144
NEWBURGH
20, 18G0. At a meeting of all interested in the new organization, held
at the home of William E. Warren, steps were taken to secure an in-
corporation, and the name of St. Paul was selected as the designation.
June I, i860, the Rev. Hobart Chetwood was asked to become the
Rector of the new parish,
the request being .signed by
David M. Clarkson and
twenty - eight others. Mr.
Chetwood accepted the call,
to take effect November i,
but by the subsequent ac-
tion of St. George's vestry
his connection with that par-
ish ceased on the 23d of
June, and he entered on his
duties as minister of St.
Paul's June 25, i860 (St.
Paul's Day). June 9, i860,
a committee was appointed
to examine sites for the
erection of a church edifice.
Soon after a lot one hundred
feet wide, on Grand Street,
was purchased of George
Sneed for $4, 100, and plans
were prepared by Frederick
C. Withers, and a chapel
erected by John Little at the cost of 82,300. The new parish was in-
corporated September 11, 1S60, and the following officers elected; Da-
vid M. Clarkson and William E. Warren, Wardens; Frederick C.
Withers, Hiram Falls, Captain H. H. Bell, William Bogart, Dr. R.
V. K. Montfort, John Gordon and E. W. Gray, Vestrymen.
The chapel was opened for divine service on the first Sunday in
October (October 7, i860). Services before this were held in the High-
ST. PAUL'S PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH
sidered, and a committee consisting of the Rev. Mr. Chetwood,
Warren, Bogart, Horton and Welling were appointed to solicit funds
and procure plans. The committee made their report June i, 1864,
recommending the erection of an edifice seating six hundred persons.
An additional lot of land was
also purchased in order to
furnish sufficient room for
the new building. The cor-
ner-stone of the new church
was laid Thursday, August
24 (St. Bartholomew's Day),
1S65, by the Rev. John
Brown, D. D.. under the ap-
pointment of the Bishop of
the Diocese. It contains
copies of the Holy Bible,
Book of Common Prayer,
village papers, and various
coins. The building, though
it has been occupied for
many years, awaits comple-
tion according to the origi-
nal design. F. C. Withers
was the architect; Franklin
Gerard and McClung & De-
yo, builders; stone dressing
by Chai'les Stratton.
The Rev. Mr. Chetwood was rector from September 15, i860, to
June 10, 1872; the Rev. Dr. Lundy, assistant minister, from Septem-
ber, 1S67, to the time of his death in April, 186S; the Rev. Dr. Ir\4ng
was his successor for six months; the Rev. Rufus Emery has been
rector from 1872 to the present time.
Officers for i8go-gi: The Rev. Rufus Emery, Rector; James J.
Logan, Senior Warden; William Heard, Junior Warden; Thomas
Edwards, S. W. Holdredge, James Gordon, M. D. ; R. V. K. Montfort,
M. D. ; Joseph Gordon, Andrew Thompson, Charles F. Allan and
George H. Sheldon, Vestrymen.
ST. PAULS CHURCH AS ORIGINALLY DESIGNED.
land Academy (now the Home for the Friendless). On September 15,
i860, the Rev. Hobart Chetwood was elected rector of St. Paul's.
August 6, 1S63, the attendance on the services in the chapel had
so increased that the project of building a church edifice was con-
REV. RUFUS EMERY, rector of St. Paul's, is
eration of John Emerj', Sr. , who came from Romsey,
and settled in
Newbury, Mass.
His father was
Captain Flavins
Emery, a ship-mas-
ter of Boston, and
his mother was a
daughter of Moody
Emery and Abigail
Prescott. The
E m e r y s were
prominent in the
old French war and
in the Revolution,
and are connected
with the Websters,
Chases, Bartletts,
Sawyers, Hales
and other old fami-
lies of New Eng-
land. His great-
grandfather and
great-great- grand-
father on the Hale
side (his grand-
mother was a Hale)
were Con grega-
tional clergymen.
Rufus Emery was rev, rufus e
of the eighth
England, in
gen-
1635.
NEWBURGH
145
born at Newburyport, Mass., in 1827. He entered Trinity College,
Hartford, in 1S51, and was graduated in 1S54. For two 3'ears
he was a tutor at Trinity College. He studied at the divin-
ity school at Middletown, Conn., and was ordained a deacon
in 1858. The same year he took charge of Trinity Church,
Southport, Conn., and the following year was admitted to
the priesthood by the Right Rev. John Williams, Bishop of Connecti-
cut. He continued as rector of Trinity Church twelve years. For
ten years he was a member of the Fairfield Board of Education, and
for several years President of the Board. In the year 1870-72 he was
rector of Calvary Church, Stonington, Conn. He was called to St.
Paul's in this city in September, 1872. For several years Mr. Emery
was a fellow of Trinity College. He is now a member of the Histori-
cal Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands, of the Webster
Historical Society of Boston, and a corresponding member of the Old
Colony Historical Society of Taunton, Mass. He is also President of
the Emery Family Association, and recently published the genealogy
of the family, a work of six hundred pages. He married, 1858,
Adelaide Brainerd, of a prominent Connecticut family. She died in
1891, leaving one son, Brainerd Prescott, who is the author of " In
Sunshine and Shadow " (1886) and " In Haunts of Bloom and Bird"
Gaasbeck; 1874-76, A. M. Osbon; 1S77-79, W. S. Bouton; 1SS0-81, N.
B. Thompson; 1882-84,]. H. Hawxhurst; 1S85-S7, J. C. Hoyt; 18S8-
Dewitt B. Thomp-
GRACE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
In 1 848 a mission Sabbath school was established in the western part
of the village, by teachers from the First M. E. Church, from which
time we may date the organization known as Grace M. E. Church.
The school was held at first in a " garret," and then in an old school-
house. The society or school was legally organized in June, 1865,
when P. S. Haines, James Harrison, Charles Estabrook, C. H. Bond,
Joseph W. Bond, F. Klaproth, David Gibb, John Haskius and Charles
L. Brown were elected trustees. The regular church organization
dates from April 25, 1S68, when thirty members from St. John's
Church united for that purpose. The building of a church edifice was
commenced in 1S66, and the basement completed and occupied by the
Sabbath school, and also by a free school, the latter under the charge
of the Board of Education. The corner-stone was laid in the Autumn
of 1767, the Rev. J. B. Wakely delivering the address, and the edifice
was completed under plans by J. D. Kelly, architect. It was dedicat-
ed September 2, 186S; on which occasion the sermon was preached by
he Rev. Dr. Fletcher, from Mark ix: 18, 19. The Rev. Dr. A. M.
Osbon was then the Presiding Elder and presided at the exercises on
both occasions. The church was enlarged during the pastorate of the
Rev. N. B. Thompson. The parsonage was erected in 1874.
The following ministers have served this church as pastors; 1868,
Rev. Van Ness Traver; 1S70, C. W. Millard; 1S71-73, D. W. C. Van
Sg, Fields Hermance; iSgo, Oscar Ha\dland;
son. The Board of
Trustees consists
of James Harrison,
A. C. Smith, Sam-
uel Crawshaw,
Alonzo Decker,
Jacob Braden-
burgh.C.L. Brown,
Lyman O. Bedford
and C. A. Shurter.
The Stewards are
Joshua Harrison,
David Gibb, Mil-
ton Hemmingway,
John F. Kripner,
L5rman Bedford,
B. R. Russell,
Charles B. Schoon-
maker and William
Tallmadge. The
Sabbath school
numbers 171 schol-
ars, 24 officers and
teachers. James
Harrison is Super-
intendent and A.
C. Smith, assistant:
C. L. Brown, jr..
Secretary; William
Vail, Librarian.
The membership of th
probationers.
REV. DEWITT B. THOMPSON, pastor of Grace Church, is a
son of the Rev. N. B. Thompson (a prominent clergyman of the Metho-
dist Episcopal church), and was born at Napanoch, N. Y., July 2, i860.
He was graduated from Wesleyan University in 1S85, and has been
in the ministry for six years. His first pastorate was at Bedford Sta-
tion, and he subsequently preached at Croton Landing and Garrisons.
He was appointed to the pastorate of Grace Church, Newburgh, in
HOMPSON
jhurch consists of 1S6 full members and 5
CHURCH OF OUR FATHER.
The Church of Our Father, Unitarian, corner of Johnston and
South Streets, was organized in Fishkill, New York, in 1847, in the
private residence of John P. DeWint, by John P. DeWint, Peter De
Wint and J. Delancy Verplanek. The first meetings were held
in the DeWint homestead; afterwards, as the attendance grew
larger, in the public hall of the Village of Fishkill-on-Hudson, the
church numbering among its regular attendants at this time men
and women of the most liberal culture, great probity of character,
and a fine public spirit. Clergymen of international as well as
national reputation for broad scholarship, deep and fervent piety,
as well as divinity students, graduates of Harvard College, ministered
to the church in love as well as in learning, of that liberty wherewith
Christ hath made us free, prominent among whom are to be found
the names of Rev. Messrs. William H. Channing, Edward Turn-
er, Dr. F. A. Farley, Dr. H. AV. Bellows and others. During a
period of eight years occasional services were also held at Low Point,
Channingville, and others places in the neighborhood of Fishkill.
About the year 1855, the steadily increasing attendance from New-
burgh made it desirable that the church should be reorganized in this
city, where services were held afterwards, chiefly in the Court House
and'in the Universalist Church in Liberty Street, since removed, with
much success. Here also men of fine ability, the peers intellectually
146
NEWBURGH
of their brethren in this city and elsewhere, succeeded each other not
too rapidly in its pulpit ministrations.
In the year 1S69, in consequence of large accessions, it became
necessary to consider the desirability of the congregation owning and
occupying a church building of their own. A meetinaf was called, a
'- tit : -^H» '■iilmr MMt
W -^up .r: %^f^ Jlyi
WKKS^sr
CHURCH OF OUR FATHER— UNITARIAN-Soutn Sircet Corner of Johnston Stree
committee chosen, consisting of William W. Carson as chairman, and
John Heron, George Lomas, Benjamin Dumville, George H. South-
ard, J. N. Dickey, George W. Peters and William Stocker, as an
advisory council to which Warren Delano was aftenvards added and
subsequently became President. After some
deliberation the present site was chosen by th r
Board of Trustees, and approved by a majori-
ty of the congregation; William Hilton, of
this city, being the builder, George A. Har-
ney, of New York, the architect. The build-
ing was erected at a cost of $16,000.
On Sunday morning, July 17, 1S70, thv
church edifice was consecrated to the wor-
ship of one God, according to the teachings
of Jesus Christ.
The venerable and highly esteemed Re\
F. W. Holland enjoyed a pastorate of eight
years. The present minister, the Rev. Hen-
ry H. Woude, of Boston, Mass., was called
and assumed the pastorate in 1S87. The
church expenses are met b)' voluntary con-
tributions. The church polity is in accord
with the denominational and religious views
of the body to which it belongs, viz: all per-
sons who are desirous of co-operating with
the church in those privileges for which it
exists, /. e\, the worship of one God, under
the leadership of Jesus Christ, are welcom-
ed. But there is no test, the doors are open
to all. The building is commodious, not
without architectural beauties
ate with its size and situation.
chased for $20,000, and a temporary frame structure erected iHr
divine service. This building served its purpose until the increasing;
population necessitated a larger edifice.
In October, 1S79, Bishop L5-nch, of Charleston, S. C, laid the
corner-stone of the present church, which was completed the follow-
ing year, when Cardinal McCloskey performed the dedication
ceremony and Bi.shop O'Farrell, of Trenton, N. J. , preached the
dedicatory sermon. In 1SS3 Father Phelan invited the Sisters
of St. Dominic to open an academy for young ladies to study
llie higher branches of refined education, and the present
.Mt. St. Mary's Academy was founded.
In 1S84 the Rev. ]\Iichael J. Phelan was transferred to New
York City, and the Rev. John C. Henry appointed rector.
Father Henry immediately founded various societies in con-
nection with the church, among them the Holy Name Society,
Rosary Society, Children of Mary Society, St. Aloysius Boys'
Society, and Angels' Society. On September i, 18S6, the rec-
tor opened St. Mary's Parochial School, under the direction
of four Sisters of St. Dominic. The large number of 250 pupils
was registered the first day. All the branches of a first-class
common-school education are taught, and all school supplies are
given free to the pupils.
The following are the names of the priests who have acted
as assistant rectors of St. Mary's Church down to the present
time; Rev. James Westerman, 1876; Rev. William Ward, 1S77;
Rev. Patrick Connick, 1878; Rev. Fehx Dixon, 1878-79; Rev.
Michael Lane, 1S79-83; Rev. Henry Xavier, 18S3-S4; Rev.
Patrick Fitzsimmons, 18S5; Rev. John J. McGrath, 1SS4-S9;
Rev. John J. Carr, 1SS6-S7; Rev. Denis Coyle, 18S7-S9; Rev.
John T. Power, 18S9-90; Rev. William Butler, 1889-90; Rev.
John F. Quinn and Rev. Augustine Pellieux are the present assistants
to the rector, the Rev. John C. Henry.
The present Board of Trustees consists of Archbishop Corrigan,
Vicar-General Preston, the Rev. John C. Henry, John Adams and
ARY'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH— South Str!
ST. MARY'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.
The Pari.sh of St. Mary's was founded on March 19, 1875, and
Cardinal McCloskey appointed as its first rector the Rev. Michael J.
Phelan. This energetic priest immediately located the boundaries of
his district in the city, which comprised all north of Third Street as
far as Balmvillc. The Wilson property, on South Street, was pur-
Arthur A. McLean. Some important improvements have taken place
in the chiurch lately, among which may be mentioned steam-heat and
chapel for week-day services. The parochial school is also comfort-
ably heated by steam.
REV. J. C. HENRY,
New Orleans, La. . in 1841
ctor of St. Mary's Church, was born in
His father, John Henry, was from County
NEWBURGH
^M
Londonderry, and his mother, Sarah Dorrian, was a native of County
Down, Ireland. During the yellow fever plague of 1853 the family
came to New York.
In i860 he entered Niagara University at Niagara Falls, and,
having graduated with high honors in 1SO6, began the study of the-
ology at St. Joseph's Provincial Seminary, Troy, N. Y. On May 22,
1S69, he was ordained priest by the late Cardinal McCloskey, and his
first appointment was as assistant to the Rev. Dr. McGlynn at St.
REV. JOHN C. HENRY.
Stephen's Church, New York, where he remained two years. He
was then transferred to St. Andrew's Church, Duane Street, where
he labored three years. In 1S76 he was appointed to the rectorship
of St. Francis' Church, Mt. Kisco, Westchester County, w^here he
remained a )-ear, during which he built a church at Pleasantville. In
1S77 he became pastor of St. Joachim's Church at Matteawan, Dutch-
ess Count)', where he introduced the Sisters of Charity, founded a
parochial school, enlarged the church and rectory, and paid off con-
siderable debt.
In 1S84 Cardinal McCloskey asked him to take charge of a city
parish, but his health at the time was so shaken by repeated attacks
of chills and fever that he begged to be excused from the responsibil-
ity. He was accordingly assigned to the city of Newburgh, where
he has enjoyed vigorous health, and labored ever since. He has
founded a parochial school, improved the church property, reduced
the church debt, and in many ways proved his executive ability. He
has the confidence and respect of his people, and is greatly beloved
by the children of his parish.
CHURCH OF THE CORNER STONE-
EPISCOPAL.
REFORMED
thizing in this movement, discussed the feasibility of starting a church
in Newburgh, to be connected with that of Bishop Cummins. On
Wednesday, December g, 1874, five gentlemen met in the parlor of the
Newburgh Club, in the Savings Bank Building, and freely and fully
discussed the matter. These gentlemen were T. Hazard Roe, Daniel
T. Rogers and Walter C. Anthony, of Newburgh, and B. Franklin
Clark and William J. Roe, jr., of New Windsor. Pledges were given
for themselves and two others for pecuniary aid. Subsequent meet-
ings were held, and more names and more pledges were added.
Among them were Robert L. Case, James G. Graham, Dr. William
A. M. Culbert, J. Wilson Stratton and Dr. James G. Birch.
Upon their invitation Bishop Cummins came to Newburgh, and
on Sunday, August 8, 1S75, held services in the American Reformed
Church, loaned for that purpose. The Bishop used the revised
prayer book, and explained to large congregations the distinctive
principles of the Reformed Episcopal Church. The following even-
ing, August 9, a large meeting was held in the basement of the same
church, at which the Bishop was present, and numbers added their
names as proposing to join in the movement. The chapel of the
Associate Reformed Church was obtained, and on Sunday, August 15,
the Rev. B. B. Leacock, D. D., conducted the worship morning and
evening. On Sunday, August 22, the Rev. William P. Sabine direct-
ed the services and preached to large audiences. On Sunday, Sep-
tember 5, the Rev. Mason Gallagher read the service, and, together
with Dr. J. G. Birch, organized a Sunday school.
On the evening of August 25, 1S75, a congregational meeting, of
which due notice had been given, was held in the basement of the
American Reformed Church, and the organization was effected by
The Reformed Episcopal Church of the United States of America
was fuUy organized under the leadership of Bishop George David
Cummins, in the City of New York, on December 2, 1873. Some time
after this new church was established, two gentlemen, deeply sympa-
CHURCH OF THE CORNER STONE— REFORMED EPISCOPAL.
Sooth Street near Grand Street.
the election of Daniel T. Rogers and Walter C. Anthony as wardens;
James G. Graham, J. Wilson Stratton, William J. Roe, jr., George
Middleton, Robert L. Case and Edward Haigh, vestrymen; B.
Franklin Clark, secretary and treasurer. The corporate name of
" The Church of The Comer Stone" (suggested by WiUiam J. Roe)
was adopted, and application made to the Standing Committee of the
Reformed Episcopal Church to be admitted into membership with
the same.
The Rev. Benjamin B. Leacock, D. D., was called as pastor,
and the call was accepted by him November 2, 1S75. A lot of ground
was purchased in South Street, October 23, 1875; and wilHng hands
148
NEWBURGH
made the excavation for the cellar and foundation of a church edifice
as their donations to the same. The corner-stone was laid without
ceremonies, December 22, 1S75, and the first service was held on
Easter Sunday, April 16, 1S76. Dr. Leacock read the service, assisted
by the Rev. Marshall B. Smith.
On April 22, 1S7S, Dr. Leacock resigned the pastorate, and the Rev
James M. Gray accepted a call October i, 1S7S, Mr. Gray resigned
the charge November iS, 1S79. The Rev. Dr. Leacock filled the va-
cancy until called as " minister in charge" April 3, iSSo. He associa-
ted with himself the Rev. J. W. Fairley as assistant. Leave of
absence was given to Dr. Leacock, on account of ill health, for two
years, and he finally resigned the pastorate December 2, 1SS3. The
Rev. :Mr. Fairley occupied the position as assistant minister until this
resignation. The Rev. James Otis Denniston acted as " minister in
charge " from June, 1SS4, until April 5, 1SS5, when the Rev. Richard
H. Bosworth accepted the call as pastor. Mr. Bosworth resigned in
June, 1SS7, and the Rev. Arthur Potts became pastor October 16, 1887.
The present ves-
try, a Board of
Trustees, consists
of T. Hazard Roe
and B. Franklin
Clark, Wardens;
and Walter C. An-
thony, William J.
Roe, Dr. James G.
Birch, James Stew-
art and James M.
Wentz, Trustees.
The Sunday
school, established
during the first
month of the
church's history,
has never been in-
termitted, and is
now large and
flourishing, under
the supervision of
Walter C. Anthony
the prospects of fu-
ture growth being
very encouraging.
During the pas-
torate of the Rev.
Arthur Potts the
church has been
abundantly blessed. Not only has the membership and the
general attendance much increased, but there has been manifested a
great unanimity of feeling. Young people's associations of various
kinds have been inaugurated, and, under the fostering care of Mr.
Potts, seem to be doing a great and good work. The ladies have a
society for foreign and domestic missions connected with that of the
church at large.
REV. ARTHUR POTTS was born at Natchez, Mississippi. His
father and grandfather were both prominent ministers in the Presby-
terian Church.
He is a graduate of the New York University, and attended a
special course of medical and surgical lectures immediately after
graduating.
The loss of the use of his eyes diverted him from his .studies for
several years, during which time he resided in the far West, and
was also engaged in the cultivation of the grape at Balmville, where
he still owns a small farm.
On the recovery of the use of his eyes he returned to his studies,
which were conducted under the superintendence of his father, and
was licensed by the Presbytery of New York in 1S65.
His first charge was at Washington Avenue and ir)5th Street,
where he called a congregation around him, and finally organized the
Potts Memorial Church, named after his father. His second settle-
ment was at Little Falls, N. Y., where, during a past(jrate of five
years, he built one of the most substantial and beautiful churches in
the Jlohawk valley.
Just after the completion of this work and the entire payment for
the building, Mr. Potts received an appointment to the chaplaincy of
the British and American Chapel, under the auspices of the Seaman's
Friend Society, of New York.
Very much against the protest of his entire congregation Mr.
Potts was induced, by his need of rest, to accept this appointment,
which led to his residence in Antwerp, Belgium, for nearly four years.
During the last )-ear of his appointment he spent a number of
months traveling in the Orient. His tour embraced the Nile, a
month's horseback ride through Palestine, Syria, Asia ilinor, Turkey
and Greece.
After an interval of rest immediately after his return, he accepted
the call to his present position as pastor of the Church of The Cor-
ner Stone, where he was received without re-ordination. He has
now been about four years in this pastorate.
GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.
This congregation was organized in the Spring of 1876, by the late
Rev. W. R. Buehler, who came here from Hastings-on-Hudson, on
alternate Sundays,
to hold divine ser-
vice. At a regular
meeting of the con-
gregation, held Ju-
ly 7, 1876, the Rev.
Mr. Buehler was
elected, and a call
was sent him to be-
come the regular
pastor. He accept-
ed, and labored
under many diffi-
culties (financial in-
cluded) among the
members of the
congregation until
the Spring of 187S,
when a division of
the congregatii t,
occurred, and or.
June iS, 1S7S, h.
resigned his pa^
torate and attempt-
ed to organize an
opposition congre-
gation; however,
only a few families
left the old congre-
gation with him,
and held service ■;
in the chapel ^i
the Associate Ru-
formed Churcli
without m e e t i ng
with success, and
finally he removed
to another field of
labor. As a result of
the edifice in Johnston Street near Broadway, formerly St. Paul's
German M. E. Church, for S3. 200, of which sum S700 was paid as
purchase money, and until recently only the interest on the indebted-
ness was met. At the close of the first year of his pastorate he re-
ported a communicant membership of 73, and at the close of the second
year a membership of 100. After the departure of the Rev. Jlr.
GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN >.
Johnston Street near Broadway.
labors we find that the congi-egation purchased
NEWBURGH
149
Buehler, the pulpit was supplied by pastors of the First District Con-
ference of the New York Ministerium until March, 1879, when the late
Rev. J. Steiner acted as supply until November of the same year. In
the Spring- of 1879 the communicant membership was reported to be
100.
In November, 1879, the Rev. F. E. Fickeissen was elected and
called as regular pastor, and he shortly thereafter entered upon his
duties as such. The future of the congregation seemed bright, and
although there was not such unity among the members as was de-
sirable, pastor Fickeissen still labored under many hardships with the
hope of uniting the two forces which had become divided in the
Spring of 1S78. In this pastor Fickeissen was successful. In 18S1 he
reported a communicant membership of 94. He resigned in April,
1882.
On May 7 and 14, 1S82, the Rev. Carl C. Manz came and filled the
pulpit, and at a meeting of the congregation was elected pastor. He
began his duties June 23. There were then only 70 communi-
cant members, but under the young pastor's ministration the num-
ber increased to 145 in five years, notwithstanding many discourage-
ments. January i, 1887, Mr. Manz tendered his resignation, but at
the urgent and unanimous request of the congregation he withdrew
it. During his pastorate over five hundred dollars was e.xpended for
repairs, and the church debt greatly reduced. In 1889 the member-
ship, notwithstanding many removals, had increased to 180, and
continued to grow during the remainder of his pastorate. He resign-
ed November 9, 1890, and preached his fai'ewell sermon December 28.
The present pastor is the Rev. Emil F. C. A. Meyer.
REV. CARL C. MANZ was born October, 20, 1859, atPoughkeep-
sie, N. Y., his father, the Rev. C. G. Manz, being at that time the
pastor of the German Evangelical Lutheran church in that city. His
mother was Marie Catherine
Kraushaar. Both parents
were natives of Germany.
He first attended a parochial
school at Liverpool, N. Y.
Then the public schools at
Clarence Center, N. Y. , and
Lyons, N. Y.
In 1873 he entered the
college of the Evangelical
Lutheran New York Minis-
terium at Newark, N. Y.,
where he took up the study
of Latin, Greek and French,
besides the regular branches
of education. He remained
at this school but one year,
returning home and receiv-
ing private instructions until
September, 1876, when he
entered the classical depart-
ment of St. Matthew's Acad-
emy at New York City,
graduating from that insti-
tution on July 3, 1879.
In September of the same
year he entered the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary
at Philadelphia, Pa. From June 15, 1881, to September 15, i88it
being the summer vacation, by permission of the theological
faculty he supplied the German-English EvangeUcal Lutheran
Church at Beaver Falls, Pa., in the absence of the regular pastor.
Returning to the seminary, he was recommended by the faculty to
the Rev. Dr. Geissenhainer, of New York, to supply in his stead the
Ev. Lutheran church at Hainesport, N. J., during the Winter of iSSi
to 1882. He was graduated from the theological seminary at Phila-
delphia, in May, 1882, and was ordained June 18, 1882, during the
convention of the New York Ministerium at Rochester, N. Y. , where
his parents reside.
CARL C. MANZ.
On May 14, 1S82, he received a call to the pastorate of the German
Evangelical Lutheran Church at Newburgh, and he entered upon his
duties as pastor June 23, 1S82, and was installed August 27.
He was married at Utica, N. Y., September 28, 1882, to Cornelia
C, daughter of Prof. Charles Lutorius, of Utica, N. Y. The church
at Newburgh was his first regular charge, and he found the con-
gregation, both financially and numerically, in a very poor and weak
condition, but by patient and persevering work he left the church in
better condition. The communicant membership had increased by
more then 100, after deducting all losses caused by removals, by
death, and otherwise. During the years 1S89 and 1S90 the mortgage
on the property was reduced from $2,500 to $1,600. Mr. Manz re-
signed his Newburgh charge in December, i8go, and accepted a call
to become pastor of St. John's Church at SjTacuse, N. Y.
REV. EMIL F. C. A. MEYER was born November 26, i
Bremen, Germany. After being graduated from the high
in that city, he came to this country in 1879, and lived in New
City with his parents for
several years. In 1883 he
went to the Wagner Memor-
ial Lutheran College, in
Rochester, N. Y., and enter-
ed the practical department.
After four years of stud)^ he
was graduated in the year
1887. Mr. Meyer then took
a full course of three years
in the Evangelical Lutheran
Seminary at Mt. Air}', Phil-
adelphia, Pa., and was grad-
uated in i8go. He was ex-
amined on June 4, 1890, in
Lyons, N. Y., by the exam-
nation committee of the
Evangelical Lutheran Min-
sterium of New York, and
ordained on December 26,
n St. Marc's German Evan-
gelical Lutheran Church in
New York City. After acting
as assistant and filhng va-
cancies throughout the
State, he was called to the
German Evangelical Lutheran Church
uary 1, 1891, as his first charge.
school
■ York
Newburgh, N. Y.
Jan-
CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD— Protestant Episcopal.
The work which has resulted in the organization of this separate
parish was begun by the Rev. Dr. Applegate, rector of St. George's,
in June, 1871, by the opening of a Sunday school in what was then
known as McConkey's Hall, on Broadway. In October a change to
better quarters in the same neighborhood was made, and an evening
service begun by the rector, who took charge until the Rev. Nelson
R. Boss became his assistant in August, 1872.
A chapel was completed and opened February 16, 1873, and in 18S0
the work had so grown as to necessitate enlargement and extensive
improvement.
In 1889 a lot on the corner of Broadway and Mill Street was pur-
chased, and plans for a new chapel and mission-house were prepared
by Frank A. Wright, of New York, and the contract awarded to
D. H. Flansburgh, of Newburgh.
On January i, 1890, the corner-stone was laid by the rector of the
parish, the Rev. Dr. O. Applegate, assisted by the Rev Messrs.
Emery, Walsh and Marvine, of Newburgh ; Washburn, of Rondout, and
Buckraaster, of Marlborough, in the presence of the Sunday school
and members of the parish and a large assemblage of citizens. The
150
NEWBURGH
old chapel was vacated September 30, 1S90, for the occupancy of the
present permanent church edifice. The total cost was about §20,000.
The following clerg)' had immediate charge of the mission at different
periods; the Rev. Messrs. Nelson R. Boss, J. H. Smith, George W.
Hinckle, George D. Silliman, A. C. Hoehing, James Baird, D. D.,
Sturges Allen, G. A. Rathbun, Henry Tarrant, George W. Lay and
Walter !Mar\'ine.
In June, 1S91, the mission was reorganized as the Church of the
Good Shepherd, with the Rev. John Marshall Chew as rector, and
with the following officers: Wardens— David Perrott, George W.
CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD— PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL.
Fuller: Vestrj-men — Benjamin Cliff, Matthew Walsh, David Carru-
thers, John Coayngham, Edmund Carter, Henry Good, sr., Joseph
Cooper and W. H. B. Sands.
On Tuesday, July 28, 1S91, the church was consecrated by Bishop
Potter. Among the other clergy present were the Rev. John Marshall
Chew, rector of the church; the Rev. O. Applegate, S. T. D., of St.
George's; the Rev. Rufus Emery, of St. Paul's; the Rev. H. L. Zieg-
enfuss, of Poughkeepsie; the Rev. S. A. Weikert, of Pine Plains; the
Rev. B. F. Crary, of Poughkeepsie; the Rev. G. S. Ayres, of Staats-
burgh; the Rev. P. C. Creveling, of Canterbury; the Rev. Lewis T.
Wattson, of Kingston; the Rev. Wilham Walsh, the Rev. E. F. C. A.
Meyer, the Rev. W. H. Abbott and the Rev. Henry T. Johnson, of
Newburgh; and the Rev. O. Applegate, jr., of Ellenville.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
(See Illustration, Page 64.)
In November, 18SS, the Rev. James B. King came to Newburgh in
the interest of the New York Home Missionary Society of the Con-
gregational Church, who thought it possible to form a congregation
in this city. Resting for a brief period, in order to take a substantial
estimate of the surroundings, and to determine just what he should
do, his judgment decided that at Washington Heights there was a
field that could be cultivated to advantage. It was but a short time
when Mr. King had enlisted the sympathy of a number of persons,
who thought well of his suggestions, and encouraged him by their
assistance in establishing the nucleus of what to-day is a promising
young religious society.
The congregation was organized January 3, 1889, in a dwelling on
Carson Avenue. Eighteen persons became members then. The first
Trustees were James T. Decker, G. W. Youngblood, James H. Val-
entine, John H. Valentine and George Prince. A lot in Carson Ave-
nue, east of Liberty Street, was purchased, and the erection of an
edifice begun on May 30; but the funds gave out and the work ceased.
In the Summer of 1890 an arrangement was made whereby the
money paid on the Carson Avenue lot was returned, and the society
permitted to vacate the lot and take the present site at the comer of
Liberty Street and Courtney Avenue. The church was dedicated
March 26, iSgi. The Rev. Dr. R. R. Meredith, of Brooklyn, preached
the sermon from Matthew vii ; 11. The total seating capacity is about
375. The total cost was about $9,000.
REV. JAMES B. KING, the founder of the Congregational
Church in Newburgh, is of Scotch-Irish Presbyterian stock, and was
born at Gettysburgh, Pa., October 5, 1S39. His ancestors came from
the north of Ireland about 1735, and became the first permanent
settlers of Adams County, of which Gettysburgh is the county-seat.
Mr. King was graduated from Princeton, in the class of 1S60, and be-
gan the study of law. His studies were interrupted by the war of the
Rebellion. Mr. King volunteered and served nearh- three )-ears with
the Third Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, joining as a first lieutenant
and afterward being promoted to captain of Company C. He was
not permitted to see much service in the field. For the most part he
was on courts-martial, boards of survey, and military commissions
of various kinds, or in garrison drilling and disciplining troops, or
otherwise preparing them for active service.
He resigned his commission after the sitiTender at Appomattox,
and subsequently was chosen by some gentlemen of Boston to man-
age and develop some mining interests in Nova Scotia, where he re-
sided for several years. Returning to Boston, he was there engaged
in mercantile pursuits for some years, until at length brought by
divine Providence and by experiences which cannot be detailed here,
to hear and heed what was believed to be a divine call to the gospel
ministry, for which there had been for a long time an unconscious
preparation. Mr. King's first pastorate was at Sandwich, Mass., in
which he was ordained and installed by an ecclesiastical council con-
vened for the purpose. In this pastorate he remained until failing
health compelled a relinquishment of the charge. In November,
1S88, he came to Newburgh, a stranger, not knowing a single resi-
dent of the place. In two months (January 3, 1SS9,) he organized the
first Congregational church in this city, which now has a comfortable
house of worship and steadily growing in temporal and spiritual power.
BENEVOLENCE,
Institutions Which Care for the Bodies, Minds and Souls of the People.
HE question, to what degree does a cit}' meet the high-
est demands of our modern civilization ? must be decid-
ed upon higher tests than mere physical and material
advantages. Does it stimulate and satisfy men's higher
and more intellectual wants ? Does it respond to the
great sentiments of philanthropy that characterize the
age? Does it relieve the dread that hangs around
helpless infancy and helpless old age? Does it seek to guide its
youth in the path of rectitude? Does it help the poor, visit the
sick and heal the wounded? These are the higher tests by which
intelligent people estimate the degree of advancement, cultiAre and
moral worth of a population. In proportion to its size, in propor-
tion to its means, Newburgh is fully abreast of modern ideas. The
institutions we possess do not represent the philanthropy of a
single wealthy citizen merely — none of them has been founded by
legacies or gifts as memorials — but they typify the self-denial, the
loving-kindness and fellow-feeling of the community; they represent
the charity of many, not the liberality of a few. Few cities of its
measure have so many charitable and benevolent organizations — we
cannot hope to even name them all. There are many connected
with the churches, while scores of societies of almost every nature
have benevolent features as their fundamental principle. Each has
it own field of labor; working quietly and without ostentation, ful-
filling the divine command in not letting the right hand know what
the left hand doeth. Over thirty thousand dollars is annually given
in this city for the relief of the poor from known sources; while from
the churches, the mutual relief societies, the secret lodges and benev-
olent associations, from families and individuals in their own chosen
private channels, benevolence constantly flows forth in full generous
tide.
YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.
On June 29, 1S57, less than six years after the introduction of
Young Men's Christian Association work in America, a meeting was
held in the American Reformed Church, in this city, to consider the
advisability of organizing an association. Nothing came of it. Soon
after the first attempt Arthur Potts, now pastor of the Church of The
Corner Stone, one of a little company of young men who had been
instrumental in bringing into existence the organization in New York
City, came to Newburgh to live. Upon ascertaining his connection
with the work in the metropolis, some of the young men applied to
him to assist in organizing here. After several preliminary meetings a
constitution was adopted in the Court House, on the evening of Sep-
tember 17, 1S58; and a week later the following officers were elected;
President — Arthur Potts; Vice-President — Thomas S. McAlles; Corre-
sponding Secretary — M. C. Belknap; Recording Secretary — Charles
Estabrook; Treasurer — JamesT. Lawson; Librarian — JohnH. Martin.
They rented in the Fall of 1S5S a large room at No. 78 Water Street,
corner of Third. This was the first and only home of this association
during the two and a half years of its existence. About the close of
1S5S, 139 members were enrolled. The last advertised meeting was
for March 15, 1S61, and the organization probably dissolved soon
after.
After a lapse of seven years the present association came into be-
ing.' The interest in the movement appears to have been awakened
by a sermon preached by the Rev. DeLoss Lull, then pastor of St.
John's Church, in which he spoke with feeling of the temptations
which assail j'oung men, and remarked that Newburgh was behind
her sister towns on the Hudson in providing a pleasant place of even-
ing resort for her young men. A few days later, March 6, 1868, there
appeared an article in the Daily Journal, suggesting that those feel-
ing an interest in the organization of a Young Men's Christian Asso-
ciation send in their names to the office of the paper. Within three
days we find some sixty names handed in, and a meeting was called
for the evening of the 12th, in the chapel of Trinity Church. The
meeting was an enthusiastic one, W^a Journal giving a three-column
report of it. It was resolved to organize, and a committee was ap-
pointed to draft the constitution and by-laws.
On the 27th of March the organization was completed by the
adoption of the constitution and the election of the following officers
for the first year: President — Wilham E. Mapes; Vice-President — R. V.
K. Montfort; Corresponding Secretary — M. C. Belknap; Recording
Secretary— J. H. Martin; Treasurer— Willard M. Phillips; and the fol-
lowing directors: Charles J. Howell, D. C. Rider, Hugh Neill, W. B.
Hall, James Eaton, John Baldwin, Dr. John Campbell, Dr. C. J.
Walsh, William H. Kelly, James T. Van Dalfsen and James Harri-
son, representing diff'erent churches. The Savings Bank building
was then in course of erection, and the association secured a fine suit
of rooms on the third floor, paying therefor $500 per year. The rooms
were handsomely fitted out at a cost of S350. These were not ready
for occupancy until June, and the meetings of the association were
held temporarily in Masonic Hall, corner of Colden Street and Broad-
way.
For a few years the association was prosperous in a limited way,
but its efficiency was weakened by frequent removals from one place
to another, and inadequate quarters. From the Savings Bank it went
to the Law Building, then to 61 Smith Street, then to 42 Water Street,
and afterwards to 19 Water Street. The year 1877-7S found the asso-
ciation in a very depressed condition. Early in November, 1S7S, State
Secretary Hall had a conference with the directors, and urged the
immediate emploi-ment of a competent general secretary for at least
a few months, beheving that the crisis might be tided over by that
time, and suggested E. W. Watkins, of New Hampshire— afterwards
one of the secretaries of the International Committee— and arrange-
ments were made with him to take charge of the work for three
months. Mr. Watkins arrived about November 9. At an association
meeting held December 4, E. S. Turner was elected president. On
the 6th of December, it was resolved to reorganize the association.
The work which brought about the reorganization, and established
the association, will never be fully known to any save those who en-
gaged in it, for the records show but little of the steady, persistent self-
sacrificing effort which was put forth almost night and day during
the months of December, 1S78, and Januarv and February, 1S79. In
NEWBURGH.
Jamiarv the association moved to rooms in the Schoomaker, Mills cV
Waller building. At the annual meeting a new constitution was
adopted, and the election of officers resulted as follows: President —
E. S. Turner; First Vice President— R. V. K. Montfort; Second Yke
President— Martin L. Lee; Treasurer— John J. S. McCroskerj-; Re-
cording Secretary— Charles L. Chatterton. A few months later Gen-
eral Secretary J. T. Bowne, one of the most prominent and able work-
ers in the national field, came here and took charge of the work. A
new era dawned, new hfe was put into the work, and the result is the
YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION BUILDING,
Corner of Third and Smith Streets.
large and prosperous association of to-day. We will not detail the
work of President Turner and Secretary Bowne and their co-laborers
during the years i8So,'Si and '82. For the eighth time the association
was "on wheels," taking rooms at 99 and 101 WaterStreet. Although
at times things looked discouraging, the association continued to grow
under all disadvantages. A building fund was started by the ladies
of the city, which amounted to $2,500. "RTien the new building was
occupied, in 1SS3, §17,000 had been raised, largely through the inde-
fatigable efforts of E. S. Turner.
In August, 1SS2, the contracts for the new building were awarded,
and the dedication took place June 15, 1S83. When the State Con-
vention met here in 1SS3 (for the second time) it found a prosperous
association, about to occupy a beautiful building, and with a large
and growing membership. Having seen established the institution
in its new building, Mr. Bowne, greatly to the regret of all the mem-
bers and friends, tendered his resignation and went to another field
of labor.
Mr. Bowne was succeeded by George A. Sanford, a resume of
whose work in connection witli the association appears in a following
article. Mr. TuriKr aKo VLliiniuished the Presidency to John G.
Wilkinson. In 1SS5 Messrs. .Moody and Sankey conducted a conven-
tion for Christian workers which made a deep impression. During
the meetings a movement was inaugurated by D. L. Moody to raise
$10,000, the amount of a mortgage, the weight of which rested heavi-
ly upon the association, and Sio.ooo for a gj-mnasium and extension
fund, the entire amount of which was afterward subscribed. Mr. San-
ford was succeeded by Wm. H. Sallmon, and Fred T. Kirkland after-
ward filled the position. In 1891 George A. Sanford was recalled to
the secretaryship. William B. Brokaw succeeded Mr. Wilkinson to
the Presidency, and Mr. Brokaw in turn was succeeded by Lewis M.
Smith. At this time an excellent new gymnasium was added, and
afterward the amount of a dcliciency of S4,3(K), which hail accumula-
ted for several years, was subscribed and paid. In the Spring of 1891
Frank S. Hull was elected President, together with John W. Mat-
thews, Vice-President; George B. Carver, Treasurer, and George S.
Weller, Recording Secretary.
GEORGE A. SANFORD, General Secretary. Closely associated
with the prosperity of the Young Men's Christian Association, is the
gentleman whose portrait we present herewith. He was bom at
" Maple Grange," Warwick, of a well known Orange County family.
His education was beg^un at the Warwick Institute, and has been
continued during man)' years of a busy life. A business experience of
five years, first as clerk, then as bookkeeper, and finally teller of the
First National Bank of Warwick, has since proved of great value to
the association which he has served.
Mr. Sanford has not accustomed himself to much leisure. In
addition to his work at the bank and his studies, he built up a fire
insurance and real estate business, which gradually absorbed nearly
all of that line of business in the Warwick valley. Excepting for a
year and a half, during which he was a member of the real estate
firm of Turner & Sanford, the last ten years of his life have been
spent in the work of the Young Men's Christian Association.
In 18S4 Mr. Sanford was chosen General Secretary of the New-
burgh Association, soon after the beginning of the work in the new
building. During the first year of his administration Newburgh young
men paid 40,000 visits to the building. New features were added,
among them the junior department, the work of which will not soon
be forgotten by our citizens. Beside paying all current expenses that
year, a floating debt of $3,739.85 was paid.
At the end of three years public sentiment was so enlisted that
the $10,000 mortgage on the building was quickly subscribed and
paid. Nearly $10,000 additional was subscribed for a g\-mnasium
and extension fund. The facts then presented showed that an ag-
gregate of 50,000
visits by young
men and 10,000 by
boys per year were
made in taking ad-
vantage of the op-
portunities for rec-
reation, education
and pleasure offer-
ed by the associa-
tion.
The records also
show that during
the first three years
in the new building
one hundred youni;-
men and boys were
received from the
association into the
Baptist, Methodist,
Presbyterian, Cov-
enanter, Episcopal
and other churches
of the city.
After two years'
service in connec-
tion with the Phil-
adelphia Associa-
tion and the New
York State Execu-
tive Committee, at the urgent request of the Directors of the New-
burgh Association, Mr. Sanford returned to assist in disposing of a
deficiency of $4,300. After a few months' work the Directors were
able to report on May i, 1S91, that the deficiency had been paid and
the association was out of debt. Among tlie respected and appreci-
ated citizens of Newburgh, Mr. Sanford is a recognized power, whose
unselfish influence contributes not a little to the best welfare of our city.
GEORGE A. SANFORD,
cretary of the Young Men's Chri
NEWBURGH
'53
YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.
On the evening of April 24, 18SS, a public meeting was held at
Calvary Church, at which Miss Nettie Dunn, of Chicago, Secretary of
the National Committee of the Young Women's Christian Associa-
HOME FOR THE FRIENDLESS.
FAIR OF THE YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION,
Held in Columbia Rink, February 11-14, 1890.
This Picture is a Curiosity from the fact that the Rink was Filled with People when
was made. But the Negative was Exposed about Two Hours, which Resulted in Pi
thereon only such Details of the Scene as Remained Stationary during that tim
tion, delivered an address describing the work of the organization.
After she had finished her address, it was resolved to form an asso-
ciation in this city. A constitution, offered by Miss Mary E. Gould5^
was adopted, and the following officers were elected: President— Mrs.
Susan JIcMasters; First Vice President — Mrs. Isaac Garrison; Sec-
ond Vice President — Miss Mary E. Gouldy, Third Vice President —
Mrs. Charles S. Jenkins; Recording Secretary — Miss Augusta Les-
lie; Treasurer — Mrs. il. C. Belknap. One hundred and five mem-
bers were enrolled at this meeting.
A few days later rooms were rented at No. 131 Broadway, and
Mrs. S. V. Atwell, from Schenected)', was engaged as General Secre-
tary. A Junior Branch was organized in June, iSSg, to which girls
from 10 to 16 years of age are admitted to membership. In iSgo the
quarters were changed to No. 32 Water Street, and in Ma)', iSgi, they
were established permanently at No. 150 Liberty Street, the building
having been purchased by the association. The rooms are hand-
somely furnished, and the association is doing for young women the
same practical and helpful work that the Y. M. C. A. is doing for
young men. There are classes in Bible study, vocal music, English
branches, German, book-keeping, stenogi-aphy, sewing, dressmaking
and millinery. Entertainments and receptions are also held. The
second annual convention of the New York State Associations was
held in Trinity Church, Newburgh. in February, 1889, and the first
anniversary exercises of the local association were held on Sabbath
evening, October 27, 18S9.
The present officers are Mrs. C. J. Lawson, President; Mrs. C. S.
Jenkms, Mrs. John Hilton, Mrs. John Deyo, Vice-Presidents; Miss
Lizzie Carlisle, Treasurer; Miss Augusta Leslie, Recording Secre-
tary; Mrs. S. V. Atwell, General Secretary
The headquarters of the State Executive Committee of the Young
Women's Christian Associations of New York State are in Newburgh.
The officers of the committee are: Chairman — Miss R. F. Morse, New-
York City; Treasurer — Mrs. Russel Headley, Newburgh; Secretary —
Miss J. A. Gouldy, Newburgh; State Secretary — Miss EmmaReeder,
Newburgh.
This institution was organized in the Fall of 1S61, under the fol-
lowing circumstances. One day there were assembled in the Court
House a goodly number of ladies, representing the different city
churches, making ready articles to send to soldiers. The
War of the Rebellion was in progress. Two ladies from
the Home for the Friendless in New York entered the
Vdom, and asked permission to present the claims of the
.Vmerican Female Guardian Society. For two hours they
lield the attention of an audience of women and children
CIS they described the work of their society.
A society was formed then and there, consisting of
two ladies from each of the city churches, under the
name of the Newburgh Union Female Guardian Society,
with the object of providing a home for children of
poverty.
The term " union " was used because the manage-
ment was to be chosen from the various denominations.
This society was to be auxiliary to the New York society.
Work was at once begun by sending out a printed appeal
stating the object of the desired society and asking for
financial aid. This effort met with favor. This was fol-
lowed by renting a room at No. 71 Second Street, the
expense of which was kindly met by the late Judge
John J. Monell. There a day school was opened on
December 16, 1S61, with 33 pupils, all children who by
reason of destitution were debarred from attending our
pubhc schools. The labor connected with this was per-
formed by the managers in turn — the daily washing and
feeding the children. The one meal given at noon was
in many cases all the httle ones could have. This meal
was not then prepared in the building, but sent in daily
by the managers. At this time Miss E. K. Gray gave
luring her services as teacher, which had a refining and com-
manding influence over the untrained scholars. It was
soon found both desirable and necessary to furnish lodgings also, as
some of the children were homeless. To accomplish this, S. R. Van
Duzer provided a home bj' renting for one year the dwelling No. 271
Photograph
154
NEWBURGH
Grand Street. The society, with Jlrs. (Rev.) W. Voungblood at its
head, had now adopted a constitution and by-laws, and elected twelve
gentlemen as a Board of Counselors. Encouraged by them and
largely aided by the late Judge Nathaniel Jones, one of the Board, a
charter was obtained from the New York State Legislature on April
7, 1S62. In the second annual report of the Newburgh Union Female
Guardian Society and Home for the Friendless we find a list in the
printed charter of the names of members of this body corporate,
which was hereafter to be known as the Newburgh Home for the
Friendless, its allegiance to the New York society being discon-
tinued.
In 1S63 a committee from the Board of Counselors was appointed
to wait upon the Board of Education to ask for school funds to help
pay the teacher. The Board of Education decided to adopt the
" Fourth Ward Home School," and to pay the institution $100 per
year. This aid has been withdrawn for many years. In 1S64 the
Home was moved to its present quarters. Through the persevering-
efforts of the management, aided bj' the Board of Counselors, very
materially and untiring!)' by James Bigler, sufficient money had been
raised to enable the ladies to purchase the property now occupied as
the Home, in ^Montgomery Street.
The main support of the institution has been the free-will offer-
ings of the community, and the untiring zeal of the ladies who con-
duct the noble work. Day after day for nearly thirty years these
gifts and little helps have never ceased to flow in. The great majority
have been small contributions, frequently repeated, of provisions,
clothing and money. A goodly number of people make regular an-
nual donations of from §1 to S25 each. The society possesses the fol-
lowing permanent funds;
christian families can be secured for them bv ad'
nianent home
tion or otherwise.
The present officers are: First Directress — Mrs. C. F. Allan; Sec-
ond Directress — Mrs. C. J. Howell; Third Directress — Mrs. G. E.
Lewis Jennings 913,097 77
RufusR. Skeel 40500
W. W. Carson, gift 40000
Moses Wilson 100 00
Mrs. Owen SIcGahej- 100 00
Dr. George Brown 100 00
Frances Brown loo 00
Margaret A. Currie 100 00
Elizabeth Fish 20000
Amelia J. F. Hull 20000
Eliza Brown 100 00
M. \V. Lockwood 100 00
"A Friend," 1878 — Mrs.
Charles Downing 50000
Henrv Ball
Charlotte M. Furman...
Harvey Weed
Henry Rogers
" A Friend o£ the Cause, '
Adah H. Phillips
Charles Downing
Mary E. Miller
William Caldwell
W. W. Carson, legacy. . .
Elizabeth M. Weed.,'....
Sarah E. Sly
Elizabeth C. D. Stewart
The society is composed of women, ha\4ng the usual officers, a
Board of Managers and committees. There is also a Board of Coun-
Edgar; Treasurer — Mrs Charles Caldwell; Recording Secretary — Mrs.
J. G. D. Findley; Corresponding Secretary — Mrs. Samuel Carlisle.
selors, composed of men, who may be called together at any time.
Friendless and destitute girls and boys under ten, either orphans or
abandoned by their parents, are received and provided for till per-
ST. LUKE'S HOME AND HOSPITAL.
The organization of this institution was owing
mainly to the approval and encouragement of the late
rector of St. George's Church, the Rev. John Brown.
D. D. He called a meeting at his residence, in July,
1S74, at which he explained the project, and, ani-
mated by him, those present formed the resolution to
attempt the work. At a subsequent meeting a plan
of operation was considered and a constitution fram-
ed. It was adopted November 4, 1S74, and on Nov-
ember II in a general meeting, attended by women
of both Newburgh and New Windsor, the first Board
of JIanagers was elected. These were; Mrs. Haslet
McKim, President; Mrs. Smith Ely, Vice-President;
Mrs. John L. Rogers, Secretary; Miss JuUa E. Le
Roy, Treasurer. The house on the northeast corner
of Dubois and Third Streets was rented. St. Luke's
subsequently occupied the building on the comer of
Dubois and Carter Streets, and then purchased a
place in Carpenter Avenue, afterwards sold to the city
for reservoir purposes. Then the present handsome
property in Libertv Street was purchased. It is clear
of debt.
The object of the institution is to provide primarily
a hospital for the care and sm-gical and medical treat-
ment of the sick and disabled; and, secondly, a home for aged women.
The society was incorporated in 1S76. The present officers are: Mrs.
O. Applegate, President; Miss E. J. Appleton, Vice-President; James
NEWBURGH
155
J. Logan, Treasurer; Mrs. J. N. Dickey, Secretary; Mrs. S. C. Mills
Registrar; Miss L. Miller, Matron.
Through the efforts of Charles F. Shaw and Charles E. McElrath
an ambulance corps was formed in 1S91, which is now, owing main-
ly to the liberality of Alfred Kayne, M. D., well organized and
equipped. They have a fine ambulance and horse, which may be
summoned by telephone at a moment's warning, to convey injured
persons to the hospital. It is a separate organization, 3'et co-operates
with the hospital management. The members are qualified to render
first aid to the injured, and some of them have taken the ambulance
surgeon's course of instruction. The Newburgh Ambulance Corps is
constituted as follows: Charles F. Shaw, Charles E. McElrath,
Joseph N. Bogart and R. J- Smith. Alfred Kayne, General Manager.
Eugene A. Brewster. The first buildings were erected under contract
with John Little, jr. The house was completed and opened December
10, 1853. During iSgo-91 the number of persons who received relief
was 1,634, in which number are included 120 persons who were in
the Home at the date of the previous report. The Commissioners sup-
port 29 insane persons at various asylums. Last year §28,354.86 was
expended in the good work. The value of the property now under
control of the Board is about sixty thousand dollars. The present
Commissioners are Charles J. Lawson, James J. Dougherty, John
Orr, Fred Herman, John E. Herbert, John G. Rodman; William
Presler, Superintendent; Senan L. Sweeney, physician.
ASSOCIATED CHARITIES OF NEWBURGH.
Office and employment bureau, 39 Second Street; organized 1875;
reorganized 1SS6. An alliance formed to bring into co-operation all
existing charitable agencies, whether religious, civic, or of the pub-
lic authorities, that the best interests of the poor may be secured, and
that pauperism with its manifold evils may be overcome and reduced.
It is a society for the friendly visitation of the poor, and one that
THE CITY'S BENEFACTIONS.
The City of Newburgh in connection with the Town of Newburgh
has an admirable system for the care of helpless old age and orphan
youth, and for the relief of those temporarily in need. There are two
institutions under the care of the Alms House Commissioners — the
Alms House and the Children's Home. The former is on a farm in
the southwestern corner of the city, and the latter is a mansion in
High Street. The Home is all the name miphes. The little inmates
are made happy and comfortable; the)- attend the public schools and
have much the same privileges and liberties that other children have
at their homes, and good care. The Home is the special charge of a
committee of the Board, who have a kind and watchful eye over
its afl^airs.
The Alms House is in charge of a Superintendent of the Poor, and
affords a good home to many aged people, some of whom pay board.
Those who are able, do light work. The Commissioners also grant
temporary' relief to needy persons outside of the institutions.
The sj-stem was established in 1S53 ^Y ^.ct of the Legislature. By
the terms of the act the Town of Newburgh was established as a sep-
arate poor district. Enoch Carter, then Supervisor, was the leader
in the project. The first Commissioners were Henry Wyckoff, David
\\'. Bate, David H. Barclay, George Gearn, Alfred Post and
WOMAN S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION FREE READING ROOM-125 Broadway,
would help the poor to save their self-respect by helping them-
selves. It tries to bring to bear upon each person that comes to its
knowledge all the agencies and influences — charitable, economical,
and moral — that are necessary to his welfare. No one who has given
more than a passing thought to the social problems of the age can
deny that alms-giving is not a remedy for pauperism. LTnscrupu-
lous adventurers are only too common in every rank of life. To pro-
tect the public against such as appear in the guise of beggars, to
secure adequate aid for those persons whom old age, illness or in-
firmity has rendered dependent, and to form and strengthen habits
of industry and manly independence in those whose misfortunes are
due to the lack of such qualities — these are the objects sought by this
and kindred societies throughout the land.
Any person may become a member of this organization by paying
annually $5 or more, and agreeing to abstain from indiscriminate
alms-giving; but the society provides a sustaining membership, with-
out being a member of the corporation. Any person may become a
life-member by the payment of §50. The receipts from life-member-
ship are to create an endowment fund, the interest alone to be devoted
to relief. The society is supported by voluntary contributions. It
now has no corporate members, 162 sustaining members, and 2 life
members.
Mrs. F. D. Hitch, President; Mrs. William A. M. Culbert and A.
Smith Ring, Vice-Presidents; Miss R. M. St. John, Treasurer; A.
Smith Ring, Assistant Treasurer, also Treasurer of the Penny Provi-
dent Fund; Miss Mary Akerly, Secretary; Mrs. Mary G. Wood,
Superintendent.
NW*,
THE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.
Has rooms at No. 125 Broadway, open every evening from 7 to 9.30
o'clock. A good work is being done among the boys of the city by
these self-den)nng women. They bring the boys to this cheerful
156
NEWBURGH
room, and by precept and example teach them the principles of tem-
perance and morality. In numberless ways acts of benevolence have
been done, and their reward has been the reformation of many
youths. They also carry flowers to the sick, and once a week
they carry the gospel to those imprisoned. Boxes of clothing are
occasionally sent to those in need, and the sufferers at Johnstown,
and the basket makers of Rockland County, have reason to remem-
ber the W. C. T. U. of Newburgh. Religious meetings are held on
Wednesday and Sabbath, led by the ladies of the Union. The Union
numbers 130 members. The officers are: Mrs. J. V. Jordan, Presi-
dent; Mrs. A. B. Wright, Vice-President: Mrs. C. C. Shaffer, Corres-
ponding Secretary; Miss C. A. Goodale, Recording Secretary; Mrs.
R. H. Gorrie, Treasurer; Miss B. S. Lendrum, Librarian.
THE YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE
UNION
Is useful in several departments of benevolent work. Its primary
object is to bring boys and young men from the street, to provide
a reading-room and meeting-place for them, and as far as possible
to insure their spiritual and temporal welfare. The Union has pleas-
ant rooms at 150 Broadway, where every evening a company of boys
may be found, improving their time by reading, or by receiving
instruction in English branches. Very often employment is found
for men and boys, and in many other ways does the Union endeav-
or to be a good Samaritan to those in need. Religious services are
held each Sabbath evening, and at all times temperance and morality
are inculcated.
Besides this work at the rooms, the poor are unostentatiously be-
friended, flowers are sent to the sick, and the prisoners at the jail and
the paupers at the Alms House are regularly visited. There are four
departments of special work — the Dorcas Committee, the Flower
Mission, Jail and Alms House Visitation, and Religious Work. The
Union was organized five years ago. Miss Annie L. Thompson, the
President, is also Superintendent of the New York State Flower
Mission, which every week sends to New York City vast quantities
of flowers, fruit, clothing, etc., for distribution among the poor of
YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION PARLOR— 150 Broadway.
New York. She has five times been a delegate to the State Conven-
tion of the Y. W. C. T. U. , and twice to the National Convention
at Chicago and Atlanta. The other officers are Mrs. Milton D. Sey-
mour, Recording Secretary; Miss Elliott, Corresponding Secretary;
Miss Frances A. Ritchie, Treasurer.
BENCH AND BAR.
The Courts and Those Who Practice Before Them.
[NCE the erection of the present County of Orange in
179S, courts have been held alternately at Kewburgh
and Goshen. Previous to that time the Town of New-
burgh was included in Ulster County, of which Kingston
was and still is the county-seat. Goshen was a half-shire
town of the old County of Orange, and terms of coirrts
were held there alternately with Orangetown (now in
Rockland County) from 1727. Goshen is a small village about twenty
miles from Newburgh, and derives its chief importance from the
presence of the county offices there.
The court houses now in use at Newburgh and Goshen were
erected by the present county in 1S41 as the I'esult of a compromise
The Recorder's Court is held at Police Headquarters. There are also
two Justices of the Peace. The Law Library Association has an ex-
cellent library in the Brewster Building.
The Bar of Newburgh has commanded respect for its wisdom,
eloquence, power and influence. The names of many of the lawyers
of the place in time past have been engraved upon the institutions
of the country, and their memory is precious to posterity. Others
brought commanding talent, masterly erudition and exalted purity
to the bench, to the halls of Congress, and the Legislature, and were
deservedly honored in their day and generation. And still others
whom we might name who have more recently passed from the scenes
of their struggles and triumphs, and whose remembrance is still fresh
COURT HOUSE.
on the question of erecting a new county with Newburgh as the
county-seat. This question has been agitated from time to time for
many years. The Newburgh Court House was erected from plans
of Thornton M. Niven, and cost $13,000. The basement is occupied
in part by cells, to which prisoners are committed from the police
courts in this city and neighboring towns. The building stands in an
open square bounded by Grand. Liberty, Second and Third Streets.
The lands on the north, west and south of the building are owned by
the city. Terms of the Circuit Court and Court of Oyer and Terminer
are held in Newburgh twice each year, the County Court twice each
year, Surrogate's Court one day in each week, and Recorder's Court
daily. Special terms of the Supreme Court are held one day in each
month. Surrogate's Court and the monthly Special terms of the
Supreme Court are held in the Brewster Building, in Smith Street.
t(i the people, were men of tried character, sterling qualities, and culti-
vated minds. Thus have our lawyers of to-day a rich legacy in the
lives and example of many of those who have gone before them.
Nor has this inheritance come to unworthy sons. The Bar of the
city is composed of men worthy of their calling — men of ability and
integrity, who enjoy the confidence and esteem of their fellow-citi-
zens, who take an interest in municipal affairs, and as public men
exert a favorable influence in the community. Among those eminent
in the profession in times past were the following :
Phineas Mcintosh, admitted 1729. He was the first New-
burgh lawyer of whom we find any record. He was one of the
partners in the Town of Newburgh plot in 1731, and erected the
residence m Liberty Street known for many years as the Jlclntosh
house. [157]
58
NEWBURGH
John Alsop, admitted 1734. He lived in New Windsor, and re-
moved Trom the county about 1744. His son, John Alsop, jr., was a
member of the Colonial Congress of 1776, but resigned on the adop-
tion of the Declaration of Independence. His daughter was the
mother of Governor John A. King.
John Chambers, admitted 1735. He was the son of William Cham-
bers, who obtained the patent for lands on the south side of Quassaick
Creek in 1712. He removed to New York, and was appointed member
of the Governor's Council (1752-63), and Associate Judge of the
Supreme Court (1751-66.)
Cadwallader Colden, jr., of Coldenham, son of Governor Colden,
was admitted to the bar in 1753.
George Clinton, admitted 1767. He was the first Governor of the
State of New York, and died while Vice-President of the United
States.
Phineas Bowman, admitted 1790. He served in the war of the
Revolution as captain of a Massachusetts regiment, and settled here
after the disbandment of the army. He was a man of high attain-
ments and rose rapidly in his profession. In 179S, while a member of
the Legislature, he secured the passage of the law erecting the
present County of Orange.
Jonathan Fisk, admitted iSoo. He was born in New Hampshire,
in 1773, studied law in New York City, and came to Newburgh in
February, iSoo. In 1809 he was elected Representative in Congress,
and again in 1S14. From 1S15 to 1S20 he was United States Attorney
for the Southern District of New York. The town records, the files
of the newspapers of his time, and his own manuscripts bear testi-
mony to the commanding position which he occupied and to the
superiority of his abilities.
Jonas Storey, admitted iSoi. He was born in Norwich, Ct. , 177S,
and came to Newburgh in early manhood. For forty years he main-
tained a distinguished place in his profession.
William Ross, admitted iSoi. He was the son of Robert Ross, of
Rossville, Newbxirgh. He was elected member of Assembly in 1808,
1S09, 1811, 1S12, 1813, and 1814. He was Speaker of the House in
iSii. He served in the State Senate from 1S15 to 1S22. In 1811 he
was appointed Master in Chancery, and from 1816 to 1S19 he was a
member of the Council of Apportionment.
Walter Case, admittted 1802. He was a member of Congress,
1S19-22, and Surrogate of the county, 1823-27.
Samuel R. Betts, admitted iSio. He was circuit judge in 1S23.
General Gilbert O. Fowler, admitted iSio. He was the son of
Dr. David Fowler, of Newburgh, and was graduated from Colum-
bia College. He was appointed Master in Chancery 1S16; judge of
Orange Common Pleas 1S28 and 1833. In November, 1S33, he was
elected to the Legislature and was instrumental in securing the
passage of the charter of the Highland Bank, and the charter of
the Delaware and Hudson Railroad. He was elected President of
the Highland Bank at its organization, and served in that position
till his death. He held several important military commissions.
David W. Bate, admitted 181 1. He was born in Shawangunk
and was an officer in the war of 1S12-15. On his return from the
army he formed a partnership with WiUiam Ross (Ross & Bate) and
resumed the practice of his profession. He subsequently formed a
partnership with Thomas McKissock. In 1S47 he was elected County
Judge.
Samuel W. Eager, admitted 1813. He was a native of Mont-
gomery, and moved to Newburgh. He was justice of the peace,
postmaster and police justice of Newburgh, and Member of Congress
in 1S50. He wrote the " History of Orange County," in 1S47.
Peter F. Hunn, admitted 1814. He was born in New Jersey,
1794, and graduated at Columbia College. His father havnng receiv-
ed the appointment of cashier in the Bank of Newburgh (1811) he
came to Newburgh and entered the office of Jonathan Fisk. When
admitted to the bar he removed to Sullivan County, and was subse-
quently Surrogate, Master in Chancery and District Attorney of that
county. He returned to Newburgh in 1837, and practiced his pro-
fession till his death. He possessed varied talents and attainments.
Thomas McKissock, admitted 1S18. He was born in Montgom-
erjMn 1790, and studied law with Ross &• Rate. Subsequently for
many years he was the partner of Judge Bate, under the firm name
of Bate & McKissock. He was appointed Judge of the Supreme
Court in 1847, to close up the business of that court under the old
constitution; and in 1S49 he was elected to the United States House
of Representatives. Very few men enjoyed more fully the confidence
of the people, and there was none to whose legal opinions greater
deference was paid.
Hon. John W. Brown was born at Dundee, Scotland. October
II, 1796, and died in Newburgh September 6, 1S75. His father was
a miller, and left Scotland with his family for this country when
John was about five years of age, taking up his residence first in Put-
nam County. He remained there but a short time, however, and
removing to Newburgh engaged in the flouring business in that
part of the place then known as New MiUs. The lad early showed
a strong inchnation for study, and received a common-school educa-
tion here. Leaving school, he entered the law office of Jonathan
HON. JOH
that
Fisk, one of the ablest members of the Orange County Ba
time, and was admitted to the practice of law in 1822.
At about this time he became conspicuou.sly active in most pub-
lic matters of local interest. As early as 1817 he with others was
instrumental in forming a military company known as "The Bell
Button Corps," from the buttons worn on their uniform. In 1824-26
he was colonel of the militia of the district.
Soon after his admission to the Bar he was elected Justice of the
Peace, and in the list of Trustees of the Village of Newburgh we find
his name recorded as Clerk of the Board from 1S21 to 1S25 inclusive.
In 1S32 he was elected to represent the district in Congress, and was
re-elected in 1834. In 1846 he was a member of the Constitutional
Convention of the State.
He was a jurist of eminence and distinguished ability. One of
the celebrated cases in which he was engaged as counsel was the
famous fourth trial of Polly Bodine, of Staten Island, on the charge
of murder. It caused great excitement throughout the eastern por-
tion of the State. Judge Brown was one of the counsel for the de-
NEWBURGH
159
fendant, and succeeded by his powerful advocacy in securing her
acquittal.
As a politician he was of wide influence in the counsels of his
party. He was noted as a political speaker, and his famous contest in
the Polk and Dallas campaign of 1S44 with General Leslie Combs, of
Kentucky, was but one of the many brilliant achievements of his
career. At the outbreak of the Rebellion he took a decided stand as
a war Democrat.
In November, 1S49, he was elected Justice of the Supreme Court
for the Second Judicial District, and at the expiration of the terra of
eight years he was re-elected, so that he occupied that position sixteen
years in aU. In addition to his duties in this capacity he served as
associate Justice of the Court of Appeals during the last year of each
of his two terms as Supreme Court Justice. Distinguished as he
was as an advocate, he was far more distinguished as a judge. One
of his decisions which made a great stir at the time was that declaring
unconstitutional the canal loan bill.
Personally, he was gentleman of the old school. Steadfast integ-
rity characterized all his dealings with his fellow-men. He appre-
ciated the value of money, and his charges for legal services were
always moderate, else abundant v,-ealth, instead of a simple compe-
tence, would have resulted from his large practice. A strong man
when aroused in any emergency — one who could sway a jury or awe
a mob — he was remarkably kind and sensitive.
Judge Brown left written directions for his funeral, and the entire
service connected therewith was in accordance with the noble simplic-
ity of his whole life. The services were held at his residence, con-
ducted by the Rev. W. K. Hall, D. D., and were very brief and
very simple, consisting only of the reading of a few passages of
scripture and a praj'er.
His son, William R. , is at present Warden of Sing Sing Prison.
The other son, Hon. Charles F. Brown, adopted his father's pro-
fession, became District Attorney of the county. County Judge,
Supreme Court Judge, and is now, by special appointment of the
Governor, a member of the Second Division of the Court of Appeals.
James G. Clinton, admitted 1825. He was the son of General
James Clinton, of iS'ew Windsor, and half-brother to DeWitt CHnton.
He was Master in Chancery, and Representative in Congress. He
died May 2S, 1S49, in his fortj'-fifth year.
William C. Hasbrouck, admitted 1S26. He was born in iSoo, and
graduated from Union College. In early life he was principal of an
academy in Tennessee, and of the Farmers' Hall Academy, at
Goshen. He completed his legal studies with William Ross, of New-
burgh, and rose rapidly to high rank in his profession. He was fre-
quently nominated for offices, but his party being in the minority he
was never elected but once, when he was sent to the Assembly, and
there was chosen Speaker of the body. He was a man of high bear-
ing, spotless character, and a chivalric sense of honor and duty.
Hon. John James Monell was one of the most prominent men of
his time in this section. A successful practitioner at the bar, active
in pohtics, in education, and in aU matters of public interest, an able
speaker and writer, he filled an important place in the community.
He was the eldest child of Samuel and Elvira Monell. His birth
was near Coldenham, in this county, February 24, 1S13. There was
nothing in his boyhood to note, except the marked purity of his
morals. He was prepared for college by that eminent scholar and
mighty preacher, the Rev. James R. Willson, D. D., and was gradu-
ated at Union College in 1S33. He then came to the village of
Newburgh and studied law in the office of Hon. John W. Brown, and
was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court in 1S37. He went out
into his profession with deep earnestness, and rose to high respecta-
bility at a time when the bar of Orange County was illustrious for its
ability. He retired from active practice at a comparatively early age,
choosing rather to act as a counsellor and to manage important trusts.
It was through him that the A'ew ] 'or/c Herald premises were sold
to James Gordon Bennett, and he was called in as adviser to William
CuUen Bryant in his later years, becoming aften^'ard the President
of the Evening Post Association. He never held any public office ex-
cept that of County Judge for a single term, to which he was elected
in 1859, though he had been a candidate for the Thirtieth Congress.
His early political life was among the Democrats, his latter with the
Republicans ; but his object first and last was the good of his country.
He beheved in party action without being a partisan. In all thmgs
he followed the dictates of his judgment and conscience.
The lawyer's arguments are seldom pubUshed, and the memory
of thein soon passes away; but whatever he does for the upbuilding
of the community in which he is, lives on. Judge Monell took a large
part in so many things that were for the good and prosperity of this
city, that he cannot pass out of memory. He was one of the or-
ganizers of the Union Presb>i;erian Church, of the present free
school system, the gas Hght company, the savmgs bank, the Quas-
saick Bank, the alms house, and our earlier railroad corporations,
and filled important places in them all. He was the associate of
HON. JOHN J. MONELL.
Enoch Carter in securing to the State the old Headquarters, at the
dedication of which he delivered an eloquent address. He took an
active part in founding the old Newburgh Library, and subsequently
the Mechanics' Library. Indeed, there was no undertaking of a public
nature occurring in the period of his activity in which he did not have
a part. He gave much of his time and energy to the various railroads
and turnpikes which were built or projected, and many will remem-
ber his able address at the opening of the Short Cut Railroad.
His rare gifts as a public speaker made his services largely sought
for on almost every occasion of public interest. In the public debates on
various exciting political and social questions he was almost always a
participant, and an adroit and skillful champion of the cause he es-
poused. So, too, he was often heard upon national anniversaries as
well as at the bar and in political assemblies. His fine presence, bright
blue eyes, his clear, sonorous voice, his fertile fancy, his ready com-
mand of language — all combined to make him attractive and popular
as a public speaker. His published addresses were very carefully
prepared, and we see in them clearness, force and rhetorical beauty.
i6o
NEWBURGH.
Stormy as were the scenes in which Judge Monell acted in law and
politics, he was happy in his social life. " His home was a little par-
adise." He built "The Glen" before his marriage. There he
brought the wife of his young manhood. She was Wary E. Smith, of
Connecticut. Her mother was a Goodrich, a sister of " Peter Parley."
She had the genius of a poet, and wrote the patriotic ode which was
sung at the dedication of Washington's Headquarters. Andrew J.
Downing lived but a short distance away; he made his abode beauti-
ful, and drew to him many admirers. His wife was CaroUne E.
DeWint, daughter of John Peter DeWint, of Fishkill, whose mother
was the grand-daughter of President John Adams. The two friends
had their frequent meetings, and the two households were as one.
Jlrs. Monell and Mr. Downing died, and subsequently Judge Monell
and Mrs. Downing married, and moved (about 1865) to the opposite
shore of the Hudson, where they enjoyed many happy years at their
country seat '■ Eustatia." But he still continued his interest in the
welfare of Newbm-gh, and was almost a daily visitor here.
Judge Monell had always blended somewhat of literary labor with
his professional work, and he naturally sought the society of literary
people. It was not, therefore, strange that as he withdrew from the
practice of his profession this literary taste increased, and that he
numbered among his warmest friends such authors as Downing,
Headley, Cook, Lossing, Bryant, Curtis, Park Godwin and James
Freeman Clarke. The love of Revolutionary history had then taken
a hold on him. There were still living oiScers and soldiers of the Rev-
olution, from whose lips he heard the stories of other times. In his
little volume "Washington's Headquarters, Newburgh," there is
much of historical value. He watched closely the approach of the
centennial years. He presided at the centennial meeting at Fishkill,
April 19, 1S76; he gave a stirring address at the centennial meeting
in Newburgh, April 19, 18S3; he was chairman of the Fishkill cen-
tennial committee, and presided at the celebration in old Fishkill
June 2, 18S3. He wrote a patriotic letter for the New Windsor cele-
bration a little later, and likewise noted with thoughtfulness the cen-
tennial in this city.
Judge Monell died April 22, 1SS5, aged 72, and his remains lie
buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery. Mrs. Monell and Miss Mary E. Mo-
nell (a daughter of the first marriage) still reside at " Eustatia."
William Fullerton, admitted 1840. After practicing his profession
for a number of years in Newburgh he removed to New York, where
he was associated with Charles O'Conor, and from that point has
risen to the highest rank at the bar in that city, but he stiU retains
his residence in Newburgh.
Stephen W. FuUerton, admitted 1S44. He won great distinction at
the Orange County Bar, and filled the offices of District Attorney and
County Judge. For a number of years he was associated with Charles
H. Van Wyck, afterwards United States Senator from Nebraska. A
number of years ago Mr. Fullerton removed his business headquar-
ters from Newburgh to New York, where he has acquired renown m
his profession.
The members of the bar in this city at the present time are as fol-
Anthony, Walter C.
Barclay, David
Brewster, Eugene A.
Brewster, Eugene A., Ji
Cassedy, Abram S.
Cassedy, William F.
A. S. & W. F. Cassedy
Cassedy, Frank H.
Chatterton, Charles L. /
Round & Chatterton, j"
Dickey, WilHara D.
Dimmick, Samuel E.
Esmond, Darwin W. /
Esmond & Ward, \
Fowler, Nehemiah
Goldsmith, John K.
Graham James G.
Graham James G. , Jr.
Gardner, John M.
Headley, Russel
Hirschberg, M. H.
Hyndman, William H.
Johnston, Arthur M.
Ketcham, Reeve
Leeper, Joseph M.
McClung Benjamin, /
Strahan & McCluug, )
McCroskery, Lewis W.
Mullenneaux, M. H.
Roosa, Elmer E.
Round, Seward U. /
Round & Chatterton, (
Seeger, A. H. F.
Shafer, Jesse F.
Sterrit, L. S.
Strahan, James L. (
Strahan & McClung, j
Taylor, Grant B.
Thornton, Howard
Waring, C. L.
Ward, Warner E. L. /
Esmond & Ward. (
HON. JAMES G. GRAHAM was born at Shawangunk, Ulster
County, N. Y., October 29, 1S21. His ancestors were originally
Scotch, but he is descended from a branch of the family that emigrat-
to the North of Ireland; representatives of the family fought in the
battle of the Boyne. His great-grandfather came to America and
settled at Shawangunk about 1725, and is buried in the churchyard
at St. Andrews. His grandfather, Dr. James G. Graham, during the
Revolution served in detachments that were called out to repel the
attacks of Indians and Tories on the settlements of the west side of
the Shawangunk mountains, and was afterward a member of the
State Senate for eight years. His maternal grandfather, Alexander
McKay, was a Revolutionary soldier, and fought in the defense of
Fort Montgomery. His father was George G. Graham, M. D., an
eminent physician and citizen of Ulster; for many years he was the
Supervisor of his town, a Member of Assembly in 1S40. and a delegate
to the Constitutional Convention in 1S46.
James G. Graham attended the common schools of his native
town, was fitted for college at the Newburgh Academy, and gradu-
ated from Columbia College in 1840. Early in life he manifested a
preference for the profession of law, and on completing his literary
education he entered the office of Bate & McKissock, one of the lead-
ing law firms in
Newburgh, to be-
gin his studies for
the bar. He was
admitted in 1843,
and at once enter-
ed upon the prac-
tice of his profes-
sion in the County
of Ulster, with an
office at Shawan-
gunk. His success
was immediate and
pronounced. A hard
student, he master-
ed the fovmdations
and framework of
law, as he has since
explored the ' 'great
streams and cur-
rents and tides of
authorit)'."
He gained re-
pute not only as a
safe counselor, but
the natural oratori-
cal power and in-
tense inborn patri-
otism that have
ornamented, and
even directed, his whole career, were unconsciously exhibited in
his earliest public addresses. While yet but a young man he was fre-
quently requested to speak on important occasions, and to lecture be-
fore literary and benevolent societies. In 1S44 he spoke in every town
in Ulster in the interest of Henry Clay, and four years later, when
but twenty-seven years old, he was elected to the State Assembly.
During the Rebellion he was an unfaltering and uncompromising sup-
porter of the Union cause, and at many recruiting meetings in both
(Grange and Ulster his patriotic utterances fired the hearts of the men
who became their country's defenders. He was the attorney of the
Wallkill A'alley Railroad during its construction, and addressed pub-
lic meetings at Kingston, Rondout, Saugerties and New Paltz in its
interest.
In 1S66 he was returned to the Assembly from Ulster County. It
was in that year, to find larger opportunities for professional practice,
that he came to Newburgh. Ten years later he was sent to the As-
sembly from this county, and again the following year. Mr. Graham's
legislative career has been useful and honorable; he was a member of
the leading committee. Ways and Jleans, at three different sessions;
/lES G. GRAHAM.
NEWBURGH
t6i
he served as Chairman of the Committee on Insurance and on General
Laws, and was also a member of the Judiciary and other important
committees.
Of the State Homceopathic Asylum atMiddletown he was selected
for a Trustee in 1S73, and has held the position ever since, the only
survivors of the Board to which he was first appointed being Hon.
Grinnell Burt, and Hon. M. D. Stivers. He was named as a Trustee
of Washington's Headquarters at Newburgh in 1S74, and has con-
tinued a member, and its secretary, ever since. At the organization
of the Newburgh and Shawangunk Plank Road Company in 1S52, he
was elected a Director, and for several years past he has been its
President. When the Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the
Highlands was formed in 1SS4. he was one of its incorporators, its
President for two years and now a Vice-President.
He was Corporation Counsel in 1S73 and '74, and again from 1S85
to '90. With M. H. Hirschberg and A. S. Cassed}^ he was appointed
on a committee to revise the City Charter; and after several months'
labor they reported a new charter, containing provisions for important
changes in the plan of municipal government; their report was
adopted by the Council, and the charter sent to the Legislature for
enactment. During the Centennial Celebration in this city in 1883,
he was chairman of the General Reception Committee, composed of
foremost citizens of the place.
Judge Graham is distinguished in his profession, and out of it, as
an orator. No other man of his time in the county has achieved
greater popularity in that respect. Multitudes have heard his voice
at many eventful celebrations; and in public halls, at the bar and in
the sacred temple his words, grave or gay, always evince the thought-
ful, comprehensive and scholarly mind. His orations at the several
Centennial Celebrations of 1883, at the farewell to the Old Academy
and at the dedication of the New, at the dedication of the Moffat Li-
brary at Washingtonville, his address on Patrick Henry, and his
eulogies of Winfield, Gedney and Scott, ma}^ be taken as tj-pical pro-
ductions — earnest, graceful, picturesque. Fluent in speech, rich in
poetic expression, graceful in compliment, his sentences measured
and rhythmical, he is a wonder-worker in words. Judge Graham, as
we have tried to show, is a man of the times, and helpful to his com-
munitj-, filling a place few others could fill. His has been in truth a
well-spent life and an honorable career, and he has earned the esteem
of his fellows, and he can look back upon manj' a "word fitly
spoken," which have been indeed " apples of gold in pictures of
silver."
Mr. Graham's wife is Margaret J., daughter of Israel Knapp,
formerly of Walden, Orange County. Thej' have two children,
James Gilbert and Helen C.
EUGENE A. BREWSTER was born in the City of New York,
April 13, 1S27. His father was Timothy Brewster, a member of the
family of that name now numerously represented in Connecticut, on
Long Island, and in Rockland and Orange Counties. Timothy
Brewster and family came to Newburgh in 1831, and until his death,
in 1836, carried on the lumber business at the foot of Fifth Street, and
a store at the corner of Water and Fourth Streets. In 1S36 the fam-
ily moved to West Troy, where they remained about two years, re-
turning in 1S39 to Newburgh, where Mr. Brewster has ever since re-
sided.
Mrs. Juliet Brewster, the mother, resided here till her death in iSSi,
at the age of eighty-eight. She was a woman of energetic character
and good judgment, and was greatly beloved. Her son's only school-
ing was for a few years in the Newburgh High School, of which Or-
ville M. Smith was principal. It stood on the spot where School No.
2 now stands. That higher education which has won him renown in
his profession was acquired by unceasing private study. After
being first a pupil and then an assistant teacher at the High School
(till August, 1S43,) he entered the law office of the Hon. John W.
Brown. In 1848 he was admitted to practice as attorney and coun-
selor; in 1850 he formed a partnership with Nathan Reeve, which
continued till 1855, since which time he has had no business partner.
His life has been chiefly devoted to the practice of the law.
Thereto he has applied himself with singleness of purpose, craving,
seemingly, honor in no other field. Because of his great learning in
the law and the clearness of his vision into legal intricacies, his long-
experience in connection with many important cases, and his unyield-
ing, even stern integrity, there is none but will accord him the chief
place among his fellows as a wise counselor and safe defender.
June I, 1859, he married Anna W., youngest daughter of the late
Rev. Dr. Brown. They have two sons and one daughter living.
Mr. Brewster has served on the Board of Alms House Commis-
sioners, on the Board of Education, at different times, fourteen years,
and for a short time on the Board of Trustees of Washington's Head-
quarters. He has been for many years the counsel of the Alms House
Board, and is now Corporation Counsel. He drew up the original
City Charter, and explained and defended it at a pubHc meeting in
January, 1S65. He strove unsuccessfully to include the so-called
" fifth ward." With some alterations it was passed by the Legisla-
ture in April, 1865 ^ He successfully resisted in the courts the attempts
^ Ws.
(1
EUGENE A. BREWSTER.
made in 1870 to bond the city for §500,000 in aid of the Midland Rail-
road. He has always advocated the formation of a new county, with
Newburgh for the county seat. In connection with Enoch Carter,
Thomas C. Ring, Major Sherman, Dr. N. Deyo, Peter Ward and J.
J. S. McCroskery, he took part in the formation of Cedar Hill Ceme-
tery Association, and has ever since been a trustee and officer. He
has been a director of the National Bank of Newburgh ever since its
first organization, and is the only one of the original Board now in of-
fice. He has been a member of the vestry of St. George's Church
about twenty-five years and is now Junior Warden. He has always
acted with the Democratic party.
WILLIAM D. DICKEY was born in Newburgh, January 11,
1845. His father, William Dickey, was for many years a prominent
mason and builder. After graduating from the Newburgh Academy,
and Mt. Retirement Seminary, at Deckertown, N. J., in 1S61, he
began the study of law in the office of Scott & Drake. He left his
1 62
NEWBURGH
studies in May, 1S62, joining the 19th Regiment of this city, and
served with it' first as a private and afterward as sergeant, for the
term of three months. Returning home, he resumed his law studies,
COLONEL
D. DICKEY.
but a week later again went into the service, this time as a Second
Lieutenant in the i6Sth Regiment, New York Volunteers. He
served for the term of nine months, was promoted to be First Lieu-
tenant, and then was commissioned Captain in the
15th New York Artiller}-. He continued in the army
to the close of the war, and participated in about
twenty general engagements, including the battles
of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, and
the Weldon Railroad, besides numerous skirmishes.
He was promoted to the rank of Major (May 11, 1S65),
and for ' ' gallant and meritorious services" the Presi-
dent conferred on him the brevets of Lieutenant-
Colonel and Colonel. At the Battle of the Weldon
Railroad he was for a time in command of a brigade,
all of his superior oflGcers having been killed or
wounded.
He was only twenty years of age when he return-
ed from the war, in the Fall of 1S65. "Within a week
after his arrival home he entered the Albany Law
School. After his graduation, in the following Spring,
he commenced, in his native city, the practice of his
profession, which he has ever since pursued with great
success and honor. His natural talents for his calling,
his keen insight into the law, his commanding presence,
indomitable energj' and absolute fearlessness quickly
earned the respect of his brethren at the bar and gave
great weight to his opinions with the court. He was
elected Colonel of the 19th Regiment of the State
militia June 17, 1S6S, and filled the position till the
disbandment of the regiment in 1876. Colonel Dickey
was a member of the Committee on Military, having
in charge the arrangements for the military divisions
in the great procession at the Newburgh Centennial in 1S83, and was
Marshal of the Second Division.
He was Corporation Counsel in 1S72, 1S7S and 1879. For several
years he was Marshal of Hudson River Lodge, F. & A. M. As a citi-
zen he has been spirited and enterprising, always ready to contribute
of his time, talents and means to the advancement of the public in-
terest and the general good. On all local questions of the times his
views receive the highest consideration. In partnership with his
brother Joseph M., he conducted one of the greatest operations in real
estate in the history of the city, and which in an inestimable degree
contributed to the material advancement and prosperity of the place.
This enterprise concerned the opening up of the Washington Heights
section of the city, referred to at length elsewhere in this volume. The
enterprise, foresight and courage of the man were here manifested, in
that he accepted an opportunity, and is successfully carrying out a
project, which older and wealthier, but less discerning citizens, ne-
glected, or dared not attempt.
Colonel Dickey was married in June, 1868, to Kate W., daughter
of Theodore Richmond, of Newburgh, and has four children, Frank
R., Annie L., Kate G. and Henrietta E.
HON. ABRA.M S. GASSED Y is the grandson of Archibald Cas-
sedy, who emigrated from the north of Ireland about the time of the
Revolution, and became one of the pioneer settlers of Rockland
County, in this State. He was imbued with the indomitable industrj'
and moral principles characteristic of the Scotch-Irish, and became a
successful and respected member of the community. His son Archi-
bald engaged in mercantile and agricultural pursuits, and married
Lydia Gumee, daughter of Judge Gumee, of Rockland County, who
was of French descent. They lived at Ramapo, where Abram S.
was born November 29, 1S33.
He received an academical education, graduating in his twentieth
year from the State Normal School. He studied Iciw with Judge Wil-
liam F. Fraser, at Clarkstown, N. Y., and with Wilkin & Gott, at
Goshen, N. Y., and was admitted to practice in 1S57. Dr. Charles
Drake was then County Clerk, and ^ir. Cassedy was bj'him appoint-
ed Deputy County Clerk, and filled the position for two years. Then
for the next four years he was clerk of the Board of Supervisors of
Orange County, which met annually at Goshen. Meanwhile, in 1S59,
he moved to this city and entered upon the practice of his profes-
NEWBURGH
163
sion. In 1862 he was elected District Attorney of the County on the
Democratic ticket, and served three years. In 1S69 he formed a
partnership with Charles F. Brown, son of Hon. John W. Brown,
and the firm of Cassedy & Brown acquired a large clientage.
1^ ^ W^
i^~
HON. ABRAM S. CASSEDY.
The partnership continued till Mr. Brown became a Judge of
the Supreme Court. Since 1SS6 he has been in partnership with
his son W. F. Cassedy, under the firm name of A. S. & W. F.
Cassedy. In 1S74 Mr. Cassedy commenced a term in the Board of
Education, and served one year as its President; he declined the nom-
ination for a second term. In 1S75-7S he was Corporation Counsel.
In iSSo he was nominated by acclamation by his part)^ for Mayor,
and was elected by a large majority. During his term the Quassaick
Creek bridge was built, the "West Shore Railroad was building, and
the first steps were taken to perfect arrangements for the Centennial
celebration. He has been urged to accept nominations for both the
Legislature and Congress, but has hitherto declined. Mr. Cassedy
has been a Director and the attorney of the Quassaick National Bank
for over sixteen years. He has been and still is the owner of consid-
erable real estate in Newburgh and St. Paul. In conjunction with
E. T. Skidmore he bought the A. J. Downing property of ex-Mayor
Carson in iSSg, and on a portion of this he has erected recently a
handsome residence for himself. Cassedy & Brown represented in
part the Erie Railroad in this county, and they were attorneys at
Newburgh for the North River Construction Company, which built
the West Shore Railroad. They paid out about $700,000 for the
Company in procuring the right of way through the city and imme-
diate vicinity. He was local attorney for the West Shore, and after-
ward for the Receivers. In October, 1SS5, he was appointed by the
Court, Referee in the matter of the foreclosure sale of the West Shore
Railroad, and in November of that year sold the road at the New-
burgh Court House for $22,000,000, and distributed the proceeds
among the creditors. It is worthy of mention that in making this
distribution he issued one check for $i,o6S,ooo, and three others for
more than half a million dollars each. Since then he has represented
the New York Central and Hudson River Company Railroad in
Orange County. Mr. Cassedy is an able lawyer, painstaking and
conscientious in all his acts, and has won in a marked degree the
confidence of the community.
He married Margaret J., daughter of Dr. Charles Drake, of New-
burgh, in 1861. His younger son, Frank H., is practicing law in
Newburgh on his own account.
NEHEMIAH FOWLER, Justice of the Peace, is of English an-
cestry, and a descendant of Isaac Fowler, who settled in the Town of
Newburgh in 1747. He is a son of Daniel W. and Lucretia A. Fowler.
Mr. Fowler was born October 13, 1844, in Newburgh, and soon
afterward his parents removed to the country, where his early life
was spent on his father's farm. In 1864 he commenced the study of
law with James B. Beveridge; the next year he entered the Albany
Law School and was graduated in 1S66; since then he has practiced
his profession in Newburgh. He became a studious and painstaking
lawyer and soon came into notice as a trustworthy man.
In 1868 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace to fill a vacancy,
and appointed a second time in 1SS5. The following year he was
nominated and elected to this office as the candidate of the Republican
party, and in iSgo re-elected for another term of four }'ears by 2,269
majority over the Prohibition candidate — the Democrats declining to
nominate a candidate against him. His decisions have always been
regarded as sound, and none has ever been reversed upon appeal.
Mr. Fowler is counsel for the Newburgh Society for the Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals, and has been their counsel continuously since
its organization in October, 1876. He was a charter member of Storm
King Lodge, No. 11, Knights of Pythias, of this city, at its institution
in 1S69; early in the history of the Lodge he passed through its chairs,
and became Past Chancellor; and for twelve j^ears has been Keeper
of Records and Seal. He always retained his membership in said
Lodge and enjoys the distinction of being the oldest Knight (in point
of membership) in
Newburgh. He has
represented his
Lodge for several
years in the Grand
Lodge of the State
of New York. He
served one term as
District Deputy
Grand Chancellor,
during the years
iS8o-8i;and, at the
session of the
Grand Lodge held
July, 1891, that
honor was again
conferred on him
in his appointment
as Deputy of the
20th District, com-
posed of the
Lodges in New-
burgh, Cornwall
and Highland Falls
At the institution
of North River
Lodge, No. 1218,
Knights of Honor,
of this city, on
October 3, 1878,
he became a charter member, and has continued therein ever since;
he has been Reporter of the Lodge since 1879. He was created a
Past Dictator by the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, at its
session held at Elmira, N. Y., in 1SS6. Mr. Fowler reported the pro-
ceedings of the Board of Supervisors of Orange County during the
session of 1SS6 for the press of Orange Coimty.
FOWLER.
164
NEWBURGH
Jlr. Fowler married Nancy M. Merrill, daughter of Nathaniel
Merrill, of Albany, N. Y., in 1868; has a son at Coraell University
and a daughter at the State Normal College at Albany, N. Y.
MICHAEL H. HIRSCHBERG is a native of Newburgh, and was
born April 12, 1847. The first principles of his education were re-
ceived in the public schools of this city. At the age of ten he was
sent to Cincinnati, where he attended a public school for one year.
During the two years foUowmg he was a student at a private institu-
tion in New York city. Returning to Newburgh, he entered the
Academy, and was graduated in 1S62. Then a year's classical course
under Hugh S. Banks completed his schooling. Endowed by nature
with brilliant talents, and with a capacity and eagerness for study,
the training of the schoolroom was to him but the guideboard show-
ing the way to that higher scholarship to which he has attained by
unceasing and well-directed private study.
By some strange mischance the distinguished lawyer of to-day be-
gan business life as a clerk in a dry goods store in Madison, Indiana.
Whether or no he developed into a good salesman during the three
years thus employed does not appear; but in 1S66 we find him in his
proper sphere, stud\-ing law in the office of the Hon. Stephen W. Ful-
lerton m the city of his birth.
In May, 1868, he was admitted to the bar. In March, 1869, he
formed a partnership with David A. Scott, who had recently retired
from the office of Surrogate after eight years incumbency. It was a
happy combination of legal talents which these two men made to serve
a common purpose. The firm was successful from the beginning;
it continued for more than twenty years, and was dissolved only by
the death of Mr. Scott.
Without tracing Mr. Hirschberg's every step, or attempting to set
a value on a career which has not yet reached its zenith, we may yet
indicate a few of the milestones he has passed on the way to the place
in the world's favor he has already reached. Under the training of a
FuUerton he rapidly developed into a good lawyer, and at a very early
age acquired a considerable practice. When only twenty-three years
old he was elected to the Board of Education, and was twice re-elect-
ed, so that for twelve years he was prominently identified with our
public-school
Board. I )uri
several years he was President of the
(Grammar School Xo. 2 and the Library
HON,
HIRSCHBERG
Orange County.
building were erected. Grammar School No. i was enlarged, and the
colored school abolished.
S75 he was elected Special County Judge for three
ears. Since January, 1890, he has been District Attorney of
)range County, and during the year and a half that has passed
he assumed the duties of that office he has rid the county
of a gang of desperadoes, and, altogether, has secured forty-
one convictions from forty-four indictments.
As a lawyer Mr. Hirschberg has a high place in the estima-
tion of the community. Learned in law and general literature,
fluent, forceful and eloquent in speech, brilliant and witty in
repartee, he is capable either of the most profound reasoning, or
the most biting sarcasm. Well equipped for his profession, he
is ready to cross swords with the best, and is fearless of any
controversy. While to the masses he is best known for his
ability as a trial lawyer, and public speaker, he has had a large
general office practice. He has had much to do with the busi-
of estates, and with commercial litigation and surrogate
matters. As for criminal cases, he has been on one side or the
other of the most important trials of his time. He was defend-
ant's attorney in the Buck trial for assault with intent to kill,
the Karlson-Meeker murder case, the Cossiano murder trial, the
McCann murder trial, the White murder case, the Russell mur-
ase, and the Myers throat-cutting case.
As a public speaker he has been heard with pleasure on
many important occasions in the county. Besides the honors
conferred upon him by the Republican party which we have
named, he was once nominated for Mayor, and once for Con-
gress, but both nominations he declined. He is a member of
the New York State Bar Association and was one of the com-
mittee having in charge the recent centennial celebration of the
U. S. Supreme Court. He is a Trustee of the Law Library
Association, a Director of the Associated Charities, a Director
of the Highland Bank, and President of the Newburgh Street
NEWBURGH
165
Railway Company. He was a member of the Newburgh Centennial
Committee of Five, and was once Master of Newburgh Lodge F. and
A. M. He married Elizabeth McAlles in 1S7S, and has three children.
CORNELIUS L. WARING w
this city, m 1S51. He studied law
s born at Balmville, a suburb of
ith Scott & Hirschberg, and was
admitted to the bar
in 1S73. Not long
afterwards he
formed a partner-
ship with ex- Dis-
trict Attorney
Russel Headley,
which continued
till 1S78, when Mr.
Waring was elect-
ed Recorder by the
Republican party.
So ably did he
perform the duties
<if the office that
lie was twice elect-
ed,
32 and
CORNELIUS L, WARING.
1SS6; he declined
to be a candidate
for a fourth term
and retired from
the office Decem-
ber 31, 1S90. Dur-
ing his twelve
years on the bench
he presided at
every session of the
court, with the ex-
ception of about
twenty, and dis-
posed of about ten thousand cases. Mr. Waring was attorney for the
Newburgh Street Railway Company at its organization, and secured
its franchise against great opposition. He
is Secretary and Attorney for the Newburgh
Electric Light and Power Company, and is
a Director of the Haverstraw Electric Light
Company. In 1S90 he was the Counsel of
the Board of Water Commissioners. He
has been a member of Ringgold Hose Com-
pany many years; he was the Representative
of the Company in the Fire Department
Fund for six years, and is now attorney of
that Board.
Mr. Waring has always taken an interest
in athletic sports, and is President of the
Newburgh Amateur Skating Association,
Vice-President of the National Amateur
Skating Association, a member of the Man-
hattan Athletic Club of New York, a mem-
ber of the Orange Lake Club of Newburgh,
and a member of the Newburgh Athletic
Club, and of the Newburgh Canoe and
Boating Association.
GEORGE H. CLARK was the eldest
son of the late George Clark, the first Maj-or
of Newburgh. He was born in the City of
New York March 17, 1843. About 1S54 he
removed, with his father's family, to a farm
at Coldenham, in this county. Removing to
Newburgh he entered the law office of Hon. Thomas George, while
yet a boy, but afterward prepared for college and took a classical
GEORGE
course at Princeton, from which he was graduated. He was also
graduated from the Albany Law School, and was admitted to the
bar of this State, at the latter city in the Spring of 1865. Returning
home he entered the law office of Hon. S. W. Fullerton, in this city,
but soon afterward, in 1S66. commenced the practice of law on his
own account. From that time until his death he occupied the offices
Nos. 7 and 8 in the Law Building, where the measure of success
which attended his
practice gave c(jn-
vincingproof of his
talent and ability.
He was Corpora-
tion Counsel during
the administration
of Mayor Abram
S. Cassedy, and
was at one time at-
torney for the
Board of Alms
House C o m m i s-
sioners for the City
and Town of New-
burgh.
He was one of
the founders of the
Woodlawn Ceme-
tery Association in
1870; he had been
a trustee since its
incorporation i n
October of that
year, he was treas-
urer of the Board
at the time of his
death, and he took
an active interest
m the care, man-
agement and control of the cemetery grounds. He was prominent
in the Masonic fraternity — the only secret society with which he was
identified. In early life he was advanced to
the degrees of Knighthood, but at the time
of his death he was a member and one of
nine Past Masters in Hudson River Lodge,
No. 607. His death created the first vacancy
in the circle of Past Masters. He was a Re-
publican in politics, and for many years was
a familiar personage at the conventions of
his party. He was a religious man, a Cal-
vinist in faith, and one of a long line in his
family of stanch supporters of the Presby-
terian Church.
Death came to him in the prime of life on
the 2ist day of May, iSSS.
Mr. Clark was a man of pronounced
opinions and prejudices. His convictions
were realities. It was therefore necessary
to read his hfe between the Hnes. His mind
was full of high principles, and he set him-
self to the rigid discharge of all duties in
life. But he could and did feel deeply for
others, and helped them on the pathway of
life. He thus endeared himself to a large
circle of friends by silent, helpful ministeries
of which the world knew nothing. Such is a
fair and temperate record, of a successful,
but not brilliant career.
^ CLARK Upon a beautiful knoll in Woodlawn,
touched early and late by the rising
and setting sun, he and his revered father sleep side by
side.
HON. GRANT B. TAYLOR.
i66
NEWBURGH
HON. GRANT B. TAYLOR, now Member of Assembly from this
district, was born June 6, 1S56, at Oxford Depot, Orange County, but
has lived in Newburgh for the past twenty-nine years. He was grad-
uated in 1872 from
the Academy, and
commenced the
study of law in the
office of ex-Mayor
Cassedy and Judge
C. F. Brown, of the
Second Division of
the Court of Ap-
peals, in 1S74; ad-
mitted to the bar
September 12, 1S79.
He remained in
the employ of Cas-
sedy & Brown till
1S83, and since
then has practiced
his profession on
his own account.
of the incorpora-
tors and directors,
and is now attorney
and manager of
loans, of the Mer-
cantile Co-opera-
tive Bank, doing
l)usiness at No. 29
Broadway, New
York. In January',
vev of the JIanhattan Mutual Fire Insur-
HON. HOWARD THORNTON.
cCROSKERY— Rcc;
1S90, he was appointed ;
ance Company in an action brought i
He has been an officer in a number
of societies of the county, and is
now a Director of the Young
Men's Christian Association. Mr.
Taylor has long been prominent
in musical circles in the city and
county, and by his voice has aided
many benevolent schemes. He
was elected to the Assembly in
1S90, and appointed upon two of
the Law Committees and the Com-
mittee on Village Affairs, and the
special committee on Canal Inves-
tigation.
inst it by the State authorities.
HOWARD THORNTON, the
subject of this sketch, is the young-
est son of the late General William
A. Thornton, of the United States
Armj', and was born on Governor's
Island — where his father was sta-
tioned — on the 25th of February,
1849. His early boyhood was pass-
ed in the atmosphere of a military
life, with all its infatuations to the
youthful mind, which turned his
inclination in that direction. He re-
ceived instruction in the public
schools of New York City, and
graduated from Grammar School
No. 40, in 1865, and entered the
College of the City of New York,
where he remained two years.
In the meantime General Thorn-
ton died, and by reason of his
death his son failed to secure an appointment to West Point, which
was a severe disappointment to him. He then turned his efforts to
acquiring a profession and entered Union College at Schenectady,
in this State,
from which he
graduated in 1872.
Selecting the pro-
fession of the law
as his life work, he
entered the office
of Eugene A.
Brewster, of this
city, as a student,
and subsequently
attended lectures
and graduated
from the Albany
Law School in the
class of 1874.
He at once be-
gan the practice of
his profession, still
continuing with
Mr. Brewster unti
18S3, when he
opened an office at
41 Third Street in
this city, where he
has built up a large
clientage, his es-
pecial line being
what is termed
" office practice."
Mr. Thornton's ancestors were identified with the early struggles
of the Republic in acquiring its independence. His great-uncle,
Matthew Thornton, was one of the
signers of the Declaration of In-
dependence. His paternal grand-
father, John Thornton, was a ma-
jor of infantry in the Continental
Army, while his paternal grand-
mother was the daughter of Gen-
eral Samuel Clyde, of CheiTy Val-
ley, and was one of the few children
that was saved at the time of the
terrible Indian massacre, her
mother covering her with her apron
and hiding in the woods. His ma-
ternal grandfather was Dr. Gilbert
Smith, at that time an eminent
physician of New York City, while
his paternal grandmother was
Helena DeWitt, who was a des-
cendant of the DeWitt family, who
were prominent in the organization
of the State of New York.
Mr. Thornton was married on
JIa}-23, 1876, to the second daugh-
ter of the late George W. Town-
send, and resides at No. 314 Grand
Street. In his social relations he
finds ample relief from the arduous
duties of office work, being a mem-
ber of a number of organizations.
He is courteous, affable and en-
gaging in his manners; true in his
friendships and faithful to his ch-
ents. These characteristics have
pointed him out as worthy of posi-
lAM F CASSEDY tions of trust, and for this reason
NEWBURGH
167
we find he is a director in the National Bank of Newburgh; attorney of
the Building and Loan Association; one of the counselors of the
Home for the Friendless; a trustee of Hudson River Lodge; treasurer
of Highland Chapter; vice-president of the Masonic Hall Association;
he is also an honorary member of Lawson Hose Company, No. 5 ; a
member of the University Club, of New York City, and of the Loyal
Legion of the United States.
He was initiated in Free Masonry in Hudson River Lodge, No.
607, on the 15th of May, 1872, and was elected Master December 18,
1872, and served one year. He is also a member of Highland Chap-
ter and Hudson River Commandery, K. T.
Mr. Thornton is an ardent Republican and has taken an active
part in furthering the interests of that party. He was elected a mem-
ber of the Assembly in November, 1S91, by a pluraHty of 876.
LEWIS W. Y. McCROSKERY, the present Recorder of the city,
is a son of ex-Mayor J. J. S. McCroskery, and was born in Newburgh
November S, 1S60. He was educated in the public schools of the city,
graduating from the Academy in June, 1876. He studied law with
Cassedy & Brown, and was admitted to the bar May 12, 1882. In
July, 1886, he formed a partnership with A. H. F. Seeger, which con-
tinued two years. Mr. McCroskery was elected to his present posi-
tion in March, 1890, for the term of four years. He married Margaret
R., daughter of Isaac L. Corwin, of Newburgh.
W. F. CASSEDY was born October 4, 1862. In 1880, after grad-
uating from the Newburgh Academy, he entered Cornell University,
from which he was graduated in June, 18S4. Mr. Cassedy then enter-
ed the law office of his father, Hon. A. S. Cassedy, and in 18S6 was
admitted to the bar. In 1S87 he entered into partnership with his
father in the law firm of A. S. & W. F. Cassedy. He was married
in January, 1888, to Miss Townsend, daughter of James A. Townsend,
of Newbiirgh.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
THE HIGHLAND NATIONAL BANK.
HE Highland Bank was chartered April 26, 1834. The
capital named was $200,000. In a few weeks nearly
double the capital required was subscribed, and there-
fore a pro rata distribution of the stock was made. The
bank was organized July 21, and General Gilbert O.
Fowler was elected President, and James Belknap,
Cashier. January i, 1865, the capital was increased
to $350,000 ($100,000 surplus and $50,000 new stock), and in April fol-
lowing the bank was reorganized as a National Bank with a capital
of $450,000. In 1 888 the capital was reduced to $300,000.
From its inception the bank has retained the confidence of the pub-
lic in a notable degree, all its movements being marked bj' prudence,
caution and honorable business methods. The statement at the close
of business October 3, i8gi, showed that its capital was $300,000;
surplus, $60,000; undivided profits, $32,825.00; deposits, $441,535.00;
resources, $896,468.00.
The officers of the bank have been as follows: President— Gilbert
O. Fowler, 1834-43; George Cornwell, 1843-67; Alfred Post, 1867-82.
Cashier — James Belknap, Thomas C. Ring, Robert Burnett, 1838-40;
Alfred Post, 1840-67; M. C. Belknap, 1867-83. The present officers
are: President— M. C. Belknap; Vice-President, Augustus Denniston;
Cashier — Arthur Wilson; Directors — M. C. Belknap, Henry D. Fow-
ler, Smith Ely, Augustus Denniston, James T. Lawson, Alfred
Bridgeman, Daniel S. Waring, Charles H. Mead, Edgar C. Barnes,
Lewis M. Smith and Michael H. Hirschberg.
ALFRED POST was born in iSii, in the Town of Warwick,
Orange County, and at the early age of fourteen came to Newburgh,
to accept the position of clerk in the well known house of D. Craw-
ford & Co. , the proprietors of a freighting line between Newburgh
and New York. Here he remained eleven years, rendering such
acceptable service that during the last three years of his connection
with this house, he was a member of the firm.
In 1836 Mr. Post left Crawford & Co., and joined the house of
T. Powell & Co., which was engaged in a similar business. Three
years later he was appointed Teller of the Highland Bank, about five
years after the bank charter was issued, and he remained with that
institution until his death in 1SS2, a period of about fortv-three years,
being successively Teller, Cashier and President.
ALFRED POST.
The name of Alfred Post is, therefore, associated with the greater
portion of the history of Newburgh during the present century. He
1 68
NEWBURGH.
came to it when it was but a small village, and when its only outlet
was the river that flowed past its door, and lived to see it a flourish-
ing city provided with numerous railroads.
Mr. Post was a broad, liberal-minded, public-.spirited man, who
always took great interest in the progress and welfare of the city,
and his name is connected with many of the successfvil steps in its
advancement. He gave considerable attention to the formation of
social and literary organizations, and was one of the founders of
the Newburgh Library Association, which preceded the present City
Librarj-. He also took an active part in establishing the Home for
the Friendless, and other institutions of a similar character. During
the ^\'ar of the Rebellion Mr. Post was a staunch supporter of the
Government, and devoted much of his time and attention to raising
and equipping the regiments sent in its defence from this section of
the country. He became a member of the Vestry of St. George's
Episcopal Church, April lo, 1S55, continuing as such u]) to the time
of his death.
MOSES COOK BELKNAP. President of the Highland Na-
tional Bank. In 1637 Abraham Belknap, from whom the branch
of the Belknap family in this coimtry trace their descent, em-
igrated from England and settled in Lynn, JIass. In 1749 Samuel
Belknap, the immediate ancestor of the principal part of the family
in this town, came to New burgh from Woburn, Mass., and purchased
a large tract of land. Moses Cook Belknap is the son of Moses H. and
Ruth (Cook) Belknap, and was born in Newburgh, February 2, 1832.
His father was a member of the Board of Trustees of the village, and
for nine years president of that body; he was one of the founders of
the Newburgh High School, and held other local positions with
credit.
Moses Cook Belknap was educated in public and private schools
of the village, and was graduated from the Academy, then a private
school in charge of the Rev. B. R. Hall, April, 1S50. He intended to
take a collegiate course, but a situation being offered him in the
Highland Bank, he entered that institution as a discount clerk April
22, 1S50, and was subsequently promoted to the position of book-
keeper and teller in it, and its successor, the Highland National Bank,
MOSES C. BELKNAP.
until November iS, 1S67, when he was appointed cashier. January g,
1SS3, he was elected President, and has remained ever since in that
position. After the death of his father in January, 1S55, he formed a
co-partnership with Thomas M. McCann,- under the style of Belknap
& McCann, to continue the business of manufacturing soap and
candles, which had been estabHshed by his grandfather, Abel Belknap,
about the year iSoo, and subsequently carried on by A. & M. H. Bel-
knap until their death, which occurred in October, 1S54, and Januarv,
1S55. He, however, continued to give his principal attention to the
banking business, his partner attcndins;- U> the manufacturing and
selling department, Mr. Belknap managing the finances of the
On June 16, 1S57, Mr. Belknap was married to Mary H., daughter
of William K. Jlaillcr, of Newburgh, who died in less than a year
thereafter. May 13, 1S62, he married Marietta, daughter of David
McCamly, of Warwick, X. Y., who died November 27, 1S73, leaving
NEWBURGH
169
three sons and one daughter. September 15, 1S75, he married his
present wife, Evelina, daughter of Dr. Nathaniel Deyo, of New-
burgh, by whom he has had three children, two of whom, a son and
a daughter, are now living.
Mr. Belknap has long been prominently identified with the First
Presbyterian Church of this cit}^ having been elected clerk and
treasurer of its Board of Trustees in Feb., 1S55, which offices he has
held continuously ever since. He has been for many years a
member of the Session of said church, and Superintendent
of the Sabbath school. August 7, 1S77, he was appointed by
JMayor McCroskery an Alderman from the Third Ward, to fill
a vacancy occasioned by the resignation of John C. Adams.
He filled this office for the remainder of the term ending in
March, 1S7S.
March 4, 1SS4, Mr. Belknap was elected a member of the
Board of Education of the city, and was chosen vice-president
by the Board. March g, 1SS7, he was chosen its pre.sident, and
has continued in that office up to the present time. He was re-
elected member of the Board March, iSSS, for term expiring
1S92.
He was one of the founders of the first Young Men's
Christian Association of this place, and has always been con-
nected with the present association since the reorganization.
He has served as secretary and treasurer of the Edison Electric
Illuminating Co. since its organization; also as treasurer of
the Newburgh Cemetery Association.
ARTHUR WILSON, Cashier of the Highland Bank, has
been a resident of Newburgh since he was five 5^ears of age,
having been born at Matteawan, Dutchess County, N. Y. He
finished his school days in the " Old Academy," under WiUiam
N. Reid and William L. Chapman, having received a good
education in the ordinary branches with the addition of Latin,
Greek, French, Spanish and higher mathematics. In i860 he
entered the Highland Bank as letter clerk, where he successively
occupied the different desks until 1SS3, when he was appointed its
cashier, which po-
sition he still occu-
pies.
He has always
been prominent
and much interest-
ed in musical mat-
ters, having been
for )-ears leader of
the excellent quar-
tette choir of St.
George's Episcopal
Church; and was
Chairman of the
Music Committee
of Newburgh's
;<reat Centennial
celebration in 1SS3,
at which time he
c uganized and took
charge of a chorus
.if one thousand
singers. He was
for many years an
earnest Sunday
school worker, and
was one of the
prime movers o f
the St. George's
Mission (now Church of the Good Shepherd) on Broadway. In 1S84
he started a new era in the style of dwelling-house architecture in
this city, by having the brick residence, No. 162 Grand Street, built.
After occupying this for three years, he sold it to Lewis M. Smith,
and in 1SS9 erected on a plot of about three acres sloping to the river,
immediately north of the city, the handsome dwelling in which he
now resides.
QUASSAICK NATIONAL BANK.
On Thursday evening, September 4, 1S51, a meeting of citizens
iS held at the Orange Hotel to consider the subject of organizing
JR WILSON.
RESIDENCE OF ARTH
another bank. David Crawford was chosen chairman of the meeting,
and O. M. Smith secretary. After addresses by WiUiam Fullerton,
Samuel W. Eager, Thornton M. Niven, and others, a committee was
appointed to name suitable persons for directors, and suggest a title
for the institution. On the report of this committee a board of direc-
tors was nominated, and " The Quassaick Bank " adopted as the title.
March 31, 1852, the bank was organized, and soon after began busi-
ness with a capital of $130,000.
The first officers were E. W. Farrington, President; Jonathan N.
AVeed, Cashier; W. H. Gerard, Teller. Directors— E. W. Farrington,
J. I. Crawford, I. R. Carpenter, Asa Sterling, Isaiah Townsend,
Charles V. Cushman, John Jamison, William K. Mailler, James Pat-
ton and John J. Monell.
On the 6th of July, 1852, a resolution was passed by the board of
directors, increasing the capital stock to $200,000, and on June 29
1S53, it was again increased to $300,000, at which point it has remained
ever since. On the 3d of June, 1S65, it commenced doing business
as a National bank. Mr. Farrington served as president until he was
succeeded, in May. 1862, by D. GilHs Leonard. Mr. Leonard served
two years as president, and was elected for a third term, but his
death a few weeks after his election made a vacancy, which was filled
in the September following by the election of O. S. Hathaway. Mr
Hathaway filled that position until his resignation, March 6, 1876.
He was succeeded by Isaac K. Oakley, who served till his death,
September 6, 1SS5, when Charles H. Hasbrouck was elected to the
office.
Mr. Weed has filled the office of cashier since the organization of
the bank, and James N. Dickey has been teller since 1863.
The bank receives deposits subject to check at sight, makes col-
lections on all available points in the United States and Canada, dis-
counts commercial paper, buys and sells United States and other first
class bonds, and engages in all transactions pertaining to a general
banking business.
Its public statement made at the close of business July 9, 1891,
shows a capital of $300,000; surplus, $60,000; undivided profits,
7°
NEWBURGH.
S73,f)0o.i3; deposits, 8555,418.38; resources, $1,326,813.63. The present
officers are Charles H. Hasbrouck, President; J. N. Weed, Cashier;
Charles H. Hasbrouck, WilHam O. Mailler, (vice-President), Abram
S. Cassedy, Leander Clark, jr., John Dales, John E. Lawson, Sam-
QUASSAICK NATIONAL BANK— 71 W;iter Street.
uel C. Mills, Henry McCann, George H, Ross, Thomas H. Skidmore
and Alexander Young, Directors. Mr. Hasbrouck, the president,
was for many years a dry goods merchant in Newburgh.
JONATHAN N. WEED, Cashier of the Quassaick Bank, was
born November 20, 1S25, in the Town of Newburgh, near Orange
Lake, where his ancestors had resided many years. His parents
were David and Deborah (Noyes) Weed. His mother was a sister
of Aaron Noyes, who was prominent in the early history of the Vil-
lage of Newburgh, and had a brickyard on the site now occupied by
the West Shore Railroad freight depot. When Jonathan was less
than two years old his father died, leaving his mother with the sole
care of seven children. In 1833 the family, removed to Bay View,
four miles north of the city, on the river shore. There Jonathan
attended the Middlehope district school in the Winter, and in the
Summer (after his tenth year) worked on his uncle Silas Gardner's
brickyard. Ten years were spent in that way. The business he
mastered thoroughly, and at length he exercised an oversight of the
yard. In the Winter of 1844-45 lie was a student at Amenia Sem-
inary, where his schooldays ended.
In 1S45 he was offered a place in the Highland Bank. To a boy
from a brickyard it was an unexpected opening, and came about in
this wise: Mr. Weed had been asked by his uncle, Mr. Gardner, to
make a canvass of the voters in the village for a political purpose,
and while so engaged he attracted the attention of an officer of the
bank, who perceived in the boy the making of a good bank-clerk.
Mr. Weed had risen to the position of Teller when he left the High-
land Bank, in 1852, to accept the position of Cashier in the Quassaick
Bank at its organization. With that institution he has ever since
.remained in the same capacity, and is the only one left of those who
were at the first connected with it.
To the responsibilities of this important position he has added the
duties of various other relations in life. Numerous trusts have been
confided to him, and all of them he has discharged with the consci-
entious faithfulness and tireless energy)' characteristic of the man.
There is a maxim that " if you want a thing done, go to the busiest
man." Whether acting on this principle or not, it is certain that
individuals, corporations and societies have been coming to Mr. Weed
all his business life in quest of assistance. His first avocation after
taking up his residence here was with the Mechanics' Library Asso-
ciation; he was an officer therein many years, and until its termina-
tion. During the second year of the Newburgh and EUenville Plank
Road Company he was elected Secretarjs succeeding Thornton ]M.
Niven, and in 1857 a Director; on the death of E. W. Farrington, he
was elected Treasurer, so that he performed the duties of three offices
until, after forty years, the company surrendered its title to the road
and closed up its affairs. In 1S66 he acted as Assistant Treasurer of
a company formed to build a railroad from Newburgh to ^Middletown;
and in 186S he filled a similar position at the inception of tne Dutchess
and Columbia Railroad. Of the Board of Trade he has been Treas-
urer since its organization; and at its re-organization he proposed the
financial measures and secured the means which made possible the
continuance of its work.
NEWBURGH.
171
While Trinity M. E. Church used the old house of worship in
Second Street Mr. Weed was elected a trustee and treasurer of the
church, and librarian of the Sabbath school. His labors for the up-
building of that congregation were of the most valuable and self-
sacrificing nature. He gave of his own means, and begged the aid
of others, till the noble edifice which Trinity now owns was reared
and cleared of debt. With the benevolent work of the Home for the
Friendless he has been associated as a member of the Board of Coun-
selors and of the committee on funds for many years. He has also
been recording secretary and a manager of the Bible Society, and a
member and the only treasurer of the Historical Society of Newburgh
Bay and the Highlands. He was treasurer of the Newburgh Gas-
light Company from 1S64 to iSSi, at which date the property was pur-
chased by the Consumers' Gas Company, and he now acts as one of
the trustees for the mortgage and bond-holders of the latter com-
pany.
In former years Mr. Weed had more to do with pubUc affairs than
recently. During the infancy of the city corporation, when its sys-
tem of public works was in a formative state, and when the best
ability the city could command was put into municipal service, Mr.
Weed was two years in the Common Council, and was chairman of a
number of its important committees. The opening of South Street,
the building of trunk sewers, and the grading of the streets in the
western part of the city were some of the events of that period, and,
under the existing conditions, formidable undertakings, in all of
which Mr. Weed had a creditable part. He also devised and put
in operation the system of accounts in the Collector's office. This
work he did as chairman of a committee appointed for the purpose.
He opposed an effort that was made to bond the city heavily for
railroad purposes. In 1872 he placed for the city $60,000 of water
bonds at 5 per cent, premium, when theretofore such securities had
been sold at par. Mr. Weed did not enter public life again till iSgi,
when he was elected by the RepubUcan party to the office of City
Treasurer, which he now fiUs.
Many other services could be related, but we have sufficiently out-
lined the life of this man to show the measiu-e of his usefulness in the
community. For nearly forty years he has been the mainspring of a
banking institution which has acquired a strong hold on the confidence
and affections of the people; and, though concerning himself in every
detail of its work, he has found time to perform those numberless
other services. For relaxation from business cares he has pleasure in
geological, meteorological and astronomical study and observations.
Mr. Weed married, in 1851, Elizabeth M. Goodsell, daughter of
John Goodsell, who taught the old Glebe school. She was long a
manager and the treasurer of the Home for the Friendless, and also
prominent in church work. She died January 5, iSgo, leaving Charles
G., bookkeeper in the Quassaick Bank; Frank and Ella. The latter
succeeded her mother as treasurer of the Home for the Friendless.
She is also connected with a girls' school on Fifth Avenue, New
York, and is a trustee of Barnard College.
THE NATIONAL BANK OF NEWBURGH.
John J. S. McCroskery, President; Charles J. Lawson, Vice-
President; Charles L. C. Kerr, Cashier. This bank is the successor
of the Bank of Newburgh, which was first incorporated March 22,
iSii. The capital of the first bank was §120,000, in shares of $50 each.
The State reserved the right to subscnbe to the stock any amount
not exceeding one thousand shares. On June 15, 1811, the corner-
stone of the present bank building was laid, and on September g the
bank was opened for business. The first president was Isaac Bel-
knap, jr., and the first cashier John S. Hunn. In February, 1S20, a
branch bank was opened at Ithaca, N. Y., and continued to 1S30,
when, on expiration of the old charter, it was discontinued. The
Bank of Newburgh was then reorganized under the Safety Fund law,
with a capital of $140,000. In 1851 itwas again reorganized under the
general banking law, with a capital of $200,000, which, the following
year, was increased to §300,000.
On July 3, 1S64, the Bank of Newburgh passed out of existence.
Its capital of $300,000 with the addition of 60 per cent, profits was
divided among the stockholders. A remarkable fact in this connec-
tion wr.s that the bank did not lose a dollar in settling up its affairs;
all the money owing to the bank was paid.
The National Bank of Newburgh began business July 5, 1S64,
under the following Board of Directors: George W. Kerr, J. DeWitt
Walsh, W. L. F. Warren, James Bigler, R. A. Forsyth, Jirah Stearns,
A. F. Scofield, E. A. Brewster and George W. Townsend. President
—George W. Kerr; Cashier— John J. S. McCroskery. The capital of
the new bank was $800,000, which was promptly taken by its old
stockholders and other citizens of the town. June 3, iSgo, the stock-
holders voted to reduce the capital to $400,000. Accordingly $400,000
THE NATIONAL BANK OF NEWBURGH— 105 Water Street.
of the capital, with the addition of 40 per cent, as profits, was divided
among the stockholders.
This bank has always conducted a safe and conservative business,
and by just and honorable conduct toward its customers it has ad-
vanced their interests and welfare in common with its own, and
to-day is recognized as one of the most vigorous exponents of the
soundest principles governing banking and finance. It does a general
banking business, loaning money on first class security, discounting
approved paper, issuing exchange on the leadmg cities of this countrj'
and Europe, and carrying the accounts of its patrons. Its last state-
ment, made at the close of business July 9; 1S91, showed its capital
stock to be $400,000; its surplus, §80,000; undivided profits, §80,126.28;
deposits, $510,614.61, and its resources §1,514,585.14.
The officers of this bank and its predecessor have been as follows:
President— Isaac Belknap, Jr., 1811-27; AVilliam AValsh , 1827-39; John
Chambers, 1839-54; George W. Kerr, 1854-90. Cashiers — John S.
Hunn, Frederick W. Farnum, William M. Vermilyea, Levi Dodge,
George AV. Kerr, 1836-54; Francis Scott, 1854-64; John J. S. McCros-
kery, 1864-90. Its present officers are John J. S. McCroskerj-, Presi-
172
NEWBURGH
dent; Charles J. Lawson, Vice-President; Charles L. C. Kerr, Cash-
ier; George Weller, Howard Thornton, Isaac C. Chapman, vlichael
Doyle, Eugene A. Brewster, Charles J. Lawson, John J. S. JlcCros-
kery, Robert AVhitehil! and James Chadwick, Directors.
GEORGE W. KERR was born in Warren County, New Jersey,
February 15, 1610. His ancestors were originally from Scotland, but
Mr. Kerr's father was born at Freehold, Xew Jersey. His parents
removed to Ithaca, Xew York, where he obtained a position in the
branch of the Bank of Xewburgh. In 1830, when the branch was
withdrawn, and the Bank of Ithaca estaWished, Mr. Kerr entered the
new bank and remained there until October, 1S31, when a position
was offered him in the Bank of Newburgh, with the officials of which
he had become acquainted through his connection with the branch
bank.
In 1S36 Mr. Kerr was promoted to the position of cashier, and in
1854 he was elected president to fiU the vacancy caused by the death
GEORGE W. KERR.
of John Chambers. In 1S64, when the old bank of Newburgh was
closed and the National Bank of Newburgh organized, Mr. Kerr was
again honored with tlie presidency. He continued in that position
till his death, haviii- Int. 11 easliicr of the bank for eighteen years, and
president for thn-t\ -si\ t n \ cars. Mr. Kerr died June 3, 1S90.
Mr. Kerr was a tnistuL- ami vice-president of the village in 1S56,
and a member of the Board of Education in 1S52-54. For forty-seven
years he was a vestryman of St. George's Protestant Episcopal
Church, and for thirty-one years treasurer of the board.
Upon his death the Directors of the bank adopted the following
minute: " His sound judgment, perfect integrity and eminent abil-
ity have been long recognized in financial circles, and his excellence
in all the relations of hfe will long be remembered in this community.
By us, his immediate associates, and by all in any capacity attached
to this bank, his memory will always be cherished. He has left to
his family and this community, w-here he has spent so many years of a
long and useful life, alegacy better than earthly riches— a good name. "
Tile vestry of St. George's Church adopted resolutions recording.
" their very high esteem for his character and his lifelong devotion to
the church and her interests. It is with grateful feeling that we re-
member the steady consistency of his Christian walk, his uprightness
as a business man, his value as a citizen, his zeal as a churchman.
We owe him no slight debt for his faithful service as our treasurer for
thirty-one years, during which time his unflagging attention to the
affairs of the parish has contributed essentially and in a large degree
to its stability and prosperity."
Mr. Kerr was twice married. His first wife was Emeline Ross;
his second, JIargaret Brown, daughter of the Rev. John Brown, D. D.
JOHN J. S. McCROSKERY was born in Newburgh, February
14, 1S34. He received an academic education, graduating at the
Newburgh Academy in 1S4S. In 1S50 he entered the dry goods store
of George Cornwell & Son as a clerk, where he remained until Feb-
ruary, 1S53. He then became a clerk in the Bank of Newburgh,
where he has been ever since. In 1S64, when it became a National
Bank, he was made its cashier, which position he filled until 1890,
when, upon the death of George W. Kerr, Mr. JSIcCroskery was
elected president. He has been quite a prominent member of the
fire department, and in addition to ser\'ing as a company member,
has also officiated as first and second assistant chief engineer. He was
elected village collector in 1857. Iti 1S69 he was elected alderman of
the Third Ward, and in 1S71 he was re-elected to that position. In
1S75 he was elected mayor of this city, for the vacancy caused by the
death of Hon. C. M. Leonard, and in the Spring of 1S76 he was re-
elected for a full term. For many years he has been treasurer of the
Newburgh Bible Society. He has been a trustee of Union Church
for about thirty-four years, and for the past twenty-six years has
been superintendent of the Union Church Sunday sciiool, both of
which positions he yet honorably fills.
THE NEWBURGH SAVINGS BANK.
This institution was chartered April 13, 1S52. The trustees named
in the charter were E. Ward Farrington, John J. Monell, Charles U.
Cushman, Robert L. Case, Robert L. Forsyth, Richard A. South-
wick, Odell S. Hathaway, Gilbert C. MoneU, David H. Barclav,
Adam Lilburn, Samuel W. Eager, Cornelius C. Smith, Robert Ster-
ling, Robert D. Kemp. Charles Drake, David Moore, John H. Waters,
James I. Crawford, James Patton, William K. MaiUer, Benjamin
Carpenter and Thornton il. Niven. In the Fall of that year officers
were elected, and an office opened for receiving deposits in the Quas-
saick Bank, but the bank was not formally opened till January i,
1853-
Subsequently the bank was moved to No. 3 Water Street. In the
Summer of 1S66 the trustees commenced the erection of the building
now occupied by the bank, which was completed and occupied Octo-
ber, 1S6S. Its cost was 8115,527.16, which was paid from the earn-
ings of the bank. Vaux, Withers & Co. were the architects.
This bank has proved to be one of our most valuable and helpful
institutions. Its affairs have always been administered wisely by a
board of trustees composed of some of our most substantial and
respected citizens, with the result that it compares favorably with the
best institutions of the kind in the land. The amount of deposits on
July I, 1S59, was $124,000. The official statement made July i, iSyi,
showed the amount due depositors to be §5,218,310.43. The par
value of its surplus was §380,008. 65, and the market value Si ,071, 931. 65.
The par value of its assets was $5,598,319.08, and the market value
$6,290,242.08.
The presidents of this bank have been the following named: Rob-
ert L. Case, 1852-54; E. W. Farrington, 1S54-5S; Daniel B. St. John,
1S58-72; Rev. John Forsyth, D. D.; J. DeWitt Wal.sh, 1872-73; Dan-
iel B. St. John, 1873-90. Treasurers — Charles V. Cu.shman, 1S52-54;
Charles Halstead, jr., 1S54-58; Thomas C. Ring, 1858-89.
The present officers are: President — Charles S. Jenkins; Vice-
Presidents — James M. Wentz and John Schoonmaker; Treasurer —
Thomas F. Balfe; Secretary— Isaac C. Chapman; Trustees— Charles
NEWBURGH
173
S. Jenkins, James M. Wentz, John Schoonmaker, Joseph H. H.
Chapman, James Bigler, Isaac C. Chapman, James T. Lawson, "Wil-
Ham O. Mailler, Daniel S. Waring, Samuel C. Mills, Joseph Chad-
wick, A. Y. Weller anG Clayton E. Sweet.
HON. DANIEL B. ST. JOHN first saw the light near the village
of Sharon, on the banks of the Housatonic, Litchfield Count)', Ct. ,
October S, iSoS. His grandfather was Daniel St. John, for many
years a magistrate, and who once represented his district in the Leg-
dealer in real estate till 1S4S, when he retired from mercantile pur.
suits. His public career commenced in 1S40, when he was elected to
the Legislature from Sullivan County. He was at first a Henry Clay
Whig, and remained in the party till its dissolution. In 1S43, '44, '45
and '46 he was Supervisor of the Town of Thompson; and in 1846 was
elected to Congress, serving from 1S47 to 1S49. While in Congress
he served on the Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads with
Abraham Lincoln, and a warm friendship existed between them.
At the close of his Congressional term Mr. St. John was invited to
take charge of the Bank Department at Albany, then under the
THE NEWBURGH SAVINGS BANK-Corne
islature. He afterwards moved with his son Russell to Hartford, and
there was County Surveyor for many years.
Russell St. John, the father of Daniel B., was a farmer; the Hart-
ford County Agricultural Society gave him a silver cup as a premium
for the best cultivated farm in the county. Daniel B. St. John was
educated in the public schools of Hartford, and at the age of sixteen
left home and entered the employ of his maternal uncle, Hiram Ben-
nett, who had a store at Monticello, Sullivan County, N. Y. After
serving seven years he was admitted to partnership, and subsequently
became the sole proprietor. He continued in trade as a merchant and
supervision of the Comptroller of the State, at whose solicitation Mr.
St. John accepted the position of Chief Register, and occupied that
place till 1S51, when by act of the Legislature the Bank Department
was made a separate branch of the State machinery. Mr. St. John
was then immediately appointed Superintendent. He reorganized the
department and continued in control thereof till 1S55.
Having by industry and economy accumulated an estate sufficient
to enable liim to retire from active business life, and having long
cherished a desire to engage in rural pursuits and enjoy countr\' life,
he purchased in 1S56 about twelve acres of land in the northern
174 NEWBURGH.
suburbs of Newburgh, and erected thereon a handsome dwelUng and
commodious ou'.buildings, and beautified the grounds with orna-
mental trees, winding walks and lawns. That was his home during
\'ice-President of the United States. He was nominated Presi-
dential Elector on that ticket, and his own district nominated
him for Congress the same year. In 1863 he was complimented by
r^
HON. DANIEL
the remainder of his life. In iS
Newburgh Sa\dngs Bank, when
twenty - eight thousand
dollars, which have since
increased to more than
six millions. He con-
tinued to be the faithful
head of the institution
(except for the year 1S72)
till the day of his death.
This bank is one of the
strongest of its kind in
the State, and it is speak-
ing within bounds to say
its financial success and
the great Service it has
rendered the people of
this city and vicinity have
been owing in no small
measure to the exper-
ience, sound judgment
and strict integrity that
were brought to the man-
gement of its affairs by
the selection of Mr. St.
John as president.
In i860 he was a dele-
gate to the National Un-
ion Convention, at Balti-
more, which nominated
Bell and Everett for the
offices of President and
;S5S he was elected president of the
the total deposits amounted to only
RESIDENCE OF DANIEL
CHARLES S. JENKINS.
the nomination for Secretarj^ of State by the Democratic party. In
1875 he was elected to represent the Tenth Senatorial District of New
York (consisting of the
counties of Orange and
Sullivan) by a majority
of 996 over Morgan Shuit,
and was re-elected in 1S77
over John A. Clements
by a majority of 1,442.
In 1879 he declined a re-
nomination for the Sen-
ate. He was a delegate
to the National Demo-
cratic Convention held at
St. Louis, which nomi-
nated Samuel J. Tilden
for the Presidency. In
the councils of the Demo-
cratic party of the State
he held a prominent
place.
For many years Mr.
St. John was a Vestry-
man and for seven j-ears
a Warden of St. George's
Church. His domestic life
was simple and happy.
He had the respect and
esteem of all classes of
citizens, and all those
great blessings that are
factors in the life of a
NEWBURGH
175
truly successful man. He was a man of the times, broad-minded, pub-
lic-spirited, progressive. His influence was always toward the good.
His public and private duties were performed with the greatest care,
and throughout a long service in public life his per-
sonal honor and official integrity were without
blemish. He died February iS, iSgo. in the Berkeley
Hotel, New York City, where he had gone to spend
a few weeks of the Winter season. He was buned
in Cedar Hill Cemeterv.
1874, and a vice-president January 7, 187S. Upon the death of
Hon. Daniel B. St. John, in 1S90, he was unanimously elected to the
honorable position he now iills with great ability. Captain Jenkins is
CHARLES S. JENKINS, President of the Ne^\
burgh Savings Bank, is descended from the Jenkms
and Bunker families, of Nantucket. At the begin
ning of the present century there was a large emi
gration of Nantucket families to Hudson, N Y
which was then at the head of ship navigation on the
Hudson River. It had an extensive commerce ■\\ itb
Europe and the West Indies, and had many ^ essels
engaged in whale-fishing. At Hudson the father of
Charles S. Jenkins was born. His grandfather ran
an East Indiaman out of Hudson, and his father ^^as
also a seaman.
Charles S. Jenkins was born in the City of New
York, March 27, 1822. Both on the paternal and
maternal sides his ancestors were Friends, and Cap-
tain Jenkins has been a lifelong adherent of that
sturdy sect. His education was obtained at a Fnends'
Institute at Wilmington, Del.
Upon leaving school he joined his brother,AA^iUiam
B., in the ship-chandlery business in New York, and
upon the death of the latter, Charles became the
proprietor. He also became interested in towing lines
and coasting vessels, and acquired a competency. Upon his
ment from business in 1S63 he purchased a country-seat on the
retire-
Balm-
RESIDENCE OF CHARLES S. JENKINS-Balmville.
also a Trustee of Washington Headquarters, and chairman of the
executive committee. He married Caroline E., daughter of Charles
B. Macy, who was a descendant of the Nantucket family of Macys.
THOMAS F. BALFE.
ville road, in the suburbs of Newburgh, and has ever since resided
there. He was elected a trustee of the Savings Bank May 4,
THOMAS F. BALFE, Treasurer of the Newburgh Savings Bank,
though a young man, has by the judicious and conservative manner
in which he has managed the interests of the bank, given sufficient
proof of his abilit)' as a banker. He was born in Newburgh, April
14, 1857. He began his business career May 1, 1S73, in the bank
with which he has ever since been connected, and by his own ability
and perseverance rose to the position of Assistant Treasurer, Decem-
ber 10, 1887, an office created expressly for him that he might assist
the Treasurer, Mr. Ring, who then had reached an advanced age.
On the death of Mr. Ring in June, 18S9, Mr. Balfe was chosen to fill
the vacancy. He married Mary A., only daughter of James M.
Wentz, October 21, 18S5, and has since resided with his wife's family
at " Aldendell," one of the most beautiful homes on Grand Avenue.
NEWBURGH BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION.
This association has had no small share in the extensive building
operations in Newburgh in the past few years. Its affairs have been
wisely administered, and its financial condition is excellent. It is
engaged in the grand work of inculcating ideas of thrift and self-
help among the wage-earners of our city.
The Association owes its formation mainly to the efforts of Bar-
tholomew B. Moore, George Beggs and John W. Lockwood. On the
evening of March 6, 18S6, a public meeting was held in the basement
of the Opera House, at which the above named gentlemen explained
the objects and operations of building and loan associations, with
which they had had some previous experience. The subject was fur-
ther discussed and explained at subsequent meetings, and on April
17 the association was organized by the adoption of a constitution and
by-laws and the election of the following officers: B. B. Moore, Presi-
dent; Lewis M. Smith, Vice-President; John W. Lockwood, Treas-
176
NEWBURGH
urer; John M. Pollock, Secretary; Directors— Joseph A. Sneed, W. H.
Weston, Mayor B. B. Odell, George Beggs, B. B. Odell, Jr., Daniel
S. Waring, W. H. Brinkman, Arthur V. Wiltsie, C. J. Lawson, W.
H. Beggs, George F. Price and James G. Graham.
The present oflficers are B. B. Moore, President; L. M. Smith,
Vice-President ; Charles J. Lawson, Treasurer ; Benj. J. Mac-
donald. Secretary; Directors — Joseph A. Sneed, William N. Beggs,
George Beggs, John C. Adams. B. B. Odell, Jr., William H. Hilton,
William Nixon, Samuel J. Hilton, Benjamin B. Odell, James Todd,
William Tweed and William Hamilton. Howard Thornton, attorney.
That the Association has met with no small measure of success
during the five years of its existence is shown in its last annual
statement on May i, 1S91;
RESOURCES.
LIABILITIES.
Permanent loans..
Arrearages
Cash
Safe (inventoried).
Monthly dues $83,772 1
Profits 1-2-3-4 y
Profits 5th year
tstanding ist ser
es, 725}^.
2d '
413^
3d '
2365^
4th •
316K
5th ■
357
Value per share 1
$43,530 <
19,848 <
8,514 .
7.S96 <
4,284 .
ST. PATRICK S PAROCHIAL SCHOOL AND INSTITUTE-L.berty Stre
(See Pages .jj and ,34)
THE PRESS.
Newspapers and Newspaper Men ot the Past and Present.
lEWBURGH has four daily, one weekly and two semi-
weekly newspapers. Two of the dailies and one
weekly have been established since 18S5. Within the
same period the two older papers have increased their
facilities by the introduction of the telegraph into their
offices, and from early morn till evening the busy
wires are bringing in the day's doings all the world
over. Newburgh is thus kept in touch with the people of the country
at large and with the general movements of public thought. The
Queen's speech to Parhament will be read and criticised a few hours
later in Newburgh, and an appeal from a stricken city in the morn-
ing will bring a response from Newburgh in the afternoon. This is
also an important " news center; " the press associations and the met-
ropolitan papers have correspondents here.
The history of the press of this city begins with the year 1795,
when Lucius Carey began to publish The Newburgh Packet. David
Denniston purchased it in 1797, and changed its name to The Mirror.
In 1799 Jacob Schultz removed The New Windsor Gazette (estab-
lished 1797) to Newburgh, and shortly afterward sold it to Mr. Den-
niston, who changed its name to The Citizen. Both The Mirror and
The Citizen were absorbed by The Rights of Man, which was started
by Elias Winfield in 1797, and sold to David Denniston. The Re-
corder of the Times was started by Dennis Coles in 1803. It absorbed
The Rights of Man in 1S05, and in 1806 Ward M. Gazlay purchased
It, changed its name to The Political Index, and continued its publi-
cation till 1S29.
The early newspapers were insignificant affairs measured by
modern standards, consisting of four small pages and containing little
if any local news. A few editorials, tedious political articles, general
news notes, considerable miscellany, and sometimes attacks on
Christianity made up the papers of that age. The Mirror, The Cit-
izen and The Rights of Man were the organs of a large and influ-
ential society called "The Druids." Dr. Johnston said, "the Bible
was the avowed object of their hatred, as well as all that pertained
to the church of God and her institutions." Elias Winfield, the first
editor of The Rights of Man, was a druggist and physician. His
paper was printed by Benoni H. Howell, the first Chief Engineer of
the Newburgh Fire Department. David Denniston was a man of
ability in some directions, and fearless in expressing his peculiar
views of religion. He became widely known through his writings in
opposition to Christianity. He at one time had editorial connection
with The American Citizen and Watch Tower, of New York. His
Newburgh office was at 74 Water Street.
The Political Index was a follower of Jefferson and Madison in
politics. Ward M. Gazlay, the proprietor, was for many years Justice
of the Peace also. As an editor he had great independence of mind,
and as a magistrate his career was marked by strict probity and
sound, discriminating judgment, united with fixedness of purpose and
impartiality. He died in 1S36.
Charles U. Cushman purchased The PoHtical Index from Mr.
Gazley in 1S29, and changed its name to The Orange Telegraph, and
subsequently to The Newburgh Telegraph. Mr. Cushman was a
descendant of the Pilgrims, born at Hartford, N. Y., and educated
at the Bennington, Vt. academy. Before coming to Newburgh
he was a proof-reader and jobber in the printing house of the Amer-
ican Tract Society in New York. He conducted The Telegraph for
ten years, and then sold it. Mr. Cushman was subsequently in the
Custom-House in New York, and in mercantile business in that city.
Then he returned to Newburgh and established the furniture and
carpet business now carried on by Peck & Van Dalfsen. In 1852 he
retired with a competency, and was afterward elected to the As-
sembly. He was an able writer, his style being vigorous and com-
pact. As a private citizen he was active in advancmg the interests
of the city in which he lived. He was one of the founders of the
Newburgh Library and the Mechanics' Library; he was one of the
original directors of the Ouassaick Bank, and one of the incorporators
and the first secretary and treasurer of the Savmgs Bank. He pos-
sessed strong natural abilities, industry, independence of mind and
integrity. In person he was nearly six feet and well formed, with
clear complexion and blue eyes. He dressed with extreme neatness,
and walked with erect carriage and firm tread. He died at Rhine-
beck in 1859.
In 1S39 The Telegraph passed into the hands of Henry H. Van
Dyck, who, the following year, was succeeded by Elias Pitts. The
latter was a graduate of the Kinderhook academy, and before coming
to Newburgh held an editorial position on The Rochester Adver-
tiser. In his character as a writer Mr. Pitts exhibited much origin-
ality and ability, maintaining a manly independence, and at the same
time laboring zealously to promote the interests of the Democratic
party, to which he was attached. In the social circle he had few
equals, and his society was much sought after and appreciated. In
a word, his every-day life appeared to be the reflex of a heart filled
with noble and generous impulses. He married, first, Elizabeth,
daughter of John Jamison, of Newburgh, and second, Margaret,
daughter of John Whited. After leaving Newburgh he was the
editor of The Poughkeepsie American for three 5^ears, and then re-
ceived an appointment in the State Department at Washington,
where he died in 1S64, aged 54.
Mr. Pitts retired from the management of The Telegraph in 1850,
and was succeeded by Edward JI. Ruttenber, who conducted the
paper for seven )-ears, and then disposed of it. During the next
twenty years The Telegraph passed through many hands. Mr. Rut-
tenber became the proprietor again in 1859, and again in 1865, and for
the fourth time in 1876.
The first daily newspaper in Newburgh was The News, in 1856,
published by E. W. Gray, who had become proprietor of The Weekly
Gazette, which had been started by John W. Spalding in 1S22, and
afterward had changed hands a number of times. In 1857 Mr. Gray
combined his estabhshment with that of The Telegraph. The Tele-
graph and Gazette were continued as weeklies under the consolida-
tion till 1S64, when The Gazette was discontinued, and The Daily
News became The Daily Telegraph.
In 1S24 the Rev. James R. Willson, D. D., of the Reformed Pres-
byterian Church, began the publication of The Evangelical Witness,
a monthly magazine, which was continued four years and then suc-
ceeded by The Christian Statesman, which lived but one year.
In 1834 Wallace Sz Sweet published The National Advertiser,
which was subsequenth' merged into The Gazette. [177]
178
NEWBURGH
111 1S36 the Rev. Moses Roney, of the Reformed Presbj'terian
Church, began the pubHcation of The Reformed Presbyterian, a
monthly magazine. In 1849 it was moved to Pittsburgh by Mr. Roney,
where it is still published.
In 1S45 the Rev. David L. Proudfit published the first number of
The Christian Instructor, a monthly magazine. It was sold to the Rev.
J. B. Dales, who removed it to Philadelphia.
In 1849 Thomas George started The Newburgh Excelsior, and sold
it in 1S51 to E. M. Ruttenber, who merged it into The Telegraph.
For a few weeks in 1855 R. P. L. Shafer published The Newburgh
American.
In 1S55 R. B. Denton commenced The Literary Scrapbook, a
monthly magazine of forty-eight pages, but it failed in a short time.
In 1856 The Times was issued by an association of temperance
people. It was continued under various owners till 1867.
In 1859 the Rev. D. L. Proudfit started The Family Visitor, a
monthly quarto, which lived a year.
In 1S67 S. S. Wood commenced the publication of The Household
Advocate, a monthly. At first it had but eight pages, but was en-
larged from time to time, and obtained a large circulation. As The
Household Magazine it took high rank among the literary publica-
tions of the country, its circulation being 60,000. Samuel E. Shutes,
who became the principal owner, was for two years Mayor of the
city. The establishment was in a large building in Front Street, be-
tween Third and Fourth Streets, and was well equipped. The busi-
ness failed in 1S74.
In 1S69 A. A. Bensel issued The Home, Farm and Orchard, an
eight page weekly, which he continued till 1876.
In October, 1875, The Daily Penny Post was published by an as-
sociation of printers.
The Daily Mail was first issued on Saturday, March 25, 1876, with
George F. Nelson, C. L. Williams and R. Kissam as proprietors. Its
size was fifteen by twenty inches, and it was sold almost exclusively
by newsboys on the street, its price being one cent. On the 24th of
April, John A. Mason, who had been employed as its editor, succeed-
ed George F. Nelson, and John B. Russell became an additional part-
ner. On the 26th of June The Penny Post, the pioneer of penny pa-
pers in this locality, was absorbed by The Mail, its name being added
to The Mail, and the paper became known as The Daily Mail
and Post, the firm of editors and publishers being known as
Russell & Co.
In 1S77 William H. Brown issued from Charles Jannicky's printing
office in the Ferry Building The Independent, a morning daily. Its
publication ceased after a few months.
In the Fall of 18S8 WilHam J. Cushing commenced the pubHcation
of The Morning Star from the printing office of H. D. Morris. It lived
for two months.
THE DAILY AND SEMI- WEEKLY REGISTER (Dem.),
Was established in 1876, by E. M. Ruttenber, when he consolidated
The Daily Mail and Post with The Telegraph. Mr. Ruttenber then
leased the newspaper plant to John B. Russell, John A. Mason and
C. L. WilUams, retaining the job printing department for himself.
In 1877 he sold the newspaper to the firm of H. P. Kimber & Co.
(Herbert P. Kimber, John A. Mason and J. W. F. Ruttenber). Sub-
sequently J. W. F. Ruttenber retired, Mr. Kimber died May 26, 18S3,
and John A. Mason became the sole proprietor.
Mr. Kimber will be remembered as a most estimable gentleman,
of quiet, dignified manner and sturdy character. Born in Wawayan-
da, in this county, he attended the Goshen Academy, and learned the
printing trade in the office of The Middletown Press. He was one
of the first to volunteer for the war, and joined Duryea's Zouaves.
In 1869, in partnership with E. M. Ruttenber, he purchased The
Goshen Republican, and subsequently bought Mr. Ruttenber's inter-
est. In 1874 he sold the establishment on account of illness. As
editor of The Register, local interests always found in him a stanch
supporter, and his enduring work on the press of this county tells its
own story of earnest endeavor directed by intelligent purpose. Called
to stand upon one of the watch-towers of his party, he was its vigi-
lant defender, always at his post, and winning and deserving the
support and esteem due to the zealous advocate of the political organ-
ization of his choice.
In the meantime the establishment had been moved from the
Centennial Building to the comer of Second and Smith Streets, where
it has ever since remained. In 1885 Mr. Mason was appointed by
President Cleveland Deputy Collector of the Port of New York.
When the next change of administration came he resigned the posi-
tion and purchased The Harlem Local Reporter. In May, i8gi, he
sold The Register to Francis A. Willard. In 1887 E. M. Ruttenber
sold the job printing department to Almet S. Moffat and John F.
Tucker, who were conducting The Register in the absence of Mr.
Mason. In July, iSgi, Mr. Willard purchased Mr. Moffat's interest in
the job printing branch.
The Daily Register is a nine-column folio, 28x44 J^, and is issued
every evening except Sunday. The special wire of the United Press
enters the office, and the telegraphic report is received by an expert
operator, so that each evening The Register places before its readers
not only the day's doings in the city, but a resume of the latest news
throughout the world. The Semi- Weekly Register is a nine-column
folio, 28x44)^ in size. The office is well equipped and employs usually
about twenty-five hands.
FRANCIS A. WILLARD, editor and proprietor of The Register,
was born at Midway, Ky., August 23, 1S56. His education was ob-
tained at Boonville Union School and Academy, and Whitestown
Seminary. In 187S-
79 he was clerk of
the Village of
Boonville. In 18S0
he was telegraph
editor of The Wat-
ertown Morning
Dispatch, and in
1 88 1 its managing
editor. In Septem-
ber, 18S2, he be-
came one of the
firm of Willard &
Sons, proprietors
of The Boonville
Herald, and during
the first year of the
existence of The
Utica Daily Press
in the campaign of
1882, he had charge
of the editorial
columns of that
paper.
In 1884 Mr. Wil-
lard was elected
Supervisor of the
Town of Boonville,
being the first
Democrat elected
to that office on a regular Democratic ticket since before the war. In
the .session of 18S5 he was the acknowledged leader of the Democratic
FRANCIS
WILLARD,
minority, although one of the youngest members of the board. In
18S5, also, he was unanimously nominated for Member of Assembly
by the Democrats of the third Oneida district, but he positively de-
clined to accept. He was the sole choice of the Democrats of Boon-
ville for postmaster, and in August, 1SS6, he was appointed to that
position by President Cleveland. Had he desired it he could have
received the nomination for Congress in i8S8 and 1S90 from the 23d
Congressional District. May 9. 1S91. he purchased The Daily and
Weekly Register from John A. Mason.
NEWBURGH
. 179
JOHN F, TUCKER.
JOHN F. TUCKER is the city editor of The Register, and junior
member of the job printing firm of Willard & Tucker. He was
born in Poughkeepsie, July 3, 1S50, and entered upon his apprentice-
ship as a printer with Piatt & Schram, of The Eagle, in 1864. While
engaged on that
paper as a compos-
itor, he assisted
George W. Davids,
the city editor, by
looking after minor
items of interest.
In 1S72 iMr. Tucker
left The Eagle,
and took charge of
t h e Government
printing office at
the United States
Military Academy,
West Point, a posi-
tion he held for
twelve years, un-
der Generals
Thomas H. Ruger,
John M. Schofield,
(). O. Howard and
Wesley Merritt. In
1SS4 he resigned
to become city ed-
itor of The Regis-
ter. Two years
later, with Mr.
Moffat, he purchas-
ed the job printing
plant of E. M.
Ruttenber, which has since been conducted in connection with The
Register.
Mr. Tucker is a member of Newbttrgh Lodge, No. 309, F. & A. M.,
Highland Falls Lodge, No. 429, I. O. O. F., and Lawson Hose Com-
pany No. 5. He filled the office of District Deputy Grand Master of
Odd Fellows at a
time when the dis-
trict embraced the
whole of Orange
County, now divid-
ed into three dis-
tricts. He is Secre-
tary of the New-
burgh Skating
Association, New-
burgh Council, No.
1,320, Royal Arca-
num, and of St.
George's Sunday
School; also a
Director of the
Young Men's
Christian Associa-
ALMET S.
MOFFAT was
born in the Town
of Goshen, Orange
County, N. Y.,
August g, 1853. He
is the son of Dan-
iel C. and Juhana
H. Moffat. His
parents were farmers and descendants of the Moffats and Howells,
who have for generations resided in the adjacent towns of Chester
and Blooming Grove. When he was five years of age his parents re-
moved to Rockford, Ills. His boyhood days were spent in this thriv-
ing Western city -until 186S, when his parents removed East, and at
the age of seventeen he was apprenticed to the printing trade in
the office of The Goshen Independent Republican, then owned
by the late Herbert P. Kimber. He worked at his trade in various
places, chief among which was the office of The New York Times,
where he was employed for a number of years. He left the
Times office in February, 1SS6, and took editorial charge of The
Newburgh Daily Register upon the retirement of its then proprietor,
John A. Mason, who entered the service of the United States Gov-
ernment as a Deputy Customs Collector at New York City. Mr.
Moffat, a year later, with John F. Tucker, purchased the job print-
ing business of E. M. Ruttenber, which was consoHdated with The
Daily Register. Mr. Moffat remained for four years as the editor and
business manager of the establishment. In May, 1891, Mr. Mason
disposed of his interest to F. A. Willard, and shortly after Mr.
Moffat also disposed of his interest to Mr. Willard and removed to
New York City, where he is now engaged conducting the job print-
ing business connected with The Harlem Local Reporter.
T S, MOFFAT,
THE DAILY AND SEMI-WEEKLY JOURNAL.
In 1833 John D. Spalding disposed of his interest in The Gazette
and estabhshed The Weekly Journal, which he continued till 1S43,
and then changed the name to The Highland Courier, which he con-
tinued until his death. Mr. Spalding's connection with the press of
Newburgh covered a period of thirty-eight years. He was the son of
Rev. Joshua Spalding, and was born in Salem, Mass., in 1800. He
came to Newburgh with his parents in 1815, and learned his trade
under Ward M. Gazlay, in the office of The Political Index. In 1S22
he began to pubHsh Tne Gazette. Samuel Parraenter was his part-
ner from 1825 to 1832, and for a short time John W. Knevels was a
partner. As an editor, Mr. Spalding exercised good judgment, and
his writings bear the imprint of a sincere and high-minded man. He
married Elizabeth L., daughter of the Rev. John Johnston, D. D.
He died in 1S53.
After Mr. Spalding's death his widow conducted the paper with
the assistance of WilHam E. Smiley, until 1S55, when Mr. Smiley
purchased it. Mr. Smiley sold it to Edward Nixon in 1858, and he
disposed of the property to Rufus A. Reed in 1859, who changed
the name to The Highland Chieftain.
On the first of June, 1S61 , Cyrus B. Martin became the owner. Up
to this time the fortunes of the paper had varied but little, and a paper
of April g, 1842, now before the writer of this, did not differ material-
ly from one of May, 1861, nineteen 5-ears later. The peculiar fitness
of Mr. Martin for the profession was soon evinced by the change in
the appearance of the paper. A new font of tjrpe was immediately
put in the office, and, going back to first principles, he restored the
original name to his paper, and it was once more The Newburgh
Journal. From that time the paper grew steadily in influence and
circulation. On the fifth of July, 1862, the first number of The Daily
Journal was issued. The pressure of " war times" made its career,
at first, a labor of love on the part of its editor, its receipts not more
than paying expenses. After about two years its prosperity became
assured. It became a member of the Associated Press of the State
of New York in March, 1872, a franchise that affords it an equal op-
portunity of receiving the news of the world with that possessed by
the press in the largest cities of the State.
On March i, 1877, Samuel Ritchie, Lawrence C. Bodine and
Frank S. Hull became the proprietors, under the firm name of
Ritchie, Bodine & Hull. About ten months later Mr. Bodine retired,
and Ritchie & Hull have since been the proprietors. Fifteen years
have made many changes in The Journal. While the mdependence
and energetic poUtical partisanship that won it prominence among
the journals of the State have been maintained, improvements have
been made in other directions. The daily has been enlarged several
times since 1S77, and since 18S7 a semi-weekly edition has been pub-
hshed. The premises have been greatly enlarged, and a book-bindery
i8o
NEWBURGH.
has for a number iif years been an important branch of tlic establish-
ment. New machinery, new type, new arrangements, and greater
facilities have kept The Journal abreast of the times. Since 1S85 the
office has been connected with the Associated Press system by a special
leased wire, and a telegraph operator is employed to receive the dis-
patches. About twelve thousand words are received each day, so
that The Journal is able to lay before its readers each evening the
contemporaneous history of the world. In obtaining the news of the
vicinity it has the aid of a large corps of correspondents located in
the surrounding villages, some of whom have acted in that capacity
for more than a score of years. The correspondence department
is a popular feature of The Semi- Weekly Journal, and the basis of a
circulation not confined to our own county or State. As for local news,
The Journal is not given to sensationalism, but strives to tell only the
truth, giving all
the real news of
the day accurately,
concisely and in-
telligibly. Having
a firm belief that
the principles of
the Republican
party are the best
for the welfare of
the nation, it has
always been a
steadfast advocate
of those principles.
Likewise it has
been a reliable in-
dex of the city's
intelligence and
public spirit. With-
out ostentation it
has suggested pub-
lic improvements,
advocated reforms,
and exerted a
healthy and refined
influence in the
city's life. Its files
have furnished the
fullest history ex-
tant of the city
and county in
vsfhich it has been
pubHshed. It has
since its founding
been the leading
family paper of
this section, and on
its subscription
lists are names of
those who have
taken it for more
than half a cen-
tury. The Journal printing house and book-bindery has every facility
requisite for its business. This book tells its own story of skill and
practice in this house. From thirty-five to forty hands are employed.
A number of the employees have been connected with the office a
great many years. William E. Smiley, once proprietor, is now the
foreman of the newspaper composing room. For many years it has
occupied the building Nos. 44 and 46 Second Street. In the basement is
the press room, on the first floor are the business office and bindery,
on the second floor the editorial, telegraph and composing rooms, and
on the third floor the job printing department. The Daily Journal is
issued every day, except Sunday, at 4.30 p. m., and served to sub-
scribers by carriers. It also has a large circulation on the railroads
and in the villages near by. The Semi-Weekly Journal is published
on Tuesdays and Fridays.
THE JOURNAL
CYRUS B. MARTIN was born in Argylc, Washington County,
N. Y., September 6, 1S30. He received a common-school educa-
tion. In 1845 he entered the office of The Glens Falls (N. Y.) Clarion
to learn the printer's trade, and was employed there five years, in-
cluding one year after his apprenticeship expired. From 1850 to 1855
he was a compositor on The Albany Journal. In the latter year he be-
came one of the editors and publishers of The Chenango Telegraph,
at Norwich, N. Y. He remained there until the Spring of 1S61,
when he sold his interest in The Telegraph, came to Newburgh, and
purchased The Highland Chieftain from Rufus A. Reed. He im-
proved its appearance by dressing it in new type and in other ways;
changed its name to The Newburgh Journal, and took up with energy
the tasks of his new position. In the following year The Daily Jour-
nal was estabHshed. Mr. Martin had not conducted the rejuvenated
paper long before
the people of New-
burgh perceived
that he was com-
pletely e q u i p pe d
for his work. They
recognized in him
a vigorous thinker,
an incisive writer,
a man of positive
views and convic-
tions and fearless
in expressing them.
They also learned
to esteem him for
his integrity and
his genial traits, as
well as his abilities
as a public journal-
ist. He began his
work here when
the outbreak of
war intensified the
feelings of the peo-
ple, and he was a
patriotic, aggres-
sive advocate of
the Union cause.
He did much to
mould and to
strengthen Union
sentiment in this
region, and the
" boy s in blue "'
found in him one of
their stanchest
friends.
Mr. Martin has
been a Repubhcan
ever since the par-
,44 s tv was organized,
and one of the de-
voted members and trusted counselors of that party. In past years
he took an active part in its conventions, local and general, has been
a member of its State Committee, and one of its Presidential Elec-
tors (1S80).
During his sixteen years' residence in Newburgh, many projects
of local importance were proposed. Those of them that commended
themselves to his sound judgment as calculated to promote the pros-
perity of the place received his cordial support, and many such enter-
prises have profited from that support.
Mr. Martin was warmly interested in all that concerned the well-
being of society. The cause of law and order had no sturdier cham-
pion. He was a judicious friend of the public school system of our
city, and from 186S to 1S73 was a useful member of our School Board.
He was also a Trustee of Washington's Headquarters from 1S74 to 1S77.
NEWBURGH
i«i
On the eve of his removal from Newburgh to Norwich, X. Y., in
the Spring of 1S77, after he had sold The Jom-nal estabhshment, a
complimentary banquet was tendered to Mr. Martin by our leading
CYRUS B. MARTIN.
citizens. The estimate in which he and his work here were held was
well shown l5y the speeches made and the letters read on that occa-
sion.
The banquet was held in the United States Hotel on the evening
of April 20, 1877. The Committee of Invitation, acting in behalf of
leading citizens, consisted of Michael H. Hirschberg, Abram S. Cas-
sedy, John C. Adams, Peter Ward and Isaac C. Chapman. In their
letter inviting Mr. Martin to become the guest of the citizens of the
banquet the committee said:
" It is difficult to express in this formal invitation the kindliness and warmth
of the friendly feelings evoked. Your sixteen years' residence in our city, dur-
ing which The Journal has been built up as a valued institution, and during
which both in public and private station those qualities of head a
been displayed which make us so keenly regret your contemplated departu
constitutes the sufficient reason for, if not an adequate measure of, the hear
ness and sincerity of the invitation."
In his letter acknowledging the invitation Mr. JIartin wrote:
have
" In accepting the great honot
it is impossible not to feel that I
a generous and kindly public ser
for many years, and for which— (
der widely varying circumstam
measure of that grateful feeling
cherished in my memory. This
society, from men of opposite pol
which those you represent have tendered mu,
m placing myself under added obligations to
;iment which has followed and encouraged me
vpressed as it has been in many ways, and un-
2S— it is impossible to make known the full
nth which it has been and will continue to be
reached me from all classes of
I faith and affiliations, and from very many
with whom my relations have been only those distant
familiar ones— which exist between an editor and hi
retirement from the editorial chair there seems to hav
in these different quarters to cover the path of my rel
flowers of friendly feeling— a purpose which has rej
mination made known in your generously-phrased note of invitation."
The Committee of Arrangements for the banquet consisted of Dr.
L. S. Straw, James W. Taylor, John R. Wiltsie, Arthur A. McLean,
J. H. H. Chapman, John C. Adams and John B. Kerr.
ones— and yet in a sense
•> readers. And since my
been a common purpose
real with the choicest of
ched the unexpected cul-
John J. S. McCroskery, :Mayor of the city, presided. Among those
present, besides the gentlemen mentioned above, were Charles H.
Winfield, Daniel B. St. John, James G. Graham, Rev. Drs. Wendell
Prime and William K. Hall, Charles F. Brown, James Mackin, Ben-
jamin B. Odell, Charles H. Weygant, Charles J. Lawson, Homer
Ramsdell, John Gait, Samuel P. Church, James W. Miller, David
Carson, M. C. Belknap, Halsey R. Stevens, Wilham B. Brokaw, John
Schoonmaker, J. McC. Farrington, Eli Hasbrouck, James L. Teller,
William O. Mailler, Charles Caldwell, Charles H. Lyon, Samuel C.
Mills, William C. Lawson, Joseph Casterline and John Corwin.
When the tables were cleared Mayor McCroskery called the com-
pany to order and in the course of his remarks, introducing the
honored guest of the evening, said:
" It is my privilege as your Chairman to call upon many who are abundantly
able to express that appreciation of our guest, and the regret at parting from
him, which no one feels more keenly than I do. His work, his position, his in-
fluence, and his usefulness in this community are more than enough to account
In concluding his remarks the Mayor offered the following toast:
• ' Our guest, Cyrus B. Martin. Esq. : We regret his departure from
Newburgh and his retirement from the Press, and tender to him our
best wishes for his future happiness and prosperity."
Many complimentary letters were read from personal friends of
Mr. Martin, among them Senator Roscoe Conking, Hon. Alonzo B.
Cornell, Hon. Thomas L. James, Elhs H. Roberts, of The Utica Her-
ald, S. C. Hutchins, of The Albany Argus, Charles E. Fitch, of The
Rochester Democrat, Benson J. Lossing, Hon. George M. Beebe and
Hon. M. D. Stivers. Speeches were made by Charles Emory Smith,
editor of The Albany Journal, now United States Minister to Russia;
Senator Daniel B. St. John, Hon. Charles H. Winfield, Hon. J. G.
Graham, and the Rev. Wendell Prime.
In Norwich Mr. Martin has been a bus}- man, having large inter-
ests to oversee. He is President of the David Mavdole Hammer Co.,
SAMUEL RITCHIE.
one of the largest concerns in that line of mdustry. He is
dent of the Chenango National Bank, a solid and prosper
tion, and is engaged in other enterprises in that thriving \
; also Presi-
ous institu-
■illage.
1 82
NEWBURGH
Mr. Martin marrictl, in 1858, Ann Vernette, daughter (if David
Maydole, of Norwich. Four of their children, three daughters and a
son, have grown to mature years. Mrs. Martin died in June, 1885.
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RESIDENCE OF SAMUEL RITCHIE-41 Liberty Street-Washington Heights.
During her residence here she was held in high esteem for her excel-
lence of character and her unostentatious activity in good work.
While domestic in her tastes and deeply devoted to home and family,
her sympathetic spirit went beyond her home and found exercise in
quiet ministrations to the destitute. The Home for the Friendless
found in her one of its warmest friends and wisest managers.
SAMUEL RITCHIE, second son of Robert L. and Sarah E.
Ritchie, was born in Larne, Ireland, July 3, 1S36. Came to this
country with his parents in 1839, and has lived in Newburgh since
then, except during the year 1S67. Received a common school edu-
cation. Became a reporter for The Journal March i, 1865, and has
been its editor and one of its proprietors since March i, 1877. Mar-
ried, in May, 1869, Kate L., daughter of the late James F. Kelly.
FRANK S. HULL, of the firm of Ritchie & Hull, was born in
Xewburgh June 6, 1853. He received an education in the ordinary
English branches in one of the public schools of the village, and in
several private schools both in and out of Newburgh. The printing-
business had a fascination for him in his boyhood, and when thirteen
years of age he began the publication and printing of The American
Eagle, a small, amateur paper — the second one of its kind in the place.
The first one was The Union Jack, printed and published by Master
A. Ludlow Case, a son of Admiral Case, U. S. N., and it was from
this lad that Master Hull received his earhest lessons in type-setting.
He published The American Eagle with but little interruption until
i868, and the sheet was enlarged several times during that period.
The place of publication was changed from Newburgh to Millerton
and West New Brighton. N. Y. respectively, as his residence was re-
moved thereto.
In 1870 he returned to Newburgh and obtained employment in the
composing room of The Journal office, where he was able to turn to
good account his previous few years' experience with type and ink as
an amateur printer. Mr. Hull has been continuously in The Journal
office since then, with the exception of one year (1876), when he was
foreman of The Middletown (N. Y.) Press office. Resigning his po-
sition which he held in Middletown on March i, 1877, he entered into
co-partnership with Samuel Ritchie and Lawrence C. Bodine, and the
firm purchased of Cjtus B. Martin the Journal establishment. In De-
cember following Mr. Bodine's interest was acquired by the other two
partners, who have since continued the publishing, printing and book-
binding business.
Jlr. Hull is President of the Young Jlen's Christian Association, a
Steward in Trinity M. E. Church, and one of the five Newburgh rep-
resentatives in the Advisory board of the Orange County Agricul-
tural Society.
He is the eldest son of Dr. Duane and the late Sarah S. Hull.
His father was a well-known dentist here nearly thirty j'ears ago,
who, it is worthy of note, originated several valuable inventions, one
of the most important of which was the "facing" of the iron
" guards " on the mowing machine with cast steel, to aftord a keen
and durable cutting-edge for the knives to operate across. This
invention very greatly reduced the draught or labor of drawing the
machine through and cutting the grass, and proved to be such a
great improvement over the cutting apparatus previously in use, that
the " facing" of mowing machine " guards" with cast steel is a very
important part of the design of this great labor-saving machine to
this day. Through some defect in the formal application Dr. Hull
did not secure a patent for his invention. Nevertheless the untold
benefits from it arc now being reaped by the farmers throughout the
world, as well as by the mowing machine manufacturers. Persons
are living in Newburgh now who attended the competitive mowing
machine trials in the vicinity when Dr. Hull's improvement was
NEWBURGH
183
tested with marvelous restdts in comparison with the old-fashioned
machines. About that time a large number of machines in course
of construction for Dr.
Hull at the Washington
Iron Works were totally
destroyed by a boiler ex-
plosion there.
Frank S. Hull married
in 18S2, Ida, daughter
of the late James Wey-
gaut. They have two
children, Marjorie W. and
Stanley W.
THE DAILY EVEN-
ING NEWS
Was established in 1S83,
by William H. Keefe. It
is an eight-column folio
26x39. It is sold at I UK
cent a copy, and has a
fair share of the pulilii
patronage. The printin-
house is at 126 Broadwav.
Mr. Keefe received liis
newspaper training in
The Journal office, and
was for a number of
years city editor. He
resigned that position in
Feb^uar^^ 1SS4, to become Deputy Collector of Internal Reveni:
RESIDENCE OF FRANK S.
newspaper founder, and at this writing he is considered to be on the
" high road to fame and fortune." His parents, Edward and Mary
Dunphy, emigrated to
this country from Ireland
in the latter part of the
decade beginning with
1S30, and settled in New-
burgh. ;Mr. Dunphy has
numerous brothers and
sisters, all of whom had a
literary turn of mind, and
three of them entered the
ministry of the Catholic
Church, one became an
M. D., and one sister
chose a religious life.
Death has been busy in
this family as in all
others. The father of
the subject of this sketch,
I aie sister and five broth-
ers are dead. Three
hrcjthers and three sisters
and his mother are liv-
ing. Mr. Dunphy married
in this city. Miss B. A.
Bannon in 1871. Oneson,
Edward, and two daugh-
ters, Jennie and Mary,
D >, T >A, u . u • k. were born of the union.
Day View Terrace — Washington Heights.
Mr. Dunphy exercises
excellent judgment in the conduct of his paper, and is a power in
the Democratic party.
THE DAILY EVENING PRESS (Dem.),
Was established by James G. Dunphy in 1S8S. It is an eight-column
folio 25x39, and is issued every day except Sunday, price one cent.
The printing house is at 123 Broadway, and is a large and well equip-
ped estabHshment.
Mr. Dunphy, the
editor and proprie-
tor, was born in the
City of Newburgh,
August 21, 1842,
received a com-
mon school educa-
tion and learned
the printing busi-
ness under E. M.
Ruttenber in this
city. With the ex-
ception of two
years and a half
he has lived here
all his Ufe and been
active in the ' ' art
preservative of all
arts." In 18S3 he
embarked in busi-
ness on his own
account, confining
his efforts to job
printing until 1888,
when he founded
The Press, a Dem-
ocratic newspaper,
JAMES G, DUNPHY, which has been
successful. Untir-
ing energy, combined with a practical knowledge of his business, has
enabled him to overcome the usual obstacles which meet the average
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAM
Is a seven-column quarto, which has a large circulation in the city
and neighboring towns on Sunday. It is bright, newsy and rac}-.
It is retailed for
five cents. It was
established m
March, i88g, by J.
W. F. Ruttenber,
a thorough news-
paper man and the
son of Edward M.
Ruttenber. The
Telegram express-
es an opinion that
carries weight on
all the questions of
the day. Its com-
ments on current
events are always
interesting.
J. W. F. RUT-
TENBER was
born in Xewburgh.
December 14, 1857,
and received a
common-school ed-
ucation. After be-
in g connected
several years with
his father in the
printing business
in this city, he was
burgh and elsewhere, and commenced the publication
NEWBURGH.
Newburgh Sunday Telegram in March, 1SS9. Although but 34
years of age, Mr. Ruttenber has been a newspaper man for twenty
years, his first experience being with The Index, an amateur paper
published in Newburgh by him in 1S70-71. The Telegram is non-
partisan and, confining itself to live local topics of interest to New-
burgh and close vicinity, became an acknowledged success in the
first month of its existence.
EDWARD M. RUTTENBER was born in the Town of Benning-
ton, \'t., of Holland-English New England ancestry dating back to
the early part of the 17th century. He entered the printmg business
in the office of The Vermont Gazette, at Bennington, in 1S37; removed
to Newburgh in the Fall of 1S3S, and was an indentured apprentice to
Charles U. Cushman, in the office of The Newburgh Telegraph; was
transferred to The Newburgh Gazette in 1839, and returned to The
Telegraph as its foreman in 1S45; purchased the establishment in
1850; added to it in 1S52 the office of The Newburgh Excelsior, and
subsequently, by
consohdation, the
office of The New-
burgh Gazette and
Daily News, and
remained in the
business of print-
ing, with the ex-
ception of the years
1864-65 (when he
was connected
with the Bureau of
Military Statistics,
at Albany), until
1SS7, when he ac-
cepted the appoint-
ment of Superin-
tendent of the
Folding Depart-
ment of the Gov-
ernment Printing
Office at Washing-
ton, in which
capacity he served
until the Spring of
iSSg, when he re-
signed.
In addition to
editorial and me-
chanical labors, Mr. Ruttenber was the writer and publisher of a
"History of Newburgh," in 1859; of a "History of the Flags of
New York's Regiments," in 1865. pubHshed by the State; a "His-
tory of the Obstructions to the Navigation of Hudson's River,"
in 1866, pubhshed by Joel D. Munsell, at Albany; a "History
of the Indian Tribes of Hudson's River," in 1872, published by Mun-
sell, and a " History of Orange County," in 1881, published by Evarts
& Peck, of Philadelphia— works which are regarded as authority upon
the subjects treated, and which bear with them the evidence of ex-
haustive research and ability as a writer. In these and in many
other ways he has rendered invaluable services to Newburgh. The
compiler of this book acknowledges his indebtedness to Mr. Rutten-
ber's writings for many historical facts embodied herein.
For sixteen years he served as a member of the Board of Educa-
tion, and for about eighteen months he was Superintendent of the
Schools. With this exception he never held elective official position.
His life has indeed been a busy one, nearly all of his literary labors
having been performed in hours that are usually set apart for rest
and recreation. During his connection with the press of Newburgh
he added the first cylinder press and the first steam engine employed
in printing in Newburgh, and was connected with the first daily news-
paper which was published here. He married, in 1S47, Matilda A.,
EDWARD M. RUTTENBER.
daughter of Mark Mclntyre, and has two sons, Charles B., an organ-
ist and teacher of music in New York, and James ^V. F., publisher
of The Newburgh Sunday Telegram.
Mr. Ruttenber has always done what he could for the honor and
prosperity of the community. Without detracting from the credit
due to others, he may justly entertain feelings of pride in the con-
tribution of effort which he has made to many business undertakings;
to the establishment of our system of public schools; to the success-
ful founding of the free librarj-, sustained by public tax — the first of
its character in the State, and which is literally a child of his own; to
the development of an interest in the Headquarters of Washington,
resulting in advantages which the public would not now relinquish;
to the permanent investment of the revenues from that ancient and
useful trust, the Glebe, in a memorial educational structure which
shall make its impress on generations. It was fitting, therefore, that
a number of the representative citizens of Newburgh, desirous of
testifying in a public manner not only their esteem for him as a citi-
zen, but especially their high appreciation of his valuable labors in
tracing out and preserving the history of their own city and also all
this region of country from its earliest settlement, which has aided
largely in securing for our locality a wider and higher recognition in
every portion of our land, should most cordially invite him (February,
1891) to be their guest at a social dinner. In a letter declining this
distinguished honor, Mr. Ruttenber said:
" The invitation which it conveys is itself a priceless testimonial of the good-
will of many with whom I have walked in relations of personal regard from
youth to the present time, and of others who have come upon the stage of action
in later years, with whom my intercourse has not been less pleasant. Accept-
ing it in the spirit in which it is offered, and with the most sincere thanks, I
must, in respect to my own feelings, decline the more formal acknowledgment
which it proposes. A toiler in the ranks from my youth up, and largely with-
drawn from the walks of leisure in the prosecution of studies to which an ir-
resistible natural impulse led me, I have had my reward in the satisfaction
which those studies afforded in rescuing from oblivion and preserving the
services which others have performed for God and country and fellow-men."
■WILLIAM SCHRAM for thirty-one years was a journahst. His
first experience as a printer was 1
the office of The Utica Observer,
Iv two vears when he was made
in 1S24; and he had been there
foreman of the office. In 1S34
Mr. Schram removed to
Poughkeepsie, where he se-
cured a half-interest in the
publication of The Pough-
keepsie Journal, which, un-
der the firm name of W.
Schram & Co. , he continued
to publish for ten years. On
January i, 1844, The Jour-
nal was consolidated with
The Weekly Eagle, then
pubHshed by Isaac Piatt,
and the firm of Piatt &
Schram continued unt
April I, 1865, when Jlr.
Schram sold his interest t'l
John I. Piatt, a son of Isaac.
Mr. Schram removed to
Newburgh in 1868, but did
not immediately enter into
active business. Later he
started the job printing busi-
ness, which he now carries
on at the northeast corner of
Water and Third Streets.
Mr. Schram was born in Schuyler, Herkimer County, N. Y., April
18, 1807. His wife was Sarah H., daughter of Nicholas Hallock, a
widely-known preacher of the Hicksite persuasion, residing at Mil-
ton, Ulster County, N. Y. Mr. Schram's family consisted of four
sons and one daughter, who, together with his wife, are now dead.
LIAM SCHRAM
THE POST OFFICE.
c^^l
I HE Xewburgh Post Office has occupied its present rent-
ed quarters in the basement of the Bigler Building,
corner of Smith and Third Streets, since May i, 1866,
with the exception of the period from January i, 1888,
till October, 18S9, when the office was in the building
on the northwest corner of Front and Second Streets.
Previously the office was on the south side of Second
Street, between Water and Front, and at a still earlier period in
Third Street, between AVater and Smith.
During the last session of Congress the sum of $100,000 was ap-
propriated for a building for the Post Office and other government
offices in this city, and a site has been purchased on the southeast
corner of Montgomery and Second Streets.
The following is a list of postmasters up to the present time, with
the date of their appointment:
Ebenezer Foote. December,
iigust 6, 18411.
Daniel Birdsall.
Chester Clark.
Aaron Belknap, March 26,
Tooker Wygant, Nov. =6, i
A. C. Mulliner, Jlay 23, i8s
Benjamin H. Mace, N
Oliver Davis, June 17,
James Belknap, May 1
23, 1S36.
843.
Samuel W. Eager,
Joseph Casterline, jr., May 4, 1S53.
Ezra Farrington, May 22, 1861.
James H. Reeve, November i, 1866.
Henry Major, May 7, 1867.*
Joseph Lomas, August 22, 1867.
Ezra Farrington, July ig, 1869.
John C. Adams, April i, 1875.
Joseph M. Dickey, March 21, 1883.
William R. Brown, April 8, 1S87.
William G. Taggart, April 2, 1891.
The present deputy postmaster is William C. Chambers. During
Mr. Dickey's administration the business of the office and the popu-
lation of the city had increased to such an extent that in 18S4 a
corps of letter-carriers was authorized. Since then the number of
carriers has been increased from six to twelve. Mail matter is not
only delivered and collected in all parts of the city, but in the suburbs
as well.
The following is a brief summary of what has been done at the
Newburgh office since April i, 1883:
i}24,os7 04.
24,403 21.
MONEY ORDERS
(Issued and paid.)
...$ 76,414 36
1,366 .
i86 26,44182
'87 27.95991 82,09044
i88 31.433 14 88,229 65
i89 . ■• 34.387 66 110,51s 60
590 35.114 24 103,097 35
591 34,54142 102,41898
STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 31,1891.
Fumber of Letter Carriers 12
Clerks i
Offic
" Letter Boxes in City
Outside of City
" " Newspaper and Package Boxes in City..
Sales of Stamps, Stamped Envelopes, Postal Cards, <
for year ending March 31, 1891
Excess over 1888
68
Exc
1889.
Decrease in year 1890
Deliveries By Carriers.
Registered Pieces Delivered.
Letters Delivered
Postal Cards Delivered
Newspapers Delivered 755,592
Total Delivered by Carriers 1,957,586
* A special officer of the Post Office Department, who held the place in con-
sequence of the refusal of the Senate to confirm the appointments of President
Total Deliveries of Mail by Carriers and from Post Of-
fice (Estimated) 2,500,000
Daily Average of Mail Delivered by Carriers and From
Post Office (Estimated) 6,850
COLLECTIONS BY CARRIERS.
Letters Collected 817,714
Postal Cards Collected 142,722
Newspapers " 123,355
Total Collected by Carriers 1,083,791
Total Pieces Delivered and Collected by Carriers 3,°4i.377
Number of Daily Collections by Carriers 40
Deliveries "' " 34
" Mails Received Per Day 52
" Dispatched" " 46
WILLIAM G. TAGGART, Postmaster, was born in Newburgh,
November 20, 1S56. He is a son of Archibald Taggart, who has
been an active business man here for many years. Mr. Taggart
attended the public schools of this city, passing successfully through
WILLIAM G. TAGGART.
the various departments, and being graduated with the class of '73 at
the Newburgh Academy. After leaving school he interested himself
in his father's meat business. For fourteen years he has been an
active fireman, and is now Foreman of Ringgold Hose Company.
For several years he was Clerk of the Board of Excise. He is a
member of Newburgh Lodge, F. & A. M., Highland Chapter, and of
i86
NEWBURGH.
Hudson River Coramandery, K. T., and a Trustee of the Masonic
Hall Association. He is also a Director of the Muchattoes Lake Ice
Company.
At an early age he became active in local politics, and for years
past has been one of the most efficient supporters and a most watch-
ful care-taker of his local party. For a number of years he was
Inspector of Elections in the Second Ward, the only elective political
office he has held. He has also been for a number of years a mem-
t)er of the Republican County Committee. In iSS8 he was the
unanimous choice of his party for the nomination for County Clerk,
an honor, considering his long and faithful service to the party, most
fittingly bestowed. His popularity in his native city was such that
his majority in Newburgh was 1,030. In his candidacy for the post
office he received the endorsement of the party organization as well
as that of a large number of prominent citizens.
WILLIAM R. BROWN was born in the Town of Newburgh, Oc-
tober 2, 1S41, at the family homestead, now occupied by his sister,
Mrs. Anna E. Higginson, and near the home of his brother, Hon. C.
F. Brown, Judge of the Court of Appeals. His father. Judge John
W. Brown, one of the most eminent jurists of his day, early designed
LIAM R, BROWN.
him for the profession of the law, but being of very active tempera-
ment William preferred to cast his lines in the busy marts of com-
merce, and at the early age of fifteen he accepted a position in the of-
fice of a large commission house in New York City. Afterwards for
some years he was engaged in an extensive lumber business at Toledo,
Ohio. On liis return to Newburgh he engaged in a wholesale grain
and flour business, and in 1S6S founded the Newburgh Plaster Works.
He started this business in a small way against powerful competi-
tion. He leased rich g5-psum beds in Nova Scotia and was able to
undersell his competitors in the market. During those years he
traveled extensively throughout the American continent, from Syd-
ney, Cape Breton, to San Francisco, and from the Rio Grande to
Winnipeg, Manitoba. There is hardlj' a city of any importance on
this continent which he has not visited and where he is not personally
known. He relinquished the plaster works in 1876 and went to
Texas, remaining till 18S1, when he returned to Newburgh and again
entered the wholesale grain trade. Several years ago he organized a
sjTidicate to build a large grain elevator here, but the plan was never
carried out. He recently retired from the grain trade altogether.
Mr. Brown was part owner of the famous yacht W. R. Brown, which
competed in several exciting regattas in Newburgh Bay and else-
where during the existence of the Newburgh Yacht Club.
He was appointed Postmaster April S, 1SS7. Summoned before
the President the preceding day he was asked if he would accept the
office. Mr. Brown replied that he was a business man and not a pol-
itician; that he had not sought the position, but if appointed he would
conduct the office on the same principles he used in the management
of his own business, and that if it w-ere desired he should take the of-
fice upon that condition, he would accept. Congress was not in ses-
sion, but the appointment was confirmed by the Senate December 21.
When Mr. Brown entered the office there were only six letter car-
riers, but soon afterward he increased the force by one footman, and
succeeded in securing permission to employ also a mounted postman
to deliver mail in the Balmville district. Shortly after that he secured
the appointment of a second mounted postman to deliver in the Town
of New Windsor. When the eight-hour law went into effect he se-
cured an increase to the force of three additional foot carriers. On
the first of July, i8go, he extended the delivery into the Western sub-
urbs.
This is said to be the only city in the United States where the
mounted-carrier service prevails outside of the city limits.
The service has been also increased in the dispatching of mail, so
that almost every train arriving at and departing from Newburgh
now either brings or takes away mail matter.
Mr. Brown has been one of our most enterprising and wide-awake
citizens, and one of the most useful members of the Board of Trade.
He was probably the greatest factor in the long campaign to secure
the public building. Although efforts had been made to obtain an
appropriation several years prior to his taking office, no success was
arrived at, because the Post Office Department declined to consider
an appropriation for a building in a city of this size, where the whole
expense of maintenance, the outlay and the interest thereon must be
chargeable to only one department, namely, the Post Office. It was
through Mr. Brown's demonstration to the government that New-
burgh was made a port of delivery, and a permanent customs officer
and a United States Commissioner appointed, thus making four Gov-
ernment departments, viz.: Post Office, Customs, Internal Revenue
and United States Commissioner, to occupy the pubUc building and
share the expense. Thus the way was opened b)' which the
passage of the public building appropriation was secured tlie past
Winter, through the efforts of Congressman Stivers and our Senators,
and the personal appeals of a Board of Trade Committee, of which
Mr. Brown was chairman.
Mr. Brown was appointed Warden of Sing Sing Prison March 23,
1S91. He married Mary Alice Townsend, of Canterbury, Orange
County, who died in January, 1S91, leaving one son and three
daughters.
REAL ESTATE.
EWBURGH being a city with permanent and diversified
manufacturing interests, and having the command of
a wide trade territor3% it has in consequence a steady
growth, and the values of real estate show a steady
increase. Property bought with reasonable judgment
is certain to increase in value. Fortunes have been
and are being made in real estate in Newburgh, and
large investments will be rewarded by liberal returns. The market
is a healthful one. Purchasers of vacant property rarely leave it long
unoccupied. Prices are not based on speculative prospects, and con-
sequently are not subject to violent fluctuations.
Compactness is a characteristic of the city. We have a large pop-
ulation within narrow bounds. With the river as its eastern limit,
and while the wide and deep chasm of the Quassaick Creek is the
southern boundary, the growth of Newburgh must be restricted to
certain directions. Concentration has been the invariable rule in the
growth of the place. It is not a sprawling, over-grown village, with
"here a Httle and there a Httle" over a wide territory; but a solid,
substantial city, with metropolitan characteristics and conveniences.
Not till almost every foot of available frontage on Water, Front,
Smith, Colden and High Streets was occupied did the builders of the
city begin to go west. Previous to 1S50 the village, with a population
of more than seven thousand, was mainly included in the district
bounded by Liberty Street on the West, Washington Street on the
South, and Chnton Street on the north. A few years later Lander,
Chambers, Johnston and Dubois Streets were opened. In 1S68, after
the incorporation of the city, many new streets were laid out in the
western part, and old ones extended. In recent years the growth has
been toward the south, and has reached the Quassaick, the limit of
extension in that direction.
Land has been economized to a remarkable degree, and except m
the northern part comparatively little of it is used for ornamental pur-
poses. A city lot here usually means a plot having a frontage of 25
feet and a depth of 100 feet. Within the fire limits buildings are con-
structed of brick and stone. The streets are generally tightly built,
and in the central part of the city vacant lots are rare. Flats and
apartment houses have become a feature of Newburgh realty.
BUSINESS PROPERTY.
Front Street is nearest the river, and gives access to all the steam-
boat landings and railroads. The two principal hotels, wholesale
houses, factories, coal and lumber yards, the telegraph ofiice, etc.,
are situated on this street. There are few, if any, unoccupied sites.
The east side is generally dock property that has not changed hands
in generations. The West Shore Railroad cut off the rear of lots on
the west side. Two pieces of property, occupied by old rookeries,
were recently sold for $200 per foot.
Business property of the first rank lies on Water Street, between
First and Fourth, and is worth from $800 to $1,200 per foot, on the
basis of recent sales. North of Fourth Street prices are considerably
lower. In Colden Street there is a marked difference between values
on difi^erent parts of the street, property on the west side being gen-
erally more valuable than on the east, and locations near First Street
better than those near Broadway, so that prices vary all the way
from $200 to $550 per foot.
Holders of first-class business property are reluctant to sell. Nor
is this surprising when the rapid appreciation of values and rentals
is considered. Stores, large and small, in good locations for retail
trade will average $100 a month rental. Water Street is over-
crowded; business is concentrated in too small a space. We have
long felt the need of a popular business street up-town, near the cen-
ter of population. Broadway has reheved Water Street in some de-
gree, and on the north side it is lined for a long distance with small
retail shops, principally groceries, markets, drugstores and saloons.
It is the main highway from the western country, and there are
many who believe it will in time be the principal thoroughfare.
Property on the north side of the street is held at high prices. Some
very fine buildings have recently been erected there, and in other
cases valuable sites are occupied b)' antiquated structures, so that
there is a wide range in values. On the north side, east of Dubois
Street, property is valued at from $350 to $55° a foot.
Liberty Street, between Broadway and Renwick, has become a
busy street since the building of the Heights, and portions of Second,
Third and Smith Streets are valued highly for business purposes.
RESIDENCE PROPERTY.
The highest-priced land for residential purposes is in Grand Street.
Recent sales have fixed the price of building sites between First and
Clinton Streets at $200 per foot; north of Clinton Street from gioo to
$150 per foot. Liberty Street, which is next west of Grand Street,
has a few unoccupied sites, valued at $125 to $175 per foot, between
First and South. Hudson Terrace is another favorite residence street.
On the east side, which affords a view of the river, land is worth S150
per foot, and on the west side about $100 per foot. There are a few
lots in Chambers Street, between South and Campbell Streets— a very
desirable neighborhood— valued at from $60 to $So per foot; and
others in Johnston Street, between South and Farrington Streets, at
$40 per foot. There are a few lots remaining in South Street, west
of Johnston Street, held at from S40 to §50 a foot. Dubois Street,
between Broadway and First Street, is one of the finest blocks in the
city. Lots in that street from First Street to Gidney Avenue range
from S40 to S25 per foot. Lots on Prospect, Stone and Carter Streets
are selling at from S200 to $400 each.
One of the most delightful residence sections is Washington
Heights, opened up five years ago. It now contains a large popula-
tion of the better class, and some of the handsomest dwellings in the
city. East of Lander Street lots with a frontage of 25 feet are selling
for $550 to $1,500, according to location. Bay View Terrace and Lib-
erty Street sites being preferred. Lots west of Liberty Street are
valued at from $250 to $500 each. But in the present condition of the
city's progress it is not likely that these prices will long remain as
quoted, as the demand is causing a steady appreciation in values.
SUBURBAN PROPERTY.
A wealthy population occupies the broad avenues just beyond the
city limits. Beautiful parks surround spacious mansions. Grand
Avenue begins at the northern city line, and runs northward along
the crown of the hill which slopes down to the river. It affords a
view of the Hudson for miles. Land is worth from $2,000 to $2,500
per acre, with very little to be had at any price. Powelton Avenue
runs in the same direction as Grand Avenue, but is farther west. Land
is valued from $500 to $700 per acre. Quassaick Avenue extends
from Quassaick Creek southward. Land for suburban residences is
quoted at from $600 to $Soo per acre within a mile of the city limits,
but there is very little for sale, as it is mostly held by wealthy people
who do not care to sell. In the western suburbs, within a short dis-
tance of the citv, land is held at from $200 to S300 per acre. [1S7]
NEWBURGH
RENTS.
The rental value of a first class house with all modern improve-
ments, in Grand, Liberty or Hudson Terrace is $500 or $600 per an-
num, and such houses are few in number. Houses of the second
THE ARNO "—286 Gi
class, or rather those in less fashionable locaUties, bring from S20 to
S30 a month. Flats rent from S15 to S25, according to location.
There are many handsome flat houses, with hot and cold water,
range, stationary' tubs, elevators, baths, cellar, etc. But the average
family in rented rooms pays from $8 to Si 2 per month and lives com-
fortably and respectably.
"We believe there is no city in the Eastern States that would return
better profits on large investments than Newburgh. "We need a large
number of cottages costing from SSoo to $1,200 each, built, not in solid
blocks, but on thirty or thirty-five-foot lots, with breathing places
between, for famiUes of laboring men. Houses of this class are few
in Newburgh. We need a large number of cottages costing from Si,-
400 to 81,800, on lots 50x150, for the families of clerks, mechanics and
small tradesmen. There is a general desire for the opening of a new
street, corresponding to Grand or Liberty, with lots restricted to a
width of not less than fifty feet, so as to afford people of means op-
portunity to have residences of architectural beauty, and room for
stables. Land for these purposes can be found in the western and
northern part of town. It needs to be sewered, curbed and flagged.
Capitahsts must lead the way; the people will do the rest.
INSURANCE RATES.
The rates for fire insurance in Newburgh are close to those in
New York City, which are the lowest in the world. The reason for this
is, first, the excellent protection against fire assured by a model fire
department, equipped with the best apparatus obtainable; second,
the complete water works system, which has fire hydrants all over
the city, and, in the larger portion, supphes a head of water sufficient
to cope with any ordinary fire without the aid of the steam fire en-
gines; third, the great competition in insurance rates, owing to our
nearness to the Metropolis. Another reason for the low rates is that
the buildings are mainly built of brick, and the city is so compact that
the firemen can reach a fire very quickly, so that it has little chance to
spread. In fact, there has not been a fire of any consequence in the
main portion of the city in many years. In the few cases where build-
ings have been totally destroyed, they were situated either outside of
the corporation limits, or in the western outskirts. The rate for brick
dwellings is 40 cents per $100 for three years, an average of 13)^
cents per year. Mercantile rates average from 50 to 75 cents per
year. Manufacturing, or hazardous risks, are from 75 cents to Si. 25
per year, except where equipped with automatic sprinklers, in which
case a reduction of from 40 to 50 cents is granted. These are the
standard rates of the best American and English companies. Of
course, if buildings are supplied with fire apparatus that is taken into
account in making the rate.
CHEAP COAL.
As has been said, Newburgh is a depot and shipping point for coal.
It is the nearest tide-water point to the coal mines of Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Coal Company has its distributing works here,
whence coal is shipped in vessels to points along the coast, river and
canal. Newburgh is also the door for the great coal traffic by rail
between the mines and New England. Owing to the nearness to the
mines, and the competing routes by which it may be hauled, but
little is added to the original cost for freight charges. Coal is as
cheap here as at any other place in the countrj- — actually cheaper
than at many towns between here and the mines. It has been sold
here at retail as low as $2. 80 per ton. At the present writing it is
83.60 per ton for chestnut and S3. 80 for stove, retail. Manufacturers
who use large quantities can obtain it much cheaper.
Without describing the various processes in mining coal, it may
be said that throughout the mining region the collieries may be in-
cluded in one grand estimate, and the average will demonstrate that
coal can not be profitably mined at a figure less than $1.65 per ton.
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THE TOWNSEND BUILDING— 77 and 79 Water Street,
while in many instances the figures will draw very close to S2.00.
Now comes the question of tolls for transportation, and the town that
can have its coal laid down for the least money will have the
cheapest coal. In this connection a few of the retail prices that have
recently prevailed in various centers would not be uninteresting.
They are as below:
New York, 85. 25; Springfield, S6.00; Philadelphia, 85-00; Pough-
keepsie, 85.25; Baltimore, S5-5o; Hartford, 85. 50; Washington, S5.25:
Boston, 85.50; Richmond, $5.25; Salem, S6. 00; Buffalo, S500; Port-
land, $5-75; St. Louis, S7.25; Newark, N. J., 85-00: Providence, S5. 50;
Albany, 85. 25; Cleveland, S5.25; Chicago, 86.50.
THE BOARD OF TRADE.
An Organization for the Public Good — Men of Brains and Business — The
Work They Have Achieved for the Advancement of Newburgh.
HE Board of Trade of the City of Newburgh was organ-
ized Februar)- 22, 1SS2, at a meeting held in the Sav-
ings Bank building, Mayor A. S. Cassedy presiding,
Daniel S. Waring, secretary. The others present were
Charles H. Harcourt, James T. Van Dalfsen, Joseph
Van Cleft, E. S. Turner, James G. Graham, Edgar C.
Barnes, Charles J. Lawson, John J. Campbell, Wil-
liam B. Brokaw, William H. Hilton and Samuel C. Mills. The ob-
jects, as defined in the constitution adopted at the time, were, "To
acquire and disseminate useful information concerning the trade,
manufactures and interests of the City of Newburgh ; to encourage
intercourse between business men;
to co-operate with similar associa-
tions in other cities in matters af-
fecting the welfare of cities, and
generally to aid in the promotion
and development of the commercial,
industrial and other interests of this
city." The first officers were: Daniel
S. Waring, President; William B.
Brokaw, First Vice-President; John
Schoonmaker, Second Vice-Presi-
dent; John A. Mason, Secretary; Jon-
athan N. Weed, Treasurer. The ex-
ecutive body was a Board of Trus-
tees, composed of Abram S. Cas-
sedy, Wilham B. Brokaw, Isaac C.
Chapman, Charles J. Lawson, Theo-
dore Merritt, James G. Graham, E.
S. Turner, Daniel S. Waring, John
Schoonmaker, James J. Logan, Rob-
ert Whitehill, Edgar C. Barnes, Ed-
ward Haigh, Joseph Van Cleft, Will-
iam O. Mailler and Jonathan N.
Weed,
That Newburgh had great need
for such a representative body be-
came at once apparent. Communi-
cations from manufacturers desiring
to locate here were brought to the
Board for consideration; and how-
ever narrow its sphere, and imper-
fect its plan of operations, its great
possibilities were demonstrated,
and the citizens recognized in it
the representative business body of the city, which could encour-
age and foster its interests, and widen the knowledge of its industrial
facilities. On May 2, 1SS4., a new era was commenced by re-organiz-
ing the Board on a more substantial and tangible basis. The consti-
tution and by-laws were revised, the Board of Trustees was abohshed;
and It was resolved to establish permanent headquarters and secure
RESIDENCE OF CHARLES E
the services of a secretary paid to devote sufficient time to the collec-
tion of trade statistics, and matters of interest to manufacturers and
tradesmen. The annual dues were increased to- $10, and almost
without exception those invited to join the Board gladly accepted the
invitation, and it entered upon a work that will be of lasting benefit
to Newburgh with a membership of sixty-three representative citi-
zens. The officers elected were Daniel S. Waring, President; E. S.
Turner, First Vice President; William B. Brokaw, Second Vice-
President; Jonathan N. Weed, Treasurer. A committee was ap-
pointed to secure that prime requisite — a competent Secretary, and
to rent an office. IMajor E. C. Boynton consented to act in that ca-
pacity. The following committees
were appointed:
Finance — David Carson, W. O.
Mailler, Arthur A. McLean, Edgar
C. Barnes, M. C. Belknap.
Membership — Charles J. Lawson,
EH Hasbrouck, James A. P. Rams-
dell, WiUiam F. Cameron, James J.
Logan.
Statistics — John A. Mason, E. S.
Turner, D. W. Esmond, Joseph Van
Cleft, Isaac C. Chapman.
Trades and Manufactures —
John C. Adams, E. K. Shaw, Wil-
ham B. Brokaw, Robert Whitehill,
John Schoonmaker.
As soon as the reorganization
was effected the membership began
to increase, and the stronger in-
fluence and wider scope of the
Board began to be seen and felt.
An office was rented and furnished
in the Erie building, where the
secretary may be found dail)-, and
usually some members of the Board.
Boards of trade, as a rule, were
once formed solely for the mutual
protection of the members, and
rarely assumed any work of a pub-
lic character, or apart from purely
commercial interests. The members
of the Board of Trade of the City
of Newburgh are men of wider
comprehensions than that. They look to every department of our
industrial life, and think nothing which concerns the advancement of
the city and its vicinity alien to them, or outside the scope of the as-
sociation. A broad construction is given to that clause of the consti-
tution which defines the aims of the Board, and from the first it has
been energetic in advertising the citv abroad, promoting immigTation,
[.89]
I90
NEWBURGH
encouraging the investment of capital, soliciting the establishment of
new industries, encouraging the undertaking of important works,
and, indeed, originating, fostering and aiding every enterprise which
promises to advance the general good.
The work of the Board thus far has been purely of a public char-
acter. It has not sought, like some others, to protect its indi\'idual
RESIDENCE OF CHARLES F. ALLAN,
S,— 195 Montgomery Street,
members, to secure the payment of debts justly due, or to arbitrate
disputes in commercial matters; none of its work is of a private char-
acter to be hidden from the public. It is not concerned with the
thought as to how much the members shall be individually benefitted
by their association together, for they believe whatever tends to ad-
vance the interests of the whole is not done without
benefitting individual members of the community.
Its work has been too diverse in its nature to be
dealt with in detail. One class of work has been ad-
vertising the city abroad. In 18S4 Major Boynton
compiled a pamphlet, entitled " Newburgh, its Ad-
vantages, Business, and Transportation Facilities,"
setting forth its attractions for a permanent residence,
together with the present and future prospects of the
Queen City of the Hudson. This pamphlet was
widely circulated where it would do the most good.
As a result many letters of inquiry have been receiv-
ed and answered in regard to prospects and business
advantages in detail. One of the first good deeds of
the Board was in securing the abolition of discrim-
inating freight and express rates. Formerly a car load
of merchandise shipped from New York to Chicago,
or beyond, went at a low rate, but the same quantity
from Newburgh was forwarded under greatly in-
creased freight charges. The same was true of
freight receipts. The Board obtained New York
rates for Newburgh, and there was not a manufac-
turer or business firm in the city that was not made
to realize substantially the benefit of this action.
The same year the Board secured the location of the
Orange County Agricultural Society at Newburgh
for a term of years. The following year it aided in
accomplishing the removal to this city of the large establishment of
the Kilmer Manufacturing Company, then rated by Bradstreet as
worth $250,000, and now one of the largest and most prosperous con-
cerns in the city. The Board rai.sed a loan of $100,000 for the com-
any, and invested a surplus of Si, 000 in a bond of the company. Mr.
Waring, then President of the Board, is now one of the officers of the
company. The Board also secured an appropriation
from Congress of $100,000 for a public building, and
lately it has been instrumental in securing the im-
provement of the system of water works.
Since the Board was formed we have had a great
building boom, we have seen the extension of the
water supply, the introduction of electric lights, the
Liection of the new Academy and School No. 6, the
t stablishment of an industrial school, the adoption of
irce school books, the estabhshment of a number
of new manufactories, the erection of the Academy
of IVIusic, the street railway, the purchase of Down-
ing Park, and other industrial acquisitions or public
improvements, and the enhanced value of real estate.
Nearly all of these have been in some degree inspired
by or received encouragement from the representa-
tions put forth by the Board of Trade, or from its
individual members, while some of the projects origi-
nated in or are controlled by members of the Board
itself.
But this by no means is the sum total of its work.
All of its plans and deliberations were not followed
by tangible results, nor can you find it all in black
and white in the secretary's minutes. It has consider-
ed and worked for many objects that came to naught,
yet withal had the effect of stimulating enterprise and
public spirit among the people.
The work grows with time, and every succeeding
season brings new problems to deal with. No sooner
is one work completed than another is undertaken.
The Board is a factor in the business life of the city, and
stands ready to represent the citizens in all proper matters, to
answer all communications, and give every encouragement to
people impressed with Newburgh's attractions to make their abid-
ing place among us.
RESIDENCE OF
NEWBURGH
191
OFFICERS IN I89I.
President Charles E. Williams.
First Vice-President David Carson.
Second Vice-President William Foster. •
Secretary llajor Edward C. Boynton.
Treasurer Jonathan N. Weed.
CO-MJIITTEES.
Trade and .Van ii/ac/ iires—Dnniel S. Waring, Robert Whitehill, Clayton E.
Sweet, Joseph Chadwick and Charles J. Lawson.
Membership— George H. Ross, Charles B. Shaw, John L. Schultz, Simon A.
Scharps and Charles L. Brown.
Finance— A-Tth-ar A. McLean, Joseph M. Dickey, William H. Hilton, Daniel
G. Cameron and Charles T. Goodrich.
RESIDENCE OF S. C,
Executive Commiitee— Charles E. Williams, David Carson, Willi:
Jonathan N. Weed, Edward C. Boynton, Daniel S. Waring, Arthur J
Samuel E. Shipp and George H. Ross.
Adams, John C, Prest. Consumers'
Gas Co.
Belknap & McCann, m£rs. soap.
Brokaw, W. B., mfr. outing garments.
Bedell & Seymour, gents' furnishings
Beveridge Brewing Co., mfr. ales.
Bazzoni, L. J., mfr. carriages & sleighs.
Barnes, E. C, provisions.
Boynton, Major E. C, late U. S. A.
Brown Lime Co., mfrs. lime.
Bigler, James, mfr. buoys.
Bull, Stephen M., wholesale grocer.
Carson, David, mfr. bricks.
Carter, Henry, florist.
Cameron, Daniel G., lumber.
Chadwick, James, ( Newburgh
Chadwick, Joseph, > Bleachery.
Chadbom & Coldwell Mfg. Co., lawn
Cleveland, O. M., mfr. overalls, etc.
Crawshaw, Mark, mfr. ingrain carpets
and Smyrna rugs.
Cochrane, James, Prest. Common
Council.
Crosby, S. L., Supt. Penn. Coal Co.
Crawford, C. E., furniture, etc.
Cook, A. M., boarding & sales stables.
Dales, John & Co., real estate and in-
Delany, P. & Co., mfrs. boilers.
Dickey, Joseph M., books & stationery.
Doughty, Wm. B., stoves and tinware
Doyle, Michael. Mayor.
Duncan, Henry C, baker and restau-
Kilmer Mfg. Company, mfrs. wire,
wire rods, fencing, etc.
King, Stephen & Co., coal.
Kernochan, John A., flour and feed.
Leicht, Charles, mfr. lager.
Lawson, Charles J., hardware.
MaiUer, William O. & Co., wholesale
grocers, coal.
McLean, Arthur A., fancy groceries.
Matthews, John W. & Co., wholesale
grocers.
Miller, D. C, stone yard.
Moore, John T., mfr. bricks.
Murtfeldt & Krom, furniture.
Muchattoes Lake Ice Company, ice.
Peck & Van Dalfsen, furniture.
Perkins, F. W., coal.
Post, E. R., drugs and medicines.
Peters, George W., Supt. of Streets.
Ritchie & Hull, publishers, printers
and book-binders.
Ross, George H. & E. C, millers.
Ramsdell, H. S., transportation.
Schultz & Crum, dry goods & carpets.
Stewart & Sayre, lumber.
Sweet, Orr & Co., mfrs. overalls, etc.
Schaefer, F. J. A., florist.
Stevens, E. Gerry, lumber.
Scharps, Simon A., real estate
Smith, William H., Supt. Laflin &
Rand powder works.
Smith, A. C, plumbing and steam
heating.
Sneed & Mathews, provisions.
Shaw's, Thos. Sons, architects, car-
penters, builders and builders'
supplies.
Skidmore, Thos. H., Prest. Skidmore
Mercantile Co.
Taylor, James S. Estate, mfrs. plush
goods and carpets.
Taylor, Grant B., lawyer.
Turner, Shipp & Osborn, real estate
and insurance.
Weed, Jonathan N., bank cashier.
Ward & Logan, paints and oils, sash,
blinds and doors.
Weygant, Charles H., real estate.
Ward & Esmond, lawyers, real estate.
Willard, Francis A., publisher.
Wright, William, mfr. engines.
Waring, Daniel S., coal and ice.
Wilkinson, J. G., saddlery hardware.
Whitehill, Robert, mfr. engines and
ice machines.
Wilson, T. & J., masons and builders.
Wood, F. G., cement pipe.
Weston, Wilbur H., transportation.
MAJOR EDWARD CARLISLE BOYNTON, A. M., is a des-
cendant of John Boynton, who emigrated from England in 163S, and
settled at Salem, Mass. His father, Thomas, was born at Lunen-
burgh, Mass., and in 1S12 was an officer in the 31st U. S. Infantry,
Goodrich, Charles T., real 1
! and
Dn, James, mfr. woolen goods.
William H., architect, carpen-
and builder.
MAJOR EDWARD C. BOYNTON,
northern Vermont. His mother (Sophia Cabot) was a
granddaughter of Mary Dwight Cabot, a descendant of Francis
Cabot, who came to America in 1700. Edward Carlisle was born in
Vermont, February i, 1S24. He was appointed a cadet at the U. S.
MiUtary Academy, July i, 1841. He was graduated in 1S46, assigned
to the 2d Artillery (Colonel Duncan's battery) as brevet second lieu-
tenant, and ordered to join the army in Mexico. He was with Gen-
eral Taylor at the front of the invading force. He served at Mont-
erey and at the seizure and occupation of Saltillo in 1S46. He par-
ticipated in the siege of Vera Cruz, the battles of Cerro Gordo, Con-
treras, Churubusco, in the seizure and occupation of Puebla, and in
192
NEWBURGH
the skirmish at Amazoque. and also at Oka Kaka in 1S47. He was
severely wounded in the action of Churubusco. He was promoted
second lieutenant February 16, 1847. and first lieutenant August 20,
1847, and brevet captain at the same time
for "gallant and meritorious services in the
battles of Contreras and Churubusco, Mexi-
co." In 1848 Captain Boynton was assigned
to the military academy at West Point as
acting assistant quartermaster. From Aug-
ust, 1848, to September, 1855, he was assis-
tant professor of chemistry, mineralogy and
geology. In 1855-56 he accompanied the ex-
pedition against the Seminole Indians in
Florida. He resigned February 16, 1856. and
accepted the professorship of Chemistrv,
Mineralogy and Geology^ in the Universit)-
of Mississippi, which he held till dismissed
in 1S61 for "evincing a want of attachment
to the government of the Confederate
States."
He declined the colonelcy of a volunteer
regiment, and was reappointed to the U. S.
army as captain m the nth Infantry Sep-
tember 23, 1861. He was at once assigned
to duty at the military academy, first as ad-
jutant and then quartermaster, remaining at
that post throughout the war, and receiving
at its close the brevet of major for faithful
services. He was transferred to the 29th
Infantry September 21, 1S66, and to the 3d
Artillery December, 1870. He resigned from
the army in 1872.
The degree of A. M. was conferred on
him by Brown University in 1856. Major
Boynton is the author of the " History of
West Point and the Origin and Progress of
the L'. S. Military Academy " (1S63), the standard work on the sub-
ject. He is the author of the military and naval terms in Webster's
Army and Navy Dictionary (1S64), "Guide to West Point and the
RESIDENCE OF ALFRED BRIDuEMAN-
RESIDENCE OF FRANCIS GOULDY-
U. S. Academy," and the following other publica-
tions: "Greek Fire and other Inflammables," "Ex-
plosive Substitutes for Gunpowder," "Photogra-
phy as Applied to Military Purposes," "Quantita-
tive and Qualitative Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic
Limestone," "Manual on Blowpipe Analysis." He
is an honorary member of the Historical Society
of Pennsylvania, of the American Academy for the
Advancement of Science, and was president (1S83-SS)
of the Historical Societ)' of Newburgh Bay and the
Highlands.
Major BojTiton was superintendent of the New-
burgh water works from July 5, 1S73, to March 4,
1S81. Since May, 1874, he has been a member of
the board of trustees of Washington's Headquar-
ters, and has become learned in the Revolutionary
history of the place. He discovered, compiled and
published the most complete collection of Wash-
ington's orders at Newburgh, and has delivered
historical addresses before the Historical Society.
He married Mary J. Hubbard, of Windsor, Vt.,
whose father was a prominent citizen of Windsor,
and who is descendant from George Hubbard,
who came to America in 1630. They have one son
and three daughters. For the foregoing facts we
are mainly indebted to Appleton's Cycloptedia and
the Biographical Register of West Point Graduates.
SOME OF OUR TOWNSMEN,
ON. JOEL T. HEADLEY was born December 30, 1S13,
at Walton, Delaware County, New York, where his
.5 _„,_ _ . father was settled for many years as the Presbyterian
i ^1^ 1 clergyman. Mr. Headley early determined to make
his father's vocation his own, and after graduating
^^^,, ^/ , , J from Union College in 1839, he took a course in theol-
^-^ ' ogy at the Auburn Theological Seminary.
After being ordained he was settled over a church at Stockbridge,
Mass. , and immediately entered with enthusiasm upon the discharge
of the numerous duties inseparably connected with the sacred office.
He soon found, however, that his constitution, already undermined
by many years of imceasing application and incessant study, was un-
able to stand the further strain imposed upon it, and he was reluct-
antly compelled to relinquish his chosen profession, and in 1S42 went
to Europe, hoping that the change would restore his shattered health.
While abroad he occasionally contributed articles to the press and
periodicals, and the favorable manner in which they were received
encouraged him to offer to the public his
■'Letters from Italy." The gratifying re-
ception at once accorded to this work first
turned his mind seriously toward literary
pursuits, and soon after his return from
Europe he yielded to the solicitations of
his friend Horace Greeley, and became the
associate editor of the Seiv York Tribune.
The confining duties necessarily connected
with the life of an editor soon became irk-
some to him, and at the end of a year he
severed his connection with that paper, and
henceforth pursued the path of authorship.
In 1846 " Napoleon and His Marshals " ap-
peared, and was followed at various periods
by " Washington and His Generals," " His-
tory of the War of 1S12," "Life of Crom-
well," "Life of Havelock," "Life of Scott
and Jackson," " Sacred Mountains," "Sa-
cred Scenes and Characters," "Sacred
Heroes and Martyrs," " Headley's Miscel-
lanys," " The Imperial Guard," " Chaplains
and Clergy of the Revolution," " The Great
Rebelhon," "Grant and Sherman," "Life
of Farragut, and Our Naval Commanders,"
and " History of the Great Riots," besides
other works of lesser note.
Mr. Headley's literary work suffered a
few years' interruption when, in 1S54, he HON. JOEL
was elected to the New York Assembly from
the First District of Orange County, and the year following was chosen
Secretary of the State of New York. Mr. Headley did not lay down
his busy pen until late in life, and the popular favor which was ac-
corded him at the outset of his career never entirely left him, and all
his books were remunerative. During the last two years such a revi-
val of public interest has been awakened m some of his works, espec-
ially m his "Sacred Mountains," that the publishers felt warranted
in getting out new editions, which have had a steady sale.
Mr. Headley's passionate love for nature in all her various moods
led him nearly forty years ago to seek those great solitudes and lovely
scenes which the Adirondacks had at that time kept concealed from
all men save the trapper or woodman. He was so enamored of that
Switzerland of America that for over thirty years he made yearly pil-
grimages for health and pleasure to that beautiful region. He was
probably the first tourist to visit that section, and his descriptions
of its charms and health-giving powers soon induced large numbers
to visit it, and thus led to its becoming the great fashionable resort it
is to-day.
For over thirty years Mr. Headley has resided in Newburgh and
vicinity, and has always taken an active interest in the historic scenes
and acts with which our locality abounds. The patriotic attempts of
several of our citizens to secure the preservation of that venerated
building, Washington's Headquarters, received his hearty support,
and for many years he has been the President of the Trustees of
the Headquarters.
Believing in the importance of fixing in the minds of the people all
those events which are vitally connected with the fate of our Repub-
lic, he early conceived the idea of celebrating in some public manner
those historic events which have made Newburgh famous in Amer-
ican history. To him more than any other
individual is due, not only the inception,
but also the successful carrying out of our
Centennial Celebration in 1883.
Mr. Headley has now passed the allotted
span of life, but age has dealt kindly with
him, and both health and \'igor in mind and
body still abide with him. Time, which has
taken somewhat from the elasticity of his
step, has not been able to diminish in any
degree his lively interest in public affairs,
nor rob his heart of its active sympathy
for his fellow-men.
HENRY KIRKE BROWN was born in
Leyden, Mass., February 24, 1814, and died
in Newburgh, July 10, 1886. At an early
age he evinced a talent for art, and in this
was encouraged by his mother, who had
some ability and training in the use of the
pencil. At the age of twenty he went to
study with Chester Harding, a famous por-
trait painter of those days, in Boston, and
remained with that master several years.
He began the practice of his profession of
portrait painter in Woodstock, Vt., where
he made the acquaintance of Dr. Willard
HEADLEY. Parker, with whom he studied anatomy.
Soon after Dr. Parker moved to Pittsfield,
Mass., and thither Mr. Brown followed him to continue his studies.
He became so proficient that he was offered the position of demon-
strator of anatomy in the college. Dr. Parker was called to the Cin-
cinnati Medical College, and urged Mr. Brown to accompany him.
He soon followed, in 1S36, and devoted his time to painting, besides
assisting Dr. Parker in his important operations by making drawings
of them. In the Summer of 1837 he was offered a position on the
survey of the Illinois Central Railroad, and during that and the fol-
lowing Summer was in the field with level and transit. In the
Winter, however, he was m Cincinnati, painting in his studio,
and there occurred an incident which changed the whole course
of his life. A young man named Whetstone, studying in the college,
I193]
194
NEWBURGH.
was also taking lessons in drawing from Mr. Brown, and before
returning home asked permission of his master to make a me-
dallion relief of him. As he was leaving the studio to obtain the
necessarj- clay for the work, Mr. Brown called after him: "Send
twice the quantity, John. I want to try it myself." The clay came,
and Mr. Brown began a female head, and went to his dinner. On
his return he found Mr. Whetstone standing before it in silence, who,
when asked what he thought of it, replied: " ilr. Brown, if you finish
that as well as it is begun, it will be the best head modeled in Cincin-
nati." It was thought to look like a Miss Dean who lived near, and
she became the model for its completion. Gradually modehng took
the place of painting in his heart as well as in his studio, until paint-
ing became the recreation, in which he indulged only occasionally,
for it was never entirely given up. In 1S3S he returned to New Eng-
land after a very severe illness of fever and ague, contracted while
on the survey in the bottom lands of Illinois, when he nan-owly es-
caped death. In the Autumn of 1S39 he was married to Lydia
Louisa, eldest daughter of Hon.
James Udall, of Hartford, Vt., and
opened a studio in Boston. He mod-
eled a bust there of Bishop Pot-
ter, of New York, which resulted in
his mo\-ing to Troy and then to
Albany, where he modeled many
busts; among them were portraits of
Dr. Ehphalet Nott, of Union Col-
lege; the Rev. William B. Sprague.
Erastus Corning, Governor Seward
and ex-Governor JIarcy. In July,
1S42, he went to Europe, goi^^
almost immediately to FlorenLL-.
where he lived a year. The re-
mainder of his stay abroad was in
Rome and Naples. His important
works of that period are a statue
of Ruth and a group of a Boy and
Dog in the Historical Library, New
York; statue of Rebecca for Mr.
Spenser, of New York, and a statui-'
of Da\-id, which he destroyed, al-
though it was then his best work.
A replica of the Ruth statue i -
also in Edinburgh, Scotland. He
was untiring in his studies, and
made a carefiil drawing from the
antique nearly ever>- day. He re-
turned to America in August, 1S46.
and established himself in New
York. He was at once made a mem-
ber of the Sketch Club, which after-
ward became the Century Club.
Among his works of this time are busts of Dr. Willard Parker and
William Cullen Bryant. In 1S48 he went to Michigan to study
the Indians at Mackmac, and made colored drawings and
small modeled heads. He received orders for these in bronze which,
with other work he was then doing, made bronze casting a necessity.
As there was no one in this country who could do such work, he ob-
tained skilled men from Paris, and the first artistic bronze casting in
America was done in his studio, which he had that year built in
Brooklyn. Bronze casting soon grew to be a work of too great mag-
nitude, so he transferred the whole of it with his men to Mr. Ames,
of Chicopee. Mass.. in whose establishment some of his succeeding
works were ca,st.
In 1S49 he modeled a relief of President Taylor for the Indian
medal. In 1S50 an Indian fighting a panther, and a filatrice, both of
statuette size. In 1S51 he was made a memberof the National Acad-
emy of Design, and in 1852 his colossal statue of DeWitt Clinton with
its two bas-reliefs was cast in bronze and placed in Greenwood Cem-
etery. Then followed the equestrian statue of General Washington
which, in 1854, was erected in Union Square, New York. In April,
1S54, he was elected member of the Pennsylvania Academy of Arts.
About this time he modeled a figure of the Resurrection for Pittsburgh.
In 185S he was elected member of theBoardof Management of Wash-
ington Art Association.
May iS, 1S59, he was appointed by the President, United States Art
Commissioner, associated with J. F. Kenset, of New York, and J. R.
Lamdin, of Philadelphia. He became chairman of the commission,
and on him devolved the writing of the report on the art decoration
of the National Capitol building and grounds. The report was and
is considered an authority on the subject, and many suggestions in it
have been carried out. The commission was short-lived on account
of the civil war, but its educating influence is felt and seen to-day.
About 1S58 he was commissioned by the State of South Carolina to
make the sculpture for the new State House then in progress of con-
struction. His principal work there was a pediment for the building,
the central figure of which was of colossal size. When the war broke
out that was nearly cut in marble, other figures were in plaster and
some were being modeled. Among
the finished works which were placed
on the building and which still adorn
it were some decorative eagles in
relief. On the ground back of them
were fifteen stars, symbols of the
fifteen states which were then ex-
pected to constitute the confederacy.
That great building, ostensibly for
the use of the State, was to be the
capitol of the new republic. Some
photographs of this work are yet ex-
f. »(. tant, in which two stars are obliter-
^^R ated by India ink so as to read thir-
|W9||^ ^ teen, and thus their real meaning is
^jT Wki hidden behind the national senti-
ment. Those who knew ilr. Brown
w ill remember he was not afraid to
express his opinions, and he had
a}\\ ays resolutely set his face against
the institution of slavery. Although
much beloved and respected by the
Southern people among whom he
li\ ed, he found his position there
an\-thing but pleasant toward the
last, and gradually withdrew within
his studio and house, as the storm
gathered. Nearly all the skilled
workmen and mechanics on the
building were from the North, and
after the death of John Brown they
gradually left their work to go
home. Just before the breaking out
of the war one of their number gave
utterances to some anti-slavery sentiments. As a punishment for
it he was tarred and feathered and paraded through the streets
of Columbia. In three days not a man was at work, and the
}-ards which had been so full of busy life were empty and silent.
Mr. Brown remained at his post and his work until after the
bombardment of Fort Sumter. The State treasury was much de-
pleted, and with difficulty was he able to get enough money to go
home. At last he, his wife and assistant, Mr. Mundy, turned their
faces homeward, and m every State they traveled through they were
obliged to get new passports. He arrived in New York with a five-
dollar gold piece in his pocket, so that the three years' work in South
Carolina was practically unpaid for, and when Sherman's army bom-
barded Columbia, his artillery was turned on the old capitol building
attached to which was Mr. Brown's studio. Not only did Mr. Brown
lose his three years' work, but his health was much impaired by being
thrown from a carriage and run over by a heavy wagon, and also by
being severely poisoned by eating of a dish intended for the mistress
of the house in which they lived. It was probably due to this latter
cause that he became temporarily blind, and then temporarily deaf.
RKE BROWN.
NEWBURGH
195
In 1S56, while his studio was yet in Brooklyn, he bought the little place
in Newburgh, and during his life in the South he passed much of his
Summers here, and on his return in 1S61 he retired to this qviiet coun-
try seat to regain his health.
The remainder of Mr. Brown's life was passed in Newburgh, and it
is during this period that the greater number of his works were exe-
cuted. It was not however until 1S65 that he was well enough to
work, when he accepted a commission from the State of Rhode
Island to make a statue of General Nathanael Greene to be presented
to the National Gallery. At Mr. Brown's suggestion Congress had
passed a bill inviting each State to contribute two statues of its great
men to be placed in the old Hall of Representatives, thus appropriat-
ing its use as a National Gallery. Rhode Island was the first State
to answer the invitation with the statue of General Greene. His re-
maining great works are in chronological order as follows: Statue of
George W. Bethune, D. D., placed in Packer Institute, Brooklyn;
statue of Abraham Lincoln, in Prospect Park, Brooklyn; Abraham
Lincoln, Union Square, New York; equestrian statue of General Win-
field Scott for the LTnited States, in Washington, D. C; statue of
General George Clinton for the State of New York; statue of Richard
Stockton for the State of New Jersey; statue of General Phillip Kearny
for the State of New Jersey, all three in the National Gallery in Wash-
ington. There is also a cast of the General Kearny in Military Square,
Newark, N. J.; and the equestrian statue of General Greene for the
Government in Washington, D. C. In 1S76 he was member of the
jury of selection of works of art for the Centennial Exposition. His
last e.xecuted work is the figure of the Resurrection for Mrs. Burton's
monument in Cedar Hill Cemetery, near Newburgh. He had chosen
the text " Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here
but is risen." He pronounced his work complete only a day or two
before the death of his beloved wife, so the theme had an additional
impressiveness. Soon after this his own health began to fail, but his
one remaining object in life was to make an appropriate monument
to the memory of his departed companion. He chose as his subject
a pilgrim with scallop shell, but his failing strength did not permit
him to finish this work. Those who remember Mrs. Brown know
how appropriate to her self-sacrificing life is the ideal pilgrim, and
in its way her ability was not less than his. Broaklyn, as well
as Newburgh, is to day benefitted by the charity organizations
in the forming of which she was one of the principal moving spirits.
On July 10, 1SS6, Mr. Brown died, and his body was laid at rest
beside that of his wife in Cedar Hill Cemetery. It is to be re-
gretted that he could not finish the monument to her, as was his
earnest wish, and strange as it maj' seem, during his last years, he
many times requested of his nephew that his should be an unmarked
grave, preferring, one would suppose, that he should be known by his
works only.
HON. ENOCH L. FANCHER, LL. D. Almost daily from June
to November Judge Fancher is seen in the streets of Newburgh.
This has been his habit for thirty 3-ears past, during which he has
has had a dual residence — one in the City of New York, the other at
" Elf wood " in the Town of New Windsor, three miles and a half
south of Newburgh. Four months of the year his post-office address
is Newburgh, the other eight months at his city residence. No. 141
Madison Avenue, New York, and at his law office. No. 229 Broad-
way, New York City.
The prefix to his name comes from his former position as a Justice
of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, he having been ap-
pointed to that office by the late Governor John T. Hofliman to fill
the unexpired term of George G. Barnard, who was impeached by
the Senate. After filling that vacancy he was nominated by the Re-
publicans of the City of New York for a further term of fourteen
years, and came within a few votes of election, but the power of
Tammany Hall was sufficient to elect its candidate. Thereupon Gov-
ernor Dix nominated him as Arbitrator of the newly erected Court
of Arbitration of the Chamber of Commerce of the State of New-
York, and the Senate confirmed the nomination.
For a number of years there was much business before the new
court, and important controversies were there decided, as appear by
numerous decisions and opinions of Judge Fancher printed in the Re-
ports of the Chamber. No costs or fees were by the law allowed to
attorneys or counsel in that court, and for that reason especially, and
because by amendments to the Code of Civil Procedure arbitrations
were placed on a new footing, so that a review of the decisions could
be had, the Court of Arbitration has little business before it except
what arises among the shipping merchants of the port of New York.
Judge Fancher is therefore chiefly engaged in the practice of his pro-
fession as a lawyer in the City of New York. Several years ago the
Weslej-an University, of Middletown, Conn., conferred on him the
degree of LL. D., hoiw>-is causa.
He is and for some years past has been president of the American
Bible Society, a life office; also president of the New York Institution
for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb, a vice-president of the
Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a life member
of the New England Society, and a member of the Union League
Club of New York. From early life he has been a conspicuous lay
HON. ENOCH L. FANCHER.
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was one of the ten
commissioners — five from the South and five from the North — who
met at Cape May in 1S76 to settle on some basis of fraternal
union between the two branches of the Methodist Church, which
had been divided by the civil war. A declaration was agreed upon
by these commissioners, which was eventually accepted by both
North and South. There was only one protest, and it was made by
the Central New York Conference. This led to the publication by
Judge Fancher of a pamphlet on ^lethodist Fraternity, which was so
timely and written in such a happy vein that it did much towards re-
storing harmony between the two bodies.
Were he not a lawyer, judge and arbitrator, the subject of our
sketch would have distinguished himself as an author or journalist.
He has written a number of articles for leading periodicals. The
Quarterly Reviciv pubHshed an essay of his on the " Obligations of
Society to the Common Law," which attracted much attention. His
articles on '• Education," " College Honors," " Human Progress," and
" Wonders of Written Languages," were of such exceptional merit as
196
NEWBURGH
to be copied by the daily press of the country.
entitled "The American Republic and its C
ment," should be made a
a text book in our col
leges. It is the most tcrsi
as well as exhaiistivi
compendium of our sys
tern of law and jjovern
ment.
little work by hi
stitutional Govei
■ ELFWOOD ■'— THE RESIDENCE OF HON. ENOC
CHARLES DOWN-
ING, horticulturist, was
born in Newburgh, July
9, 1802, and died in New-
burgh, January 18, 1SS5.
His father (Samuel) and
mother were both natives
of Lexington, Mass., and
upon their marriage
moved from Cambridge
to Newburgh, and hence
to Montgomery, the
father intending to pur-
sue his trade of carriage
maker at that place. But
owing to his ill health
there he returned to
Newburgh, and about the
beginning of the present
century established a shop for the manufacture of wagons, on the
northeast corner of Broad and Liberty Streets. Within a few years
he abandoned the trade to become a nurseryman. Although not
the first to engage in the nursery business in the County of Orange,
he was the first to conduct it so successfully as to secure its continu-
ance. He died
November i, 1822.
His wife, Eunice,
died October 29,
1S3S, leaving four
children, namely,
Emily, born 180J,
married Sylvester
Ferry, died 1S64;
Charles; George
W., born 1804, died
1S46; Andrew J.,
born 1S15, died
1S52.
The early life of
Char les Downing
was passed under
the careful training
of his father in the
nurserj- business,
and in attendance
upon the common
schools of his day.
Before he had at-
tained his majority
his father died, and
the responsibility of
conducting the bus-
iness, and the sup-
port of the family,
to a large degree devolved upon him. When Andrew J. reached
adult years he united with his brother in the management and ccmtrol
of the business under the firm name of C. & A. J. Downing. The
business connection continued for a few years only. In 1837 Charles
removed to where Alfred Bridgeman now resides, on the outskirts of
FANCHER— Ne.v
CHARLES DOWNING.
the city; his brother continued on the home place. Charles con-
tinued in the nursery business thirty years, and became the foremost
pomologist of the United
States.
Naturally of a pene-
trating and enquiring
mind, he studied closely
the forms, varieties and
qualities of the different
fruits that came under
his observation, and by
careful investigation, ex-
perimenting and proving,
he was enabled to im-
prove many varieties of
fruits and originate
others, some of which
bear his name to this
day. The later years of
his life were passed at
his later residence at the
southeast corner of
Chambers and South
Streets, where, relieved
of business cares, he was
free to pursue his pomo-
logical investigations and
literary work with even
greater assiduit\- than in
former years, when his
fame was overshadowed by that of his brother, Andrew J., who as
a writer on landscape gardening and rural architecture, as well as
associate editor of the Horticulturist, secured a reputation that was
not confined to the countrj^ of his nativity.
Charles had delighted more in the cultivation, study and growth
of those things of
which his brother
wrote; but in, the
latter part of his
life he became a
regular contributor
to periodicals, and
twice revised ' ' The
Fruits and Fruit
Trees of America,"
originally written
by his brother, and
after the last revis-
ion added two ap-
pendices, contain-
ing new fruits, cor-
rections, etc., mak-
ing the whole work
twice the original
size. This great
work has passed
through many edi-
tions, and become
a classic, and is re-
garded as the high-
est authority on the
subjects of which
it treats. In his
chosen field h e
became renowned;
from all parts of the land his advice and judgment were sought, and
fruits sent to him to prove their nomenclature and characteristics.
Thus were his last and best years passed in peaceful home life, and
in the companionship of a few kindred spirits. Since he started in
life, Newburgh has become the center of a great fruit-growing dis-
ANDREW
NEWBURGH
197
trict. which has produced men who have earned distinction in thi:
field, all of whom looked to Downing as a master.
RESIDENCE OF HENRY DUDLEY-
Mr. Downing was married September 20, 1S30, to Mary, daughter
of Samuel Wait, of Montgomery, N. Y., but no children were born
of the union. Mrs. Downing died October iS, 1880.
ANDREW JACKSON DOWNING was born in Newburgh on
the spot where he always lived, and which he alwaj'S loved more
than any other, October 30, 1S15. From an early age his tastes were
directed to horticulture, botany and the natural sciences, which the
occupation of his father, a nurserj^man, gave him opportunities to
cultivate. His education was acquired chiefly at the academy of the
neighboring village of Jlontgomery. At the age of sixteen he joined
his brother Charles in the management of the nursery, and began a
course of self-education. He formed the acquaintance of Baron de
Liderer, the Austrian consul-general, and other gentlemen of the
neighborhood, whose fine estates he visited, cultivating his taste for
landscape gardening, and studying the forms and varieties of plant
life. In June, 1S38, he married the daughter of John Peter De Wint,
of Fishkill, and in that year built a beautiful mansion upon his estate
in the Elizabethan style, which was the first practical illustration of
what an American rural home might be. His career as an author
began with the publication of the "Treatise and Practice of Land-
scape Gardening adapted to North America, with a view to the Im-
provement of Country Residences, with Remarks on Rural Architect-
ure "(1841). This book passed into instant popularity, and became
invaluable to the thousands in every part of the country who were
waiting for the master-word which should tell them what to do to
make their homes as beautiful as they wished, and orders for the
construction of houses and decoration of grounds followed the orders
for copies of the book to his publishers. His " Cottage Residences "
(1S42) was received with equal favor, and established him as the chief
American authority on rural art. "The Fruits and Fruit-trees of
America" was printed -simultaneously in London and New York in
1845, and a second edition, with colored plates, in 1850. In 1846 Mr.
Downing became connected with the Horticjilticrist, for which he
wrote an essay each month till his death. In 1849 he wrote "Addi-
tional Notes and Hints about Building in the Country," for an Amer-
ican reprint of Wightwick's ' ' Hints to Young Architects, " The Sum-
mer of 1S50 he spent in England, visiting the great country-seats, of
which he wrote descriptions, and in that year published his "Archi-
tecture of Country Houses." His remaining work
is an edition of Mrs. Loudon's " Landscape-garden-
ing for Ladies." In 1851 he was commissioned to lay
out and plant the public grounds of the Capitol, the
White House'and the Smithsonian buildings at Wash-
ington. He was employed in these and other profes-
sional labors, when he set out for Newport, leaving
Newburgh on the 2Sth of July, 1S52, in the steamer
Henry Clay. The boat entered into a contest with the
Armenia, and when near Yonkers was discovered to
be on fire. Mr. Downing perished in his efforts to
save other passengers. His "Rural Essays" were
collected and published in 1S53, with a memoir by
George William Curtis, and a " Letter to his Friends,"
by Frederika Bremer, who was Mr. Downing's guest
during a portion of her visit to the United States,
and an enthusiastic admirer of the man and his
works.
HENRY DUDLEY, A. M., was born in the City
of New York in 1S37. After going to school in
Poughkeepsie and in Europe, he was graduated from
Columbia College, and after continuing his studies
received the degree of A. M. In 1S68, shortly after
his marriage to Miss Anna Fellows, he came to
Newburgh to reside. All his children were born in
the old homestead, and he has been interested and
identified with this city since that time. For many
years he has been a vestryman of St. George's
Church, and assisted in looking after its welfare.
He has served for three terms as School Trustee of the town,
and has represented the city and town in the Board of Manage-
ment of the House of Refuge. <>f which institution he has for the past
four years been Treasurer. He was largely interested in the forma-
NEWBURGH
tion of the societies for the prevention of cruelty to both children and
animals, having been vice-president of the former and president for
several years of the latter. He aided in establishing the Edison Elec-
tric Illuminating Co. Since the death, in iSSo, of his wife he has de-
voted himself to his family and to church and charitable work.
HALSEY R. STEVENS was born at Enfield, Grafton County,
N. H., February 22, iSoo. His father, Moses Stevens, was a farmer
of that State. His mother, Sally Cass, was a relative of General
Lewis Cass. Though possessing only such advantages as were af-
forded by the irregularly maintained district schools of the period,
Mr. Stevens made
such good use of
his time and of the
few books that
came in his way as
to be qualified at
the age of sixteen
to take charge of
one of the common
schools in his
neighborhood,
teaching during
the Winter, and at
other seasons aid-
ing his father in
t h e management
of his farm. Hav-
ing attained his
majority he con-
tmued his agricul-
tural labors for
several years, at
the same time de-
voting all his inter-
vals of leisure to
the ever-congenial
occupation of
study. He removed
from Enfield to
Lebanon, N. H., in
1S24. A residence in this place, from its comparative vicinity to
Dartmouth College, brought Mr. Stevens in contact with the
professors of that institution, and resulted in his being elected an
honorary member of the college literary societies. Soon after his
removal to this place he engaged as clerk in the store of James
Wilhs, becoming his partner in 1S2S; and subsequently purchasing
the interest of Mr. Wilhs. In 1S34 he was appointed Postmaster
of East Lebanon, and about the same time was made Justice of
the Peace. In 1S35, 1S36 and 1S37 he was a member of the Legis-
lature, each term being chairman of important committees. In
1851 he withdrew from his business associations in Lebanon and,
removing to Newburgh, connected himself with Homer Rams-
dell and David Moore in the lumber trade of Newburgh, and the
manufacture of lumber at Wellsville, Alleghany County, X. Y., hav-
ing previously as a member of the firm of H. R. Stevens & Co. pur-
chased large tracts of timber land in that region. This and similar
business associations continued till 1S5S, when he and Mr. Moore pur-
chased the interest of several firms in which he was a partner, and
formed a new partnership styled David Moore & Co. This partner-
ship continued till Mr. Moore's death, and a year later Mr. Stevens re-
tired, and was succeeded by his son Elbridge Gerry Stevens, who still
carries on the business. Mr. Stevens was a Village Trustee in 1S57,
1858 and 1859. In 1863 he was elected a Director of the Highland
Bank. The various occupations of his life, whether mercantile,
judicial or legislative, did not interrupt his ardent pursuit of knowl-
edge. He was a life-long student, and in his later years his intellect-
ual labors a.ssumed the form of literary and scientific investigations,
which resulted in the h<mors of authorship. He published " Scripture
Speculations" (1875) and •■ Faith and Reason" (1S79); both works have
HALSEV
STEVENS.
been widely read among biblical scholars. Mr. Stevens was highly
esteemed in Newburgh as a fine gentleman, an able business man
and a profound scholar. He died May 22, 1881, leaving a widow
(formerly Bettina Howe) and one son, by a former marriage, Elbridge
Gerry Stevens.
ENOCH CARTER came of good stock, the sturdy honesty of
which was one of his conspicuous traits. His grandfather, for whom
he v.-as named, was a Philadelphia-born Quaker of English blood. At
the commencement of the Revolution he was a tanner and currier in
New York, and, being a Whig, in spite of the peaceful tenets of his
profession, when the British occupied New York he was conspicuous
enough as a rebel to render it prudent for him to retire into the coun-
try. He took up his abode at Fort Montgomery. On the return of
peace he went back to New York. The grandfather had six children,
of whom the father of the subject of this notice, Jonathan, was the
eldest. Jonathan was born in 1772, in New York, and after his fath-
er's death, in 1792, continued his business and the support of the fam-
ily. In 1798 the yellow fever broke out and caused his removal to
Newburgh, where he went into the tobacco business, in which he
continued imtil his death in 1820. Jonathan's third wife was Jane
Linderman, of German ancestry. She died in 1S30 leaving: (i) Enoch
(born vSeptember 17, iSio), (2) Margaret, who married Levi D. Wool-
sey, (3) Catherine, who married Henry Ryer, (4) Charles.
In early life Enoch Carter shipped on one of the Newburgh Whal-
ing Company's vessels, and passed some years at sea, but came back
to Newburgh about the year 1S44 and engaged in the tobacco business
in a store opposite the Highland Bank, where he remained until he
had opportunity through the death of Mr. Wiley (his father's successor)
ENOCH CARTER.
to purchase the stock and take possession of his father's old place of
business, in which he continued the trade till a few years before his
death.
It will be seen from this sketch that Mr. Carter was a Ncwburgher
born and bred; and all who knew him will testify to the anxious de-
votion he felt for the place and its interests. He was among the fore-
NEWBURGH
199
most in every project which promised to advance those interests or
magnify the fame of Newburgh. Such enterprises, when approv-
ing themselves to his Hberal judgment, never lacked the aid of his
voice and purse. He took a deep interest in politics; was frequent-
ly the candidate of the Democratic party for local positions, and rep-
resented it in State and National conventions, gaining a reputation
more than local. But he had no disposition to make himself conspic-
uous as a leader, and for office-holding he had but a moderate desire.
While a member of the Board of Supervisors he inaugurated the ef-
fort which resulted in theestabhshmentof the Newburgh Alms House,
and that model institution is largely indebted to his suggestions for
the success with which it was established and conducted. ' ' To local
improvements of every kind he was a liberal contributor; while to his
antiquarian tastes, and to the reverence for the memory of the found-
ers of the nation, the public are mainly indebted for the valuable col-
lection of manuscripts and other relics which are deposited in Wash-
ington's Headquarters, as well as for the rescue of that property from
the grasp of private speculation, and the care with which the man-
sion has been preserved."* He was one of the founders of the Me-
chanics' Library Association, and gave it a large collection of miner-
als. He manifested a deep interest in the success of the free schools
and of the free library, and at one time prepared his will for the en-
dowment of a school of design. Mr. Carter's private charities were
many and liberal. His intellect was strong, vigorous and practical,
developed by habits of thought and observation. He had the faults
of other mortals, and some of these were conspicuous in his person.
" His character was two-fold: the outward, springing from impulse
and marred by the impress of associations by sea and land into which
he was thrown; and the inward, actuated by kindly sympathies and
noble purposes."* However, the characteristics of the man which
were least commendable were pardonable ones, and such as often
served by contrast to show the sterling character of his manhood.
His last work was the Cedar Hill Cemetery. He watched the grad-
ing and beautifying of the grounds, little thinking, probably, that he
himself would be the first of its silent occupants. Mr. Carter never
married. He died at his residence in Smith Street, near Second,
January 14, 1872. Mrs. Charles Mapes and Miss Antoinette Wool-
sey, of Newburgh; Mrs. L. H. Blackman, formerly of New York; and
Mrs. Walter Reed, of BrookljTi, are nieces.
only one other (Hon. T. M. Niven) of the first trustees is now living.
In pontics Mr. Patton was first a Democrat, his first vote being
cast for General Jackson; but when President Van Buren was re-
nominated Mr. Patton voted against him, because of a speech he
made disproving of the credit system. Afterwards he became a
Whig, and when that party was split into "Woolly Heads" and
'■ Silver Grays " he voted with the latter and was defeated. Then he
returned to the Democratic party, and ever since has been connected
JAMES PATTON is one of the best known citizens of Orange
County, and a typical representative of its agricultural industry.
" 'Squire" Patton, as he is familiarly known among his friends, has
been a lifelong resident of this vicinity. He was born on a farm three
and a half miles west of Newburgh, June 6, 1S03. He remained at
the homestead till he reached his majority, and then moved to a farm
of fifty acres at "Washington Square," bequeathed him by his father.
A pair of horses and one cow were his stock in trade when he com-
menced farming on his own account. The following vear he started
a blacksmith shop, and conducted it in connection with his farming
interests.
In 1827 he rented a tavern and store, and was successful therein
till 1830, when he purchased the fine farm where he now resides, ad-
jacent to the last campground of the main Contmental army. On
coming to this place he began the business of buj'ing and selling
cattle, which he has ever since pursued with profit. For many years
he has been the largest dealer in this vicinity. Mr. Patton has lent
his aid to many good works, both in this town and in the city. In all
that concerns his neighborhood his opinion has weight. When
eighteen years old he joined a local cavalry company and served
seven years. As a member of this company he had the honor of be-
ing one of General Lafayette's bodyguard when he visited Newburgh
in 1S24. Mr. Patton was one of the first stockholders of the High-
land Bank. He also promoted the organization of the Quassaick
Bank, of which he was one of the directors for many years; he is the
only member of the first board now living. He was also one of the
incorporators of the Newburgh Savings Bank, and beside himself
* Ruttenber's History.
JAMES PATTON.
with it. He was twice elected justice of the peace, and has held
other offices in his town. Mr. Patton's home farm contains over two
hundred acres, and with his son he has large landed interests. He
is accounted a substantial country gentleman of the " old school," and
enjoys vigorous health and a green old age.
JOHN W. McCULLOUGH is of Scotch-Irish descent. His grand-
father emigrated from Scotland and settled in the North of Ireland,
where his son William, the father of John W., was born. William
came to Newburgh in 1S12, and his son John W., was born here in
1S19, in a house on the corner of Jlill Street and Western Avenue,
where the Church of the Good Shepherd now stands. From his earliest
years his God-fearing parents directed his conduct aright, and implant-
ed in his mind those moral precepts which have guided his steps all his
life long. He was sent to school to John Goodsell, the schoolhouse be-
ing in Liberty Street nearly opposite Limestone Hill (now Gidney
Avenue), and known as the Glebe School. Afterward he attended the
High School, of which O. M. Smith was principal.
He learned the tobacconist trade from William M. Wiley, whose
shop was in Water Street where is now George W. Green's book store.
In 1845 he started in business for himself in the wholesale and retail
trade at No. 93 Front Street, and continued there till 1S73, when he pur-
chased the business of Benjamin Hanmore, who a short time before
had succeeded Alex. JIc Cann (the successor of the late Enoch Carter),
at No. 70 Water Street. Afterwards he bought the adjoining build-
ing. No. 68, and moved his business there, where he still continues to
do a large manufacturing business.
NEWBURGH.
In 1865 Mr. McCuUough purchased from David Miller the marble
yard in Front Street and conducted it (without discontinuing his to-
bacco business) un-
til 1879. when he
sold the yard to
Webber, Forson &
Ross. Mr. McCul-
lough was brought
up in the Covenan-
ter Church, was
baptised by the
great divine Dr.
Willson, and has
been for many
years one of the
most helpful work-
ers in the denomi-
nation in the city.
For a long period
he was an Elder in
the First Reform-
ed Pr e s b y t e r ian
Church under the
ministration of
the Rev. Samuel
Carhsle, and for
about thirty-seven
or more years also
performed the du-
ties of Treasurer.
His first wife was
Sarah D. McCart-
ney. John R. McCullough and Mrs. Curtis M. Thorpe were born, of
that union. His second wife was J. Kate Jamison, who died in 1SS4,
leaving no children. Conscientiously adhering to the principles of
his church, Mr. McCullough has never taken any part in political
affairs, but none has loved his country
better, or rejoiced more in her great achieve-
ments. In his long business career his name
has been a synonym for unbending integrity
and honorable dealings.
JOH
JAMES BIGLER was born near Bing-
hamton, N. Y., Feb. 6, 1S18. A portion of
his boyhood was passed in Utica, where
he saw the completion of the Erie canal
and the passage of the first boat through it.
In 1825 the family returned to Binghamton,
and on leaving school Mr. Bigler joined
his father in the grocery and provision
business. To this the lumber trade was add-
ed. With the lumber-men of the region they
exchanged groceries and provisions for lum-
ber and shipped it to various parts of the
State, considerable of it coming to New-
burgh. In the Spring of 1S42 Mr. Bigler
started John W. Wells in business at the
foot of Western Avenue (nowBroadway) in
this city and in September of that year enter-
ed into partnership with him. The otli.
lumber merchants in Newburgh at tli,
time were Belknap & Chnton, Peter Foster,
and Thomas Kimball. When the Newburgh
-Steam Mills were building, two years later,
Mr. Bigler contracted to furnish all the
lumber and timber needed in their construction, and afterwards he
went into the business on a large scale.
In 1S44 he commenced the erection of a steam saw-mill on Norris's
dock at the South End, first leasing the dock, and two or three years
later purchasing the whole property. The business acquired large
proportions; at one time it amounted to Si, 600,000 a year, and for
many years it av-
eraged Sioo,ooo a
month. The tim-
ber arrived at the
mill in rafts from
the West, and after
being sawed was
loaded on vessels
and sent to all
parts. During the
war he manufac-
tured hundreds of
gun-carriages for
the Government,
and also supplied it
with lumber and
timber for naval
construction. I n
1S61 the mill was
destroyed by fire,
but was rebuilt in
five weeks. M r.
Bigler while in this
b u s i ness owned
three ships, one
barque, and a
number of schoon-
ers, barges and
steamboats. In
1 879 he organized
the Newburgh Telephone Company, and with the Western Union
Telegraph Company owned most of the stock. Afterwards he aided
in the organization of the Hudson River Telephone Companj-, and
combined the Newburgh company with it. He was elected presi-
dent of the Hudson River Company, and
laid the first telephone cable across the
Hudson. He continued in the presidency
of the company till two years ago, but is
still a director.
In 1S76 he became interested in the
Courtney automatic signal buoys, and has
continued their manufacture ever since. He
became the sole proprietor of the invention,
but three years ago his interest was pur-
chased, except that he still has a royalty on
all manufactured, which part of the business
he still superintends. It has been the most
successful buoy made, and is in use in all
parts of the country. Jlr. Bigler purchased
the ship-building works of Ward, Stanton
&• Co. after the firm failed, and for a time
continued the business. He sold the plant
to the Chesapeake Dry Dock and Construc-
tion Company, of Newport News, and for a
short period he was superintendent of that
company.
He is now and has been for some years
engaged in manufacturing caisson gates for
the Simpson Dry Docks. Mr. Bigler was
c >ne of the organizers of the National Bank
of Newburgh; and at one time the largest
individual stockholder; he \vas one of the
GLER. subscriljcrs to the original stock of the Erie
Railroad; he was a liberal subscriber toward
the purchase of the Home for the Friendless, and actually purchased
the property himself and deeded it to the society. For more than
thirty years was a member of the consistory of the American Re-
formed Church. He was a member of the Hoard of Village Trustees
NEWBURGH
at institution of the city government, and an Alderman for two years
thereafter. He is now a leading member of the Board of Trade. He
has been twice married — first to Miss Harriet E. Smith, of Bing-
hamton, in 1S41, and in February, 1S67, to Miss Mary W. Magee, of
Elizabeth, N. J. He has three sons and three daughters.
John and David Lawson (for many years merchants in the hardware
and flour and feed business respectivly, in this city), and had William
H., Robert John, Anna, Samuel, Mary Ella, Sarah, Minnie, Clara,
Joseph (died young), and Edith.
WILLIAM HILTON was for many years prominent in building
and real estate affairs. He possessed in a notable degree the esteem
of his townsmen, and was one who impressed his mark upon the com-
munity. He came of Scotch Covenanter stock and was born in the
North of Ireland, October 4, 1S15. He came here with his father's
family in 1S32, and resided here until his death, April 4, iSgo.
After learning his trade with John W. Gott, of Little Britain, and
Alanson Miller, of Newburgh, ilr. Hilton began business as a car-
penter and builder in 1S37. With the rapid growth of the village his
operations became very large. Scores, almost hundreds, of the houses
constituting the city were erected either wholly or partly by him; and
a number of fine residences in the suburbs. He built the residences of
Judge FuUerton, Thomas B. Shelton, Caleb Sprague Henry, D. D.,
LL. D., William J. Roe, Prof. Greene, Walter Vail, the parsonage of
Calvary Church, the Church of Our Father, the Free Library, the
Chandler building, the Peck & Van Dalfsen building, and thirty
dwellings in Smith Street alone. He opened up North Miller Street
and sold the lots. He built the residence No. 291 Liberty Street for his
own occupation, and lived there many years. He was succeeded in
business by his son William H.
Jlr. Hilton became a member of Engine Company No. 2, May 7,
1S39, and was the foreman when the company was disbanded in
1849. He was for many years an elder of the First Reformed Pres-
b5'terian Church. He was a life member of the American Bible So-
ciety, and a director of the Newburgh Bible Society. He contributed
largely to the support of all worthy objects, and there are many who
have reason to remember his kindness. Apart from his regular
business Mr. Hilton's life was a quiet one, and the evening hours
would generally find him in his library. He was a well-read man,
and particularly interested in sacred history. Holding to the peculiar
principles of his church, he had no part in petty political strifes or
pastimes, but he was an ardent Abolitionist and a friend of the op-
pressed. His whole life was that of an honest, upright man.
Mr. Hilton married Ellen J. Lawson, of St. Andrews, a sister of
RESIDENCE OF JOHN HILTON— 333 Gran
JOHN HILTON. The opportunities which Newburgh presents
nen of intelligence and perseverance have a striking illustration in
the career of this gentleman, who, commencing as a
poor boy, acquired a large fortune solely through
the channels open to everyone in Newburgh. Mr.
Hilton's business was exclusively in real estate, and
at the present time he is probably the largest indi-
vidual property-owner in the city.
Mr. Hilton was born in the North of Ireland, in
1816. He is a brother of William Hilton and first
cousin of Judge Henry Hilton, of New York. He
was sixteen years old when he came to Newburgh.
After learning the mason trade he went to New York
City to work under the instruction of metropolitan
builders, and for a short period carried on business
for himself. Doubtless had he remained in New
York, the persev-erance and sagacity which charac-
terize him would have earned him in that great
field a far larger measure of success than even that
which he has achieved within the bounds of this little
city. For a number of years after returning to New-
burgh he was a master mason, but eventually his
building operations were exclusively on his own ac-
count, though the greater part of his realty was ac-
quired by purchase. With the steady gfrowth of the
city and the appreciation of values his interests
became very large. Mr. Hilton married in 1865
Anna L. Turner, of Wisconsin^ and has the fol-
lowing children: William T., Bertha, Robert and
Ralph.
202
NEWBURGH
EDSON H. CLARK, born at East Hampton, JIass., Januar\' 2,
:8i3; died at his residence in Liberty Street, Newburgh, April 9,
18S5. Mr. Clark came of an old New England family. His father
was a master millwright. A portion of Edson's boyhood was spent
EDSON
in the village of Bloomingburgh, Sullivan County, N. Y., from which
place he came to Newburgh to learn the stone-cutting trade with
Thornton M. Niven. He continued at that trade until he was twenty-
two years old, when he became connected with the firm of Oakley &
Davis, of Newburgh, and represented the firm at New Milford, N. J.
In 1S43 he associated himself with Isaac Stanton, Nicholas Wilson
and James Robinson, forming the firm of Stanton, Clark & Co., who
erected a foundry and machine shop at the foot of South Street, on
Front, to which the title of " Highland Furnace " was given. Samuel
G. Kimball bought an interest in the business in 1S46. This firm was
dissolved in 1S51, when the lease of the plant expired. Mr. Clark then
formed a copartnership with Mr. Kimball and built the ironworks
in Washington Street for many years known as Clark & Kimball's.
They did general foundry and machine work, and were very success-
ful. '
Jlr. Clark was elected a member of the Board of Village Trustees
in 1854, and again in 1S65. The following year he represented the
Third Ward as a member of the first Common Council under the city
government. He had the welfare of the city at heart, and being a
man of varied experience and knowledge his opinions and advice al-
ways had weight. His was a modest and unassuming nature. He
never sought public honor and applause, but like his life-long friend,
Charles Downing, carefully shunned all ostentation.
Mr. Clark retired from business in 1S75, and the remainder of his
life was spent in the quietude of his home and the society of a few
chosen friends. He was, like Mr. Downing, greatly interested in po-
mology. He was of high authority in the science of raising fruit and in
the nomenclature of fruits. He was a life member of the United States
I'omological Society, and a leading member of the Newburgh Bay
Horticultural Society. AVhen the latter was merged into the Orange
County Agricultural Society he made the fruit department of the
county fairs a notable one. For many }-ears he and Charles Downing
were co-workers in this field, and during their closing years they
spent much of their time together in the study of their favorite
science. In Mr. Clark's garden was a tree which bore at one time
two hundred distinct varieties of apples.
Mr. Clark was not only deeply learned in fruit-life, but was well
read m general literature, and he possessed a great store of practical
knowledge. He was eminently a man who did his own thinking
and formed his own opinions after careful and intelligent investiga-
tion. Personally he was a most estimable gentleman, kind and con-
siderate, and attracted many friends. His wife was Ruth Ann Clark
(not a relative), of Newburgh, and his surviving children are Leander
Clark, jr., Ruth Ann. Mrs. Elizabeth Upright, and Mrs. Albert
Coutant, of Chicago.
LEANDER CLARK, JR., was born in Beattiesburgh, Sullivan
County, N. Y., but his home since he was six months old has been in
Newburgh. He was educated in the private and public schools, and
is a graduate of the class of 1S53 of ttie Newburgh Academy. He
learned the trade of an iron-founder at his father's fodndry, and when
he finished his trade he became the corresponding secretary and book-
keeper for Dr. C. W. Grant, an eminent horticulturist at lona Is-
land.
He remained at the island till the breaking out of the Rebellion. In
1S61 he received an appointment as paymaster's steward on board the
United States gunboat Somerset, which left the Brooklyn navy-yard
LEANDER CLARK, JR.
in March of the same year and served in the East Gulf Squadron un-
der Rear Admiral Bailey. In 1SC12 he was promoted to paymaster's
clerk, and in August, 1864, was honorably discharged from the ser-
vice. During the years 1S67-6S and till the Spring of 1869, he was
Superintendent of the Newburgh water works, resigning at that time
to engage in the manufacture of brick and in fruit-growing in the
Town of Newburgh, until 1S88.
Mr. Clark, since 1S5S, has taken great interest in horticulture and
agriculture. He was a member of the Newburgh Bay Horticultural
NEWBURGH
203
Society until it became a part of the Orange County Agricultural So-
ciety, at which time he became associated with the latter, and no one
has been a more earnest worker for the good of the association. For
a number of years he has been a Director and its efficient General
RESIDENCE OF LEANDER CLARK, JR.— 287 Liberty Street.
Superintendent, and in all matters appertaining to horticulture and
agriculture he is familiar, having for his instructor for many years the
late Charles Downing. In iSSS Mr. Clark became a resident of this
city again, having retired from active business. He occupies his time
looking after his real estate, of which he is a large owner. He is also
a Director of the Quassaick National Bank.
EZRA I. HUNTER has been a pilot of steamboats forty-seven
years, and more trusty hands than his never turned a steering-
wheel. His birthplace was Yorktown, Westchester County, N. Y.,
and the time June 24, 1S26. ^Vhen a very small lad the ambition to
steer a steamboat possessed him, and when only twelve years old he
left home and shipped as a cabin-boy on a North River sloop. In this
good school of navigation he learned the intricacies of the river, how
to reef and steer, and all the technicalities of boating. In Winter
when the sloop was laid up he worked in shops. In 1S43 he was hir-
ed as mate on the steamer Croton, running between Croton and New
York, and the following year he was in the pilot-house, duly commis-
sioned to steer a steamboat. For a number of years he was pilot on
vessels around New York harbor; in 184S-49 he was captain of the
steamer Stranger, in the employ of the Commissioners of Immigration
and Alms House, running between the city andStaten, Randall's and
Blackwell's Islands, transporting paupers, criminals and immigrants,
and seeing a great deal of the miseries of New York life. In 1S50 he
came up the river and piloted the steamer Mazeppa, then running
between Rondout and Albany. In 1S51 the route was extended to
Poughkeepsie. In 1S55 the Mazeppa was replaced by the Eagle. In
1S59 the route was extended to Newburgh, and has been continued
between Albany and Newburgh ever since. Mr. Hunter steered the
Eagle for thirteen
years, then he was
transferred to the
steamer M. Martin.
He steered the
Martin seventeen
years till the Eagle
was burned. Then
the Jacob H.Trem-
per was built, in
1SS4, and Mr. Hun-
ter was entrusted
with the naviga-
tion of the new
boat. For thirty
years he and Cap-
tain Henry Fair-
banks and Engi-
neer William H.
Berry sailed to-
gether in the Eagle
and Martin, and
on thirty successive
Thanksgiving
Days they ate din-
ner together on the
boats. In all the
years that he has
stood at the wheel, ezra i. hunter.
Captain Hunter
has never had a mishap to his boats. His home has been in Newburgh
since 1S59. Since 1S69 he has been a Steward of Trinity M. E. Church.
On August 16, 1848, he was married to Miss Amanda Theall, of
New York.
NATHAN H. RICHARDSON was born in Litchfield, N. H.,
November 2, 1816, and since his thirtieth year has spent most of his
business life in rail-
roading. He lived
on the homestead
farm until about
the time the Con-
cord Railroad was
opened from Man-
chester to Concord,
N. H., when he
went to Manches-
ter, in the employ
of the Concord
Railroad Company.
He remained in
Manchester about
three years, leav-
ing there to go to
Boston in the sei-
vice of the Boston
and Lowell Rail-
road Company, m
whose employ he
continued about
twenty years Mr
Richardson came
t o Newburgh 1 n
1S67, and was en-
gaged by the Erie
Railroad Company
as their agent in this city
about fifteen years, except
RICHARDSON.
lich position he held
interval of nearlv two
ontinuously for
i-ears, when he
204
NEWBURGH
was Master of Transportation on the Dutchess and Columbia Rail-
road. He left the employ of the Erie Railroad Company to take the
local agency of the United States Express Company, where he re-
mained about five years — until the company discontinued its New-
burgh f)ffice. Since that time he has not been actively engaged in
business, although he has an interest in the Weston Transfer Com-
]5any. and fills therein the duties of Treasurer. Mr. Richardson has
been twice married. His first wife was Ann Maria Parker, of Bed-
ford, X. H., by whom he had three daughters, all of whom are
deceased. His second wife was Mrs. Mary Ann Ayer, of Woburn,
Mass., who is living. He has never held public office, although he
takes an interest in all that pertains to the welfare and advancement
of Newburgh. ^ ^ ^ ^
CHARLES H. DOUGHTY was born in the Town of Fishkill, of
Quaker descent, in 1S19. He is a descendant of one of the nine partners
who owned a large tract of land on which the village of Poughkeepsie
was built. At the age of fifteen he came to Newburgh and was appren-
ticed to the firm of Phillips, Lomas & Randall to learn the tinsmith
trade. In 1S40, having served his time, he returned to Fishkill-on-
Hudson, and started a tinware and stove business, which he con-
tinued three years.
In 1844 Mr. Doughty came to Newburgh and formed a partner-
.ship with John Gordon (John Gordon & Co.) at No. 112 Water Street.
The manufacturing of tinware was then a very important industry
m Newburgh. Nearly all the work was done by hand. The firm
soon after engaged in the California business. Mr. Gordon went
there and opened a branch house, and stoves, tinware, etc., were
shipped to him from Newburgh in large quantities, sometimes twenty
thousand dollars' worth in a single shipment. Many bushels of min-
CHARLES H. DOUGHTY.
ers' washing-pans were made in a single day, and great numbers of
condensed-milk cans for a local condensery. The partnership con-
tinued twelve years, and was dissolved, Mr. Doughty taking the
Newburgh end and Mr. Gordon the California cud of the business.
Mr. Doughty has continued at Uie old stand ever since, aud car-
ries on a large business. In 1S55 he was a member of the Board of
Village Trustees, and he is now a member of the Board of Health.
He was for sixteen years secretary of the Board of Trustees of Trin-
ity M. E. Church. He was one of fifteen who were first initiated
into Odd Fellowship in Newburgh; that was on the opening night of
Highland Lodge. He was one of the charter members of Evergreen
Lodge, of Fishkill. He quickly went through the chairs, and was
appointed Deputy Degree Master for the di.strict. He was made a
Mason twenty-five years ago in Newburgh Lodge.
JOHN GALT was born at New Haven, Ct., October 28, 1S39. He
lived in Poughkeepsie from 1846 to 1857, when he came to Newburgh
and was apprenticed to John R. Wiltsie to learn the trade of harness-
making. He served with Mr. Wiltsie till he was 21, and then, giving
up harness-making, went to learn the slating trade. In i36i he
bought out W. J. Roberts and went into business for himself in New-
burgh. Early in his business cai-eer Mr, Gait exhibited that rare
business sagacity which has ever since characterized him; his trade in-
creased rapidly and extended through a large section of the country.
In 1864 he was the first to begin naming the price of slate at any rail-
road station in the country, and contracted for two-thirds of all the
slate produced in the United States. Having previously opened a
branch in Poughkeepsie, in 1S64 he established a branch in New
York City and another in Buffalo at the same time. Since 1S66 New
York has been his principal headquarters; the Buffalo branch was
continued till 1S75. In 1867 Mr. Gait was also President of the New
York and Pennsylvania Bluestone Company. In 1S90 a branch
house was opened at Seattle, Washington, under the management of
his sons, Clarence H. and J. Randolph Gait. Mr. Gait handles about
one-third of all the slate used in the United States, and exports to
Australia, the West Indies and South Africa. From 1S76 to i8Sohc
made large exports to England, notwithstanding that it seemed like
"sending coal to Newcastle." Mr. Gait has always continued his
NEWBURGH
205
residence in Newburgh, occupying a handsome dwelling in Liberty dlehope. She was one of the fastest sloops on the North and East
Street which he built in 1S65. He has long been an efficient member Rivers. On July 2S, 1S52, he started for Port Richmond, Staten
RESIDENCE OF JOHN GALT— 279 Liberty Street.
RESIDENCE OF CAPTAI
of Union Church, and since 1S71 a
Irustee. He married Eveline Rob-
erts at Bethel, Pa., and has four
sons and three daughters.
CAPTAIN AMBROSE S.
BRADLEY was born in New York
City, November 19, 1S31, the family
removing to Middlehope, Orange
County, when he was three years
of age, and in 1838 they moved to
Newburgh. His opportunities for
receiving an education were very
limited; therefore when he left
school, as a pupil, a common-school
education was all he had acquired.
Thrown upon his own resources at
the early age of eleven years, he en-
gaged on the sloop Arsenal. In 1S42
and 1S43 he was with Captain Bullis
on the sloop Orbit, then running
from Newburgh to Albany. A year
later he went with Captain Charles
June on the sloop Pilot. In the
Spring of 1S47 he was engaged as
mate on the sloop Benjamin Frank-
lin, owned by Armstrong Brothers,
of New Haven, Conn., and running
from that place to Albany. In 1849
was captain on the sloop Anna JIaria,
owned by Silas D. Gardner, of Jlid-
CAPTAIN AMBROSE S. BRADLEY
Island, to purchase the schooner
Nathan Barrett, and was one of the
many passengers aboard the ill-
fated steamer Henry Clay when she
burned at Riverdale. The same
year he leased the Charlton Street
pier at New York, and began sell-
ing brick, furnishing the brick for
the wings of the Capitol at AVashmg-
ton, D. C. In 1S55, having an op-
portunity to sell his lease, he did so
and came to Newburgh and estab-
lished a freighting business between
Newburgh, Albany and Troy. In
1871 he took as partner Joseph C.
Irvin, and the firm was known as
Bradley & Irvin until 1S74, when
Jeremiah Horton was made a mem-
ber, but after one year the firm dis-
solved. Walter Brett, of Fishkill
Landing, joined with Captam Brad-
ley and they continued the business
for three years, at the same place,
Front Street near Fifth. Since then
Captain Bradley has been in the
towing busmess, about New York
Harbor. He was married Septem-
ber i6, 1S58, to Emma Turner,
daughter of Diah Turner, of Saug-
erties, Ulster Covmty, and has four
children, two s o ns and two
daughters.
2o6
NEWBURGH
MAJOR JAMES CLARENCE POST, U. S. A., son of Alfred
Post, was born in Newburgh. In labi he was appointed a cadet at
West Point by the Hon. C. H. Van Wyck, afterwards United States
Senator from Nebraska, who at this time represented in Congress the
district which included Orange County. After graduation in 1S65,
Major Post was assigned to the Corps of Engineers, U. S. A., and
has since remained connected with that branch of the service, passing
through all the grades to his present rank.
He has from time to time occupied numerous positions of trust and
responsibility