In presenting this new History of Orange County to the public, we do so in the earnest hope that it will prove to be the most complete compilation of local chronicles that has up to this time been offered to our citizens. The authenticity of the facts contained in the various articles is as absolute as the utmost care could make it. The data have been procured from the best known authorities, and the sketches, when completed, have been subjected to the most searching examination for verification and correction. That no errors will be discovered in this production, is too much to hope for; but we do most certainly trust, that if any such errors there be, neither in number nor by their nature, will they be found to be sufficiently important to detract from that character for reliability, which it has been our constant aim and endeavor to impart to this history.
In this new work the design has been, to make clear the development of ideas and institutions from epoch to epoch; the social and economic conditions of the people have been preserved in the narrative, and much attention has been paid to describing the civil characteristics of the several towns and cities, both in the conduct of their local affairs and also in relation to each other and the county at large.
It is a well-known fact that considerable prejudice exists among a great body of the people toward county histories in general, for the reason that some such compilations in the past, have been composed of fact and fiction so intermingled, as to render it a difficult matter to know what was true and what was false. It has been our object in this work to hew straight to the line, satisfied to simply furnish such information as we were able to gather concerning each important matter or interesting event; and where the desired materials were lacking, we have not attempted to supply that lack, by filling in the vacant niches with products of the imagination. We have not striven for effect, but our object is merely to give an authentic account of facts recent and remote, so disposed in a proper and orderly manner, as to enable our readers to clearly understand the history of their county from its origin down to the present day.
It is the limitation attached to all works devoted to general history, that from their very character only a superficial knowledge of the men and their times can be derived from them, while on the other hand, that which they lack is supplied by local histories of this nature, whose great value in adding to the fund of human knowledge cannot be overestimated; for they are the only mediums through which we can get the whole story of the economy of life, practiced by those men and women in every county in our broad land, which eventually resulted in transforming a wilderness into a garden, and from a weak and needy folk, creating a rich and mighty nation. It has long been recognized by every scholar, that the knowledge of such humble elements is absolutely essential, in order that the mind may intelligently grasp the potent factors which go to make up history. Hence, our correct understanding of the advancement and growth of a people varies in just such proportion as the narrative of their daily lives is full or incomplete.
The history of our own county cannot be studied too often; for it is one of great interest, and the record revealed is a proud one. There is no section of the country possessing more of historic interest, nor does one exist, as closely identified with those crucial events connected with the formative period of the Republic. In this county was held the last cantonment of the Revolutionary army, here Washington passed a large portion of his time, and within our borders he rendered his greatest service to our country.
At the time the army went into winter quarters at Little Britain in 1782, although peace was not declared until the following year, yet it was well understood that the long war was over and the States were at last independent of Great Britain. The knowledge of this fact naturally inclined the minds of men to a consideration of the form of government to be adopted for the infant commonwealth, and nowhere did the matter receive more attention than in that encampment, and from those soldiers whose deeds in arms had made the happy consummation possible.
The leisure entailed from the long relief from active duty which ensued after going into camp, afforded ample opportunity for both the officers and men of the army to discuss this question in all its bearings. It must be borne in mind that republics were not much in favor at that period, while the incompetent and discreditable manner in which Congress had conducted the national affairs for years, had created profound distrust and widespread discontent. Under the circumstances it is not so surprising that, believing nothing but chaos and ruin would be the lot of the country should the form of government then in force be continued, the army should have finally declared for a limited monarchy, and desired Washington as king.
The deputation of Colonel Nicola to present the subject to Washington does not require repetition here, nor the details of the manner in which that great man resolutely put aside all feelings of personal ambition, and so sternly repressed the movement for all time, that our present form of free government became an assured fact. These events are merely mentioned to bring vividly to the mind the recollection of the important connection our county sustained toward that great drama, and also to bring clearly home the fact, that even though the sun of liberty rose first from the green at Lexington or the bridge at Concord, the gestation of the Republic occurred on the banks of the Hudson in the old county of Orange.
Some criticism of this work has been occasioned through the inclusion therein of biographical sketches; but we are certain that upon calm reflection it will be seen that such objections rest upon no substantial foundation. The narratives of the lives of men and their acts constitute all there is of history. If it be true that all that our county shows in the way of growth and development, is entirely due to the men and women who originally peopled this region, and worthily performed those parts allotted to them in the general scheme of life, during their existence here, it is equally true that their successors who still abide with us, took up the burden where it fell from the hands of the fathers, and most signally continued the work, and carried it forward to success. If the works themselves are deserving of commendation, surely the workers and finishers thereof are entitled to the honor of some mention.
In sending forth this volume, we trust that in addition to its value as a depository of accurate information and useful knowledge, it will also prove an effective instrument in creating a more active public sentiment regarding historical subjects, and especially foster an interest in the annals of our own county.
The editor would be wanting in gratitude did he fail to acknowledge his obligations to the well-known writer, the late Mr. Edward M. Ruttenber. The whole historical field comprising that period prior to the Revolutionary era, has been so carefully gleaned over by that indefatigable and accurate historiographer, that there remains little or nothing that is new, to reward any subsequent investigator into the history of that era, and therefore all who include that epoch in any sketch, must perforce draw largely from the store of valuable materials gathered by him. The editor also desires to return his sincere thanks to our numerous contributors, for their cheerful assistance, and especially for the painstaking care exhibited by them in the preparation of those articles which appear herein, and whose excellence constitutes the chief merit of this work.
That the efforts of myself and associates have fallen short of the high standard we had set up for ourselves at the inception of our labors, we are well aware; but we do at least claim, that we have in some material degree, contributed in this volume to the "rescuing from oblivion and preserving the services which others have performed for God and country and fellow men." If the public by its verdict allows this claim to stand, our reward will be ample and we shall rest well content.
Russel Headley.
Dated, July 14, 1908.
[Adams, Bailey, Caldwell, Dales, Eager, Fabrikoid, Gaffney, Hadden, Iseman, Jackson, Kells, Lain, McCarty, Neafie, O'Connor, Paddleford, Quaid, Ramage, Sanford, Taft, Vail, Wade, Yagel, Zint—added by Transcriber]
Orange was one of the earliest counties of the State, dating back to 1683. when it was organized by a colony law. It was also one of those formed by a general act of organization in 1788, when it included the present county of Rockland, and was described as extending from the limits of East and West Jersey on the west side of the Hudson River along the river to Murderer's Creek, or the bounds of Ulster County, and westward into the woods as far as Delaware River—that is, all that part of the state south of an easterly and westerly line from the mouth of Murderer's Creek to the Delaware River or northerly line of Pennsylvania. In 1797 Rockland county was set off from it, and five towns from Ulster were added. Its boundaries were definitely fixed by an act of the New York legislature adopted April 3rd, 1801. The previous act of April 5th, 1797, provided that five towns, then a part of the County of Ulster, should be annexed to the county of Orange, and that the courts should hold their sessions alternately at Newburgh and Goshen. Two days afterward another act was passed defining the boundary lines of the towns composing the newly constructed county, and naming them as follows: Blooming Grove, Chesekook, Deer Park, Goshen, Minisink, Montgomery, New Windsor, Newburgh, Wallkill and Warwick. There were subsequent changes, and the following is a list of the present towns, with the years of their erection, and the territories from which they were taken:
Blooming Grove, 1799, taken from Cornwall; Cornwall, 1788, as New Cornwall, and changed to Cornwall in 1797; Chester, 1845, taken from Goshen, Warwick, Monroe and Blooming Grove; Crawford, 1823, taken from Montgomery; Deer Park, 1798, as a part of Ulster County and taken from Mamakating; Goshen, 1788; Hamptonburgh, 1830, taken from Wallkill, Goshen, Montgomery, Blooming Grove and New Windsor; Monroe, 1799, taken from Cornwall, original name Chesekook, changed to Southfield in 1802, and to Monroe in 1808, and divided in 1890 into Woodbury and Tuxedo; Montgomery, 1788; Mount Hope, 1825, taken from Wallkill, Deer Park and Minisink, original name Calhoun; Newburgh, 1788; New Windsor, 1788; Wallkill, 1788; Minisink, 1788.
There are three cities in Orange County, Newburgh in the town of Newburgh; Middletown, in the town of Wallkill, and Port Jervis, in the town of Deer Park. Newburgh was chartered as a city in 1865, Middletown in 1888, and Port Jervis in 1907.
The irregular county thus constituted is bounded on the northwest and north by Sullivan and Ulster Counties, on the east and southeast by the Hudson River and Rockland County, on the southwest and west by New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Sullivan County. It has nearly half a million square miles.
The towns along the northwestern and northern border are Deer Park, Mount Hope, Wallkill, Crawford, Montgomery and Newburgh.
Along the Hudson are Newburgh, New Windsor, Cornwall and Highlands.
Next to Rockland County are Highlands, Woodbury and Tuxedo.
On the New Jersey line are the point of Tuxedo, Warwick, Minisink, Greenville, and a section of Deer Park.
The most western town is Deer Park which lies along New Jersey, the Delaware River and Pennsylvania on the southwest and Sullivan County on the north.
In the interior are the towns of Wawayanda, Goshen, Hamptonburgh, Blooming Grove, Chester and Monroe.
The post offices of the county as distributed in the several towns are named as follows:
Blooming Grove: Salisbury's Mills, Washingtonville, Blooming Grove, Oxford Depot, Craigsville.
Chester: Chester, Greycourt, Sugar Loaf.
Cornwall: Cornwall, Cornwall-on-Hudson, Cornwall Landing, Idlewild, Mountainville, Orrs Mills, Meadowbrook, Firthcliffe.
Crawford: Bullville, Pine Bush, Thompson Ridge.
Deer Park: Cuddebackville, Godeffroy, Huguenot, Port Jervis, Rio, Sparrowbush.
Goshen: Goshen.
Greenville: Greenville.
Hamptonburgh: Campbell Hall, Burnside.
Highlands: Highland Falls, Fort Montgomery, West Point.
Middletown: Middletown.
Minisink: Minisink, Johnson, Westtown, Unionville.
Monroe: Monroe, Turner.
Montgomery: Walden, Montgomery, Maybrook.
Mount Hope: Otisville, Guymard.
Newburgh: Newburgh, Middle Hope, Liptondale. Cedarcliff, Cronomer Valley, Savilton, Orange Lake, Roseton.
New Windsor: Little Britain, Rocklet, Vail's Gate, Moodna.
Tuxedo: Arden, Southfields, Tuxedo Park.
Wallkill: Middletown, Circleville, Stony Ford, Howells, Crystalrun, Fair Oaks.
Warwick: Edenville, Warwick, Florida, Pine Island, New Milford, Wisner Lake, Bellvale, Greenwood Lake, Amity.
Wawayanda: New Hampton, Ridgebury, Slate Hill, South Centreville.
Woodbury: Woodbury Falls, Highland Mills, Central Valley.
To go back and particularize more fully: In 1686 the town of Orange was organized, and soon afterward adjoining patents were attached to it for jurisdiction and assessment. In 1719 the northern settlements were separated into the precinct of Orange, with Tappan as its center, and the precinct of Haverstraw, with "the Christian patented lands of Haverstraw" as its center. In 1714 the precinct of Goshen was organized, and included the entire county except the Orangetown and Haverstraw districts. In 1764 it was divided by a straight line, all the lands west of the line constituting the precinct of Goshen and all the lands east, the precinct of New Cornwall. The four precincts named were the political divisions of the county until after the Revolution. In 1788 the towns of Warwick and Minisink were erected from Goshen, and in 1791 the towns of Clarkstown and Ramapo were erected from Haverstraw. In 1797 the name of the town of New Cornwall was changed to Cornwall.
In the southern towns of the County of Ulster, afterward transferred to Orange, changes were made in 1709. The precincts of Highlands and Shawangunk were attached to New Paltz, and the present Orange County towns of Montgomery, Crawford and Wallkill were then embraced within its limits. These divisions continued until 1743, when they were changed to three precincts—Wallkill, Shawangunk and Highlands. There was also the precinct of Mamakating west of the precincts of Wallkill and Shawangunk, the northern part of which was made a part of Deer Park in 1798 by the law annexing the Ulster County towns. In 1762 the precinct of Highlands was divided into the precincts of Newburgh and New Windsor, and in 1772 the precinct of Newburgh was divided so as to form another precinct on the north, named New Marlborough. The same law divided the precinct of Wallkill so that its northern section became the precinct of Hanover. In 1782 the name of this precinct was changed to Montgomery by permission of the Provincial Convention of the State. By the general act of 1788 the Ulster County precincts which have been named were erected into the towns of Newburgh, New Windsor, New Marlborough, Shawangunk and Montgomery.
In the winter of 1797, after much opposition to plans for changing the boundaries of Orange and Ulster Counties, two bills were agreed upon by a Convention of Delegates from the several towns interested, and these were presented to the Legislature and passed. One of them set off from Orange the present County of Rockland, and the other annexed to Orange County the towns of New Windsor, Newburgh, Wallkill, Montgomery and Deer Park, then the southern section of the county of Ulster.
In 1801 a general law dividing the State into counties fixed the then somewhat undefined boundaries of Orange, and another law adopted the same year fixed the boundaries of its towns as they now are, with the exception of Woodbury and Tuxedo, into which Monroe was separated in 1890.
The first Board of Supervisors of the present county, which met in Goshen in 1798, was composed as follows: John Vail, Goshen; Francis Crawford, New Windsor; Reuben Tooker, Newburgh; Anselem Helme, Cornwall; Jacob Post, Warwick; Nathan Arnont, Minisink; James Finch, Deer Park; David Gallatin, Montgomery; Andrew McCord, Wallkill.
Since that time the three towns of Greenville, Wawayanda and Highlands have been erected.
Among the surprises experienced by Columbus and the explorers who sailed up and down the coast of North America soon after his great discovery, were the characteristics of the newly-found race of native Indians. Their tribal differences were comparatively slight, and although uncivilized, many of them exhibited traits which indicated a remote ancestry above savagery, and caused speculation which has not yet ceased.
Hendrick Hudson, from whom the magnificent Hudson River takes its name, has given us in his journal the first information about the tribes at its mouth and along its shores. Sailing from Amsterdam in the ship Half-Moon in 1609, he first landed near Portland, [fn] Me., on July 19th. Thence he sailed south to Chesapeake Bay, thence north to Delaware Bay, and thence to Sandy Hook, anchoring, probably off Coney Island, September 3d. Here and on the New Jersey coast Indians came to the ship in canoes, and bartered green corn and dried currants for knives, beads and articles of clothing. He wrote that they behaved well, but when he sent out a boat on the 6th to explore the Narrows, his men were attacked by twenty-six natives in two canoes, who killed one of his crew with an arrow and wounded two others. On September 11th he sailed through the Narrows and found a good protected harbor. Here his ship was again visited by many natives, who brought Indian corn, tobacco and oysters for barter, and displayed copper pipes, copper ornaments, and earthen pots for cooking.
[fn] To avoid circumlocution present names will be generally used to indicate localities.
Hudson started on his voyage up the river September 12th, and began his return September 22d. His ship stopped near the present city of Hudson, but he proceeded much farther in a small boat—as far, it is supposed, as Albany. About 25 miles below Albany an aged chief entertained him hospitablv, and the Indians offered in barter tobacco and beaver skins. Here the Indians of the Hudson, and probably of all North America, first tested the white man's liquor. Hudson gave them some to see how they would act under its influence. Only one drank enough to become intoxicated, and when he fell down in a stupor the others were alarmed, but after he became sober the next day their alarm ceased, and they manifested a friendly spirit. This was on the east side of the river. Below the Highlands on the west side the natives were of a different disposition, and shot arrows at the crew from points of land. For this they were punished by Hudson's men, who returned their fire and killed about a dozen of them. Hudson's journal says that above the Highlands "they found a very loving people and very old men, and were well used." One of his anchoring places had been the bay at Newburgh, and here he wrote prophetically: "This is a very pleasant place to build a town on," and the handsome and prosperous City of Newburgh shows that he judged well. At this point many more Indians boarded the ship, and did a brisk business in exchanging skins for knives and ornamental trifles.
At several anchorages the Indians brought green corn to Hudson's ship, and it was one of the agreeable surprises of the crew at their meals. Corn was generally cultivated by the Hudson River tribes, and grew luxuriantly. Ruttenber says it was long supposed to be native, but investigation shows it was transplanted from a foreign shore. It is certain that the early explorers knew nothing of it until it was brought to them by the Indians, and that it had been cultivated by the latter from immemorial times.
Hudson wrote that some of the Indians whom he met along the river wore mantles of feathers and good furs, and that women came to the ship with hemp, having red copper tobacco pipes and copper neck ornaments. Verrazano, who sailed along the North American coast 33 years after Hudson's expedition, said the Indians were dressed out in feathers of birds of various colors. He mentioned "two kings" who came aboard his ship in Narragansett Bay as "more beautiful in stature than can possibly be described," and characterized them as types of their race. One wore a deerskin around his body artificially wrought in damask colors. His hair was tied back in knots, and around his neck was a chain with stones of different colors. The natives who accompanied the chiefs were of middle stature, broad across the breast, strong in the arms and well formed. A little later Roger Williams was welcomed as a friend by an old chief, Canonnieus, and his nephew, and he described the Indians who accompanied them as of larger size than the whites, with tawny complexions, sharp faces, black hair, and mild, pleasant expressions. The women were graceful and beautiful, with fine countenances, and of modest appearance and manner. They wore no clothing, except ornamental deer skins, like those of the men, but some had rich lynx skins on their arms, and various ornaments on their heads composed of braids of hair which hung upon their breasts. These Indians were generous in their disposition, "giving away whatever they had."
Later the Indians were classed from language into two general divisions—the Algonquins and the Iroquois—terms given them by the Jesuit missionaries. The Iroquois occupied central and western New York, including the Mohawk River, the headwaters of the Delaware, the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. The Algonquins included all the Indians of Eastern New York, Eastern Canada, New England, New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Eastern Virginia. Several tribes in the west Hudson River counties constituted the Lenni-Lenape nation, which held its council fires on the site of Philadelphia. Some of their names were Waoranecks, Haverstroos, Minisinks and Waranawonkongs. When Hudson came the Lenapes were the head of the Algonquin nations, but wars with the Iroquois and the whites so weakened them that they became the subjects of the Iroquois confederacy for eighty years previous to 1755. Then they rebelled, allied themselves with other tribes, became the head of the western nations and successfully contested nearly all the territory west of the Mississippi. During the period of their subservience they were known as the Delawares. The Mohawks were the most eastern nation of the Iroquois, and were called Maquas by the Dutch, and a branch on the Delaware, Minquas. The Iroquois, first known as the Five Nations, later received the Tuscaroras of North Carolina, who removed to New York, and with the Cherokees and other southern Indians became the sixth nation of that great Indian confederacy, to which they also were related by language.
Both the Algonquin and Iroquois confederacies were divided into tribes and sub-tribes of families, each with a head who was the father or founder. These combined for mutual defense and the heads elected one of their number chief sachem, regarding themselves as a nation to make laws, negotiate treaties, and engage in wars, the wars being mostly between the Algonquins and Iroquois.
The Esopus Indians occupied parts of Orange and Ulster Counties, and their war dances were held on the Dans Kamer, a high promontory north of Newburgh. Their rule extended to other families east and west of the Hudson, but their territory cannot be clearly defined.
Regarding Indian character, there have been presented by our historians some contrasting but not wholly irreconcilable views. E. M. Ruttenber, in his valuable contribution to the History of Ulster County, edited by Hon. A. T. Clearwater, says:
"When they were discovered the race had wrought out unaided a development far in advance of any of the old barbaric races of Europe. They were still in the age of stone, but entering upon the age of iron. Their implements were mainly of stone and flint and bone, yet they had learned the art of making copper pipes and ornaments. This would rank their civilization about with that of the Germans in the days of Tacitus (about the year 200 A.D.). They had, unaided by the civilization of Europe, made great progress. They had learned to weave cloth out of wild hemp and other grasses, and to extract dyes from vegetable substances; how to make earthen pots and kettles; how to make large water casks from the bark of trees, as well as the lightest and fleetest canoes; had passed from the cave to the dwelling house; had established the family relation and democratic forms of government; their wives were the most faithful, their young women the most brilliant in paint and garments and robes of furs; they carved figures on stone, and wrote the story of their lives in hieroglyphics, of which some of the finest specimens in America are preserved in the senate house in Kingston; and most remarkable of all, and that which carries back their chronology to a period that cannot be defined, they had developed spoken languages that were rich in grammatical forms, differing radically from any of the ancient and modern languages of the old hemisphere, languages which were surely ingenious, and of which it was said by the most expert philologists of Europe that they were among 'the most expressive languages, dead or living.' . . . They were savages or barbarians, as you may please to call them, men who wrote their vengeance in many scenes of blood, the recital of which around the firesides of the pioneers became more terrifying by repetition; nevertheless they were representatives of a race whose civilization, though it was 1200 years behind our own, had no faults greater than were found in the races from which we boast our lineage."
In Samuel Eager's "History of Orange County," published in 1846-7, are found statements presenting a different conception of Indian qualities. It says:
"The Indian character in this State is well known, and we have no reason to believe that the character of the Indians of Orange was materially different. If you know one you know the general character of those who compose his wigwam, and knowing this you know that of his tribe. They are all alike—dirty, slothful and indolent, trustworthy and confiding in their friendships, while fierce and revengeful under other circumstances. Their good will and enmity are alike easily purchased. All have the war dance before starting upon and after returning from the warpath, and bury the dead standing, with their instruments. Their known rule of warfare is an indiscriminate massacre of men, women and children, and they are cruel to their captives, whom they usually slay with the tomahawk or burn up at the stake. They believe in a future state of rewards and punishments, and sacrifice to a Good Spirit—an unknown god. We have the testimony of Hendrick Hudson that the Indians above the Highlands were kind and friendly to him and his crew, and the more so the further they proceeded up the river. This, we presume, related to those on both sides of the river, though below the Highlands they were of a more hostile character. We have understood, as coming from the early settlers, who first located in Westchester and Dutchess and afterwards removed here, as many of them did, that the impression was very general that the Indians on that side of the river were less hostile and more friendly to the white settlers than those on the west; and this was given as a reason for settling there, which accounts in some measure for the earlier settlement of that side of the river. We infer, from the absence of written accounts of anything very peculiar or different in the habits and customs of the Indians of the county from others in the State, and from the poverty of tradition in this respect that there were no such peculiar differences, but they were similar and identical with those of the heathen Indians at Onondaga and Buffalo before modified and changed by white association."
These somewhat contradictory views of the Indian race seem to be a little too sweeping on both sides, they being neither so good nor so bad as represented. The native Indians have been both kind and cruel to one another and the whites. Their instincts are not unlike those of civilized peoples, but there are less control and restraint in savagery than civilization. Their tribal differences of conduct towards the whites depended less upon natural disposition than leadership and provocations. Vindictiveness towards real or fancied enemies seems to have prevailed everywhere among the North American tribes, and this was undoubtedly increased towards the whites by the latter's aggressions and by the former's indulgence in the intoxicants furnished them by their white neighbors. But cruelty is ingrained in the barbarian character almost everywhere, and often is manifested in communities called civilized. The tortures of the middle ages in the name of religion were as painful as those inflicted in the eighteenth century by our Indians, and both seem almost impossible to the philanthropist of to-day. Not until minds have been softened by such teachings as those of the Founder of Christianity, and extremes of bigotry have given place to tolerance and charity, is the natural disposition of the average man to give pain to antagonists dissipated.
There has been no more intellectual nation among the aborigines of America than the Senecas of Western New York—the most original and determined of the confederated Iroquois—but its warriors were cruel like the others, and their squaws often assisted the men in torturing their captives. When Boyd and Parker were captured in the Genesee Valley in the Sullivan campaign of 1779, Brant, the famous half-breed chief, assured them that they would not be injured, yet left them in the hands of Little Beard, another chief, to do with as he would, and the prolonged tortures to which he and his savage companions subjected them were horrible. After they had been stripped and tied to trees, and tomahawks were thrown so as to just graze their heads, Parker was unintentionally hit so that his head was severed from his body, but Boyd was made to suffer lingering miseries. His ears were cut off, his mouth enlarged with knives and his severed nose thrust into it, pieces of flesh were cut from his shoulders and other parts of his body, an incision was made in his abdomen and an intestine fastened to the tree, when he was scourged to make him move around it, and finally as he neared death, was decapitated, and his head raised on a pole.
Similar tortures were not uncommon among both the Iroquois and Algonquins when they made captives of the whites.
Returning to the Lenni-Lenape of the Hudson River's western lands, there is in Eager's history an account by a Delaware Indian of the reception and welcome by the Indians of the first Europeans who came to their country—on York Island—which is here condensed.
Some Indians out fishing at a place where the sea widens saw something remarkably large floating on the water at a great distance, which caused much wondering speculation among them. The sight caused great excitement, and as it approached news was sent to scattered chiefs. They fancied that it was a great house in which the Mannitto (Great Spirit) was coming to visit them. Meat for sacrifices and victuals were prepared. Conjurors were set to work, and runners were sent out. The latter soon reported that it was a great house full of human beings. When it came near it stopped, and a canoe came from it containing men, one elegantly dressed in red. This man saluted them with a friendly countenance, and, lost in admiration, the Indians returned his salute. They saw that he glittered with gold lace and had a white skin. He poured something from a gourd into a cup, drank from it, filled it again, and handed it to a chief. It is passed around, and the chiefs smell of it, but do not drink. At last a resolute chief jumps up and harangues the others, saying that they ought to drink, as the Mannitto had done, and he would dare to drink, although it might kill him, as it was better that one man should be destroyed than that a whole nation should die. Then he drank, soon began to stagger, and finally fell to the ground. He fell asleep, and his companions thinking that he was dead, began to bemoan his fate. But he awoke, and declared that he had never before felt so happy as when he drank from the white man's cup. He asked for more, which was given him, and the whole assembly imitated him and became intoxicated. After they became sober they were given presents of beads, axes, hoes and stockings. Then the Dutch made them understand that they would not stay, but would come again in a year, bring more presents, and would then want a little land. They returned the next season, began cultivating the grounds and kept bargaining for more land until the Indians began to believe that they would soon want all the country.
The scenes thus described by the Delaware Indian were probably soon after the voyage of discovery by Hendrick Hudson.
The Esopus Indians, according to early records, represented four sub-tribes—the Amangaricken, Kettyspowy, Mahon and Katatawis. In 1677 their chief deeded a large tract of land lying along the Hudson in Ulster and Orange Counties and extending back to the Rochester hills, to the English Government. The tract cannot be clearly defined. Previous negotiations and fighting led to this transfer. In 1663 Wildwijk (Kingston), where an infant colony had been started, was set on fire, and the colonists were attacked and murdered in their homes with axes, tomahawks and guns. They finally rallied and drove the Indians away, but not until twenty-five of them had been killed and forty-five made prisoners. The New Village, as it was called, was annihilated, and of the Old Village twelve houses were burned. When Peter Stuyvesant heard of the calamity he sent a company of soldiers from New Amsterdam to assist the settlers. They were commanded by Captain Martin Kregier, arrived at Wildwijk July 4, and a few days afterward Kregier had a conference with five Mohawk and Mohican chiefs who came from Fort Orange. He induced them to release some of their captives, but his negotiations with the Warranawonkongs were less successful. They were the proprietors of lands in the vicinity of Newburgh, and for some distance above and below the Lenni-Lenape confederacy. They would not agree to terms of peace unless the Dutch would pay for the land called the Groot Plat or Great Plot and add presents within ten days. Kregier would not agree to this, and on July 25th followed them to their castle. They abandoned it, and fled to the Shawangunk Mountains, taking their captives with them. They were followed, and again retreated. Kregier burned their palisaded castle, cut down their cornfields and destroyed about a hundred pits full of corn and beans which were a part of the harvest of the previous year. Then Kregier returned to Wildwijk and guarded the settlers while they harvested their grain. He resumed offensive operations in September, sending out about fifty men to reduce a new castle which the Indians were building "about four hours beyond the one burned." The Indians were surprised, but fought fiercely as they retreated, killing and wounding three of the Dutch soldiers. Thirteen Indians were taken prisoners and twenty-three Dutch captives released. The Indians fled to the mountains, the uncompleted fort was destroyed, and the soldiers carried away much spoil. Another force was sent to the same place October 1st, when the Indians retreated southward, and the Dutch completed the work of destruction, including crops and wigwams around the fort. Later the Indians solicited peace and an armistice was granted. They had suffered severely, and felt crushed, and their allies, the Waoranecks, were also subdued, although their territory had not been invaded. "The embers of their forest worship, which had for ages been lighted on the Dans Kamer, were extinguished forever." In the following May of 1664 they sought and executed a treaty with the Dutch at Fort Amsterdam, whereby the lands claimed and conquered by the Dutch were to remain the property of the conquerors, and the Indians were not to approach the Dutch settlements with arms. The ratification of the treaty was celebrated, and thus was closed the struggle of the Indians for the possession of their lands on the western slope of the Hudson from the Catskills to the ocean. The Minsis remained in the western part of Orange and some adjoining territory, and in 1692 and 1694 were strengthened by additions of large colonies of Shawanoes. For nearly a hundred years after the treaty there was but little trouble between the Indians and the settlers of Orange County.
The incursions during the French and Indian and the Revolutionary Wars properly belong to the military chapter of this history.
There is a tradition, supported by some evidence, that the first settlement of Orange County was in the old Minisink territory along the Delaware River. Although the supposed settlement was mostly in Pennsylvania, the reported excavations, roads and other work of the settlers were mostly in Orange County. The story of the tradition, and evidence that it has a basis of fact, are given in a letter by Samuel Preston, Esq., dated Stockport, June 6, 1828, which is published in Samuel W. Eager's county history of 1846-7, and reproduced in Charles E. Stickney's history of the Minisink region of 1867. Eager says the letter "will throw light upon the point of early settlement in the Minisink country," and Stickney assumes that its second-hand statements are substantially true. But Ruttenber and Clark's more complete history of the county, published in 1881, discredits them. The essential parts of Preston's letter are here condensed.
He was deputed by John Lukens, surveyor general, to go into Northampton County on his first surveying tour, and received from him, by way of instruction, a narrative respecting the settlements of Minisink on the Delaware above the Kittany and Blue Mountain. This stated that John Lukens and Nicholas Scull—the latter a famous surveyor, and the former his apprentice—were sent to the Minisink region in 1730 for the government of Philadelphia; that the Minisink flats were then all settled by Hollanders; that they found there a grove of apple trees much larger than any near Philadelphia, and that they came to the conclusion that the first settlement of Hollanders in Minisink was many years older than William Penn's charter. Samuel Depuis, who was living there, told them that there was a good road to Esopus, near Kingston, about a hundred miles from the Mine holes, which was called the Mine road. Preston was charged by Lukens to learn more particulars about this Mine road, and obtained some from Nicholas Depuis, son of Samuel, who was living in great affluence in a spacious stone house. He had known the Mine road well, and before a boat channel was opened to Foul Rift, used to drive on it several times every winter with loads of wheat and cider to buy salt and other necessaries, as did also his neighbors. He repeated stories without dates that he had heard from older people. They said that in some former age a company of miners came there from Holland; that they worked two mines, and were very rich; that they built the Mine road with great labor, and hauled their ore over it; that they bought the improvements of the native Indians, the most of whom moved to the Susquehanna.
In 1789 Preston began to build a house in the Minisink and obtained more evidence from Gen. James Clinton, the father of Gov. Dewitt Clinton, and Christopher Tappan, Recorder of Ulster County, who came there on a surveying expedition. They both knew the Mine holes and the Mine road, and were of the opinion that they were worked while New York belonged to Holland, which was previous to 1664. Preston did not learn what kind of ore the mines produced, but concluded that it was silver. He went to the Paaquarry Mine holes, and found the mouths caved full and overgrown with bushes, but giving evidence of a great deal of labor done there in some former time.
Ruttenber and Clark's history, as stated, discredit the tradition regarding the early settlement of the Minisink by Hollanders, as accepted by Clinton, Tappan, Depuis, Preston and others. It represents the Mine road to be simply an enlargement of an old Indian trail, and the mines to have been of copper and located in what is now the town of Warren, Sussex County, N. J. It says that the Dutch at Esopus during the war of 1660-63 had little knowledge of the country, even east of the Shawangunk, and that if the Minisink was penetrated at a much earlier period it was by way of the Delaware River. The historian discusses the subject further, and concludes that the first settler of the Minisink was William Tietsort, a blacksmith from Schenectady, who barely escaped the slaughter at that place in 1689, and went to the Minisink country from Esopus, by invitation of friendly Indians, and purchased lands of them in October, 1689. "There is little doubt that he was the first settler on the western border," says the history.
But Stickney, after recapitulating the traditions and evidence of the early settlement of the region, says: "Here generations lived the fleeting span of life in blissful ignorance of any outer or happier world beside, and were alike unknown outside the boundaries of their own domain until some wanderer chanced to come across their settlement, and went on his way, thereafter to remember with gratitude and envy the affluence and comfort that marked their rough but happy homes."
If Tietsort was the first white settler of the Minisink, Arent Schuyler was probably the second, as he settled there in 1697, having been granted a patent of 1,000 acres of its lands by Governor Fletcher. The governor had sent him there three years before to ascertain whether the French in Canada had been trying to bribe the Indians to engage in a war of extermination against the New Yorkers from their fastnesses in the Shawangunk Mountains.
The earliest land transfers and titles were so thoroughly investigated by Ruttenber and Clark that we cannot do better, perhaps, than condense mostly from their history.
Warranawonkong chiefs transferred to Governor Stuyvesant the Groot Plat or Great Plot, as it was called, in which Kingston is now situated. These lands are said to be the first for which Europeans received a title from the Indians, and are somewhat indefinitely described in the treaty with them of 1665 to which reference has been made. They were conquered by Captain Kreiger in 1663, and embraced three townships in southwestern Ulster. Chronology next takes us to the extreme south of Orange County. Here Balthazar De Hart and his brother Jacob, purchased of the Indians "the Christian patent lands of Haverstraw." They were on the south side of the Highlands and extended from the Hudson westward to the mountains. On the presumption that they were included in the boundaries of New Jersey, the Harts soon transferred them to Nicholas Depues and Peter Jacobs Marius, and purchased another tract north of them in 1671, which was bounded by the Hudson River on the east and the mountains on the south. This became the property of Jacobs. They also purchased a tract north of the previous purchase, and including a part of it, which was called Abequerenoy, and passed from them to Hendrick Ryker.
On the north a Huguenot, Louis Du Bois, with some friends who had been driven from France by religious persecution, located first at Esopus in 1660; and in September, 1667, after purchase from the Indians, twelve of them became patentees of a tract of 36,000 acres lying north of the Redonte Creek, as the Warranawonkong was then called. The patent was obtained from Governor Andros in the names of Louis Du Bois, Christian Doyan, Abraham Hasbroucq, Andre Le Febvre, Jean Hasbroucq, Pierre Doyan, Louis Beviere, Anthony Crespel, Abraham Du Bois, Hayne Frere, Isaac Du Bois and Simon Le Febvre, "their heirs and others." Nine families immediately settled on the land and founded New Paltz.
Between Haverstraw and New Paltz Patrick Mac Gregorie, David Fosbruck, his brother-in-law, and twenty-five others, who were mostly Scotch Presbyterians, occupied lands at the mouth of the Waoraneck, and Mac Gregorie purchased for them 4,000 acres on both sides of Murderer's Creek, on which they settled. Mac Gregorie built his cabin on Plum Point, then called Conwanham's Hill, and the cabins of his associates were in the vicinity, and on the south side of the creek David Toshuck, the brother-in-law, who subscribed himself "Laird of Minivard," established a trading post. "Within the bounds of the present county of Orange this was the first European settlement," says the historian, but the precise date is not given. Stickney thinks the year was 1684, but it was probably a little earlier, as about that time Mac Gregorie entered into the military service of the State without perfecting his patent, mistakenly trusting Governor Dongan to protect his interests, who, in 1684, obtained from three Indian owners their title to a tract extending from New Paltz along the Hudson to Murderer's Kill, thence westward to the foot of the high hills, and thence southwesterly along the hills and the river Peakadasank to a pond; and the same year added by deed from several Indians another large tract of the land called Haverstraw. These lands included a part of those which the Indians had previously sold to Mac Gregorie, and others which they had sold to Stephanus Van Cortlandt. The latter had preserved his deed, and succeeded in obtaining a patent attaching them to his manor across the river. Mac Gregorie was killed in the Leslie revolution of 1691. Governor Dongan sold his two purchases to John Evans in 1694, and the latter then proceeded to dispossess Mac Gregorie's widow and her family of their home, when he granted only leases to them and the other Scotch settlers. After some years, however, the Mac Gregorie heirs, in consideration of their original claim, obtained a patent of the Plum Point farm and a mountain tract.
The fourth and largest settlement was made adjoining "the Christian patented lands of Haverstraw" by emigrants from Holland, mostly of the Reformed Dutch Church. They were granted a township patent in March, 1686, under the name of the town of Orange. There were sixteen trustees of this grant, which began at the mouth of the Tappan Creek, extended north to Greenbush, and thence easterly and southerly back to Tappan Creek. The center of the township was Tappan, where a church was organized. The trustees of the grant were Claessen Cuyper, Daniel De Clercke, Peter Harnich, Gerritt Stenmetts, John De Kries, Sr., John De Kries, Jr., Claes Maunde, John Stratemaker, Staaes De Groot, Aream Lammatees, Lamont Ariannius, Huybert Gerryts, Johannes Gerryts, Ede Van Vorst, Cornelius Lammerts.
A vast tract of land immediately west of Haverstraw was conveyed to Daniel Honan and Michael Hawdon, January 25, 1696. Adjoining this on the south were certain tracts containing 2,000 acres which were granted to Samuel Bayard. The Indian deed for this and other purchases was covered by Lucas Tenhoven and embraced 100,000 acres, for which no patent was issued.
Between the Haverstraw lands and the township of Orange was the rocky bluff known as Verdrietig Hook, including Rockland Lake, which became the subject of controversy between the John Hutchins Company and Jarvis Marshal & Company, both parties having obtained deeds, but that of the latter proved to be of prior date (Sept. 27, 1694). A few years later, in 1708, a patent was issued to Lancaster Syrus, Robert Walters and Hendrick Ten Eyck, covering the vacant river point described as beginning at the south bounds of Haverstraw, extending west to Welch's island, thence southerly to the lower end of the island, thence east to the creek running from the pond of Verdrietig Hook, and thence north to the place of beginning, "except the grant of Honan & Hawdon."
Ruttenber and Clark's history states that the indicated foregoing patents covered the entire district from the New Jersey line to New Paltz and west to the line of the Shawangunk Mountains.
Here is the proper place for some statements made by David Barclay in his paper on Balmville read before the Newburgh Historical Society in 1899. He said that Captain John Evans in 1694 obtained from Colonel Fletcher, then Governor of New York, a patent for a tract of land on the west shore of the Hudson, extending from Stony Point to the south line of New Paltz, and westward to the Shawangunk Mountains, including two-thirds of Orange County and parts of Ulster and Rockland Counties, and estimated to contain 650,000 acres. The only settlement thereon at that time was that of Major Gregorie's heirs and followers at Murderer's Creek in the present towns of Cornwall and New Windsor. The patent was afterward annulled by an act of the assembly, which was confirmed, and the title reverted to the crown. Included in these lands must have been those unjustly transferred to Evans in 1694 by Governor Dongan "under the title of the lordship of the manor of Fletcherdom." Ruttenber says that the Evans patents, with others, were for a long time a disturbing element, and were entirely undefined except in general terms.
Near the close of the 17th century there was active competition in the extinguishment {sic} of the Indian titles and obtaining patents, and several patents were granted. Three of them, to associations, were issued at the following dates: Chesekook, December 30, 1702; Wawayanda, March 5, 1703; Minisink, August 28, 1704.
The Chesekook patent was included in a purchase from five Indian proprietors to Dr. John Bridges, Henry Ten Eyck, Derick Vandenburgh, John Cholwell, Christopher Dean, Lancaster Syms and John Merritt. The Wawayanda patent was a purchase from twelve Indians by the same parties, and five more, namely, Daniel Honan, Philip Rokeby, Benjamin Aske, Peter Mathews and Cornelius Christianse. The Minisink patent was to Mathew Ling, Ebenezer Wilson, Philip French, Derick Vandenburgh, Stephen De Lancey, Philip Rokeby, John Corbett, Daniel Honan, Caleb Cooper, William Sharpass, Robert Milward, Thomas Wearham, Lancaster Syms, John Pearson, Benjamin Aske, Petrus Bayard, John Cholwell, Peter Fanconier, Henry Swift, Hendrick Ten Eyck, Jarvis Marshall, Ann Bridges, George Clark.
This last purchase was of parts of Orange and Ulster Counties, beginning in Ulster at Hunting House, on the northeast of Bashe's land, running thence north to the Fishkill River, thence southerly to the south end of Great Minisink Island, thence south to the land granted John Bridges & Company (Wawayanda), and along that patent northward and along the patent of John Evans to the place of beginning. There is no record that the purchasers received a deed from the Indians, and it was reported, probably correctly, that when Depuis obtained the Minisink lands from the Indians, he got them drunk and never paid them the money agreed upon—treatment which they resented for a long time afterward in hostility to the white settlers.
The Chesekook patent was bounded north by the patent line of Evans, west by Highland Hills, south by Honan and Hawdon's patent, and east by "the lands of the bounds of Haverstraw and the Hudson."
The Wawayanda patent was bounded eastward by "the high hills of the Highlands" and the Evans patent, north by the division line of the counties of Orange and Ulster, westward by "the high hills eastward of Minisink" and south by the division line of New York and New Jersey.
The boundary lines of the three patents were defined in such general terms that for a long time they caused trouble as to titles, and in the final adjustment the territory claimed by the Wawayanda patentees was cut off, while on the west a tract called the Minisink angle, embracing 130,000 acres, was formed.
The English government began investigating the patents of such immense tracts in 1698, and the next year caused the Evans patent to be annulled, after which the territory covered by it was conveyed in small tracts issued at different times up to 1775. These conveyances, exclusive of those outside of the present county, were as follows:
Only a small part of the Minisink patent was in the present county of Orange, but the Wawayanda and Chesekook patents were wholly within its limits, and covered its most fertile sections. The Wawayanda patent caused much trouble, and was unoccupied by settlers until 1712, when the surviving shareholders—Christopher Denne, Daniel Cromeline and Benjamin Aske—determined to make settlements thereon, and to facilitate their ends were made justices of the peace. Parties were sent out by each of them, and these began the settlements of Goshen, Warwick and Chester, where houses were soon completed and occupied. The agent who preceded Denne into the wilderness was his adopted daughter, Sarah Wells, then only 16 years old, who was accompanied only by friendly Indian guides. She married William Bull, the builder of Cromeline's house, and lived to the great age of 102 years and 15 days.
Soon after the settlement thus started in 1712 John Everett and Samuel Clowes, of Jamaica, L. I., took charge of the patent, and proved to be enterprising and efficient agents. Recorded sales to settlers and others prior to 1721, as well as to Everett and Clowes, were as follows:
By these conveyances Everett and Clowes came into possession of lands equaling four of the thirteen parts, and, as required by the terms of their deeds, laid out the township of Goshen in 1714, dividing it into farms and opening roads, and assigned 200 acres of land for the support of a minister.
Some of the first settlers—those of 1714—were: Michael Dunning Johannes Wesner, Solomon Carpenter, Abraham Finch, Samuel Seeley and John Holley.
The most prolonged and bitter contest of titles was between settlers of Orange County, mostly in the original Minisink region, and settlers of Northern New Jersey. This was continued for sixty-seven years with occasional border frays. The dispute had reference to the boundary line between New York and New Jersey. King Charles II of England in March, 1663, gave to his brother, the Duke of York, a patent of all lands "from the west side of the Connecticut River to the east side of Delaware Bay." The following year in June the Duke of York granted release of all the territory now known as New Jersey to Lord Berkley and Sir George Carteret. The northern line as described in this grant extended from "the northwardmost branch" of the Delaware River, "which is in latitude 41 degrees 40 minutes and crosseth over thence in a straight line to the latitude 41 degrees on Hudson's River." Sir Carteret took the east half of the province and Lord Berkley the west half. In 1673 the Dutch reconquered New York from the English, but on February 9, 1674, in a treaty of peace between the two nations, it was restored to England. Sir Carteret immediately took the precaution to have a new patent made out, which defined the boundaries in about the same general terms as before. Then came controversies as to which should be called "the northwardmost branch" of the Delaware. The point of 41 degrees on the Hudson was agreed to, but the New Yorkers insisted that the line should touch the Delaware at the southern extremity of Big Minisink island, and the Jerseymen {sic} that the point should be a little south of the present Cochecton. This difference made the disputed triangular territory several miles wide at the west end. Under the New Jersey government the land was parceled out in tracts to various persons, and when these came to take possession the men who had settled upon them long before, resolutely maintained their claims. In the border war that resulted numbers of the Minisink people were captured and confined in New Jersey prisons. The first series of engagements resulted from efforts to obtain possession of the lands of a Mr. Swartwout, who was a major in the militia of Orange County. One day the Jerseymen {sic} surprised him and put his family and household goods out doors. He went to Goshen for help, and a formidable company returning back with him, they in turn put the New Jersey occupants and their goods out of the house, and restored it to the major.
Then a spy was employed to watch the Jerseymen, and through the information which he continually furnished, their future operations were generally frustrated. About 1740 the "Jersey lines" made another attempt upon the major and his possessions, but they were anticipated and driven or frightened back, no one, however, being killed. In 1753 a Jersey raid was made to get possession of the lands of Thomas De Key, colonel of the Orange County militia and a justice of the peace. He tried to negotiate with them, and induce them to wait until the boundary question was determined, but they refused, and he then barricaded himself in his house, and threatened to shoot the first man who tried to enter, and they finally retired vowing that they would bring a larger force. The last important raid was in 1765, on a Sunday, when the Jerseymen came in considerable force resolved to capture Major and Captain Westbrook. They surrounded the church where the Westbrooks were worshiping, and when the service was over there was a fight, amid the screams and sobs of women, with fists and feet, in which the Jerseymen, being the more numerous, conquered and captured the Westbrooks. They were confined in the Jersey colony prison awhile, and then released.
In 1767 hostilities were suspended, and commissioners were appointed to run a boundary line, and soon afterward the territory was surveyed, and about equally divided between the claimants, and peace thenceforth was established between the two sections.
In 1683, when the county was organized, it did not contain more than twenty families. In 1698 a first census was ordered by Governor Bellmont, and it showed the population to consist of 20 men, 31 women, 140 children and 19 negro slaves. In 1860 the population had increased to 63,812; in 1880, it was 88,220; in 1900, 103,850; and according to the last census of 1905, our population was 108,267.
Orange County is unsurpassed by any other in the Empire State in variety of surface features and picturesque beauty of scenery. It has mountain ranges and extended ridges, streams with wide and narrow valleys, and is dotted with lakes and ponds. Along the mountain lines are a few lofty peaks, and there are many isolated hills and rocky precipices. Parts of its boundaries are the Hudson River on the northeast, the Delaware and Mongaup Rivers on the west, and the Shawangunk Kill on the northwest. Near the center the Wallkill winds along its rich valley into Ulster County, and thence into the Hudson. Its principal tributary on the northwest is Rutgers Creek—which also has several tributaries—and others are Monhagen Creek, Mechanicstown Creek and Shawangunk Kill. On the southwest it gathers in the waters of Warwick Creek—which is swollen by smaller streams in its course—and also Quaker, Rio Grande, and Tin Brook Creeks. The Otter Kill flows easterly from Chester into the Hudson. The Neversink flows from Sullivan County through the town of Deer Park, and becomes a tributary of the Hudson. The course of the Ramapo is southerly from Round Pond in Monroe to Rockland County, and it is fed by several other ponds. Other streams, large and small, are numerous.
The central portion of the county consists of rolling uplands broken by deep valleys. The most prominent of the mountain ranges are the Highlands along its eastern border. Their loftiest peak, Butter Hill, is 1,524 feet high, precipitous on the river side, and sloping on the north. Another name given to it is Storm King, because clouds occasionally gather there from different directions and concentrate in storms of rain and lightning. Cro'-nest {sic} adjoins it on the south, and is 1,418 feet above the Hudson. Bare Mountain is next, with a height of 1,350 feet. Mount Independence, with Fort Putnam on its summit, is the background of the West Point plateau. Other well known hills are in this broken range, where Arnold, the traitor, conferred with Andre, the spy, and is more intimately identified with the military history of the country than any other mountain region. It has been written of Butter Hill and Cro'-nest that "they have a charm which might induce a man to live in their shadow for no other purpose than to have them always before him, day and night, to study their ever-changing beauty."
The Shawangunk Mountains are a spur of the Alleghenies stretching northeast across the western angle of the county. They are less broken than the Highlands, and not so high as the Catskills, but of the same general formation. The western side is precipitous, but the eastern is sloping, and some of its lands are very fertile, producing sweet grasses from which much of the famous Orange County butter has been made. The peaks rise from 1,400 to 1,800 feet above tide water. This range was the original dividing line between the Wawayanda and Chesekook patents.
The Schunnemunk range is on the dividing line of the towns of Monroe and Blooming Grove and a part of that of Blooming Grove and Cornwall. An accepted descriptive phrase for the range is, "the high hills west of the Highlands." North of it, in New Windsor and Newburgh, is Muchattoes hill, west of it Woodcock hill, and southwest of the latter are Round, Mosquito, Rainer's and Peddler's hills; also Torn Rocks, which rise in two rocky peaks 200 feet high. To the southwest, in the town of Warwick, are the Bellvale Mountains, and south of these the Sterling Mountains. Several other mountainous elevations in Warwick and Woodbury punctuate this part of the county and also the border country on the west. The feet of Pochuck Mountain are in the Drowned Lands, and northerly in Warwick are Mounts Adam and Eve, with Adam looking down from his superior height upon the longer Eve. Easterly, in Chester, is Sugar Loaf Mountain, and west of this is Mount Lookout, the principal elevation of Goshen. With the further mention of Mount William and Point Peter, looking down upon Port Jervis, let us clip the long list of Orange County elevations.
Valleys connect mountains and hills. That of the Delaware River, along the border of Deer Park, is narrow and irregular, being much broken by tributaries and mountains. The most of the cultivated lands of Deer Park are along the Neversink valley. The valley of the Wallkill is wide, fertile and beautiful its bottom lands are among the best in the State, and its farmers are prosperous and thrifty. Wide flats, gradual slopes and steep declivities give variety of soil and scenery to the Otterkill valley, and much of its scenery is charming. The same may be said of its tributary, Cromeline Creek. Sugar Loaf valley extends from Sugar Loaf Mountain to the village of Warwick, taking in Wickham Pond in its course, and extending into New Jersey. Smith's Clove, extending from Highland Mills to the Ramapo valley, should be mentioned because it was the birthplace of Chief Justice William Smith, his brother, John Hett Smith, and the notorious Tories, Claudius Smith and his two sons.
One cannot travel far in Orange County in most directions without coming upon a lake or a pond, and there are dozens of them in the southeastern section. These feed its many streams, and when Eager wrote his history he said there was not one town in the county that had not water power to some extent. Beginning in the northern part of the Highlands in Cornwall the lake-and-pond system extends through the towns of Highland and Monroe to Greenwood Lake, thence west and north to Big Meadow Pond in the Highlands. Greenwood Lake, in Warwick, is the largest body of water in the county. It is about nine miles long and one wide, is partly in New Jersey, and is a feeder for the Morris Canal. Sutherland's Pond, half a mile long, southeast from Cro'-nest Mountain, has an outlet which runs into Murderer's Creek. Big Meadow Pond, in Highlands, covers about 300 acres, and its outlet pours over the rocks of Buttermilk Falls. The waters of Round Pond flow into Long Pond under a natural bridge about 80 feet wide, but the stream is lost sight of until it emerges on the other side. This is similar to the outlet of Washington Lake in New Windsor, which emerges at Trout-hole and there becomes a fall of forty feet. Sterling Lake, at the beginning of the Warwick series, covers about sixty acres, and in 1751 iron works were established at its outlet. Round Pond, in Wawayanda, is in shape what its name implies, has no visible outlet, its water is clear, pure and deep, and it is about a mile in circumference. Thompson's Pond, in the northwestern part of Warwick, covers about 100 acres, feeds Quaker's Creek, and this outlet furnishes power for mills. Orange Lake, in Newburgh, covers about 100 acres. But all the lakes and ponds of Orange are too many to be named. They are almost as interesting a feature of the county as its streams.
Orange County is richer in alluviums than any other in the State, as they cover about 40,000 acres. The "Drowned Lands," as they were formerly called, include about forty square miles, and are partly in New Jersey, but mostly in New York, extending in Orange from Cheeunk Outlet in Goshen through Wawayanda and Minisink to the New Jersey line, and covering about 17,000 acres. They contain a number of fertile islands, and thousands of acres of the waste lands have been recovered by means of an artificial outlet, which, at first a mere ditch, has been deepened and widened by the flowing water until the principal flow is through it. These recovered lands are rich and productive. They are belted by the Wallkill and three creeks, and the Wallkill's course through them is long because so crooked. The Gray Court meadows extend from near Craigville in Blooming Grove into the northern part of Chester, and embrace about 500 acres, which are nearly all under cultivation and very productive. They are drained by Cromeline Creek. The Black Meadows, in Chester and Warwick, are about 1,000 acres in extent, and Black Meadow Creek flows through them. Long Swamp, in Warwick, also contains about 1,000 acres, and is drained into New Jersey. Great Pine Swamp extends northward from Howells on the Erie railroad seven miles in the town of Wallkill, and embraces many oases and cultivated farms. There are several other scattered areas of swamp lands. In the marl and peat beds in several localities many bones of the extinct mastodon have been found, including two complete skeletons. One of the latter was taken from a bed near Coldenham in 1845, and weighed 1,995 pounds, and the other from a bed in the town of Mt. Hope, and weighed 1,700 pounds.
The topography of the county has been changed somewhat by its railroads, of which there are 250 miles, not including double trackage or trolley roads. The following places in towns extending across the county have each direct railroad communication north, east, south and west: Port Jervis, Middletown, Campbell Hall, Goshen, Chester and Newburgh. The wagon roads are numerous, generally good, and are charming arteries for carriages and automobiles.
The geology of Orange County is as varied as its topography. Along the eastern feet of the Shawangunk Mountains are Heidelberg limestones, gray and Medina sandstones, shales and grits, and the mountain rocks are mostly sandstones, shales and grits. The grits extend along the top of the range through the county and are from 60 to 150 feet thick. Heidelberg limestone extends from the Mamakating valley to the Delaware River. Grit and red rocks are on the west side of Greenwood Lake, and grit of various colors extends from Round Hill to Woodcock Mountain, and is also found in the southwest base of the Schunnemunk range and in Pine Hill. Grawacke is the rock on the southeast side of the Bellvale range in Warwick, and is found in the town of Blooming Grove in the Schunnemunk range. The Hudson River group occupies a large part of the surface of the county, and consists of slates, shales, grits, limestones, breccias and conglomerates. It extends from the Hudson River through Warwick to the Jersey line, and from the Hudson at Cornwall Landing to four miles above Newburgh. It is stratified with grawacke and grawacke slate. It forms the surface rock of the most of Goshen and Blooming Grove, and parts of Cornwall, New Windsor, Newburgh, Montgomery, Hamptonburgh, Crawford, Wallkill, Mt. Hope and Minisink. Dark Utica slate is found on the banks of the Hudson near Newburgh. Trenton limestone appears in Hamptonburgh near Mount Lookout, and this mountain is composed of Black River limestone, which is also found on Big Island in the Drowned Lands and in Minisink. There is a bed of blue limestone about a mile wide extending from the Hudson at Hampton southeasterly through Newburgh into New Windsor. It is also found in the towns of Cornwall, Blooming Grove, Warwick, Monroe and Goshen. Oolitic limestone is on Big Island, near New Milford, and on Pochunck Neck.
Slate rocks of the Taconic system are above Newburgh, and its limestone between the Highlands and Grove Pond Mountain. Its white limestone appears in Warwick, where it is in narrow ridges separated by other rocks. It is also found along the shore of the Drowned Lands at Amity, and near Fort Montgomery in the Highlands, from which it may be traced by way of Little Pond across the Ramapo. In some localities it is so white as to be translucent. Many different minerals are found in it.
The primary rocks of the county consist of gneiss, hornblende, granite, sienite, limestone, serpentine, angite and trappeau. They extend over parts of several towns, and several mountains and hills are composed of them. Granite is found at the foot of Butter Hill, sienite at Butter Hill and on the east side of Bare Mountain at West Point, gneiss along the Highlands, mica and slate north of Fort Montgomery, angite rock between West Point and Round Pond and at several points in Monroe, greenstone trap at Tuxedo Pond, granular limestone at Cro'-nest and Butter Hill. Quartz rock and hornblende are all along the Highlands and in Monroe and Warwick. Crystalline serpentine is in the white limestone in Warwick, serpolite at Amity, yellow garnet at Edenville, soapstone in Monroe. Large sheets of mica are found southwest of the Forshee iron mine in Monroe, and in this mine, which embraces an entire hill, are red garnet, brown tremoline, carbonate of copper, serpentine, cocolite and umber. In the O'Neil mine, half a mile northeast of the Forshee mine, are crystallized magnetic ore, magnetic and copper pyrites, carbonate of copper, serpentine, amianthus, asbestos, brown and rhombic spars, angite, cocolite, feldspar and mica.
There are beds of arsenical and titanium ores in Warwick and a bed of hemolite ore near Canterbury village. Magnetic oxide of iron abounds in the primitive rocks of the Highlands, and at West Point is associated with hornblende. Beds of lead have been opened at Edenville and in the towns of Mt. Hope and Deer Park, and zinc and copper ores have been found in small quantities. The Sterling iron bed in Monroe, which was opened in 1781, extends over about thirty acres, and has produced so strong an ore that it has been much used in the manufacture of cannon. There are a number of other iron mines. Searches for the traditional silver, gold, lead and tin mines have been without satisfactory results.
Many evidences of glacial action in Orange County include masses of boulders scattered in places throughout the county. These are mostly of granite and gneiss, and there is occasionally one of grawacke. The eastern slope of the Shawangunk Mountains gives evidence of the passage there of an enormous glacier, which ground the rocks into the rich soil that has been cultivated there for 200 years. Some of the county's drift deposits are valuable for casting, brick and pottery making, lithographic stones and glass.
The soil of the semicircular plateau from the Highlands of the Hudson to the Dans Kamer is mostly a mixture of gravel, sand and clay, which form a warm and fertile loam. That of the wide Wallkill valley is alluvium mixed with clay, sand and gravel and is easily worked and richly productive. So is the soil brought down from the hills in the town of Deer Park. The lands on the islands of the Drowned Lands are among the richest in the county. The alluvium of the Otterkill is a sandy and gravelly loam. In other sections of the county there is an alternating variety of soils, rich, medium and poor.
Until after the conquest of New York by the English in 1664 Holland methods of government, with a local government for each town, prevailed. The next year the English introduced courts and sheriffs. In 1682 Thomas Dongan was appointed governor, with directions to organize a council of not more than ten "eminent inhabitants," and issue writs for the election by freeholders of a general assembly, the members of which should consult with the governor and his council as to what laws were necessary for the good government of the province. The first meeting of the first general assembly was in New York in 1683, and it passed fourteen acts, which were assented to by the governor and his council. One of them established twelve counties, as follows: New York, Kings, Queens, Suffolk, Richmond, Westchester, Albany, Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Duke's and Cornwall.
Except Orange, to be in the care of New York, and Ulster, to be in the care of Dutchess, the counties were to be entitled to representation in future general assemblies. Another act established town courts to be held for the trial of minor cases each month; county courts and courts of sessions, to be held quarterly or half-yearly; a general court of oyer and terminer, with original and appellate power, to be held twice a year in each county; and a court of chancery, or supreme court, composed of the governor and his council, for which the governor was empowered to deputize a chancellor to act in his place.
This was the system of administering justice eight years. Then, in 1691, Courts of Justices of Peace were organized in each town, and Courts of Common Pleas for each county. In 1701 an act was passed requiring justices of the peace in each county to meet once a year at a Court of Sessions, to examine and allow necessary charges against the county and its towns.
There were supervisors, assessors and collectors in each town from the first, and in 1691 the freeholders of each town were empowered to choose three surveyors to lay out and look after highways and fences, and also to ordain laws and rules for the improvement of village, pasturage and other lands.
Such were the laws which directed the early administration of government in Orange County.
For many years previous to 1701 Orange County shared in serious corruptions and frauds which were prevalent in the province. The Assembly which convened in 1698 was so turbulent and brought so much confusion into its councils that Governor Bellomont, who succeeded Governor Fletcher that year, dissolved it and ordered a new election, taking care that the untrustworthy sheriffs of his predecessor were retired from the management. Protests were made to the King, but without avail. The Governor had been clothed with power to correct abuses, to veto any law, and "to adjourn, prorogue and dissolve the Assembly." The new Assembly, which consisted of seven Englishmen and fourteen Dutchmen, instituted some important reforms. It nullified grants to large tracts of lands, regulated election methods, and provided punishments for frauds. Unfortunately Governor Bellomont died in 1701, before some of his plans could be carried into effect, and Lord Cornbury was appointed as his successor, and acquired the distinction of being "the worst of all the Governors under the English crown." He was notoriously ill-mannered, dishonest, rapacious, and openly vicious. The Assembly refused grants of money which he asked for, and asserted the rights of the people, declaring that they could not "be justly divested of their property without their consent." Thus began in New York the preliminary struggle which brought on the Revolution, ending in the establishment of the Republic, in which the representatives of Orange earnestly assisted.
The first sessions of the Court of Common Pleas and of justices of the peace as a Board of Supervisors were held in Orangetown in April, 1703. The court justices were William Merritt and John Merritt. The supervisors were William and John Merritt, Cornelius Cypher, Tunis Van Ronton, Thomas Burroughs and Michael Hawdon. The sheriff was John Perry, the clerk was William Haddleston, and the constable was Conradt Hanson. Orange and Ulster County people were then required to do their surrogate business in New York. This was continued until 1751, when the Court of Common Pleas of the county was empowered to take proof of wills and grant letters of administration. The Court of Common Pleas was an institution of the county until 1847, when the County Court was substituted. The Supreme Court began holding sessions in Orange in 1704, and was succeeded by Circuit Courts established under the Constitution of 1821, as these were by the judicial system of 1846, consisting of a Supreme Court, Circuit Court, and Court of Oyer and Terminer. Surrogate's Courts were not established until 1854. In 1727 the original county was divided into two court districts, and the sessions were held alternately in Orangetown and Goshen, the former being the shire town. Not until 1798 was Goshen made the shire town, when the sessions alternated between Goshen and Newburgh, an arrangement which still continues.
The first public buildings for the original county were constructed at Orangetown in 1703. In 1740 a building of wood and stone for court house and jail was erected in Goshen, at a cost of 100 pounds, and was torn down about 1776. a new stone court-house having been erected in 1773 to take its place, at a cost of 1,400 pounds. The old Orange court-house had been replaced by a new structure in 1704, and some years afterward was destroyed by fire. The Goshen building came into the present county when it was reorganized under the Act of 1775. It was two stories high, with a court-room on the second floor, and on the first a sheriff's office and dwelling, and a dungeon for prisoners. During the Revolution Tories and war prisoners were confined in it, one of them being John Hett Smith, arrested for complicity in Arnold's treason, and who managed to escape. A third story was added to this building about 1800, and on the new floor were a main jail room, a dungeon with one grated window which could be completely darkened, and three other rooms for the county clerk, surrogate and jailer respectively. Above were a cupola and bell. Court-houses were erected in Goshen and Newburgh in 1842, by authority of an act of the Legislature, the Newburgh building at a cost of $17,000 and the Goshen building at a cost of $13,000. The latter structure has been completely remodeled lately, and is now a fine, up-to-date building. The county clerk's office in Goshen—a one-story brick building—was constructed in 1851. and the building there for the surrogate and supervisors in 1874, at a cost of $7,400.
The county house for the poor, four miles south of Goshen, was built in 1830 at a cost of $11,000 for the building and $1,000 for 128 acres of land. The building has since been improved and is now 50 by 100 feet and 3-1/2 stories high. In 1848 a building for the insane was added, which is 30 by 50 feet, and in 1865 a separate building for colored people was erected. In 1875 another building for the chronic insane was erected, the cost of which was $20,000, and its dimensions 80 by 40 feet and 4-1/2 stories high. The farm has been increased to 263 acres, 200 of which are tillable, and has been provided with the requisite outbuildings.
In the section of Orange County taken from Ulster the first two companies of militia were organized before 1738. The regiment to which they were attached consisted of nine companies, located as follows: Kingston 3, Marbletown 1, Wallkill 1, Hurley 1, Rochester 1, New Paltz 1, Highlands 1.
The regimental officers were: Colonel, A. Gaasbeck Chambers; lieutenant-colonel, Wessel Ten Broeck; major, Coenradt F. Elmendorf; quartermaster, Cornelius Elmendorf.
The following lists give the names of the officers and privates in the territory which is now a part of Orange County:
Foot Company of the Highlands.
Officers: Captain, Thomas Ellison; ensign, John Young; sergeants, David Davids, Moses Gariston, P. McCloghery; corporals, Jacobus Bruyn, James Stringham; Jonah Hazard; clerk, Charles Clinton.
The names of the privates were as follows:
| John Umphrey | Jolin Markham |
| Alexander Falls | John Read |
| David Bedford | Joseph McMikhill |
| Wm. Coleman | David Umphrey |
| Joseph Sweezer | James Gamble |
| Thomas Coleman | John Gamble |
| John McVey | Cornelius McClean |
| John Jones | John Umphrey, Jr. |
| Patrick Broderick | James Umphrey |
| Joseph Shaw | Peter Mulinder |
| Caleb Curtis | Robert Burnet |
| William Sutton | Archibald Beaty |
| Jeremiah Foster | Daniel Coleman |
| Charles Beaty | David Oliver |
| Amos Foster | Arthur Beaty |
| Alexander Foster | Matthew Davis |
| James Young | John Nicoll, Jr. |
| James Nealy | Alexander McKey |
| Robert Feef | Robert Sparks |
| Joseph Butterton | Juriah Quick |
| Samuel Luckey | Jacob Gillis |
| Joseph Simson | Thomas Johnston |
| James Clark | Casparis Stymas |
| John Clark | John Monger |
| Lodewick Miller | James Luckey |
| Peter Miller | Thomas Williams |
| George Weygant | Johannes George |
| William Ward | Jeremiah Tompkins |
| William Ward, Jr. | Isaac Tompkins |
| John M. Kimberg | William Watts |
| William Smith, Jr. | Josiah Ellsworth |
| James Edmeston | James Ellsworth |
| Tobias Weygant | Anthony Preslaer |
| Jerry Manse | Jonathan Tomkins |
| Robert Banker | Moses Ellsworth |
| Thomas Fear | John Marie |
| Frederick Painter | Jonathan Owens |
| Thomas Quick | Andrew McDowell |
Total, 85.
Company of the Wallkill.
Officers: Captain, John Bayard; lieutenant, William Borland; ensign, William Kelso; sergeant, John Newkirk; corporal, John Miller.
The names of the privates were as follows:
| Lendert Cole | Stephanus Crist |
| Cornelius Cole | Jacob Bush |
| Barnat Cole | Benjamin Haines |
| John Robeson | John McNeill, Sr. |
| James Gillespie | Matthew Rhea |
| Thomas Gillespie | William Crawford |
| John Wilkins | Robert Hunter |
| William Wilkins | James Monell |
| Andrew Graham | George Monell |
| George Olloms | John Monell |
| John North | William Monell |
| John North, Jr. | Thomas Neils |
| Samuel North | Robert Neils |
| James Young | John Neils |
| Robert Young | Matthew Neils |
| Matthew Young | Nathaniel Colter |
| James McNeill | John Neily, Jr. |
| John McNeill | Joseph Buttletown |
| Andrew Borland | Thomas Coleman |
| John Borland | Joseph Shaw |
| John McNeill, Jr. | Patrick Broderick |
| James Crawford | William Soutter |
| John Crawford | John Butterfield |
| Alexander Milligan | John McVey |
| Nathaniel Hill | John Jones |
| Alexander Kidd | Joseph Knapp |
| Archibald Hunter | Isaiah Gale |
| James Hunter | Caleb Knapp |
| John Wharry | Robert McCord |
| John Mingus | William Faulkner |
| Isreal Rodgers | Samuel Smith |
| Jeremiah Rodgers | Joseph Theal |
| James Rodgers | James Crawford |
| James White | Joseph Sutter |
| John Manley | David Craig |
| Francis Falls | Edward Andrews |
| Cronamus Felter | Samuel Crawford |
| Richard Gatehouse | Andrew McDowell |
| John Boyle | Philip Millspaugh |
| Richard Boyle | Cronamas Mingus |
| Robert Hughey | Stuffel Mould |
| Robert Buchanan | Johannes Crane |
| James Eager | John Young |
| Thomas McCollum | Hendrick Newkirk |
| Sojonaro Her | Frederick Sinsabaugh |
| John Haven | Cornelius Wallace |
| McKim Clineman | Hendrick Crist |
| Jury Burger | Tunas Crist |
| Hugh Flanigan | Lawrence Crist |
| Benjamin Bennet | Mathias Millspaugh and son |
| Patrick McPeck | John Jamison |
| John Eldoris | John McDonald |
| Patrick Gillespie | James Davis |
| John Lowry |
Total, 114.
The following, found in the records of the original County of Orange, is entitled "A List of Officers Belonging to the Regiment of Foot Militia in the County of Orange, in the Province of New York," and is dated June 20, 1738:
Officers of Foot Militia.
Colonel, Vincent Mathews; lieutenant-colonel, Solomon Carpenter; major, George Remsen; adjutant, Michael Jackson; quartermaster, James Thompson.
First Company: Captain, Ram. Remsen; lieutenant, Cornelius Smith; ensign, Ebenezer Smith. Three sergeants, three corporals, one drummer, sixty-three private men. In all, 73.
Second Company: Captain, Samuel Odell; lieutenant, Henry Cuyper; ensign, Benjamin Allison. Three sergeants, three corporals, one drummer, fifty-eight private men. In all, 68.
Third Company: Captain, John Holly; lieutenant, Michael Dunning; ensign, Sol. Carpenter, Jr. Three sergeants, three corporals, one drummer, one hundred and eleven private men. In all, 121.
Fourth Company: Captain, Jacobus Swartwout; lieutenant, Johannes Westbrook; ensign, Johannes Westbrook, Jr. Three sergeants, three corporals, one drummer, fifty-five private men. In all, 65.
Fifth Company: Captain, Nathaniel Du Bois: lieutenant, David Southerland; ensign, Isaac Hennion. Three sergeants, three corporals, one drummer, sixty-three private men. In all, 73.
Sixth Company: Captain, Abraham Haring, Jr.; lieutenant, Garret Beanvelt; ensign, John Haring. Three sergeants, three corporals, one drummer, sixty-two private men. In all, 72.
Seventh Company: Captain, Jacob Vanderbilt; lieutenant, Andrew Onderdonk; ensign, Aaron Smith. Three sergeants, three corporals, one drummer, fifty private men. In all, 60.
Troop of Horse: Captain, Henry Youngs; lieutenant, William Mapes; cornet, Michael Jackson. Two sergeants, two corporals, one trumpeter, fifty-two private men. In all, 60.
Total officers and soldiers, 595; sub-officers, 56 foot.
In 1756 the Ulster regiment was divided into two regiments. Kingston was included in the northern one, and the southern was embraced in the precincts of Highlands, Wallkill and Shawangunk. These regiments took part in the French and Indian War.
In September, 1773, the officers of the Southern Regiment were: Colonel, Thomas Ellison; lieutenant-colonel, Charles Clinton; major, Cadwallader Colden, Jr.; adjutant, Johannes Jansen.
In 1775 the New York Provincial Congress passed a law for organizing militia which provided that counties, cities and precincts should be divided, so that a company might be formed in each district to consist of about 85 men, including officers, between the ages of 16 and 50 years; that these should be formed into regiments of from five to ten companies each; that the regiments should be classed in six brigades, under a brigadier-general and brigade major, and the entire force should be commanded by a major-general.
The Fourth Brigade when formed consisted of five Orange County regiments, the colonels of which were William Allison of Goshen, Jesse Woodhull of Cornwall, John Hathorn of Warwick, A. Hawkes Hay of Orangetown, and Abraham Lent of Haverstraw. The four Ulster County regiments were commanded by Johannes Hardenberg of Kingston, James Clinton of New Windsor, Lee Pawling of Marbletown, and Jonathan Hasbrouck of Newburgh.
Colonel Allison's regimental district consisted of Goshen and the western part of Orange County. Colonel Hathorn's of Warwick and the southern section, Colonel Woodhulls of Cornwall (then including Monroe and Blooming Grove), Colonel Hasbrouck's of Newburgh, Marlborough and Shawangunk, and Colonel Clinton's of Windsor, Montgomery, Crawford and Wallkill. The other four regiments belonged to territory now outside of the county.
Colonel Allison's Regiment.
William Allison, colonel; Benjamin Tusten, lieutenant-colonel.
Goshen Company, 1775: George Thompson, captain; Joseph Wood and Coe Gale, lieutenants; Daniel Everett, Jr., ensign. In 1776 Lieutenant Coe and Ensign Everett were transferred to a minute company, and in their places William Thompson was appointed second lieutenant and Phineas Case, ensign.
Wawayanda Company, 1775: William Blair, captain; Thomas Wisner and Thomas Sayne, Jr., lieutenants; Richard Johnson, ensign.
Drowned Lands Company, 1775: Samuel Jones, Jr., captain; Peter Gale and Jacob Dunning, lieutenants; Samuel Webb, ensign.
Chester Company, 1775: John Jackson, captain; John Wood and James Miller, lieutenants; James Parshal, ensign.
Pochuck Company, 1775: Ebenezer Owen, captain; Increase Holly and John Bronson, lieutenants; David Rogers, ensign. In 1776: Increase Holly, captain; David Rogers and James Wright, lieutenants; Charles Knapp, ensign.
Wallkill Company, 1775: Gilbert Bradner, captain; Joshua Davis and James Dolson, lieutenants; Daniel Finch, ensign.
Minisink Company, 1775: Moses Kortright, captain: Jolin Van Tile and Johannes Decker, lieutenants; Ephraim Medaugh, ensign. In 1777 Martinus Decker became second lieutenant vice Johannes Decker.
Colonel Hathorn's Regiment.
John Hathorn, colonel.
Warwick Company, 1775: Charles Beardsley, captain; Richard Welling and Samuel Lobdell, lieutenants; John Price, ensign. In 1776 John Minthorn became captain in place of Beardsley, deceased; Nathaniel Ketcham and George Vance, lieutenants; John Benedict, ensign.
Pond Company, 1775: Henry Wisner, Jr., captain; Abraham Dolson, Jr., and Peter Bartholf, lieutenants; Matthew Dolson, ensign. In 1776: Abraham Dolson, Jr., captain; Peter Bartholf and John Hopper, lieutenants; Mathias Dolson, ensign. In 1777: Peter Bartholf, captain; John De Bow and Anthony Finn, lieutenants; Joseph Jewell, ensign.
Sterling Company, 1776: John Norman, captain; Solomon Finch and William Fitzgerald, lieutenants; Elisha Bennett, ensign. In 1777: Henry Townsend, captain; William Fitzgerald and Elisha Bennett, lieutenants; Joseph Conkling, ensign.
Florida Company, 1775: Nathaniel Elmer, captain; John Popino, Jr., and John Sayre, lieutenants; Richard Bailey, ensign. In 1776: John Kennedy, lieutenant, vice Popino. In 1777: John Sayre, captain; John Kennedy and Richard Bailey, lieutenants; John Wood, ensign.
Wantage Company, 1775: Daniel Rosekrans, captain; Janus Clark and Jacob Gale, lieutenants; Samuel Cole, ensign.
Colonel Wooodhull's Regiment.
Jesse Woodhull, colonel; Elihu Marvin, lieutenant-colonel; Nathaniel Strong and Zachariah Du Bois, majors: William Moffat, adjutant; Nathaniel Satterly, quartermaster.
Oxford Company, 1775: Archibald Little, captain; Birdseye Youngs and Thomas Horton, lieutenants; Nathan Marvin, ensign. In 1777: Thomas Horton, captain; Josiah Seeley, first lieutenant; Nathan Marvin, second lieutenant; Barnabas Horton, Jr., ensign.
Clove Company, 1775: Jonathan Tuthill, captain; John Brewster, Jr., and Samuel Strong, lieutenants; Francis Brewster, ensign.
Bethlehem Company, 1775: Christopher Van Duzer, captain; William Roe and Obadiah Smith, lieutenants; Isaac Tobias, ensign. In 1776: Gilbert Weeks, ensign.
Upper Clove Company, 1775: Garrett Miller, captain; Asa Buck and William Horton, lieutenants; Aaron Miller, ensign.
Woodbury Clove Company, 1775: Francis Smith, captain; Thomas Smith and Alexander Galloway, lieutenants; John McManus, ensign. In 1776: John McManus, second lieutenant; Thomas Lammoreux, ensign.
Southwest Company, 1775: Stephen Slote, captain; George Galloway and John Brown, lieutenants; David Rogers, ensign.
Blooming Grove Company, 1775: Silas Pierson, captain; Joshua Brown and David Reeve, lieutenants; Phineas Heard, ensign.
Light Horse Company, 1776: Ebenezer Woodhull, captain; James Sayre, lieutenant; William Heard, cornet; Azariah Martin, second master.
Colonel Hasbrouck's Regiment.
Jonathan Hasbrouck, colonel; Johannes Hardenburgh, Jr., lieutenant-colonel; Johannes Jansen, Jr., and Lewis Du Bois, majors; Abraham Schoonmaker, adjutant; Isaac Belknap, quartermaster.
Clark's Newburgh Company, June 8, 1788: Samuel Clark, captain; James Denton and Martin Wygant, lieutenants; Munson Ward, ensign; William Albertson, Isaac Brown, Ebenezer Gidney and Hope Mills, sergeants; Hugh Stevenson, Isaac Demott, John Simson and William Palmer, corporals; Sol Buckingham, drummer.
Conklin's Newburgh Company, May 4, 1778: Jacob Conklin, captain; Jacob Lawrence and David Guion, lieutenants; John Crowell, ensign; Robert Erwin, Robert Ross, John Lawrence and Abraham Strickland, sergeants; Jacob Strickland, corporal; Abraham Smith, drummer.
Smith's Newburgh Company, April 24, 1779: Arthur Smith, captain; Isaac Fowler and John Foster, lieutenants; William Conklin, John Kniffin, James Clark and Reuben Holmes, sergeants; William Smith, William Michael and Samuel Griggs, corporals.
Colonel Clinton's Regiment.
James Clinton, colonel; James McClaughry, lieutenant-colonel; Jacob Newkirk and Moses Phillips, majors; George Denniston, adjutant; Alexander Trimble, quartermaster.
Eastern New Windsor Company, 1775: John Belknap, captain; Silas Wood and Edward Falls, lieutenants; James Stickney, ensign.
Western New Windsor Company, 1776: James Humphrey, captain; James Karnaghan, second lieutenant; Richard Wood, ensign.
New Windsor Village Company, 1775: John Nicoll, captain; Francis Mandeville and Hezekiah White, lieutenants; Leonard D. Nicoll, ensign.
First Hanover Company, 1775: Matthew Felter, captain; Henry Smith and Johannes Newkirk, Jr., lieutenants; William Crist, ensign.
Second Hanover Company, 1775: William Jackson, captain; Arthur Parks and James McBride, lieutenants; Andrew Neeley, ensign.
Third Hanover Company, 1775: Cadwallader C. Colden, captain; James Milligan and John Hunter, lieutenants; Matthew Hunter, ensign.
Fourth Hanover Company, 1775: John J. Graham, captain; Samuel Barkley and Joseph Crawford, lieutenants; James McCurdy, ensign.
Fifth Hanover Company, 1775: John Gillespie, captain; Jason Wilkins and Robert Hunter, Jr., lieutenants; Samuel Gillespie, ensign.
First Wallkill Company, 1775: Samuel Watkins, captain; David Crawford and Stephen Harlow, lieutenants; Henry Smith, ensign.
Second Wallkill Company, 1775: William Faulkner, Jr., captain; Edward McNeal and John Wilkins, lieutenants; John Faulkner, ensign.
Third Wallkill Company, 1775: Isaiah Velie, captain; Israel Wickham and John Dunning, lieutenants; Jonathan Owen, ensign.
Fourth Wallkill Company, 1775: William Denniston, captain; Benjamin Velie and Joseph Gillet, lieutenants; David Corwin, Jr., ensign.
Of the Hanover companies the First had been known as Captain Newkirk's Company, the Second as Captain Goldsmith's, the Third as Captain Colden's, the Fourth as Captain Crage's, and the Fifth as Captain Galatian's.
Of Wallkill companies the First was located on the east side of the Wallkill, the Second on the west side, between the Wallkill and Little Shawangunk Kill, the Third south of the Second, between the Wallkill and the Little Shawangunk, and the fourth northwest of Little Shawangunk Kill.
During the service of these organizations in the War of the Revolution there were many changes in the commands. They were home guards. In case of alarm, invasion or insurrection, the companies were instructed to march and oppose the enemy, and immediately send an express to the commander of the regiment or brigade, who was to control their movements.
Under a law passed by the Continental Congress in May, 1775, three companies of minute men were raised in the southern district of Ulster, with the following officers:
Newburgh Minute Company: Uriah Drake, captain; Jacob Lawrence and William Ervin, lieutenants; Thomas Dunn, ensign.
New Windsor Minute Company: Samuel Logan, captain; John Robinson, ensign; David Mandeville and John Scofield, sergeants.
Hanover Minute Company: Peter Hill, captain; James Latta and Nathaniel Hill, lieutenants; William Goodyear, ensign.
These companies and one organized in Marlborough formed a regiment which was officered as follows:
Thomas Palmer, colonel; Thomas Johnston, Jr., lieutenant-colonel; Arthur Parks, first major; Samuel Logan, second major; Isaac Belknap, quartermaster.
Another regiment was formed from two companies organized in Goshen and Cornwall, with the following officers:
Cornwall Minute Company: Thomas Moffat, captain; Seth Marvin and James Little, lieutenants; Nathan Strong, ensign, who was succeeded by William Bradley.
Goshen Minute Company: Moses Hetfield, captain; Cole Gale and Daniel Everett, lieutenants. Later James Butler and William Barker were chosen lieutenants and William Carpenter ensign.
The officers of the regiment were:
Isaac Nicoll, colonel; Gilbert Cooper, lieutenant-colonel; Henry V. Verbeyck, first major; Hezekiah Howell, Jr., second major; Ebenezer Woodhull, adjutant; Nehemiah Carpenter, quartermaster.
Both of these regiments of minute men were on duty in the Highlands in 1775-6; but the system did not work satisfactorily, and in June, 1776, Congress repealed the law.
Three drafts were made in 1776 to reinforce the army—in June, July and September. Under the first draft Orange County sent three companies and Ulster four to the vicinity of New York City, as a part of General John Morin Scott's Brigade. The second draft took one-fourth of the militia under Colonels Nicoll and Pauling, constituting a brigade under General George Clinton. By the third sixty-two men were drawn from Colonel Hasbrouck's Regiment, and were a part of 600 men which reinforced the garrisons at Forts Clinton and Montgomery.
In July, 1776, companies of rangers were organized for the protection of the frontiers, and three of them were raised in Ulster County, under Captains Isaac Belknap of Newburgh, Jacob De Witt of Deer Park, and Elias Hasbrouck of Kingston.
Of the four "Continental" Regiments organized in 1775 to serve six months, the one commanded by Colonel James Clinton was largely composed of Orange and Ulster County men. Orange furnished two companies—Captain Daniel Denton's of Goshen and Captain John Nicholson's of New Windsor. The four regiments were in the expedition to Canada in 1775.
Under a call by Congress of January 8, 1776, for troops to reinforce the army in Canada, New York furnished one battalion. A second call was made on January 19, under which New York was required to furnish four.
The French and Indian War was the result of rivalry between France and England for the possession of disputed territories in North America, and the Indians along the Delaware and other frontiers became allies of the French because they believed they had been cheated by the English and Dutch colonists, and were stimulated to hostility against them by French agents.
In 1754 England directed her colonies to oppose with arms the encroachments of the French, although the two nations were then at peace, and obedience to this command from the crown brought on the cruel war of 1755. In February of that year New York voted 40,000 pounds sterling to defray war expenses, and ordered a levy of 800 men to co-operate with troops of other colonies in the impending struggle. The law also declared that slaves were liable to military duty, and if over 14 years of age they were forbidden to be found more than a mile from their master's residence without his certificate of permission, and "if one of them were so found any white person might kill him without being liable to prosecution."
Along the Delaware River the Indians had been complaining that the whites appropriated lands which they had not bought, and by getting them drunk had defrauded them of the purchase money for their lands and their furs. These complaints led the Pennsylvania proprietaries to call a council, with the head chiefs of the Six Nations as arbitrators, and by bribing these chiefs with presents they obtained from them a decision which obliged the Delawares, then wards of the Senecas, to give up their lands and move to Wyoming. Soon whites followed them and bought in fraudulent ways their Wyoming lands. This angered the Senecas, and they drove away their chief who had aided the whites, and bade the Delawares defend their homes. The eastern and western chiefs met at Allegheny, rehearsed their grievances, and resolved on vengeance. The bloody scenes that followed have seldom been surpassed in barbarous cruelty and cunning, and the ravages of the Minsis were mostly confined to the western frontiers of Orange and Ulster Counties within the limits of the original Minisink patent.
The settlers of the Minisink observed that the Indians there, including squads who had been friendly, had suddenly disappeared, and the few that remained said they had gone west to join hostile tribes. Foreseeing trouble, some of the settlers sent their wives and children to places of comparative safety, and a well-settled region on the west side of the Wallkill, eight by fifteen miles in extent, was abandoned, some of the residents moving to the east side and others far away. Before they moved seven men and one woman had been killed by the Indians. In 1756, pending negotiations for peace, four men and two women were killed in the Minisink. Three of the men went into the harvest field with their guns and laid them down, when concealed Indians seized them, shot the men dead and scalped them. At Fort Westfall, which the Indians tried to capture by surprise, there was a fight in which several Indians and seven soldiers were killed. A large party of Indians attacked the upper fort at Neversink, which was well garrisoned, but the fort took fire from a burning barn near it, and its inmates had to leave. Only one of them escaped the Indian bullets and tomahawks, and among the killed was the wife of the captain, who was absent. Only a colored woman, hidden from view by the smoke, escaped. The captain returned a day or two afterwards, and took an oath of vengeance by the grave of his wife. A man named Owen was killed by strolling Indians in Asa Dolsen's meadow in the northwestern part of present Wawayanda, and Dolsen immediately moved to Goshen. David Cooley lived near him, and his wife was shot dead as she was walking from her house to an outdoor oven. In 1758, on the New Jersey frontier, one day, when Nicholas Cole was absent from home, thirteen Indians rushed in, tomahawked and scalped his two daughters and a son-in-law, and carried off his wife and a young son. When Cole returned the Indians were followed and frightened, and allowed the wife and boy to escape. In June of the same year a sergeant and several men went from Wawarsing block-house to Minisink, and not returning, a large party went in search of them and found seven killed and scalped, and three wounded, and that a woman and four children had been carried off. About this time a house containing seventeen persons was beset by Indians and all of them were killed. They carried off a little son of Mr. Westfall in Minisink, and he never saw his father again, but when the latter died, he came back with an interpreter after his inheritance. The persuasions and pecuniary offers of his mother could not induce him to abandon his life in the wilderness.
It was in 1758 that Governor Hardy caused a series of block-houses to be erected along the western frontier, which were a protection for the whites and a restraint to the Indians. In the latter part of that year negotiations with the head chief of the Delawares, Teedyusking, stopped hostilities for a time. The Minsis were paid for their lands in the Minisink, and the titles of the proprietaries were referred to the Government for adjustment. But subsequently "the Indian allies of the French" held the frontier in terror until after the fall of Montreal and Quebec, when all of French Canada was transferred to British authority.
In an address before the Newburgh Historical Society in 1885, E. M. Ruttenber said:
"In common with its associate regiments in Orange and Ulster, Colonel Ellison's Regiment had no little service in the French and Indian War of 1756, on the western frontier of the county, where the Minsis were scattering firebrands and death in their rebellion against the domination of the Six Nations, and for the recovery of the lands in the Minisink patent, of which they had been defrauded, and in 1757 marched to Fort Edward to aid Sir William Johnston. How great was the service performed or by whom personally we may never know. The depredations of the Minsis were terrible; the settlements west of the Wallkill were perpetually harassed, and many of them broken up; men were killed in the fields and in their houses; women and children became the victims of the scalping knife."
Colonel Ellison wrote in 1757:
"It is but too well known by the late numerous murders committed on our borders that the County of Ulster and the north end of Orange have become the only frontier part of the province left unguarded and exposed to the cruel incursions of the Indian enemy, and the inhabitants of these parts have been obliged to perform very hard military duty for these two years past, in ranging the woods and guarding the frontiers, these two counties keeping out almost constantly from fifty to one hundred men—sometimes by false detachments of the militia, and at other times by voluntary subscriptions—nay, often two hundred men, which has been an insupportable burden on the people, and yet all the militia of these parts are ordered to march to Fort Edward, while the officers had no orders to guard the frontier."
Mention may be made here of a famous character of the Minisink. whose unequaled career of revenge against Indians began during the French and Indian War. His name was Thomas Quick. His father was kind and hospitable to the Indians, and was shot dead while at work in his field by some of them whom he had entertained. Thomas, who was near him, and was then almost a youth, managed to escape. Over his father's grave he took an oath to avenge his death, and afterward to kill Indians became the passion of his life. It was said that he shot eighty-seven of them, the last one being the chief murderer of his father. He went by the name of "the Indian slayer." He was marvelously alert and cunning, escaped all of the many efforts of Indians to kill him, and finally died of old age. A monument has been erected to his memory in Milford, Pa.
The most interesting period of our national history was its beginnings in protests against oppressive demands and acts by the mother country, followed by a revolutionary resort to arms, and in these beginnings Orange County took a conspicuous part.
The non-importation resolutions adopted by the Continental Congress in 1774 drew the line of issue between Great Britain and her North American colonies, which started the war for independence. Perhaps their most significant feature was a call for the organization of committees of safety in every city, county, precinct and town. In the original County of Orange the people had held a convention in Goshen, which sent a delegate, Henry Wisner, to Congress, who voted for and signed the non-importation resolutions; and in the towns of Newburgh, New Windsor, Hanover, Wallkill and Goshen an opposition pamphlet which had been scattered broadcast was publicly burned and the desired committees of safety promptly selected. On April 29, 1774, the committee in New York drew up a pledge and sent it to all the counties and towns for signatures. The pledge was as follows:
"Persuaded that the salvation of the rights and liberties of America depend, under God, on the firm union of its inhabitants in a vigorous prosecution of the measures necessary for its safety; and convinced of the necessity of preventing anarchy and confusion which attend the dissolution of the powers of government, we, the freemen, freeholders and inhabitants of ____ do, in the most solemn manner, resolve never to become slaves; and do associate, under all the ties of religion, honor, and love of our country, to adopt and endeavor to carry into execution whatever measures are recommended by the Continental Congress, or resolved upon by our Provincial Convention, for the purpose of preserving our Constitution, and opposing the execution of the several arbitrary acts of the British Parliament, until a reconciliation between Great Britain and America, on constitutional principles (which we most ardently desire) can be obtained; and that we will in all things follow the advice of our General Committee respecting the purposes aforesaid, the preservation of peace and good order, and the safety of individuals and property."
When the signed pledges were returned to the Provincial Convention in New York it invested the committees of safety with power to appoint assessors and collectors, and these, with the committees, were directed to assess, raise and collect the quotas required for the support of the home government, and empowered to enforce collection from defaulters by "distress upon their goods and chattels." They might also arrest persons inimical to the measures which had been or might be taken. These powers were afterward enlarged by Congress, and the committees empowered to suppress the enemies of the revolutionary government. Legislative duties devolved upon the Provincial Convention until 1777, when the first Constitution of New York was adopted, and meanwhile the committees of safety attended to the execution of its laws. Methods differed somewhat in different counties. In Orange the precincts chose committees, and these constituted the county committee. A signature to the pledge formulated by Congress was regarded as evidence of loyalty to the revolutionary cause.
In the precinct lists of the Orange County signers of the pledge the signatures in Goshen embraced the present towns of Goshen, Chester, Warwick, Wawayanda, Greenville, and a part of Blooming Grove; in Mamakating those of Mt. Hope and Deer Park; Cornwall and Highlands were included in Cornwall; in Monroe parts of Blooming Grove and the present county of Rockland; in Newburgh, New Windsor and Wallkill with Newburgh. The signatures by precincts were as follows:
Precinct of Newburgh.
| Col. Jona. Hasbrouck. | Henry Cropsey. |
| Thomas Palmer. | Wm. Harding. |
| Isaac Belknap. | Joseph Belknap. |
| William Darling. | John Stratton. |
| Wolvert Acker. | Lewis Holt. |
| John Belknap. | Samuel Hallock. |
| John Robinson. | Samuel Sprague. |
| Saml. Clark. | Burroughs Holmes. |
| Benj Birdsall. | Samuel Bond. |
| Benjamin Smith. | Thomas Campbell. |
| James Waugh. | James Cosman. |
| Abel Belknap. | Lewis Clark. |
| Moses Higby, M.D. | Jonathan Sweet |
| Reuben Tooker. | John Griggs. |
| David Belknap. | Saml. Smith. |
| Daniel Birdsall. | Jeremiah Ward. |
| Robert Lockwood. | Wm. Ward. |
| Benj. Knap. | Wm. Russel. |
| Saml. Westlake. | John Tremper. |
| Josiah Ward. | Charles Willett. |
| Silas Gardner. | Jeremiah Dunn. |
| Jacob Gillis. | Wm. Lawrence. |
| Wm. Kencaden. | Robert Waugh. |
| James Denton. | Wiggins Conklin. |
| John Foster. | Robert Beatty, Jr. |
| Hope Mills. | Abr'm Johnston. |
| John Cosman. | Silas Sperry. |
| Wm. Wear. | James Clark. |
| Thomas Fish. | David Mills. |
| Wm. Lawrence. Jr. | Caleb Cofifin. |
| John Kernoghan. | James Harris. |
| Robert Harmer. | Theo. Hagaman. |
| Robert Ross. | Wm. Dunn. |
| John Crowell. | Nehemiah Carpenter. |
| Obadiah Weeks. | Leonard Smith. |
| Francis Harmer. | Wm. Day. |
| William Bloomer. | John Wandel. |
| Abraham Garrison. | Abel Thrall. |
| James Marston. | Phineas Corwin. |
| Samuel Gardiner. | Moses Hunt. |
| Anning Smith. | Samuel Sands. |
| Richard Albertson. | Jacob Concklin. |
| Martin Weigand. | Joseph Price. |
| Wm. Foster. | John Saunders. |
| Wm. Wilson. | Benj. Lawrence. |
| Wm. Stillwell, Jr. | Richard Buckingham. |
| Peter Donally. | Jacob Morewise. |
| Charles Tooker. | Nicholas Stephens. |
| Leonard Smith, Jr. | Johannis Snider. |
| Henry Smith. | Benjamin Robinson. |
| James Wooden. | Andrew Sprague. |
| Thomas Smith. | Thomas Beaty. |
| Caleb Case. | Solo. Buckingham. |
| David Green. | Wm. Bowdish. |
| John Stillwell. | Jona. Belknap. |
| Luff Smith. | Jacob Tremper. |
| John Gates. | Abraham Smith. |
| Benj. Darby. | Cornelius Wood. |
| Israel Smith. | John Lawrence. |
| Thads. Smith. | George Hack. |
| Jacob Myers. | John Shaw. |
| Saml. Concklin. | Corns. Hasbrouck. |
| Isaac Brown, M.D. | Isaac Demott. |
| Peter Tilton. | David Smith. |
| John Douaghy. | John Stratton. |
| Ste. Stephenson. | Absalom Case. |
| Joseph Dunn. | John Weed. |
| Daniel Morewise. | Daniel Duboise. |
| Jonathan Owen. | Arthur Smith. |
| Jehiel Clark. | Isaac Fowler. |
| Reuben Holms. | Stephen Outman. |
| Nathaniel Coleman. | Saml. Stratton. |
| George Leonard. | Joseph Carpenter. |
| Elnathan Foster. | Daniel Thurstin. |
| Neal McLean. | John Fowler. |
| Wm. Palmer. | Daniel Clark. |
| George Westlake. | Isaac Donaldson. |
| Burger Weigand. | Wm. Concklin. |
| Tunis Keiter. | Charles Tooker. |
| Hugh Quigly. | John Smith. |
| Daniel Darby. | Isaac Fowler, Jr. |
| Isaac Brown, Jr. | William Wright. |
| Hezekiah Wyatt. | Wm. White. |
| Wm. Whitehead. | Daniel Kniffen. |
| Daniel Goldsmith. | Rob. Morrison. M.D. |
| Gabriel Travis. | John Dolson. |
| Nathaniel Weed. | Leonard Smith. |
Precinct of New Windsor.
| James Clinton. | William Robinson. |
| John Nicholson. | Arthur Carscadden. |
| James McClaughny. | Edward Ryal. |
| Matthew Du Bois. | Henry McNeeley. |
| Robert Cook. | William Nicols. |
| John Umphrey. | Roliert Boyd, Jr. |
| James Umphrey. | Nathan Smith. |
| George Umphrey. | Samuel Logan. |
| Oliver Umphrey. | James Denniston. |
| James McDowell. | Jacob Mills. |
| Alexander Telford. | Thomas Cook. |
| Robert Smith. | Daniel Clemenee. |
| Jonah Park. | Robert Couhan. |
| Scudder Newman. | John Waugh. |
| James Humphrey 2d. | William Gage. |
| John Davis. | Alexander Kernahan. |
| John Coleman. | William Stimson. |
| Joseph Young. | Henry Roberson. |
| Andrew Robinson. | Benjamin Homan. |
| William Fulton. | William Miller. |
| James Taylor. | William Telford. |
| Hugh Polloy. | John Burnet. |
| Samuel Given. | Joseph Realty. |
| Robert Burnet, Jr. | John Smith. |
| Timothy Mills. | James M. Oliver. |
| William Buchanan. | William Miller 2d. |
| Matthew Bell. | Charles Byrn. |
| Robert Thompson. | Walter McMichael. |
| Charles Nicholson. | George Coleman. |
| James Gage. | Alexander Fulton. |
| James Dunlap. | James Faulknor. |
| Robert Stuert. | David Clark. |
| Samuel Wood. | Nathan Sargent. |
| Nathaniel Garrison. | Gilbert Peet. |
| Andrew Dickson. | James Docksey. |
| George Coleman 2d. | Solomon Smith. |
| Peter John. | Samuel Woodward. |
| Samuel Lamb. | Jonathan White. |
| William Crawford. | Alexander Beatty. |
| John W. Miklan. | Jonathan Parshall. |
| Francis Mains. | James Greer. |
| James Miller. | John Mills. |
| John Morrison. | Thomas Eliot. |
| Hugh Watterson. | Robert Campbell. |
| Caleb Dill. | Nathaniel Boyd. |
| John Dill. | Charles Kernaghan. |
| Edward Miller. | Eliphalet Leonard. |
| Robert Whigham. | William Nichols. |
| John Crudge. | Thomas McDowel. |
| Robert Boyd, Sr. | James Crawford. |
| Silas Wood. | Joseph Belknap. |
| Richard Wood. | John Nicoll. |
| John Johnston. | Samuel Brewster. |
| David Crawford. | Samuel Sly. |
| John Morrison 2d. | Matthew McDowel. |
| Henry McNeeley, Jr. | Daniel Mills. |
| Alexander Taylor. | John Close (Rev.) |
| James Perry. | William Moffat. |
| Samuel Boyd. | William Beatty. |
| John Cunningham. | George Harris. |
| James Jackson, Jr. | Stephen King. |
| Isaac Stonehouse. | John Murphy. |
| John Hiffernan. | Benjamin Burnam. |
| James Smith. | Austin Beardsley. |
| William Park. | Thomas Swafford. |
| David Thompson. | Timothy White. |
| Nathaniel Liscomb. | Dennis Furshay. |
| William Mulliner. | George Mavings. |
| Isaac Belknap. | Samuel Brewster, Jr. |
| Nathaniel Boyd, 2d. | David Mandeville. |
| Edward Petty. | William Welling. |
| Robert Johnston. | Peter Welling. |
| Joseph Sweezey. | Hugh Turner. |
Precinct of Mamakating
| John Young. | Johan Stufflebane, Jr. |
| Capt. John Crage. | John Thompson. |
| Benj. Cuddeback, Jr. | Wm. Cuddeback. |
| T. K. Westbrook. | Elias Travis. |
| William Johnston. | Eli Strickland. |
| Johan. Stufflebane. | Capt. J. R. De Witt. |
| Abner Skinner. | John McKinstry. |
| Thomas Kytte. | Harm. Van Inwegen. |
| Joseph Drake. | Samuel Dupuy. |
| Isaac Van Twill. | Chas. Gillets. |
| Joseph Westbrook. | James McGivers. |
| Daniel Van Fleet, Jr. | Joseph Hubbard. |
| Jacob Van Inwegen. | G. Van Inwegen. |
| Corn. Van Inwegen. | Eliphalet Stevens. |
| Reuben Babbett. | Adam Rivenburgh. |
| Robert Milliken. | Stephen Larney. |
| John Williams. | Samuel King. |
| Wm. Smith. | Valentine Wheeler. |
| Jep. Fuller. | John Wallis. |
| Joseph Thomas. | Jacobus Swartwout. |
| Joseph Skinner. | Gerardus Swartwout. |
| John Travis. | Phil. Swartwout, Jr. |
| John Travis, Jr. | Jacobus Cuddeback. |
| Robert Comfort. | Petrus Cuddeback. |
| Eph. Furgison. | Rufus Stanton. |
| Moses Miller. | Asa Kimball. |
| Jno. Barber. | Zeb. Holcomb. |
| John Fry. | Samuel Daley. |
| George Gillespy. | Nathan Cook. |
| Henry Newkirk. | Henry Ellsworth. |
| Philip Swartwout, Esq. | John Seybolt. |
| Wm. Haxton. | David Wheeler. |
| Robert Cook. | Elisha Barber. |
| William Rose. | Jonathan Davis. |
| James Williams. | Gershom Simpson. |
| James Blizzard. | Jacob Stanton. |
| Thomas Combs. | John Gillaspy. |
| Ebenezer Halcomb. | Abraham Smedes. |
| Abr. Cuddeback. | Joseph Shaw. |
| Aldert Rosa. | Abraham Rosa. |
| David Gillaspv. | Jacob Rosa. |
| Abrm. Cuddeback, Jr. | Stephen Halcomb. |
| Fred. Benaer. | Moses Roberts. |
| Jonathan Brooks. | Daniel Roberts. |
| Ebenezer Parks. | Jeremiah Shaver. |
| Petrus Gumaer. | Joseph Ogden. |
| J. De Witt Gumaer. | Elias Miller. |
| Ezekiel Gumaer. | George I. Denniston. |
| Elias Gumaer. | Jonathan Strickland. |
| Moses Depuy, Jr. | Johannes Miller. |
| Jonathan Wheeler. | John Douglass. |
| Thomas Lake. | Joseph Randall. |
| Jacob Comfort. | Thos. Gillaspy. |
| Jonah Parks. | Daniel Walling, Jr. |
| Saml. Patterson. | Matthew Neely. |
| Joel Adams. | John Harding. |
| James Cunen. | Eph. Thomas. |
| Peter Simpson. | Abm. McQuin. |
| Benjamin Dupuy. | Joseph Arthur |
| Daniel Decker. | Nathaniel Travis. |
| John Brooks. | Ezekiel Travis. |
| David Daley. | Joseph Travis. |
| Daniel Walling, Jr. | Isaac Rosa. |
| Matthew Terwilliger. | Abr. Smith. |
| Johannes Wash. | Leonard Hefinessey. |
| Daniel Woodworth. |
Precinct of Goshen.
Minisink District.
| J. Westbrook, Jr. | Isaac Davis. |
| Benjamin Cox. | George Quick. |
| John Prys. | Jacobus Davis. |
| Levi Decker. | Jacobus Vanfliet. |
| Samuel Davis. | Levi Van Etten. |
| Reuben Jones. | Daniel Cole. |
| Petrus Cole. | Benjamin Corson. |
| A. Van Etten. | Joel Westbrook. |
| John Bennett. | A. C. Van Aken. |
| Petrus Cuykendal. | Johannes Decker, Jr. |
| Sylvester Cortright. | Jacob Quick. |
| Jacobus Schoonhoven. | Timothy Wood. |
| Jacobus Vanfliet, Jr. | Benjamin Wood. |
| Thomas Hart. | James Carpenter. |
| John Van Tuyle. | Esee Bronson. |
| S. Cuykendal, Jr. | Isaac Uptegrove. |
| Martinas Decker, Jr. | Solomon Cuykendal. |
| Wilhelmus Westfall. | Martimas Decker. |
| Moses Kortright. | Benjamin Boorman. |
| Jacob Harraken. | Nehemiah Pattison. |
| G. Bradcock. | Arthur Van Tuyle. |
| Nicholas Slyter. | Wilhelmus Cole. |
| Daniel St. John. | Petrus Decker. |
| Allbert Osterhoust. | Asi Astly. |
| Johannes Westbrook. | Daniel Kortright. |
| Simon Westfall. | Ephraim Middagh. |
Blooming Grove District
| Alexander Smith. | Increase Wyman. |
| Joseph Conkling. | Jonathan Smith. |
| Jonathan Horton. | John Barker. |
| John Case. | Moses Carpenter. |
| Phineas Ramsey. | Joshua Corey. |
| Benjamin Harlow. | John Corey. |
| William Hubbard. | John Pain. |
| Garrett Duryea. | Daniel Pain. |
| David Youngs. | William Warne. |
| James Miller. | Hezekiah Warne. |
| James Mapes. | Zeba Owen. |
| Joseph Drake. | Jonathan Jayne. |
| Samuel Haines Smith. | Caleb Coleman |
| David Rogers. | Daniel Tooker. |
| Henry Wisner. | Isaiah Smith. |
| Thomas Goldsmith. | William Best. |
| Jacobus Bartholt. | David Rumsey. |
| Guilian Bartholf. | John Meeker. |
| Abraham Dalsen, Jr. | Joseph Browne. |
| Isaac Dalsen, Jr. | David Horton. |
| Cornelius Decker. | Solomon Smith. |
| David Demarest. | John King. |
| John Denton. | Cuppe Brooks. |
| Corns. Van Orsdale. | Samuel Wickham. |
| Joseph Elliot. | Silas Horton. |
| John Elliot. | Charles Tooker. |
| Abraham Springsteen. | John Budd. |
| Capt. Nathaniel Roe. | William Horton. |
| Lieut. John Jackson. | Joshua Brown. |
| Joseph Dixon. | Joshua Brown, Jr. |
| David Godfrey. | James Markel. |
| Silas Pierson. | John Bull. |
| William Satterly. | Richard Bull. |
| Gideon Salmon. | Jeremiah Butler. |
| Phineas Salmon. | John Minthorn. |
| John Brown. | Abraham Chandler. |
| Silas Morton. | Jacobus Laine. |
| John Cravens. | Jacob Demarest. |
| Ezra Keeler. | Joseph Todd. |
| James Aspell. | John Bigger. |
| George Duryea. | Elijah Doan. |
| John Ketchum, Jr. | James Smith. |
| William Heard. | Zephaniah Hull. |
| Phineas Heard. | Joseph Case. |
| Joshua Reeve. | William Marshall. |
| Obadiah Helms. | Benjamin MacVea. |
| William Forbes. | Christopher Springsteen. |
| Coleman Curtis. | Hezeiah Watkins. |
| David Jones. | Daniel Reeve. |
| Francis Baird. | Samuel Bertholf. |
| Stephen Lewis. | Henry Roemer. |
| Nathaniel Minthorn. | Robert McCane. |
| Gamadid Tansdell. | Peter Gumaer |
| Andrew Christy. | Stephen Meeker. |
| Hendrick Bartholdt. | Joseph Smith. |
| Peter Bartholdt. | Thomas McCane. |
| Reuben Hall. | Samuel Smith. |
| Solomon Carpenter. | Jacob Dunning. |
| Martin Myer. | Joshua Davis. |
| Joshua Smith. | John Williams. |
| Ebenezer Beer. | Richard Jones. |
| Samuel Mofat. | Philip Borroughs. |
| Lieut. John Wood. | Thomas Engles. |
| Ensign Daniel Drake | Oliver Heady. |
| Richard Sheridan. | John Van Cleft, Jr. |
| Jonathan Owen. | David Cooley, Jr. |
| Joshua Wells. | Nicholas Van Tassel. |
| Jonah Seely. | Joshua Weeks. |
| Wright Smith. | Benjamin Currie. |
| Silas Stewart. | Samuel Jones. |
| Benjamin Carpenter. | Michael Carpenter. |
| Squire Whitaker. | Samuel Webb. |
| Silas Hulse. | John Owen. |
| Elisha Hulse. | Benjamin Dunning. |
| Benjamin Smith. | William Kimber. |
| Samuel Cooley. | Gilbert Bradner. |
| John Ferger. | Jacob Finch. |
| David Kendle. | Hidley Spencer. |
| Samuel Cole. | William Walworth. |
| Peter Miller. | Cornelius Bertholf, Jr. |
| Robert Thompson. | Stephen Bertholf. |
| Matthew Billing. | Joseph Allison. |
| James Little, Jr. | Michael Allison. |
| Benjamin Whitaker. | James Allison. |
| Henry David. | William Carpenter. |
| Samuel Demarest. | Casper Writer. |
| John Hopper. | Jonas Wood. |
| William Wisner. | David Linch. |
| Israel Wells. | John Boyle. |
| Daniel Carpenter. | Michael Coleman. |
| Samuel Carpenter. | Abraham Harding. |
| Peter Arnout. | Henry David, Jr. |
| James Bell. | Jonathan David. |
| Jeremiah S. Conkling. | James Thompson. |
| John Garvey. | Jonathan Cooley. |
| Benjamin Forgesson. | William Howard. |
| Elijah Truman. | James Dolsen. |
| David Moore. | Isaac Dolsen. |
| Nathaniel Tuthill. | Reuben Smith, Jr. |
| Joseph McCane. | Jacob Fegate. |
| Joel Cross. | Jeremiah Smith, Jr. |
| Caleb Goldsmith. | Amos Smith. |
| Henry Smith. | Matthias Carvey. |
| John Finch. | John Carvey. |
| Moses Smith. | Francis Alvanjoy. |
| Robert Thompson, Jr. | Solomon Tracey. |
| George Little. | Amos Hubbs. |
| James Knap. | Thomas Barer. |
| Jeremiah Smith, Sr. | William Morris. |
| Amos Woolcocks. | John Kennady. |
| Jeremiah Ferger. | Joseph Wilson. |
| Zephaniah Drake. | James Steward. |
| John Van Cleft. | Joseph Steward. |
| Israel Holley. | John Clar. |
| William Seely. | John Feigler. |
| Benjamin Demarest. | Richard Allison. |
| Peter Demarest. | Henry Hall. |
| Sallier David. | John Kinnett. |
| Edward David. | Benjamin Halsted. |
| Jolin David. | David Miller. |
| Jacob Cole. | Henry Dobin. |
| George Kemble. | Solomon Finch. |
| William Dill. | Solomon Hoff. |
| Christopher Myers. | Joseph Currie. |
| Thomas Wood. | James Ramsey. |
| Philip Rodrick. | James Masters. |
| William McCane. | James Clark. |
| James McCane. | Michael Dunning. |
| Martin McConnely. | James Schoonover. |
| William Horton. | John Morrison. |
| Philip Horton. | Joseph Coleman. |
| Benjamin Carpenter. | Jonathan Coleman. |
| Henry Samis. | William Kirby. |
| Samuel Knapp. | Orinns Bertholf. |
| Roolof Van Brunt. | James Bertholf. |
| Abel Jackson. | Joseph Halsted. |
| Nathaniel Knapp, Jr. | Michael Halsted. |
| James Parshall. | Gershon Owen. |
| Anthony Swartwout. | Samuel Westbrook. |
| Benjamin Jackson. | Anthony Westbrook. |
| George Howell. | Joshua Hill. |
| James Mosier. | Benjamin Gabrelis. |
| Samuel Finch. | David Shephard. |
| Samuel Reed. | Abraham Dolsen, Sr. |
| Jabez Finch. | John Kinman. |
| Benjamin Wallworth. | Daniel Rosegrout. |
| John Whitaker. | John Davis. |
| Nathaniel Mathers. | David Lowren. |
| Increase Matthews. | Moses Whitehead. |
| James Gardiner. | John Myers. |
| John Little. | David Stephens. |
| James Reeves. | Jeremiah Trickey. |
| John Knap. | Henry Clark. |
| Jonathan Corney. | John Carpenter Smith. |
| Solomon Roe. | Nathan Roberts. |
| Saven Tracey. | John Shepard. |
| Obadiah Smith. | John Gerner. |
| Henry Bartoli. | Hezekiah Lawrence. |
| David Demarest. | Nathan Pemberton. |
| Jacob Demarest. | Benjamin Cole. |
| William King. | Caleb Smith. |
| Christopher Decker. | Peter Arnout. |
| James McCane. | Matthew Howell. |
| John Thompson. | Matthew Howell. Jr. |
| Thomas Gale. | Thomas Angel. |
| Charles Webb. | Moses{?} Tracey. |
| Samuel Chandler. | Elijah Egars. |
| James Hulse. | John Miller. |
| Mark Chambers. | John Rhodes. |
| David Cooley. | David Mapes. |
| Nathaniel Cooley. | Zacheus Horton. |
| Nathan Bailey. | Joshua Wells. |
| Nathan Bailey, 2d. | Benjamin Hill. |
| Zephaniah Kelly. | Nathaniel Allison. |
| Samuel Satterly. | William Kinna. |
| William Vail. | John Bailey. |
| James Hamilton. | Landrine Eggers. |
| Joseph Beckas. | John Conner. |
| Elias Clark. | Peter Mann. |
| Alexander Campbell. | Daniel Cooley, Jr. |
| Elihu Horton. | William Huff. |
| Hugh Fulton. | Jacob Cole. |
| Phineas Parshall. | Edward David, Jr. |
| Peter Townsend. | Daniel David. |
| John Gardiner. | Richard Halsted. |
| Michael Brooks. | Joseph Oldfield. |
| David Howell, Jr. | Joseph Chilson. |
| John Howell. | Silas Holley. |
| Samuel Harman. | Benjamin Dunning. |
| Jabez Knap. | Daniel Holley. |
| Nathaniel Knap, Jr. | Joshua Drake. |
| Peter Barlow. | Walt Smith. |
| Elias Oldfield. | Stephen Jackson. |
| Samuel Sawyer. | Daniel Myers. |
| Jeremiah Oakley. | John Smith. |
| Timothy Smith. | Jonathan Rawson. |
| Benjamin Attwood. | William Reed. |
| Gilbert Howell. | William Egger (Eager). |
| Isaac Hoadley. | Daniel Egger. |
| Nathan Arnout. | Anning Owen. |
| Caleb Smith. | Jacob Hulse. |
| Stephen Smith. | Solomon Smith. |
| David Caser. | Thomas Denton. |
| Matthew Tyrel. | Asa Derba. |
| Andrew Miller. | Moses Clark. |
| Asa Vail. | William Helms. |
| Bazaliel Seely. | Phineas Case. |
| Francis Gallow. | William Knap. |
| John McDowell. | Gilbert Aldrige. |
| William Hoff. | James Kinner. |
| John Kimball. | Joshua Hallock. |
| James Miller. | John Mory. |
| James Stewart. | Oliver Smith. |
| Abraham Johnston. | Isaac Smith. |
| Stephen Conkling. | Cain Mehany. |
| Joshua Howell. | Ebenezer Holly. |
| Samuel Titus. | Joshua Herbert. |
| Jonathan Hallock. | John Armstrong. |
Precinct of Cornwall.
| John Brewster, Jr. | David Stevens. |
| Silas Benjamin, Jr. | Jonathan Stevens. |
| Smith Clark. | Daniel Mapes. |
| Thomas Clark. | Smith Mapes. |
| Ephraim Clark. | Isaiah Mapes. |
| Benjamin Mapes. | Nathan Marvin. |
| Bethuel Mapes. | Samuel Gibson. |
| Isaac Corky. | Solomon Little. |
| Patrick Cassaday. | Jesse Woodhull. |
| Joseph Wilcox. | Nathan Brewster. |
| Timothy Smith, Jr. | Jonathan Brooks. |
| Richard Honiman. | Elihu Marvin. |
| Nehemiah Clark. | Seth Marvin. |
| John Seely. | Elihu Marvin, Jr. |
| James Peters. | David Beggs. |
| James Matthews. | Timothy Brewster. |
| William Roe. | Isaac Brown. |
| Joseph Smith. | Jesse Teed. |
| John McWhorter. | Benjamin Budd. |
| Josiah Pell. | Benjamin Lester. |
| John Pell. Jr. | Joab Coleman. |
| Abr'm Ketchum. | Phineas Helmes. |
| Thomas Clark, Jr. | Silas Youngs. |
| William Hunter. | Silas Youngs, Jr. |
| Archibald Little, Jr. | Reuben Youngs. |
| Jonas Seely. | Abimael Youngs, Jr. |
| Israel Hodges. | John Callay. |
| Samuel Knights. | Thomas Sullivan. |
| James Sayre. | Jeremiah Howell. |
| Isaac Corley, Jr. | George Baitman. |
| Jesse Marvin. | Josiah Seely. |
| Jeremiah Clark. | John McCarly. |
| Joseph Wood. | John Wood. |
| Archibald Little. | Thomas Moffat. |
| Stephen Gilbert. | Samuel Smith. |
| Abraham Loce. | David Mandeville. |
| John Mapes. | Vincent Matthews. |
| Joseph Ketchum. | Samuel Ketchum. |
| Samuel Ketchum, Jr. | Eleazer Yonmans. |
| Benjamin Ketchum, Jr. | Stephen Yonmans. |
| Benjamin Ketchum. | John Marvin. |
| Joseph Morrell. | Jonathan Hallock. |
| James Tuthill. | John Pecham. |
| Brewster Helme. | John Burges. |
| William Brown. | Patrick Odey. |
| Asahel Coleman. | Isaiah Howell. |
| Samuel Sacket | Samuel Seely. |
| Micah Coleman. | Israel Seely. |
| John Smith. | Nathaniel Seely. |
| Gershom Clark. | James Little. |
| Timothy Little. | Thaddeus Seely. |
| Samuel Mapes. | Benjamin Grcgory. |
| Justus Stevens. | William Nicholson. |
| Sylvanus White. | Bn. Cruft. |
| Daniel Coleman. | Nathaniel Sayre, Jr. |
| John Brewster. | David Clark. |
| Christopher Van Duzer. | Richard Drake. |
| Isaac Van Duzer, Jr. | Josiah Reeaer. |
| Roger Barton. | Peter Reeder. |
| Obadiah Thorn. | Stephen Reeder. |
| Solomon Sheldon. | Jacob Reeder. |
| Absalom Townsend. | Samuel Reeder. |
| James Hall. | Francis Vantine. |
| Silas Hall. | Alexander Sutton. |
| John W. Clark. | Samuel Smith. |
| Paul Howell. | Thomas Smith. |
| Silas Howell. | Jacob White. |
| Bazaliel Seely. | Justus Philby. |
| Elijah Hudson. | Benjamin Corey. |
| Samuel Moffat, Jr. | Frederick Tobias. |
| Hugh Murray. | Gilbert Weeks. |
| Dennis Cooley. | Nathan Birchard. |
| Sylvanus Sayles. | Zebulon Birchard. |
| Matthew Sweny. | Robert Height. |
| Isaac Brewster. | Daniel Thorne. |
| Ebenezer Woodhull. | Timothy Wood. |
| Nathaniel Strong. | Samuel Moffat. |
| Daniel Tuthill. | Sylvanus Halsey. |
| Maurice Hearen. | Barnabas Many. |
| James Smith. | Luther Stuart. |
| Henry Dier, Sr. | James Sayre, Jr. |
| Silas Pierson. | John Sayre. |
| Silas Pierson, Jr. | Birdseye Young. |
| Richard Coleman. | Aaron Howell, Jr. |
| Francis Drake. | William King. |
| Benoni Brock. | Isaac Bower. |
| Justus Hulse. | Thaddeus Cooley. |
| Stephen Howell. | William McLaughlin. |
| Stephen Sayles. | Nassiad Curtis. |
| Daniel Smith. | Elijah Green. |
| Daniel Jones. | Jonathan Tuthill. |
| John Brooks. | Francis Tuthill. |
| John Moffat. | Zachariah Du Bois. |
| Michael Kelly. | Francis Brewster. |
| John Leonard. | Joseph Collings. |
| Lewis Donnovan. | Thomas Collings. |
| John Close (Rev.) | James Moore. |
| John Pride. | Benjamin Thorne. |
| Nathaniel Seely, Jr. | John Parker. |
| Jesse Seely. | Hezekiah Howell. |
| Obadiah Smith. | Richard Collingwood. |
| Nathaniel Satterly. | Silas Benjamin. |
| Hezekiah Howell, Jr. | John Benjamin. |
| Patrick McLaughlin. | John Kelley. |
| Daniel Deven. | Aaron Howell. |
| James Davidson. | John Carpenter. |
| Benjamin Carpenter. | William Gregg. |
| Timothy Carpenter. | Sylvanus Bishop. |
| Joseph Carpenter, Jr. | Samuel Smith. |
| Robert Gregg. | John Paren. |
| Samuel Bartlett. | Isaac Vandusen, 3d. |
| William Owen. | John Lightbody. |
| Silas Coleman. | Gabriel Lightbody. |
| Hugh Gregg. | Isaac Lightbody. |
| Francis Drake. | Andrew Lightbody. |
| Charick Vanduzen. | James Lightbody. |
| Azariah Martin. | Thomas Hulse. |
| Abraham Butler. | Selah Satterly. |
| Zachariah Burwell. | Joel Tuthill. |
| Joshua Burwell. | John Miller. |
| Joseph Reeder. | Arch. Cunningham. |
| John Reeder. | James Galloway. |
| William Reeder. | Abner Thorp. |
| Joseph Reeder, Jr. | John Johnson. |
| Samuel Tuthill. | Arche. Coreham, Jr. |
| Benjamin Tuthill. | George Whitaker. |
| Joshua Sandstar. | Henry Myers. |
| Isaac Lamoureux. | Henry Brewster, Jr. |
| John Lamoureux. | Joseph Van Nort. |
| John Lamoureux, 2d. | William Conkling. |
| Peter Lamoureux. | John Brooks. |
| Luke Lamoureux. | Neal Anderson. |
| Peter Lamoureux, Jr. | James Mitchell. |
| Philip Miller. | James Overton. |
| John Carpenter, 2d. | Moses Strain. |
| Elijah Carpenter. | Caleb Ashley. |
| William Carpenter. | Benjamin Chichester. |
| Josiah Halstead. | Jonas Garrison. |
| Jonathan Du Bois. | Samuel Robbins. |
| Thomas Poicy. | William Bedall. |
| Thomas Herley. | Thomas Smith. |
| Zacheus Horton. | Jacob Comten. |
| John McLean. | Jacob Comten, Jr. |
| Austin Smith. | Thomas Cooper. |
| Joseph Lamoureux. | William Clark. |
| Eleazer Taylor. | Abraham Sneden. |
| William Bradley. | Adam Belsher. |
| Nathaniel Pease. | Stephen Hulse. |
| Charles Howell. | Eleazer Luce. |
| F. Taylor. | Timothy Corwin. |
| William Cook. | James Ludis. |
| Thomas Chatfield. | Daniel Ramsey. |
| James Wilkins. | John Tuthill. |
| William Moffat. | William Owens. |
| Isaac Moffat. | William Bartlett. |
| John Moffat. | James Stought. |
| Thomas Lenington. | John Carpenter, 3d. |
| Jesse Brewster. | James McClugin. |
| Joseph Chandler. | William Hooge. |
| James McGuffack. | Tobias Wygant. |
| Silas Corwin. | James Lewis. |
| Henry Brewster. | Nathaniel Biggs. |
| Stephen Halsey. | James Huff. |
| James Halsey. | Daniel Curtis. |
| Jacob Brown. | Nathan Strong. |
| John Earll. | Solomon Sarvis. |
| Peter Earll. | Richard Earll. |
| Abraham Cooley. | Benjamin Earll. |
| Silas Tucker. | John Brase. |
| George Everson. | Robert Brock. |
| Thomas Everson. | Neal Anderson, 2d. |
| Reuben Tucker. | Benjamin Jayne. |
| David Wilson. | Joseph Patterson. |
| Peter Lowrie. | Thomas Gregg. |
| Elisha Smith. | Jacob Vanduzer. |
| Aaron DeGrauw. | Andrew Stuart. |
| Amous Wood. | Henry Atwood. |
| John Williams. | Isaac Vanduzer. |
| Togidah Dickens. | William Ayres. |
| Samuel Howard. | William Miller. |
| William Howard. | Edward Robben. |
| Francis Bourk. | Isaac Horton. |
| John Daynes. | Hugh McDonel. |
| Aaron Miller. | James Wilks. |
| Owen Noblen. | James Wilks, Jr. |
| Jacob Devo. | Richard Wilks. |
| Thomas Willett. | William Thompson. |
| Thomas Horton. | John Johnson. |
| Hanes Bartlett. | John Wagent. |
| Reuben Taber. | John Wagent, 2d. |
| Solomon Cornwell. | Joseph Stevens. |
| John W. Tuthill. | Thomas Smith. |
| Joseph Davis. | Silas Reynolds. |
| Nathaniel Jayne. | John Wolly. |
| Stephen Jayne | Peter Stevens. |
| Daniel Jayne. | William Obadge. |
| Joseph Hildreth. | John Boucke. |
| Adam Miller. | Silas Millis, Jr. |
| Isaac Tobias. | Charles Field. |
| David Bloomfield. | Henry Mandeville. |
| Gilbert Roberts. | Jacob Mandeville. |
| Lawrence Ferguson. | Francis Mandeville. |
| Daniel Harrison. | Peter Reynolds. |
| Daniel Miller. | Thomas Powell. |
| Joseph Gold. | Benjamin Prindle. |
| Henry Davenport. | Daniel Prindle. |
| Israel Osmun. | Enos Prindle. |
| Ezekiel Osmun. | Oliver Davenport. |
| Henry Hall. | Chester Adams. |
| William Cooper. | Joseph Canfield. |
| Samuel Lows. | Benjamin Canfield. |
| Jacob Lows. | John Canfield. |
| Amos Miller. | John Carr. |
| Cornwell Sands. | Garrett Miller. |
| Thomas Linch. | David Causter. |
| George Galloway. | Joshua Miller. |
| John Smith. | William Bell. |
| Dariah Stage. | Zophar Head. |
| Garret Willem, Jr. | John Hall. |
| William Horton. | Benjamin Kelley. |
| Benj. Miller. | Henry Dier. |
| James Miller. | William Compten. |
| Asa Buck. | Philips Roblin. |
| Robert Miller. | Samuel Hall. |
| John McKelvey. | Matthias Tyson. |
| Benjamin Goldsmith. | Vincent Helme. |
| Joseph Miller. | L. Canfield. |
| Timothy Owens. | Daniel Adams. |
| John Gee. | Patrick Ford. |
| John Arkils. | Amos Mills. |
| John Earll, Jr. | John Barton. |
| David Standley. | Andrew Southerland. |
| James Unels. | James Southerland. |
| James Arnold. | Alex. Southerland. |
| Nathan June. | David Southerland (3d). |
| Fanton Horn. | John Southerland. |
| Thomas Davenport. | David Southerland. |
| Oliver Davenport. | Henry Cunningham. |
| Robert Davenport. | Henry Reynolds. |
| Gideon Florence. | David June. |
| Uriah Wood. | Richard Sheldon. |
| Amos Wood. | John Celly. |
| Benjamin Wood. | Stephen C. Clark. |
| John Wood (3d). | Reuben Clark. |
| Daniel Wood. | Joseph Plumfield. |
| James Scoldfield. | John Wood. |
| Uriah Crawford. | Stephen Wood. |
| Jonas Smith. | Amos Pains. |
| Francis Plumsted. | Joseph Cupper. |
| Samuel Whitmore. | Joseph Canfield, Jr. |
| Amos Whitmore. | Francis Welton. |
| George Everitt. | John J. Hammond. |
| David Miller. | Solomon Siles. |
| Zabud June. | Thomas Porter. |
| Francis Smith. | John Samson. |
| Thomas Dearin. | Micah Seaman. |
| Jeremiah Fowler. | Jonathan Earll. |
| Martin Clark. | John Haman. |
| Richard Langdon. | Alexander Johnson. |
| Stephen Pect. | Samuel Earll. |
| John Cronckhite. | Samuel Raymond. |
| Andrew Sherwood. | Thomas Lamoureux. |
| William Sherwood. | James Tuttle. |
| Samuel Strong. | John Florence. |
| Thomas Oliver. | Francis Miller. |
| Thomas Gilbert. | Elijah Barton. |
| Alexander Galloway. | Benjamin Quackenbush. |
| William Douglas. | William White. |
| Patrick McDowell. | Jacob Vanduzer. |
In Newburgh precinct the "Committee of Safety and Observation," appointed January 27, 1775, consisted of Wolvert Acker, Jonathan Hasbrouck, Thomas Palmer, John Belknap, Joseph Coleman, Moses Higby, Samuel Sands, Stephen Case, Isaac Belknap, Benjamin Birdsall and John Robinson.
In New Windsor precinct the committee appointed May 6, 1775, consisted of Col. James Clinton, Capt. James McClaughry, John Nicoll, John Nicholson, Nathan Smith, Robert Boyd, Jr., Samuel Brewster, Samuel Sly, Samuel Logan. In May, 1776, the committee became: Samuel Brewster, chairman; Robert Boyd, Jr., Nathan Smith, Hugh Humphrey, George Denniston, John Nicholl, Col. James McClaughry, Samuel Arthur.
In the precinct of Mamakating, John Young, chairman of committee, certified that the pledge was signed by all the freeholders and inhabitants of the precinct, June 26, 1775.
In the precinct of Goshen the committee appointed September 14, 1775, consisted in part of Isaac Nicoll, Benjamin Gale, Moses Hetfield, Daniel Everett, James Little, Joshua Davis, with Daniel Everett as Chairman. Later the names of John Hathorn, John Jackson, Henry Wisner, John Minthornes and Nathaniel Ketchum were chairman at different times.
In the Cornwall precinct, 1775, the committee consisted of Hezekiah Howell, Archibald Little, Elihu Marvin, Nathaniel Satterly, Nathaniel Strong, Jonathan Brooks, Stephen Gilbert, Zachariah Du Bois, with Thomas Moffat as chairman.
In the precinct of Hanover no names of pledge-signers were reported, but the committee, appointed May 8, 1775, consisted of Dr. Charles Clinton, chairman; Alexander Trimble, Arthur Parks, William Jackson, Henry Smith, Jacob Newkirk, James Latta, Philip Mole, John Wilkin, James McBride, James Milliken, Samuel Barkley.
In the precinct of Wallkill there was no return of pledge-signers, but the committee, Jan. 30, 1775, consisted of Abimael Youngs, chairman; James Wilkins, Hezekiah Gale, Moses Phillips, Henry Wisner, Jr.
The county committee of Orange in 1776 had Elihu Marvin, of Cornwall, for chairman, and David Pye was deputy chairman for Haverstraw and Orangetown. Robert Boyd, of New Windsor, was chairman for Ulster County.
The Committees of Safety and Observation began immediately to gather arms, and later to arrest inimical or suspected persons and bring them to trial.
With few exceptions the inhabitants of Orange and Ulster Counties were loyal, earnest and active for the cause of Independence. In the early years of the war the militia was efficient in guarding the frontiers, constructing Highland forts and placing obstructions to navigation in the Hudson River; and two of the companies took part in the expedition to Canada of 1775. In 1776 one-fourth of the militia of the two counties was "drawn out for the defense of the State" and stationed along the Highlands. They consisted of two regiments from Orange commanded by Colonel Isaac Nicoll, and one from Ulster commanded by Colonel Levi Paulding. In December, after the British had captured New York, a more general requisition was made, and men were obliged to leave their families and stock unprovided for, which caused great disaffection for a time; but after General Washington's victory at Trenton they were permitted to return home.
In 1777 George and James Clinton were in command on the west side of the Hudson, and General Putnam on the east side. Burgoyne, with an army of 3,000 men, marching down from Canada, had reached Saratoga, and Howe, with another army, was marching to capture Philadelphia, when, about September 20, 3,000 British and Hessian soldiers arrived in New York and joined the army of Sir Henry Clinton. Thus reinforced Clinton soon started to force his way up the Hudson, and on October 6, approached Forts Montgomery and Clinton, defended by some 400 of Colonel Du Bois's Regiment and Lamb's Artillery, and about 200 militia, mostly from Orange and Ulster Counties. They made a gallant defense, but finally overwhelmed by superior numbers, were obliged to retreat, leaving behind them 300 in killed, wounded and prisoners. In Governor Clinton's report to General Washington of the fight at Fort Montgomery he said that Sir Henry Clinton commanded in person; that the enemy was repeatedly driven back by grape shot from a field-piece and the well-directed fire of musketry during their approach; that the militia retreated to the fort, when a demand to surrender was refused; and that the enemy's superior numbers finally forced the works on all sides. If expected reinforcements had reached the fort it was believed that the enemy would have been defeated. Many militiamen were in the mountains, but their communications had been cut off. There were not more than 600 men in both the forts, while the attacking army numbered 3,000. Governor Clinton escaped across the Hudson, and many of his men were bayoneted after the works were taken. Du Bois's Continental Regiment and Lamb's Artillery bore the brunt of the fight. The following other regiments were represented in small numbers; Colonel Allison's from Goshen, commanded by himself; Colonel James Clinton's from New Windsor, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel James McClaughry; Colonel Harbourg's from Newburgh, commanded by Colonel Masten; Colonel Jesse Woodhull's from Cornwall, commanded by Colonel Du bois.
Sir Henry Clinton's ships moved on up the Hudson, and Putnam's and Clinton's troops followed. The British Commander caused Kingston to be burned, and here, receiving the news of Burgoyne's surrender, turned back. His army tarried a few days in the Highlands to complete the destruction of the forts, and then sailed to New York, and the militia returned home.
The Indians on the western frontier of Orange and beyond were still nursing grievances against the colonists, and were easily won over to the British side by diplomatic agents. Their depredations began again in 1777, when the family of a Mr. Sprague in the northern part of the Minisink was attacked and some of them taken prisoners. Next they killed some of the family of a Mr. Brooks, and took the rest prisoners. In 1778 the upper Minisink was invaded by about 100 Indians, under the famous warrior chief, Brandt, and on Oct. 13 they attacked two dwellings, killed three persons and destroyed much grain and stock. The settlers repaired to the forts of Gumaer's and De Witt's, and the Indians after following and firing a few times at them from a distance, went away.
The Committee of Safety for Minisink in 1778 consisted of Benjamin DePuy, Philip Swartout and Ezekiel Gumaer, and they ordered the erection of five forts, three in the upper neighborhood, and two in the lower. These could not accommodate all of the fifty families in what is now Deer Park, and many women and children were sent to the older settlements. Scouting parties were sent out under command of Captain Bezaliel Tyler, and persons suspected of aiding the Indians were imprisoned or banished. Small companies of nine months militia were obtained to garrison the forts.
The massacre of Wyoming in July, and the horrible cruelties practiced upon some of the prisoners, had caused grave apprehensions, and these were increased by the coming of Brandt and his Indians in October. Count Pulaski and his cavalry legion were sent to Minisink, and remained there during the winter of 1778-9, and Colonel Van Cortlandt's Regiment was sent to Wawarsing. In the spring Count Pulaski and his legion were ordered to South Carolina, and on July 19 Brandt, aware of the poorly defended Minisink, came with sixty-five Indian warriors and twenty-seven Tories disguised as Indians, to the lower section, now Deer Park, south of the Neversink and while the settlers were asleep set fire to several dwellings. Some of the inmates were killed as they were fleeing and others were taken prisoners. The cattle were driven off, and much booty carried to Brandt's headquarters, Grassy Brook, on the Delaware. When news of the murderous raid was received by the militia, a council was held by Lieutenant-Colonel Tusten of Colonel Allison's Goshen Regiment, Colonel John Hathorn of the Warwick Regiment, and Captain Meeker of the New Jersey militia, and contrary to Tusten's advice, it was decided to march against the Indians with such numbers of men as could be quickly brought together. Meanwhile Brandt's force had been increased to about 300 Indians, and 200 Tories painted to resemble Indians. The small band of militiamen, commanded by Colonel Hathorn, marched to the hills overlooking the Delaware near the mouth of the Lackawaxen, and then discovered Brandt and his warriors three-fourths of a mile away. Colonel Hathorn prepared to attack them, but Brandt outmaneuvered him, and cut off fifty of his men, leaving only ninety in the fight that followed. Brandt got in their rear, and hemmed them in on a rocky slope, with the advantages of position and more than five times as many men. When their ammunition was exhausted they formed in a hollow square to fight with clubbed muskets, but the square was soon broken and the men sought safety in flight. Tusten was killed by the Indians while dressing wounds of his men behind a rock, as were also seventeen wounded men with him. Others were shot or drowned in trying to swim across the Delaware. Only about thirty survived.
In Colonel Hathorn's report of the fight to Governor Clinton he says that "the enemy repeatedly advanced to from forty to one hundred yards distance and was as repeatedly repulsed"; that his men "defended the ground nearly three hours and a half and during the whole time one blaze without intermission was kept up on both sides." This was at the last stand on the slope. Hathorn's men had been firing for five hours, when, ammunition being almost exhausted, he ordered that no one fire "without having his object sure." Soon they were forced to retreat down the hill towards the river, and scattered, every man for himself. Colonel Hathorn further says:
"The Indians were under the command of Brandt, who was either killed or wounded in the action. They burnt Major Decker's house, barn and mill, James Van Vlock's house and barn, Daniel Vanoker's barn (here were two Indians killed from a little fort around the house, which was saved). Esquire Cuykindall's house and barn, Simon Westfall's house and barn, the church, Peter Cuykindall's house and barn; Martinus Decker's fort, house, barn and saw-mills, and Nehemiah Patterson's saw-mill; killed and scalped, Jeremiah Vanoker, Daniel Cole, Ephriam Ferguson and one Tavern, and took with them several prisoners, mostly children, with a great number of horses, cattle and valuable plunder. Some of the cattle we rescued and returned to the owners."
A list of the names of the killed has been preserved, and is as follows:
Killed in Minisink Fight.
| Col. Benjamin Tusten. | Gabriel Wisner. |
| Capt. Bezaliel Tyler. | Stephen Mead. |
| Capt. Benjamin Vail. | Nathaniel Terwilliger. |
| Capt. John Dimcan. | Joshua Lockwood. |
| Capt. Samuel Jones. | Ephraim Ferguson. |
| Capt. John Little. | ____ Talmadge. |
| Lieut. John Wood. | John Carpenter. |
| Adjt. Nathaniel Fitch. | David Burney. |
| Robert Townsend. | Gamaliel Bailey. |
| Samuel Knapp. | Moses Thomas. |
| James Knapp. | Jonathan Haskell. |
| Benjamin Bennett. | Abram Williams. |
| William Barker. | Daniel Reed. |
| Jacob Dunning. | Jonathan Pierce. |
| Joseph Norris. | James Little. |
| Gilbert S. Vail. | Nathan Wade. |
| Joel Decker. | Simon Wait. |
| Abram Shepherd. | James Mosher. |
| ____ Shepherd. | Isaac Ward. |
| Eleazer Owens. | Baltus Niepos. |
| Adam Embler. | Samuel Little. |
| Ensign Ephraim Hasten. | Benjamin Dunning. |
| Ensign Ephraim Middaugh. |
There is a tradition that Joseph Brandt secretly visited the Minisink some time before his second invasion, and was cared for by a Tory, and thus became well informed of the condition of the region. Brandt was supposed to be a half-breed, with a German father, but later he was believed to be a pure Mohawk Indian. He was educated at Dartmouth College, and at the commencement of the Revolution received a British appointment as Colonel of the Six Nations. He was a Free Mason, but neither this nor a good education tamed his savage nature. Dr. Wilson said of him: "He was more cunning than the fox and fiercer than the tiger."
Detachments from Woodhull's, Allison's and Hathorn's Regiments were sent to guard the frontier, but Sullivan's expedition up the Susquehanna and to the Genesee Valley drew the attention of Brandt, and he and his Indians did not return.
The jails at Goshen and Kingston were filled with prisoners, but the local Tories continued to be troublesome, and some of them joined the British Army, while others made predatory excursions from retreats in the lower Highlands, covered by the British works at Stony Point and Fort Lee, and became a terror to the inhabitants.
The residents of this portion of the country and on down the Ramapo Valley were mostly Tories, and in this defile in that region known as the "Clove," the Tory Moody intercepted an express from Washington to Congress regarding an interview about the land and naval forces of France. This messenger was intended by Washington to be captured, and the news thus obtained caused the withdrawal of a portion of the forces under Cornwallis, rendering easier the capture of the latter at Yorktown. Claudius Smith and his sons, who had their headquarters in the Clove, were the boldest and most successful of its Tories. Smith was a large, powerful and shrewd man and while he committed many crimes and did many hazardous things, yet for a long time managed to escape capture. In October, 1778, Governor Clinton, enraged at Smith's depredations, offered a reward for his arrest and that of his two sons, Richard and James. Alarmed by this, Smith fled to Long Island, was recognized there, and seized in the night in bed. He was tried for one of his crimes at Goshen in January, 1779, and executed on the 22nd of the same month. Five of his associates were executed with him—Matthew Dolson, John Ryan, Thomas Delamar, John Gordon and Amy Angor. Retribution followed soon on all Smith's band. His son William was shot in the mountains, and his son James was probably executed in Goshen soon after his father, with James Flewelling and William Cole. Silas Gardner, however, who was tried and sentenced as a Tory, was pardoned, but the rest were slain or driven from the country. Claudius Smith commenced his depredations in the interest of the British in 1776, and first appeared on the public records, charged with stealing, in 1777. He was confined in the Kingston jail, and transferred from there to the Goshen jail, from which he escaped. He was said to be the friend of the poor, giving liberally to them of what he stole from the rich. Many exciting stories were told of his doings.
One of the most brilliant exploits of the war was the night assault on Stony Point, twelve miles below West Point, and now a State reservation in Rockland County. This was on July 16-17, 1779. It had been occupied by British troops since Clinton's expedition up the Hudson in 1777, and was regarded as almost impregnable. "Mad" Anthony Wayne headed the enterprise, and it was carried out in substantial accordance with a general plan which had been suggested by General Washington. The fort was garrisoned by 700 men, who had fifteen pieces of artillery on the heights. Their surprise was complete, and the capture quickly accomplished. The American loss was 15 killed and 83 wounded; that of the British 63 killed, 61 wounded and 575 made prisoners, only one of the garrison managing to escape. The works were destroyed and the place evacuated. In July, 1779, the British reoccupied it, and began to build defenses, but were soon withdrawn because of the coming of the French fleet, and the Americans took possession and began restoring the fortifications.
Arnold's treason was discovered Sept. 23d, 1780, and Stony Point was included in the fortifications which he intended to betray. His treason, his conference with Major Andre below Stony Point, Andre's stay at Hett Smith's house, his capture at Tarrytown and brief confinement at West Point, Arnold's flight and Andre's trial and execution, are too familiar to the readers of American history to require recapitulation here.
Notwithstanding other ostensible causes, it was really necessary to complete the independence of the United States, only partly effected by the War of the Revolution, that the War of 1812 should be begun and fought out. Great Britain claimed the right to search American ships, impress American seamen into her service, and make prizes of all American vessels going to or from France or her allies which did not clear from or touch English ports. France issued retaliatory decrees which were more damaging to America than England. They declared that its vessels which had touched English ports or submitted to be searched by an English ship should be the property of France, and that English goods, wherever found, should be subject to confiscation. Thus endangered by the policy of both nations, Congress in 1809 declared an embargo prohibiting American vessels from sailing from foreign ports, and foreign ships from carrying away American cargoes—a law which virtually suspended our commerce and exposed our merchants to the risks of bankruptcy. England gave notice to the President that her claims before stated would be adhered to, and Congress, seeing no other means of redress, formally declared war on June 18, 1812.
Orange County citizens had given expression to their views on the embargo act in March, 1800. A Republican county convention held at Goshen selected General Hathorn as its chairman, and a committee on resolutions was appointed consisting of Jonathan Fisk, Colonel John Nicholson, General Reuben Hopkins and Judge Nathan White. The resolutions reported and adopted asserted that the American embargo was "a wise and patriotic measure, imperiously demanded by the exposed condition of our seamen, shipping and trade to the audacious outrages of foreign powers." In the Federal party's county convention, held later, Daniel Niven was chairman, and its committee on resolutions consisted of John Barber, Alexander R. Thompson, Alanson Austin, John Bradner, J. N. Phillips, John Morrison, John Duer, Samuel Saver, James Storey, Solomon Sleight, John Decker and Samuel B. Stickney. The resolutions protested against the enforcement of the embargo, as "unjust, illegal and oppressive, subversive of the rights and dangerous to the liberties of the people."
But when the war came the views of many of the Federalists had changed, and they sustained the Government.
The first call for troops was made April 21, 1812, when the militia was arranged in two divisions and eight brigades, and the brigades were divided into twenty regiments. The second brigade of the first division, embracing the militia of Orange and Ulster, under Brigadier General Hopkins of Goshen, was organized as the Fourth Regiment, and its Commander was Lieutenant Colonel Andrew J. Hardenburgh of Shawangunk. In 1813 and 1814, Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Belknap took the place of Lieutenant Colonel Hardenburgh. The cavalry and artillery were similarly organized.
The second call was made in July, 1813, and the third in July, 1814, when the places of rendezvous were Newburgh and New Windsor, and from these the men were moved on sloops to New York and assigned to the neighboring fortifications. They embarked Aug. 28, and returned Dec. 4, having been absent only a little more than three months.
Among the uniformed companies at that time were the following: Orange Hussars of Montgomery, Captain William Trimble (succeeded by Captain Milliken); Captain Van Orsdal's and Captain Dorcas's companies of infantry of Montgomery; Captain Kerr's company of artillery of New Windsor; Captain Butterworth's company of artillery of Newburgh; Captain Westcott's company of cavalry of Goshen; Captain Acker's company of cavalry of Newburgh and Marlborough; Captain Denniston and Captain Birdsall's companies of infantry of Newburgh.
It appears that Captain Westcott was afterwards appointed Major of the first regiment of cavalry, when Charles Lindsay was made captain of his company; Joseph H. Jackson, first lieutenant; Daniel McNeal, second lieutenant, and Stephen P. Rockefellow, cornet, all being residents of Montgomery except Major Westcott.
In the fall of 1812, Captain Denniston of the "Republican Blues" enlisted about fifty volunteers to serve one year or during the war, and they elected Jonathan Gidney captain. They formed part of a detached regiment of riflemen of which Captain Denniston became major and afterwards colonel.
A part of a company from Wallkill was included in Colonel Hardenburgh's Ulster regiment, which went to Plattsburgh and thence to Fort Hamilton, near the Canada line, for guard duty.
The following roll of a detached company in Colonel Michael Smith's regiment of infantry, mustered in in September, 1814, embraces men from both Orange and Ulster Counties:
Roll of Detached Company.
| Dunning, John, Captain. | Gardner, Samuel. |
| Mullicks, William, First Lieutenant. | Gardner, Silas L. |
| Moore, Walter, Ensign. | Goldsmith, John D. |
| Booth, Jeffrey, First Sergeant. | Horton, Barnabas. |
| Crane, John A., Second Sergeant. | Hulse, Jonas, Jr. |
| Dunning, Henry, Third Sergeant. | Hudson, Eleazer. |
| Clark, Oliver, First Corporal. | Hines, John W. |
| Genung, Pierson, Second Corporal. | Jackson, Daniel T. |
| Murray, Archibald Y., Third Corporal. | Jagger, Paul. |
| Lewis, James, Fourth Corporal. | Kirk, Robert. |
| Smith, Derrick, Fifth Corporal. | Kortright, John C. |
| Wilkin, Daniel, Sixth Corporal. | Kerr, Nathan. |
| Brown, Samuel, Drummer. | Kirk, David. |
| Genung, Harvey, Fifer. | Keen, Elihu C. |
| Brown, Elisha. | Knox, James. |
| Brundage, Abijah. | Knapp, Elijah. |
| Brown, Neal. | Long, Artemas. |
| Bennett, Levi. | Lockwood, Jared. |
| Brown, Daniel. | Loder, Isaac W. |
| Bailey, Nathaniel. | Millspaugh, Samuel. |
| Benjamin, John. | McNish, Joshua. |
| Booth, Thomas A. | McNish, Spicer. |
| Bedford, Benjamin. | McNish, Henry. |
| Cash, Stephen. | McCarter, James. |
| Clark, Stephen. | McCarter, Ardent. |
| Corey, Benjamin. | McVey, James. |
| Crawford, James. | Mires, John, Jr. |
| Caldwell, Gabriel. | Monnel, Joseph. |
| Christie, Andrew. | Moore, Loderwick. |
| Corwin, Nebat. | Miller, John C. |
| Corwin, Joseph. | McVey, John. |
| Cox, Jeremiah. | McVey, Arden. |
| Cox, Thompson. | McCarter, William. |
| Canfield, Joseph. | Miller, George. |
| Decker, Stephen. | Nicolls, Allen. |
| Dunning, Michael. | Ogden, Gilbert. |
| Dunning, John, Jr. | Prescott, Stephen. |
| Fanning, Samuel. | Puff, Adam. |
| Goldsmith, Salem. | Puff, James. |
| Gale, Henry. | Robbins, John. |
| Gregory, Lyman. | Robbins, Peter. |
| Goldsmith, Moses. | Ray, James. |
| Selleck, Isaac. | Rodgers, John. |
| Slauson, Alva. | Taylor, Morrison. |
| Saver, William. | Uptegrove, Richard. |
| Sands, Samuel. | Van Benschoten, John. |
| Stringham, Jacob. | Warren, David. |
| Smith, Isaiah W. | Warren, Solomon. |
| Screder, Elijah. | Warren, Eliphalet. |
| Smith, Grant. | White, Jonathan. |
| Smith, Silas W. | Watson, James. |
| Smith, Bezalell. | Wilkin, William. |
| Thompson, Jonathan. | Wood, John. |
| Treadwell, Charles. | Youngs, Virgil W. |
Orange County was represented in the Navy by Silas H. Stringham, Charles Ludlow and Robert C. Ludlow, among others. Robert Ludlow was on the "Constitution" when she captured the "Java," and Augustus C. Ludlow as a lieutenant distinguished himself as a hero in the action of the "Chesapeake" with the "Shannon."
After the British captured Washington in 1814, a public meeting was held in Goshen, August 30, to consider the propriety of repairing the fortifications at West Point or erecting new ones for public defense. General James W. Wilson was chairman of the meeting, and a committee to devise and report plans was composed of John Duer, Jonathan Fisk, William Ross, John W. Wilkin, George D. Wickham, James Finch, Jr., and Nathan H. White. They reported at an adjourned meeting, and recommended the following committee of defense, which was appointed:
For Minisink, John Bradner, Nathan Arnot; Deer Park, John Finch, Jr., Joseph Baird; Wallkill, Henry B. Wisner, Benjamin Woodward; Goshen, John Duer, Freegift Tuthill; Warwick, Dr. Samuel S. Seward, Jeffrey Wisner; Monroe, James D. Secor, Benjamin Cunningham; Cornwall, William A. Clark, Joseph Chandler, Jr.; Blooming Grove, Col. Selah Strong, Jeremiah Horton; Montgomery, John Blake, Jr., Johannes Miller; Newburgh, John D. Lawson, Jacob Powell; New Windsor, Joseph Morton, David Hill.
This Committee of Defense met September 7, and made Selah Strong its chairman and John Duer its secretary. It passed resolutions in harmony with those of the public meeting, and appointed the chairman, the secretary, William A. Clark, Joseph Morell and Johannes Miller a committee to tender the services of citizens in repairing the West Point fortifications. At another meeting, September 17, the committee instructed the town committees immediately to collect subscriptions of money and labor, and report them to the General Committee, and also inquire into and report the quantity of arms and ammunition which the respective towns might need.
October 25 it was reported from the Secretary of War that he would send a skillful engineer to West Point "to superintend the works and point out the sites most eligible for defense."
Little was done, however, at West Point, but military companies of exempts were organized in several towns.
The glad news of the treaty of peace, concluded in December, 1814, was celebrated in every town of the county with great enthusiasm, and included illuminations, cannon firing, speeches, toasts, and thanksgiving services in the churches.
Peace with other nations continued from the close of the War of 1812 until the war with Mexico, 1846-8. For this war New York City regiments drew a number of volunteers from Orange, but only one company was recruited in the county, and this was in Goshen, and it became Co. K of the 10th Regiment U. S. Infantry. Its captain was Alexander Wilkin and its lieutenant, Francis M. Cummins. Captain Wilkin resigned in April, 1848, and Lieutenant Cummins was promoted to the captaincy. The regiment with this company was attached to the Army of the Rio Grande under General Taylor.
The patriotic services of the people of Orange County in the four-years' Civil War of 1861-5 were as praiseworthy as those of their ancestors in the two wars with Great Britain, which founded the Republic upon a lasting basis of unparalleled prosperity and progress. It was as necessary for the continuance of that prosperity, and as a lesson of our republican experiment to the world, to defeat the efforts of the slave-holding States to rend the Union in twain, as it had been to compel the kingly power across the ocean to let us establish it. This Orange County was quick to perceive and act upon.
Its Co. B, Third Regiment of Infantry, was the first company recruited and ready for muster in the State. Recruiting for it was commenced in Newburgh immediately after the passage by the Legislature, April 16, 1861, of an act to authorize the equipment of volunteer militia for the public safety, the movement being started by Hon. Stephen W. Fullerton, Member of Assembly, and placed in charge of James A. Ramney. There were seventy-seven men enrolled when the company was mustered in for two years, May 14, 1861—less than one month from the day the first man enlisted, and it had then been ready several days for mustering in.
The following regiments and companies were recruited in Orange for the Civil War, and there were many other enlistments from the county in other regiments and in the Navy:
Infantry: Third Regiment, Co. B, 1861; 18th, Co. D and Co. H, in part, 1861; 36th, Co. B, 1861; 56th, Cos. A, B, D and E, 1861; 63d Regiment, 1864; 70th, Co. F, 1861; 87th, Co. C, 1861; 98th, Co. C, 1864; 124th Regiment, 1,047 men in 1862 and one company in 1864; 168th, 335 men, 1862; 176th, 272 men, 1862.
Mounted Rifles: First Regiment, Co. C, 1861.
Cavalry: Second Regiment, Co. B, 1861; 15th, Co. I, 146 men, 1864.
Artillery: Fifteenth Regiment, Co. M, 82 men, 1864; 7th, 70 men, 1864; 7th Independent Battery, 1861.
Militia: Nineteenth and 71st, 517 men, 1861-62.
The following are the aggregates by towns of the men furnished and accepted in the county:
April, 1861, to July, 1862.
| Towns. | Volunteers. | Militia. | Total. |
| Blooming Grove | 37 | .. | 37 |
| Chester | 31 | 2 | 33 |
| Cornwall | 36 | .. | 36 |
| Crawford | 11 | 5 | 16 |
| Deer Park | 104 | .. | 104 |
| Goshen | 30 | .. | 30 |
| Greenville | 3 | .. | 3 |
| Hamptonburgh | 2 | .. | 2 |
| Highlands | 1 | .. | 1 |
| Minisink | 17 | .. | 17 |
| Monroe | 25 | .. | 25 |
| Montgomery | 109 | 79 | 188 |
| Mount Hope | 9 | .. | 9 |
| Newburgh | 493 | 429 | 922 |
| New Windsor | 26 | 2 | 28 |
| Southfield | 12 | .. | 12 |
| Wallkill | 447 | .. | 447 |
| Warwick | 100 | .. | 100 |
| Wawayanda | 12 | .. | 12 |
| _____ | ___ | _____ | |
| 1,505 | 517 | 2,022 |
In addition to the numbers tabulated there were in the 71st Militia four hundred and twenty-nine from Newburgh, seventy-nine from Mount Hope, five from Deer Park, two from Chester and two from Southfield.
The totals tell their own story of patriotic zeal.
Company B, Third Regiment, before referred to as the first to be recruited and ready for muster in the State, was mustered out at the end of its two years' service, but reorganized and was mustered out the second time after the close of the war, on August 28, 1865. It was in many fights, including those of Big Bethel, Fort Wagner, Bermuda Hundred, Petersburg, Fort Gilmer, Chapin's Farm, Fort Fisher and Wilmington. Its first captain, Stephen W. Fullerton, appointed April 20, 1861, died in Newburgh, September 11, 1861, and was succeeded by Ervine A. Jones, first lieutenant, September 25, 1861, who was dismissed August 16, 1862. Alexander Mann, second and then first lieutenant, was promoted to captain, June 10, 1861, and discharged August 31, 1864. Jeremiah D. Mabie, who was promoted from first sergeant to second lieutenant, and then to first lieutenant of Co. B, was made captain of Co. F, June 15, 1863, and discharged September 18, 1864. James H. Reeve was advanced from fourth sergeant to first sergeant and then to second lieutenant of Co. B, was made captain of Co. I, October 3, 1864, lost a leg at Fort Fisher, and was discharged June 26, 1865.
The Eighteenth Regiment was recruited in several counties in response to the call of President Lincoln for 75,000 volunteers. It was mustered in for two years May 17, 1861, and mustered out May 28, 1863. Co. D was recruited from Orange County and organized at Middletown, with John C. McGinnis, captain, George Barry, first lieutenant and Roswell M. Sayre, second lieutenant. The commissions of these officers date back into April. The enlistments were so many that thirty men of the company were separated to form a part of Co. H. The regiment supported a battery in the first battle of Bull Run, but was not brought into action. It was stationed and remained near Alexandria the most of the time until McClellan's Army went to the Peninsula, and took part there in the seven days' fighting. Afterward it did guard duty at various points until it was mustered out.
The following promotions of Orange County men in the 18th Regiment are on record, the dates being those of rank, some of which preceded dates of commission:
Thomas S. Lane, 2d Lieut., Nov. 6, 1861; 1st Lieut., Nov. 10, 1862; mustered out with regiment.
W. E. Carmichael, 2d Lieut., May 7, 1861; 1st Lieut., Dec. 2, 1861; resigned May 16, 1862.
Robert A. Malone, 2d Lieut., Nov. 11, 1861; Capt., Sept. 8, 1862; mustered out with regiment.
Roswell M. Sayre, 2d Lieut., April 30, 1861; 1st Lieut., Dec. 21, 1862; Capt., June 26, 1862; mustered out with regiment.
John S. King, 1st Lieut., June 26, 1862; mustered out with regiment.
George Barry, 1st Lieut., April 30, 1861; killed at Gaines Mills, June 27, 1862.
John C. McGinnis, Capt., April 30, 1861; Major, Dec. 2, 1861; Lieut. Col., Oct. 14, 1862; mustered out with regiment.
The 36th Regiment was organized in New York, and its Co. B was recruited in Orange County by John Raney of Newburgh, captain of Co. F, 19th Militia, assisted by Timothy Donoghue of the same company. The enlistments were for two years. Between May 13 and June 17, 1861, they enlisted seventy-seven men. The regiment arrived in Washington, July 14, 1861, and remained in camp until March, 1862. It was brigaded under General Couch, and attached to General Buell's Division, afterward commanded by General Keyes. It went with General McClellan's Army to the Peninsula and was in the fights at Seven Pines, Gaines Mills and Malvern Hill. Afterward it saw much active and perilous service in Virginia and Maryland. At Fredericksburg it was in General Deven's Brigade, which was the first of the left grand division to cross the Rappahannock, December 11, 1862, and covered the retreat of the army, December 15, Co. B being detailed to collect stragglers under the enemy's fire. May 3, Co. B, at Marye's Heights, captured a battery from a Mississippi brigade, and was the first to raise the colors on the heights. The regiment was a part of Sedgwick's Corps in the attack on Salem Heights. The last active service of the regiment and Co. B was in Hooker's campaign. The officers of the company were:
John A. Raney, Capt., June 15, 1861; Major, Dec. 21, 1861; resigned Oct. 15, 1862.
Timothy Donoghue, 1st Lieut., June 15, 1861; Capt., Nov. 12, 1861; mustered out with regiment, July 15, 1863.
John M. Lewis, 2d Lieut., June 15, 1864; 1st Lieut., Dec. 2, 1861; mustered out with regiment.
Charles B. Lewis, 1st Sergt., Oct. 1, 1861; 2d Lieut., Nov. 12, 1861; 1st Lieut, Aug. 20, 1862; mustered out with regiment.
FIFTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
The 56th Regiment was formed of companies from Orange, Ulster, Sullivan and Delaware Counties, Companies A, B, D and E being recruited from Orange, as were also the 7th Battery and Co. C of Mounted Rifles, afterward detached. It was a three-years' regiment, but was continued by re-enlistment, and although the companies were all mustered in between July 31st and December 10th, 1861, the regiment was not mustered out until October 17th, 1865. Its services in the army were varied and creditable throughout, and at times brilliant, and deserved the detailed record of its movements, hardships, perils and achievements in the history by John C. Fisk and William H. D. Blake, members of the regiment, which was published in 1906. It is this well-written history herein epitomized.
The 56th Regiment, first known as the Tenth Legion, was organized in July, 1861, by Charles H. Van Wyck, with headquarters at Newburgh. It consisted of ten companies of infantry, one of sharpshooters, two of artillery and two of cavalry, when it went away, but in Washington the four latter companies were detached and placed in the artillery division and cavalry corps. Its camp of rendezvous and instruction until November 6th was on a sandy plateau by the Hudson River, near New Windsor. In Washington it was made a part of the Provisional Brigade, including also the 52nd and 104th Pennsylvania, the 11th Maine and the 100th New York Regiments. The 56th New York was commanded by Colonel Charles H. Van Wyck until he was brevetted a Brigadier General. Companies A, B and E were recruited in Newburgh by Recruiting Officers Thomas S. Marvel, Charles T. Thayer and William J. Williams, respectively; Co. C of mounted rifles in Montgomery by Frederick Decker, and Co. D in Warwick by John J. Wheeler.
The instructing officer at the New Windsor camp was Charles A. Van Horne Ellis, of the 71st New York Militia, and he proved to be an efficient drill-master in regimental and company movements and the manual of arms, in which officers and men made rapid progress and became expert before leaving for the seat of war. When the regiment reached New York General Stuart L. Woodford presented to it a white silk banner in behalf of a patriotic society called "The Sons of Orange and Sullivan," and this was carried through the whole war. On arriving in Washington in November the regiment was sent to Kalorama Heights, near Georgetown, and tented there about two weeks. The weather was severe, and many of the men contracted colds, pneumonia and rheumatism from unaccustomed exposures, which also proved fatal to some of them. Afterward they camped a few weeks by Rock Creek, in the suburbs of Georgetown, and in January, 1862, went into the Carver barracks on Meridian Hill. The brigade, under General Naglee, had then become one of the best-drilled in the army, and President Lincoln and family and General Scott and daughter repeatedly came to Meridian Hill to witness its parade. It was in the grand review of 140,000 men under General McClellan which preceded the movement to the Peninsula, and on March 26th crossed the Long Bridge in Casey's division of four brigades, which marched thence to Alexandria, where on April 1st they started down the Potomac on the steamer "Constitution" for the Peninsula, reached Hampton Roads in the evening of April 2nd, and proceeded to Newport News April 3d. On this last trip the men had their first experience under fire, but the shells which the rebels shot at them from Sewell's Point fell short.
At Newport News they went into camp on a large plantation, waited for the rest of the army a few days, and marched with it to Yorktown. Here the men on picket line were almost constantly under fire, and all were kept in a fever of excitement by the roar of cannon and cracks of rifles along the whole line from river to river, day and night.
The first real baptism of fire experienced by the 56th was on April 16th, when a large force of the enemy came out and fell on the left of the division near Lee's Mills. The rebels were repulsed, and the officers commended the men of the regiment for their courage and steadiness under fire. May 5th they had more fighting experience after a swift march of the day before to the front of Fort McGruder in the suburbs of Williamsburgh. Here they took part in a charge on their enemies with fixed bayonets, which caused the latter to flee in confusion leaving many dead and wounded and about 600 prisoners. They remained in line of battle all night, standing in deep mud, and drenched by a drizzling rain. When, the next afternoon, they were each given three biscuits of hardtack it was the first food they had eaten in two days, and ended the first experience of intense gnawing hunger with the most of them. May 9th they followed the retreating rebels over roads deep with mud, exchanging shots with them day after day, sleeping on the ground at night, wading streams waist-deep sometimes, with little to eat, and much of the time only what they could jayhawk. May 19th they drove the enemy across the Chickahominy at a point opposite Richmond, and as all the bridges had been destroyed, waded the next day across the Oozy river without much opposition, and waited for the rest of the corps, which followed in three days, and crossed the river on a bridge which had meanwhile been constructed for them. During the next three days the regiment was kept on the move making reconnaissances and scouting, and scouted to within four miles of the city of Richmond.
May 28th the 56th found itself assigned with Casey's division to a position on the right of the Williamsburgh turnpike, remained on picket till sometime after the attack of the 31st and captured a number of the enemy's skirmishers. Later, when the two lines of battle were formed, it was placed to support Spratt's battery, but the battery's captain relieved it and left the division lying on the ground exposed to the plunging fire of the enemy's artillery, which killed the men "at a fearful rate." They then formed in the edge of the woods, and there fought two hours, and Colonel Van Wyck was wounded in the leg by a piece of shell. The division that day opposed a force of 30,000, and held the line. Three times the enemy charged to within reach of their bayonets, and each time was driven back. The division made one of the most bloody and obstinate fights of the war, and lost nearly half of its men, but, it was believed, saved the army of the Potomac from great disaster.
Then to Malvern Hill. On July 1 the division, after a tedious march, lay down on the hill near a large house, and there all day witnessed the cannonading of 160 Union guns, expecting every moment to be ordered to assist in the frequent fierce assaults made by the Army of Virginia in three divisions, "only to be torn in pieces and hurled back again to the cover of the woods by the awful storm of shot and shell and volleys of the infantry supports." But the brigade was not moved from its reserved position until late in the afternoon, when it was sent to the southern slope of the hill, and on the 2nd acted as rear guard of the whole retreating army, being in charge of the artillery and wagon trains. The enemy's advance attacked it at Carter's Hill, but was repulsed. The next day breastworks were thrown up, and the army rested. On July 7th the men were cheered by a visit and praise from President Lincoln. It was thought that the army would move forward and capture Richmond, but General McClellan received orders to withdraw by way of Aquia Creek and attack Richmond from the Rappahannock. The Chickahominy was crossed October 16 in weather so hot that large numbers of the officers and men dropped by the wayside exhausted, and that night when the regiment bivouacked not more than 100 men stacked arms, and hardly an officer except the mounted ones was with them. Key's corps, including the 56th Regiment, was left at Yorktown to cover the embarkation. The Peninsula campaign was ended.
General Naglee's brigade remained in and about Yorktown for sometime, doing picket duty and demolishing earthworks. On December 11 it went on a raid into Gloucester, Kings and Queens Counties, and brought back horses, mules, cattle, sheep and fowls. The brigade marched all night closely followed by the enemy, the 56th doing excellent service as the rear guard. On December 29th the brigade embarked on steamer for Morehead City, N. C., and went from there to Newbern, near which it remained two weeks. On January 8, 1863, orders were read informing the men of the 56th that their regiment had been attached to the 18th Corps, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, with General Naglee as division commander, and Colonel Davis of the 104th Pa. as the brigade commander. General Naglee, on taking leave, issued an order naming the important events in the history of the brigade in which it acted a conspicuous part, and which should be inscribed upon the regimental banners. The 56th was included in all of them.
General Naglee also characterized the work and behavior of the brigade in each of the events.
In connection with the preparations to attack Charleston the brigade went to St. Helena Island and waited there until about April 1st. Thence to woods near the shore of Edisto Harbor, where monitors and gunboats lay at anchor, and covered its landing by shelling the woods. After landing it followed the retreating enemy, and some of the men were wounded. While in camp here it was several times attacked in night forays and some of its picket men captured. Here the 56th was temporarily brigaded with that of General Howell in General Terry's division, under General Gilmore of the Tenth Corps. On July 16th, this division, 4,000 strong, was attacked by a superior force of Georgia troops, but with the aid of the gunboats they were driven off with a loss of 200 prisoners. Soon afterward the division went to Folly Island, and here, while the bombardment of Forts Wagner and Gregg was in progress, the men were engaged in arduous duties and got but little rest. August 16 they sailed to Beaufort, S. C., and went into camp, with the regiment sadly reduced in numbers and many sick. They remained there till September 3, 1864, with the exception of an expedition to John's Island in July.
In February, 1864, the regiment veteranized,{sic} the most of the men re-enlisting, and was mustered in as a veteran regiment February 29. In March it went north on a furlough and returned May 18, commanded by Colonel Tyler. During its stay at Beaufort about 400 new men had been recruited for it by officers sent north. The regiment went from Beaufort to John's Island, near Charleston, July 1st, and here became a part of J. P. Hatch's division. On July 4th it had the most trying march of the year on account of the extreme heat and the soft sand. Many of the men were sun-struck, and some of them died. The march was continued the next morning to within seven miles of Charleston, when, hearing that rebel cavalry were in their rear, they were ordered back. The next day they started again for the front, and had to do some fighting. July 9th they were attacked by the rebels in force in a dense fog. A surprise was intended, but the rebels were met with volleys of grape and canister, and were twice repulsed. On July 10th, the regiment went back to Beaufort, and the St. John's expedition passed into history. It was regarded as the most exciting and perilous scouting expedition the regiment was ever engaged in, but its object was accomplished. It remained at Beaufort until September 3, when it moved over to Morris Island and assisted in the siege of Charleston. Here the men could see every shot from their batteries that struck Fort Sumter, and the firing was kept up night and day. The heat was extreme, the whole island was covered with shifting sand, which filled eyes, ears and hair, the heavy fogs at night were like a drenching rain, and all the while they were under the fire of the rebel forts and batteries, shells from which burst over their heads; but they had the compensation of seeing their own shells burst in the city of Charleston.
Many of the men became afflicted with scurvy, and the effective force of the regiment was reduced to 600 men, one-half of whom were detailed each day and night for field duty. Otherwise their duties were severe, and in October the nights became very cold, and, being without fuel, caused them much suffering. They remained there until November 27, when they were taken to Boyd's Point, and the next morning were marched by General Potter toward Honey Hill, where they were surprised by a concealed rebel battery, and there was a bloody fight in which the 56th lost fifty men in killed and wounded, and the division 746, and they were obliged to fall back. On December 3d the brigade, after a lively skirmish, returned to its old camp, and three days later went up Broad River to Deveaux Neck, near which it had many of its men killed and wounded in a severe fight. The next day it was attacked by a large force, and there was a bloody fight in which each man fired sixty rounds and the rebels were repulsed, but resisted stubbornly and retired slowly. In this battle the 56th encountered the 5th Georgia Regiment, drove it from its position, captured its colors, and lost twenty-four men in killed and wounded.
The camp was thirty-six miles north of Savannah and seventy from Charleston. December 23d the news came that General Sherman had occupied Savannah. On the 29th Colonel Tyler was put in command of three regiments, including the 56th, and they advanced to ascertain the strength of the enemy. They encountered his picket line which resisted but fell back, and killed and wounded seventeen of Tyler's men. The camp was undisturbed until January 7th, when a rifled gun began shelling them and kept it up for a week, night and day. This was not restful, but the camp was so sandy that not more than half the percussion shells burst, and not a man was injured by them. January 15th it was discovered that the rebels had left, and our men pushed on and took possession of Fort Coosawhatchie. Here the rations were greatly improved by foraging expeditions. On the 17th they were visited by Generals Sherman and Howard. On the 29th the 56th remained at the fort while the rest of the brigade left to relieve General Sherman's forces at Poctaligo. The 56th did not join it until February 16, and afterward the brigade made a slow march to Ashley River, across which lay Charleston, arriving there February 28. The city had been evacuated after the cotton warehouses, quartermasters' stores, bridges, vessels, etc., had been burnt by order of General Hardie. March 1st the division started to pursue him, and if possible prevent him from joining General Johnston's army. It marched several days without finding any rebels, then was ordered to return and was back in Charleston on the 9th. This expedition, composed of General Potter's entire division, had marched ninety miles. It went on March 11th to the village of Mt. Pleasant, near Charleston, and remained there until April 2nd, when it went to Georgetown. Major Eliphas Smith being in command of companies A, B, C, D and E of the 56th. A and B remained in Georgetown as a part of the garrison. C was sent as guard of a transport up the Santee River, and E and D were attached to the 157th regiment, and went with it on the "Kingsville expedition." Kingsville was about 135 miles from Georgetown, and the rebels had run in there from points on Sherman's march as many as 25 locomotives and 200 cars, with large quantities of stores and ammunition. After a troublesome march, with some hard fighting, the expedition reached Kingsville April 10. On the 9th companies B and D of the 56th had gallantly charged a rebel battery, in the face of a fusillade, and captured it, but with a loss in killed and wounded of fifteen men.
The next day news was received of the fall of Petersburgh and the surrender of General Lee's army. In General Potter's order announcing it he returned "special thanks to Lieutenant-Colonel Carmichael of the 157th New York and detachment of the 56th New York for the skillful and gallant manner in which they carried the enemy's battery and drove him in confusion from the field."
The locomotives and cars at Kingsville were destroyed, and the expedition marched back happy to their old camp at Mt. Pleasant. The fightings and severe hardships were ended at last.
April 14 the men witnessed the raising of the Union flag at Fort Sumter on the 4th anniversary of its surrender. Soon the regiment was united again at Summerville, and remained near there until the men were paid up. It started homeward October 6th, and was disbanded and mustered out on Hart's Island, New York Harbor, November 10th, but a number of the men whose terms had expired had been discharged on July 5th.
During its last campaign in South Carolina the distances the regiment had traversed were about as follows: Beaufort to Morris Island, seventy miles; to Coosawatchie by way of Honey Hill and Deveaux Neck, ninety miles; to Charleston, seventy miles; to Santee River and return, eighty miles; Kingsville raid, 390 miles; to Newberry by way of Orangeburg and Columbia, 166 miles; to Chester, forty-five miles; to Charleston by way of Winsboro, Columbia and Florence, 205 miles—all during the regiment's last year of service.
The regiment arrived in New York City October 20, 1865, was quartered in the Battery barracks until November 9, was paid up and discharged November 10.
From first to last there were 2,176 men and boys enlisted and assigned to the 56th regiment.
The incomplete record shows the names of forty-one killed in battle, twenty-three died of wounds; 216 died of disease; 170 wounded and recovered; 415 discharged for disability and wounds; sixty-seven transferred to other commands; five captured and paroled.
Following is a list of the engagements in which the regiment took part:
Engagements of the Fifty-sixth.
1. Siege of Yorktown, Va., April 15 to May 4, 1862.
2. Lee's Mills, Va., April 28, 1862.
3. Williamsburgh, Va., May 5, 1862.
4. Bottoms and Turkey Island Bridge, Va., May 23, 1862.
5. Savage Station, Va., May 25, 1862.
6. Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862.
7. Seven Days' Battle, June 25 to July 2, 1862.
8. Railroad and Bottoms Bridge, Va., June 28 and 29, 1862.
9. White Oak Swamp Bridge, Va., June 30, 1862.
10. Malvern Hill, Va., July 1, 1862.
11. Carter's Hill, Va., July 2, 1862.
12. Woods' Cross Roads, Va., Dec. 14, 1862.
13. Seabrook Island, S. C., June 18, 1863.
14. Grimball's Landing, S. C., July 16, 1863.
15. Siege of Fort Wagner, S. C., July 18, 1863.
16. Siege of Charleston, S. C., August and September, 1863.
17. Johns Island, S. C., July 1 to 10, 1864.
18. Honey Hill, S. C., Nov. 30, 1864.
19. Coosawhatchie, S. C., Dec. 3, 1864.
20. Boyd's Point, S. C., Dec. 5, 1864.
21. Deveaux Neck, S. C., Dec. 6, 1864.
22. Deveaux Neck, S. C., Dec. 7, 1864.
23. Deveaux Neck, S. C., Dec. 9, 1864.
24. Deveaux Neck, S. C., Dec. 19, 1864.
25. Deveaux Neck, S. C., Dec. 29, 1864.
26. Manningsville, S. C., April 8, 1865.
27. Dingle's Mills, S. C., April 9, 1865.
REGIMENTAL AND COMPANY OFFICERS.
COLONELS.
Charles H. Van Wyck, and Brig. Gen., U. S. V.
Rockwell Tyler, not mustered.
LIEUTENANT-COLONELS.
James Jordan, to August S, 1862.
Frederick Decker, not mustered.
John J. Wheeler, to Feb. 11, 1864.
Rockwell Tyler, to muster out and Brevet Colonel.
Eliphas Smith, not mustered.
MAJORS.
Jacob Sharpe, to Aug. 5, 1862.
John J. Wheeler, to Dec. 15, 1862.
Rockwell Tyler, to Feb. 27, 1864.
Eliphas Smith, to Oct. 17, 1865.
James Du Bois, not mustered.
ADJUTANTS.
Eli H. Evans, to Oct. 25, 1863.
Henri B. Loomis, to muster out of regiment.
QUARTERMASTERS.
John B. Gerard, to Sept. 5, 1862.
Jesse F. Schafer. to Oct. 15, 1864, from Co. K.
Addison J. Clements, to muster out of regiment, from Co. F.
SURGEONS.
Solomon Van Etten, to Sept. 28, 1864.
George H. Fossard, Oct. 7, 1864, to July 5, 1865.
Ira S. Bradner, Sept. 19, 1865; not mustered.
ASSISTANT SURGEONS.
O. A. Carrol, Sept. 2, 1861, to May 13, 1863.
Albert S. Turner, Aug. 9, 1862, to Nov. 18, 1863.
Daniel S. Hardenburgh, Nov. 11, 1863, to April 1, 1865.
Ira S. Bradner, April 25, 1863, to muster out of regiment.
George K. Sayer, Brevet 1st Lieut., and Asst. Surg.
HOSPITAL STEWARD.
George K. Sayer, from Oct. 20, 1861, to muster out of regiment.
CHAPLAINS.
Charles Shelling, to Dec. 23, 1862.
George P. Van Wyck, Dec. 30, 1862, to muster out of regiment.
SERGEANT MAJORS.
William N. Phillips, to Jan. 18, 1862.
Demmon S. Decker, Co. F, to Feb. 9, 1862.
Francis Hines, Co. E, to Aug. 8, 1862.
John Metcalf, Co. A, to Dec. 23, 1863.
Francis Might, Co. G, to July 1, 1864.
Robert C. Roper, Co. H, to Jan. 1, 1865.
James Gowdy, Co. C, to May 18, 1865.
Frank Hotchkin, Co. F, to muster out of regiment.
QUARTERMASTER SERGEANTS.
Jesse F. Schafer, original, to Feb. 27, 1862.
Noah D. Smith, Co. H, to muster out of regiment.
COMMISSARY SERGEANTS.
Isaac Rosa, original, to April 12, 1862.
William H. Merphy, Co. K, to Nov. 20, 1864.
William H. D. Blake, Co. C, Nov. 22, 1864, to muster out of
regiment.
REGIMENTAL BAND.
| Berger, Albert B. | King, Hiram T. |
| Biddle, John | Kirkpatrick, Joseph |
| Canfield, George | Little, James, Jr. |
| Count, Thomas H. | Sloat, Cornelius J. |
| Cromwell, Charles | Stewart, William H. |
| Depuy, Elias | Turner, Joshua B. |
| Depuy, George | Tuthill, Charles |
| Depuy, Calvin | Van Cleft, Theodore H. |
| Frost, William N. | Way, Richard D. |
| Harding, Elisha C. | Welch, Theodore H. |
| King, George J. | Wheat, Robert A. |
MUSICIANS—DRUM AND FIFE CORPS.
| Aber, David, Co. B. | Lamoreux, Timothy, Co. F. |
| Aher, George, Co. B. | Mead, John, Co. L. |
| Baird, Charles, Co. H. | Miller, Harman B., Co. A. |
| Bender, Conrad, Co. D. | Miller, Thomas, Co. G. |
| Bradner, Fred H., Co. F. | Nixon, Edward, Co. G. |
| De Sylvia, Dwight, Co. F. | Pitts, Charles V. L., Co. H. |
| Graham, Nathaniel, Co. L. | Reynolds, Newell F., Co. D. |
| Grannis, James H., Co. H. | Robinson, John T., Co. A. |
| Hamilton, William, Co. B. | Robinson, Henry, Co. C. |
| Howe, Westley, Co. H. | Smith, Cornelius. Co. F. |
| Kennedy, Lewis E., Co. G. | Smith, William T., Co. I. |
| King, Henry, Co. D. | Weightman, Charles, Co. E. |
| Kinsler, George, Co. K. | Young, William, Co. F. |
RECORD OF FIELD AND STAFF OFFICERS—ORIGINAL
Van Wyck, Charles—Age, 37 years. Enrolled at Newburgh, to serve 3 years, and mustered in as Colonel, Sept. 4, 1861; mustered out with regiment, Oct. 17, 1865, at Charleston, S. C. Commissioned Colonel, Nov. 13, 1862, with rank from Sept. 4, 1861. Original. Brevet Brig. General, U. S. V. Brigadier General from Sept. 27, 1865; mustered out Jan. 15, 1866.
Jourdan, James—Age, 29 years. Enrolled at Brooklyn to serve 3 years, and mustered in as Lieutenant Colonel, Dec. 19, 1861; discharged, Aug. 5, 1862; prior service as Major 84th Infantry. Commissioned Lieutenant Colonel, Dec. 20, 1861, with rank from Dec. 19, 1861. Original.
Sharpe, Jacob—Age, 27 years. Enrolled at Newburgh, to serve 3 years, and mustered in as Major, Sept. 3, 1861; discharged Aug. 5, 1862. Commissioned Major, June 28, 1862, with rank from Sept. 6, 1861. Original. Subsequent service in the 156th Regiment, N. Y. Infantry Vols., as Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel.
Evans, Eli H.—Age, 25 years. Enrolled, July 31, 1861, at Newburgh, to serve 3 years: mustered in as Adjutant, Sept. 1, 1861; dishonorably discharged, Oct. 1, 1863; also borne as First Lieutenant on rolls of Company A. Commissioned First Lieutenant and Adjutant, Aug. 1, 1862, with rank from Sept. 1, 1861. Original.
Gerard, John C.—Age, 32 years. Enrolled, July 21, 1861, at Newburgh, to serve 3 years; mustered in as Quartermaster, July 31, 1861; discharged Sept. 4, 1862. Commissioned First Lieutenant and Quartermaster, Aug. 7, 1862, with rank from July 31, 1861. Original.
Shelling, Charles—Age, 35 years. Enrolled at Newburgh to serve 3 years, and mustered in as Chaplain, Sept. 16, 1861; discharged, Dec. 23, 1862. Commissioned Chaplain, Aug. 7, 1862, with rank from Sept. 16, 1861. Original.
Van Wyck, George P.—Age, 35 years. Enrolled at Seabrook Island, S. C. to serve 3 years; mustered in as Chaplain, April 8, 1863; mustered out, Oct. 17, 1865, while absent with leave. Commissioned Chaplain, Dec. 30, 1862, with rank from same date, vice Charles Shelling, resigned.
Phillips, William N.—Age, 30 years. Enlisted. Sept. 19, 1861, at Newburgh, to serve 3 years; mustered in as Sergeant Major. Oct. 1, 1861; died of typhoid fever, Jan. 4, 1862, at Warren Hospital, Washington, D. C.
DISCHARGED.
James Jourdan, Aug. 5, 1862, Lieutenant Colonel.
Jacob Sharpe, Aug. 5, 1862, Major.
Eli H. Evans, Oct. 1, 1863, Adjutant.
John C. Gerard, Sept. 4, 1862, Quartermaster.
Charles Shelling, Dec. 23, 1862, Chaplain.
Frederick Decker, Nov. 23, 1862, Lieutenant Colonel.
John J. Wheeler, Feb. 11, 1864, Lieutenant Colonel.
SURGEONS, ASSISTANT SURGEONS AND HOSPITAL STEWARDS.
Bradner, Ira S.—Enrolled, April 25, 1863, at Hilton Head, S. C, to serve 3 years; mustered in as Assistant Surgeon, May 12, 1863; commissioned as Surgeon, Sept. 19, 1865; mustered out with regiment, Oct. 17, 1865, at Charleston, S. C. Commissioned Assistant Surgeon, May 4, 1863, with rank from April 25, 1863, vice O. A. Carroll, promoted in 143d Infantry; Surgeon, Sept. 19, 1865, with rank from Sept. 19, 1865, vice G. W. Fossard, resigned.
Carroll, Oscar A.—Age, 34 years. Enrolled, Sept. 2, 1861, at Newburgh, to serve 3 years; mustered in as Assistant Surgeon, Sept. 23, 1861; mustered out May 13, 1863, for promotion to Surgeon, 143d Infantry. Commissioned Assistant Surgeon, Aug. 7, 1862, with rank from Sept. 23, 1861. Original.
Fossard, George H.—Age, 25 years. Enrolled, Oct. 7, 1864, at Morris Island, S. C., to serve 3 years; mustered in as Surgeon, Nov. 5, 1864; discharged July 5, 1865; prior service as Assistant Surgeon, 146th Infantry. Commissioned Surgeon, Oct. 7, 1864, with rank from Oct. 7, 1864, vice S. Van Etten, mustered out.
Hardenberg, Daniel S.—Age, 23 years. Enrolled, Nov. 11, 1863, at Beaufort, S. C, to serve 3 years; mustered in as Assistant Surgeon, Dec. 11, 1863; discharged, April 1, 1865. Commissioned Assistant Surgeon, Nov. 13, 1863, with rank from Nov. 11, 1863, vice A. L. Turner, promoted.
Sayre, George K.—Age, 22 years. Enlisted at Newburgh, to serve 3 years, and mustered in as Hospital Steward, Oct. 20, 1861; re-enlisted as a veteran, Feb. 24, 1864; mustered out with regiment, Oct. 17, 1865, at Charleston, S. C.; also borne as Sayer. Brevetted First Lieutenant and Assistant Surgeon.
Turner, Albert S.—Age, 35 years. Enrolled at Yorktown, Va., to serve 3 years, and mustered in as Assistant Surgeon, Aug. 9, 1862; discharged, June 30, 1863, for promotion to Surgeon, 103d Infantry. Commissioned Assistant Surgeon, Aug. 29, 1862, with rank from Aug. 19, 1862.
Van Etten, Solomon—Age, 32 years. Enrolled at Newburgh, to serve 3 years, and mustered in as Surgeon, Sept. 23, 1861; mustered out, Oct. 7, 1864; also borne as Fetterman Van Etten. Commissioned Surgeon, Sept. 23, 1861, with rank from Aug. 7, 1861. Original.
MEMBERS OF BAND.
Biddle, John—Age, 23 years. Enlisted at Middletown, to serve 3 years, and mustered in as musician in band, Sept. 21, 1861; mustered out, March 1, 1862, at Washington, D. C.
Canfield, George—Age, 15 years. Enlisted at Middletown, to serve 3 years, and mustered in as musician in band, Sept. 21, 1861; mustered out, March 1, 1862, at Washington, D. C.
Count, Thomas H.—Age, 35 years. Enlisted at Ellenville, to serve 3 years, and mustered in as musician in band, Sept. 21, 1861; mustered out, March 1, 1862, at Washington, D. C.
Cromwell, Charles—Age, 27 years. Enlisted at Middletown, to serve 3 years, and mustered in as musician in band, Sept. 21, 1861; mustered out, March 1, 1862, at Washington, D. C.
Depuy, George—Age, 29 years. Was enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, to serve 3 years, and mustered in as musician in band; discharged, Dec. 6, 1861, at Washington, D. C., by General Order, No. 91, War Department.
Harding, Elislia C.—Age, 26 years. Enlisted at Middletown, to serve 3 years, and mustered in as band leader, Sept. 21, 1861; mustered out, March 1, 1862, at Washington, D. C.
King, George J.—Age, 31 years. Enlisted at Middletown, to serve 3 years, and mustered in as musician in band, Sept. 21, 1861; mustered out, March 1, 1862, at Washington, D. C.
King, Hiram T.—Age, 27 years. Enlisted at Middletown, to serve 3 years, and mustered in as musician in band, Sept. 21, 1861; mustered out, March 1, 1862, at Washington, D. C.
Kirkpatrick, Joseph—Age, 25 years. Enlisted at Middletown, to serve 3 years, and mustered in as musician in band, Sept. 21, 1861; mustered out, March 1, 1862, at Washington, D. C. Subsequent service in the Cavalry.
Little, James, Jr.—Age 24 years. Enlisted at Middletown, to serve 3 years, and mustered in as musician in band, Sept. 21, 1861; mustered out, March 1, 1862, at Washington, D. C.
Stewart, William H—Age, 24 years. Enlisted at Middletown, to serve 3 years, and mustered in as musician in band, Nov. 1, 1861; mustered out, March 1, 1862, at Washington, D. C. Subsequent service in the Engineer Corps, and Captain in the Regular Army.
Tuthill, Charles—Age, 24 years. Enlisted at Middletown, to serve 3 years, and mustered in as musician in band, Sept. 21, 1861; mustered out, March 1, 1862, at Washington, D. C.
Van Cleft, Theodore H.—Age, 24 years. Enlisted at Middletown, to serve 3 years, and mustered in as musician in band, Sept. 21, 1861; mustered out, March 1, 1862, at Washington, D. C.
Way, Richard D.—Age, 24 years. Enlisted at Middletown, to serve 3 years, and mustered in as musician in band, Sept. 21, 1861; mustered out, March 1, 1862, at Washington, D. C.
Welch, Theodore H.—Age, 23 years. Enlisted at Middletown, to serve 3 years, and mustered in as musician in band, Sept. 21, 1861; mustered out, March 1, 1862, at Washington, D. C.
Wheat, Robert A.—Age, 25 years. Enlisted at Middletown, to serve 3 years, and mustered in as musician in band, Sept. 21, 1861; mustered out, March 1, 1862, at Washington, D. C.
Company A.
Captains—Thomas S. Marvel, Jr., James H. F. Milton, John Metcalf.
First Lieutenants—Thomas B. Pope, Thomas Atwood, John Metcalf, Robert C. Roper.
Second Lieutenants—Peter B. Steele, Wilbur F. Still, Robert C. Roper, George R. Black, Daniel R. Franklin, Wilbur F. Still.
Company B.
Captains—Charles F. Thayer, James H. Smith, Norman Perkins, Alfred W. Loomis, Melville Sears.
First Lieutenants—Effingham Vanderburgh, Alfred W. Lomas, James J. Cox, Alphonse Richter, Edward H. Lomas, Jeremiah Strickland.
Second Lieutenants—Alfred W. Lomas, James J. Cox, Isaac Roosa, Alphonse Richter, Algernon Rose, Jesse L. Stivers, Calvin Lambert.
Company D.
Captains—John J. Wheeler, Edward Wheeler, John Connell.
First Lieutenants—Edward Wheeler, Isaac Beckett, William J. Sayre.
Second Lieutenants—Isaac Beckett, John Connell, Robert E. Halstead, Benjamin F. Clark, William J. Sayre.
Company E.
Captains—William J. Williams, Daniel D. Elting, James J. Cox.
First Lieutenants—Edgar E. Morse, Joseph A. Holmes, John L. Thompkins, Francis Hines, Meeker G. Bell.
Second Lieutenants—Meeker G. Bell, Francis Hines, Edward J. Scranton, Clement B. Newkirk.
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT.
The following brief story of the organization and military career of the 124th N. Y. V. is condensed from the history of the regiment prepared by Colonel Charles H. Weygant and published in 1877.
The 124th was distinctively an Orange County regiment, as all its companies were recruited in the county under President Lincoln's call of July 1, 1862, for 300,000 three years' men. The day after this call was issued Governor Morgan made an appeal to the people of New York urging them to respond promptly to the President's wish and the country's needs. The State was immediately divided into military districts and a committee of prominent citizens was appointed for each, to superintend the work of enlistment and recommend suitable persons for the officers of the regiments to be raised. Orange and Sullivan Counties constituted one of these districts, and its military committee was composed as follows:
Hon. Robert Denniston, Blooming Grove; Hon. Andrew S. Murray, Goshen; Hugh S. Bull, Montgomery; Albert Post, Newburgh; James M. Barrett, Cornwall; Alexander Moore, Washingtonville; Morgan Shint, Monroe.
A little later the following were added to the committee: E. A. Brewster and William Fullerton, Newburgh; C. H. Winfield, Thomas Edsall and Silas Horton, Goshen; James Cromwell and William Avery, Cornwall; C. C. McQuoid, Halstead Sweet, John G. Walkin and John Cummings, Wallkill; Charles J. St. John, John Conkling, Orville J. Brown and C. M. Lawrence, Port Jervis; C. B. Newkirk, Monroe; A. S. Dodge, Mount Hope; Dorastus Brown, Greenville; A. F. Schofield, Montgomery; A. G. Owen, Blooming Grove; John Cowdrey and Thomas Welling, Warwick.
The committee recommended A. Van Home Ellis, of New Windsor, then a captain in the service, for colonel of the regiment which it was proposed to raise in Orange, and to have general charge of the recruiting. The gloomy conditions at the seat of war made enlistments slow throughout the State. Colonel Ellis, after his selection by the committee at its first meeting on June 11th, had gone to work immediately, and opened recruiting offices in every town, yet only eight men in all were enlisted in the county during the month. Then, when it was seen that the national capital was again in danger of capture, public meetings were held, private bounties were offered, money for the support of the families of volunteers were raised, and there was a general revival of patriotic enthusiasm. Although up to August 8th not more than a score of volunteers had reported at Colonel Ellis's headquarters, fifteen days later the regiment was fully organized and ready to march to the front.
The regimental officers then were: A. Van Horne Ellis, colonel; F. M. Cummins, lieutenant colonel; James Cromwell, major; John H. Thompson, surgeon; T. Scott Bradner, chaplain; Augustus Denniston, quartermaster; De Peyster Arden, adjutant; Edward Marshall, assistant surgeon; R. V. K. Montfort, 2nd assistant surgeon.
These field officers had all served honorably in the Union army, and Lieutenant-Colonel Cummins had been a commissioned officer in the Mexican War.
The members of the regiment's band were: Drum Major, ____ Hart; buglers, Wm. B. Wood, Moses P. Ross; fifes, John G. Buckley, Charles Whitehead, Arthur Haigh, Geo. W. Dimick, Henry C. Payne; drums, Robert L. Travis, A. J. Millspaugh, Geo. W. Canfield, John N. Cole, R. D. Stephens, Charles W. Bodle, Henry U. Cannon, Wm. Hamilton, Henry Hoofman, C. Van Gordon, Jehue Price, J. M. Merritt, W. Johnston, James McElroy, Samuel W. Weeden.
The captains of the several companies were: A. Charles H. Weygant; B. Henry S. Murray: C. Wm. Silliman; D. James W. Benedict: E. Wm. A. McBirney; F. Ira S. Bush; G. Isaac Nicoll; H. David Crist; I. Leander Clark; K. Wm. A. Jackson.
Delay in obtaining guns postponed the mustering in of the regiment until September 5th, and the next day it broke camp at Goshen and started for Washington. Meanwhile it had been presented by Charles H. Winfield, in behalf of the ladies of Orange, with a stand of colors. Its fine appearance in New York inspired a paragraph of praise from the Tribune, which said that the most influential families of Orange County were represented in its ranks, and that it contained "the very cream of the regimental district."
Three days afterward they were in Washington, and the first night there slept on the ground and stone block in front of the Capitol. The next day they marched to Camp Chase on Arlington Heights, and two or three days later moved to a spot which they christened Camp Ellis. Here they were attached to Platt's brigade of Whipple's division of Heintzleman's corps. The other regiments in the brigade were the 122nd Pa. (a nine months regiment), the 86th N. Y., and the 1st Ohio battery. The 124th and 86th regiments remained together during the war. The latter and the Ohio battery were already veterans.
The 124th broke camp again September 25th, went to Miners' Hill, and here the men became experienced in picket duties. Tents were struck October 16th, and the next day they started in a drizzling rain with their division to join the main army on the Maryland side of the Potomac in the vicinity of Harper's Ferry. A freight train carried them in great discomfort from Washington to Knoxville, eight miles from Harper's Ferry, and they became a part of the Army of the Potomac. October 25th they again received marching orders, and were in motion from supper time till midnight, when they bivouacked near Berlin, where a pontoon bridge was being laid. Across this they went with the entire army of 100,000 men, and were afterward halted in a muddy cornfield near Lovettsville, where they had to stay all night in rain, a cold wind and mud, and had their first realization of the sufferings of army life. The next morning thirty of the men were unfit for duty. Short marches were continued, with stops of two or three days, they being in the advance with the rest of Whipple division a part of the time, and then they looked from a peak of the Blue Ridge upon some white tents of the enemy. The object of the movement had been to cut off a force of his infantry, but it was too late and the division was ordered to retrace its steps.
At Orleans they learned that McClellan had been succeeded by Burnside as commander of the Army of the Potomac. November 11th they marched to Waterloo, and here some of the men of Co. B, commanded by Lieutenant W. E. Weygant, were part of a detail which had a fight with the enemy's pickets and captured two prisoners. November 16th they marched to Warrenton and here became a part of General Hooker's grand division. There were now daily marches, some of the time through heavy rains and in deep mud. November 23rd, four miles from Fredericksburg, they went into camp for the first time since leaving Miner's Hill. The army waited in that vicinity for the pontoon trains, which did not arrive until December 10. Then, in pushing a pontoon bridge across the Rappahannock, many of the builders were killed by Mississippi sharpshooters. To stop this 120 cannon were placed on Stafford Heights overlooking Fredericksburg, and began firing shells into the city and among the sharpshooters. When the firing ceased two bridges spanned the river, and Union troops hurried across and soon drove the enemy out of Fredericksburg. But the great battle was yet to come, when the Confederates forced Burnside's army to withdraw to Falmouth after losing 13,000 men. Platt's brigade formed the extreme right of the line, and the 124th was one of the last regiments to recross the bridges. The next morning about half of the men answered to the surgeon's call, and nearly a hundred were placed on the sick list. General Platt resigned about Christmas time, and there was a period of drilling and picket duty by brigades. January 5th the corps was reviewed by General Burnside. January 10th new Enfield rifles came and were substituted for the old Belgians. Then, after three or four orders to march had been countermanded, a start was made through pelting rain and sleet and deepening mud. The rain and sleet froze as it fell, and the men were chilled, and experienced two nights of great suffering. General Burnside abandoned the attempt to advance. On January 26th General Hooker superseded him. The division moved a little way, and cut down trees and constructed log cabins. During February the weather was severe, but the log cabins, which had fire places, though smoky at times, made them tolerably comfortable. February 25th the 124th drove off a body of Confederate cavalry which made a dash on their picket line. There was a monotonous interval, enlivened April 7th by a grand review before President Lincoln and Generals Hooker and Sickles. The division and brigade were then attached to General Sickles's corps. Orders to march came April 28th, and the entire army was soon in motion, and the next day halted in sight of the enemy's pickets across the Rappahannock. The 124th crossed the river on a pontoon bridge with an army of 65,000 men, thirteen miles from Fredericksburg. Then came the disastrous battle of Chancellorsville, during which the 124th got into the thickest of the fight, had a fierce encounter with Iverson's brigade, and "not a man faltered," although raked by a deadly fire in which many men and a number of officers fell. Once they made a charge and retook works from which one of our batteries had been driven. The battle ended with the day, and Hooker was whipped. The Third corps lost in killed and wounded 4,000 men. It captured seven battle flags and over 1,000 prisoners. The losses of the 124th were fifty-five killed, 150 wounded and six missing. Colonel Ellis, in his official report said: "Our men fought like tigers, cheering loudly, but falling fast, the officers without exception standing up to their duty and encouraging their commands."
After Chancellorsville the 122nd Pa., having completed its nine months of service, returned home, and the brigade collapsed to between 500 and 600 men of the 86th and 124th. Colonel Ellis was now in command of the brigade, and it was selected as one of three brigades of picked regiments to accompany a large body of cavalry on a secret expedition. They Started May 6th through a thunderstorm to Beverly's Ford, where they crossed the Rappahannock. There had been a clash of cavalry, and Colonel Ellis's regiments were the first in the field. Batteries on both sides opened fire, and there were charges and counter charges, in which bullets flew thick. A body of rebels got in the rear of the 124th, but they were repulsed after a hot contest in which Co.'s A, F and D lost two killed and twenty wounded. The troops were ordered to recross the river.
The 124th did such splendid service at Chancellorsville that it was transferred to the roll of "first class, tried and to be trusted, veteran battalions," although only six weeks before it had been classed among the "untried recruits." June 9th it was part of an expedition of these veteran regiments which recrossed the Rappahannock, did some more fighting, under General Buford, and captured some of the enemy's pickets. General Pleasanton accompanied General Buford and ordered an advance in force, but he found the enemy reinforced and the troops were withdrawn after a loss of about 800 on each side. The 124th and 86th were commended as "reliable regiments" in the day's doings.
About this time the old Whipple division ceased to exist in consequence of the losses at Chancellorsville and mustering-out of several regiments. Berdan's sharpshooters and the 124th and 86th were assigned to General J. H. H. Ward's brigade of General D. B. Birney's division.
On June 14th they started on one of their longest and severest marches northward, and on June 25th crossed the Potomac at Edward's Ferry near Ball's Bluff. Just before it was ordered Milner Brown was assigned to the command of the regiment. They proceeded through Fredericksburg to Emmetsburg, and here on June 30th the 124th had but 264 rifles in line, so great had been the losses in battle and from disease. They were informed that General Hooker had been succeeded by General Meade. The Confederates had invaded Pennsylvania and a great battle was anticipated. A forced march was made to Gettysburg through such intense heat that many were prostrated, and when the regiment reached the high ground south of Gettysburg not more than 100 men and five or six officers appeared in the regimental line, but the next morning it was 240 strong. It was placed in the right center of the brigade, and in that decisive battle of the war distinguished itself by its steadiness and daring. For forty minutes Ward's and De Trobriand's brigades of about 3,000 men held their ground against Longstreet's entire corps. By a mere chance the whole regiment escaped capture. General Ward harangued its men on the battlefield, and said the heroic resistance they had made "was beyond anything he had ever dared to hope for." Its active part in the great three days' battle was finished on the second day, as it was not called upon to participate in the fighting of the third day, which brought defeat to Lee's army. The 124th had lost thirty-three killed, including Colonel Ellis, Major James Cromwell and Captain Isaac Nicoll, and fifty-nine wounded, including Lieutenant Colonel Cummins. A number of the severely wounded remained in the hands of the enemy several days. The regiment was now reduced to 150 men with muskets and nine commissioned officers. Some had been sent to the corps hospital. They were now temporarily commanded by Captain Charles A. Weygant of Co. A.
The pursuit of Lee began, but he was too swift for Meade, and escaped across the Potomac. After various movements on both sides of the Potomac, which was crossed July 17th, the 124th bivouacked at Manassas Gap July 22nd, in sight of the place of its first skirmish. Then the regiment had 700 rank and file, a full field staff and twenty-five line officers. Now, although about thirty convalescents had returned, it had less than 200 men in all. The corps, commanded by Major General French had been strengthened since Gettysburg by about 8,000 new troops. General Ward still commanded the division.
There were some undecisive {sic} movements and skirmishing in which the 124th participated. Lieutenant Colonel Cummins, having recovered, returned and took command of the regiment July 28th. It was soon established in camp near Sulphur Springs and remained there six weeks. September 10th, in consequence of the backward movement of Lee's army, General Meade pushed a heavy cavalry force across the Rapidan, and soon the entire army was transferred to the region between the Rapidan and Rappahannock. The 124th broke camp September 15th, and next encamped near Culpepper. October 2nd Lieutenant Colonel Cummins was given a leave of absence for five days, and left Captain Weygant in command. There were some uncertain movements, one of which followed a retrograde movement of Lee, October 19th, but he was found to be out of reach and General Meade gave up the pursuit until twenty miles of railroad could be re-built. Next came the fight at Kelly's Ford of November 7th, in which the 124th supported the 10th Massachusetts Battery, and the Confederates were defeated. Ward's division took possession of the ford and captured over 500 prisoners. The Union loss was only about fifty. Sedgwick's right wing attacked works on the bank of the Rappahannock, carried them by a brilliant coup de main, and captured 1,500 prisoners, his loss being about 300. In the march next day toward Beverly Station, with Ward's division in front, the 124th was deployed as flankers and was under fire for some time. There was no more fighting until November 27th, when the fight at Locust Grove took place, followed by that at Mine Run. The 124th took part in both, and lost one killed, eight wounded and three captured. December 1st Meade ordered a retrograde movement, and the regiment settled down to a long stay at Brandy Station and Culpepper. March 17 General Birney sent an order to Colonel Cummins stating that to equalize the brigades the 124th would be transferred to the Third Brigade. This was so displeasing that fourteen officers of the regiment petitioned General Birney to allow them to remain under Brigadier General Ward. Major General Birney replied that "the request of the officers of this gallant regiment would be fully considered," and he would try to grant it. This was done, and the 124th remained in Ward's Brigade. Meanwhile it had received considerable additions in volunteers from Orange County, although not half as many as had been mustered out and transferred to the veteran reserve corps in consequence of physical disability.
Early in March U. S. Grant had been made Lieutenant General and invested by the President with the chief command of all the armies of the United States. In the latter part of March and the month of April he caused a radical reorganization of the Army of the Potomac, and the "Old Third" became a part of the Second Corps.
An advance was ordered May 3d, and that night Birney's division struck tents and began its march. Two days afterward the memorable Battle of the Wilderness was begun. Ward's command in this battle consisted of eight infantry regiments, including the 124th and the Second U. S. Sharpshooters, constituting one of the largest brigades in the army. The leading officers of the 124th were now Colonel Cummins, Lieutenant-Colonel Weygant and Acting Major H. S. Murray. The brigade and regiment did their allotted share in the two-days' battle, but the regiment was less exposed than at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, and came out with a loss of three killed and fifty-seven wounded, Colonel Cummins being among the wounded.
The battle of Spottsylvania Court House came a week later. On the 9th the 124th N. Y. and 20th Ind. Regiments were thrown out as skirmishers for General Birney's division as it marched forward. Near Po River a Confederate battery opened on them, but fired too high, and soon had to flee. In the battle the next day for a while the 124th supported a battery on the extreme right of Hancock's line, and then marched with the division towards the left, where it was soon engaged, and assisted in an unsuccessful charge on the rebel line. It was in General Hancock's famous charge of May 12th. Birney's division was in four lines, with Ward's Brigade in front, the 124th composing the right center of the first line, Lieutenant Colonel Weygant in command. When the clash came there were hand-to-hand encounters so fierce and desperate as to defy description. There was an "unparalleled struggle of eighteen hours' duration." Hancock's men captured the enemy's works, and he finally abandoned his efforts to retake them. The 124th had been so actively engaged or under fire so much that the men writing home as late as May 18th spoke of the battle as having been raging since May 4th. Its losses were fifteen killed, fifty-two wounded and two captured. Colonel Weygant was one of the wounded. After the battle the regiment was so small that it was found necessary to consolidate it into five and then into three companies, and the 124th and 86th acted together, first under Lieutenant Colonel Lansing and then Major Stafford, both of the 86th. This union lasted until they settled down in front of Petersburg.
On the evening of May 20th the movement of the army from Spottsylvania Court House began in earnest. The 124th was in various movements, and on June 1st seven of its men on picket duty were captured. In the bloody battle of Cold Harbor, June 3d, Birney's command was in reserve, and the men of the 124th were lookers-on.
Offensive operations were suspended for a time, and General Grant decided to transfer his army to the James River. On the evening of June 12th, after a march of fifty-five miles, Hancock's corps reached Wilcox Landing and was transferred to waiting steamboats. On June 15th the advance of the rest of the army was resumed, Birney's command leading the column down the Prince George Court House road towards Petersburg. The brigade encamped in a grove of pines on City Point. There were only about 100 men left in the 124th. Between May 18th and June 22nd it lost three killed, twenty-four wounded and eight captured. Every third day from the 4th to the 24th of July the remnant was on the picket line. There were no engagements, but some skirmishing.
General Birney had been assigned to the command of the Tenth Corps, and the veterans of the "Old Third" were consolidated into one division under General Mott, and General De Trobriand became commander of the brigade, which included the 124th, now commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Weygant. When offensive operations were resumed on the last day of September, the regiment could muster sixteen officers and 230 fighting men, and two months later had been reinforced so that it numbered nineteen officers and 362 enlisted men, a few of whom were raw recruits. It had some active and hazardous work during the fall, before the army settled down in winter quarters. October 26 Hancock's command moved to the Weldon road, and the next day De Trobriand's brigade marched with Mott's division to Hatcher's Run, where General Eagan was having a skirmish, and preparing to force the passage of the stream. This was done, and presently De Trobriand's brigade was ordered to the front to relieve the brigade on the left of Eagan's line. In the afternoon the enemy advanced in force, and there was some furious fighting, in which the 124th brought to a halt a flanking force of dismounted cavalry with a battery of rifled guns and sent them into the edge of a neighboring wood. The battle continued, and a bullet struck Colonel Weygant in the side, so that he had to leave the field. Finally the Confederates fled. This was called the Battle of Boydton road. Three of the 124th were killed, fourteen wounded and six captured including two of the wounded. The regiment also took part in the raid of a week, beginning November 6th, to destroy the Weldon railroad, when its loss was only one killed and one wounded.
During the winter the Union lines tightened around Richmond, but apart from preparations for the spring campaign not much was done on either side. In February however, De Trobriand's brigade was in a short fight at Hatcher's Run, across which the Union line was permanently extended.
Confederate leaders did not allow Grant to open the spring campaign, and on March 26th attacked his lines, east of Petersburg, but were repulsed. The previous day the 124th was in an engagement with 500 Confederates, and in a gallant charge captured six officers and 164 men. Private George W. Tompkins shot the Confederate Commander, Colonel Troy, and carried off the battle flag of his regiment which he bore. Not a man of the 124th was injured. Private Tompkins was given a medal of honor from the Secretary of War, the thanks of Congress and a brevet commission.
The storming of Petersburg began April 2nd with all the artillery. That night the 124th and two other regiments were ordered to advance, and got into a fight in which several men were seriously wounded. The object of this move was to delay the return of some of Lee's troops, and was successful. The grand assault on the Confederate lines was made at the appointed time, and a part of De Trobriand's brigade led by the 124th moved at double-quick over one of the main roads leading into Petersburg, the Confederates fleeing before them, but wheeling and firing as they ran. Lee was quick to see the inevitable result of the assault, and ordered the evacuation of Richmond. During April 3d the 124th, which had the advance of the Second Corps, marched twenty miles, and gathered in 200 dismounted Confederate cavalrymen. On the 6th it came up with Lee's rear guard, and in the fighting of the march along Sailor's Creek up to this date the regiment lost four killed, seventeen wounded and one missing. The pursuit was resumed on the 7th, and on the 9th came the great surrender of Lee to Grant, when our "men shouted until they could shout no longer."
After the momentous event at Appomattox the 124th encamped at Burkesville Junction. In the night the men were awakened and horrified by the news that President Lincoln and Secretary Seward had been assassinated. On May 1st Meade's army took up its line of march for Washington, and came in sight of it about the middle of May. On June 5th, after participating in the grand review of the whole Union army, the 124th received its last marching orders. It reached home June 13th, and received a wonderful welcome from assembled thousands at Newburgh.
The Newburgh Daily Union published the truth when it said the next day that it "had made as noble a record as any regiment in the field." It praised Colonels Ellis, Cummins and Weygant, and said of the regiment: "Slowly they filed past; and now the people's enthusiasm burst out over all bounds. Our scanty police and watch force were swallowed up and overwhelmed, and the eager multitudes seemed as if they would throw themselves upon the soldiers. On they marched with steady and resistless step, their paces and uniforms telling of the fearful scenes they had passed through. Their battle flag, as it was borne aloft, awakened intense emotion; hardly a strip of its frayed and bullet-torn silk was left; yet it was more precious to the men and to the people than if it were made of cloth of gold."
Judge Taylor made the address of welcome, in which he said: "You are the life-guards of the nation, and we look upon you with something of the same reverence which we feel toward the fathers of our country. And we cherish the memory of those who fought, bled and died, and of those who survived the carnage of Fredericksburg, of Chancellorsville, of Beverly's Ford, of Gettysburg, of the Wilderness, of Spottsylvania, of Boydton Road, of Sailor's Creek and the many battlefields around Richmond."
The following is the official record of the commissioned officers of the 124th, in which the date of commission is followed by the date of rank:
REGIMENTAL AND COMPANY OFFICERS.
Colonels.
A. Van Horn Ellis, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 23, 1862; killed in action at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863.
Francis M. Cummins, Oct. 10, 1863; July 2, 1863; discharged, Sept. 19, 1864.
Charles H. Weygant, Jan. 11, 1865; Sept. 19, 1864; not mustered.
Lieutenant Colonels.
Francis M. Cummins, Sept. 10, 1863; Aug. 16, 1862; promoted to Colonel, Oct. 10, 1863.
Charles H. Weygant, Oct. 10, 1863; July 2, 1863; mustered out with regiment, June 3, 1865 (Brevet Colonel, U. S. V.)
Henry S. Murray, Jan. 11, 1865; Sept. 19, 1864; not mustered.
Majors.
James Cromwell, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 20, 1862; killed in action at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863.
Charles H. Weygant, Sept. 14, 1863; July 2, 1863; promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, Oct. 10, 1863.
Henry S. Murray, Oct. 10, 1863; July 2, 1863; mustered out with regiment, June 3, 1865.
James W. Benedict, Jan. 11, 1865: Sept. 19, 1864; not mustered.
Adjutants.
William Silliman, Sept. 10, 1862; July 16, 1862; promoted to Captain, Oct. 3, 1862.
C. Depeyster Arden, Oct. 3, 1862; Aug. 20, 1862; discharged, Jan. 14, 1863.
William Brownson, Feb. 20, 1863; Dec. 31, 1863; resigned, Sept. 17, 1863.
William B. Van Houten, Oct. 10, 1863; Sept. 17, 1863; discharged, Jan. 23, 1865.
Wines E. Weygant, Jan. 31, 1865; Jan. 31, 1865; not mustered.
Quartermasters.
Augustus Denniston, Sept. 10, 1862; July 15, 1862; resigned, Jan. 14, 1863.
Henry F. Travis, Feb. 27, 1863; Jan. 14, 1863; promoted to Captain, Aug. 20, 1863.
Ellis Post, Aug. 20, 1863; April 21, 1863; mustered out with regiment, June 3, 1865.
Surgeons.
John H. Thompson, Sept. 10, 1862; July 26, 1862; dismissed Nov. 25, 1864; disability removed by order of the President, Jan. 14, 1865.
John H. Thompson, Feb. 15, 1865; Feb. 15, 1865; failed to muster.
Robert V. K. Montfort, March 22, 1865; March 22, 1865; mustered out with regiment, June 3, 1865.
Assistant Surgeons.
Edward G. Marshall, Sept. 10, 1862; Sept. 5, 1862; dismissed, Aug. 7, 1863.
Robert V. K. Montfort, Sept. 10, 1862; Sept. 10, 1862: promoted to surgeon, March 22, 1865.
Edward C. Fox, April 6, 1865; April 7, 1865; mustered out with regiment, June 3, 1865.
Chaplain.
Thomas Scott Bradner, Oct. 21, 1862; Aug. 23, 1862; mustered out with regiment, June 3, 1865.
Captains.
Charles H. Weygant, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 12, 1862; promoted to major, Sept. 14, 1863.
Charles B. Wood, Oct. 10, 1863; July 2, 1863; discharged, Sept. 21, 1864.
Thomas Taft, Nov. 15, 1864; Sept. 21, 1864; mustered out with regiment, June 3, 1865.
Henry S. Murray, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 14, 1862; promoted to major, Oct. 10, 1863.
William E. Mapes, Dec. 17, 1863; July 2, 1863; discharged, Dec. 15, 1864.
Robert J. Malone, Dec. 17, 1864; Sept. is, 1864; mustered out with regiment, June 3. 1865.
James Cromwell, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 15, 1862; promoted to major, Sept. 10, 1862.
William Silliman, Oct. 3, 1862; Aug. 20, 1862; promoted to colonel, 26th U. S. C. T., Feb. 1, 1864.
James Finnegan, Feb. 9, 1864; Feb. 1, 1864; died of wounds, Oct. 28, 1864.
James A. Grier, Nov. 15, 1864; Oct. 27, 1864; not mustered.
James W. Benedict, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 16, 1862; mustered out with regiment, June 3, 1865.
John C. Wood, Feb. 18, 1865; Jan. 1, 1865; mustered out with regiment, June 3, 1865.
William A. McBurney, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 19, 1862; resigned, March 9, 1863.
Daniel Sayer, Dec. 17, 1863; March 6, 1863; mustered out with regiment, June 3, 1865.
Isaac Nicoll Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 20, 1862; killed in action at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863.
James O. Denniston, Aug. 20, 1863; July 2, 1862; not mustered.
Henry P. Ramsdell, Dec. 12, 1863; Oct. 7, 1863; not mustered.
Thomas J. Quick, Dec. 17, 1863; Dec. 10, 1863; mustered out with regiment, June 3, 1865.
Ira S. Bush, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 20, 1862; resigned, June 21, 1864.
John W. Houston, July 15, 1864; June 21, 1864; not mustered.
Edward J. Cormick, Nov. 15, 1864; Aug. 10, 1864; killed in action near Petersburg, Va., April 1, 1865.
Lander Clark, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 20, 1862; resigned, May 13, 1863.
Henry F. Travis, Aug. 20, 1863; April 21, 1863; mustered out with regiment, June 3, 1865.
William A. Jackson, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 23, 1862; killed in action near Petersburg, Va., June 18, 1864.
Lewis M. Wisner, July 15, 1864; July 14, 1864; not mustered as captain.
Thomas Bradley, Nov. 15, 1864; Aug. 2, 1864; mustered out with regiment, June 3, 1865.
David Crist, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 23, 1862; killed in action. May 30, 1864.
Theodore M. Roberson, Feb. 18, 1865; Jan. 1, 1865; mustered out with regiment, June 3, 1865.
First Lieutenants.
Charles B. Wood, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 12, 1862; promoted to captain, Oct. 10, 1863.
Charles T. Cressy, April 19, 1864; May 1, 1864; not mustered.
Thomas Taft, Aug. 2, 1864; July 20, 1864; promoted to captain, Nov. 15, 1864.
David U. Quick, Feb. 18, 1865; Jan. 1, 1865; mustered out with regiment, June 3, 1865.
Wines E. Weygant, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 14, 1862; resigned, Feb. 8, 1863.
William E. Mapes, Feb. 27, 1863; Feb. 8, 1863; promoted to captain, Feb. 27, 1863.
Edward J. Cormick, March 23, 1864; March 17, 1864; promoted to captain, Nov. 15, 1864.
Abram P. Francisco, Feb. 18, 1865; Jan. 1, 1865; mustered out with regiment, June 3, 1865.
William Brownson, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 15, 1862; promoted to adjutant, Feb. 20, 1863.
Henry P. Ramsdell, Feb. 20, 1863; Dec. 31, 1862; discharged, Dec. 13, 1863.
Daniel Sayer, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 16, 1862; promoted to captain, Dec. 17, 1863.
John W. Houston, Dec. 17, 1862; March 6, 1863; discharged, Dec. 13, 1863.
Ebenezer Holbert, July 15, 1864; June 21, 1864; mustered out with regiment, June 3, 1865.
Wm. A. Verplanck, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 10, 1862; discharged, Sept. 23, 1863.
Theodore M. Roberson, Dec. 17, 1863; Sept. 25, 1863; promoted to captain, Feb. 18, 1865.
Woodward T. Ogden, Feb. 18, 1865; Jan. 1, 1865; not mustered.
James O. Denniston, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 20, 1862; discharged, Oct. 17, 1863.
William H. Benjamin, Feb. 18, 1865; Jan. 1, 1865; mustered out with regiment, June 3, 1865.
Thomas J. Quick, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 20, 1862; promoted to captain, Dec. 17, 1863.
James A. Grier, Dec. 24, 1863; Dec. 10, 1863; not mustered.
John B. Stanbrough, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 20, 1862; resigned, Nov. 12, 1862.
Isaac M. Martin, Dec. 30, 1862; Nov. 12, 1862; dismissed, May 15, 1863.
Wm. B. Van Houten, Aug. 20, 1863; May 15, 1863; promoted to adjutant, Oct. 10, 1863.
Charles Stuart, Oct. 10, 1863; Sept. 17, 1863; discharged, May 15, 1865.
James H. Roosa, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 23, 1862; resigned, March 7, 1863.
James Finnegan, May 26, 1863; March 7, 1863; promoted to captain, Feb. 9, 1864.
Lewis M. Wisner, Feb. 23, 1864: Feb. 1, 1864; discharged, Aug. 5, 1864.
John C. Wood, Nov. 15, 1864; Aug. 1, 1864; promoted to captain, Feb. 18, 1865.
Thomas Hart, Feb. 18, 1865; Jan. 1, 1865; mustered out with regiment, June 3, 1865.
Henry Gowdy, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 22, 1863; died, May 11, 1864, of wounds.
John R. Hayes, Dec. 17, 1863; May 10, 1863; not mustered.
Thomas Bradley, Sept. 27, 1864; Aug. 1, 1864; promoted to captain, Nov. 15, 1864.
John S. King, Dec. 17, 1864; Sept. 15, 1864; mustered out with regiment, June 3, 1865.
Second Lieutenants.
Charles T. Cressy, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 12, 1862; promoted to first lieutenant, April 19, 1864.
Jonathan Birdsall, Aug. 2, 1864; July 20, 1864; killed in action near Petersburg, Va., Oct. 22, 1864.
Gabriel Tuthill, Feb. 27, 1863; Feb. 8, 1863; discharged, Feb. 23, 1864.
Henry P. Ramsdell, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 15, 1862: promoted to first lieutenant, Feb. 27, 1863.
James A. Grier, Feb. 20, 1863; Dec. 31, 1862; promoted to first lieutenant, Dec. 24, 1863.
Thomas Hart, Nov. 15, 1864; July 21, 1864; promoted to first lieutenant, Feb. 18, 1865.
John W. Houston, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 16, 1862; promoted to first lieutenant, Dec. 17, 1863.
Ebenezer Holbert, April 2, 1864; July 20, 1864: promoted to first lieutenant, July 15, 1864.
Thomas G. Mabie, Nov. 15, 1864; July 26, 1864; mustered out with regiment, June 3, 1865.
Adolphus Wittenbeecher, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 19, 1862; dismissed, March 19, 1863.
Theodore M. Roberson, May 26, 1863; March 6, 1863; promoted to first lieutenant, Dec. 17, 1863.
Woodward T. Ogden, Nov. 15, 1864; July 21, 1864; mustered out with regiment, June 3, 1865.
Sylvester Lawson, March 14, 1865; March 3, 1865; mustered out with regiment, June 3, 1865.
David Gibbs, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 20, 1862; resigned, Feb. 25, 1863.
Wm. H. Benjamin, May 26, 1863; Feb. 25. 1863; promoted to first lieutenant, Feb. 18, 1865.
Joshua V. Cole, Feb. 18. 1865; Jan. 1, 1865; not mustered.
Samuel W. Hotchkiss, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 20, 1862; resigned, April 2, 1864.
David U. Quick, Nov. 15, 1864; July 21, 1864; promoted to first lieutenant, Feb. 18, 1865.
Lewis T. Schultz, Feb. 18, 1865; Jan. 1, 1865; mustered out with regiment, June 3, 1865.
Isaac M. Martin, Sept. 10. 1862; Aug. 20, 1862; promoted to first lieutenant, Dec. 20, 1862.
Milnor Brown, Dec. 30, 1862; Dec. 30, 1862; killed in action at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863.
Charles Stuart, Aug. 20, 1863; July 2, 1863; promoted to first lieutenant, Oct. 10, 1863.
William W. Smith, April 19, 1864; Sept. 17, 1863; not mustered.
James Finnegan, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 23, 1862; promoted to first lieutenant, May 26, 1863.
Jacob Denton, May 26, 1863; March 7, 1863; not mustered; killed in action, May 3, 1863.
Lewis M. Wisner, Aug. 20, 1863; May 3, 1863; promoted to first lieutenant, Feb. 23, 1864.
John R. Hayes, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 22, 1862; discharged, April 8, 1864.
OTHER MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS.
Company I, 71st Regiment, N. G. S. N. Y., was recruited in Newburgh, mostly from Co. L, 19th Regiment, N. G. S. N. Y., between May 20 and 31, 1861, by Captain A. Van Horne Ellis. Governor Morgan refused to permit the company to leave the State, and thereupon Captain Ellis took it to New York on his own responsibility. It was furnished with transportation to Washington, was accepted through the influence of Secretary Seward, and mustered in for three months. It was stationed at the Washington Navy Yard, sent to Chapel Point and Point Tobacco, June 28, returned, and on July 16 was brigaded with Rhode Island and New Hampshire regiments under Colonel Burnside. It went to the Bull Run battlefield dragging two twelve-pound boat howitzers on July 4th, and returned with them. Soon it went back, arriving on the Bull Run battlefield July 21st, and in the battle fired 232 shots of shrapnel and canister. It drew out of the conflict by order at 3 P. M. with the loss of one killed and two wounded, and returned to Washington. It was soon back in Newburgh, where it was mustered out July 30th. The officers during this service were:
A. Van Horne Ellis, captain; George W. Hawkins, second lieutenant; Wm. H. Garrison, second sergeant; John McMeekin, third sergeant; James D. Hamilton, fourth sergeant; Charles Decker, first corporal; Marshal M. Van Zile, second corporal; Henry T. Travis, third sergeant; Thomas Riley, fourth sergeant.
May 28th, 1862, within seven hours, the company was again recruited for three months, and during that period was on guard duty in and around Washington. The officers were:
A. Van Horne Ellis, captain; Wm. H. Garrison, first lieutenant; James C. Taggart, second lieutenant; John W. Forsyth, first sergeant; Henry F. Travis, second sergeant; John McMeekin, third sergeant; James B. Montgomery, fourth sergeant; Thomas Riley, fifth sergeant; Robert Acheson, David M. De Witt, Wm. M. Verplanck and Edward J. Hall, corporals.
Captain Ellis afterward became colonel of the 124th, and several other members of the company became captains and lieutenants in the 124th, 56th and other regiments.
In May, 1862, the 19th regiment of militia, commanded by Colonel Wm. R. Brown, was ordered to Washington, and after recruiting its ranks, which had been depleted by volunteer enlistments, left Newburgh June 4. Arriving in Baltimore, it was ordered to Stuart Hill, and remained there until July 2nd, when two of its companies were ordered to Fort McHenrv and the rest of the regiment to Fort Marshall. On July 14 four companies were ordered to Fort Delaware, and remained there until August 10th, when they were sent to Havre de Grace to guard the railroad between there and Baltimore. The whole regiment went back to Newburgh the last of August, and was mustered out of the U. S. service September 6.
Officers during this expedition were: William J. Brown, colonel; James Low, lieutenant colonel; David Jagger, major; George Weller, quartermaster; William J. Hathaway, adjutant.
In August Colonel Brown twice offered the services of the regiment for nine months, but the offers were refused by Governor Morgan. He offered them again September 17, when they were accepted. Recruiting for it was complicated by the efforts of Colonel Isaac Wood to raise an authorized regiment of three years' men in the county at the same time, but he stopped after enlisting 272 men, who were consolidated with the 176th N. Y. V. and mustered in November 20th.
Colonel Brown continued to enroll volunteers until February 2nd, when his regiment, known as the 168th, left Newburgh with 750 men, and New York City eleven days later with 835 men. It went to Yorktown, and remained there on garrison duty during nearly its whole term of service. Once a detachment of 140 men under Captain Daniel Torbush was sent with detachments from other regiments up York and Mattapony Rivers, and the Torbush detachment was placed to guard the Richmond road. Here it was attacked by a force of Confederate cavalry, and repulsed them, killing fourteen, and losing one killed, five wounded and two captured. September 16th the regiment was sent to Bridgeport, Ala., and remained there on guard duty until October 14th, when it went back to Newburgh, and was mustered out October 31st. During its nine months of service it lost one killed, eighteen died, thirteen captured and 184 deserters. Its commissioned officers were:
The 176th regiment, with which Colonel Wood's 272 recruits were consolidated, was sent to the Department of the Gulf as a part of the Nineteenth Corps, and was in the Red River campaign in 1864, in General Sheridan's Shenandoah Valley campaign the same year, and in Georgia and North Carolina in the early months of 1865. In the Red River campaign it did some fighting and lost many men in killed, wounded and prisoners. Of its Orange County officers, T. Henry Edsall was adjutant, Sprague K. Wood rose from sergeant to captain, and Joseph Goodsell from second lieutenant to captain.
The company of cavalry recruited in the fall of 1861 by Morris I. McCormal as a part of Colonel Van Wyck's "Tenth Legion," when it was detached from this regiment was mustered in as Co. C, First Mounted Rifles, and had ninety-five men. The company served three years. Officers were: Morris I. McCormal, captain; Charles F. Allen, first lieutenant; Arthur Hagen, second lieutenant; Ardice Robbins, orderly sergeant; C. R. Smith, quartermaster sergeant. Captain McCormal resigned in 1862, but re-entered the service in the Fifteenth Cavalry in 1863. Quartermaster Smith and Sergeants James Eaton, Frank Mills and Fred Penney were promoted to lieutenants.
Orange County was represented in the Seventh, afterward Second, regiment of Cavalry, its volunteers being mostly in Co. B, under Captain Charles E. Morton of New Windsor. Alanson Randall, U. S. A., a native of Newburgh, was colonel of the regiment from November, 1864, to the muster out, June 5, 1865. The regiment was also known as the Harris Light Cavalry.
Recruits were obtained in Orange County for the Fifteenth Cavalry in the winter of 1863-4 by Captain Morris I. McCormal of Middletown, and Lieutenant Charles H. Lyon of Newburgh.
The Fifteenth Heavy Artillery's Co. M was mostly recruited in Orange County in the winter of 1863-4. The regiment was mustered in at Fort Lyon, Va., February 3, 1864, remained there until March 27th, when it went to Beverly Station and was assigned to duty in the Artillery Reserve of the Army of the Potomac, and did creditable service in several bloody battles. When Co. M was organized its officers were: Wm. D. Dickey of Newburgh, captain; Alfred Newbatt and Julius Niebergall, first lieutenants; John Ritchie and Robert B. Keeler, second lieutenants. August 15th Captain Dickey was placed in command of the Third Battalion and Lieutenant Ritchie took command of the company, leading it through the engagements in the struggle for the Weldon railroad, in one of which it lost in killed and wounded a third of its men. For the regiment's good work here and in a previous fight at Haines' Tavern it was complimented in the general orders of Meade. Co. M was mustered out in July, 1865. It lost during its year of service three officers and ninety-five privates. The promotions were: Captain Dickey to major, Second Lieutenants Keeler and Ritchie to first lieutenants, and Sergeants Joseph M. Dickey and Riemann to second lieutenants.
This Seventeenth Independent Battery was recruited in Orange to be a part of Colonel Van Wyck's "Tenth Legion" or 56th Regiment. It arrived in Washington November 11, 1861, and was organized as an independent battery January 10, 1862. It was first assigned to Casey's, afterwards Peek's division. It also served in the Seventh Corps, then in the Second division of the Eighteenth Corps, at Bermuda Hundred a short time in the Tenth Corps, and when mustered out formed a part of the artillery brigade of the Twenty-fourth Corps. It was in the siege of Yorktown, the battles of Williamsburg, Savage's Station, Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, the siege of Suffolk, and was in action at Petersburg, Dutch Gap, Fort Harrison, Hatcher's Run and Port Walthal. It was in the investment of Petersburg and Richmond. It suffered most severely at Fair Oaks. Its record was good throughout. Its commissioned officers were:
The First Regiment of Engineers, known as Serrell's, had in its ranks, it was said, 300 or 400 men from Orange County. Its detachments were mustered in between September 10, 1861, and February 12, 1862. The regiment retained its organization until June 30, 1865, when it was mustered out, but there were various changes in its composition. It was an important regiment in the engineering part of the service.
Company C of the 98th N. Y. S. V., was mostly recruited in Newburgh in the winter of 1863-4 by Captain James H. Anderson and Lieutenant J. K. R. Oakley, who had been in the 168th Regiment. They went to Riker's Island in February, 1864, and here consolidation requirements caused Co. C to consist of ninety-five Orange County men under Captain Anderson and Lieutenants Oakley and Sneed, and twenty-four were assigned to Co. I under Captain E. M. Allen. The record of the regiment was one of the best. It fought at Drury's Bluff, Cold Harbor and Petersburg. At Drury's Bluff it saved General Buller's army from a flank attack: at Cold Harbor it lost in killed and wounded 100 men; at Petersburg it charged the outer line of the enemy's works and was almost constantly under fire. Its colors were the first to be planted at Fort Harrison on September 29, 1864, and it was the first regiment to enter Richmond after the evacuation. After the surrender of Lee it was on post and garrison duty in several places, and was mustered out at Richmond August 31, 1865. Of the men who went out with Captain Anderson, thirteen were killed or died of wounds, twenty-three wounded, and five died of disease.
MONEY RAISED FOR THE WAR.
The following totals were raised by official action from town taxes, loans, state cash and bonds, for the towns named for war purposes:
Blooming Grove, $60,900; Chester, $54,192.67; Cornwall, $69,200; Crawford, $84,187.12; Deer Park, $242,981.83; Goshen, $83,233.05; Greenville, $54,016.45; Hamptonburgh, $21,000; Minisink, $57,271.62; Monroe, $160,968.65; Montgomery, $57,250; Mount Hope, $62,888.24; Newburgh, $455,637; New Windsor, $48,715,55; Wallkill, $95,100; Warwick, $201,070; Wawayanda, $51,750.
By the County: From taxes, 1864, $1,800; 1865, $90,649.50; from loans, 1864, $421,000; total, $513,449.50.
Towns and County: From taxes, 1862, $31,931; 1863, $2,000; 1864, $350,434.95; 1865, $257,581.82; from loans, 1862, $31,950; 1863, $35,318.70; 1864, $1,113,761.82; 1865, $229,278.41.
From State: Cash, $76,000; bonds, $252,000.53; interest on bonds, $3,473.51; other sources, $105.
Full total: $2,384,801.74.
The donations, cash subscriptions and draft exemption moneys, amounting to a very large sum, are not included in the foregoing figures.
This is one of the older towns of Orange County, lying somewhat northwest of the geographical center. The towns of Hamptonburgh and New Windsor are on the north, Cornwall on the east, Monroe and Woodbury on the south and Goshen and Chester on the west. It covers an area of 21,759 acres.
The title to all the territory of this town conveyed by the various original patents, upon which rests the deed of every property-holder to-day has been carefully preserved. The names and dates of the first settlers are also pretty fully recorded.
The oldest grant of land seems to be the Mompesson Patent, which is dated March 4, 1709, and confirmed May 31, 1712. This covered 1,000 acres. The next grant in order of time is that known as the Rip Van Dam patent, which is dated March 23, 1907 {sic} and covered some 3,000 acres. This was granted to Rip Van Dam, Adolph Phillips, David Provost, Jr., Lancaster Symes and Thomas Jones, each having an equal share in the tract. This is described as "beginning at a station bearing west 24 degrees north, and 85 chains from the wigwam of the Indian Maringamus," which was on the southwest bank of Murderer's Creek just across the railroad track from the Catholic Church of St. Mary. The present village of Salisbury Mills is on the east end of this patent so far as the village lies in the town. In the northeast corner of the town on the old county line is the 1,000 acre tract of Roger Van Dam which is dated June 30, 1720, although a portion of this tract extends over into the present town of New Windsor. The next patent was granted to Ann Hoagland, May 24, 1723, and it contained 2,000 acres in the western part of the town. In the southeastern part of the town, adjoining the Rip Van Dam patent, and west of the Schunnemunk Mountains was the 2,000 acre grant of Edward Blagg and Johannes Hey, dated March 28, 1726. This valley has been known ever since as Blagg's Clove. West of this was the irregular tract of 2,440 acres granted to Nathaniel Hazzard January 11, 1727. This was south of Washingtonville. Still further west was the Joseph Sackett 2,000-acre tract, to which 222 acres were afterward added on the south. This patent was dated July 7, 1736, and the tract adjoins the present village of Oxford. Sackett got another grant of 149 acres September 1, 1737, on the west.
On August 10, 1723 a patent covering 2,600 acres was granted to Richard Gerard and William Bull.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The surface of this town is varied by the long range of Schunnemunk Mountains, forming the eastern boundary, with its level ridges reaching to the height of about 1,600 feet, and the beautiful foothills of Woodcock, Round Hill, Mosquito, Raynor and Peddler. The last two have deposits of magnetic iron ore, which mixed with the ores from other parts of the county was used in making the Parott guns during the War of the Rebellion. The cultivated land is also broken and rolling, some upon quite high hills, whose sides were not cultivated, and are covered with luxuriant blue grass pastures, and along the streams and the lower lands are beautiful natural meadows, which bring their annual tribute of hay into the barns, and add very much to the beauty of the scenery.
The Greycourt or Cromeline Creek runs from Walton Lake by the base of Goose Pond Mountain, through the Greycourt meadows and the picturesque falls at Craigville, through Farmingdale and Hulsetown, and is joined near the Hamptonburgh line by the Otterkill; near Washingtonville by the Tappan or Schunnemunk Creek, flowing from Sattterly's Mills; also by the Silver stream draining a portion of Blagg's Clove, and furnishing at the old Coleman Mills, the excellent water supply of Washingtonville. The united stream is called Murdner's or Murderer's Creek, to which N. P. Willis gave the more poetical name of "Moodna," where it entered the Hudson near Idlewild. These streams have along their bank beautiful natural meadows dotted with fine old trees, and the hill-tops are covered in places with sugar maple and chestnut trees, making in the early spring time a beautiful picture of varied green, and in the autumn a glorious variety of colors, which, together with the fine apple orchards crowning the hillsides, justifies the name of Blooming Grove.
EARLY SETTLERS.
Vincent Mathews seems to have been the first settler according to the record. He bought the Rip Van Dam Patent, August 22, 1721, and built a grist mill at the place since known as Salisbury. He named this estate "Mathewsfield." Thomas Goldsmith came next, about ten years later, and he took the Mompesson Patent. He built a house on the north bank of the Otterkill, now known as the "Walnut Grove Farm," near the present Washingtonville. Edward Blagg also settled upon this tract, known as "Blagg's Clove" about this time. Mathews sold his mill to John J. Carpenter, which was turned into a powder mill under a State contract in 1776, when under the kindling fires of patriotism the demand for powder became very active.
In 1753 Jesse Woodhull settled in Blagg's Clove, although he seems to have purchased the Richard Van Dam Patent upon which the Moffatt family afterward settled. Mr. Mathews, the original settler, was an attorney, and took an active part in the early history of the town. He sold 1,500 of his acres to Louis Du Bois, of New Paltz, who built a tavern upon it which was kept by Zachariah Du Bois in Revolutionary times.
Prior to 1764 the territory of this town was a part of the Goshen precinct. From that time to 1799 it formed a part of the town of Cornwall. The other prominent settlers of the town are believed to be included in the following list:
John Brewster, Edward, Francis, Isaac, Jesse and Nathan Brewster, Daniel Brewster, George Duryea, Richard Goldsmith, Benjamin Gregory, John Hudson, Henry Hudson, William Hudson, Archibald Little, Timothy, James and Solomon Little; James Mapes, and his sons Wines, Jesse, Robert, James, Barney, David, William and Thomas; Elihu Marvin, a member of the Committee of Safety in 1775, also judge of the county in 1778; Seth, Nathan, James, Jesse and John Marvin; Samuel Moffatt; James and Fletcher Mathews, sons of Vincent Mathews, who was a colonel in the Revolution and a leading citizen; Thomas Moffatt, member of the Committee of Safety from 1778 to 1794; Josiah, Samuel, Jacob, Stephen and Peter Reeder; Israel, Thaddeus, John, Jesse, Josiah and Samuel Seely; Bezaliel Seeley; Selah Strong, the first supervisor of the town; Major Samuel and Captain Nathan Strong; Nathaniel Satterly, member of Committee of Safety in 1775, and proprietor of Satterly's Mills in 1765; John and Selah Satterly; James, Nathaniel and John Sayer; Nathaniel Strong, member of Committee of Safety, who was shot at his door by Claudius Smith, October 6, 1778; Captain Jesse Woodhull, delegate to the first Provincial Convention, and member of the State Convention that revised the federal constitution in 1778; Abner Woodhull, George and Benjamin Whittaker; Silas, Reuben and Birdseye Young; Stephen Mathews, Gilbert, Zachariah and John Du Bois; Hezekiah, Isaiah, Stephen, Isaac, Paul, Zepheniah, Charles, Aaron, Silas and Jeremiah Howell; Benjamin and Thomas Goldsmith; David Coleman, Caleb, Joab, Asahel, Micah, Silas, Richard and Jeremiah Coleman; Thomas, John, Francis and Richard Drake; Nathaniel Coleman; Daniel Curtis; John Chandler; Henry and Oliver Davenport.
Among other family names recorded are those of Carpenter, Moffatt, Owens, Gregg and Wooley. It is said of the Woodhull family that its ancestry is distinctly traced to the individual who came to England from Normandy with William the Conqueror in 1066.
CIVIL ORGANIZATIONS.
The town of Blooming Grove was organized March 23, 1799, the territory being taken from the more ancient Cornwall township. The name Blooming Grove had long been in use for this part of Cornwall, being the name of the old village which was given to distinguish it from Hunting Grove, a locality then in New Windsor.
The first town meeting was held at the house of John Chandler, the first Tuesday of April, 1799. Selah Strong was then elected supervisor and Daniel Brewster town clerk. Two hundred dollars were raised for the support of the poor that year, and a $10 bounty was voted for each wolf killed within the town. Mr. Brewster served as town clerk for thirty-seven years without intermission. There was little personal politics in those times, and public office was probably regarded as a public trust.
In April, 1830, a part of the town was taken off in the formation of Hamptonburgh. In March, 1845, another small portion was set off to the town of Chester.
Charles W. Hull has been town clerk since 1874, and has just been reelected, so that his term will be nearly as long as John Brewster's.
The house of John Brewster, at which the town meetings were held, 1765 to 1799, was kept as a hotel and was said to be the homestead of the Cooper family, upon which is now situated the Blooming Grove station and post-office.
When the present town of Blooming Grove was formed, the principal center was at Blooming Grove, where the old church was erected, 1759. The first town meeting was held in the spring of 1759, at the house of John Chandler, who kept a general country store here several years previous to this, also at Edenville, near Warwick, taking in wheat and other grain which was carted to New Windsor, ground at the old mill on Quassaic Creek, and shipped to the West Indies and exchanged for sugar, molasses and other products of the tropics, which were brought back to Orange County by the Hudson River to New Windsor, and exchanged again for grain and other farm products. John Chandler purchased in 1793 a small farm, upon which his great-grandson, B. C. Sears, now resides. He was president of the Newburgh and New Windsor Turnpike Co., and of the Blooming Grove and Greycourt Turnpike Co., built by his son-in-law, Hector Craig. He was an elder in the Blooming Grove Church and a large land owner in this part of the county.
The village of Blooming Grove then consisted of the old church and the old Blooming Grove academy, built about 1810, to which many of the students came from the neighboring towns, boarding with the neighbors about. A part of it was used as a district school until 1857, when the present building was built upon the old academy site. A blacksmith-shop, kept later by Pierson Genung, a drug store, a cooper shop, the old toll-gate, the country store, and the hotel kept by Benjamin Thompson, where were held the town meetings, general trainings, etc., and the public were entertained, were on this the main thoroughfare from Warwick to New Windsor and later Newburgh. This property was conveyed to Samuel Moffatt, Jr., merchant, by the executors of Rev. Benoni Bradner, and by him to Seth Marvin in 1810, who built a store-house on a lot purchased of Charles Howell, 1810. Blooming Grove now consists only of the old church, the parsonage and the schoolhouse, and half a mile away the station, store and post-office, kept by C. C. Gerow, and the creamery owned by the Sheffield, Slawson, Decker Co.
VARIOUS RESIDENTS
In 1810, Samuel Moffatt, Jr., having sold his place in Blooming Grove, moved to a new settlement at Washingtonville, building the old corner store, now owned by George A. Owen. Across the highway Moses Ely, the father of the late Dr. Ely, of Newburgh, had a tannery, and John Jaques, then a young man, opened here a shoe-shop. The old corner store, built in the woods almost, there being only two other dwellings, (a log house owned by James Giles and the private school of Jane Sweezey), was carried on by Samuel Moffatt and his son David, either alone or as members of the firm, from 1812 to 1832; then John S. Bull, 1832-1839; Walter Halsey and Apollis Halsey, 1839-1850; and the Warners and Williams Howell, 1850 to 1890, and George A. Owen, 1890, to this date. This store has always been, and is still, a prominent landmark in Washingtonville. In 1813, Jedediah Breed came to Washingtonville from Dutchess County, and built a harness shop adjoining the dwelling house now owned by his grandson, George A. Owen, and which has been occupied as a harness shop for nearly 100 years. Here Henry F. Breed kept the Blooming Grove post-office for forty years, nearly continuously; after his death the post-office was removed to the building of Alexander Moore, where, in 1872, the name was changed from Blooming Grove to Washingtonville.
Alexander Moore and his brother-in-law, Albert G. Owen, the father of George A. Owen, carried on a furniture and paint business here from 1830 to 1850, Moore being the postmaster and Owen, supervisor and justice for many years, and a member of the Assembly, 1849-1850. This village soon grew to be important, and is now one of the finest villages of its size in Orange County, having a beautiful shaded avenue of maples and many handsome residences. There are the Presbyterian and Methodist churches, Catholic Church of St. Mary, and the beautiful Moffatt Library, given to the village by David H. Moffatt, of Denver, and erected under the careful supervision of John Newton Moffatt, having a fine collection of books and a beautiful hall which is the convenient center for much social enjoyment; the large feed mill, originally built by David H. Moffatt, the father of David H., and now carried on by the Thomas Fulton Co., together with a large coal and lumber business; a similar establishment carried on by Hector Moffatt & Son, and the very large wine vaults of the Brotherhood Wine Co., successors to the James brothers' vineyard established in 1838. The Bordens also have here a large creamery, and there is also the Farmers' Creamery, now operated by the Mutual Milk and Cream Co., making this the most important station upon the Newburgh Branch of the Erie Railroad. It is surrounded by beautiful homes and thrifty farms. Within the corporation line are the home and farm of William H. Hallock, who owns several of the old ancestral homes throughout the town, which he has improved, and still runs with great business ability; also the ancestral homes of the Brooks family, descendants of Fletcher Mathews, one of the original settlers, and also the old Nicoll homestead, now occupied by Charles Nicoll.
Northwest of Washingtonville is the old Joseph Moffatt homestead, now held by his grandsons, C. R. Shons and S. L. Moffatt, who have beautiful orchards, which, with that of Jesse Hulse, crown the beautiful hilltop and have made "Blooming Grove apples" famous both at home and abroad; also the Walnut Grove farm, upon which the first Goldsmiths settled, and made famous by Alden Goldsmith and his sons, James and John A., now in the hands of the widow of John A. and her husband, Mr. O. B. Stillman; also the home of the late Captain Thomas N. Hulse, so long and so favorably known years ago to all travelers upon the Hudson River, now the home of his niece, Mrs. James A. Knapp, daughter of Benjamin Moffatt. Two and a half miles east of the village of Washingtonville is the village of Salisbury Mills, the oldest settlement of the town, where, on the falls of Murderer's Creek, Vincent Mathews built his mill, which later was owned by Captain Richard Caldwell, by Peter Van Allen, by Isaac Oakly, and is now the Arlington paper mills, owned and operated on a very large scale by Henry Ramsdell. Here in 1803 came John Caldwell, and with him his three sons, John, Andrew J. and Richard. Richard, then a mere lad, had been at the head of a company in the Emmet Rebellion, and through the clemency of Lord Cornwallis his sentence of death was commuted to banishment for himself and his father's family. He came to Salisbury with his father, and in 1808 married a daughter of John Chandler. He had the mill and a store at Salisbury. When the war with England in 1812 became a certainty, Richard Caldwell raised the 25th Co. Infantry of soldiers, was elected their captain, and led them toward Canada, crossing Lake Champlain in open boats, in a severe storm. He divided his extra clothing with his soldiers, and contracted a severe cold, resulting in pneumonia, and he died December 11, 1812, and is buried at Champlain, near Plattsburgh. His name is perpetuated by the beautiful monument erected in Salisbury Mills by his nephew, Richard Caldwell, to his memory and the memory of those who perished with him in that ill-advised and ill-equipped expedition; also to the memory of Captain Isaac Nicoll and those who died with him, in the War of the Rebellion. Captain Richard Caldwell left two children, John R. Caldwell, long well known as a prominent citizen of New Windsor, and Mary, the wife of Marcus Sears, M.D. The old house erected by John Caldwell in 1803 is still standing, long known as the home of Andrew J. Caldwell and his son, Richard Caldwell, both of whom stood firm for righteousness and temperance. In a part of the same grounds was the home of a sister, Mrs. Chambers, now occupied by the widow of Richard Caldwell, and from which still emanates a powerful influence for good to the whole village. Also the old home of the oldest son, John Caldwell, who was a merchant in New York, and on retiring came to live with his kindred in Salisbury, was the first president of the Orange County Agricultural Society, and was much interested in keeping silk worms and actually produced silk from the mulberry trees growing on his grounds in Salisbury.
Near the village stands a part of the old stone house, the home of Major Du Bois, who was a prominent man in the War of the Revolution, as major in Colonel Woodhull's regiment, who was a prisoner for ten months in the hands of the British, and who lost his extensive lands by the depreciation of the Colonial money and his enforced absence from home; also the beautiful home of the family of Hon. Robert Denniston. The ancestor of the Denniston family was Alexander Denniston, the brother-in-law of Charles Clinton, who with many of his friends and neighbors, all being Scotch Presbyterians, and tired of the exactions and demands of the crown, emigrated from the town of Edgeworth, county of Longford, Ireland, in the early summer of 1729. After a long, tedious voyage of nearly five months, they landed on Cape Cod; thence two years later they came to Little Britain. A family legend is, that these pioneers stood upon a hilltop about two miles northeast of Washingtonville and called the land in sight to the north, Little Britain, and there they settled. Alexander had six sons, James, George, Alexander, William, John, Charles, and four daughters. They were all stern patriots devoted to their country. The father was a member of Colonel Ellison's New Windsor regiment in 1738, and on frontier service in 1755. The six sons were all members of the Third Ulster County regiment, which was called out many times during the dark days of the Revolution. Two were members of the Committee of Safety and one served in the line during the whole war. Of these sons James was the only one that settled in the town of Blooming Grove, the others settling elsewhere, New Windsor, Cornwall, etc. He purchased, in 1790, the farm one mile east of Washingtonville, which still remains in the family. He had three sons, James, Alexander, Abraham, and two daughters. He died in 1805, leaving the homestead to his son James. The latter had one son, Robert, and four daughters. Dying in 1825, the homestead was inherited by his son Robert. The latter served as an officer of the militia, was justice of the peace in his native town, judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Orange County, was elected member of the New York State Assembly in 1835, and again in 1839 and 1840, and was State senator from 1841-1847 and State comptroller in 1860 and 1861. He was very active and energetic in his endeavors to maintain the Union during the War of the Rebellion, and was chairman of the military commission in the Orange and Sullivan Counties district. He had five sons, William Scott, James Otis, Robert, Henry Martyn, Augustus, and six daughters. These sons, like their ancestors, were all interested in the war for the preservation of the Union, and served either in the army or navy. William Scott was a surgeon in the volunteer army and died of fever, July, 1862. James Otis was first lieutenant and captain, Company G, 124th N. Y. State Volunteers, July 2, 1862, to September 3, 1863, when, on account of wounds, he was mustered out. He afterwards studied theology and retired from active church work in 1905. Augustus was first lieutenant and quartermaster in the same regiment from July 15, 1862, to February 3, 1863, resigning on account of physical debility. Henry Martyn entered the pay corps of the U. S. Navy in September, 1861, and after serving over forty years, on reaching the age of sixty-two years was placed on the retired list with the rank of rear admiral. Robert served as his assistant from March, 1863, to October, 1863, resigning on account of ill health, and died August, 1864. Augustus was a member of the New York State Assembly in 1874-1875, and president of Orange County Agricultural Society, 1879, to date; also president of Highland National Bank, and resides on the old homestead, which he owns.
West of Blooming Grove about two miles is located the village of Craigville, upon the falls of the Greycourt Creek, which formerly allowed three dams, all now gone, the combined power of which, together with the fact that the stream may be replenished from Walton Lake, or Long Pond, will at some future date be of value, as it was in the past. On the upper fall was located in the early days a forge, and some of the old slag is still in evidence. In later years a saw-mill and grist-mill were erected by Hector Craig, used afterward as the first manufactory of Hornby's Oats—H. O. The machinery has been removed since to Buffalo. The second fall was utilized by James Craig and his son, Hector Craig, for a paper mill in 1790.
After the death of Hector Craig, Barrett Ames, a son-in-law of Hector Craig, who had been a cotton merchant in Mobile, and his son-in-law, E. Peet, erected here a cotton factory, which was operated successfully for a number of years, but after the death of Mr. Ames, the property passed into other hands, and the cotton factory was burned down. Later the high dam was swept away and nothing remains but the ruins and the old house, which was once surrounded by beautiful gardens and was the scene of much social life when the home of Hector Craig, Barrett Ames and Irving Van Wart, who was a son-in-law of Mr. Ames. At this home Washington Irving, an uncle of Irving Van Wart, made one of his last visits, if not his last visit, far away from Sunnyside. To this old home came James Craig, in 1790, from Paisley, Scotland, bringing with him his family. His son, Hector Craig, born in Scotland, 1775, married a daughter of John Chandler, 1796. He was a member of Congress, 1823-1825 and 1829-1830. He was a strong supporter of Andrew Jackson, is said to have cast the first vote in Congress for Andrew Jackson for President, and was by him appointed surveyor of the port in 1830, and U. S. commissioner of bankruptcy in 1832. Hector Craig carried on the paper mill during his life, and also for a time the manufacture of hemp from the Chester meadows, which had been drained by act of Legislature in 1790. The old storehouse built by him is still carried on by Edwin Duryea, and the old hotel is still standing, a part of the Hornby property. The third fall, much lower, turned the mill of Uncle Silas Seaman and his son, Valentine Seaman, but is now out of use, and the property of H. S. Ramsdell. Just beyond the terminus of the Blooming Grove and Greycourt turnpike is the old Greycourt Cemetery, the burial place of many respected citizens of this and adjoining towns.
Two miles south of Craigville is situated Oxford Depot, on the Erie Railroad, with a general country store, kept formerly by Peter B. Taylor, but for many years the store and post-office have been in charge of S. C. Van Vliet, who has also served the town as supervisor, justice, etc. Here is also a creamery run by the Alexander Campbell Co. The old settlement of Satterly's Mills and the adjacent Campbell Tillotson property are now the beautiful country residence of William Crawford, a well-known New York merchant, who is doing much to improve that part of the town. Near Oxford Depot is the beautiful home of Judge Charles R. Bull, supervisor from 1899 to 1903, and associate judge of County Court, and a lineal descendant of Sarah Wells. The old-time homes of the Seelys and Marvins and the Fletcher Woodhull families, for a long time famous for their well-tilled farms, and in the old times well finished fat cattle, have passed from their hands, with the single exception of that of Courtland Marvin, still in the hands of his grand-daughter, Fannie Marvin, regent of Blooming Grove Chapter, D. A. R., and granddaughter of Fannie Woodhull Marvin, mentioned by Eager in his sketch of Claudius Smith as being used by her mother, wife of Captain Woodhull, in saving the family silver. The stone house built under the supervision of William S. Woodhull is still the property of the widow of his son, Jesse Woodhull, who was a daughter of Marcus Sears and Mary Caldwell. And the Youngs homesteads are still held by their descendants, Joseph W. Young, Mrs. Durland and the family of William B. Hunter. The Bulls in the southern part of the town near Monroe, still dwell upon the old homestead. John Brewster, the town clerk of Cornwall, 1765-1799, lived near Blooming Grove, and a part of his old homestead remains in the hands of his descendants, Thomas C. and Walter H. Brewster, who have both been supervisors of the town, and whose beautiful homes are beside the Tappan on Satterly's Creek, and near the ancestral home of Selah E. Strong, supervisor of Blooming Grove, 1875-1882, and sheriff of Orange County, 1888-1889-1890, and is now the home of his widow and their son, Sherwood Strong. This fine, old home was built by his grandfather, Selah Strong, the first supervisor of the new town of Blooming Grove, having been justice of the peace for the town of Cornwall for ten years. His father, Major Nathaniel Strong, came to this farm with the Howells and Woodhulls from Long Island, and married Hannah, daughter of Major Nathaniel Woodhull. He was a prominent citizen, a major in the Continental Army, and was murdered in his home on his farm, by the notorious Claudius Smith, October 6, 1778. This homestead adjoins that of the Strong family, now occupied by Charles F. Bull, from which came: Major Samuel Strong and Captain Nathan Strong, who was at Valley Forge with the Continental Army. The descendants of Samuel Strong now live in Blooming Grove on the Benjamin Strong farm, near the Blooming Grove church, and Charles Strong in Blagg's Clove. This homestead adjoins that of Colonel Jesse Woodhull, who settled here on 500 acres of land in 1753, aged eighteen years, a part of which still remains in the family of N. D. Woodhull. The Woodhull family were descendants from Richard Woodhull, born in North Hampton, England, 1620. Zealous for English liberty during the Protectorate, he sought freedom here. His grandson, Nathaniel, married into the Smith family, who were large proprietors of St. George's Manor, L. I. His daughter, Hannah, married Major Nathaniel Strong. His son, General Nathaniel Woodhull, remained upon the old homestead at Mastic, Long Island, and took an active part in opposing British oppression, and was killed by a British officer, September 2, 1776, tradition says because he would not say, "God save the King." Jesse settled in Blagg's Clove, and his son Richard married Hannah, daughter of Judge William Smith, of Long Island, and was the father of William Smith and Nathaniel Du Bois. William Smith was the father of William Henry Howell and Jesse Woodhull, and Nathaniel was the father of Richard and Francis Mandeville and grandfather of Nathaniel D. Woodhull, well known in Orange County as a leader of the New York milk business. Adjoining the Woodhull tract is the old Howell homestead to which Hezekiah Howell came from Long Island about 1730, and tradition says that as they came over Schunnemunk Mountain they were obliged to stand by their horses to prevent the wild turkeys from eating up their oats. He with Sylvanus White and others took up the patent of 2,000 acres called Blagg's Clove, and he married a daughter of Job Sayre in 1735. His son, Hezekiah 2d, was born here, 1741, and married Juliana, daughter of Nathaniel Woodhull, of Mastic, L. I. His son, Charles Howell, was born in 1752, married a daughter of Major Nathaniel Strong, and after her death, Elizabeth, daughter of Charles Board, and, settled near the Blooming Grove church, upon a farm of 150 acres, which still remains in the hands of the family of his son, Edmund S. Howell. He served in the Independent Corps under General George Clinton in building Fort Putnam, and was on guard after the burning of Kingston. Hezekiah Howell was the first supervisor of the old town of Cornwall, and was sheriff of Orange County during the Revolution. His son, Hezekiah 3d, married Frances, daughter of Major Tuthill, of Orange County. His grandson, Nathaniel W., graduated from Williams in the year 1853, was supervisor of Blooming Grove, 1871 and 1872, and a member of Assembly, 1863-1864. He has lived upon the old Howell homestead, and also inherited his father's farm, and has just conveyed the whole Howell tract of 700 acres to C. T. Purdy, who is as closely connected with Sheriff Howell as Nathaniel W. Sylvanus White, Jr., was born on Long Island, Southampton, and was son of Sylvanus and Phoebe Howell. They came with the Howells and Woodhulls and Strongs and Moffatts, to Blagg's Clove, and settled upon 300 acres of land. His daughter married Anselm Helme, and the family still retain the old Helme homestead, near Coleman's Mills. His son, Nathan H. White, was born in 1770, entered Columbia College at the age of eighteen, and graduated in 1781 in the same class as John Randolph of Roanoke. He taught a classical school in Montgomery for six years, and was principal of the Newburgh Academy two years. Returning to the old home in 1802, he married Frances, daughter of Hezekiah and Juliana Woodhull Howell and added 200 acres to the old homestead. He was elected first judge of Orange County, and was the friend and associate of Judges Kent, Van Ness, Platt and others; in 1806 was commissioned by Governor Morgan Lewis, captain of an Orange County Company of Militia. His son, Albert S. White, went to Indiana about 1825, was a member of Congress from Indiana two terms, and U. S. Senator contemporary with Clay, Calhoun and Webster. One daughter married Harvey Denniston, and after his death, John Nicoll, of Washingtonville, and the old White homestead is still held by her son, Charles Nicoll; and from this union of the Woodhulls with the Strongs and the Howells and from the Woodhull family came the numerous descendants who, together with the Seelys, Tuthills and Moffatts, Hulses, Hudsons, Duryeas, etc., have combined to make the old town well known, both at home and in very many distant States, as one after another has left his ancestral acres to seek a home, if not a fortune, in other parts of our native land. Those who remained at home have kept the ancestral acres up to the standard of productiveness set by their fathers, have been the supporters of the old church and of the schools, and have erected beautiful homes.
Instead of the droves of fatted cattle which slowly wended their way through the Ramapo Valley to the Christmas market in the city, and the county butter, now the Erie Railroad carries its daily freight of milk, and the accustomed leisure, the good old-fashioned all-day visits, and early teas, have given way to the daily rush to the trains, or creameries, and the more elaborate, though no more enjoyable festal occasions, with formal invitations and great preparations.
Who shall succeed these old families who have so loyally supported the Church, the State and the School? Shall their fine residences, which now crown the hilltops, with their beautiful views, and the valleys with their peaceful streams, attract the residents of the nearby cities, as the neighboring town of Monroe is doing? Or will these homes pass into the hands of those who have to labor for their daily bread, day by day, and neither the one nor the other caring for the traditions of the past, caring not for the old churches, the old burial grounds, nor anything of the past.
This question comes home to many of us, as we see the changes going on about us, and we cannot answer.
CHURCHES AND PASTORS.
The first house of worship was erected in Blooming Grove, 1759. The old church stood until 1823, when the present building was erected. The first pastor was Rev. Enos Ayres, who stood first on the roll of the first class graduated at Princeton College. He died in 1762 and was buried in the old burial ground, a part of which, including his grave and the graves of Rev. Samuel Parkhurst and Rev. Benoni Bradner, was covered by the new church building. In 1764 he was succeeded by Rev. Abner Reeve, father of the celebrated Judge Reeve, who founded the law school at Litchfield, Conn. Rev. Abner Reeve resigned about 1786. In 1786, Rev. Samuel Parkhurst came as a supply and soon died here, and his grave is also under the present church. Then followed, in 1770, Rev. Anasiah Lewis, Rev. Case, Rev. Green and Rev. Silas Constant, as stated supplies for a time. Rev. Benoni Bradner filled the pulpit from 1786 until 1892, dying in 1804. He was buried here, his stone still standing erect under the church. After his retirement Rev. Joel T. Benedict preached a few months, Rev. Noah Crane, 1803 to 1811. He was succeeded by Rev. William Rafferty, who married a daughter of John Chandler and resigned in 1815, to become president of St. John's College, Annapolis, Maryland. Returning on a visit in 1830, he died here, and is buried in the old Chandler family burial ground on the old homestead now occupied by B. C. Sears. August 7, 1816, Rev. Luther Halsey was installed as pastor. The church was admitted under the care of the Presbytery, with the reservation of its form of government, and remained in the Presbytery of Hudson until 1833, but has always been in fact Congregational. Rev. Luther Halsey served the church with great acceptance. Great revivals blessed his ministry, at one time nearly one hundred being added to the church. The present church building was erected under his ministry, and frequently filled. He resigned in 1824 to accept a professorship in Nassau Hall; later became professor of theology in Allegheny, in Auburn, and in Union Seminaries. He died in Pittsburgh on November 2, 1880, aged eighty-seven years. He was succeeded at Blooming Grove by James Arbuckle, then pastor of the Eighth Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, who was pastor of the church until his death, July, 1847. In 1847, Rev. Ebenezer Mason, son of the celebrated John M. Mason, D.D., of New York City, became pastor, who died here the next year. After his death the pulpit was supplied until April, 1851, when Rev. Austin Craig was called, and served this church for fourteen years, when he resigned to accept the presidency of Antioch College, Ohio, and later was president of the Biblical School at Stanfordville, Dutchess County, N. Y., where he died, but is still held in loving remembrance by many of the congregation and in the town. He was succeeded in April, 1866, by Rev. Warren Hathaway, D.D., who still occupies the pulpit. Although he has had frequent calls to what seems to have been more attractive fields of labor, he still remains loyal to his old congregation and they to him. Both Eager and Ruttenber, to whom we are indebted for part of the facts herein stated, excuse a lengthy report of this old church, because of its being one of the landmarks of the town, and it still stands for righteousness, temperance, and charity toward all those laboring for the good of their fellowmen, but the congregation is greatly changed. In the place of the Marvins, and Seelys, Moffatts and Roes, who came in large loads containing the whole families, come very few of those still left of the Woodhulls and Marvins. Although the Tuthills and the Shons, who represent the old Moffatt family, the Hulses and Hudsons, Gerows and Sears, and Howells and Brewsters, still contribute their quotas toward the congregation, there are many vacant pews, and very many who trooped up the long aisles, and listened attentively to the instructive and eloquent sermons, and visited upon the old door stones, are seen there no more. In place of the tall form of David H. Moffatt, Jr., who used to lead the choir in the old gallery, stands the handsome pipe organ erected to his father's memory by David H. Moffatt, of Denver. And the church has a fund in memory of David Wright, given by his daughter Susan Wright.
In 1830, an effort was made to start an Episcopal church in Washingtonville, but met with no success. August 21, 1851, under the leadership of Rev. Henry Belden, a Congregational church was organized, and a building erected, which was afterward sold to the Methodist congregation, incorporated 1855. The First Presbyterian Church of Washingtonville was organized 1841. Connected with the Hudson Presbytery under the charge of Rev. Henry Belden the church grew to a membership of 121, when Rev. Henry Belden was succeeded by Rev. Phineas Robinson. A church building was erected in 1847, and Rev. Luther Halsey was called to succeed him and occupied the pulpit until October, 1856. Rev. Daniel Higbee served the church from August, 1858, until his death, October, 1867. He was succeeded by John Griswold, who served until April, 1871, when he was succeeded by Rev. James B. Beaumont, 1871 to 1881, George W. Morrill from 1882 to 1884, when an effort to unite the congregations of the First and Second Churches was made, but failed. In 1886, Rev. Joseph Greenleaf was called, and died in 1888. William M. Yeoman was pastor from 1898 to October, 1902. John A. McCallum, installed 1903, resigned June 20, 1907, leaving the church without a pastor at this date. Their church property has been increased by a new parsonage, 1872, and a handsome chapel and Sunday schoolroom, to the memory of Mary Scott Denniston, the widow of Hon. Robert Denniston, erected by her children.
In 1855, Dr. Luther Halsey, having a matter of difference with the New School Assembly, did not feel he could any longer remain under its care, and many of his congregation joining with him, they formed the Old School Presbyterian Church of Washingtonville. The church was organized in 1857, a house of worship built in 1858, and a parsonage added in 1871. Dr. Luther Halsey occupied the pulpit until April, 1862, when Rev. Arthur Harlow was called and ordained and installed, September, 1863; resigned in October, 1871, and died June 19, 1883. In 1872, B. G. Benedict became stated supply until 1875, when on account of ill health he resigned and was succeeded by Rev. N. M. Sherwood, who served the church ten years, resigning in 1885 in order that his occupying the pulpit might not embarrass the effort to unite the two Presbyterian churches. This effort failing, Rev. Eugene L. Mapes was called, April, 1886; installed 1887, and resigned a year later, having received a call to the Presbyterian church of Carlisle, Pa. The church was then supplied for some time, and then sold its property, and divided the proceeds between the Foreign and Home Mission Boards of the Presbyterian Church, part of the congregation giving to the First Presbyterian Church and part to the old Blooming Grove Church, and part to Bethlehem and Little Britain.
The Blooming Grove Methodist Episcopal Church was incorporated December 3, 1855. This is now the Washingtonville Methodist Church. It was for a long time on the circuit of Monroe, Oxford, Craigville and Highland Mills, but now is associated with the church at Salisbury Mills, has a fine church property, kept in very good repair, and has recently installed electric lights in connection with other improvements.
The Catholic Church of St. Mary is near Washingtonville on the State road, the first building erected in 1872, has been of late much enlarged and beautified under the direction and by the effort of Rev. Father Tetrau, and now has a fine property consisting of the enlarged church and rectory.
The Methodist Church of Salisbury Mills was incorporated in 1854, was connected with the New Windsor circuit until 1898, when it was connected with Washingtonville. It has a convenient and finely located building.
In Salisbury, largely through the efforts of Richard Caldwell and his wife, Sarah Beattie Caldwell, the Hope Chapel, connected with the Bethlehem Presbyterian Congregation, was built, and has been an active organization ever since, and its Sunday school, supported by its founders, is large and active, and Sunday evening and other services well attended.
The Satterly Town Methodist Church was organized in 1855, a house built and services held for some time, but its supporters, withdrawing or moving from the neighborhood, the building was removed. Also about 1850 a church was erected at Craigville, for the use of that village and neighborhood, which soon passed into the hands of the Methodist organization, and was on the circuit with Washingtonville for many years, but service has for a long time been discontinued, though the building still stands in fair repair and is beautifully situated. Still another Methodist church was built about one mile south of Oxford Depot and used for the purpose of worship, but now has been turned to secular use; also near this was the Friends meeting house, now used as a dwelling.
Chester is one of the interior towns of Orange County, situated on the main line Erie Railroad, which together with the Newburgh branch, Lehigh and Hudson and Orange County Railroads, make up the chief commercial outlets to the ports on the Hudson and Delaware Rivers.
It consists of over sixteen thousand acres of fine farming land and is a noted dairy and stock farming section of the Empire State. Considerable enterprise has been shown in recent years in the culture of onions, celery and lettuce on the Greycourt meadows, which are among the most fertile of all the alluvial deposits of the country.
The title of most of the land of the township is from the famous Wawayanda patent, which covered the land deeded by the twelve native Indian proprietors, who signed a deed, March 5, 1703, for all the land from the high hills of the Hudson to the Shawangunk Mountains and the Jersey line. The highest points of vantage in Chester township, from which magnificent views may be obtained of the whole Wawayanda country, are Sugar Loaf Mountain, 1,220 feet elevation, and Goose Pond Mountain, 826 feet above the sea level. From these pinnacles may be seen the Catskills, which are much higher and further removed than the Shawangunk range of mountains.
The elevation in Chester village at Durland Square is 485 feet, and on the ridge back of the Presbyterian Church, extending toward Craigville, may be obtained extended views of a large portion of Orange County, spread out in every direction.
The H. W. Wood hills at East Chester, the T. S. Durland ridge at Greycourt, and the Guy Miller gravel hill, each have a magnificent outlook over a large scope of the country from Schunnemunk to Shawangunk. In the valleys between these ridges are the old highways following in some instances, Indian trails. It is but natural that along these roads the present village should have grown up.
The road from Newburgh through Chester to Trenton and Morristown, N. J., is often spoken of in the Clinton papers and in more recent years it has been known as the King's Highway. It has been a noted road since Colonial days, having often been used by General Washington during the Revolutionary War. It is the natural avenue for intercourse between Newburgh and New Jersey. Crossing this road at Durland's Square is the old Albany and New York stage road, which enters the town of Chester at the Goshen line and to the metropolis continues its course southward near Greycourt. Leaving this old stage road at Nanowitt Park, which has been recently donated to the town of Chester by Rev. E. T. Sanford, pastor of the North Baptist Church of New York City, is the old Indian trail, which became a popular road during the Colonial days and leads to Greenwood Lake and to the ancient Sterling Iron Works. This road was traveled by Peter Townsend, one of the owners of the Sterling Iron Works, who lived in Chester during the Revolution, and whose descendants continued to reside here for many years.
There is also the new State road, No. 600, following quite closely the old Albany and New York road, excepting the course from Monroe to Chester is changed from the east to the west side of the Erie Railroad. The famous Glenmere Lake, formerly known as Thompson's Pond, is partly in the town of Chester, and is noted for its pickerel and bass fishing. Its area is about 400 acres.
The streams of the town are known as the Otter Kill, which flows through West Chester and is joined at Lincolndale by the Cromeline Creek, which was known in Colonial days as the "River."
The Cromeline has its sources of supply near the northern headwaters of Greenwood Lake in the watershed known as "Dutch Hollow;" also from the outlet of Walton Lake, known in Colonial days as the "Little Long Pond" to distinguish it from Greenwood Lake, which in the early period of our history was known as Long Pond. Along the Cromeline Creek are the fertile meadows formerly known as the Great Beaver meadows.
Since the erection of the Cromeline house in the year 1716, which stood on the south side of the road opposite the present home of W. R. Conklin, the meadows have been known as the Greycourt meadows, from the fact that this Cromeline house was known as the Greycourt Inn. This name was also given to the cemetery, near this old inn, and when the Erie Railroad was built in 1841, this name was applied to the junction of the Erie Railroad with the Newburgh branch and the Warwick Valley, first called East and West Junction, afterwards Chesterville, and finally the euphonious name of Greycourt was decided upon as the name appropriate for the station adjoining these famous Greycourt meadows.
COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY.
On the 22nd of August, 1775, the Provincial Congress of New York passed a law under which the militia of the Revolution was organized.
The several companies so formed were directed to be joined into regiments to consist of not less than five nor more than ten companies. When the organization was perfected, the companies of Orange formed the Fourth Brigade under Brigadier General George Clinton. This brigade was composed of four companies of Ulster and five of Orange County, commanded respectively by Colonel Allison, whose regimental district included Goshen, of which Chester was then a part, and the western part of the county. There were Colonel Hathorn, whose district embraced Warwick and the settlements; Colonel Woodhull, the district which is now Monroe and Blooming Grove; Colonel Hasbrouck's district, embracing Newburgh and vicinity; Colonel Clinton's of New Windsor, Montgomery and Wallkill.
During the early years of the war our people (located, as they were, not far removed from the Hudson) were almost constantly under arms or engaged in the construction of the forts of the Highlands, or preparing the obstructions to navigation through these Highlands.
The contract for the making of the last chain drawn across the Hudson at West Point, on April 30, 1778, was awarded at the home of Mr. Peter Townsend, who resided at this time in the old homestead opposite the Presbyterian Church, in Chester village, by Secretary of War, Mr. Pickering. Mr. Townsend, of the firm of Townsend & Noble, at this time was one of the owners of the Sterling furnace, where the chain was made.
During the years 1776 to 1779 our troops were very active and were kept informed by the aid of cannon firing by day and beacon fires by night. From December, 1776, to April, 1778, our militia was called out no less than twelve times and spent 292 days in the field.
At a meeting of the County Delegates called to meet at the Yelverton Inn (still standing in Chester), on September 17, 1774, Henry Wisner was elected and sent as a delegate to the Continental Congress at Philadelphia, "to protest against the unjust taxation." On December 9, 1776, General Clinton was ordered to co-operate with Generals Lee and Gates to harass the enemy, who had then entered northern New Jersey. The resolution read as follows: "That all the militia of Orange and Ulster Counties be forthwith ordered to march properly armed and accoutered with four days' provision to Chester, Orange County, N. Y."
This fixes the date of the encampment of these troops on the hill where the present new modern school-house is being erected, as being about the latter part of December, 1776, or January, 1777. The encampment probably consisted of part of the four regiments, under Colonels Allison, Hathorn, Woodhull and Clinton. An order was issued on January 4, 1777, dismissing part of these troops, leaving about 300 men in the above camp for the winter.
One of the first engagements in which our Chester patriots took part, occurred at Suffern, October 3, 1777, when Major Thomas Moffatt ordered Captain Wood and twenty men to cover the pass through the mountains at this point, where they intercepted a band of Tories, with the result of one robber killed and three wounded.
Our company was engaged under Colonel Allison later on at Forts Montgomery and Clinton. While these events were transpiring on the Hudson, the western frontier was harassed by the incursions of the Indians and Tories under the leadership of the educated half-breed Brant, together with Butler the Tory. Our troops becoming alarmed by the fugitives' accounts of the massacres and burnings taking place on the frontier, Colonel Hathorn, together with Lieutenant Colonel Tusten, of Colonel Allison's Goshen Regiment, and with such numbers of the commands as could be brought together in so brief a time, proceeded at once to Minisink, on July 22, 1779, to take part in that bloody battle on this date. Several of our Chester Company were among the brave troops.
SUBSEQUENT HISTORICAL INCIDENTS.
After the Revolutionary War and until 1845, the village of Chester was a part of the township of Goshen, and had become quite an important trading center, being at the junction of the two leading State roads. Up to the time of the building of the Warwick Valley road, in 1863, now the Lehigh and Hudson, the pig iron from Wawayanda Lake forge was carted to Chester for shipment on the Erie, the butter and other farm produce from the Vernon Valley, extending as far as Newton, N. J., was also brought to this point for shipment. It was but natural that the trial to decide the boundaries of the Chesekook and Wawayanda Indian patents should have been held at this place. In the year 1785, in the barn connected with the Yelverton Inn, erected in the year 1765, still standing, in good state of preservation, and owned by Joseph Durland, some of the older inhabitants and pioneers of Orange County met with the nation's most famous lawyers, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. The Wawayanda patentees were fortunate in securing these men during this trial, and many historical facts were brought out, through the witnesses sworn at this trial. In their testimony concerning what they knew about the early settlement of the country and the relations of the whites to the native Indians, the evidence was set forth. The burden of the testimony seemed to prove that Schunnemunk was not considered by the pioneers as the high hills of the Hudson. On this trial, Judge Elihu Marvin stated "that he was born in 1719 and moved in what is now known as the town of Chester in 1742. Whenever he visited Haverstraw and returned as far as the Ramapo River, it was always called beyond the High Hills of the Hudson."
Hugh Dobbin, aged seventy-six, stated "that he lived near Sugar Loaf Mountain since 1738."
Deliverance Conkling, who lived near Wickham's Pond, stated "that he was 71 years old, and has known personally Lancaster Symes, one of the Wawayanda patentees, and the pond at Goose Pond Mountain used to be called Cromeline Pond, and abounded in wild geese."
Samuel Gale was born in 1737, and testified "that the Chesekooks line had always been disputed."
William Thompson was born in 1723, was chain bearer for Colonel Clinton and usually stopped, when surveying the Chesekook patent, at Perry's near Wickham's Pond. He had talked with the Indians and remained at times in their wigwams.
Ebenezer Holly, born 1698, stated that he knew Captain Symes, Captain Aske, Christopher Denn and Daniel Cromeline. In dispute with the Indians, Governor Burnet had decided that the Indians must move off the land; among the Indians who still claimed land were Rondout, Hons and Romer. He stated that Cromeline made his first improvement at Greycourt.
John Kinner, a Chester resident, held land in this disputed tract under Mr. Wisner, Dr. Baird and Mr. Scott.
James Board, aged sixty-five, born in England in 1720, came to this country with his father, Cornelius, and brother, David, in 1730; sent by Alexander, Lord Sterling, to discover copper mines; discovered iron ore deposits at Sterling, built there a forge in 1735, and in the year of 1740 removed to Ringwood. The mountains west toward Warwick were called by that name. The Sugar Loaf Mountain was called by that name as long as he remembered.
Soon after the forge was going it was sold by Cornelius Board & Sons to Coldon & Ward.
During this trial Burr and Hamilton were guests at the old Yelverton Inn. The court adjourned to meet again at Chester, in Yelverton barn, in October, 1785, at which session it was decided that Chesekook patent should comprise all the land east of Goose Pond Mountain and the great Beaver Meadows, to the western line of Evans patent and the Hudson River.
In the early part of the nineteenth century, living in and about West Chester, were Joseph Durland, born in 1762, Benjamin Dunning, Daniel Denton, James Roe and Michael Renton. On the Florida road lived Thaddeus Seely and Major Holbert. At Chester lived Asa Vail opposite the second academy, Edmund Seely, Seth Satterly and Dr. Townsend Seely. Peter Townsend lived opposite the Presbyterian church. Isaac and William Townsend on the C. B. Wood ridge, Elmer Cooper and Dr. Dodd, Aaron Cox, the hatter, and Stephen Cooper, born in 1788; David G. Drake, born in 1760. The old Samuel Satterly house stood on the brow of the hill, nearly opposite the joining of Old New York road, near the new State road; from this point at the bridge, which was called in these early days the "Purgatory Bridge," the most popular amusement was running races. The course lay from this bridge to the oak tree, which is still standing near H. W. Wood's residence. On special days, July 4, and in the autumn, the people from miles around fairly lined the short course in numbers from three to four hundred people. In fact, nearly double the number of our whole population at that period. Purses were usually made up at such times at the course, and great horses contested. Among them were Webber's "Kentucky Whip," a great running sire from Kentucky; Tom Thumb and Saltrum. The visitation of such noted running stock to Chester was the beginning of an improvement in the racing stock of this section. This development found its climax in the birth of Hambletonian, the progenitor of the American trotter.
When the old "Hero of Chester" died in 1876, he was buried on the hill on the W. M. Rysdyck place. Since that time a granite shaft costing $3,000, has been erected, to mark the resting place of this notable sire.
About 100 years ago Isaac Kinner and Daniel Cooley lived on the western foothills of the Goose Pond Mountains.
On the Craigville road lived Dr. John Boulton, Birdseye Young, Albert Seely, Samuel Denton, Hezekiah Moffatt and Jesse Carpenter.
THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.
About 1721, we find John Yelverton, of New Windsor, in this section. The deed recorded, 1765, by his grandson and executor, Abijah Yelverton, who kept the Yelverton Inn, in old Chester village, conveys three parcels of land in 1721 in Goshen to John Yelverton, in trust "for a parsonage, minister's house and burying place; also to build a meeting house thereon or a public edifice for the worship of God in the way and manner of those of the Presbyterian persuasion," signed by twenty-four land owners in the different parts of the Wawayanda patent. This has reference to the Goshen Presbyterian church. During this period Chester, with the rest of this part of the county, was included in the precinct of Goshen.
Richard Edsall's survey, made in 1741, mentions William Seely and Rulof Swartwout as living in this neighborhood.
The township of Chester is well arranged for the transaction of public business, and is the practical outcome of the ambitions of a progressive century. In 1845 from the towns of Goshen, Warwick, Blooming Grove and Monroe, the township was organized with James Gray as its first supervisor, 1845.
The first deed that we find made mention of was John Beers as owning 120 acres of the Cromeline patent; he sold the same June 16, 1751, to John Ensign, who in turn sold 42-3/4 acres of the tract, on May 19, 1755, to John Yelverton, gentleman, for the sum of 97L. and 4S. current money. Upon this land the village of Chester is located.
Many familiar names of the families living in our township to-day are found on the assessment rolls of dist. No. 4, town of Goshen, of September, 1775, signed by Nathaniel Roe.
This district may be described as running from Greycourt to Satterlytown, Sugar Loaf to Summerville, to Fort Hill, with no less than 119 land owners with an assessed valuation of 370L. 8S. 17D.
Abijah Yelverton, in the year of 1783, gave an acre of ground for church purposes. The year 1797 saw the beginning of the first meeting house. In 1708 the first minister began his labors in the Presbyterian church at $75 per annum, "with the privilege of teaching to piece out his support." This meeting house stood on the high ground in the rear of the residence of Dr. S. G. Carpenter, in the old village of Chester. It was commodious for the time, with square pews, but was used without being heated. The next church was built in 1829, and was located about the center of the present cemetery at East Chester.
Our earliest district school-house stood opposite the Dr. Edmonston home in the old village. It was erected during the latter part of 1700. Another was located on the Goshen road near Dr. A. T. Sanden's residence. Long before the noise of railroads disturbed the quiet of our hamlet, the mails were brought by the old stage coach.
Chester was favorably situated for the exchange of mails, the Goshen stage running through here to meet the Newburgh and New York stage line at Southfield and the Warwick stage line, using our road to connect with the same line at Washingtonville.
The first post-office was established in Chester in 1794. Joseph Wickham being the first postmaster located at West Chester, then and now a part of Chester village, afterward it was moved to the old village and in 1842 was removed to the building opposite the present Erie Railroad tower at Chester Station. The idea of offering fresh milk from the country to the distant consumer in the city originated with a road contractor named Selleck who interested some of our leading farmers in the project and succeeded in getting a supply sent by the Erie in the spring of 1842. It was shipped in the blue pyramid churns of that day. The first shipment were about six cans per day and freight charges were by weight, twenty cents per hundred pounds. The price paid the producer was two cents per quart, placed on the cars at Chester. The farmers soon finding that there was more money to be made from milk at two cents per quart than butter at fifteen cents per pound, began sending milk to Selleck. Thus the milk business of the county was born, and in spite of the many difficulties, this business has alone been the means of building four railroads in Orange County and returned to it over $100,000,000.
In 1784 mention is made of a saw-mill on the trout brook, on the Sterling road. These mills are now known as Bull's Mills. A grist-mill was then operated on the opposite side of the stream. The old flouring mill at West Chester was established soon after the settlement was made. As late as the year 1820, an old mill stood upon the ground just above the present Chester mills. During these times they used two run of stone and never were compelled to shut down for lack of water.
Chester's first library was incorporated November 17, 1779, with seven trustees, and was verified before Judge Wickham and recorded the same year. Abijah Yelverton was the first librarian.
The war of 1861 occasioned a great demand for onions and our onion culture on the black meadows began about that time. Our average yearly production has been about 60,000 bushels. During revolutionary times a part of these meadows were cultivated for raising hemp; later on, potatoes and corn.
INCORPORATION.
The movement for both our present water supply and for the incorporation of the village first took effective shape in the year 1891, when a few public-spirited citizens of the village subscribed to a fund to be expended in a survey to determine whether the water of Little Long Pond, now known as "Walton Lake," could be brought to the village under such pressure as would make it available for fire protection. The preliminary survey was made under the direction of Joseph Board and George M. Roe. The facts were convincing that this was a most favorable project for a water supply. First, the organization of a private company was proposed, and from this developed the incorporation of our village, the citizens realizing that if we were to have a water supply it must be owned by the village. Accordingly this was done with the happy result that has made us the envy of our neighboring villages.
On October 17, 1892, Mr. Joseph Board was appointed as resident superintendent in the construction of the water works, and when the water was turned on, in exactly a year, October 17, 1893, the inhabitants of our village had the satisfaction of knowing that each length of pipe so laid had been under the inspection of our superintendent.
The village of Chester was incorporated June 23, 1892. having a population of 1,400; 125 voters favored the incorporation and only the small number of thirteen opposed the proposition. At the first caucus, held July 12, 1892, were nominated W. A. Lawrence as president; Joseph Durland, George M. Roe and Thad. S. Durland, trustees. At the first election, held July 20, 1892, the above citizens were elected to their respective offices. The village board was organized on the same date, naming Joseph Board as village clerk.
The board of water commissioners was organized August 15, 1892, with Messrs. W. A. Lawrence, Joseph Durland, George M. Roe and T. S. Durland as commissioners, and Joseph Board, clerk. A taxpayers' meeting was called September 2, 1892, to vote on the question of assessment for water-works, with the following results: Sixty-eight in favor, against seven. Contract was executed at a total cost of $53,000 at their final completion.
This water supply for the village of Chester is one of the best in the State. The source is Walton Lake, formerly known as Little Long Pond, a beautiful sheet of spring water, covering an area of 127 acres, with a storage capacity of 3-1/2 feet, each foot of water giving a supply of over 40,000,000 gallons. This supply is a gravity system. From this lake, at an elevation of 250 feet above the level of Main street, at Chester Station, giving a working pressure of 80 to 90 pounds, there was laid for water-mains, 8,197 feet of 12-in. pipe, 6,978 feet of 19-in. pipe, 14,820 feet of 8-in. pipe, 5,748 feet of 6-in. pipe, 6,312 feet of 4-in. pipe.
Since the introduction of Walton Lake water, both the Walton Hose Company and Hook and Ladder Company have been organized.
After the incorporation the present municipal brick building was erected at a cost of $5,000. In this building rooms for village officers and parlors used by the fire department are located. In connection with our fire department, there is an annual inspection at which time the Chester military band of twenty-five members, under the leadership of George W. Ball, adds greatly to the village life.
In the year 1905, the Orange and Rockland Electric Company was organized, with R. W. Smith as president, and G. M. Roe as vice-president; Zael Paddleford, secretary; Frank Durland, treasurer. This company was organized and stock subscribed for by the citizens of Chester and Monroe.
The streets of the village, which were formerly lighted by kerosene, are now illuminated by electric current, generated by this company. Our Telford streets were laid in the year 1901, at a cost of $17,000. A distance of two and one-quarter miles were constructed through the main streets of the village.
CHURCHES.
The Presbyterian Church of Chester, while it had been ministering to the spiritual needs of the community for more than a quarter of a century, effected its legal organization December 26, 1826, with David Roe, Henry Seely, James Holbert, Elnathan Satterly, Joseph Sherwood and Townsend Seely as trustees.
The present house of worship, being the third erected by this congregation, was dedicated January 4, 1854. The present chapel was added in the year 1884. The church was remodeled and memorial windows added in the year 1898. In the year 1898 the church celebrated the centennial of its existence with impressive services and the publication of an interesting history of its century of church life.
The commodious parsonage adjoining the church was erected in 1895 at a cost of about $8,000.
Methodist Episcopal Church, Sugar Loaf.—Rev. Isaac Condee was the first Methodist preacher to visit Sugar Loaf, which he did in the year 1803 or 1804, and first preached in the home of John D. Conklin.
In the fall of 1804 he organized the first class and appointed John D. Conklin, leader. It is the mother of all the Methodist churches within a radius of ten or twelve miles.
The certificate of incorporation was executed on August 6, 1809. The trustees then chosen were Henry Wisner, Jr., Joseph Beach, Andrew Cunningham, Benjamin Wells, Richard Wisner, Horace Ketchem, Elijah Stevens, John D. Conklin and Benjamin Horton.
A subscription was taken and the first church was built in year 1810. Ten years later, in the year 1820, the Sunday school was established. The parsonage was erected in the year 1832. The second church, the present building, was built in 1852, and at three separate times it has undergone repairs. Rev. J. B. Wakeley, D.D., preached the sermon at the dedication of the church in the year 1852, and following the extensive repairs to the church, made in 1872, Bishop Cyrus D. Foss preached the dedication sermon. The church celebrated the centennial of its existence in the fall of 1904, at which time many of the former pastors were present to participate in the services, when Bishop Foss was again present.
A long list of worthy men have served this church as pastors. Rev. P. N. Chase, Ph.D., is at present in charge; M. D. Stevens, superintendent of the Sunday school; Miss Alice Turfler, president of the Epworth league.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Chester was organized in the year 1837, and for some time used the academy for worship; afterwards used the "Ball Room" of Yelverton Inn. In the year 1852 the present property was purchased and the church, edifice erected in charge of the following trustees:
C. B. Wood, W. L. Foster, Daniel Conklin, S. R. Banker, John T. Johnson, William Masterson, G. B. McCabe.
In 1867 the church was enlarged and in 1878 the present parsonage was purchased. In the year 1879 the sum of $3,000 was expended in beautifying the church building.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church.—The organization of St. Paul's Episcopal Mission was effected on May 25, 1897, at which time Samuel Wilkins and James A. Parkin were elected trustees. Services were held in various places until the summer of 1898, when land was purchased and the present church edifice on Main street was erected. The church was dedicated by Archdeacon William R. Thomas, D.D., on August 6, 1898. The church was consecrated by Bishop Henry Cadman Potter on July 25, 1899. Prior to this, the usual organization of the Episcopal Church was effected. Mr. Samuel Wilkin and R. W. Chamberlain, wardens, were elected. J. A. Parkin, E. T. Jackson and W. F. Depew, vestrymen. Articles of incorporation were filed on February 27, 1899.
The clergyman, Rev. J. Holmes McGuinness, D.D., at this time was elected.
St. John's African Union Chapel.—This church was organized on June 22, 1904, under the auspices of the African Union First Colored Methodist Protestant Church in America and Canada, with five members and Rev. Edward Nicholas as pastor. The church and Sunday School has at present a total membership of eighty-eight.
Rev. Mr. Nicholas was assigned to this field of labor by the ninetieth annual conference of the above named denomination, held at the mother church in Wilmington, Delaware County, May 18, 1904.
The citizens of the place have done much to encourage this well begun work.
ORGANIZATIONS.
Chester Lodge No. 363, Knights of Pythias, was organized in the year 1894, and the lodge charter is dated July 25 of that year. The lodge was started with a membership of twenty-one, which has increased to forty Knights. The lodge conventions are held every Thursday evening at Castle Hall, in the Wilkin building. The sums paid to members in sick benefits since the organization amount to $1,000.
Standard Lodge No. 711, F. & A. M., was instituted July 27, 1871, and continued to meet in this place, where many of its members resided until a few years ago, when a majority decided to change its place of meeting to Monroe.
The Chester National Bank was organized in the year 1845 as a State bank, and became a national bank on June 6, 1865.
The bank occupies the up-to-date quarters in its new building, erected in 1896, on Main street. The building is of brick, with Quincy granite facing, built at a cost of $10,000, its fire and burglar-proof vault containing 100 safe-deposit boxes, at an added cost of $8,000.
Chester free library, organized through the effort of Chester Library and Social Club, was chartered by the University of the State of New York, December 19, 1901. The original trustees were Hiram Tuthill, president; Charles W. Kerner, secretary and treasurer; Joseph Board, Joseph Durland and Roswell W. Chamberlain, trustees. Mrs. Abbie Masters is librarian. The library owns about 800 volumes, and in 1907 circulated 3,543 books. It is supported by voluntary contributions and entertainments. The reading room, which is well supplied with periodicals and the library, are open to the public on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evening's and Saturday afternoons.
The Young Men's Christian Association was organized March 1, 1907, with 110 members. The members occupy the rooms in the Lawrence building. The society started in a very flourishing condition.
There have been various organizations from time to time in Chester to advance its interests. The Board of Trade was organized October 1, 1900, with Frank Durland, president; W. A. Lawrence, vice-president; Charles W. Kerner, secretary; Hiram Tuthill, treasurer. Directors, Joseph Board, William Osborne, George Vail, G. M. Roe.
The Board of Trade represents the spirit that has effected co-operation in many ways for advancing the interests of the town. Among them are the incorporation of our village and the securing of the water supply from Walton Lake, and the Telford streets. At present the officers are looking forward to the development of the suburban idea on the beautiful site that our village affords, and will welcome desirable manufacturing interests.
From a small beginning in the year 1874, the manufacture of Neufchatel and square cream cheese has grown until at the present time the Lawrence & Son's cheese factory is using over 300 cans or 12,000 quarts of milk daily, employing a daily average of twenty-five men. This factory, consuming such a large amount of milk, together with Borden's large receiving station, with a receiving average of 100 cans daily, proves the high productiveness of the land in this section.
The Sugar Milk factory is located adjoining this cheese plant for the manufacture of milk sugar.
This sugar is made from the whey, a by-product delivered by the cheese factory.
MILITARY.
The military record of Chester is a worthy one. Quite a number of Chester residents made up a company during the Revolutionary War, under Colonel Allison, and were attached to the Goshen regiment.
In the second war with England there was a representation of hardy men of this town to endure the hardships of the war. Some of them survived until the year 1880.
During the general training days that followed the second war with England, Captain John Yelverton, whose sword is still prized as a relic of those days of patriotic zeal, led the men of the town to Durland's Square, where the volunteer militia were inspected.
During the Civil War nearly 200 men represented this town in defending the Union. Many of them suffered upon the battlefield. A few citizens from the young men of the town enlisted in the Spanish American War.
SUGAR LOAF.
Sugar Loaf is one of the oldest communities of Orange County and as a trading center was established shortly after the settlement of Goshen.
It is one of the villages of Chester township to which we may look with interest in these early times. It was named by these pioneer settlers from the cone-like mountain which towers above the quiet village to an elevation of 1,226 feet above sea level. The mountain, which consists mostly of greywacke slate, resembles in appearance, as viewed from the village, a loaf of sugar, such as was used in the homes of the early settlers before the day of granulated sugar as an article of commerce. This sublime eminence, the highest in the county, affords from its summit one of the most commanding views in the county. This view is best secured by entering the field near George H. Mapes's place on the road to Sugar Loaf Valley and walking, as it were, from the tail to the head of the lion-like mountain, for this is the shape of the mountain as viewed from Chester depot.
N. P. Willis, the American poet and literary genius, who loved old Orange County's hills from Butler Hill on the Hudson, which he renamed Storm King, to Adam and Eve in the drowned lands, speaks of Sugar Loaf Mountain when viewed from the Chester Hills as being like a crouching lion ready to spring upon its prey.
The earliest record of inhabitants includes Hugh Dobbin, who lived near Sugar Loaf Mountain in 1738. Mr. Perry lived near the pond, which bore his name and later was called Wickham Pond. This was prior to the middle of the eighteenth century, when Clinton, the surveyor, marked the Chesekook claim line, which extended from the base of Goose Pond Mountain to Bellevale and thence to the Jersey line.
Stephen W. Perry, who lived in the Sugar Loaf Valley a century ago, was probably related to the Perry with whom the surveyors stopped in those Colonial days when the Indians still lived in the mountains and the surveyors were accustomed to use the Indian wigwams for shelter during their journey, blazing the trees on the Chesekook line through the trackless forest.
Nathaniel Knapp lived for a time on the Levi Geer place, and a headstone with the date 1804, the initials N. K., aged sixty-four years, marks the place of his burial. For some sentimental reason he was buried under a great oak on the farm upon which Hugh Dobbin probably lived in the year 1738. According to tradition the old log house of this early pioneer was at the curve of the road near the entrance to the meadow. Among other men that have been prominent about Sugar Loaf were Henry Wisner, Horace Ketchum, Squire James Hallock, Jesse H. Knapp, Vincent Wood, who lived on the Asa Dolson farm, and John Holbert, born 1773, who lived on the farm now occupied by his grandson, Samuel Holbert.
The Knapp family came from Connecticut, and settled on three different farms. Some of the family emigrated later through a trackless forest to the Butternut Creek in Otsego County.
The Nicholas Demerest family, of Chester, descended from James Demerest's family, who came from Bergen County, New Jersey, and settled on the ridge near Sugar Loaf, occupying a farm of five hundred acres. John Bigger is mentioned by John Wood, the assessor, in 1775, as a taxpayer, together with David Rumsey, Samuel Wickham, Jacobus Bertholf and Barnabas Horton.
In Sugar Loaf Valley, east of the mountain, John King settled soon after his marriage in 1784, upon a farm of two hundred acres. Among his neighbors were Cornelius Board and George Davis. Thomas Fitzgerald lived near the line of the town of Warwick. More recently in the community life of Sugar Loaf the following men may be mentioned: Joseph Cooper, Crinis Laroe, David Dyer, Lewis Rhodes, Jesse Wood, John D. Conklin, John Bertholf, Silas Rose, David W. Stevens, Charles Fitzgerald and Elisha Stevens.
Miss Martha Odell, of Chester, now ninety-four years of age, remembers the visits of "Frank Forrester" and his companion, "Tom Draw," passing through the village and over the hills to the valley and beyond for game and fish.
The school of Sugar Loaf village in the past century has educated many bright boys and girls. The old school-house stood on the road that leads from the village to the northwest. The house was on the westerly side of the road. Reeder Feagles and Lieutenant Wood were among the teachers in the early part of the nineteenth century.
The fact that men with patriotic zeal have been identified with Sugar Loaf may be summarized by the statement that in the home of Mrs. H. C. Baker are mementos of her husband's service in the Civil War, Jesse H. Knapp, who was an officer in the second war with England, and Caleb Knapp, who served in the American Revolution.
The Committee of Safety during the Revolutionary War included other patriots like Jacobus and Gillion Bertholf, David Rumsey, father of Royal Rumsey, and Captain Henry Wisner. Jacob, John and Josiah Feagles were patriotic citizens of this section during these times.
The interesting story is told of Hugh Dobbin, the pioneer of Sugar Loaf, that during the Revolution he was exempt from service, but pointed with pride to the fact that in 1757, in the struggle with the French and Indians, he assisted the Government by pasturing one hundred and fifteen horses belonging to Captain John Wisner's company.
We cannot turn from the story of this section without alluding to the loss of one of its interesting objects, now only a tradition. Mr. Thomas Burt, of Warwick, at the age of eighty-seven, remembers the time when on the side of Sugar Loaf Mountain there was an eminence upon which was the profile of a man with broad shoulders, narrow neck and enlarged head with hat on. This was called the "Old Giant," and near it was a fissure in the rock called the "Giant's Cellar." Tradition says that Claudius Smith, after his depredations through the county, hid in this cleft of the rock.
The first view of Cornwall is not attractive. Two rugged hills rise before us, their sides not even clothed with virgin soil, for the loose soil sends down sand and boulders to the street below. They are separated by a rocky ravine, at the bottom of which runs a brook, scarcely visible in summer's drought, but fed in the spring by the melting snow from the hills, becomes a torrent that sweeps away bridges and roads that form its banks. A narrow highway has been cut at the base of each hill, but merges into one road just where the stream is spanned by a pretty stone bridge.
The landing itself is simply a business place without any pretense of beauty. Nathan Clark's store stands as it did in 1824. Some small houses shelter a few families, storehouses line the docks. Taft, Howell & Company's mill has only the attractiveness of utility if we except the emerald velvet robe of Ampelopsis, which almost covers the entire front. The West Shore depot is a more modern structure and past this the black rails sweep north and south.
We will take the right hand road past the post-office, presided over by Miss Young, and ascend a rather steep hill. After we leave the little bridge we are shut out from the sight of civilization. At our right rises an almost perpendicular hill darkly clothed in fir, pine and hemlock. On the left is a substantial hand rail protecting us from the rocky gorge below. It is cool and dark here and we will stay long enough to review a little of Cornwall's early history.
As the Half Moon anchored in the broad bay south of Newburgh, the swift canoes of the Indians shot out from the shore to investigate what kind of a bird their white winged visitors might be. They were of the tribe Warwaronecks, afterwards known as the Murderer's Kill Indians.
On April 15, 1685, Governor Dongan purchased the tract claimed by this tribe, extending from Murderer's Creek to Stony Point, the river forming the eastern boundary. A year previous to this a Scotchman named McGregorie had brought his own and several families to settle here. A document is extant in which Margaret McGregorie states:
"They were not only the first Christians that had settled thereon but also peaceably and quietly and enjoyed their land during the term of their natural lives."
McGregorie was placed in command of the militia and marched with his men to fight the Indians. Before he left he was assured by Governor Dongan the patent for his land should be issued. It never was. He was killed in 1691 and during the trouble with the Leisler government and that of Governor Fletcher his property was sold to Captain Evans. After a great deal of trouble in getting back to his family, who held it until 1727, it was sold to Thomas Ellison.
There is no record of the names of any of his family after his death except his and that of his wife's brother Tosusk, the Laird of Minnevard. The boundaries of this tract were very indefinite until in 1799 when Monroe and Blooming Grove were erected into separate towns. Buttermilk Falls still formed part of our territory, but the mountain made business intercourse so very inconvenient that in 1872 a petition was granted by the Legislature severing this connection, the new village taking the name of Highland Falls.
FREIGHTING.
There were still many hundred acres and those were divided into large farms where cattle, horses and small stock were raised in great quantities. Orange County milk and butter had become famous and Cornwall contributed her full share. Not only the products of our own neighborhood but those of the other counties reached New York by the way of Cornwall landing. A friend recently gone from us, Miss Maria Conser, who was a child at that time, gives the following graphic description: "How we children liked to stop on our way to the old schoolhouse to watch the loaded wagons drawn by three mules abreast lumbering over the rough roads. We were frightened when we met the droves of cattle. The tossing of their wild horns sent us scrambling upon the stone wall until they had passed. Hours would elapse while tubs of butter, forests of hoop-poles, cows, calves, sheep and lambs were placed on board of the night boat. The passengers went to their berths but alas, for their hope of rest; the lowing of cattle, the bleating of lambs and the noise of the crew forbade sleep. About midnight a lull would come; the boat gliding through the softly murmuring water made sleep possible."
In 1805 Isaac Tobias constructed a dock at New Windsor where he built the sloop Hector and sailed it from the landing. A few years later Captain Nathaniel Ketchum ran the Revenge between here and the city. In 1828 the Experiment, the first steamboat that sailed from the landing, was built by Silas Corwin of New Windsor and commanded by Captain Isaac Vanduzer. She had four smokestacks and was but little more speedy than the sloops. After a few years she was sold to Weeks & Griffin who in turn disposed of her to Bertholf & Co. She was finally converted into a barge. Two others, the Wave and General Jackson, were put on, and in 1855 Captain Joseph Ketchum and Henry M. Clark purchased the Orange County and ran her between here and New York. The building of the Erie Railroad to Piermont sent a large part of the freight by that route and we have never recovered our lost prestige. But just about this time a new industry sprang up which partially made up for the freight that had been carried elsewhere. The land was found to be especially adapted to the raising of small fruits—the Hudson River Antwerp raspberries and strawberries being the most successful, and thousands were shipped every night during the fruit season. This too fell off when it was discovered that we had a home market for all we could raise. This was due to the personality of one man, N. P. Willis.
IDLEWILD.
Those who visit Idlewild today and note the miles of gravel walk sweeping where the vista that opens is most beautiful: the rare trees brought from many lands—the acres of lawn, smooth as velvet—the profusion of flowers that meets one at every turn—the luxurious mansion crowned to its eaves with blossoms and vines, can hardly realize the wild grandeur of the scene that appealed to the poet soul of N. P. Willis, and drew from the owner, Mr. Daniel Ward, the question, "What do you want with such an idle wild?"
An unbroken woodland lying about the bank of the river, whose romantic beauty was as yet unappreciated; bisected by a dark ravine at the bottom of which ran a brook only revealed by the music of its waters and thrown into spray by huge boulders obstructing its course. Pines, hemlocks and forest trees centuries old sprang towards the sunlight but at their base grew impenetrable underbrush.
The name has become a household word not only among our own people, but in the lands beyond the sea, and thousands of readers followed with delight every step that was taken to change the scene from barbarism to civilization. "A letter from Idlewild" was published every week in the Home Journal of which Willis and George P. Morris were editors.
While still a boy in college the publication of his Scriptural poems attracted much attention. These were followed by "Pencilings by the Way," a brilliant record of a trip through Europe.
In 1851 he was sent to Cornwall by his physician in hopes of prolonging his life. He was threatened with consumption and had already been warned by the danger signal of several hemorrhages. The medicine prescribed was rest, nourishment and every hour possible spent out of doors. He boarded with a gentle Quaker lady, Mrs. Southerland, over whose home the dove of Peace was brooding. Slowly but sometimes almost imperceptibly came returning strength, but to make it permanent he must remain here and so came the purchase of a home. The Civil War brought financial reverses, for a majority of his subscribers were in The South, but he turned again to work in order to recoup some of his losses, but his health again broke down and he died on his 60th birthday, 1867, in the home he loved so well.
Mr. Willis was twice married—first to a sweet-faced English girl, who only lived for a few years. His second wife was Miss Cornelia Grinnell, daughter of one of our merchant princes. She sold the estate, which passed into the hands of Judge George, a gentleman of culture and refined taste, who carried out many of the improvements planned by his predecessor. He sold it to the late Mr. Courtney, who was then President of the West Shore Railroad. After Mr. Courtney's death it passed into the hands of Mr. Charles Curie, the present owner.
In Mr. Willis's "letters from an invalid," he described the beautiful walks and drives in the neighborhood where he spent his days and the description brought summer visitors seeking for board. Every room was occupied and hundreds went away for lack of accommodation. The next season saw new houses built and others were enlarged, and there seemed no limit to our prosperity. A paper published here in 1874 contained the advertisements of twenty-five houses that were public boarding-houses, besides all that were accommodated in private families. Many who came as visitors purchased building sites and erected summer homes. One of these was Mr. Harvey, of Brooklyn, who built Homeland, adjoining Idlewild. Mr. E. A. Mattheissen secured the next site where Mattheissen Park is now. Mr. Solomon, of New York, chose Land's End for his beautiful home. Mr. Bellows's residence was on Bayview Avenue. Mr. James Stillman and his mother each have a summer cottage here.
BOARDING-HOUSES.
Among all the houses opened for guests the Mountain House stood first, from the fact of its position twelve hundred feet above tide-water in the heart of pine woods, where the visitors found health as well as recreation. The building itself was also attractive. In the early sixties Dr. Champlin, who had been traveling in the East, saw some marvelous cures performed on consumptive patients by the use of kourmis.
Property on the mountain was at this time nearly all held by two families—John Losee Wood and Christian Vought; so when the doctor erected two houses as a sanitarium, no one objected. The architecture was oriental—windows and doors were surmounted by round arches, and the second story was built over the broad piazza which surrounded it on three sides. A number of goats were installed in what is now the Chalet across the road, and two physicians, Doctors Pellatier and Boyd, had charge of the houses, but the enterprise was a failure and it became a boarding-house, numbering among its patrons some of the most exclusive families of New York and Philadelphia.
Many of the wealthier guests who saw that there was a possibility of forming a colony similar to that of Tuxedo, joined in a syndicate to purchase land, to lay out roads and develop its resources. Later it was found desirable to have a place of meeting for themselves, and the clubhouse was built. It was incorporated under the title of the Deer Hill Company in 1890. Besides being able to accommodate many guests cottages were built in the grounds and the Mountain House found its days of prosperity gone. Mr. J. W. Meagher surrendered his lease and fire destroyed two-thirds of the building, when it passed into the hands of Mr. James Stillman. One of the next houses in point of numbers was Mr. James G. Roe's. It has sheltered three hundred guests. The Elmer, had nearly two hundred; the Smith was almost the length of a city block. The Wiley House had ninety feet of broad piazzas. Grand View, owned by Mrs. Alott, is the only one at present that is still in the business. There were many others, and nearly every private family was willing to accommodate city guests. Recently the club has surrendered its charter, and it has passed into private hands.
ROUND TOP.
While we are in the mountain we will stand for a few minutes on Round Top, the home of the late Miss Hussey. Near us is a small chalet, consisting of three rooms with a cedar rail portico in front. Here for sixty years a woman, refined, cultured, and of marked literary ability, dwelt alone. There came a break in her seclusion, when in 1861 she entered the army as a nurse, where she remained until the close of the war. She was a fine raconteur, and many a story of those days entertained her visitors, and she had many, for she and her romantic home attracted nearly everyone who came to Cornwall. She kept a visitors' book, and there were 5,000 names in it before mine. In 1876 she, with two other ladies, Miss McClean and Miss Hayes, edited the first newspaper printed in the town, but it was not a success after the first year, when she abandoned it. She received a pension from the Government, and died about four years ago.
E. P. ROE.
As we have been dealing with personal history, a modest residence with large grounds suggests another name, that of E. P. Roe, the novelist. His childhood was passed in Moodna and the home and surrounding scenery in the background of the picture drawn in "Nature's Serial Story." He studied in Williams College and then entered a theological seminary, but in 1862 resigned to become chaplain in the Harris Light Cavalry. He participated in several engagements, but on being appointed Hospital Chaplain, was granted a furlough, came home and was married to Miss Sands, who accompanied him back to the seat of war. He retained his position until the close of hostilities, when he took charge of the Presbyterian Church at Highland Falls. He visited Chicago after the fire, and that suggested the plot of "Barriers Burned Away." The success of this was phenomenal, several editions following in quick succession. Feeling he could reach a larger congregation by his pen than by his voice, he resigned his charge and came to Cornwall. His mornings were spent in his garden, where his success in fruit raising equaled that in literary work. The afternoons in his study resulted in volume after volume being given to the public in quick succession. His books sold well and his royalties were large, but through the misfortunes of others he became financially embarrassed and sold the royalties of his then published novels for $30,000. He still found ready sale for all he produced, which soon enabled him to liquidate his obligation, and the "children of his fancy were his own again." But the strain told on him, and in 1887 he went to Santa Barbara for rest and recuperation. There he wrote "The Earth Trembled," a story of the Charleston earthquake. He returned in 1887 and began his last work, "Miss Lou," which was never finished. In August, 1888, he was reading aloud in his library, when he was seized with sharp pains in his heart. Two physicians were summoned, but failed to give relief and half an hour after his first attack, E. P. Roe was no more. After his death several gentlemen, among others Mr. Thomas Taft, Mr. Valentine and the Rev. Lyman Abbott, consulted as to what shape a permanent memorial to him would take. A Roe Memorial Park was decided upon, the location being near his home on the side of Round Top, bounded by the Boulevard. It consists of a little more than two acres and is heavily wooded. None of the trees have been disturbed, only the underbrush cleared up and paths made through the grounds. At the top is a large boulder and on top of this was placed a bronze tablet, on which was engraved two branches of chestnuts with their foliage and burrs, some open. Above this is inscribed: "In Memory of Edward Payson Roe," and under this, "Near to Nature's Heart." The tablet was unveiled on May 30, 1894, with very impressive ceremonies and was presented to the village.
COLONEL DUNCAN.
Another name very dear to Cornwall, but one almost forgotten by the present generation, was that of Colonel James Duncan. He was born at Cold Springs, but his parents moved here when he was a small boy, and settled on a farm a little out of the village. He graduated from West Point in 1835, and was appointed Lieutenant of the Fourth Cavalry. In 1838 he perfected an arm of the service called "The flying artillery," and this first brought him into notice. During the Mexican War he rose from the rank of Lieutenant to that of Colonel. He received the appointment of Inspector General of the United States Army, and during one of his visitations at Mobile he contracted the yellow fever and died there in 1849. His body was brought on and buried near his home, but some years later it was removed to the cemetery at West Point.
CANTERBURY.
That part of the town known as Canterbury was probably the first portion settled. Old records give names of path masters who resided here previous to the Revolutionary War, but seemed to have left no descendants. As far back as 1820 we have the name of John Chadeayne, one of whose sons, Mr. Henry F. Chadeayne, was the father of our present supervisor. The early physicians all located in that end of the town. Dr. Tobias was the first one of which we have any record. Dr. Clinton came next, and then Dr. Elisha Hedges, dying a young man in 1824. The house where he lived was occupied until recently by his daughter. His successors were Dr. Heaton and his son-in-law, Dr. Gough, and they cared for all the sick in the radius of many miles. But as the population increased there was found work for others, and Dr. Beattie came to us and died among us in his eightieth year. Dr. Thomas Heaton also lies in one of our cemeteries, one of the most beloved and trusted of doctors. He was a grandson of the first one of that name. Dr. Hotchkiss represented homeopathy, and at his death was succeeded by Dr. Bergen, to be followed by Dr. Chandler of that cult. Beside the latter we have Drs. Winter and Bowdish, of the upper village, and Drs. Shirk and Bayard, of the lower one, at present with us.
CHURCHES.
Presbyterian.—The earliest record of religious worship came from Bethlehem, which was at first the name of the church, and then extended to the neighborhood. It was Presbyterian in form and ministered to by the Rev. Mr. Challoner, who had charge also in Cornwall, New Windsor and Blooming Grove. The building was erected in 1730. In point of seniority it was the third oldest congregation west of the Hudson and north of the Highlands. The second incumbent was the Rev. Enos Ayres, who was followed by Mr. Close in 1764. He remained for forty years, and was chaplain during the Revolutionary War to soldiers stationed in the vicinity. The Rev. Artemus Dean was installed in 1813 and served for twenty-nine years. During his pastorate the church that had stood for ninety-six years was torn down and replaced by the present edifice. In 1872 the Rev. Mr. Atwater was appointed. In 1827 the Rev. James Thorn, of Canterbury, gathered some members of other churches together and, obtaining letters of dismissal from their several organizations, formed them into a congregation. A small church was erected, and in 1828 he was installed by the Presbytery of the North River as pastor for New Windsor and Canterbury. He was succeeded in 1835 by Jonathan Silliman, who remained pastor for twenty-six years. The Rev. Messrs. Baker, Eddy and Clarke succeeded each other for short terms, but in 1872 the Rev. Lyman Abbott took charge. He labored faithfully for many years, and only severed his connection when the call came from Plymouth Church, Brooklyn. His place was filled by Mr. Egbert, who proved to be a thoroughly live man, leaving the impress of his personality not only on his church but the whole neighborhood. A call to a larger field took him away, and his mantle fell on the Rev. Mr. Beattie, who had been taught in that Sunday School. He too gave up and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Allen.
Cornwall-on-Hudson Presbyterian Church.—As early as 1855 some families residing in what is now known as Cornwall-on-Hudson, felt the need of a church at this place. They held their first meeting in the school-room of Alfred C. Roe, in the building now occupied by the Gold Cure, and "depending on divine aid resolved to erect a house of Worship," and one year later the present building was dedicated. There were only seventeen members and eight of them belonged to the Roe family. Their names were Peter Roe, Mrs. Susan Roe, Alfred C. Roe, Mrs. Caroline Roe, James G. Roe and wife, Mrs. Roe Caldwell, Milton Wiley and wife, Mrs. Mary Jackson, Miss Amanda Adams, Mrs. Mary A. Clark, Mrs. Rachael Bruen, Phebe Greegs, Mary Johnson, Angeline Clark, and John P. Roe. In 1899 there were four survivors, but Mrs. Sarah Wiley died that year, Mr. Milton Wiley following three years later. In 1906 Mrs. Mary Jackson passed away, but was able to be present part of the time in the church at the celebration of its fiftieth anniversary. Her sister, Miss Amanda Adams, still survives.
The first elders chosen were Milton Wiley and James G. Roe, James O. Adams was elected later. The first stated supply was the Rev. Dr. Deyo, who was succeeded by the Rev. Joseph Robinson, who died in 1858. Dr. Ledoux followed, who resigned when Mr. Teal was appointed. He was called to a larger field and the Rev. George P. Noble came. In 1891 he dissolved his connection with the church and Mr. Hugh Frasier, the present incumbent, was installed.
The next church in point of age is the plain Quaker meeting house in Canterbury. Previous to its erection, service was held in the house occupied by David Sands, who was a noted Friend preacher, but as the congregation grew it was found a place of worship was needed. About 1790 the present edifice was built and Catherine Sands, a girl of twelve years old, carried the nails for the workmen from New Windsor on horseback.
A division in doctrine caused a separation in the society in 1827. The part retaining the buildings was called the orthodox and the seceders Hicksites, from a member called Elias Hicks, who had promulgated the new belief. These held meetings in private houses for some months, when a brick building was erected in the rear of what is now John Chatfield's stable. Both Mr. Beach and Mr. Ruttenber mention a coincidence in the two buildings. The first marriage in the first house was Catherine Sands to Squire Ring, and the first one in the new building was that of her son, Robert Ring, nearly forty years later.
Methodist.—The early Methodists held their meetings in a school-house, which stood for many years at the Corners, but in 1830 erected the present building on a knoll in Canterbury. It has been almost rebuilt and modernized, and now is a very handsome church. The first pastor was the Rev. Phineas Rice, who had charge in New Windsor, and what is now Vails Gate, Salisbury and Mountainville. In 1863 it became self-supporting, and was detached from the other missions, and the Rev. J. H. Gregory was appointed by the Conference. It has always since had a resident pastor and the present incumbent, Rev. Angelo Ostrander is justly popular and has been returned by the unanimous request of the congregation three successive terms.
Episcopal.—Previous to 1858 there was no separate organization of the Episcopal Church in Cornwall. Those who could do so drove to New Windsor, and those who were unable, joined in the worship with other religious bodies. Many of the strangers coming here at that time were of that faith, and in conjunction with some of the residents took the necessary steps for the incorporation of a parish. On July 17th, 1858, a meeting was held and officers were elected to serve until the following Easter. Alonzo Alvord and William Bayard were chosen wardens, and N. P. Willis, Thos. Cummings, Daniel Birdsall, James Crissey, Nicholas Chatfield, Jr., Francis Barton, Chas. H. Mead and John Chatfield were elected vestrymen. A lot was purchased and a contract for the building made with Messrs. Shaw & Sons, of Newburgh, and on May 10th, 1829, the corner-stone was laid by the Right Rev. Dr. Potter. By the 20th of November of the same year it was opened for divine service. Until 1864, the services were conducted by the resident minister at New Windsor, but in November of that year the Rev. John Webster was installed, who was succeeded in January, 1866, by the Rev. W. G. French. In 1869. the tower and spire was completed, one of our wealthy residents who was a vestryman, Mr. Sherwood, contributing $2,000. The ladies' auxiliary, an organization that has shown the greatest success in collecting funds for church purposes, contributed the clock. Mr. Snowden was the next minister, who died in office. The Rev, Mr. Huntington succeeded him, and was succeeded by Mr. Cleveling, who gave place to Dr. Page, who has charge at present.
The Catholic.—Previous to 1857 the members of the Catholic Church met for service in the home of Mrs. McQuade, in Canterbury, and at the corners in what was then known as the Weaver house. Three gentlemen, John Diffendale, Daniel O. Callahan and John McClean started a building fund, each contributing one hundred dollars. The next on the list was a non-Catholic, Mr. Henry F. Chadeayne with fifty dollars. Mr. Stephen Gillis gave 50,000 bricks from his yard. But a few weeks elapsed before there was money enough to justify their purpose of building a church, and a lot was purchased at the top of River avenue, which commanded a magnificent view of mountains and river. The building was erected by Messrs. Little Brothers & Co., of Newburgh, and would seat about 150. About twenty families represented the entire congregation. But only a few years elapsed when it was found wholly inadequate to accommodate the resident population, and the summer visitors would have filled one three times as large. It was supplied from St. Patrick's, Newburgh, a priest driving down on Sunday morning, and returning after service. After A. E. Mattheissen and the Harvey and Sherwood families settled here, steps were taken to build a larger edifice. The present lot was purchased for $1,000 and nearly $2,000 more was in the savings bank, when an application was made for a resident clergyman, and in 1870 Father Ambrose Keogh was sent by the Archbishop of New York. His health was very delicate, and at first it seemed a task beyond his strength to attempt to erect a church, but the present fine building is a monument of his perseverance and energy. The corner-stone was laid in 1871 by Bishop McQuade, of Rochester, and the following year services were held in the basement. A handsome rectory was built and furnished at the same time. It was connected with a mission at Washingtonville. After five years' service Father Keogh was transferred to Tuckahoe, and was succeeded by Father Mackin. There was a mortgage of $13,000 on the property and Cornwall prosperity had begun to wane, and the churches were among the first to feel it. Meeting the annual interest and current expenses were nearly all that was attempted at that time, with the exception of the purchase of a cemetery for $2,000. At the end of five years Father Ward succeeded to the pastorate, and immediately took steps to complete the upper part. This he did, at a cost of about $8,000, without increasing the mortgage. He was succeeded by Father Gordon, who paid $8,000 of the debt during the five years of his incumbency. His promotion to a large city parish was followed by the Rev. Phillip Ahearn, who was in turn succeeded by the Rev. James Curry. A heating plant, electric light and village water were installed at this time into both church and rectory. Two handsome side altars were built with three costly statues. In 1901 he was appointed to St. James' Parish, New York, and was succeeded by the Rev. James S. Fenton. Under his management the remainder of the mortgage has been paid and plans drawn for a parochial school to be erected on the grounds in the rear of the church. A large Sunday school has always been an important part of the work. In 1907 Father Fenton went abroad for his health, and the Rev. Father Brosan has charge.
FIRE PROTECTION.
As early as 1830 means were taken for fire protection in Canterbury, and each man who contributed $2.50 could become a member. The names of the first trustees were Nathan Westcott, Elias Hand, W. T. Cocks, Geo. Marriott and John M Gough. Soon others joined it, and it was created a body corporate under the name of the Canterbury Fire Company. A hand engine was purchased at an expense of $125. About 1836 a second-hand suction engine was purchased in New York, but as the population increased they realized how important it would be to check any serious conflagration, so in October, 1869, a meeting of property owners was held, which made arrangements for purchasing a lot and engine house. A committee was appointed who finally bought the premises where Hunter & McClean had their market for $2,000. A new engine was bought and called Highland Engine No. 1. During 1905 a very tasteful brick building costing $5,000 was erected. There were sixty members in good standing and many applications for membership when a vacancy occurs. The same year, 1869, that the engine was purchased in Canterbury, a similar project was started at the Corners, and a subscription paper was sent out, but failed to get any definite pledges, each person approached being unwilling to be the first to sign. A public meeting was called, and thirty-five young men responded, each promising to give five dollars. In a few days nearly $700 was secured, and Messrs. Titus, Wiley and John McClean went to New York to see what could be obtained for their money. Steamers had been introduced into the New York and Brooklyn districts, so they found an article that suited them in Engine Goodwill 4 of Brooklyn and it was bought and shipped on the Orange County for Cornwall. They had no house, but procured the use of Carswell's barn. A company had been organized with Wm. J. Quigley, foreman, John K. Oliver, assistant and John McClean, Jr., secretary. A charter was procured in 1870, March 30th, in which A. E. Mattheissen, Stephen Gillis, Hamilton Salmon, David Clark, Jas. Hitchcock and E. H. Champlin, constituting themselves a body corporate, under the name of the Storm King Engine No. 2. Another subscription was solicited, which met with such a generous response that a lot was purchased and a two-story building erected on Duncan avenue. The dues of members supplemented by entertainments, furnished their rooms and met their expenses, but in 1900 they surrendered their charter to the village corporation and were henceforth a public charge. A lot was bought on Main street and a handsome building costing $6,000 was erected. They have a reception room, pool room, and public meeting room, and a large space down stairs for their engine house. Their charter allows only sixty members, and there are always candidates waiting for any vacancy. A company was organized at the Landing and some hundred feet of hose purchased, but it soon disbanded. Last year a hose company was formed on the heights for fire protection.
SCHOOLS.
Public schools were established soon after the Revolutionary War, and each village had its schoolhouse and teacher, for at least the winter months, and as the instruction was confined to the three R's several private schools were started, but were only moderately successful. The earliest of these was that of Madame Rutkai, the sister of the famous Hungarian, Louis Kossuth. Mr. Alfred Roe taught one in Canterbury for a time and in the spring of 1853 purchased the Fowler Griggs property, where he conducted a boarding and day school for young men. It was very successful, but in 1863 he gave it up, entered the ministry and joined the army as the chaplain of the Eighty-third Volunteers. In 1877 he again came to Cornwall and opened a school for young ladies, following the Harvard standard, but the patronage did not warrant its continuance and it was closed in the third year. Dr. Ledoux succeeded in founding a permanent institution. While he was pastor of the Presbyterian Church, he was taken very sick with typhoid fever, and at times was delirious, and then spoke only French, it being his native language. Mr. McCreery, the New York merchant, who was boarding in the neighborhood, was looking for a school for his sons, and after the Doctor's recovery arranged with him to receive his boys into his family. He soon had as many as he could teach, resigned his living, purchased a tract of land on the Heights, and began a most successful career. He sold out to Mr. Cobb, who after a few years sold in turn to the present proprietor, Rev. Charles Stone.
Down to 1869 our public school was taught just long enough every year to obtain the public money, and then some one would continue it as a private enterprise for three or four months. But in that year, some of our summer residents, including E. A. Mattheissen, Chas. Bellows, Mr. Solomon, Stephen C. Gillis, James Dunn, Mr. Hitchcock, James Couser, John McKibben and Dr. Vail, formed a board of education. A lot was purchased from Mr. Hitchcock near the Corners, and a substantial building erected. The school was opened on May 24th, 1869, with Mr. Williamson as principal, Miss McClean and Miss Frances Marvel as assistants. There were then about 80 pupils. In 1896 it was found an addition was needed and a large building was erected across the front at a cost of $8,000. There are fourteen teachers in the building now, and one in the annex on the Heights, and the census of this year shows 500 children of school age. The training school under Mr. Aldrich, turns out wonderful work for boys and girls, and the sewing class in charge of Miss Murray, which has only been established a year, shows how little hands can be trained. The present board of education consists of Mr. Townsend D. Wood, president; Mr. P. Bevins, J. J. Hall, Louis Velton, Carlos H. Stone, George Mailler, Jas. H. Ward, John Noe, and Harris Cox.
VILLAGE OF CORNWALL-ON-HUDSON.
The village of Cornwall-on-Hudson was incorporated in March, 1885, the first officers being: Thos. Taft, president; trustees: Wm. Fogarty, Charles W. Clark and Oren Cobb; treasurer, H. N. Clark; collector, Charles E. Cocks, and clerk, Daniel E. Pope.
In 1891 an excise board was elected, that refused to grant licenses, and since then the town has remained dry. Two reservoirs were built on the mountain, and the pure spring water carried through the town. The outlay was $67,000, but at present the water rents defray all expenses for interest. In 1906 a proposition was made to unite the two villages of Canterbury and Cornwall, but was defeated. The present board of trustees are: John Clarkson, president; Louis Velton, Charles Smith, Norman Chatfield and Ralph Quackenbush; clerk, James H. Ward; collector, John Noe.
CANTERBURY SCHOOLS.
A small building on one of the side roads was used for many years, after it was evident the days of its usefulness as a schoolhouse was over. In 1905 the people voted to raise $30,000 for a new schoolhouse. A lot on Willow avenue was purchased, and a building, complete in all modern appliances has been the result. There are twelve teachers under a most efficient principal, Mr. Woodworth. Both this and the one at the Corners, are high schools under the regents.
VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.
The Village Improvement Society was organized in 1900, when a public meeting was called in Mattheissen Hall. Dr. Harrison was chairman, and introduced the Rev. Lyman Abbott, who explained the object of the association, which was that each one should pledge themselves to take care of their premises, and use their influence to abate anything that would detract from the beauty and order of the village. Nearly everyone present agreed to become a member. The following day a meeting was held and officers elected. Mrs. Lyman Abbott was chosen president; Mrs. Seaman, first vice-president; Mrs. Hunter, second vice-president; Mrs. Furey, secretary; Miss Laura Currie, corresponding secretary, and Mrs. Dr. Harrison, treasurer. A handsome loving cup was purchased to be given to the person who, in the estimation of the judges, should show the best kept garden for the year. Anyone who should win it three years in succession would own it. Mrs. John Noe held it the first year, Mrs. Milton Couser the second, but the three following seasons it was held by Mrs. John Noe, who then became its permanent possessor. Almost the first work done by the society was offering ten cents a hundred for the nests of the tent worm. Seventy-two thousand were brought in by the school children, with the result that while the neighboring villages lost hundreds of trees the place was free from the pests. Trash cans were placed in different parts of the village, and thirteen hundred posters were removed from trees, fences and telegraph poles.
Many friends have made generous donations; among others Mr. Weeks who, during the past four years, has offered $50 each year as door-yard prizes. A boys' horticultural club has been formed, land rented and a portion assigned to each boy who owns all he raises. The two most successful receive prizes. Enough money has been subscribed to meet the expenses of this work for five years. The second year of the organization, it lost by death the efficient treasurer, Mrs. Dr. Harrison, and last summer the loved president, Mrs. Lyman Abbott, died beyond the ocean and sleeps in a little German graveyard. The present officers are: Mrs. Ernest Abbott, president; Miss Cocks, vice-president; Mrs. Seaman, second vice-president; Mrs. Fleming, secretary; Miss Josephine Youngs, treasurer, and Miss E. M. V. McClean, corresponding secretary.
PAPERS.
In 1877 Mr. John Lee, author of stories of the Hudson, started the Cornwall Mirror, but he died within the year. He was succeeded by Mr. Snelling, who changed the name to the Cornwall Reflector. Mr. Pendell succeeded him as editor, when the title was changed to Cornwall Local, the name which it retained when it passed into the hands of the present proprietor, Mr. Goodenough. Three or four efforts have been made to run a second village paper, but they have all proved a failure. Mr. Morehouse started the Courier, which passed into the hands of Creswell McLaughlin but it came to grief. It was resuscitated in 1905, but only lived a year.
INDUSTRIES.
With the introduction of the mountain water into the village, it was hoped that with the fine freighting facilities, manufacturers might be induced to settle here, but such has not been the case. Several applications have been received from outsiders, but when negotiations reached a certain point, they have been quietly withdrawn, and it has been surmised that some of the wealthier neighbors object to the class such work would bring among them. The stream known as Murderer's Creek, and later on as the Moodna, at one time had several factories along its banks. The late John Orr's flour mill is still in business, and abogh"> mile from Canterbury is a settlement known as Firthcliff. In 1869 Mr. Broadhead had a large woolen mill there which after a few years, passed into the hands of an English carpet company. These brought many of their skilled employees with them, and they in turn induced friends and neighbors to come out, so that one corner of the town is an English village. The home works are in England, but the proprietors frequently cross the Atlantic to visit their factory here. Still farther down the stream are the mills of John Orr, at a railroad station that bears his name. A piano factory, owned by John E. Ryder has disappeared, and as the brook nears the Hudson, it passes through a valley which was once filled with homes of the work people employed in the Valley Forge paper mill, owned by Carson & Ide, and the Leonard linen mill. The latter stopped during the war, but the former under different owners produced some material, until a freshet tore away bridge, dam and race and forced the stream into another channel that left the building practically without water.
VOLUNTEERS.
Mr. Ruttenber gives a list of 172 volunteers who went from here during the Civil War, but he has omitted three names, Frederick Lamb, Wm. Couser and George Chatfield. Emslie Post contains the names of some of the surviving on its roster, and on Memorial Day they decorate eighty graves of comrades who have passed over to the great majority. But there are others who sleep on Southern battlefields, and still others who passed from the weary anguish of the hospitals to the "low green tent, whose curtain never outward swings." Captain Thomas Taft is probably the youngest surviving veteran; and among the revered names of those "who came not back" stand Captain Silliman, Major Cromwell and William Emslie, who died in Andersonville. Through the efforts of Mr. Charles Curie, of Idlewild, a soldiers' monument has been erected in the village.
NEW YORK MILITARY ACADEMY.
One of the institutions of Cornwall is the New York Military Academy. In the '70s it was a large boarding house, capable of accommodating two hundred guests. The grounds cover a large plateau, skirting a ravine, and was called Glen Ridge. It was owned by Mr. James G. Roe, brother of the novelist, who when the boarding business failed in Cornwall, sold to Colonel Wright, who opened a boys' school. He was succeeded by Mr. Jones, who has enlarged the already capacious buildings. There are always over 100 young men and boys in the institution, and a large corps of capable teachers. The discipline is secured more by rewards than punishments. The pupils, when visiting the village, are always quiet and gentlemanly. Officers from West Point train them in military tactics, and it is marvelous what a proficiency they attain in a few months.
This triangular township, some eighteen or twenty miles west of the Hudson River, is in the northwest corner of Orange County, bordering upon the counties of Sullivan and Ulster. It carries a point of Orange County land well up into old Ulster County and contains the northernmost soil of the county.
It is bounded on the north by Sullivan and Ulster, on the east by Ulster and the town of Montgomery, south by Montgomery and Wallkill, and on the west by the town of Wallkill and Sullivan County.
The area of the town, as given in the last report of the Orange Supervisors, is 24,769 acres. Upon this land the Crawford assessors for 1906 placed a valuation of $664,531, and returned personal property of its residents to the value of $15,300. The total tax raised in the town that year was $8,617.89. This amount was made up as follows: General fund, $2,668.14; poor fund, $600; town audits, $2,287.12; roads and bridges, $400; railroad purposes, $2,107.50; temporary relief, $250; sworn off taxes, $185.45; treasurer's credits, $115.33.
The name Crawford came from a numerous and respectable family of Irish descent who were among the first settlers of the locality. The land was a part of the original John Evans patent referred to in other parts of this work. When this great tract was set aside the territory of this section was disposed of in many smaller grants to Philip Schuyler and others. Among the many other tracts mentioned in the Crawford titles were the 8,000-acre tract which now includes the village of Pine Bush, and the 10,000-acre tract next on the south. The following separate patents were included in the Crawford township; Thomas Ellison and Lawrence Roome, November 12, 1750; Frederick Morris and Samuel Heath, January 24, 1736; Jacobus Bruyn and Henry Wileman, April 25, 1722; Philip Schuyler and others, 8,000 acres, July 7, 1720; part of the patent to Jeremiah Schuyler and others, January 22, 1719; part of Thomas Noxon's patent February 21, 1737.
NATURAL FEATURES OF THE TOWN.
The general altitude of the town is somewhat higher than that of Montgomery. The general surface is a hilly upland broken by high ridges, which extend northeast and southwest. It is in fact separated from Montgomery by one of these elevated ridges known as the Collaburgh and Comfort Hills, which at times rise 200 feet above the valley. While the land is somewhat more difficult to cultivate because of the stony hills and undulating surface, the soil is very strong and productive, yielding fine crops of grass, grain and fruits and responding well to tillage. These slopes and elevations have been found particularly well adapted to the growth of fruit of a superior quality. The proximity of the mountain range is said to have a favorable influence upon the general rainfall of the region. Showers are frequent in summer and the effects of drought are less severe than in other sections not so favored.
The Shawangunk Kill or river is the principal stream, and it forms the western boundary of the town between it and Sullivan County, and afterward it also separates the town from Ulster County until the northern limit of the town is reached. This is a rapid flowing stream and affords much valuable water power at different points, which has been utilized to some extent in a variety of ways. The early settlers were quick to see the value and importance of these privileges, and they began to make use of them in their primitive manner at once.
Among the numerous tributaries to the Shawangunk in the town is the Paughcaughnaughsinque. The name is of Indian origin. There are in fact two of these subsidiary streams, the Big and the Little Paughcaughnaughsinque. They flow northward and afford additional water power at different points.
In the eastern portion of the town is a more important stream known now as the Dwaarskill. This, too, has enjoyed a great variety of orthographic nomenclature, such as "Dwaaskill," "Dwarf'skill," etc. Of course the original was bestowed by the Indians, and, it is said, was given in honor of a Chief of a small tribe which dwelt upon its banks. One of the old settlers in that region is credited with having seen this Indian Chief, who was called "Dwaase," and who had his wigwam near the old turnpike gate No. 3. Others claim, however, that the name is clearly Low or Holland Dutch, and signifies perverse or contrary because it flows north. The stream begins somewhere near the center of the town of Wallkill, not far from the Crawford Railway junction, flows through the valley parallel to that of the Shawangunk Kill, and finally leaves the town at the northeast corner.
This town also has its share of swamps, of which the historian Ruttenber says Orange County has over 40,000 acres. One of these swamps is northwest of the Sinsabaugh neighborhood, and another is southwest of Searsburgh.
EARLY SETTLEMENT AND SETTLERS.
This being among the newer towns of the county, the specific details of its settlement are so blended with the early history of the old Wallkill precinct and that of the town of Montgomery, from which Crawford was set off, that it is quite impossible to separate them for this place.
The Weller settlement was partly upon this territory. Johannes Snyder started a small settlement in the vicinity of Searsville, where he bought a large tract of land on both sides of the Dwaarskill. He built a primitive log mill there at once, and this is down in the records of 1768 as Snyder's Mill. He seems to have been a man of means and influence, as he also built a log church soon after settling there, which was known as Snyder's Church. This Snyder family was Dutch and made the first settlement here in 1740, if not earlier. All the services in this little church was in the Dutch language, and it is recorded that the church was worn out or outgrown even before the Revolution.
Somewhere about the same time Robert Milliken built a saw mill on the Shawangunk Kill. This is referred to as Milliken's mill in the records of 1768, and this is the earliest mention of a saw mill on that stream in the records. Other mills were built there, however, in later years. First was the old flour mill of Pat. Boice, next below the Milliken mill was the Sear's grist mill, then Abraham Bruyn's flour mill, and finally Cornelius Slott's saw and grist mill combined. The latter was continued by Arthur Slott after the death of his father, and he soon built a small collection of houses there for his employees. This Slott ancestry were among the oldest settlers in the State. The family came from Holland in 1670, as the family record shows. They located first at Hackensack, N. J., and after a few years there they removed to Rockland County, and soon after that they came to Montgomery and settled on the Tinn Brook at a point afterward known as Slott Tow. Cornelius Slott engaged in farming. In 1777, while serving as an orderly sergeant with his military company, in the active defense of Fort Montgomery, he was taken prisoner and confined in the old Sugar House, New York, by the British forces for ten months. In 1785, on regaining his liberty, he sold his farm and lived in New York for the next five years. Then he bought the mill site in Pine Bush and erected his saw mill just below the mouth of the Paughcaughnaughsinque stream. The next year he also built a grist mill. There was no public road leading to his mill at the time, but he soon secured one from Hopewell.
A small early settlement near Graham's Church was made by Abraham Dickerson, an Irishman, John Robinson and Philip Decker. Philip Decker's ancestors came from Holland. When sixteen years old he drove a team from Ward's Bridge to Valley Forge with a load of corn for Washington's army. Dickerson built a saw mill on a small stream near there which was operated successfully for a time and then fell into decay. The portion of the Wallkill valley in this town was the site of the earliest settlement. These old pioneers consisted of Germans, Hollanders and Huguenots. Many of them came from the older settlements in Ulster County, and others were directly from their native land.
Robert Jordan came here from Ireland in 1771. About 1784 he settled at Bullville in this town. His brother John seems to have settled there in 1767, having arrived in this country some years ahead of Robert. Among his neighbors there about that time or a few years later, were Joseph Elder, James Barclay, Samuel Barclay, John Martin and Daniel Bull. Thomas Turner was also a land owner in the Bullville settlement to the extent of 300 acres.
In the Searsville neighborhood William Snider was among the pioneers. He purchased a large tract of land there upon which he lived many years before the Revolution. He seems to have been a man of some wealth, for at the outbreak of hostilities with Great Britain he buried a considerable sum of money in a secret place upon his property, the location of which was known only to a faithful Negro slave. After the war this Negro was awarded by his master with his personal freedom because of his loyalty and faithfulness.
An old apple orchard planted before the Revolution near Bullville, died out long years since. Nathan Johnson was the village shoemaker, going around from house to house with his kit of tools strapped upon his back. This occupation was then known as "whipping the cat" for some reason not very clear at this time. Johnson was an old shoemaker who had been employed making army shoes during the war. It was the custom at that period for those cobblers to go about at stated periods and do the family cobbling and shoe-making for the year.
William Jordan, son of Robert, became colonel of the Shawangunk regiment of militia, and he lived under every President of the United States until his death, having voted the Democratic ticket for 66 years.
Benjamin Sears is mentioned in the records as a remarkable man in many respects among the settlers in that region. Coupled with rare native talent he had a most remarkable memory of details. Nothing ever escaped him when once his mind grasped it. All his accounts were accurately kept in his mind. But his education is said to have been very limited. He served as constable in the town of Montgomery during his early life, where he had five brothers from whom there has been a long line of descendants. He also served as sheriff of Orange County for a time. And the small hamlet of Searsburgh, near the center of the town, on the Dwaarskill stream, was named for him. He established a flour and saw mill there at an early date.
Joseph Elder was of Irish descent and came into this region some years before the Revolution. He lived upon a very stony farm, and it is recorded of him that being a man of giant frame, robust and vigorous, he would gather up these stones in a leathern apron girded about his loins and carry them to the place where they were used for fence walls, instead of carting them in a wagon. Though also scantily educated, he served some years as magistrate of his town with much satisfaction, being a man of strong common sense and good judgment. He seems also to have been a pioneer pedestrian, the original Weston, apparently; for it is recorded that on a certain occasion, missing his sloop at Newburgh, which was already out of sight above the Danskammer Point, running with a fair wind, on the Hudson, on its way to Albany, young Elder started off at a rattling pace, with his musket and knapsack, to join his military company at the Capital in time or be denounced as a traitor. It is said he beat the sloop by several hours, though the precise time made is not given.
Dr. Joseph Whalen, another well known Irish pioneer, was among the early physicians practicing his profession in this region. He came at the close of the war, settled in this town for a few years, and afterward practiced in Montgomery for over fifty years. It is worthy of note in this connection that in those days no doctor ever expected to collect for his services from his patient in person. The doctor's claim was always presented to the executor or administrator, as the case might he, after the patient's death. There were obvious reasons for this custom then, as there often are even in these later times, but the reader must be left to draw his own conclusions. This noted doctor had a most extensive practice, and he was also a famous horseman and equestrian, owning much fine horseflesh. He even rivaled the celebrated Count Pulaski, the Polish general in the Revolution, who would throw his hat before him on the road while under full speed on his horse and so far dismount as to take it up. Dr. Whalen could take a glass of liquid in his hand, mount his horse, ride away a quarter of a mile and return without spilling a drop.
Daniel Bull was another prominent settler of this region. He came some years before the Revolution and settled upon an extensive tract of newly cleared land which was rough and stony and had been owned by his father, Thomas Bull, who lived in the old stone house in Hamptonburgh. This land was then valued at $2.50 per acre. In 1780 he married Miss Miller at Goshen, where the bride and groom were snowbound for two weeks of their honeymoon. They had thirteen children and the family became one of the most prominent and numerous in the town. Mr. Bull was a most successful farmer, and he reclaimed a vast acreage of wild land and brought it under good and profitable tillage. He amassed wealth and became a valued citizen, being long regarded as a patriarch of the town. In 1821, the record shows, that fifty-two grandchildren had been born of this parentage, making a family total of seventy-six. All were then alive except two who died in infancy, and on a certain day in June of that year seventy-four members of this noted family were gathered in the family homestead near Bullville for a grand reunion. The farm is now owned by Theodore Roberson.
The Crawford family, after which the town was named, were descendants of John Crawford, who settled in New Windsor in 1737. The names of John, William, James and Samuel are found upon the old military roll of 1738 for the Wallkill. Robert I. Crawford was a prominent citizen here early in the last century, and he lived near the old Hopewell church.
The Thompson brothers, Alexander, Andrew, and Robert, came from Ireland about 1770. They bought 500 acres of land on what became afterward known as Thompson's Ridge, and divided the plot equally among themselves. One of these farms then included the site of the Hopewell church, and all this property has been kept in the Thompson family.
David Rainey was another ante-revolutionary settler in this locality, and he established what was afterward known as the "brick-house farm," near Pine Bush. He erected the first brick house between Newburgh and Ellenville. Although only a boy during the Revolution, he served for a short time in the Continental Army under Clinton. The ancestor of Jacob Whitten was also among the pioneers there.
Among the early physicians of the town were Dr. Crosby, who lived near the Hopewell church and practiced during the early part of the last century; Dr. Charles Winfield, who lived near Pine Bush; Dr. Hunter, of Searsville, who later served as school inspector for that time; Dr. Griffith, also of Pine Bush, who died in 1855, and Dr. Durkee, who lived a mile south of Pine Bush.
TOWN ORGANIZATION.
The town of Crawford was formed from the town of Montgomery, March 4, 1823. That older town covered such a large extent of territory that it was found inconvenient and expensive to conduct the public business to advantage. A convenient and practicable arrangement of boundary lines for a division of the town was found possible whereby there might be a central point convenient of access for the citizens of each town. The name Crawford was given in honor of that pioneer family, as before stated, many of its descendants having become so closely identified with the local interests of the region.
The first town meeting was held at the house of Edward Schoonmaker, April 1, 1823. William W. Crawford was then chosen the first supervisor; Oliver Mills, town clerk, and a full list of officials was selected. Every man was authorized to act as his own pound-master, and every farm was regarded as a pound. A bounty of $25 was voted for every wolf killed in the town, which shows that these hungry animals were still roaming through the forests at that time. At a special meeting held later in the month, $460 was voted to be raised for the support of the poor for that year. There were then thirty-nine road districts in that little town, and each district had its accredited road-master. But the records are not clear as to the character or extent of the road work done in that early period. Of course every male citizen was required to appear for service upon the road at such time or times as the master of his district would designate, and put in such number of days' work as his property possessions called for under the prevailing provisions of the State road laws. The road-master was the boss, and if he said the roadway must be highly rounded in the center, a plow was run deeply along each side of the track and the loose mud or dirt was scraped up into the road with hoes or shovels. Then the wagon wheels would throw out this mud during the rest of the year when it was not frozen, where the workers of the succeeding year would find it again, waiting to be scraped back into the roadway. This was the old process of road repair for two hundred years, and there seems to have been general satisfaction with the curious method as far as the records disclose. In fact, the public highways were not regarded of great importance in those days in spite of the fact that they were the leading if not the only arteries of transportation throughout the country before the advent of railways and cheap water-line shipment. These observations are made in this connection because of the recent dawn of a new era in roads and road work, when the great importance of public roads and their proper repair and maintenance has at last been more nearly recognized. Very soon these antiquated methods will be among the curious events in history.
When the Middletown and Crawford Railway was projected through this town the sum of $80,000 was raised by the town authorities in aid of its construction. This was in July, 1868. The interest upon this debt has been paid annually since that time, but in 1880 no part of this principal sum had yet been paid. This was a severe tax upon the town which bore rather heavily upon the farmers especially, a class that rarely escapes the lion's share of these burdens of modern civilization. But the railway has been of great value to every resident as a developing factor of that entire region and none now regrets its cost.
VILLAGES OF THE TOWN.
Hopewell.—This village is in the western portion of the town, not far from the Shawangunk River. The name was taken from the old Hopewell church, which was an offshoot from the Goodwill Presbyterian congregation at Montgomery, where the Congregational section had been squeezed out, as it were. They were thus in need of hope at the time, and thus the name "Hopewell" was suggested by some of the more thoughtful members, and it was very promptly adopted for the church name, as it afterward was also for the little village which gathered about it. It does not appear that any important business or mercantile trade was ever conducted there, however. It is merely a fertile farm section where the residents have gathered to make their homes. The postal facilities for these people are at Thompson's Ridge, a station on the Crawford branch of the Erie Railway.
Bullville.—This is in the southwestern portion of the town near the Wallkill line. It was named in honor of Thomas Bull, who lived there many years and engaged in various business enterprises, and in fact founded the place. While the name of the hamlet is not especially felicitous, nor even euphonious, the location is attractive and pleasing, it being upon high ground with a fine view of the surrounding landscape. A fine commodious Methodist church was built there many years ago and there is a most attractive cluster of fine dwellings. In 1880 a hotel was conducted by Silas Dickerson and a general store by Charles Roe. There were also a creamery, two blacksmith shops, a flour and feed store, a coal yard and even a distillery. The place is seven miles west of Montgomery village.
Searsville.—This was formerly known as Searsburgh. It is another small village, near the center of the town, on the Dwaarskill. It was named for, and practically founded by, Benjamin Sears, already mentioned at some length. He built the mills there at an early date, and his more distant neighbors soon gathered about him and built their homes there. It was formerly a trading point of some importance, but the advent of the railway brought other neighboring hamlets into greater prominence and left this place somewhat isolated. But in 1880 there were a hotel, two blacksmith and wagon shops, a grist mill and a saw mill still in operation. There is also a post-office. The location being central, the town meetings were usually held there in past years, and the general official business was transacted there.
Thompson's Ridge.—A short distance west of Searsville, on the Crawford Branch Railway, is this hamlet, as before stated. In former years it was mainly composed of the Thompson family, for which it was originally named. Daniel Thompson, the railway superintendent, lived near there. The station is quite an important one both for its passenger business and the large shipments of milk which are made from it. A small store, the post-office, and the various railway structures make up the business part of the hamlet. It is in the midst of the finest farming section of Orange County, the farms of the Thompson family and others in that neighborhood being the most productive in the county.
Collaburg.—This is in the southern section of the town, and the name is now printed "Collabar" on the modern map of the county. The locality is somewhat thickly settled. It was formerly an important point on the Newburgh and Cochecton turnpike, with a hotel and many other buildings of a varied character. But the new railway did not touch the place and travel was soon diverted to other points, which stopped all further development there.
Pine Bush.—This is located near the Shawangunk River, in the northern part of the town, near the Ulster County line, and it is a thriving business village, the most important in the town. It is the northern terminus of the Crawford Branch Railway, and its post-office serves a large section of country on both sides of the river in that region. The village site is generally level and attractive, upon the high bank of the stream at that point, and the land environment comprises a most fertile farming section. The old grist mill there belongs to the Revolutionary period, and the Shawangunk Mountains rise in rugged, frowning peaks which overlook the valley and form a background of rare beauty. The heights of the Hudson River are seen in the distant horizon toward the east and north, and there is a rare combination of upland, valley, mountain and stream, forest slopes and well tilled farms which charms the beholder and forms a most attractive and beautiful landscape. Summer visitors are attracted here in large numbers, and they find much to admire and enjoy.
Among the early tradesmen here was James Thompson, who opened a store in 1824. He was succeeded by Hezekiah Watkins, Tarbosch & Weller, Louis Wisner, Elijah Smith and George Oakley. Dr. Ewan came in 1830, and built a hotel and also conducted a drug store. Abraham Mould began a tannery plant in 1825, but after a few years he was killed by James Mitchell in a violent personal quarrel, for which Mitchell was finally acquitted on the ground of self defense.
The old Ellenville and Newburgh plank road—a wicked production of a benighted period—passed through Pine Bush. This, however, marked the beginning of the modern growth of the place. There were then only three or four dwelling houses. In 1880 there were in addition to the various railway structures, two hotels, several stores, many shops of various kinds, a restaurant, grist mill and saw mill, meat market, photograph gallery, livery stable, distillery, marble works, and a great variety of other business enterprises. The post-office was originally known as Crawford, and Arthur Slott was probably the first postmaster. The name of the village was bestowed on account of the dense growth of pine trees which formerly covered that entire tract of land. The opening of the railway was of course a great event for Pine Bush and had much to do with its subsequent development and progress. Mr. A. R. Taylor, a leading business man, came from Ulsterville in 1848 and proved a most progressive citizen, opening many new stores and taking an active part in all village improvements. He was a civil engineer and was credited with having driven the first stake in Chicago during an engagement in the west many years ago, which if true is a well merited distinction.
SCHOOLS OF THE TOWN.
Oliver Mills, Alexander Thompson and Hieromous Weller were the first school commissioners chosen at the formation of the town. From 1843 to 1856 the public schools were under the control of town superintendents chosen at each annual election. There were ten school districts in 1823, and 655 children between the ages of five and fifteen in the town, small portions of the towns of Wallkill and Montgomery being then included in this enumeration. The amount of public money received was $264.44. Among the early school teachers of this town were John Hardcastle, William Brown, Mr. Reed and Mr. Crosby. And they are said to have been firm believers in the free use of the rod in the inculcation of a thorough knowledge of the three "Rs" and the maintenance of proper discipline.
THE CRAWFORD CHURCHES.
The first effort to build a church in Hopewell was made in 1779 by the Presbyterian association. But they succeeded only in completing the exterior of the building and very little was done toward finishing the inside of the structure. And yet for the next three years those devoted Christian people were content to worship in this unfinished building with all its discomforts. They went to church faithfully and regularly. In 1792 they united in a corporate body and selected a full board of trustees, as follows: William Cross, Robert Milliken, Jonathan Crawford, Daniel Bull, Andrew Thompson, Nathan Crawford, Abraham Caldwell, Robert Thompson and Robert McCreery. Soon after this they finished their church and called the Rev. Jonathan Freeman as their pastor, who was installed August 28, 1793. This may be regarded therefore as the date of the organization of this church, which began with twenty-one members. Mr. Freeman multiplied this number by five during the next five years and then resigned for another field of labor. The next five years this little pulpit remained vacant. Rev. Isaac Van Doren took up the work there in 1803 and labored most successfully for 21 years, adding some 152 members to the little flock of worshipers during that period. Then, after further changes in the pastorate, a new and more commodious church building was built of stone on another site, which was completed in 1832. Rev. John H. Leggett was then the pastor for the next twenty-three years, when he went to Middletown. His ministerial work in this Hopewell church is highly spoken of in the records, he being a powerful preacher and a man of great activity and influence.
What was known as Graham's Church, associated Reformed, was established by Robert Graham in 1799. A house of worship was erected at once and it was opened for use in August of the same year. Mr. Graham died a few weeks later, but he devised 100 acres of land to this church organization for its pastor. This church was merely a branch of the older organization at Neeleytown until 1802, when it became independent, with Samuel Gillespie and Andrew Thompson as elders. There were then only 28 regular members, and the Rev. John McJimsey still served both this and the Neeleytown church. He left in 1809 but returned ten years later and remained until his death in 1854. Robert Graham, the founder of this church, was a staunch Scotch-Irish Presbyterian, and he left a lasting impress for good upon this people.
The Crawford Methodist Church is located at Bullville and it was incorporated April 20, 1859. The trustees named were Jacob M. Shorter, Robert Hill and Herman S. Shorter. The original church structure was completed in the summer of 1861 at a cost of $8,000, which was donated by Mrs. Mary Shorter. Rev. John Wardle was the first pastor, being assigned there in response to a request of Mrs. Shorter.
The Methodist Church of Pine Bush was incorporated November 28, 1870. with the following trustees: William B. Barnes, John Walker, Samuel Armstrong, William H. Cowley and Francis M. Bodine. But there had been religious services there many years before this, especially in the school house. The old Reformed Church over the river at Shawangunk, in Ulster County, had many members in the Pine Bush village, and there was preaching in the little school house nearly every Sunday, either by the pastor of that church or by the Methodist preacher from Bullville. But the Methodist people were not satisfied with this arrangement and they finally built a church for themselves, completing it in the spring of 1871 at a total cost of $8,000, of which only half had been paid. But the balance was pledged at the dedication ceremonies held on the night of April 24, 1871. This building was repaired and improved some ten years later.
HISTORIC POINTS OF INTEREST.
Near the site of the old Slott grist mill on the bank of the river is an old log hut which is said to date back to the ante-Revolutionary period. During that war this hut was on the Van Amburg property, and that family was somewhat closely connected with the noted Anneke Jans, who once owned the ground now covered by the vast estates of Trinity Church in New York City, in which her myriad heirs, scattered all over America to-day, still claim an equitable share, and justly so, perhaps. In this old log structure once lived a stalwart female member of the Van Amburg family, and the story is that during the Revolution a big reward was offered by the British officers for her capture. "Shanks Ben," a noted Ulster County Tory, like Claudius Smith of Orange County, being attracted by this rich reward, planned her capture. He concealed himself in one of the farm haystacks where he knew she would come to feed her cattle at a certain time. But when he saw the huge old-fashioned hay-fork in her hand, he concluded that discretion was the better part of valor, and was in fact glad to escape with his own life, fearing she might chance to puncture his brave anatomy in reaching for the required hay-fodder. If this somewhat noted woman was ever captured by the redcoats the records fail to disclose it.
Aside from the pursuit of farming and lumbering, this town has never been able to boast of any very important industries. Nearly every citizen was engaged in the cultivation of the soil during its early history at least. As already noted, the town was famed for its production of the choicest grade of Orange County butter. In later years, under the changed condition of transportation facilities, the manufactured products of the dairy were almost entirely discontinued and gave way to the natural product of milk, which was shipped to the New York markets in large quantities.
The growth of apples, peaches and other fruits, for which the land is so well adapted, has meanwhile increased in extent and importance, and many of the Crawford orchards that were properly cultivated and cared for have become sources of large profit to their owners.
While many of the more ancient grist and saw mills of the town have now disappeared, some have been greatly improved and modernized and new ones have been built.
MILITARY HISTORY.
On this topic little can be said with reference to the early history of this separate section, as the town came into existence some time after the close of the wars with foreign nations. All such data is hopelessly buried in the ancient annals of Wallkill and Montgomery so far as the Crawford chronicler is concerned. There were doubtless patriots of this section who served in the Continental army of Washington, and others who went out in the military company during the second outbreak in 1812. But the records contain no separate lists of these and this roll of honor cannot therefore be presented here. Philip Decker, David Rainey and Joseph Elder, the only names we can positively identify as being residents of what is now the town of Crawford, who served in the Revolution.
But in the War of the Rebellion the record is more complete. While, like most other towns in nearly every county in the northern States, there were misguided men in Crawford, partisans, politicians and abject followers of that class, servile men with little principle and less brains, who opposed the war on political principle, or through ignorance of the situation, without regard to the safety of the American Union of States, the great majority of the citizens, here as elsewhere, were loyal Union men. And when the first secession gun belched forth on Fort Sumter the old spirit of patriotism which had animated their ancestors was fired anew. The town furnished 188 men for the Union army and navy under the various calls of President Lincoln and the draft. Sixty-nine men went forward at once under Captain Samuel Hunter, who organized a company of volunteers in the town known as Co. H, which was attached to the 124th Regiment. The sum of $525 was raised by subscription in 1862 for bounties paid to 21 volunteers who enlisted in the 168th Regiment, and $50 was raised for a like purpose in connection with the regiment first named. In 1863 $3,000 was raised and $27,610 the following year. Then, under the last call, $16,500 was added to these cash contributions from this town, making the total sum $47,685. On the final settlement with the State after the war, $11,700 of this amount was returned to the town for excess of years and bounties. A tax of $30,000 was authorized in January, 1865, but as is seen above only a portion of this amount was required.
The record contains a detailed list of the men furnished by the town from which it appears that ten enlisted in the 56th Regiment in 1861, one in the 18th, five in the 19th, and twelve in other regiments during the first year. Then in 1862, twenty-one went out in the 124th, and thirty in the 168th. Twenty-nine enlisted in various other organizations in 1863 and 1864, and twenty-nine others were drafted into the service, most of whom furnished substitutes.
As showing who were among the leading farmers in this town in the early part of the 19th century, it will be of interest perhaps to quote a few items from an old list of agricultural premiums awarded at the county fairs held in that period. In 1820 Daniel Bull was awarded $20, for the best farm of 100 acres in the town. He also had the second best fat oxen. The next year Henry Bull got $10 for the second best farm, and Daniel Bull $15 for the best working oxen. In 1822 Henry Bull had the best three acres of winter wheat, for which he was awarded a prize of $10. Moses Crawford then received a like award for 2,051 pounds of butter from twenty cows. In 1823 Moses Crawford received a four-dollar prize for the third best piece of dressed woolen cloth, also various other prizes for white flannel, linen, etc. William Gillespie then had a fine exhibit of sewing-silk, for which he received a prize. These items are taken at random from an old record which, strangely enough, does not contain the first awards in many cases.
The population of Crawford, according to the national census of 1880, was 1,951, which was a decrease from that of 1870 of seventy-three.
The Pine Bush Library Association was organized November 10, 1899, at a meeting held in Wallace Hall for the purpose of considering the practicability of establishing a public library in the village. H. J. McKinney, Mrs. Joel Whitten, J. E. Ward, Mrs. J. L. Acheson, D. T. Bowen, Miss Emma B. Shaper, S. K. Seybolt and Mrs. Nelson Van Keuren were chosen trustees. H. J. McKinney was elected president, retaining the office until his death, September 24, 1907. While ably discharging the duties of the position, he was a liberal contributor to the support of the library. He supervised the construction of the building it now occupies.
The library was incorporated December 21, 1899, receiving from the State University a provisional charter. December 1, 1904, a permanent charter was granted.
Through the kindness of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Pine Bush the library was kept in the rooms of that organization without cost to the association, until the summer of 1907, when it was removed to its present home. This was remodeled from a building presented to the Library Association by H. P. Taylor, a resident of the village, and is a substantial edifice with an attractive interior, admirably arranged for library purposes.
The library, which is free, now numbers more than 2,000 well selected books. The funds for its support are derived from the membership dues, contributions, lectures or entertainments, and the State appropriation.
LOCATION, AREA AND TITLE.
This town is located in the extreme western angle of Orange County. In outline the territory forms nearly a perfect triangle. It is one of the larger towns in the county, having an area of 37,020 acres, according to the latest tax tables of the Orange supervisors, being exceeded only in extent by the town of Warwick. It is also next to the largest in population, having 11,562 inhabitants, according to the State census of 1905. It is also a most important town in several other respects, as will be seen from the comprehensive outline presented in the succeeding pages.
It contains the point of land where three States intersect—New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. This precise point is known as the "Tri-States Rock." This solid rock is at the extreme point of the tongue of land lying at the mouth of the Neversink River and between that stream and the Delaware River. A copper bolt has been sunk in this rock to mark the spot which has been agreed upon by the authorities of these States. By standing over this bolt one is therefore in three different States at the same time.
Whether or not the full legal import of this strategic point of vantage has been well understood by certain classes, or made use of in critical emergencies, is not definitely known. It is, however, one of the show places of Port Jervis, and visitors may easily find it by a short walk through Laurel Grove Cemetery.
In 1880 the town assessors reported a total value of taxable property of $2,431,680, upon which a tax of $37,374.27 was levied. These amounts have been increased to $2,509,003, and $41,378.65 respectively, the valuation of the two banks not included, $379,706, on which their tax is levied.
With the exception of the small tracts known as the Arent Schuyler patent, the Tietsort 400 acre patent, and the Cuddeback patent, the title to all the land of Deer Park comes from the Minisink patent. This name was originally spelled "Minnisink." The tribal Indian occupants were first known as the Minquas, and subsequently as the Minsis, from which the present name seems to have been evolved.
Captain Arent Schuyler visited this region in 1694, during that turbulent period of war with the savages, in order to determine how far the influence of the French had effected the aborigines.
The town is bounded on the north by Sullivan County, on the southeast by Mount Hope and Cornwall, {sic} and on the southwest by New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the County of Sullivan.
NATURAL FEATURES.
The topographical features of Deer Park are peculiarly marked. There is the broad valley of the Neversink on the east, reaching from northeast to southwest. This soil is exceptionally fertile, and here it was that the early settlers began to build their cabins and blaze their way into the thick forests.
A short, distance from the Neversink stream the old Delaware & Hudson Canal was constructed and operated for many years, the line being nearly parallel to the river. This great coal artery from the mines to the Hudson was, however, abandoned in 1898 after seventy years of successful operation, and the new Ellenville & Kingston Railway took its place.
The Neversink stream has no important tributaries from the east. On the west the Old Dam Kill comes into the main stream at Huguenot. This drains a large portion of the central territory and gives some valuable water power. Basha's Kill is the largest branch entering from the east near Cuddebackville.
The Delaware River separates the town from Pennsylvania on the southwest, and the Mongaup branch of the Delaware divides the town from Sullivan County. Tributaries of this Mongaup stream drain the higher central portions of the town. Still other tributaries of the Delaware flow through the Honesdale region.
The general surface of the town is a mountainous upland broken by many small streams which often flow through rocky ravines. There are steep declivities along the Delaware, Mount William and Point Peter being the most attractive features near Port Jervis. Along Basha's Kill the bottoms are known as the Mamakating valley. Those along the Neversink constitute the Suckapack valley, until the junction with Basha's Kill is reached, when it is called the Neversink valley proper, although also known as the Peenpack. This valley extends to the mouth of the Neversink at Carpenter's Point. If space permitted it would be interesting to trace the origin and significance of these quaint names.
EARLY SETTLEMENT
In 1689 the old town of Schenectady in New York State was captured by the Indians after a bloody fight. Among the residents there who fled from the place was one William Tietsort (now written Titsworth), who came to the land of Esopus first, but soon afterward went to this Minisink region and settled in these forests. After a residence there of some years he sought the right to purchase a tract of land there. This was in 1698, and he succeeded in obtaining the land. His title to this tract, though in dispute for a time, was finally confirmed, and it was excepted from the Minisink patent. This tract was afterward sold to John Decker, and the location is thought to have been near Port Jervis. Thus the honor of being the first settler seems to belong to this William Tietsort.
Other pioneer settlers came into the Peenpack valley and also in Mamakating Hollow. Most of these old pioneers seem to have taken such lands as suited their fancy with very little regard to who the owner might be. Many of these came in from the famous Esopus region, and these were mostly of that thrifty Dutch stock which made that ancient region so famous and important in the formative period of the State and national history. Nearly all settled along the streams where the advantages of fertile soil and level land seemed most attractive and important.
In 1697 Arent Schuyler received his patent, which covered a large tract in the Minisink country called by the natives Sankheheneck, otherwise Mayhawaem, also another tract called "Warinsayskmeck, upon the river Mennessincks before an island called Menagnock, which was near the Maghaghkemek tract and contained 1,000 acres and no more." About the same time another grant of land containing 1200 acres was given to Jacob Codebeck, Thomas Swartwout, Anthony Swartwout, Bernardus Swartwout, Jan Tys, Peter Gimar and David Jamison.
Both these patents were in the Peenpack valley, and they were so imperfectly described in the titles that it was impossible to fix their precise location or boundaries. They were therefore regarded as "floating" patents or tracts, and the grantees were inclined to take possession of most any unappropriated lands in that valley and settle where they saw fit. This led to much difficulty in the succeeding years, and when it became necessary to divide this Minisink patent the commissioners found no end of trouble.
The patentees Codebeck and Gimar were French and came here after a brief sojourn in Maryland. They married into the Swartwout family, which was a sturdy, vigorous stock, well able to cope with the warlike natives and ferocious wild animals and dense forests as pioneers.
The seven joint owners of this patent are said to have come into this region in 1690, although there is no authentic record of any white people there until 1694. The land covered by this patent laid along the Neversink River and Basha's Kill. Mamakating Hollow was then the nearest settlement, some twenty-five or thirty miles north.
In those days the settlement of a new country was indeed a herculean task with the meager facilities then existing. And this was preeminently true of this town, which was still slumbering in a dense primeval forest. Plows and all other implements were of the crudest description. What little grain was grown by these ancient farmers had to be cut with a knife or rude sickle, and then the grain was separated from the straw by the tramp of horses upon the threshing floor. It was afterward winnowed from the chaff by hand-fans made of willow rods. This was the universal practice in this region down to 1760. The first fanning mill was brought in here just previous to this by Peter Gumaer. The wagons were made almost entirely of wood and the harness of flax and tow. During the long winter evenings while the men were making these things the women were spinning and reeling yarn. Not the yarn of the idle gossiper, as now, but the fiber and fabric of utility which went into their clothing.
The old Esopus region was some fifty or sixty miles north and the roads were left to the vagaries of Dame Nature. But these pioneers had to cart their corn and other produce there for sale. Wheat was the staple crop, and Jacob Codebeck of this town was the first to attempt grinding it in a small mill. One of these millstones, about two feet in diameter and three inches thick, is still in the Gumaer cellar near where the old mill stood. This was afterward followed by two other grist mills on the "Old Dam Brook." Then came the De Witt mill in 1770, on the Neversink River near Cuddebackville, and others in later years. These ancient mills had no devices for bolting the flour as now; thus after the grinding process, the whole had to be sifted by hand in order to secure the fine flour for bread-making and other culinary uses.
One of the earliest saw mills was erected in this town soon after 1760.
It should be said in this connection that there is some traditionary {_sic_} evidence of a still earlier settlement in this Minisink region which takes the date back even to 1650. Most of these claims, however, seem based upon certain letters written by Samuel Preston of Stockport, Penn., in 1828. In these letters he gave the recollections of John Lukens, Surveyor General of Pennsylvania, as to this very ancient settlement. His memory extended back to 1730. On this rather hazy authority it is claimed that the first settlement was prior to 1664, when the region was still in the possession of the Dutch, and that the settlement was abandoned at the English conquest. But there are no existing documents to substantiate any such claim, and the entire weight of evidence seems to clearly disprove it.
The records show that in 1714 the only freeholders in Maghaghkemek were Thomas Swartwout, Harmon Barentsen, Jacob Cuddeback, Peter Gumaer and Jacobus Swartwout. To these were added, fourteen years later, the names of John Van Vliet, Jr., Samuel Swartwout and Bernardus Swartwout, Jr. This would show a very small increase in 38 years, assuming that the settlement began in 1690.
This town became important also because of the long dispute over the boundary line between the States of New York and New Jersey. The variance of this line over which the conflict arose was in this township. The owners of the Minisink and the 1,200 acre patents were much disturbed for years by the New Jersey State authorities, who claimed the line ran considerably farther north of the Delaware River than the Deer Park people had established it. The New Jersey people claimed a large portion of this 1,200 acre patent through which they insisted the line ran, they procured a colony title to this disputed portion of that patent. The precise location of the line being vague and uncertain, no action at law could be maintained by either side, but a bitter struggle ensued and lasted for many years. The trouble seems to have arisen over the meaning of the phrase "the northernmost branch of the Delaware River," which was the language used in the description of title. There was a big triangular gore of land in dispute. This conflict lasted nearly seventy-five years, and then it was finally settled by an equitable division of the land in question.
Among the residents on this disputed land was Major Swartwout, and the Jersey claimants planned to oust him from the property by force. He was prepared for such an attack, but in spite of all his loaded guns it seems that about 1730 the Jerseyites routed him from the house and threw out all his goods. But with the assistance of friends in Goshen the major was reinstated, and he afterward successfully repelled another attack made about ten years later. He was, however, captured and imprisoned, together with Johannes Westbrook, another resident of the battleground, some time between 1764 and 1767, by a strong force of Jersey men who surrounded his church on the Sabbath, and seized the two men at the close of the service, after a fierce struggle.
Soon after this a new line was agreed upon and the fight ended by the passage of a royal edict at the Court of St. James in September, 1773. Commissioners of the two States afterward ran the line in accordance with that agreement.
In 1874, one hundred years later, commissioners representing the two States made a resurvey with the assistance of the United States Coast Survey officials, which finally settled the great controversy for all time.
In 1775, an old assessment roll of district No. 3, which was the southern portion of Deer Park, comprising the present territory of Port Jervis and vicinity, contained forty-eight names of property holders. The largest of these was Johannes Decker, who was assessed for 17 pounds 8 shillings and 7 pence. Next in order was Anthony Van Etten, John Wells, Abraham Van Auken and Johannes Decker, Jr.
The De Witt family of this town were descendants of Tjerck Clausson De Witt, who came from Holland and settled in Wiltwyck, now Kingston, at a very early date. It was a very prominent family here and many of its members achieved distinction.
Among other prominent settlers in this region were Peter Gumaer, Jan Tyse, Bernardus Swartwout, Jacob Cuddeback, Anthony Swartwout, David Jameson, and Hermanns Van Inwegen.
The very earliest physician in this region was Doctor Chattle, and he settled near Carpenter's Point and practiced there until his death, many years later. He came in at the opening of the nineteenth century.
CIVIL ORGANIZATION.
Just when the civil organization of Deer Park was formed is not definitely known. The Legislative act of October 18, 1701, provided that the "people of Maghachemeck, the Great and Little Minisink, should vote in the County of Ulster." This would imply that they were outside of that county. This territory covered what is since known as Cuddebackville and vicinity. Eight years later the boundary between the counties was more definitely fixed by the Legislature. Soon after this the territory went under the name of Maghachemeck, remaining under this jaw-breaking title until 1743, when the precinct of Mamakating was erected, which was at least a slight improvement upon the old name.
This continued until 1798 when the town of Deer Park was organized. The first Mamakating precinct meeting was held at the house of Samuel Swartwout. This territory then included "all the land to the southward of the town of Rochester as far as the County of Ulster extends, and to the westward to the precincts of Wallkill and Shawangunk."
While the name Minisink was applied to the territory above named, it has been contended by some writers that there was in addition a precinct of Minisink, and there are documents which seem, to establish this fact even as early as 1739. But this precinct seems to have been erected along the Delaware River below what afterward became Carpenter's Point.
The territory now in Deer Park south of the old county line comprising Port Jervis and vicinity was a part of the town of Minisink from 1789 to 1825.
The first supervisor of the Mamakating precinct elected in April, 1774, was Benjamin Dupuy. The first supervisor of Deer Park elected in April, 1798, was James Finch, and he remained in that office by successive elections until 1810, when Peter E. Gumaer succeeded him. But Mr. Finch was again selected to serve the town in that capacity on three different occasions.
The earliest assessment roll of the town now preserved in the town clerk's office, which was the first roll of Deer Park after the division of the territory, is that of 1825. This shows a total valuation of $114,820, and there were fifteen persons on the list for over $2,000, the highest being Peter E. Gumaer at $6,230.
CENTERS.
With the exception of Port Jervis the centers of population in the town are small and unimportant. Among them may be mentioned Westbrookville on the line of the old canal, northeast of Cuddebackville; Port Orange, a short distance south on the canal line; Cuddebackville, in the northeastern part of the town, named in honor of the pioneer settler, Jacob Cuddeback; Rose Point, a station on the Monticello Railway; Port Clinton, still further down the valley; Gumaers, also on the old canal line, and Huguenot, between this and Port Jervis. Near this point are valuable mineral springs, discovered in 1860. In 1880 a pipe line for the transmission of petroleum oil to tide water was constructed through this section, with stationary engines and a power plant for forcing this oil to market.
Carpenter's Point is a very old locality, named for an early settler, who established a ferry across the Delaware River there at a very early period. It is near Port Jervis on the south and the famous "Tri-States rock" is located here at the extreme point. This rock marks the junction of the States of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. There are several stores, an old grist mill, and many dwellings. A bridge here spans the Neversink River which was built in 1868.
Sparrowbush is another hamlet and post-office on the old canal line. Bushkill is in the western part of the town, and Quarryhill is a local mining district still farther west. Shin Hollow is a neighborhood on the slope of the Shawangunk Mountain where the Erie Railway crosses the town line into Mount Hope. Paradise is a small hamlet on the Sullivan border northeast of Cuddebackville, and Honesville and Bolton are other small hamlets born of the canal enterprise.
CEMETERIES.
The Gumaer graveyard is believed to be the oldest burial place in the town. Some of the old stones have inscriptions which show that burials were made there very early in the eighteenth century.
The old Maghachemeck graveyard is in the southern section of the town at Port Jervis. Previous to 1907 this ground was much neglected, and its condition was anything but creditable to the citizens of that growing village. Interments were made there long prior to the Revolution.
The Laurel Grove cemetery is situated in the extreme southeastern part of Port Jervis. This was established in 1856 by John Conklin, who owned the site, and it is the modern cemetery now in use. It contains many fine monuments and the lots and drives are well kept. The name Laurel Grove was most appropriately bestowed because of the thick natural growth of the American laurel on the ground. In 1857 the Weeping Willow cemetery was begun in Port Jervis. This is St. John's burial ground next the Reformed church. Among other cemeteries are that of the Reformed church, started in 1833, the Catholic cemetery, also in Port Jervis, and the Rural Valley cemetery in Cuddebackville, opened in 1867. In the early eighties the Weeping Willow cemetery was purchased by the village of Port Jervis and converted into a site for a school building, the bodies being removed to other cemeteries.
MILITARY HISTORY.
At the beginning of the French war of 1775 there were only about thirty families within the present limits of Deer Park township. It was then divided into upper and lower neighborhoods. In the upper or northern part, near the old county line, three small forts were built; one on the Neversink, another at the house of Peter Gumaer, and the third near the home of Peter Swartwout. There were also three forts in the lower neighborhood on the south.
It is believed, however, that most of the Indian occupants of this region had left before the opening of this French war. But they returned in force when the Revolution began and attacked some of the early settlers in 1777. These attacks soon became more frequent and alarming, and the Committee of Safety was obliged to resort to very vigilant methods in repelling the ferocious savages. Three other forts were built in the Peenpack section, and these were manned by soldiers known as the nine-months' men. Many of the women and children were sent out of the town to more safe quarters. About this time there were some fifty families in the town and they moved into the forts for protection. But the settlement was attacked by a force of Indians and Tories about that time and afterward, and many were killed in the conflicts. Many of the houses and barns were burned and much of the crops were destroyed during these Indian raids.
Many stirring incidents of those days are recorded, but much of this record is merely traditional and lacks authentic documentary evidence in its support.
At the close of the war the people were practically in a destitute condition, and it took them a long time, with the very meager facilities at hand, to reinstate themselves. Even the Continental paper currency had greatly depreciated in value, and it was necessary to build mills to make material for rebuilding their homes and barns.
At the opening of the Revolution Major John Decker was one of the most prominent citizens in the Minisink valley, and it is said that one of the objects of these Indian raids was to secure the scalp of Major Decker. They succeeded in burning his house to the ground and destroyed all his property during his absence from home at night, driving out his family to sleep on the banks of the Neversink River, but they didn't get the Major's scalp, though he was wounded while riding his horse homeward, and barely escaped with his life by hiding in a cave.
The Brandt raid of what was known as the lower neighborhood occurred in July, 1779. News of the atrocities perpetrated by the Mohawk chief and his savage followers was conveyed to Goshen, where a pursuing force of militia was organized by Colonels Tusten and Hathorn. They overtook Brandt at the ford of the Delaware at Lackawaxen, Pa., and in the sanguinary struggle which took place on the heights above Lackawaxen on the New York side of the river, the Indians were completely victorious. The force under Hathorn and Tusten was almost annihilated, but few escaping to tell the tale of the disaster. Of these men were Captain Abraham Cuddeback of Deer Park, and Daniel Meyers of Minisink, who is said to have killed more Indians than any other man during the engagement.
The town took its full patriotic share in the struggle to save the Union of States. Dr. John Conklin presided at the first meeting of citizens, April 18, 1861, and prompt measures were adopted. Nearly $1,000 was raised, and there were many donations for the soldiers and their families. The Ladies' Aid Society was formed with Mrs. H. H. Farnum as president, in September, 1862, and this association of patriotic women forwarded supplies to the front amounting to $843.63. Under the call of President Lincoln for 500,000 men in 1864 a tax of $48,600 was raised by the town to pay bounties for soldiers of $300 each. An additional tax of $155,300 was afterwards raised for a like purpose.
The Deer Park roll of honor in that war numbers 428. Of these some forty-five lost their lives in the service of their country.
In the Spanish-American war of 1898 eighty-two volunteers for service in Cuba were recruited in Port Jervis by Captain Benham and others under the auspices of Lafayette Post, G. A. R., of the city of New York. Of these, forty-four were attached to Company I of the Second U. S. Infantry; thirty-five to the 42d U. S. Infantry, and the remainder entered the Artillery and Cavalry arms of the service. The recruits for this war came mainly from Port Jervis, but a few came from surrounding districts.
BONDED DEBT.
Under the act of May 4, 1868, the town of Deer Park was bonded for the sum of $200,000 to aid in the construction of the Monticello and Port Jervis Railroad. These bonds drew 7% and ran thirty years to their maturity. In 1898 they were refunded at 4% and provision made for the gradual payment of the principal. There is now (1908) outstanding in these bonds $161,000.
THE MONTICELLO R. R.
The Monticello and Port Jervis Railroad Company was incorporated Sept. 3, 1868. It ran between Port Jervis and Monticello and opened for traffic January 3, 1871. It was sold in foreclosure July 8, 1875, and subsequently reorganized as the Port Jervis and Monticello Railroad Co. Its history has been a checkered one. It is now operated by the Ontario & Western Railroad as a part of its system.
THE CITY OF PORT JERVIS.
Port Jervis had its beginning in 1826 when the building of the D. & H. Canal became a certainty. It was named in honor of John B. Jervis, of Rome, N. Y.. a distinguished civil engineer, who superintended the construction of the canal. As late as 1846 a writer thus describes Port Jervis:
"It is a small village on the canal where it first approaches the Delaware. It is just above Carpenter's Point (Tri-States) and the junction of the Neversink and Delaware Rivers. It owes its population and its importance to its position about midway between Honesdale, Pa., and Kingston, N. Y., the two terminals of the D. & H. Canal. There are five stores in the village; three taverns in spacious buildings; one three-story grist mill, built by Dr. Ball, of Brooklyn, N. Y., being a stone building with five run of stone in it; three churches, a Dutch Reformed, Baptist, and Methodist, and one large school house. Coal and lumber are sold in considerable quantities. A mail route from Kingston, N. Y., to Milford, Pa., and thence to Philadelphia, passes through the village."
At this time the population of the village was small, and Port Jervis was equaled if not exceeded in importance by the neighboring hamlet of Carpenter's Point, where the post-office was located and courts were held.
The completion of the Erie Railroad to Port Jervis, January 1, 1848, gave a wonderful impetus to its growth. The directors of the company celebrated the event by an official trip over the road from Piermont on the Hudson River, its eastern terminus, to Port Jervis, where the entire population of the surrounding country were gathered to celebrate their arrival. Cannon boomed and flags and bunting floated from every house top. A banquet was served at the hotel of Samuel Truex on the southwestern corner of Pike and Main streets, during which the president of the road, Benjamin Loder, made an address congratulating all concerned in the successful completion of the great enterprise as far as Port Jervis. The subsequent growth of the place was rapid. Its position as the headquarters of the Delaware division of the road and the terminus of its eastern division and the location here of extensive machine and car shops gave it a large railroad population, which has been and still is the principal contributing element to its prosperity.
In 1853 the village was incorporated and the first charter election was held in August following. The total village expenses for the first year was $1,350. Samuel Fowler was the first president.
Port Jervis became a city by an act of the Legislature of the date of June 26, 1907, and at the first election under the city charter, held in the ensuing November, the following city officials were elected: Mayor, Dr. H. B. Swartwout; aldermen, Joseph Johnson (at large), F. N. Mason, Andrew Hensel, A. F. Brown. P. C. Rutan, C. F. Van Inwegen, Thomas Mulhearn, James Howell and James I. Delaney. The first five named are republicans, the others democrats. The following appointments were made by the Common Council: City clerk, A. P. Altemeier; city engineer, Irving Righter; commissioner of charters, John M. Snook; superintendent of streets and sewers, Theodore Ludlum; chief of police, William Wilkin. Supervisors from the four wards were elected as follows: First Ward, S. S. Garriss, dem.; Second Ward, Henry Farnum, rep.; Third Ward, J. J. Toth, rep.; Fourth Ward, J. P. Gillen, dem.
The population of Port Jervis in 1907, according to the census of the State excise department, taken in that year for the purpose of furnishing a basis upon which to adjust license rates, was 10,035. But as the census was not intended to be exhaustive and practically stopped when the 10,000 limit was reached, leaving certain sections uncounted, it is fair to presume that the actual population was considerably in excess of the figure named.
The assessed valuation of the city of Port Jervis for the year 1907 was $2,000,000; for the town of Deer Park about $500,000.
The city has eighty-two industrial establishments including the car and machine shops of the Erie Railroad, employing over 1,000 operatives. The principal manufactured commodities are saws, glassware, silk, gloves and mittens, shirt and ladies' collars. These industries give employment to many skilled operatives who receive good wages. The city has three hardware stores and two iron foundries.
Among the important industries of Port Jervis is the Deer Park Brewery Co., located on Reservoir avenue. The company was organized in 1902 with George F. Ott, of Philadelphia, as president. The plant of the insolvent Deer Park Brewery Co. was purchased and greatly improved and enlarged.
STREET RAILROAD.
The Port Jervis Electric Street Railway Company was organized in 1895 with Hon. W. C. Richardson, of Goshen, as the first president. The work of construction began November 15, 1897, and the road went into operation January 15, 1898. The road is now known as the Port Jervis Electric Railroad Co. It has about 4 1/3 miles of track and runs three cars.
BANKS.
The oldest of the two banking establishments of this place, the National Bank of Port Jervis, was organized under the State law as the Bank of Port Jervis, in March, 1853. Business was opened in the Delaware House. The original capital was $120,000, afterwards increased to $130,000. Its first president was Thomas King, who served until his death in 1857, when he was succeeded by H. H. Farnum, who served until his death in 1879. The late Charles St. John succeeded him and the late Francis Marvin became president in 1892 on the death of Mr. St. John. The present incumbent of the office is W. L. Cuddeback.
The heavy defalcation of the assistant cashier led to a reorganization of the institution in 1899 with Dr. W. L. Cuddeback as president. The last annual report, December 5, 1907, showed deposits amounting to $550,738.04. The present dividend rate is 7-1/2 per cent, per annum.
The First National Bank was organized in 1870 with a capital of $100,000. Jacob Hornbeck was the first president. The late Martin C. Everett succeeded him. The present head of this prosperous institution is Chas. F. Van Inwegen. Its last report, on December 3, 1907, showed total deposits of $1,001,621.46. The stock pays 16 per cent. dividends to stockholders.
The Port Jervis Savings Bank, organized under the State law, began business in March, 1870, with Eli Van Inwegen as president. It discontinued business in the later seventies.
THE POST-OFFICE.
The post-office was removed from Carpenter's Point to Port Jervis in 1829, and John Slauson was the postmaster. He was succeeded by Dr. John Conklin in 1833, followed by Dr. Charles Hardenburgh in 1845, who was soon displaced by Thomas J. Lyon. Then came Dr. Conklin again in 1849, Francis Marvin in 1851, Thomas J. Lyon again in 1853, James Van Fleet in 1855, George Brodhead in 1857, Augustus E. Goodale in 1861, Charles St. John, Jr., in 1879, Benjamin Ryall in 1885, Stephen St. John in 1889; George A. Elston in 1893; S. D. Boyce in 1897. Mr. Boyce still (in 1908) continues in office.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The Port Jervis fire department was long regarded among the best in the State outside the large cities, and few destructive fires were ever allowed to gain much headway. The introduction of the water-works system gave ample hydrant pressure to cope with any conflagration, and the old hand engines were long since abandoned. There are seven different fire companies with a force of considerably over 200 effective fire fighters. The equipment included a steamer and hook and ladder apparatus. P. C. Rutan is chief engineer of the department.
PORT JERVIS FREE LIBRARY.
In 1892 was organized the Port Jervis Free Library, with W. L. Cuddeback, W. H. Nearpass, Maria B. Van Etten, Minnie C. Brox and E. H. Gordon, trustees. This board has continued in charge of the library until the present time except that, in 1896, Mrs. Brox resigned and was succeeded by Mrs. M. I. Coonrod. In 1901 a gift of $20,000 was received from Mr. Carnegie for the construction of a library building, which was subsequently increased to $30,000, and with this fund a large, handsome, commodious building was constructed on Pike street hill on a site given by Peter E. Farnum. The building is constructed of light colored pressed brick with native blue stone trimmings. It will house 40,000 volumes. The number at present on the shelves is 15,000; added during the year 1907 by purchase, 1,062; the number lent for home use during the current year, 33,706. It is rich in encyclopedias and valuable works of reference, including the Congressional Record and Globe, and reports of the departments of the Federal and State governments. The valuable collection of books and documents of the Minisink Valley Historical Society is also housed in this building, a separate room on the second floor having been set apart for the accommodation thereof. This building contains two spacious, well equipped reading rooms, in which may be found all the leading reviews, magazines, and weekly periodicals, with complete files of many of them handsomely bound and ranged about the walls for convenient reference.
The present librarian is Miss Elizabeth G. Thorne; assistants, Miss Charlotte Nearpass and Miss Anna G. Wells.
SEWERS.
Port Jervis has an excellent system of public sewers, established in 1891 at a cost of about $85,000, for which the bonds of the village were issued. The original sewer commissioners were Francis Marvin, L. E. Carr, George Schoonover, W. A. Drake, M. D. Graham, with Ed. Whitner, clerk. Its establishment has resulted in a lowering of the death rate and a notable diminution in zymotic diseases within the city limits.
CHURCHES.
Port Jervis has eight churches, which in the order of their establishment are as follows: The Reformed Church of Deer Park, founded August 23, 1737, under the name of the Reformed Dutch Church of Machackemech; Drew Methodist Episcopal Church and the Baptist Church, both founded in 1838; First Presbyterian, incorporated July 15, 1851; Grace Episcopal Church, incorporated September 3, 1853; the Church of the Immaculate Conception, incorporated January 10, 1860; German Lutheran Protestant, Port Jervis, incorporated January 1, 1861; the Second Reformed Church, whose house of worship on West Main street (in Germantown), was dedicated November 29, 1896, with Rev. David T. Harris as pastor; the Church of Sacred Heart (in Germantown), whose handsome church edifice of brick was dedicated in November, 1899, with Rev. B. J. Duffy, ordained in Rome, as first pastor.
The colored people also have a church organization known as the Wickham A. U. M. P. Church, in honor of the late Dr. D. T. Wickham, the principal contributor to their church building.
ST. MARY'S HOME.
A religious, educational and charitable institution of great merit and usefulness is St. Mary's Home, founded in 1871 by the late Rev. Father Nelan, its object being to provide a home for orphan children and to train and instruct them for a useful place in society. For over twenty years this institution has been in charge of Sister Theophelia, a woman whose motherly instincts and marked administrative abilities peculiarly fit her for this highly important work.
MINISINK VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
An event of great importance to the residents of this town was the organization of the Minisink Valley Historical Society in 1888. Among the active promoters of this undertaking were Rev. Dr. S. W. Mills, Francis Marvin, Dr. John Conkling, O. P. Howell, Dr. Sol Van Etten, C. E. and W. L. Cuddeback, W. H. Nearpass and C. F. Van Inwegen. Its collection of relics and manuscripts is large and of great value to the genealogist and historian. Its library numbers more than 1,500 volumes of books and pamphlets. Its manuscripts exceed 1,000 in number. With the facilities offered by its new home in the Carnegie Library building and protection and safety provided by its fireproof vaults, it will in time become the repository of all valuable documents and manuscripts in this vicinity.
OLD BURYING GROUND RESTORED.
During the summer of 1907 a notable work was accomplished by the Machackemech Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, of which Mrs. Charles F. Van Inwegen is the president, in clearing and beautifying the grounds of the old historic Machackcmech cemetery on East Main street next to the Catholic cemetery. Through long neglect the cemetery had fallen into a condition of utter decay and ruin. The ground was covered with a dense growth of weeds, briars and underbrush, and the memorial stones, some of them dating back to a period anterior to the Revolution, were for the most part so weather beaten and moss-grown that their inscription was difficult to decipher, in some cases were totally illegible. All this has been changed, and now this hallowed ground "Where the rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep" has been restored to order and beauty and no longer offends by its wild and neglected appearance.
SOLDIERS MONUMENT.
A conspicuous ornament to the public square of the city (Orange Square) is the soldiers' monument, erected in 1886 through the liberality and public spirit of Diana Farnum, widow of H. H. Farnum, whose gift of $10,000 defrayed the cost thereof. It commemorates the valor and patriotism of the soldiers from Deer Park who took part in the great struggle for the preservation of the Union in 1861-5. It was unveiled to the public on July 4, 1886, in the presence of a vast multitude of spectators. L. F. Carr, Esq., of Port Jervis, and General Stewart L. Woodford, of Brooklyn, N. Y. were the orators of the occasion. The ceremonies were in charge of Carroll Post, G. A. R., of Port Jervis.
FLOODS IN PORT JERVIS.
The situation of Port Jervis near the confluence of the Delaware and Neversink Rivers exposes its low-lying parts to occasional overflows of these streams in times of heavy rainfall and more especially during the break-up of ice at the end of the winter season.
The channel of the Delaware at this place is shallow and obstructed by rapids and islands against which descending masses of ice become lodged, damming back the water and producing what is known as an ice-gorge. Such an event occurred in the latter part of February, 1875, when the channel of the river for several miles in extent was filled with a gigantic accumulation of broken ice. For several weeks the village was threatened with inundation and various unsuccessful expedients were resorted to to start the ice moving. The excitement culminated on March 17, when the "gorge" gave way, carrying with it the iron railroad bridge across the Delaware above Sparrowbush, which in descending the stream on top of the moving ice, struck and swept away the Barrett suspension bridge at Port Jervis. For a short time just before the break-up of the "gorge" the lower part of the village as far as the Erie tracks was flooded with water.
On October 10, 1903, a ten-inch rainfall in forty hours caused both rivers to overflow their banks, submerging the low-lying parts of the town. Barrett bridge across the Delaware was again carried away, and five persons who were on it at the time lost their lives.
On March 8, 1904, a flood caused by an ice gorge destroyed the iron railroad bridge across the Delaware at this place and the suspension bridge across the Neversink. The lower section, of the village was submerged to a depth of three feet and the portion across the Erie tracks to a depth of from seven to ten feet.
This succession of disasters emphasized the necessity for protective measures of some kind, and the matter was taken in hand by the village Board of Trade, as a result of whose deliberations a bill was presented and passed at the ensuing session of the Legislature, appropriating the sum of $35,000 for diking the Delaware at Port Jervis. This money was used to excellent purpose and a substantial dike was built under the direction of the State engineer, extending from the upper part of Germantown to Barrett bridge. To afford the needed protection, however, this work should be extended down the river bank to Laurel Grove cemetery. Bills for the necessary appropriation have been introduced at the successive sessions of the Legislature, but for various reasons have failed to pass. A more fortunate issue is expected from the one introduced by Senator Taylor at the present session. Another State appropriation of $10,000 was spent in strengthening and clearing the channel of the Clove Brook at Tri-States and a pumping station has been established at the foot of Wagner Place, by means of which accumulated surface water is drained off in times of flood. An effort is also being made through Representative Thos. W. Bradley to secure the aid of the Federal government in clearing and deepening the channel of the Delaware and removing obstructions from Storm Island, about a mile below the city.
CANAL ABANDONED.
The canal of the Delaware & Hudson Company was abandoned in 1878. Samuel D. Coykendall, of Kingston, purchased the right of way, and sold it to the Pennsylvania Coal Company, by whom a coal carrying road from the anthracite field to tide water along the old canal route was projected. The enterprise was defeated by the purchase by the Erie Railroad Company of the stock of the Pennsylvania Coal Company, which carried with it ownership and control of the old right of way and blocked threatened competition in the carriage of coal to tide water.
ERIE CHANGES.
In the spring of 1890 the Erie removed its passenger station from the foot of Pike street to the Brown building in Jersey avenue, near its junction with Fowler street. This building was remodeled and enlarged and made over into one of the finest depots along the line of the Erie road. It was destroyed by fire on Christmas night of the same year and the present handsome structure erected on its site.
On Easter Sunday, 1905, the company transferred the headquarters of the principal Delaware division official from Port Jervis to Susquehanna. This involved the removal of thirty officials and assistants, including the superintendent, train master, division engineer, division plumber, and division carpenter.
GOOD ROADS.
This section will benefit by the good roads movement lately adopted by the State, and Port Jervis may naturally expect considerable increase of trade and perhaps of population from the three State roads now in process of construction which converge in this city. One of these begins in Middletown, passes through Wawayanda and Greenville and comes out upon the road leading from Tappentown to Tri-States. Another starts from Middletown and passes through Otisville and Cuddebackville, taking at the last named place the old road pronounced by the State inspector to be one of the finest in the State. A third leads from the Sullivan County line at Rio on the west to Port Jervis.
CITY IMPROVEMENTS.
The year just passed has witnessed the organization of a City Improvement Association composed of ladies, the object of which is sufficiently indicated by its name. It has an active corps of officers and members animated by a praiseworthy spirit of civic pride. Mrs. Maria B. Van Etten is the president.
PLACES OF SPECIAL NOTE.
Tri-States Rock, situated at the confluence of the Delaware and Neversink Rivers, at which the boundary lines of three States—New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey—intersect, is one of the show places of the town. The rock is at the extreme point of the narrow tongue of land lying between the two rivers and at the mouth of the Neversink. The geological formation is rocky and will stand the wear of the floods for centuries to come as it has for centuries past. A small monument now marks the spot.
The site of the old Dutch church on the Van Inwegen land directly opposite the old Machackemech cemetery on Main street is suggestive of historic memories. Here assembled for worship in the old log "meeting house" of 1743 the pioneer families of this section. The house was burned by Brandt and his savages in the historic raid of July, 1779.
The Van Etten schoolhouse, from which the teacher, Jeremiah Van Auken, was taken out and cruelly murdered in the same raid, was located on the old Levi Van Etten farm, afterwards owned by Mark Van Etten, on the east side of the Neversink River about one-fourth of a mile north of Black Rock cut on the Erie.
The forts mentioned in the early annals gather about themselves most of the traditions of Indian attack. In the upper neighborhood there was one at the house of Jacob Rutsen De Witt. This was near Cuddebackville, on the west side of the Neversink. Another fort was at the Gumaer place, now the Godeffroy estate. The old stone building is still standing and in excellent preservation.
In the accounts of incidents occurring during the old French War, it is stated that on one occasion the Indians lay in ambush "to take the lower fort at Mr. Westfall's." This was probably the old stone house at Germantown. A local writer says: "The present structure, rebuilt in 1793, occupied the site of a fort or blockhouse built anterior to the Revolution and occupied as a dwelling and trading post by a family of the name of Haynes, who carried on a thriving trade with the Indians for many years." Captain Westfall, who married one of Mr. Haynes's daughters, lived in the house during the Brandt invasion of 1779. He was away on a scouting expedition at the time, and a trusty Negro buried the valuables and assisted the escape of the captain's wife to the high hills of the Jersey shore near Carpenter's point.
It is said that Brandt's expedition first attacked "the fort at Major Decker's." This was on the old George Cuddeback place on the east side of the Neversink River, about three miles from Port Jervis. Another fort was near the residence of the late James D. Swartwout. Still another is mentioned by Peter E. Gumaer "at the house of Peter Coykendall, in the present village of Port Jervis."
Northwest, sixty miles by rail from New York City, sixteen miles in an air line west from the Hudson River, lies Goshen, the county seat of Orange County, located in the geographical center of that civic sub-division. The town derives its name from the Goshen of Biblical memory. Almost two centuries ago the first of the settlers came. The native beauty of the place appealed to the calm and dauntless spirits of these men, who had plunged boldly into a benighted and unknown country. They stood upon the wooded hills and looked with glad eyes upon the fertile, fruitful valley. All around about them lay the land of their desire, and they called it Goshen, the "promised land" of the Scriptures.
The town, which was first known by this name in 1714, was originally much larger than at present. Its boundaries were defined by law in 1788. A part of Hamptonburgh was taken from it in 1830, and a part of Chester in 1845. Other changes of boundaries were made at different times, as recited elsewhere in this article. It has a population to-day in town and village slightly in excess of 5,000.
The section is known for the great fertility of its soil. It is in the heart of a noted dairying country, and as long ago as Revolutionary days Goshen butter was widely famed. Butter making has practically ceased now, but the milk production is large. The town is also noted for the onions and celery raised on its black dirt meadows, as well as for the grass crops grown on its fertile farms.
The village is located on the main line of the Erie Railroad, and has direct connection with New England cities by way of the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. It is also the terminus of the Montgomery & Erie, the Goshen & Deckertown, and the Lehigh & New England Railroads. It is handsomely laid out with broad, well-kept and well-shaded streets of smooth macadam. It has three public school buildings, and Garr Institute, a parochial school, conducted under the direction of St. John's Church. It has six churches: The First Presbyterian, organized in 1720; St. James's Episcopal, dating back to 1796; St. John the Evangelist, Roman Catholic, founded in 1820; the Methodist Episcopal, organized in 1847; the A. U. M. P. Church, and Olivet Chapel, a Presbyterian colored mission. It has two national banks and a savings bank, two newspapers, gas and electric lighting companies, a waterworks system, and first-class hotels and clubs. Its fire department is made up of three volunteer companies, Cataract Engine and Hose, organized in 1843; Dikeman Hose, organized in 1872, and Minisink Hook and Ladder, organized in 1906, upon the disbanding of Elliott H. and L., which was organized in 1871. Leading to the village from almost every direction are improved roads, maintained under State supervision.
No mention of the town, past or present, would be complete, without reference to the trotting-horse industry. It began in 1803, when Imp. Messenger, acknowledged head of the trotting family, stood at Goshen Down through all the years trotting horses were bred and raised there, and even in this day and generation the horse interests are chief among the interests of the town. In the center of the village is located the finest half-mile track in the country and many famous horses are trained there.
Every foot of its ground is historic. In the far-gone years red men roamed its landscape and predatory beasts lurked in the shadows of its primeval timber lands. It was one of the early settlements made on that vast tract to which Governor Nicolls referred when he wrote in 1664: "The lands which I intend shall be first planted are those upon the west bank of Hudson's River." Shortly after the first settlement a bounty was placed on wolves and the Governor recommended its payment to the House of Lords. Chapter 302 of the laws of 1715, was an act for the destroying of wolves in this section. This act expired July 21, 1717, and on October 29, 1742, the General Assembly found it necessary to pass a law placing a bounty of a shilling and sixpence on "wolves, whelps and panthers."
Noah Webster, of dictionary renown, taught the first academy in Goshen. Dewitt Clinton attended school there, and William H. Seward studied law in the office of Judge Duer. The first newspaper of the county, The Goshen Repository, was published at Goshen in 1788, by David Mandeville.
In the article which follows, the writer has endeavored to furnish a concise history in limited space. As nearly as possible, events are set down in chronological order. Much of interest concerning the town that is based only upon tradition is left out and the space devoted to historical facts that can be authenticated and verified by records, maps, parchments and the writings of earlier and wiser men.
The County of Orange dates its existence by legal enactment from October 1, 1691, in the third year of the reign of King William and Queen Mary, and in the administration of Henry Sloughter, Esq., Governor. The First Assembly convened the 9th of April that year. On October 1 it passed an act, Chapter 17, entitled "An Act to divide the province and dependencies into shires and counties." Section VII of this act provided: "The County of Orange to begin from the limits or bounds of East and West Jersey, on the west side of Hudson's River, along the said river to the Murderer's Creek, or bounds of the County of Ulster; and westward into the woods as far as the Delaware River."
Chapter 94, which became a law October 18, 1701, added to the lands embraced in the county those of "Magachemeck and Great and Little Minisinck."
On November 12, 1709, during the administration of Richard Ingoldsby, Esq., Lieutenant-Governor, the Eighth Assembly passed an act, Chapter, 202, "to determine, settle and ascertain the bounds and limits of the County of Orange." This act repealed the clause added by Chapter 94, and fixed the bounds as follows: "That the County of Orange shall extend from the limits and confines of the Province of New Jersey on the west side of Hudson's River, along the said river to the line of the County of Ulster, and westward so far as the Delaware River."
The county derives its name from the Prince of Orange, who married Mary, and came to the throne in 1689, under the name of King William.
Goshen is a part of the tract known as the Wawayanda Patent, acquired of the red men by John Bridges & Company, on March 5, 1703, and confirmed by royal decree of Queen Anne. Twelve Indian sachems conveyed the land. They were Rapingonick, Wawastawa, Moghopuck, Comelawaw, Nanawitt, Arawinack, Rombout, Claus, Chouckhass, Chingapaw, Oshasquememus and Quilapaw. The patent was granted April 29. There were twelve patentees, namely, John Bridges, LL.D., Hendrick Tenyck, Derrick Vanderburgh, John Chotwell, Christopher Denn, Lancaster Syms, Daniel Herran, Philip Rockeby, John Meredith, Benjamin Aske, Peter Matthews, and Christian Christianse. The grant was supposed to contain 60,000 acres, but surveys later showed that it contained nearly 160,000. These twelve patentees held the land in common until 1706, when it was divided into twelve parts. Only eight of the original shareholders retained their interests at that time, Bridges having died in 1704, and others having transferred their holdings.
The tract was unoccupied until 1712, when Christopher Denn made settlement upon it, to be followed shortly by Benjamin Aske; Daniel Cromline, who became a shareholder in 1704; Christian Snedeker, of Long Island; Samuel Staats, who came into record as a thirteenth shareholder in 1713; and John Everett and Samuel Clowes, who in 1714, acquired a tract equal to four of the thirteen shares. The township of Goshen came that year, and the precinct of Goshen, comprising the outlying settlements came later, and remained until 1788 when the township was expanded to take its place.
In 1712, Christopher Denn, a carpenter by trade and resident of New York City, paid a visit to the patent and determined to make a settlement upon it. He and his wife, Elizabeth, were childless, but had adopted an orphan girl, Sarah Wells.
Denn selected a spot along the Otterkill, as it is now known, about two miles or more from the present village. He returned to New York, equipped an expedition, which he sent up the Hudson River in charge of his adopted daughter, accompanied by two white men and some Indians whom he had taken to New York when returning from his first visit. A raft was used for the voyage and a landing safely made near Cornwall. The journey to the spot selected by Denn was through a trackless forest, but was made without mishap and a rough cabin was built. After the starting of the expedition Denn was remorseful because he sent the girl into unknown dangers, and within a short time he started for the new settlement, with his wife. The journey was made on horseback. They arrived safely and took up permanent residence there.
It appears from an old map that Denn's share of the patent was a triangular tract, containing about 2,000 acres. The presence of this family soon brought other settlers and the woodman's axe resounded far and near. The merciless push of immigration began and the native red men were driven further into the wilderness. In the course of a few years Sarah Wells became the wife of William Bull, of Wolverhampton, England, who came to this country and was employed by Daniel Cromline in 1716 to build the masonry of a dwelling, later known to fame for nearly a century as the Greycourt House. History records this as the first marriage within the limits of the town of Goshen.
The lands in the vicinity of the present village were settled to some extent soon after Denn's arrival. There were on record deeds showing the conveyance of lots in the village in 1714. On July 10, 1721, a deed in trust was made to John Yelverton by John Everett, John Carpenter, John Gale, William Ludlum, Nathaniel Higby, John Carpenter, Jr., G. McNish, James Sandys, Thomas Watson, Hope Rodes, John Holly, James Jackson, Isaac Finch, Solomon Carpenter, John Beers, Michael Dunning, Samuel Seely, John Nichols, William Jackson, Alexander Moore, John Knapp, Samuel Webb, John Alsop and Richard Halsted, setting forth that a conveyance had been "lately" made to John Everett and Samuel Clowes, giving them one-sixth part of all the lands for the purpose of laying out a township, establishing a church and settling a minister.
The Goshen Presbyterian Church was organized in 1720, and Rev. John Bradner, to whom more extended reference is made later in this article, became its pastor in 1721. Two hundred acres of land were deeded to him on April 17, 1722, and recorded at the request of his widow on April 8, 1742. In 1724 the erection of a house of worship was begun on the spot where now stands the court house. The first court was convened in Goshen in 1727, and on December 16, of that year an act was passed providing for the building of a court house and jail, which were erected and completed in 1740, on the site of the present Orange Hotel. On October 24, 1754, the General Assembly appropriated 100 pounds for an addition to it, and in 1775 it was demolished and a new one built at a point where now stands the county clerk's office. The arms of King George III were placed upon its front, but were torn down by indignant citizens.
A schoolhouse was built in 1801 on the church plot, the same spot where the public school building on Greenwich street now stands. Here Noah Webster taught for a time before he published his first dictionary in 1806.
Goshen, after its original settlement, soon became the most important and populous district of the county, and a census taken in 1738 showed a total of 319 males above the age of ten. These were stirring times for the people and most of the affairs were of a warlike nature. There was frequent trouble with the Indians. The frontier was only four miles away. Block houses were built at Dolsontown and Scotchtown, and tradition has it that a block house once stood back of the present race course on the property known to-day as the Parkway Farm. In those days the settlers west of the Wallkill made Goshen their rendezvous when Indian raids were feared.
In the reign of George II, when Hon. George Clinton was Governor, the General Assembly passed an act to enable the inhabitants of Goshen in the County of Orange to elect two additional constables. This act explained that the inhabitants of the Precinct of Goshen had liberty to elect only one constable and as the precinct had considerably increased in numbers of inhabitants and settlements, it was necessary that an increased number be elected. The act was passed December 17, 1743, and provided that one of the constables "be elected and chosen from and out of such of the inhabitants as have habitations in the south part of Goshen, commonly called Wawayanda, and the other from and out of such of the inhabitants as have habitations northward near the meeting house, commonly called the Water-Side Meeting House."
On September 21, 1744, the General Assembly passed an act to authorize justices of the peace in the counties of Dutchess and Orange to "direct so many constables and overseers of the highways to be chosen, in the several precincts as to them shall seem meet." On the same day an act was passed for the relief of the poor in the counties of Orange and Suffolk.
Covenant Chain Treaty.
During these years the settlers had as allies two tribes of Indians, sometimes known as the Cashigton Indians, whose principal lodges were located near where now stands the village of Cochecton in Sullivan County, They formed a part of the Lenni Lenape, or Delaware Confederacy, once powerful, but at that time reduced in numbers. From time immemorial Western Orange had been their hunting ground, but late in the year 1744 they showed signs of distrust and retired to their lodges on the upper Delaware. The colonists were loath to lose these faithful allies, for their withdrawal left the outlying settlements on the frontiers exposed to attack of hostile savages, incited to rapine and murder by the French.
The attention of the Colonial Government was called to this matter and Colonel DeKay was ordered to take a party and visit the Indians in the hope that friendly relations might be restored and the red men induced to return to their old hunting grounds. As a result of this visit the Indian Treaty of Orange County was enacted and the ceremony of the Covenant Chain performed at Goshen. Colonel Thomas De Kay took with him, upon this expedition, Major Swartwout, Ensign Coleman, Adam Weisner, who acted as interpreter, Benjamin Thompson, and two Minisink Indians as guides. The pilgrimage was made in the depth of winter. The Indians were found and agreed to come back, claiming that they left because they were afraid of the people of Orange County, who were always under arms. When it was explained that this was by order of the Governor and for protection against the French and their allies, the Indians rejoiced. They explained that they were of two tribes, using for totems the signs of Minsi, or Wolf, and Uralachtgo, or Turkey, and that their sachem had recently died. They were about to choose a new sachem to govern all, and they promised that when he had been chosen they would send representatives to make a treaty. New Year's Day was fixed upon as the date.
On January 3, 1745, two days late, the Wolves and Turkeys, a dozen of the head men in all, led by the new sachem, came into the village of Goshen and marched in savage bravery up its main street. Just where the ceremony took place is unknown, but the old manuscript record says that the weather was severe, and it is probable that the meeting was held in the rude court house. The Indians by their spokesman explained that they had brought a Belt of Wampum that friendship and brotherhood might be restored. They asked that some one be appointed to enact with them the ceremony of the Covenant Chain.
Colonel De Kay informed them that the Governor alone had power to make such an appointment and that as there was not time to communicate with him, it would be best for the Indians to select a man. They chose the colonel and he was then chained to them for an hour or more as a token of their being united again in the bonds of friendship. Speeches were made by the Indians and they solemnly pledged themselves to be true "as long as the sun and moon endured," and promised to send in runners at once if they learned of any plots against the English. They also agreed to join in fighting the enemy and asked that aid be given them in case of attack by the French. This was freely promised and while the Colonel was still chained to the Indians they gave him the Belt of Wampum to be sent to the Governor. The Indians, according to the record, "again rejoiced with three huzzahs and departed very much pleased." The Belt of Wampum, so states the books of the Lords of Trade and Plantations in London, was taken to the Colonial Council in New York by Colonel DeKay a fortnight later and delivered to the Council, which in turn sent it to the Governor, who recommended that one be given in return to the Indians. This was the only occasion on record when the ceremony of the Covenant Chain was enacted in Orange County.
On April 18, 1748, an act was passed by the General Assembly providing that "for the time to come, all elections of representatives of the County of Orange to serve in the present or any future General Assembly shall begin and be first opened at the court house in Orange Town, or at the court house or some other convenient place in the town of Goshen."
About this time settlers who had dealings with the sheriff began to find considerable fault with the manner in which mileage charges were computed. On April 8, 1748, an act was passed providing that for all writs and process papers served on inhabitants on the north side of the mountain range called the Highlands, mileage should be computed by the sheriff from the court house in Goshen, and for all papers served on the south side from the court house in Orange Town. The preamble to this act fully explained the situation. It stated: "Whereas the County of Orange is very extensive in length, and by reason of a ridge of mountains across the same, and for the better accommodation of inhabitants, it was found necessary to have two court houses, the one at Goshen on the north, and the other at Orange Town on the south thereof; yet by the sheriff having his residence sometimes at the one and sometimes at the other extreme of the said county, the computation of his fees for mileage in the service of writs hath hitherto been made from the place of the sheriff's abode, which has been found to be very inconvenient and burdensome to the parties concerned."
Military Matters.
When the French and Indian War began in 1756 the men of Goshen were continually under arms. The old Journal of the Assembly relates the services of Captain George De Kay as express between Goshen and Minisink. It mentions as his guards Peter Carter, David Benjamin, Philip Reid and Francis Armstrong. It tells also of the payment of nearly 100 pounds to Colonel Vincent Mathews for furnishing guides to regulars posted at Goshen from October, 1757, to February, 1758, and refers to the work of Colonels Clinton and De Kay in laying out block houses for the settlers' defense. Mention is also made of the payment of 56 pounds to Samuel Gale for provisions furnished troops on the frontiers near Goshen; and of reimbursing Colonel Benj. Tusten, Captain Daniel Case and Captain J. Bull for money advanced in building block houses Nos. 1 and 2 on the western frontier in January, 1757.
In 1763, Lieutenant-Governor Cadwallader Colden appealed to the General Assembly for troops to relieve the militia on the borders of Orange and Ulster which were infested by the enemy. At this time the town of Goshen extended from the Hudson to New Jersey. In 1764 a bill was passed dividing the precinct of Goshen into two precincts, to be called Goshen and Cornwall. After this division Cornwall embraced the present towns of Cornwall, Monroe and Blooming Grove, while Goshen included the present town of Warwick.
During the years prior to the Revolution when the colonists were growing desperate under the exactions of King George, patriotism and valor were manifested to a marked degree in Goshen. On June 8, 1775, over 360 men signed the Revolutionary pledge at Goshen and the name of Henry Wisner headed the list. The Reverend Nathan Ker, an ardent patriot, and the fourth pastor of the Goshen Presbyterian Church, who came to Goshen in the fall of 1766, and remained until his death, December 14, 1804, on one occasion is said to have dismissed his congregation in the midst of a Sunday service to prepare food for a troop of horse that had halted on the way to Philadelphia. Once General George Washington, riding eastward on the Florida road towards his headquarters at Newburgh, stopped with his staff to chat awhile with the children at the old school house near the stone quarry.
NOTABLE EARLY RESIDENTS.
Many of the old families of Goshen to-day are descendants of the patriots who fought in the colonial service and whose names appear on the roster of the Goshen regiment at the battles of Long Island and White Plains, at the struggle in the Highlands, and the capture of Fort Montgomery, as well as in the memorable slaughter of Minisink.
The highway between Goshen and Florida, over which Washington rode, is a historic thoroughfare and in Revolutionary days was lined with the homes of famous men. Goshen was then the stronghold of the Whigs. In a stone house nearly opposite the present Sayer homestead, lived Moses Hatfield, a captain, afterwards a major, in the Goshen regiment, who was taken prisoner at a night assault on what is now Randall's Island, on September 23, 1776, and was kept a captive until 1778.
A little further along the way lived Henry Wisner, the elder. He and his son of the same name were makers of powder for the Continental Army at Phillipsburg, between the highway as it now stands and the grist mill near by. Traces of the old raceway and mill can still be seen. Another on the opposite side of the stream, and one at Craigville, operated in conjunction with John Carpenter, were also erected by Henry Wisner. The Sons of the Revolution arranged some years ago to mark the site of the Phillipsburg powder mill by an historical tablet.
Henry Wisner stood foremost among those who advocated the independence of the colonies. He represented Orange County in the Continental Congress which declared that "these States are, and of right ought to be, free." His son Gabriel, hardly past his majority, was slain in the slaughter of Minisink. On the 16th of August, 1774, Henry Wisner was chosen as one of the delegates to represent Orange County in the Continental Congress held in Philadelphia in September of that year. The election was by the committee of the county held at the house of Stephen Slot and the purpose was for the delegate to attend at Philadelphia "to consult on proper measures to be taken for procuring the redress of our grievances."
A question was raised as to the regularity of this election and a meeting of the inhabitants of the precincts of Goshen and Cornwall was held at Chester on September 3, 1774, at which Henry Wisner was chosen to go to Philadelphia "in order to meet the rest of the delegates and consult on proper measures to be taken with respect to the claims made by the British Parliament of taxing America in all cases whatsoever."
William Wickham was a prominent citizen of Goshen, and his attitude was one of extreme loyalty to the crown. With other adherents of the king he attempted to set aside the election of Wisner. The correspondence, which still exists, shows that political feeling was very bitter. The scheme came to naught and Wisner took his seat. In April, 1776, he was elected by a convention held at New York City, as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress in which he took part, leaving it for the purpose of manufacturing powder for Washington's tattered army.
Mr. Wisner's signature may still be found in the list at Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia. He continued in Congress until the memorable 2nd of July, 1776, when the "Resolution of Independency" {sic} was passed. He was heartily in favor of the measure and remained for the purpose of casting his vote for its final passage, had the Provincial Congress of New York given such instructions to its delegates. Tradition affirms that he actually did vote for the "independency" that day. He was not present to sign the Declaration. He had proposed in Congress "a method for the manufacture of saltpeter and gunpowder" which had been approved, and in agreement with which he was requested or appointed to build works and prepare powder for the "Army of the North." To do this he left Philadelphia on the third of July and applied himself to the making of powder. For three years, and until his mill was burned and his fortune exhausted, he continued to supply powder to the American forts and thus beyond any man in the Continental Congress of 1776 contributed to his country's triumph.
On the square at St. James' Place in the village of Goshen stands a monument of native Pochuck granite erected to the memory of Henry Wisner by his great granddaughter, Mrs. Frances Wisner Murray, widow of Ambrose Spencer Murray, of Goshen. The monument was dedicated on July 22, 1897, by Dr. John H. Thompson, who presided and Harrison W. Nenny, Esq., who made the dedicatory address.
Adjoining the residence of Henry Wisner, and separated from it by what is now known as Steward's lane, was the home of John Steward, an ardent patriot. He was one of two brothers, John and Walter Stewart, or Steward, the name having been spelled both ways, who came from Ireland to New England about 1740. Walter settled in Rhode Island, where he started a snuff-mill and became the father of Gilbert Stuart, the noted portrait painter, whose unfinished picture of Washington is the likeness that the world knows best to-day. Gilbert after reaching manhood, wrote his name Stuart, because by reason of the fact that his ancestry was by tradition connected with the Jacobite cause, he had a great admiration for "Bonny Prince Charlie."
The tradition was that, at the time of one of the early Jacobite risings, a nurse in charge of two young children appeared in Belfast, Ireland. They came from Scotland and the woman immediately on arriving fell ill of small-pox and died refusing to tell anything about the children except that their names were John and Walter Stewart, and that they were the sons of a man of rank who would soon come for them. She had with her no money but some fine jewels, no one ever came to claim the children, but as it is recorded in history that some Jacobite families are known to have been exterminated in their bloody and unfortunate battles, this may have been the fate of the relatives of these boys, too young to tell anything about themselves. They were brought up by a man, appointed their guardian. He treated them harshly and as soon as grown they left him and came to try their fortune in a new land. John first acquired some property in Boston, which he left in his will to his son Nathan, but soon came to Goshen and settled there, buying in 1744 eighty acres of land, "and the houses thereon" from William Jayne. From this it appears that the Steward house may have been erected previous to 1744, but "houses thereon" may have been a mere legal term, and the house was probably built by John Steward. It is certain, however, that it has been standing since 1744. He bought more land, about 120 acres in all, at a later date. To farming John Steward joined the occupation of blacksmith, erecting a little to the left of his house a forge, which was in operation as early as 1758, the family having still in their possession, a deed of sale bearing that date of a slave named Tite, warranted to be a good blacksmith. Later at this forge, John Steward II, during the Revolutionary war made sabers and bayonets for the Continental Army.
John Steward I, married Elizabeth Bradner, the daughter of Rev. John Bradner, first settled clergyman in Goshen. As John Bradner was the father of nine children, viz., Calvin, John, Benoni, Gilbert, Susanna, Mary, Sarah, Christian and Elizabeth, and to him many families in Orange County trace their descent, the following may be thought worthy of record. When a young divinity student in Edinburgh, Scotland, John Bradner was employed by a gentleman called Colvill, a Huguenot refugee, as a tutor to his sons. His daughter Christiana shared her brothers' studies and she and the tutor fell in love with each other, but Colvill thought the tutor no match for his daughter, and told her if she married him he would never speak to her again. She put love before duty and having married John Bradner they sailed for America. The voyage occupied six months. Violent storms in which the ship nearly foundered were encountered. These Mrs. Bradner thought were sent by Heaven to punish her for her disregard of her father's wishes. Rev. John Bradner received the degree M.A. from the University of Edinburgh, February 23rd, 1712, was licensed to preach March, 1714, ordained May 6, 1715, pastor of Cold Spring Presbyterian Church, Cape May, N. J., before being called to the church in Goshen, 1721. He died 1732. His widow died 1759. She was well educated in the classics and assisted in preparing her son, Rev. Benoni, for Princeton College. He graduated 1755, was settled in Jamaica, L. I., 1760, and two years after was called to Church Nine Partners, Dutchess County. There is now in the possession of Mrs. M. H. C. Gardner, of Middletown, a piece of a quilt brought from Scotland by Mrs. John Bradner. The colors of the design, birds, fruit and flowers, are as bright as though it was new. John Steward I had eight children and their mother used to relate with pride that never once during their infancy or childhood was she obliged by reason of the illness of one of them to strike a light during the night. John Steward I died in 1770, of a fever then epidemic. In his will he left to his widow, as long as she remained his widow, the use of the best room and the "salon" room. The small adjoining room, now a store closet, was her prayer closet, where she used to retire to pray, as was the good custom of those times.
Her eldest son, John Steward II, although holding no commission in the Continental Army was an ardent patriot, mention being made in Rivington's New York Gazette, the Tory organ, that "rebellion in Orange County was continually fomented by those two firebrands, Squire Steward and Old Wisner," the latter being Henry Wisner, member of the Continental Congress and John Steward's friend and neighbor.
John Steward II, who was thirty years younger than Henry Wisner, was a justice of the peace, and a number of Hessian prisoners passing southward through Goshen, probably after the battle of Saratoga, were quartered over night at his house. The common soldiers slept in the barn, but the officers, of whom there were several, were accommodated in the house and on leaving the next morning told Mrs. Steward that the coffee made by her black cook was the best they had tasted since leaving Germany.
In a house that stood about 100 feet east of the present residence of Campbell Steward, Esq., lived General Reuben Hopkins, whose son, Hanibal, married Elizabeth Steward, daughter of John Steward II. General Hopkins's portrait and his appointment as attorney-at-law dated 1771 and signed by Lord Dunmore, now hang on the walls of the Steward house, which contains other objects of interest, among which may be mentioned an original broadside of the Declaration of Independence addressed to John Steward, Esq., his commission as Major No. 1 of the regiment of militia in the County of Orange, signed by Geo. Clinton in 1798, and a bag of old counterfeit silver Spanish dollars. A band of counterfeiters was arrested in Orange County about the time of the Revolution and they were tried at Goshen, their judges, among whom was Judge Steward, keeping some of the coins as curiosities. In the house can also be seen a small stone hammer presented to the wife of John Steward I, as a token of friendship by a member of a band of Indians who, at the time Steward settled in Goshen, and for some years after, lived in a hickory grove at the rear of his house. His family always made a point of maintaining friendly relations with their savage neighbors, and were never troubled by them, although once during the French and Indian War on an alarm being given that Indians on the war path were approaching Goshen, the family fled to the cedar swamp. It is said that on leaving they looked back for what they feared might be a last look at their house, but the alarm proved a false one. Goshen was spared an Indian massacre and they returned to find their house still standing. The main body of the house, with some minor alterations, is the same to-day as it was in those old Indian days, its cedar shingles, oak beams and large stone chimneys seeming still sound and strong. The house being too small for modern requirements, two wings have been added at different times and the chimney tops rebuilt, but care has been taken to preserve as far as possible every antique feature of the house in its original condition.
During Revolutionary days the inhabitants of Orange County were terrorized by the depredations of Claudius Smith, a notorious outlaw, and his gang of ruffians, who were known as cowboys. Smith was indicted on three charges, one of which was the murder of Major Strong. Rewards were offered by Governor Clinton, and Smith was taken captive at Smithtown, L. I., by Major Brush. He was given into the custody of Colonel Isaac Nichol, sheriff of Orange County, and on January 22, 1779, was publicly executed at the west corner of church park in Goshen, with two other criminals, De La Alar, a burglar, and Gordon, a horse thief. On the gallows near the same spot forty years later two others were publicly put to death for murder.
BATTLE OF MINISINK.
On July 22, 1779, occurred the battle of Minisink, in which the Goshen regiment, under Colonel Tusten, met almost complete annihilation at the hands of nearly 500 Indians and Tories under Joseph Brant, the half-breed chieftain, who was known as Thayendanegea, the Scourge, and held a colonel's commission from George III. The Goshen regiment marched against Brant's forces to avenge a raid made by Brant upon the settlers near Minisink on the 20th of the month. They were joined by a small reinforcement, under Colonel Hathorn, of the Warwick regiment, and the latter assumed command. While marching along the west bank of the Delaware at nine o'clock on the morning of July 22, the Indians were discovered about three-quarters of a mile away and Colonel Hathorn hastened his command in pursuit. Brant, taking advantage of intervening woods and hills made a detour which enabled him to gain the rear of the attacking party, and in the battle which followed the savages completely routed the small force that opposed them. The colonists had little ammunition and this was soon exhausted. A part of them fled, and more were killed in flight than in battle. Colonel Tusten, who was a skillful surgeon, dressed the wounds of his men, and refused to abandon them, staying on the field until he fell. Of the eighty men in the engagement, 44 were killed outright and others died later of their wounds.
Colonel Benjamin Tusten, who was a physician and surgeon by profession, came originally from Southold, L. I., in 1746, at the age of three years. His parents located on the banks of the Otterkill on the patent granted to Elizabeth Denn. His father, Benjamin Tusten, was appointed one of the judges of the courts of the county and also a colonel in the Orange County regiment of militia. The son, Benjamin, was sent to an academy at Jamaica, L. I., and at the age of nineteen returned to Goshen and studied medicine with Doctor Thomas Wiskham. He afterwards studied in Newark, N. J., and New York City, returning in 1769 to practice medicine in Goshen, where two other physicians, Doctor John Gale and Doctor Pierson, had already located. He was very successful and was widely known as a surgeon. He married Miss Brown, by whom he had two sons and three daughters. In 1777 he was appointed lieutenant colonel of the Goshen regiment of militia under General Allison, and in 1778 was appointed surrogate of Orange County, which office he held when he lost his life at Minisink.
Captain John Wood, of Colonel Tusten's regiment, was captured in the battle of Minisink, his life being spared by Brant, who in the thick of the battle, thought he saw Wood give a masonic sign. Wood was taken captive and transported to Canada. He left a journal of events following the battle which throws considerable light on the life and character of Brant.
On July 22, 1822, by the influence of Dr. David R. Arnell of Goshen, a monument was erected in the village to the memory of the men who fell at Minisink. It was set up over the bones of the patriots which had been gathered from the battlefield forty-three years after the massacre. On July 22, 1862. a more pretentious monument was dedicated and unveiled, provision for the cost of the same having been made in the will of Dr. Merritt H. Cash, of Minisink.
Goshen village was originally laid out in four lots of eighty acres each. Its original boundaries are not definitely known, as a disastrous fire in 1843 destroyed the town clerk's office, burning up the map of the town and village lots, together with deeds dating from 1714. After these records had been destroyed a new charter was granted on April 18, 1843, fixing the boundaries of the village, which remained under this charter until 1878, when it was abandoned and the village reorganized under the general act. Goshen was incorporated a town on March 28, 1809.
At one time Orange County embraced nearly all the southern part of New York, bordering on the Hudson River. Courts were then held at Orange Town, now in Rockland County. In 1827 they were removed to Goshen. In 1839 the board of supervisors made application to the Legislature to erect a new court house at Goshen. There was considerable opposition from the southern end of the county, which was anxious to secure increased judicial conveniences. As a result, the Legislature effected a compromise, making Goshen and Newburgh joint capitals, and in April, 1841, passed an act authorizing the building of a court house and jail at Goshen and a court house and cells at Newburgh.
IN THE CIVIL WAR.
On July 1, 1862, President Lincoln issued a call for 300,000 volunteers, and Governor Morgan appointed a military committee for Orange County. Hon. Ambrose S. Murray was the Goshen member. As a result of this call the 124th Regiment, afterwards famed as the "Orange Blossoms" was organized. During the period of organization it was encamped at Goshen, where Murray avenue is now located. Enlistments came rapidly and by August 23 it was ready for the field.
The military committee recommended A. Van Home Ellis, of New Windsor, for colonel of the regiment and he accepted the commission. Henry S. Murray was made captain of Co. B, which was composed of Goshen men. On August 26, 1862, the regiment was presented with a stand of colors by the women of Orange County. Hon. Charles H. Winfield made the presentation speech. Afterwards, on behalf of the women of Wawayanda, Miss Charlotte E. Coulter presented the regiment with a pair of embroidered silk guidons.
On-Friday, September 5, the regiment was mustered in and on the following day departed for the front. It fought in many engagements from Manassas Gap to Lee's surrender at Appomattox, and was disbanded at Washington's headquarters in Newburgh, June 16, 1865, leaving a record of 208 service dead and 609 casualties in action.
When the Civil War was at its height and drafts were necessary to supply the depleted ranks of the Union Army, one interesting incident took place at Goshen. The provost marshal general had ordered a draft for the Eleventh District, comprising the counties of Orange and Sullivan, calling for 1,932 men, with 50% added, making a total of 2,898. This draft was to begin at Goshen on Wednesday morning, October 7, 1863. Trouble was feared by certain of the leading citizens, and they asked that troops be sent to the village to prevent rioting. Accordingly on Tuesday evening, October 6, the Fifth Wisconsin Volunteers, under Colonel Allen, arrived in town. The regiment, which originally numbered 1,300, had been reduced by hard service to 450 men. They made their camp on the elevation which is now Prospect avenue, and during the night, trained their cannon to cover the points where crowds would gather in case of rioting. The drawing began on Wednesday and lasted until Saturday and there was no serious disorder. The names were drawn from the wheel by Gabriel Coleman, an aged blind man of the village. Orange County's quota was 2,131, and Sullivan's 767. Goshen furnished 62, of whom three were colored men.
A table of military statistics compiled just before the close of the war showed that Goshen had furnished men as follows at the Government's call: 30 men in 1861; 113 men in 1862; 104 men in 1863; 51 men in 1864.
On Thursday, September 5, 1907, there was dedicated at Goshen a monument to the service dead of the 124th Regiment. The monument, which weighs nineteen tons, is a bronze figure, "The Standard Bearer," designed by Theo. Alice Ruggles Kitson, a noted sculptress. The figure, eighteen feet in height, stands upon a pedestal of Stony Creek granite, fourteen feet high. The monument was presented to the people of Orange County by Hon. Thomas W. Bradley, of Walden, N. Y., Member of Congress from the Twentieth New York District, in memory of his comrades who died in the service of their country. Mr. Bradley enlisted as a private in the "Orange Blossoms," was promoted to captain, and brevetted major for meritorious service, and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for gallantry at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863, when he volunteered in response to a call, and alone, in the face of a heavy fire of musketry and canister, went across the field of battle and procured ammunition for his comrades.
The presentation was made by Colonel Charles H. Weygant, who commanded the regiment after the commander, Colonel F. M. Cummins, fell wounded. It was accepted for the people by Mr. John J. E. Harrison, chairman of the board of supervisors, a veteran of Co. B, 56th Regiment, U. S. V., who was wounded at Devon's Neck, S. C., December 7, 1864, and who rendered before and after that time valiant service in the Union's cause. It was accepted also by Captain Robert B. Hock, who was the village president, and was then serving his eighteenth consecutive term in that office. He also had been a soldier with a long and honorable record. He enlisted in the regular army as a bugler, some years before the war, and was assigned to the Tenth U. S. Infantry, and sent to Fort Snelling, Minn. He took part in many expeditions against the Mormons, under General Albert Sidney Johnson, afterwards the confederate general killed at Shiloh. Mr. Hock was later sent to the scene of the Mount Meadow massacre and fought in the battle of Ash Hollow under General Hardy. In 1860 he was a pony express rider when Denver was only a tented village. After Fort Sumter was fired on, his old commander General Tracy, asked him to drill recruits at Staten Island. He did this and later performed the same service at Washington. In 1861 he was commissioned lieutenant of Co. E, 12th New York Cavalry, and in 1863 was made captain of Co. F. He was on the Burnside expedition, at Ball's Bluff and in the second battle of Bull Run. On April 17, 1864, he was taken prisoner at Plymouth, N. C., and confined for three weeks in Andersonville, four months at Macon, one month at Savannah, and one month at Charleston. With six brother officers he escaped from prison at Columbia, S. C, and was tracked by bloodhounds. All the others were recaptured, but he, after suffering terribly by privation and exposure, reached the Union lines and was cared for by the Third Tennessee, until able to report to General Dix in New York. In 1865 in a skirmish with General Bragg's troops his horse was shot from under him, and he was caught by Bragg's men and sent to Danville, Va. He made a break for liberty and escaped to the brush, rejoining the Union forces just before Lee's surrender. At Bentonville, in a cavalry charge, his horse was killed and he was thrown among the rebel infantry and captured. The same night he escaped, covering himself with dead leaves, and reporting at his company headquarters in the morning. His comrade in rebel prisons, Lieutenant A. Cooper, dedicated a book of his experiences to Captain Hock.
The number of acres of land in the town assessed in 1865, was 18,287, at a valuation of $385,600. Personal property $49,850. The number of acres assessed in 1907 is 17,829 at a valuation of $269,485. Personal property, $19,850. A loss in 42 years of 458 acres of land, $116,115 in assessed valuation of real estate, and of $30,000 assessed personal property. The town expenses (town audits) were $619.37, besides $807 for roads and bridges.
In 1855 the town had a population of 1,218. Ten years later it had a population of 1,147; while in 1905 it had only 672 inhabitants, a loss of nearly half compared with its first-named census.
The name was undoubtedly suggested by the beautiful green summer verdure the eastern part of the town exhibits, lying to the sun on the eastern declivity of Shawangunk mountain.
Its boundaries are: Beginning at the corner of the town of Wawayanda line with that of Mount Hope, thence almost due west along the Mount Hope line to that of the town of Deer Park; thence along the Deer Park town line southwest to the New Jersey State line; thence easterly along the said State line to the corner of the Minisink town line; thence northeasterly along the Minisink town line to a point on Castle High Hill near South Centerville; thence northwesterly along the town of Wawayanda town line to a corner; thence northeasterly by north along the said line to the place of beginning.
The first town meeting was held at the house of Jonathan Wood, in Bushville, March 28th, 1854. Bushville then was a village of some importance, but since the near advent of railroads its trade has gone to other places.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The oldest village in the town is no doubt the settlement at Smith's Corners. It was situated on the road which leads along the eastern slope of the Shawangunk mountain from Coleville, N. J., to Otisville, and in early times was a place of some business. Elijah Smith was its founder about the close of the Revolution. Joseph Smith, justice of the peace (see Minisink civil list), in 1813 was a noted man in his day. After the Goshen and Minisink turnpike road was built, and later when (about 1820) a mail route was established through there, the post-office was located at a store which stood where the village of Greenville now is. The post-office was named Minisink, because there was somewhere in the State a post-office already known as Greenville, and this was the nearest post-office to the real Minisink west of the mountain. Two churches, a store and a hotel are located there. The village of Smith's Corner has this year of 1907 been made convenient to travel on account of the new macadam road just built throughout it from Slate Hill to Carpenter's Point.
Lake Maretange, upon which one of the great land patents (Evans) cornered in Colonial days, is now known as Binnewater Pond. It covers about twenty acres of land, and is now so filled with aquatic growths and mud that it has less than half of its original extent. It was once reported to be of great depth. It in early times was famous for its excellent fishing. Its original name was undoubtedly an Indian one. The name Binnewater is a corruption of the German Beninwasser (Inland water). Boudinot creek is its outlet.
The great swamps which once stretched north and east of Smith's Corners were known to early records as "Pakadasink Swamp." They have been largely cleared, drained, and are coming rapidly under cultivation. The Shawangunk Kill whose Indian name was the same as that of the swamp, "Pakadasink" or "Peakadasink," originates from springs in the swamps, and flows northward along the base of the Shawangunk mountain toward Ulster County.
Rutger's creek originates in the watershed south of Greenville village.
EARLY SETTLERS.
Jonathan Wood, justice of the peace as early as 1796, and Timothy Wood (see civil list) resided in Bushville in this town.
John W. Eaton (see civil list) is a descendant of Robert, who came to the town, shortly after the Revolution. Robert had sons, John, William, Robert, and Samuel. There was also an Alexander in the town of about the same generation as Robert's sons, who had a son Thomas. John, the eldest son of Robert, had two sons, Gabriel and Daniel H. The latter during the later years of his life, owned the former David Moore farm now owned by William Creeden, in Wawayanda, where he died. Gabriel, during the later years of his life retired from active life to Unionville, where he owned property and where he died. There seems to have been a James Eaton in the town contemporary with Robert. Their farms constituted what was called Eatontown.
Charles Durland of Long Island settled near Bushville in this town prior to 1800, and it is probable that Moses came into the town soon after he did. Moses lived and died in the town, but Charles bought land, about a mile and a half south of Ridgeberry, where he made a permanent settlement and died there. Thomas T., Steward T., Daniel and Addison were sons of Charles. Steward T. and Daniel became residents of Greenville (see civil list). Garret, John and George A. Durland, descendants of Moses, also resided in Greenville. George A. and Steward T. were justices of the peace for many terms in the town (see civil list). Addison settled near Westtown where he died. Thomas T. Durland succeeded to the old homestead near Ridgeberry, and later in life bought the former Phineas Howell farm near Slate Hill, where he died. His widow (whose father, George Jackson, in his lifetime owned the farms now owned by William Ralston, of the lower road) and son George, and daughters Alice L. and Etta H., now reside on the Slate Hill homestead; while a son, Charles, resides in Middletown and a daughter, Elizabeth Van Orden, lives in Pompton Lakes.
John, Joseph and Hiram Manning were early settlers in the town. Joseph's children were Joseph, Jr., John, Isaac, Richard, Walter, Benjamin, Mrs. Isaac Finch, Mrs. E. Hurlbut, Mrs. John Ferguson. Hiram Manning at one time owned the grist, saw and cider mills at Millsburg. His son, John R. Manning, resides in Gardnersville in Wawayanda, and the latter's son, Hiram, Jr., is in business in Johnsons.
Abraham Elston was a very early settler in the town and many of his descendants are still in it.
Harvey H., Alfred, W. L. and W. W. Clark (see civil list) were descendants of the David Clark mentioned in a sketch of the family in the town of Minisink.
Under an old school law teachers were formerly licensed by town superintendents which prevailed up to 1856. Geo. A. Durland held the office of superintendent for some time. Samuel S. Graham was elected to the position in 1856, but the law was repealed that year and he was never sworn into office.
CHURCHES.
The Baptist Church of Greenville was incorporated January 27th, 1816, and was supplied by the pastors of Brookfield church until July 31st, 1822, when the church was dedicated as a separate one. It was constituted by thirty-one members. Elder Zelotes Grenell preached the sermon, August 3d. That year twenty-three more members were set off from the Brookfield church to it. Elder Henry Ball was pastor for eleven years. Elder D. Bennet supplied it from Unionville for four years. W. H. Jurton, D. Benett, C. Brinkerhoff and Joseph Haughwout supplied it to 1848. Rev. Stephen Case became pastor of it in May, 1848, and continued there to his death in 1895. It was said of him that he married and buried probably more Orange and Sussex County people than any other minister has. He was a son of John and Mary (Mead) Case. The father is alleged to have come from New England, while his mother was a daughter of Ebenezer Mead of near Waterloo Mills in Minisink. John and Mary (Mead) Case had four sons, Joseph M., E. Inman, John B. and Stephen.
Joseph M. was justice of the peace from 1850 to 1874 in Minisink and held other offices (see civil list). The Case homestead was on the ridge west of Westtown where John died in 1844 and Rev. Ralph Bull preached the funeral sermon. His wife died in 1847. Joseph M. was unmarried. E. Inman died in 1888. He had five sons and one daughter, John, Jr., Joseph, Ira L., Jefferson, Anson and Amelia. Ira L., became a resident of Middletown and was elected school commissioner of the second district of Orange County for a term. John B. studied for the ministry and became a clergyman of much influence. He died in 1886. He had seven children: John B., Jr., Stephen J., Joseph M., Tisdale, Joshua I., Sarah and Flora.
Stephen, son of John, after his primary studies were over, attended and graduated at Madison University in 1840. He began preaching the next year, and supplied the pulpit of the Orange Baptist Church six months. Then he preached for three years in what was called the Broadway Baptist Church, which we incline to think was located near Wykertown in Wantage township, N. J., probably the one built by Job Cosad. In May, 1848, he became pastor of the Mount Salem and Greenville churches. He was then about thirty years old, and he labored there for over sixty years until his death. He was survived by three sons: John E., Joshua, Jr. and Joseph M. Joshua, Jr., is a famous auctioneer residing in Unionville.
The Methodist Church of Greenville was incorporated December 23rd, 1850. There had been preaching for about twenty years before that by ministers of the M. E. denomination. The church edifice was built before the church was incorporated. Rev. Henry Litts, who died a few years ago in Deckertown, was pastor there for some time, succeeding Revs. Andrews, Grace and Rusling.
Besides the cemeteries connected with the churches, there are a number of family burial places in the town; notably those of the Manning, Seybolt, Seeley, Courtright, Vanbuskirk, Mulock, Remey and Jenks families.
MISCELLANEOUS.
During the Civil War the town issued in August, 1864, bonds for $25,159; they were all paid by February 11th, 1871.
Its officials have from the formation of the town proved worthy men. It has been universally Democratic by a small majority.
Nathaniel Reeves Quick, justice of the peace from 1868 to 1873, was a tall pleasant man, a descendant of the Quick family of Pennsylvania. He was well posted on the history of the famous Tom Quick, who was a member of the same family. The traditions which Mr. Quick, of Greenville, had instilled into his mind from accounts handed down to him by his grandfather, no doubt truthful, were not altogether complimentary to the old Indian hunter. His grandfather said (told by Nathaniel R. himself), that Tom, when hard pressed for something to eat, would come to his house and stay till the good housewife would absolutely refuse to cook for him any longer, and his grandfather would inform Tom that he must either go to work or leave. That, he said, always started him, for if there was anything in this world that Tom hated it was to work. Then he would shoulder his gun and tramp off in the forest for two or three months before he ventured to show himself again at the house. In truth, his grandfather did not put much dependence on the stories told by Tom of his adventures, because he thought Tom was merely whiling the time away with something to wheedle him with, in fact, a sort of "stand off" for lodging.
The old Goshen and Minisink turnpike road of the last century, crossing Shawangunk Mountain just west of Greenville village, was changed by the State to a macadam road constructed or, nearly so, in 1907. It takes a new route across the mountain and has greatly reduced the grade. The Goshen end of the road to Dolsentown was completed a few years ago, and the one from Dolsentown through Wawayanda and Minisink to the State line about two years ago. The new road through Greenville connects with the Wawayanda line at Slate Hill.
Of the Tory element in the town during the Revolution, it is traditionally remembered that Brant is said to have, after his first raid in 1778, contemplated a more extensive one. For that purpose he came to Greenville secretly to get information of the surroundings. He hid himself in the Pakadasink swamp below Smith's Corners, and explored the vicinity by night. Certain Tories of the neighborhood were suspected at the time of furnishing food to some tramp in the swamp, and one of them was caught returning from the swamp where he had been to take a portion of a sheep which he had killed, as it was later found out. Excitement ran high at once and a party visited his premises and found that he had slaughtered a sheep and had taken a part of it to the swamp to feed a hidden Tory as was supposed. A committee improvised a fife and drum corps, wrapped the bloody sheepskin about him, and marched him at the point of a bayonet on foot to Goshen followed by the music of the fife and drum.
This was on a broiling hot day in summer, and, as may well be supposed, that march of sixteen miles, bothered as he was by the flies and the jokes of the people they met, made the victim very uncomfortable. Later when Brant swooped down on Minisink in 1779, he did not cross the mountain into the Greenville neighborhood as the settlers then thought he intended to do at first. Then they ascertained the kind of a tramp that the Tory had been furnishing with mutton in Pakadasink swamp, and rejoiced to think that their prompt action in treating their Tory neighbor to that arrest probably saved their homes from the invasion planned.
Before the days of railroads the people who lived in these neighborhoods generally went to Newburgh, and if they desired to go to New York took from thence passage on a sailing vessel for that place. Sometimes the passage occupied three or four days between those two cities, dependent on the weather. In windy weather the sloops often had to anchor under some protecting high shore, and in dark nights they generally anchored until daylight. A disaster which made a great sensation throughout the county and elsewhere, happened November 24th, 1824, to a sloop of this kind, near Pollopel's Island, in lower Newburgh bay. The sloop Neptune was on its way up the river under command of its first deck hand, John Decker, the captain (Halstead) having been left in New York sick. About twenty tons of plaster were in its hold and about twenty more tons piled on deck, together with eight or ten tons of other goods. There was a strong wind prevailing and the boat was coming up near the island with a double reef in the mainsail and all precautions taken for safety, when there came a sudden blast of wind which caused the sloop to dip and the plaster on deck to shift its weight. This shifting of the deck plaster caused the sloop to dip so violently that the water came pouring into the scuttle of the forecastle, and into the cabin where some ten or twelve women and a number of children were gathered. Besides the crew about twenty-six male passengers were on the deck. Instead of righting, the boat went right down without further warning. All in the cabin were drowned. It was about noon, and several boats that saw the sloop go down hurried to the scene, and were so successful as to rescue seventeen of the passengers.
Joshua Mulock, of Minisink (now Greenville) was one of the men on deck, and he said that when he first heard the women and children scream in the cabin, he tried to break a grating in the deck to let them out and the boat went down so quick that it carried a part of his vest with it which caught fast. That held him and he went down under the boat. Luckily his vest tore loose, and he floated out from under the boat and came to the surface, where he was rescued. Jesse Green from present Greenville, and a man named Carey from present Wawayanda neighborhood, were also saved. Among those drowned were John Greenleaf, George Evertson, Matilda Helms and William Kelly and child from Minisink. The next year the bodies of Matilda Helms and Mr. Greenleaf were found among others at Cold Spring some distance down the river. They were buried by the coroner of Putnam County. The sloop was afterwards raised by its owners.
Next to the battle of Minisink this disaster furnished the greatest sensation of those early times. Mr. Mulock was a great humorist. On one occasion, a Mr. and Mrs. Lee, of Greenville, made Mr. and Mrs. Mulock an evening visit. When the visitors were seated in their wagon ready to start for home, one of them said to their host and hostess, "Now you must come and see us as soon as you can." "We'll promise to do so, sure!" said Mr. Mulock.
When Mr. and Mrs. Lee had arrived home, and she was in the house with a lighted candle looking at the clock and wondering how they came to stay until after midnight, and he was returning from the stables where he had placed the horse, they were surprised to hear a wagon driving up to the door. How much greater was their surprise when they both went to the gate to see who it was, and saw there Mr. and Mrs. Mulock. "You told us," said the former, "that we must come and see you as soon as we could, and here we are." Then after a laugh at Mr. and Mrs. Lee's apparent discomfiture, they went home, and told the joke round about to their friends. We give it to illustrate the jollity of those times.
From the years 1836 to 1854 the post office regulations for the three towns, under the name of Minisink, were a mail delivery Tuesdays and Fridays of each week. The mail was carried by a contractor, who left Goshen on those days in the morning in a one horse sulky or gig which easily carried the driver and mail bags. He came across the Wallkill at Pellet's Island to Ridgeberry; thence to Westtown, Unionville, Minisink (Greenville) and back through Bushville, South Centerville, Brookfield, Slate Hill, Denton and to Goshen. The trip was made in one day. Sometimes the carrier would have a young woman on the seat with him which invariably made him late and caused lots of grumbling among the people waiting for the mail. Few letters were received, and the only newspapers taken generally were the Goshen Democrat and Independent Republican, of Goshen. Not a daily paper then found its way in this region except at intervals. The rates of postage were, up to 1845, for a letter of a single sheet, not exceeding thirty miles, six cents; over thirty and not exceeding eighty miles, ten cents; over eighty and not over 150, twelve and one-half cents; over 150 and not over 400 miles, eighteen and three-quarter cents; over 400 miles, twenty-five cents. If the letter had two sheets of paper it was charged double, and if three sheets, triple rates; for each newspaper carried not over 100 miles, one cent; to any office in the State where printed, one cent; otherwise over 100 miles, one and a half cents. Pamphlets 100 miles, one and a half cents a sheet; over 100 miles, two and a half cents a sheet; if not published periodically, four and six cents a sheet, as to distance. Everything else was paid at letter postage at a quarter ounce rate. The letters then were sent without envelopes, folded so as to conceal the writing, and sealed with wax usually. The postage was collected on delivery. In 1854 the rates were reduced considerably, but all other features retained. In 1855, the writer, then a boy, was left temporarily in charge of the post-office at Slate Hill, which then paid the postmaster, a storekeeper, about $10 a year percentage. He then kept a store and the keeper of the office was considered a help to the store trade. A woman came in and asked if there was a letter for her. There was. She asked how much postage was due on it. There was eighteen cents. Then she asked to look at it. The verdant young man handed it to her. She opened it, glanced over the contents, then handed it back, saying, "I won't take it. There's nothing in it worth the money." The postmaster when informed of the incident later, said, "Boy, next time don't you hand out the letter till they hand over the money."
In 1852 the postage was reduced and a little later envelopes came in fashion. The Middletown, Unionville and Watergap Railroad was completed from Middletown to Unionville, June 2nd, 1868. That changed mail arrangements throughout the three towns. Slate Hill, Johnsons, Westtown and Unionville got a daily mail. Waterloo Mills, Denton and Bushville were abandoned, and Ridgeberry and South Centerville were supplied from Slate Hill. The railroad is now known as the New York, Susquehanna & Western, under control of the Erie. The increase in the amount of mail matter handled has been wonderful, and the offices which once had their mail matter carried on a two-wheel sulky twice a week easily, would now require a team of horses and a big wagon to move it every day.
The 4th and 5th days of January, 1835, were remarkably cold days and that winter was a terribly severe one. We have no thermometer records for our three towns of those days, but in New York City it was 5 degrees, in Newark 13 and Elizabethtown 18 degrees below zero for both days. In 1857 the 23rd of January was a remarkably cold day, the thermometer standing at 23 below in the early morning, 17 at noon, and 12 at night, when it began to snow and a deep snow came.
Orange County gave 3,541 votes for Van Buren and 2,242 for Harrison for President in 1836.
The local option law in our three towns has resulted in a continual no-license majority for about twenty-five years in Wawayanda; occasional no-license in Greenville and Minisink. The result of the election in 1907 gave no-license a majority in Minisink.
In ancient times elections were held in the spring for local officers, and in the fall for county, State and national officers. All the officers in the State are now elected in November on one day. In 1837, the States held election: Maine, 2nd Monday of September; Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri, 1st Monday in August; Delaware, 1st Tuesday of October; Louisiana, 1st Monday of July; Tennessee and North Carolina, 1st Thursday in August; Vermont, 1st Tuesday in September; Georgia and Maryland, 1st Monday in October; New York, 1st Monday in November; Massachusetts, 2nd Monday in November; New Hampshire, 2nd Tuesday in March; Virginia and Connecticut in April; Rhode Island in August; South Carolina, 2nd Monday in October.
During the first early years of our history, where farmers kept large dairies, they made butter, which was the mainstay of their farming. They used a tread-wheel about twelve feet in diameter set at a steep incline, on one side of which a horse or bull climbed to furnish the power for churning. Similar dairies used sheep or calves. About 1834 to 1840 (tradition) George F. Reeve, of near Middletown, invented an endless chain-power on which a good-sized dog would furnish as much power as an animal twice as large.
Lights for many years were furnished of dip tallow candles. These were made by melting a wash boiler full of tallow, into which six candle-wicks hung on a stick were dipped and hung on a rack to cool. Enough sticks were used so that by the time the last one was dipped the first one was cool enough to dip again, and so the process was continued until the candles had accumulated enough tallow to be of the right size. Whenever the tallow in the boiler began to get low hot water was added to make the tallow float to the top of the boiler. When beeves were killed in the fall the good housewives were careful to dip candles for a whole year's supply. About 1852 camphene began to be used for lights, and in some instances alcohol and some other dangerous compounds. About 1860 the use of kerosene came into family and public lighting, and is still the great illuminant.
In 1777 a real estate ownership of one hundred pounds value was a necessary qualification for a voter who desired to vote for a Governor, Senator and Assemblyman, while only twenty pounds worth of real estate was requisite in order to qualify a person to vote for a representative in Congress. For town officials and resolutions all male citizens were allowed to vote, and this was generally done at town meetings viva voce, or by division to the right and left. A Governor then held office three years and had to be a real estate owner. Senators held office four years and had to be owners of one hundred pounds worth of real estate. Judges were appointed by the Governor and council and held office during good behavior, but were disqualified when sixty years old. They could be removed by the Governor when requested by a two-thirds vote of the legislature. Clergymen were then excluded from holding office, and from the legislature. In 1821 a new State constitution was framed and the property qualifications removed. Ballots were then introduced generally in town elections.
On March 5, 1703, in the reign of Queen Anne, the Wawayanda patent was signed. The grantors were twelve Indians named Rapingonick, Wawastawa, Moghopuck, Comelawaw, Manawitt, Ariwimack, Rumbout, Clauss, Chonckhass, Chingapaw, Oshaquemonus and Quiliapaw, and among the twelve patentees was Christofer Denn. He was a Frenchman and a carpenter, then living on the eastern shore of Staten Island with his wife, Elizabeth, and a young girl sixteen years of age, Sarah Wells, who had been taken by them as an infant and brought up as their own, although she did not receive their name, nor at their deaths did they mention her in their wills, probably because she had received one hundred acres after her marriage.
Christofer Denn, as his name is spelled by Mr. Eager in his history, or "Denne," as spelled by Mr. Ruttenber, the latter says, was a resident of New York in 1701, and one of the signers of the "Protestant Petition" to William III, in that year. In 1702 his name appears appended to the congratulatory address to Lord Cornbury as one "of the chiefest inhabitants of the City and County on New York." And in 1705 he was one of the signers of a petition by the merchants of that city. He was still a resident of New York in 1722-1723, and it was in that city his wife Elizabeth died. It should be noticed that it is said Denn was a resident of the county of New York, even when not living in the city.
SARAH WELLS.
Around Sarah Wells much of the history of Hamptonburgh is woven. She was born in New Jersey, opposite Staten Island, April 6, 1694, and died April 21, 1796, aged 102 years, leaving 355 living descendants. Her husband was William Bull, an Englishman from Wolverhampton. The family left there for Dublin in February, 1689. At Wolverhampton the church register shows the records of the family back to 900 A. D. The late claim is that William Bull, son of John Bull, and grandson of Josias Bull, of Kingshurst Hall, who emigrated in 1715, settling at Hamptonburgh, Orange County, New York, is identical with the husband of Sarah Wells. But whether Kingshurst Hall is in Wolverhampton we cannot say at this moment. However, the coat-of-arms belonging to the Bulls of Kingshurst Hall has been engraved and virtually accepted by Mr. Ebenezer Bull, of Hamptonburgh, as that of his ancestors.
Christofer Denn's share of 2,000 acres in the Wawayanda patent having been set apart, he visited the location and made friends with the Indians living there. The claim was surveyed by Peter Berian and lay touching the northeasterly bounds of the town lots of the village of Goshen. Its bounds run thus: "Beginning at a stake and stones about east of and ten chains from the dwelling-house of General Abraham Vail in East Division; thence northwesterly along the northeasterly bounds of the Goshen town lots, and until it meets with a line supposed to divide the old counties of Ulster and Orange; thence east along the same to a stake and stones known to be standing near the top of the highland, or mountain above Charles Heard's in Hamptonburgh; thence on a course about thirty-six degrees west to the place of beginning."
Some difficulty arose later in running the survey of other lines which interfered with Denn's claim.
To settle it a grant was made after his death in the name of his wife, Elizabeth "Denne," of 1,140 acres, December 12, 1734. Although the patent had been signed there was a condition that unless a settlement was made on the Wawayanda patent by the end of May, 1712, the title was to lapse. Add to this that six hundred acres were to be given to the first settler and we may find a sufficient motive for Christofer Denn to become the needed pioneer.
His affairs were embarrassed at the time, and this change from the city to the wilderness probably offered a much needed retreat for a time at least. He took with him on his return to the city after his inspection of the land, three young Indians, sons of those whom he had visited and of the tribe which had parted with their land to the patentees. They had befriended the surveyors while running out the patent and had kindly volunteered their services to help him remove from the city to the patent. All accounts say that three young Indians went with him to the city and helped to direct the party.
It was Sarah Wells, this slender, dark-eyed little girl of sixteen, whom Denn chose to go forth alone with the men to conquer the wilderness. When he told her, she was sick with terror at the thought that in the latter part of her journey her only companions would be the carpenters and half-naked savages, who might attack her at any moment.
The carpenters sent to build the log house, of whom there were two, knew nothing of the country, and had treachery been intended the whites must have been defenseless.
Denn, being in straitened circumstances at the time, the other patentees came to his assistance and supplied the sloop and crew and cows and horses to assist in the settlement which, according to Eager, was to hold the Wawayanda Patent.
The present family believe him to have been correct in regard to their history, for he was a descendant on his mother's side. He gives a full and romantic account of this journey, from which we can only give extracts.
He says: "As this portion of our narrative was derived from Sarah in after life, we purpose to place an inventory of the various articles of outfit before the reader, that he may judge of its nature, extent and value, which are as follows: Two pack horses with bells on, two milk cows with bells, two dogs, two Irish Brahmas, one spade, two pails, two beds and bedding, one small and one large kettle, wood trenchers and bowls, candlesticks and candles, a pair of trammels, a frying pan, small tin plates for saucers, coffee pot with coffee, teapot, chocolate, tin canister with tea, silver teaspoons and sugar tongs, small china teacups and saucers, bundle of cloths, saddlebags, pillow saddles, knives and forks, some potatoes, wallets, medical cordials in vials, refined sugar in small pieces, brown sugar in rolls, flour, biscuit, ham in small sacks, some trinkets, ribbons and small knives for the Indians."
There may have been other articles not enumerated. As Denn bade Sarah good-bye in a subdued voice and tones of affectionate regard, he said: "Sarah, you have been kind and dutiful to us thus far, and your present conduct confirms us in your kindness. The duty you have to perform is new and may be fatiguing, but must if possible be accomplished now or the season may be lost. The workmen will take care of you while on the boat and afterwards, while the Indians, of whose friendship I have no doubt, will guide you through the woods to the place selected for our dwelling. This work is very important and what you do for Madam Denn and me is also done for the benefit of the company." He ended thus: "God save and bless you, Sarah."
The Indians faithfully performed their part and the one who was given especial charge over Sarah's horse (after the party landed on the banks of the Hudson near Cornwall), although half-naked, as were the other two, watched carefully her comfort. Their eyes were piercing, their voices harsh and grating, yet Sarah's attendant showed a deference; and gentle anxiety to please that many white men of to-day might envy.
Sarah mounted on the second horse, sat upon beds and bedding with many small articles around her and managed her horse with great difficulty. The Indian marched close by her side, helped her on and off her horse, and pointed out many things in the woods calculated to interest her attention and draw her out in conversation. Not infrequently he plucked an early flower as it sprang up by the wayside, and calling her attention to it, tasted its leaves and then presented it for acceptance.
They arrived on the bank of the stream, now the Otterkill, opposite the spot which Christofer Denn had selected as the place of his residence. Thus the journey in full twenty miles of pathless forest, with occasional thick underwood, was performed in a single day.
They built a fire beneath a tree whose branches guarded them from dampness. They put boughs of trees upon forked sticks driven into the ground and laid the beds there to escape the snakes, and the carpenters lay down and slept well till morning, but Sarah dreamed and slept fitfully, while the Indians threw themselves on the ground with their feet to the fire and slept all night. Whenever Sarah roused herself to look about, "her Indian" made signs to her that all was well and he was guarding her. The next day the carpenters built a wigwam of split logs resting on end against a frame of poles 16 by 18 feet with a ditch about it to carry off rain. It had a slanting roof with a hole three feet square in the peak for the escape of smoke, the fireplace being below it.
The goods were first unpacked and plates set on the table for supper the second evening of their arrival, when one of the Indians saw two people at a distance, and going to reconnoiter, found Madam Denn and her husband. They had been so overcome by the parting from Sarah and the enormity of their conduct in sending her on such a perilous adventure, that they had followed her on horseback up through New Jersey as fast as they could, and arrived in time for the first meal in the new wigwam. On seeing them at the door she fainted at their feet.
It is only just to say that the friendship thus begun between Sarah and the Indians continued to the end.
When the Indians were most hostile to others in the neighborhood the family could always give a safe refuge to the many who sought a shelter under their roof when night came.
WILLIAM BULL.
In 1716 William Bull entered on the scene. Born in Wolverhampton, England, February, 1689, his youth was, however, passed in Dublin, where his father moved when he was small.
He was apprenticed to learn the trade of a mason and stone cutter. When his apprenticeship ended he and a young friend took the contract to build a large arch for a bridge being constructed near Dublin. Tradition says: One Saturday night the work was nearly done and the arch finished but for the keystone. He begged the men to remain and put it in place, so completing the work, but they refused. On going down to see it on the next morning he found it fallen and his fortunes with it. It had carried with it his all and imprisonment for debt—as far as he knew it might be for life—stared him in the face.
There was a ship lying at the dock which he knew was sailing that day for New York. He searched his pockets and discovered five guineas with which and a few books he boarded the vessel. The captain on being asked if that much money would take him to America, answered it would. On reaching New York the captain told him the money had brought him, but had not paid his full passage and he must be sold for the balance. Bull was highly indignant and refused to leave the ship. He replied that he would return to Ireland and face his debts. Daniel Cromline, who also had a share in the Wawayanda patent, heard that an Irish ship was in dock, and hoping to procure some workmen had it proclaimed on board the ship. Bull felt that Providence and strangers would help him, and on telling his story to Mr. Cromline the money was advanced and they traveled together as far as Greycourt. Here he did the mason work on the old stone Greycourt house in 1716.
This was long a public inn on the way from the Hudson to New Jersey, and was a famous resort for the people around.
William Bull lived in the Cromline family, whose patent was not far from that part of the Wawayanda patent on which Mr. Denn had settled. They were in fact neighboring families, and so William Bull met Sarah Wells. They loved each other and were married in 1718.
The ceremony took place in the new double log house of Christofer Denn, and as Bull was an Episcopalian and desired to be married by the rites of his church they did not know how to proceed. There was no church nor a clergyman who could proclaim the banns three weeks, but courts of justice had been established and a magistrate was in the neighborhood.
They decided that circumstances alter cases and summoned their guests. All being assembled the magistrate carrying the prayer book proceeded first to the front door and proclaimed the banns to the trees of the forest, then through the hall to the back door where he proclaimed it to the cattle and the outbuildings. He made proclamation then once more from the front door to the wilderness at large and then performed the marriage ceremony. The wedding dress was of homespun linen delicately embroidered by the bride, and is now in the possession of one of her descendants, who has exhibited it at the family picnic held each year on the last Wednesday in August in the grove at Campbell Hall.
Later Sarah Wells Bull asked for and received the promised reward of 100 acres from Christofer Denn for having gone alone at his bidding to settle his claim and save his title.
William Bull and Richard Gerard received a grant joining Denn's of 2,600 acres, August 10, 1723.
On the 100 acres given to Sarah, Bull built a barn of hand-sawed planks. These were of ash, rived, and the shingles of split pine and put on each with two pegs. This barn is still in use and never has been painted. Afterwards he built the stone house in 1727 on his own land near by, and it is still occupied by the family and probably will stand for generations to come. It is built on a rock, with a spring in the cellar, and before the house was quite finished in September, 1727, an earthquake which was felt for 1,500 miles, cracked the east side of the house and the crack can still be seen. The lightning struck it in 1767-8, but only slight damage was done to its thick stone walls. The house has two stories of eleven feet each, with basement and a good-sized garret. It is a truly fine house for those times. Mr. Bull called his place Hamptonburgh, from Wolverhampton where he was born. There were eight children born to him.
FEATURES AND SETTLERS.
Hamptonburgh township as it now stands was set apart in 1830 from the towns bounding it. It is in the form of an irregular hexagon, its northern extremity a point and Montgomery bounding it on the northeast and northwest, with the Wallkill river running between Wallkill township on the west and Montgomery on the northwest, while Goshen is on the southwest, Blooming Grove the southeast and New Windsor on the east.
The Otterkill circles through the town adding picturesqueness to the fields it waters, while high ridges and fertile valleys vary the scene. The Goshen and Montgomery State road runs northeast through the western part of the town and the Little Britain State road joins it at Clark's Crossing. Mr. Clark's farm, once the Denniston Bull farm, is now in the hands of the New York and New Jersey Railroad, and the road is being constructed. It is claimed that this will put Campbell Hall within one hour of New York City, instead of the three days' journey by sloop and horseback which Sarah Wells had to undergo.
At Campbell Hall Junction four railroads center, the Ontario and Western, the Central New England, the Wallkill Valley Division of the N. Y. C. & H. R. and the Erie, while the Lehigh and New England runs through the eastern part of the town from north to south, with stations at Hamptonburgh, Girard and Burnside, thus making this small town of more than proportionate interest in the county.
There are six rural schools and one church now in the town. This is the Presbyterian church at Campbell Hall, where also are the stores of Alexander Brothers and C. B. Howell, a meat market, a creamery and a blacksmith's shop, and the surrounding houses with neat lawns make an attractive hamlet.
The two-room schoolhouse stands in a grove of oaks on a hill overlooking the Otterkill where the old church stood before it was moved to Hamptonburgh proper. Now that building stands empty and only the graveyard tells the old story. The name Campbell Hall came from a Colonel Campbell who lived there. His house was back of what is now the Bertholf house. "Col. Campbell was a Scotchman, the father of Mrs. Margaret Eustace, who was the mother of Gen. Eustace of the Revolutionary army of France, both of whom, we believe, died in the vicinity of Newburgh thirty or thirty-five years since." (Eager in 1846-7.) In speaking of Mrs. Eustace he notes her dignity of manner when she resided at Campbell Hall; also of her husband, Doctor Eustace, who was from the South, he says there was a secret not fully understood which embittered the last years of her life and her father's.
Campbell Hall owes much to Mrs. Matilda Booth Gouge. Her husband, Mr. George Gouge, conducted a large creamery business there for years, and on his death he left his widow more than comfortably provided for. There were no children and Mrs. Gouge did many kind things for her neighbors before her death. She gave the ground on which the church was built and a large house for a parsonage close to the church. She also educated a colored man for the ministry. On her death she willed her large residence with its furniture for a more comfortable home for the pastor and her farm of 100 acres to the church with $5,000 in bonds. Most of the buildings in the village are built on land purchased from her. Her birthplace was near and is now owned by Mr. C. B. Howell.
Burnside has a sawmill, a store and a Borden's creamery. Post offices are in each place and the R. F. D. comes out from Montgomery. This closes the helpful public activities of the town, but fine hotels, with bars, make an addition not to be omitted. It is impossible to follow closely all the different family fortunes of those who make the records of to-day; our allotted space is too small.
There are two of the original grants on which the descendants of the patentees are still living. These are the Richard Gerard and William Bull grants.
The one of 2,600 acres was dated August 10, 1723, on which, by a mistake of calculation, the carpenters erected the first wigwam in 1712, followed by the William Bull stone house.
The second grant lay partly in Wallkill, partly in Hamptonburgh, divided unevenly by the Wallkill River, William Bull, Esq., the great-great-grandson of the first one of the name here, lives upon the western portion, and the stone house known as Hill-Hold on the eastern part, belongs to the descendants of the third son of William Bull—Thomas Bull, Robert McLeod Jackson and Margaret Eleanor Jackson and their mother, Margaret Crawford Jackson, wife of Robert McDowell Jackson, son of William Wickham Jackson.
The stones in the house were cut in the fields by the builder, Thomas Bull, as he had time for the work between planting and reaping. It was years before he was ready to build. Paneling was brought from England for the east and west sides of the two large first-floor rooms. Also solid mahogany balls for the newels and mahogany balusters. The walls are two feet thick, with open fireplaces throughout the house and massive chimney stacks on the east and west. This house also stands on a rock, is in good repair and has a beautiful situation on a hill.
Thirty years ago Mr. Charles Backman bought the road house by Stony Ford bridge, known as the Sutton House, with race track, and began to improve Orange County's fine trotting stock. Little by little he bought the adjoining farm land until he owned 640 acres and remade the mile of road from Stony Ford to La Grange into as fine a highway as are the best State roads to-day.
His house was visited by many noted people, among them General Grant when President, and General Benjamin F. Tracy, now ex-Secretary of the Navy. Mr. J. Howard Force now owns the place. General Tracy owned for a few years a farm in Goosetown or LaGrange, which he named Marshland and greatly improved. This also was a stock farm for fine horses; it is now in other hands. Mr. Backman bought part of the Valentine Hill farm originally belonging to Andrew Wilson, who was a private in Colonel James McClaughrey's regiment of Little Britain. In October, 1777, he was one of the hundred men sent out from Fort Montgomery to intercept the British, who were 5,000 strong and commanded by Sir Henry Clinton in person.
Here is a dispatch from Governor Clinton, dated October 7, 1777, the day after the fort was taken: "We received intelligence that the enemy were advancing on the west side of the mountain with design to attack us in the rear. Upon this ordered out Colonels Bruyer and McClaughrey with upwards of 100 men towards Doodletown with a brass field piece, with a detachment of sixty men on every advantageous post on the road to the furnace. They were not long out before they were attacked by the enemy with their whole force; our people behaved with spirit and must have made great slaughter of the enemy."
Andrew Wilson was here taken prisoner and when an English soldier ordered him to take off his silver shoe buckles he refused and was knocked down by the butt of a musket and his buckles taken. He lay on the sugar hulk for two years and believed he was treated with greater indignity than others because of his refusal.
After his release he lived on the farm mentioned on the east bank of the Wallkill. His son James died first, he himself in 1804. He left two sons and a daughter. John lived and died in Goshen. His son, Andrew, raised two companies in 1812, the first he turned over to his intimate friend, Burnett of Little Britain, that they might not be separated; the second gave him a commission as lieutenant in the regular army. Afterwards he became captain and was in charge at Governor's Island. He married a daughter of William Bull, of Wallkill, Milinda Ann, and made a home in Goshen. He was sent to the Legislature from there in 1819. He was prominent in the temperance movement, also the Bible society and the church life of Hamptonburgh.
The first pastor settled at Hamptonburgh was the Rev. James R. Johnson, formerly of Goshen. The tide of prosperity in the town was expected to set to the east, about the new church, but the hopes were not fulfilled, and little by little Campbell Hall became the established center. The Rev. Slater C. Hepburn was called after Mr. Johnson and was installed July 2, 1850, and died in Campbell Hall after serving his people forty-five years.
Able B. Watkins was an early settler near the Denns and had a family of ten children.
In 1749 Silas Pierson came from Long Island and took possession of what long was known as the old shingle house on the Pierson farm, a mile northeast of Hamptonburgh church. This house was burned this spring of 1907, April 13th. The eastern half was built of squared logs up to the eaves.
On the 8th day of July, 1760, James De Laney, Esq., his Majesty's lieutenant-governor and commander-in-chief in and over the province of New York and the territories depending thereon, signed a commission appointing Silas Pierson to be captain of the company of militia foot lately commanded by John Bull, Esq. This was near the close of the French and Indian War, when England had determined to destroy the power of France in America. The militia was liable to be called out at any time to defend the settlements against the attacks of the Indians and to avenge their wrongs.
In 1775 Silas Pierson was captain in Jesse Woodhull's regiment; later he was captain of a light horse company in the Revolution. Silas Pierson and Silas Pierson, Jr., were among the many signers of the pledge in the Cornwall precincts, in which they declared that they would never become slaves and would aid the Continental Congress in opposing the arbitrary acts of the British Parliament. Joshua Pierson, grandfather of George Pierson, Sr., was a private in Col. Jesse Woodhull's regiment in 1777 at the age of sixteen, and went with the regiment under the command of Major Zachariah Du Bois to assist in the defense of Fort Montgomery.
The family of Mr. William Henry Pierson still resides on the old farm. His wife was Miss Elizabeth Bull of the "stone house." His daughter Lucile married Harry Bull, of Wallkill, who, like his father, is justice of the peace. It thus appears that in a large degree the history of Hamptonburgh township is the history of the Bulls, for marriage has linked the family with so many other well-known names.
We would like to give a list of the men who have served as supervisors and also as elders of the church. Indeed our story could well lengthen itself into a small volume were all to be told which is of interest in our little town. We have tried to keep a class of facts which hold more than a passing and local interest.
We have drawn for our material upon such published records as have been within our reach, and have consulted with persons who have knowledge of such points as may have been in dispute.
Let us hope we have wronged no one in anything said or left unsaid, and have disseminated no more false facts than are unavoidable with the most conscientious historians.
This is one of the younger towns of Orange County, only those of Tuxedo and Woodbury having been born later. It is, in fact, only about thirty-five years old. But for scenic beauty and native charm it easily outranks every other town in this county, if not all others on the Hudson River. The fame of the Hudson River Highlands is worldwide, and it is in this little town that the culmination of this native grandeur and picturesque beauty is reached. No one who has ever sailed up or down the Hudson, and who has not, will spend a moment wondering why this township was thus named.
The general shape or contour of the town, laterally, may be roughly classed as triangular. But the topographical surface is far more difficult to classify. It has the most extended river frontage of any town in the country, it being some nine or ten miles, beginning at Cro' Nest, in the town of Cornwall on the north, and reaching below Fort Montgomery, to the Rockland County line.
It is bounded on the north by the town of Cornwall, on the east by the Hudson River, on the south by Rockland county and the town of Woodbury, and on the west by Woodbury.
The area of this young town, as now estimated by the Orange supervisors, is 15,514 acres. In 1879 it was placed at 9,324-1/2 acres. This fractional total would seem to indicate that a very careful survey had been made previous to that time. But nobody has been quite able to explain just how this unique engineering feat was accomplished. Looking at the town from the river, the task presents many features of serious import, even to the mountain engineer.
The whole thing was valued at $330,600 by the assessors of 1879. But of course there was nothing allowed for sentiment or native grandeur in that cold, business estimate. Perhaps such things really had no cash value at that time, if indeed they have now. The tax of the town that year amounted to $2,896.67. In 1906 the total value of this real estate was placed at $857,112. Upon this amount a tax of $8,610.67 was levied. This was made up as follows: $3,474.20, general fund; $4,423.37, town audits; $250.02, sworn off taxes; and $0.33, treasurer's credits.
TITLE TO THE LANDS.
Concerning these, previous to the Revolution, little is definitely known. The lands around the Point, from which West Point takes its name, and to the north and west thereof, were originally granted by the British Crown to Captain John Evans. In 1723 these lands, having been re-assumed by the Crown, the larger portion was granted to Charles Congreve upon condition that he, or his heirs and assigns, should settle there and cultivate at least three acres out of every fifty acres of land conveyed to him in the grant. The inference is, therefore, that the first buildings at West Point were erected about that time.
This Congreve tract comprised some 1,463 acres, which included the northern portion of the Point. But the records do not give the names of these early white settlers. In March, 1747, another portion of this John Evans tract, covering 332 acres, was granted to John Moore, on the same conditions contained in the first grant to Congreve. This tract adjoined the southwest corner of the Congreve Patent. John Moore afterward purchased the Congreve tract and thus became the owner of 1,790 acres in the vicinity of the Point. This he subsequently devised to his son, Stephen Moore, a merchant of Caswell, N. C. Then after a forty-year tenure of this land by the Moore family it was finally sold to the United States Government, pursuant to an act of Congress passed July 5, 1790. The deed of transfer was executed by Moore, December 10, of the same year. The price paid was $11,085. The necessity of this purchase was urged upon Congress by Alexander Hamilton, as Secretary of the Treasury, and also by Henry Knox, who was then Secretary of War, who finally conducted the negotiations for the purchase for the Government.
Captain John Evans obtained his original grant on petition, March, 1694, from Governor Dongan, who had purchased the land from the Esopus Indians. It was described as extending "from Murderer's Creek back," This stream finds the Hudson at Cornwall. Captain Gee, of the ancient sloop Federal, who brought stores to West Point between 1790 and 1810, seems to have owned a dwelling house near the Point about that time, when it was known as Gee's Point.
Adjoining the Congreve Patent on the south was one of the six tracts originally granted to Gabriel and William Ludlow, October 18, 1731, under the conditions of settlement already named. This tract seems to have passed to many successive owners, as follows:
Richard Williams, of Cornwall; Robert Armstrong, of Sussex County, N. J.; Benjamin Rose, December 1, 1785; John Dunlap, of Ulster County, September 6, 1788; and Thomas North, of Cornwall, November 22, 1704. North also purchased an adjoining tract on the south from Isaiah Smith, June 3, 1790, and he held the whole tract for nearly thirty years. Then it passed to Oliver Gridley, of Bergen County, N. J., December 28, 1819. who deeded the same to the United States, May 13, 1824, in accordance with the act of Congress, approved March 10, of that year.
At the time of the purchase of the Congreve and Moore grants by the Government, Hugh McClellan, a Revolutionary soldier, occupied a small house on the property. In recognition of his patriotic services in that war he was permitted to remain and cultivate his garden by Secretary of War John Knox. The old soldier spent the rest of his life there, leaving a wife and a daughter on the premises. They finally claimed the domicile by right of undisputed possession under the laws of the State. But they were finally dispossessed by the National Government in 1830, in an action for ejectment. {sic}
In addition to the patents already named the following list of grants, covering other parts of this town of Highlands, are found on the record: Gabriel and William Ludlow, 991 acres, October 13, 1731; Alexander Phoenix, 1,000 acres, July 13, 1750; Thomas Moore and Lewis Pintard, 1,100 acres, December 27, 1762; Samuel Staats, 400 acres, June 5, 1712; Thomas Ellison, 770 acres, November 12, 1750; Richard Bradley, 800 acres, July 30, 1743; Gabriel and William Ludlow, 407 acres, October 18, 1731; Vincent and David Matthews, 1,000 acres, November 26, 1761; Gabriel and William Ludlow, 1,437 acres, October 18, 1731; Bradley children, 4,290 acres, October 30, 1749; Vincent and David Matthews, 800 acres, November 26, 1768; William and Edward Wilkin, 1,305 acres, April 15, 1768; John Osborne, 1,850 acres, March 14, 1775; Thomas Moore and Lewis Pintard 2,900 acres, December 23, 1762; Smith and Wilkin 100 acres, April 15, 1768; Moore and Osborne, 150 acres, March 14, 1775; Smith and Wilkin, 190 acres, April 15, 1768; John Nelson, 550 acres, October 4, 1752; Henry Townsend, 2,000 acres; Thomas Smith, 250 acres, June 14, 1750; the Hassenclever & Co.'s tract, 1,000 acres, 1705.
Captain Horace M. Reeve, of the general staff of the United States Army, in his history of West Point during the Revolution, says: "Until the American troops began to cut timber for military purposes, and to crown the surrounding hills with forts and redoubts, West Point and the neighboring Highlands were little else than a wilderness of rugged hills and virgin forests, presenting about the same appearance as first greeted Hendrik Hudson when, in 1609, he sailed up the river which now bears his name."
Hudson anchored near West Point September 14, 1609, and he was probably the first European that ever saw that section.
Continuing, Captain Reeve says: "Although this tract of country could never lend itself kindly to the agriculturist, yet before the advent of the American soldier there were several houses standing at or near West Point, which were subsequently used for purposes very foreign to the peaceful intentions of their builders. Two of these became noted. One was 'Moore's House' at West Point, used by Washington as his headquarters during the whole, or a part, of the time he was stationed at West Point—from July 21, 1779, until November 28. The other was the 'Robinson House,' and was situated on the eastern shore of the Hudson, about two miles below West Point. It was used as a military hospital and afterward as the headquarters of several successive general officers, among whom was Benedict Arnold, who was in this house when apprised of Andre's capture. It was from this house that Arnold made his escape."
The Moore house stood in Washington Valley, near the river, a short distance from the northeast corner of the present cemetery. It was built prior to 1749, and was a pretentious structure for that period, being known as "Moore's Folly."
Every foot of land in these Highlands has its memories of the Revolutionary War, and this town contains the culminating features of native grandeur not only, but also the vital strategic point on the famous river which figured so conspicuously in the war for independence, and will continue to fill so many important pages of our national history for all time to come.
These great hills of grandeur and beauty extend along the entire river front from Stony Point on the south to old Storm King on the north. Scientists tell us that these vast mountains of primitive rock are composed of granite, gneiss and syenite, with veins of trap. But regarding the formation of these towering masses of rock both geologists and laymen have only speculated and guessed for more than a century, as their descendants and successors will continue to do for ages to come, and leave the maze of mystery as dark and deep as ever. We can only wonder and admire, while scientists wrestle with the mighty problem of creation here presented.
Just now, as the writer is gathering these data for this connected record, he finds that the great mystery concerning the formation of this particular region has become even more obscure than ever through the developments of the vast engineering project now under way off Storm King Mountain. In the effort to find a solid rock bottom beneath the Hudson at this gate of the Highlands, through which to construct the great aqueduct which is to convey the Catskill Mountain water to New York City, the engineers have bored the river bottom to a depth of 700 feet, and are still baffled. Geologists predicted that this rock would be found at least at 500 feet. But now they are all at sea and frankly admit that their supposed knowledge as to the bed of the Hudson at this point was totally wrong. Some expected that rock would be reached even at 100 feet. But now the engineers say they may have to go down 4,000 feet before they can find proper rock through which to build their aqueduct which is to carry 800,000,000 gallons of water daily at a pressure of 200 feet per square inch. {sic} The old bed of the river is evidently covered with the drift and silt of ages. And who will say when and how this vast body of water broke through these adamantine hills, or by what Cyclopean process of upheaval they were formed?
There are several small streams that flow into the Hudson at different points in this town; one just south of Cro' Nest, others at Highland Falls and Fort Montgomery. The pretty cataract, called "Buttermilk Falls," from its characteristic resemblance to that acidulous fluid, as it tumbles over the rocky shelves in fantastic glee in its haste to reach the river, is admired by every tourist. There are also other streams which become tributaries of Popolopen's Creek, which finds the Hudson at Fort Montgomery.
The town also contains many inland ponds or small lakes, such as Bog Meadow Pond, Round Pond, Long Pond, Cranberry Pond, Mine Pond, Popolopen Lake and Highland Lake. Strangely enough, many of these ponds have been left without more appropriate names. This Highland Lake, just south of Fort Montgomery, is about 150 feet above the Hudson, and about half a mile long by one-eighth of a mile wide, and is fed by its own springs. "Blood Lake" and "Hessian Lake" are some of its more ancient appellations, bestowed, according to Revolutionary tradition, because of a company of Hessians who were slain there when Sir Henry Clinton captured Fort Montgomery.
It is now proposed by the New York authorities to locate a new State Prison in the vicinity of this lake, which is northwest of Iona Island in the Hudson. Most of the region in that immediate section is a wild rocky forest, and sparsely populated. Half a mile or more west of the river, however, there is a comparatively level plateau, some 200 acres in extent, from which a fine view of both reaches of the Hudson is obtained. This is included in the site which has been selected for the prison. Part of it, however, extends over into Rockland County.
This property, which consists of some 500 acres, was purchased by the State for this prison site, in December, 1907, at a cost of $75,000. It is about six miles below Highland Falls, and it includes Highland Lake and its entire watershed. Whether the name of this new prison will be selected from the classic nomenclature which prevails in that locality, such as "Doodletown," or "Popolopen," remains to be seen.
"Doodletown Bight," is the classic name handed down from the Colonial period, which is here applied to a small bay in the Hudson where small water craft find a safe and pleasant harbor. The new State road which is to run from the New Jersey line to Albany, will pass through the eastern side of this new prison tract. Bear Mountain, on the west, has an inexhaustible supply of granite well suited for building purposes.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
As before stated, the ancient records are almost devoid of names of early settlers in this immediate region, and the presumption is that these settlers were comparatively few. Major Boynton, in his history of West point says: "The interval between the granting of the patents and the transfer of the titles, down to the period at which the American Revolution commenced, are blanks in historical literature. No traditions even of early settlers are extant, and the probabilities are that, beyond a settlement made to secure a site or grant, West Point, being in a region of stratified rocks, heavily covered with drift deposits, and without a suitable soil for cultivation, remained a mere woodland tract, possessing no higher value than attaches to similar adjoining points in the Highlands which have remained unsettled and uncultivated to this day."
It seems well settled, however, that John Moore, the patentee, really located upon his purchase about 1725. This homestead stood in what has since been known as Washington Valley, from the fact that Washington once occupied the same dwelling for a time. The original house, and even the second one, which replaced it, have long since disappeared, but the remains of the old cellar were visible for many years afterward. This, then, may be regarded as the first point of settlement in the town of Highlands. The Moore descendants, though inclined toward loyalism, at the outbreak of the war, could not have been outspoken or turbulent in their opposition to the American cause, as their lands were not confiscated. They, however, soon fled to Nova Scotia, but afterward returned to the State of North Carolina, where some of them became prominent, one being elected Governor of the State; and Stephen Moore sold the West Point reservation to the Government, as already stated. A daughter of John Moore married Hugh McClellan about the time the war broke out. Although not in the army, as a soldier, McClellan seems to have fought bravely against the invaders on his own hook, as it were, for the records contain many instances of his personal prowess. He was employed in hauling stone for the erection of Fort Putnam, and on one occasion he crossed the river alone and brought powder for the Continental Army at West Point at the risk of his life or capture.
James Denton, who came from Newburgh, seems to have settled at the Point some time afterward. He had married into the McClellan family and became active in pressing the claim against the Government for the title to the old homestead there by reason of possession. These descendants also claimed certain rights which came from the Moore family direct and were not reserved in the deed to the Government, although antedating that transaction, as they contended. Then, too, it may be added in their behalf, the suit for ejectment was terminated by a compromise, the widow of McClellan being paid a certain sum to surrender her claim.
In the vicinity of Highland Falls Cornelius Swim seems to have been the pioneer settler. This family originally came from England about 1686 and settled on the east side of the Hudson opposite West Point, forming part of a colony there. They were offered an extensive tract of land there at that time for ten cents an acre. But not being possessed even of this modest amount of money, they were afterward obliged to leave when a more fortunate immigrant took the tract at fifteen cents per acre. The Swims, Faurots and Roses came to Highlands in 1725. Cornelius Swim had six sons and six daughters, most of whom settled in the vicinity. He was finally killed by a British scout for refusing to tell where certain army supplies were hidden.
Cornelius Gee was another ante-Revolutionary settler at West Point, who came from the Colony opposite. He afterward established a ferry from West Point, then known as "Gee's Point," to Constitution Island opposite, being associated with Jacob Nelson in the enterprise. This was called "Nelson's Ferry." Nelson also lived in the colony on the east shore of the river opposite the Point and he had seven children. Only one of these, however, seems to have settled on the west side of the river. This ancient ferry is frequently mentioned in the Revolutionary annals; and Nelson's Point opposite Fort Arnold, afterward Fort Clinton, was regarded as a most important strategic point by Washington, which he carefully guarded.
Tradition has a pleasant little Highland "tea story" connected with this Gee family which may as well be perpetuated here. "Aunt Sally Gee" was the happy possessor of half-a-pound of this most delectable and very scarce beverage that caused so much trouble between the mother country and her dependent Colonies on this side of the Atlantic, at the outbreak of hostilities. It is said that while the flames that were destroying Fort Montgomery illuminated this entire region, announcing the triumph of the British forces, "Aunt Sally", giving up all as lost, resolved upon having a final cup of tea to assuage her grief before fleeing for her life. Grabbing the old teapot from the shelf, she tossed the entire, half-pound of tea into it in her haste, determined that none should be left for the redcoats. But the decoction proved all too strong and bitter even for her tea-stained palate.
An early pioneer in the West Grove section was John Kronkhite, who came, about the opening of the war, from Westchester County, N. Y. Some of his descendants are still in that region. Moses Clark was another early settler there, whose name appears in the Cornwall records between 1765 and 1775, which would indicate that he arrived some years before the war. Tobias Weygant is also mentioned as an early West Grove settler. Among other early settlers in the town were Thomas and Joseph Collins, William Cooper, who lived near Fort Montgomery, Thomas Cooper, Isaac Garrison, who lived in the Middle Highlands section, Jonas Garrison, William Horton, Zaccheus Horton, Maurice Havens, David June, who lived near the Rockland county line, D. Lancaster, John Parker, Israel Rose, Samuel Rockwell, S. Sheldon, Birdseye Young and James Stout. Isaac Faurot was also an ancient resident in the Highland Falls section, who was a deckhand on the first steamboat "Cleremont" that went up the Hudson under Captain Wiswell in 1807. Captain Faurot, a descendant, is still a resident of Highland Falls.
ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWN.
Like several other of the younger towns in Orange county, Highlands was the offspring of convenience and expediency. Its formation became in fact almost a matter of public necessity owing to the peculiar conditions prevailing. The old town of Cornwall consisted of a thickly settled region north of the mountains, and the widely separated localities of Highland Falls and Fort Montgomery far to the south. Communication between these two ends of the township was in those days very slow and inconvenient. The transaction of official business of the town was very expensive and almost impracticable. Boats had to be chartered to carry voters to the town meetings. Thus the division of the town, which was authorized by the county supervisors in 1872, met with little opposition.
The first town meeting of the new town was held at the house of Charles Engleskircher, March 4, 1873. William Avery was then chosen the first Supervisor, and a full list of town officials was selected. Avery was succeeded by Jeremiah Drew in 1874, who continued in the office several years. John A. Cook held the office one term and was followed by Hon. Louis F. Goodsell, who was supervisor eighteen years. Jacob L. Hicks was elected in 1905 and was succeeded by John F. Pierce in the closely contested election of 1907.
VILLAGES OF THE TOWN.
Of these, West Point, if it can be called a village, is the more important. A post-office was established here at an early period of the nation's history. Major Roger Alden was the postmaster for some years, and was followed by Mr. Hoh. In 1835 Prof. Claudius Berard succeeded to the office and held it until his death in 1848. His widow was then appointed and remained in office until 1870 when she was succeeded by A. B. Berard, who was still there in 1880.
The place is composed almost entirely of the great Military School of the nation in all its varied departments and imposing structures. Aside from this there is very little business, except that arising from the extensive improvements now in progress by the government. The noted old West Point hotel is still standing, and in operation, although even this is soon to be demolished under the plans for the modern reconstruction of the post, which are being carried out on a vast scale and at great expense.
The importance of West Point during the Revolutionary period is too well understood by every student of our national history to need any further emphasis or exemplification in this connection. It is visited by thousands from every land annually as the great show-place of the nation and river. And the rare native charm of its location enshrines it as the beauty spot of America.
Busy Highland Falls, adjoining West Point on the south, was incorporated in 1907. It is located on the Big Meadow Brook which tumbles over the rocks into the Hudson at this point in a most attractive cataract, which gave the village its name. It was first known as "Buttermilk Falls," under which name the post-office was established there July 14, 1849. Cornelius Nelson was the first postmaster, but President Buchanan removed him and appointed Timothy O'Leary in his place. He was reinstated, however, at the close of Buchanan's term, and held the office in all about thirty years. Joseph F. Stephens, the present postmaster was appointed in 1901. Although still invested with much historic charm because of its 200 years' existence, the village now presents a pleasing modern aspect. There are many business houses, stores and shops. There are two national banks, both organized in 1907. A library and reading room, and a village improvement society. A weekly newspaper was established in 1891. South of the village overlooking the Hudson are some charming private residences including those of John Bigelow, Major General Roe, ex-Senator Goodsell and J. Pierpont Morgan. The place is a favored summer region because of its picturesque natural environment. The most imposing structure in the village is Ladycliff Academy conducted by the Franciscan Sisters. This property was originally Cozzen's and later Cranston's Hotel, and was purchased and opened for its present purpose in 1900. Extensive additions and improvements have since been made. The enclosed grounds cover an area of twenty-two acres. There is an average attendance of one hundred and ninety pupils, and the regular courses give the education acquired in advanced high schools.
The old Revolutionary Fort Montgomery, which stood on Popolopen's Creek, where the stream empties into the Hudson, is perpetuated by a small hamlet with the same name. It makes no boast of its business importance and points only to its patriotic history. It is, however, the shipping point of large quantities of iron ore from the Forest of Dean Mines some six miles west of this point.
West Grove is a pretty hamlet in the mountain section northwest of Highland Falls. It was settled at an early date and the environment is among some of the attractive lakes and ponds of the town.
SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES.
For the school records pertaining to this specific region between 1813 and 1856, the reader is referred to the parent town of Cornwall. There are three common school districts in the present town, in addition to the Post school at West Point which is maintained for the children of the soldiers and officers of the post. District No. 2 comprises the Highland Falls and Fort Montgomery schools. George W. Flood, school commissioner for the eastern district of Orange County, is a resident of Highland Falls.
The First Presbyterian Society was incorporated October 12, 1830, with William Howe, of Buttermilk Falls, Samuel Spencer of West Point and Peter Meeks of West Grove as trustees. It was decided to erect two churches for the better convenience of the separate settlements, one near Buttermilk Falls, and the other in the Fort Montgomery section. These churches were open to other denominations under certain regulations. In 1850 the society was reorganized under the name of "The First Presbyterian Church of the Highlands." The following trustees were then chosen: David Parry, Cornelius Nelson, Charles P. Smith, Alexander Mearns, and John M. Hall. The Rev. E. P. Roe, the famous novelist, who then lived on his fruit farm in Cornwall, was the pastor of this church for several years, being succeeded by Rev. Mr. Williams.
The First Methodist Church at Fort Montgomery was incorporated January 11, 1831, with the following trustees: Thomas Potter, Ebenezer Bull, Michael Jaquish, Hiram Tyler and Silas Rockwell. A comfortable house of worship was built soon afterward.
The First Methodist Church at Buttermilk Falls began its career March 4, 1845, with Andrew Swim, David Parry, James Thackara, Charles P. Smith and Wright Dusenbury as trustees. But for some reason the society disbanded soon afterward and the members united with other churches.
The present Methodist Church at the Falls came into existence some years later, and it continues in a flourishing condition.
The Church of the Holy Innocents (Episcopal), at Highland Falls, was incorporated September 13, 1850, Robert W. Weir and Thomas Webb being chosen wardens, and Dennis M. Mahar, W. H. C. Bartlett, A. E. Church, Francis Rider, R. S. Agnew, Thomas Corris, B. R. Alden and R. S. Smith, vestrymen. The church building, which was erected largely through the liberality of Prof. Weir of the Military Academy, was completed in July, 1847, being constructed of the native granite.
The Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart was erected opposite the old Cozzens Hotel, at the Falls, in 1875, at a cost of $19,000. Rev. T. J. Early became the first settled pastor.
"MOLLY PITCHER."
The oft-told story of this stout, freckle-faced young Irish patriot of the Revolution is so closely identified with the ancient history of this locality, where she lived and died, that its omission here, even in this modern history, would be noted with regret.
At the capture of Fort Clinton by the British in October, 1777, "Molly" was "in at the finish." When the enemy scaled the parapet, her husband, an artilleryman, dropped his portfire and fled. But Molly caught it up and discharged the last gun fired. Nine months later, at the Monmouth battle, while she was devotedly bringing water to her husband, who was serving a gun, he fell dead at her feet from a British shot. Although the officer in command ordered the piece withdrawn, Molly dropped her water-bucket, seized the rammer, and vowed she would fill her husband's place at the gun and thus avenge his death. Next morning, covered with dirt and blood, she was presented to Washington by General Greene, and was appointed a sergeant and placed upon the half-pay list for life. She became a universal favorite with the army and usually appeared in artillery dress, with a cocked hat. She was afterward provided for at the Point by the Government authorities and died in that vicinity about the age of thirty-three.
WEST POINT MILITARY ACADEMY.
Colonel Henry Knox, who was appointed chief of artillery by Washington in November, 1775, was the first to propose the establishment of a military academy, of the Woolwich type, in this country. In a letter to his wife, dated September 5, 1776, he said: "We must have a standing army. The militia get sick, or think themselves so, and run home." Later in the same month, in a letter to Adams, he wrote: "Military academies must be instituted at any expense. We are fighting against a people well acquainted with the theory and practice of war, and brave by discipline and habit."
Here was the germ of the Military Academy of this nation. In the following October a committee was appointed to "prepare and bring in a plan of a military academy at the army." The Post of West Point received its first garrison January 20, 1778, and work on Fort Clinton was begun at once. There seems no room for doubt that in the very midst of the Revolutionary War, at least as early as 1780, and possibly two years before, an engineer school was in operation at West Point. There were also a laboratory and library, which was the parent of the present Academy Library, the oldest Government library in the United States. It is clear that military instruction of some sort had then begun. Early in 1783, when the success of the American Revolution was apparent, the necessity for this permanent school of military education was still recognized. General Washington and his officers were agreed upon the importance of some such school, and West Point was generally regarded as the "key to the United States." In 1783 the necessity of retaining West Point for this purpose was urged upon Congress. General Knox, Secretary of War in 1790, again advocated the scheme in his report, which was approved by Washington. But it was not until March 16, 1802, that the organic act for the establishment of the United States Military Academy was finally passed. This authorized the President to organize and establish a corps of engineers at West Point which should constitute a Military Academy.
Thus in 1802 ten Cadets of engineers were stationed at West Point with their officers, which constituted the Military Academy there until 1812. This force was increased from time to time, and the sum of $25,000 was finally appropriated for the erection of suitable buildings, and the provision of the library, apparatus and necessary instruments for the use of the school.
Previous to this, however, while Washington, Randolph, Knox and Hamilton strongly favored the West Point Academy plan, Jefferson doubted the constitutionality of the scheme. But Washington was inclined to take the risk, and at his recommendation the West Point School was practically started in 1794, it being then held in the old provost prison building, which was burned in April, 1796. The school seems to have begun in earnest, however, in February of that year. The fire, which had destroyed all the books and apparatus, was thought to have been of incendiary origin, induced perhaps by opposition to the school. In the following May a parapet for the practice of field pieces, and some of the early wooden fortifications were constructed.
In September, 1799, the superintendency of this academy, which however had not yet been legally established, was offered by President Adams to Count Rumford, the founder of the Royal Military Academy of Munich. But nothing came of this ill-advised proposition. For nearly 25 years Washington had labored to establish a National Military Academy, which he considered of primary importance.
On December 14, 1801, Major Williams, a grand-nephew of Benjamin Franklin, took charge of the school as superintendent. Cadet John Lillie, writing of his life there from 1801 to 1805, said: "All order and regulation, either moral or religious, gave way to idleness, dissipation and irreligion. No control over the conduct of the officers and cadets was exercised."
As already stated the academy was legally instituted March 16, 1802, and the school went into full operation on the 4th of the following July. But its ancient history really dates from 1776. The act of 1812 established its present form, the main features of which have been practically adhered to to this day. Washington is still regarded as its founder, while Knox first proposed and strongly advocated a military school of this very type, and Hamilton outlined the well-considered plan of military education that was finally adopted and has been pursued ever since.
DERIVATION OF THE NAME.
The derivation of the name Minisink is undoubtedly from the Delaware valley, which was the "Minisink" country of its Indian owners. They had a large village and castle on the Jersey side of the Delaware River, opposite a large island in the river, both that and the village being known to them and to the early white settlers by the name "Minisink." They were a sub-division of the Lenni-Lenape tribe that somehow became known later by the name of Delaware, from an English lord, who visited the mouth of the river about five minutes once, and left his unmerited name to the river and its valley as well as to the tribe of Indians about it. In truth a most foolish freak upon the part of the white people, who had far more deserving names to give, if they wished to observe and reward more daring explorers. Foolish, too, because the Indian names were just as beautiful, even more so than that of the old lord.
This sub-division of the Lenni-Lenape Indians was called the Minsi (wolf), and they were easily recognized from other tribes by the white people. In 1663 when Wiltwyck (now Esopus or Rondout) was attacked, its white settlers declared that they saw the Munsey (Minsi) Indians among their assailants.
In front of their village on the river flats south of the island lay their great national cemetery covering acres of ground, where many generations of their nation lay entombed. Some of them were buried so close to the river that the sweep of its current often washed away the dirt and exposed their bones as the writer saw them. The early white people in the valley, all German, at first assumed that the name Minsi, pronounced by them "munsey," was derived from the fact that the water had at some time been drained by the Water Gap from the lands in the valley and that the name was derived from "the water is gone." We have never found any corroboration of that theory. The village was the source of the name, but what is meant in the Lenni-Lenape language we probably shall never know. From their village the white settlers applied it to the whole valley.
William Tietsort, whom they induced to settle among them near present Port Jervis, and do their blacksmithing, in 1690, found the name there. Arent Schuyler, who has left on record his diary of the visit he made there to find whether the French spies had been there from Canada, said of it: "1694 ye 6th, Tuesday, I continued my journey to Maghackemeck (Indian name for the neighborhood of the junction of the Neversink with the Delaware) and from thence to within half-a-day's journey of the Minisink." A half-day's journey would about represent the distance to the village and castle of the tribe mentioned, and where he was bound.
The Indians who occupied the territory in these three towns were one of the three divisions of the Lenni-Lenapes. On the first map of the country made they were called Maquas, which was later corrected to Munseys and by the English to Minsies. The name of their headquarters, Minisink, has come down to us from all the various languages spoken by white settlers as Minisink. That corroborates it as an original Indian word. Every clan or sub-division of the tribes used an accent of their own, so that they were easily distinguished, but the difference was not so radical but that the whole Lenni-Lenape people could understand each other. Therefore the name Minisink was a name known over a vast region before the white people came here. Its meaning is a mystery which all linguists can guess at with some probability of nearness.
ORGANIZATION AND BOUNDARIES.
June 23rd, 1664, this region belonged to Holland, at least that country claimed it; but Charles, then King of England, deeded that day, to his brother, James, Duke of York, a tract "to the northward as far as the northernmost branch of the Delaware River in 41 degrees and 40 minutes north latitude, thence in a straight line to Hudson's River, to be called 'Nova Cesaria' or New Jersey." England sent over a fleet and captured the whole country in this vicinity a little later the same year, and that made the Duke's patent valid.
The region under consideration was then a dreary forest, but land speculators soon began to deal in tracts of it, and New York Province claimed that the line, 41.40 latitude north to the northernmost branch of the Delaware River, ran from its beginning on Hudson's River to the mouth of the Lehigh River (which they asserted was the branch of the Delaware referred to in the deed) where is now Easton, Pa.
On the other side the owners of New Jersey claimed that the branch referred to in the deed was a tributary of the Delaware River at what is now Cochecton, N. Y. It will be seen that this disputed territory was of great extent, the apex of the triangle on the Hudson River widening out to a base of near 50 miles from present Easton to present Cochecton. In this triangle was comprised nearly all of what we now call Sussex County, N. J., and, according to the New Jersey claim, taking in the present city of Port Jervis and about all of the present towns of Greenville and Minisink. The great dispute as to the ownership of this triangle lasted for a hundred years and its tales of warfare and contests in courts are of great interest, but not altogether pertinent to our subject. The start upon Hudson's River is thus mentioned in N. J. Archives, Vol. I, page 531, in 1685-6: "Gawen Lawrie of New Jersey, Governor Dongan of New York and others" fixed at a point nigh Colonel William Merrit's house (see mention in first census of Orange County) on the west side of the Hudson River and "marked with a penknife on a beech tree standing by a small run." How different surveyors could locate the degree of latitude from thence to such widely different points was explained in old documents to be the fault of the crude quadrants then used.
In 1704 Queen Anne of England granted 23 persons a patent (deed), for a tract of land which was named "Minisink," because it embraced the land in Minisink along the Delaware River down as far as Big Minisink island, and as far north as Peenpack (a nickname for the Gumaer settlement on the Neversink). March 20th, 1765, Alexander Colden, of New York, said of this patent, Vol. III, p. 988, Documentary History of New York: "It contains not less than 250,000 acres, under the very small Quit-rent of nine pounds current money of this Province."
The Wawayanda patent had been granted the previous year (1703) to 12 men and the Minisink patent lapped upon it, hence we may well conclude that the quarrel between the Provinces of New York, New Jersey, the owners of the Minisink patent and those of the Wawayanda patent made a very mixed question of title. There does not appear to have been any severe contests in the three towns of which we write between individual land owners, except those of the large patents. In 1767 the Provinces of New York and New Jersey appointed commissioners to run out a compromise line settled upon to run from the apex of the triangle on Hudson River to the present station at Tri-states, which was done and that line has since remained as the boundary between the two States. Titles derived from the Minisink patent south of that line were void, but the titles of landholders in the three towns were all derived from the New York patentees, hence there followed no confusion.
During the Revolution there were few changes in county matters, but March 7th, 1788, the legislature of the State enacted that subdivisions of counties should be called towns instead of precincts. By that act Orange County was divided into the towns of Haverstraw, Orangetown, Goshen, New Cornwall, Warwick and Minisink. The southern boundary of the latter was the State line of New York and New Jersey.
The town of Minisink under that formation was bounded on the east by the Wallkill River, northeast and north by the town of Wallkill and the Ulster County line around on the northwest to the Delaware River, and the State line.
In 1798 the town of Deer Park was created and it cut off from Minisink its over-mountain lands, which had belonged to old Minisink and thus cut off the base whence the name had been derived. Since then the town has held to the name, a reminder of its old associations and of being once the home of a part of the Minsi Indian tribe.
In 1825 the town of Calhoun was formed principally from Deer Park and Wallkill, and formed part of the boundary of Minisink on the north. In 1833 the name of Calhoun was changed to Mount Hope.
In 1840 the town of Wawayanda was erected from the northeastern portion of Minisink, and took the place of Wallkill in the boundary of the former.
In 1853 the town of Greenville was taken from the westerly portion of Minisink, and fixed the boundaries of the latter as they now are.
GEOGRAPHICAL.
The line between the States previously referred to on a westerly course has set-offs to avoid great obstacles in some places, but where it bounds Minisink it is a straight line. It crosses the Wallkill a short distance south of Unionville.
Millsburg, is a small village, named from the large mills once located on Bodinot's Creek at that place. Extensive saw-mills, grist, cider, and plaster mills, were for a long time kept there by John Racine, and did a very large business for years after his death. They are now gone. Down stream a short distance were other grist and saw mills, of which one, a grist mill, is still in existence and managed by Frank Mead. A little farther down the stream were once very large woolen carding and fulling mills, where cloth was made of the finest quality. These are now in ruins.
Boudinot's Creek has gone by various names, such as Indegot and Bandegot, but antiquarians have now settled upon the derivation of the name from Elias Boudinot, and the probabilities are that they are right. Elias was a merchant in New York City, and speculated in the lands out in the wilderness, as many others were doing in those times. The records show that he bought, June 10th, 1704, of Philip Rokeby, one-third of his share in the Wawayanda patent; also, August 8th, 1707, a twelfth part of the patent. He soon sold out his interests in the patent and so far as we have been able to find, never saw the creek in question, and he certainly never made a settlement in this county.
Rutger's Creek was undoubtedly named from the circumstance of Anthony Rutger's buying of the widow and son of John Merrit, one-half of the one-twelfth of the Wawayanda patent allotted to Daniel Honan, who had in 1705 sold it to Merrit.
The creek in question rises in the town of Greenville and flows eastward near Unionville, where it takes a northeasterly course through Waterloo Mills, Westtown, Johnson's, and then southerly through Gardnersville to the Wallkill. Its Indian name is not known.
Tunkamoose Creek, a small tributary of the Wallkill near Unionville, has what is claimed to be an Indian name, but we cannot verify it.
The Wallkill is said by Haines to have drawn its name from some families of Walloons who settled by it, and it has also had various other derivations alleged. Its Indian name is well known. In the very early surveys about Franklin Furnace, N. J., in 1712-15, the surveyors have written the name plainly, Twischsawkin. That this name was not of a mere local application is shown by the fact that on a map accompanying Smith's History of New Jersey, made and published in London, Charing Cross, by Wilham Faden, December 1st, 1777, from surveys made in 1769 by the commissioners who ran the State line, the name Twischsawkin is applied to the stream. On that map there is not a settlement marked from Goshen to Mackhackemeck in this county. In Sussex County the settlement of the Walling brothers, where Joseph Walling kept an inn, now Hamburg, N. J., is marked "Wallins." They were located there somewhere about 1725-1730, and a brother settled in this town of Minisink at about the same time, by the river. We take him to have been the first settler in the town, and mention is made of him later. The true derivation of the name Wallkill is due to their settlements. The name "Wallins" was known far and wide to the stragglers who first came into the neighborhood and the river that ran by their locations, first called by visitors, Wallinskill, about 1750 got abbreviated to "Wallkill." The Walloons spoken of by Haines were undoubtedly "Wallins." The Indian name Twischsawkin has been interpreted to mean "abundance of wild plums." A land abounding in snakes comes nearer its true meaning in our study of the Minsi language.
Unionville village, assumed to be derived from the union of good feelings following the settlement of the line between the States of New York and New Jersey, is near that line, and is believed to have been settled about 1738. It now has three stores, two hotels, coal and feed stores, a system of waterworks owned by a private company, three churches, and other places of business. It was incorporated as a village in 1871, September 26th. Isaac Swift was the first president.
Westtown, a village so named because it was situated at the western limit of the settlements when Goshen was headquarters of civilization in the county, has three stores, two churches, one hotel.
Johnsons, so-named after William Johnson who gave the land for the Middletown, Unionville & Water Gap Railroad when it passed through the town where the depot is now located, has three good stores, two feed and coal stores, one hotel, and Borden's large milk and cream plant, and is a place of considerable business.
Gardnersville, on Rutger's Creek, about two and a half miles southeast of Johnsons, is mostly in the town of Wawayanda, and derived its name from the Gardner family who once owned extensive grist, saw and cider mills there. It is now mainly known from the feed mills of John R. Manning, at present its principal industry. In the early settlement of the country there was a defensive place near, known as Fort Gardner. Its location is not precisely known. In some records it is spoken of as being southward from where Westtown now is. It was most probably at Gardnersville. An old stone building on the late Lain farm is the "Fort Gardner," says one tradition.
Waterloo Mills (derivation of name unknown) since the decline of the milling industry has nothing now to show of its former important grist mills but the ruins.
FIRST SETTLEMENT AND POPULATION.
Of the first settler in the present territory of this county, Patrick Mac Gregorie, whose brother-in-law, David Toshuck, is spoken of in Ruttenber & Clark's History of Orange County (p. 13) as having "closed his earthly career in the bosom of his family at Plum Point," we desire to mention. In New Jersey Archives, Vol. I, p. 460, it says: "David Toshuck, of Moneyweard, partner with James, Earl of Perth, Captain Patrick Mac Gregorie, all sharers in Proprieties," were so mentioned in 1864. In a note on Vol. IX, p. 337, mention is made of the will of Edward Antill proven in New York, April 7th, 1725, wherein he gives his wife all his interest in a "certain proprietorship formerly purchased of David Toshuck, laird of Minnevarre." On p. 338 it is stated that "Edward Antill, Jr., came into the possession of the laird of Minnevarre's broad acres at Raritan landing in Middlesex County where he spent the most of his life." Donald Macquirrish, of Murderer's Creek, is mentioned with David Toshuck, of Minnevarre, Scotland, in a deed dated March 13th, 1687. From all which we have doubts as to the death of the aforesaid David Toshuck at Plum Point.
Governor Dongan bought, October 25, 1684, of three Indians, one of whom was Joghem or Keghgekapowell, for ninety pounds and eleven shillings in goods, all the land from the mouth of Murderer's Creek on the Hudson, to a "water pond upon the said hills called Meretange." The latter is the present Binnewater pond in Greenville. This purchase embraced about thirty by forty miles of the territory of Orange precinct, and a part of the lands in three towns. It lapped on other grants also. September 12, 1694, he sold it to Captain John Evans. In the latter sale went a house on Plum Point, which Captain Mac Gregorie had built there on his land by advice of that very Governor, who also sold the land without any scruple.
Lord Bellomont, in reviewing the transaction afterwards in writing January 2, 1701, to the Lords of Trade, said:
"Capt. Evans's great grant of 40 miles one way and 30 another, has but one house on it, or rather a hut, where a poor man lives, built by Patrick Mac Gregorie, a Scotchman, who was killed at the time of the Revolution here, and his widow compelled to sell her house and land to Capt. Evans for 30 or 35 pounds."
The foregoing was not only a concise history of the first settlement in this county, but it was in reality the first census, and shows that then, 1701, there was not a single person in the limits of our three towns as a permanent settler. It may be said in apparent contradiction that a census taken by Bellomont in 1698 showed this county to have in it 29 men, 31 women, 140 children and 19 Negroes. They were all located along the Hudson River, in what is now Rockland County. Yet there was at that time a blacksmith, William Tietsort (Titsworth), in Minisink, near where Port Jervis now stands, who had settled there in 1698 at the request of the Indians to work at his trade for them. In 1703, the county had 268 people in it; in 1712, 439. The Gumaer patent was settled on in the Neversink valley by this time, but there is no record of any settler in our three towns at that time. In 1723 the census showed 1,097 white and 147 colored people in the county. The owners of the big patents used great inducements to get settlers to locate on their land, and it is probable that some were in our territory but not of record. In 1737 there were 2,840; and in 1746, 3,268 people in the county.
Inman Walling was a settler, probably 1725-1730, by the Wallkill, east of present Westtown, and John Whitaker died in 1742 near where Unionville now is, and had been a resident there, no one knows how long. His will on record in the surrogate's office in Goshen, liber A. page 221, mentions his wife Eve, sons Richard, Peter and John, and daughters Jean and Elizabeth. Their descendants are yet residents of the town and of Sussex County adjoining. Those two families were probably the first permanent ones in this town of Minisink. There were others in the limits of what is now Wawayanda at or about the same time.
There were two Smith families early in the precinct of Minisink. One of them, Benjamin, settled near the present Slate Hill village, and the other on the farm now owned by J. Cadigan near Johnsons, where he kept an inn, the place being known as Smith's Village for at least seventy-five years.
Other settlers came in rapidly. William Stenard in 1749; Captain John Wisner from Warwick in 1776; George Kimber in 1750; Caleb Clark in 1800; William Lane in 1760. In an assessment roll made for Goshen precinct in 1775 Godfrey Lutes, Peter Middagh, Daniel Rosencrans, Inman Walling, Peter Walling, Increase Mather, John Whitaker, Jr., and Ebenezer Beers were shown to reside in this town besides the other first settlers mentioned.
The census of the county in 1756 showed it to have a population of 4,446 whites and 430 slaves. In 1771 there were 9,430 whites and 662 Negroes.
The Horton family were early residents of this territory, but we have no positive data of their first advent. October 20, 1764, a line run to divide the county into two precincts was described as "beginning near the new dwelling house of John Manno, and thence on a course which will leave the house of Barnabus Horton, Jr., ten chains to the westward." His house we do not think was in this town. A Barnabus Horton in 1813 lived near what is now South Centerville in Wawayanda. Gabriel Horton, justice of the peace, 1839-1843, lived about a mile and a half west of present Slate Hill in Wawayanda. William Horton in this town was a holder of important local offices, and his son Charles W. Horton, former supervisor, is now one of the leading citizens, as is also his neighbor, Reeves Horton.
In 1835, ten years after the town of Calhoun (Mount Hope) had been set off, the remainder of the territory in old Minisink had 4,439 inhabitants, and the present limits of this town about 1,000.
In 1850 the town of Wawayanda was taken off, and in 1853 the town of Greenville. In 1855, by the first census after their elimination, this town had a population of 1,295.
Since then its limits have remained unchanged. In 1860 its population was 1,266; in 1865, 1,209, a decrease owing to the civil war; in 1880, 1,360, including the incorporated village of Unionville, which had 316; in 1905, the last census taken, 1,354, including Unionville—a gain in 50 years of 59, which may be mainly said to be in Unionville.
The first incorporated company to do business in the town was the Goshen and Westtown Turnpike Company, chartered June 1, 1812, consisting of Reuben Hopkins, Freegift Tuthill, Benjamin Strong, Stephen Jackson, James Carpenter, D. M. Westcott, "and such other persons as they shall associate with them." The purpose was to build a turnpike road from the State line to Rutger's Kill near the mill of Jones & Vancleft (at Gardnersville). Thence it ran to Pellet's round hill and the Goshen and Minisink turnpike.
The Middletown, Unionville & Watergap Railroad Company was incorporated and completed ready for business by June 10, 1868, from Unionville to Middletown. Later it was leased to the Oswego Midland Railway, and still later its 13.30 miles of track were leased by the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railroad Company, by which it is now operated, under Erie Railroad supervision.
MILITARY.
There appear to have been no conflicts with the Indian owners of the territory of the three towns under consideration, and its white settlers, previous to the Minisink war, or as some historians call it, "The French and Indian War" of 1754-1758. We call it the Minisink war, because the Minsi tribe, at the outset of the war between France and England, which led to the great struggle between Canada for France and the colonies of our country for England, got permission to take up the hatchet against the settlers in Pennsylvania Minisink from their (the Minsis') masters, the Six Nations, to avenge their wrongs in that region. The wrongs were alleged to be that the proprietors of Pennsylvania had cheated the Indian owners of the lands there, and there is now no doubt that the allegation was true. There was no redress to be had for an Indian wrong in those years. Teedyuscung and the leaders of the Indians issued imperative orders that the war should be confined to Pennsylvania and they were pretty generally obeyed. Occasional straggling parties of them, however, in small numbers, disobeyed orders in order to avenge some injury to some person or clan, and passed through east of Shawangunk Mountains on marauding expeditions. They were vagrant Indians who had no standing as warriors in their tribe and they perpetrated wanton murders without the knowledge or sanction of their leaders. Of this class no doubt were the ones who surprised a man named Owens at work in Dolsen's meadow, in what was then Dolsentown, now in Wawayanda, near Middletown, in 1756, and shot him. David Cooley, who is believed then to have had a settlement at what is now the Charles O. Carpenter farm near Pine Hill cemetery, about a mile south of where Dolsen was located, alarmed at the murder of Owens, moved his family to Goshen. The next spring he moved back. That summer a party of Indians, in passing by his place, shot a woman of his household who at the time was passing from the outdoor oven to the house.
A company of militia had been organized in 1738 in the county called the "Company of the Wallakill (Willinskill)"; but none of the 144 names of its members appear to belong to our territory, except it may be those of John Monell, Lieutenant William Borland, Benjamin Haines, James Monell, Johannis Crane and James Davis. John Bayard was its captain.
The murder of the widow Walling in 1758 was mentioned in the Philadelphia Gazette and in New York papers in that year and made a profound impression throughout the colonies.
In the Revolutionary War, Colonel Allison's Goshen regiment contained some names belonging to this territory. The officers of its Wawayanda company were: Captain, William Blair; lieutenants, Thomas Wisner and Thomas Sayre, Jr.; ensign, Richard Johnson; of the Drowned Lands company—captain, Samuel Jones; lieutenants, Peter Gale and Jacob Dunning; ensign, Samuel Webb; of the Pochuck company—captain, Ebenezer Owen; lieutenants, Increase Holley and John Bronson; ensign, David Rogers; of Minisink company—captain, Moses Courtright; lieutenants, John Van Tile and Johannes Decker; ensign, Ephraim Middaugh. The latter lived in the township of Wantage in 1764, where he was commissioned as an ensign of Captain Kirkendal's company by Governor William Franklin. The late S. M. Stoddard of that township had and exhibited to the writer the last named commission. Middaugh went with General Hathorn to the battle of Minisink, where he was killed.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The town of Minisink was bonded in 1869, for $75,000 to aid in extending the New York Midland Railroad from Unionville farther south. This has not been paid in full yet. The sum of $3,280 was ordered to be raised by tax on the town of Minisink by the board of supervisors on the 22nd of November, 1907, to pay principal and interest on those bonds.
The first town meeting after the town of Minisink was organized, took place at the house of John Van Tuyl, April 1, 1789. Its territory then covered the three towns, and that house supposed to be the old stone house now in Greenville, on the former Jonathan Van Tuyl farm, later the Hallock house, was a convenient place for the gathering.
August 11, 1864, the present town was bonded for $25,000 to pay bounties for volunteers in the Civil War. It was paid off, principal and interest, in eight equal installments as they fell due.
Hulet Clark bought land in Minisink in 1828 in the present town of Minisink, where he died March 31, 1857. His son, William Harvey Clark, early gave evidence of the good judgment and business ability which his future life carried out. He married Emily Robertson of Wawayanda and they lived on the old homestead near Westtown, where he died in 1907. His son, Robert H. Clark, is the present supervisor of this town, resides on the old homestead, and is establishing a business reputation as popular and able as that which distinguished his father and which will make his name long remembered in local annals.
In March, 1799, the Legislature of the State passed an act for the gradual abolition of slavery. All slaves were to become free at a certain age. As an instance of its working, there was Frank Bounty, a colored man, for whom Joseph Davis of Wawayanda had traded a pair of oxen when Frank was a young man. When the time arrived at which the law gave Frank his liberty he was called up by Mr. Davis and told that he was then a free man. Frank asked him if he could not stay on with him, but Mr. Davis said he could not, for the reason that people would then say that he was being coerced. Mr. Davis gave him some money and told him he must go and do for himself, and Frank told the Writer that was one of the saddest days of his life.
Mr. Davis also gave him the use of a house and lot in Brookfield or Slate Hill which he might, and did, enjoy for life by paying the taxes on it. It was the last house on the west side of the street in the west end of the village at that time. There he raised a large family.
Not all Negroes were so lucky. Some of them were old and worn out and their masters were glad to get rid of caring for them.
In the early history of the town in all its farming communities, the farmers raised sheep, and made a double use of them. The rams were used to churn with on the big wheel and on endless chain churning machines then used, and the wool sheared from all the sheep was carded, sometimes by hand, at other times in factories, and woven or spun into stockings, mittens, and cloth, to furnish wearing apparel. Up to 1850, butter was the chief product of the dairies in the town. Then selling milk came into general practice, and making butter, milling flour for home use, and traveling on horseback went out of fashion.
The farmers universally kept sheep, raised the wool to make the clothes for the members of the family, and at the same time used the large sheep to churn with upon a tread or sweep power. Up to 1850 butter and hogs were the chief products. It is less than 200 years since the first squatters settled in the limits of the three towns of which we write. The first customs to pass away were their friendly associations with the few Indians who clung to their old hunting grounds with death-like tenacity. Then the hostilities engendered by the helplessness of the Indians and the consequent overbearing attitude of the settlers passed by, leaving a trail of traditions and savage memories. Then followed the old logging, stone picking, mowing, husking and quilting bees or frolics in which whiskey was used as a general beverage. Then came the passing of the use of whiskey for the universal medicine and social welcome. Next passed the days when women carded the wool and spun and wove it, and knit everywhere, knit, knit, knit. Next passed the days when the young ladies worked samplers, and helped in the harvest and hay fields, and grew up vigorous, stout and healthy. Next passed the fishing with fikes {sic} and racks and the hunting for wolves and foxes. Now have arrived the days when fish and game are about extinct.
Now are the days when the farmers sell their milk and buy their butter; when they sell little else than milk and have become a great generation of buyers; when social visits are about unknown; when the old time good-natured sports and merriment are frowned upon; when men no longer meet on the streets and argue politics, but bury themselves in a newspaper on the trains or in any resting place and read, read, read; when women no longer knit and spin; when the girls no longer will do outdoor work and dreadfully dislike to do indoor work; when, instead of the big boys and girls going to school a few months in the winter season, they all go away to boarding school. In noting these and other changes which have taken place in the towns as the years have fled, it is noticeable that the people generally live better, even luxuriously, compared with former years, but are their public and domestic relations happier?
The territory comprising the present town of Monroe is part of the Chesekook Patent granted by Queen Anne, March 25, 1707. The Chesekook tract was surveyed by Charles Clinton, father of George and James Clinton, and grandfather of Dewitt Clinton. His field book, the original of which is in the possession of Hon. MacGrane Cox, of Southfield, N. Y. (Mr. Fred J. Knight, Civil Engineer, of Monroe, N. Y., having a copy), contains much information and many interesting incidents of the early history of this section.
The town was set off from the precinct of Goshen in 1764 and named Chesekook. This name continued until 1801, when it was changed to Southfield. On April 6th, 1808, it took the present name Monroe, in honor of James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States.
In 1863, the town (like ancient Gaul), was divided into three parts by the erection of the three towns of Monroe, Highland and Southfield, which division was the same as the present towns of Monroe, Woodbury and Tuxedo, except that the then town of Monroe embraced a small portion of the present town of Woodbury.
In 1865 the three towns were dissolved and the whole original territory restored to the town of Monroe. In 1889 it again underwent the Gaelic operation resulting in the creation of the present towns of Monroe, Woodbury and Tuxedo. Monroe contains an area of 11,500 acres, Woodbury 23,000 acres and Tuxedo 50,000 acres.
The history of this town was written by Rev. Daniel Niles Freeland, who was the beloved and scholarly pastor of the Presbyterian Church from 1847 to 1881, and his volume of two hundred and fifty pages, entitled "Chronicles of Monroe in the Olden Times," is a history of the town up to 1898.
LAKES AND MOUNTAINS.
Monroe has in recent years, because of its rugged beauties, its beautiful lakes and mountain scenery, its high altitude, pure water and healthfulness, and its proximity to the Metropolitan district, become a favorite resort for the people of New York and nearby cities, and has made very rapid growth. It is the lake region of the county and located on the crest of the mountain divide, the village being the highest station except Otisville on the Erie Railroad between Jersey City and Port Jervis. There are four beautiful natural lakes, located from one to three miles from the village, namely, Mombasha, having an area of 340 acres and an elevation of 860 feet, from which Monroe village gets it water supply; Walton Lake, having an area of 125 acres and an elevation of 720 feet, from which Chester obtains its water supply; Round Island Lake, ninety acres in area and 660 feet elevation, upon the eastern bluff of which Mr. W. M. Haight's beautiful Cedar Cliff Inn is located, and Cromwell Lake with an area of fifty-three acres and an elevation of 740 feet. There are a number of smaller lakes which add to the beauty of this region. Among them should be mentioned, the Mountain Lake recently built to the east of the village, with an area of twenty acres and an elevation of 550 feet, and Lake Winape, a most charming mountain lake near Mombasha Lake, with an area of eleven acres and an elevation of 760 feet, just completed by Mr. George R. Conklin. The construction of other lakes is contemplated.
The village of Monroe is in the pass on the mountain crest, the waters from the northern part of the village flowing northeast into the Hudson near Newburgh, and from the southern part of the village flowing southeast through the Ramapo, which rises in Round Island Lake, into the Passaic River.
Eager, in his early history of Orange County, with prophetic vision, saw the beauties of this section. He wrote as follows: "These are the Grampian hills of Orange. While this elevated range is severed by many deep glens and valleys, the Alpine heights hold within their rocky crests, ponds and lakes of pure water, which glitter like diamonds in the noontide sun. Rude and forbidding as this region of hills and rocks and mountain crags may at first sight appear to the eye of a superficial observer, yet, to the true lover of nature in the exhibition of her noblest works, and to the practical mind of the really utilitarian, for a thousand purposes, the whole is well arranged and unsurpassed by anything of the kind in the county. Here are found without stint or measure, granite, mica or isinglass stone, and every quality of iron ore, with other minerals, treasures of present and future wealth to the nation. As early as 1778, during the war of the Revolution, the great chain passed across the Hudson at West Point, was made from the mineral of this region. In this respect as regards quality and quantity, the county of Orange stands unrivaled by any other in the State.
"The time will come when these hills, mountains, deep glens and sparkling lakes, shall be the descriptive themes of some native bard, who like Scott or Burns, caught up in spirit and wrapped in poetic fire, will harmoniously weave them, one and all, into the thrilling lays of the lowland and mountain muse. The time will come, when these elevated heights of dreary aspect, these hills overhung and darkened with vines and forest trees, and these lakes of picturesque beauty, unknown to the common mind, decorated with the wildest garniture of nature, and visited by the wing of the wild bird, shall be associated in the minds of our children's children with all that is pastoral, pleasing and heroic. True, Monroe cannot be made equal in agricultural beauty to other more charming localities, and wave with a golden harvest; for though her hills and mountains may be denuded of their vegetable ornaments, they cannot be leveled down nor driven over by the plough-share; yet the time will come, when every nook and corner throughout the broad and variegated mass shall hold a freeman's cottage, teeming with life and highland cheer, whose tenants, honest and hardy, will sleep amidst the thunders which rock them to rest, and the lightnings that play around and gleam up their mountain dwellings."
The Rev. Mr. Freeland in writing of its mountains says: "As the mountains were round about Jerusalem," so are the mountains round about Monroe. On the east are the Highlands, like the mountains of Moab, seen whenever its citizens look toward sunrise. Ten miles of rock ridges, with many a peak, defend them on that side. Only one or two passes give access in that direction—one over Bull Hill, the other up to the Stockbridge Hotel. Either of these could easily be defended against an enemy. On the south are Forshee Hill and the Southfield Mountains. On the west, the Bellvale Mountains and Sugar Loaf, standing like a sentinel, overlooking the valley below. Schunnemunk guards the northwest. It has a bastion on the eastern corner. High Point is a weather signal-tower to the observing. When it wears its night-cap late in the morning, it indicates falling weather; when the cap is early doffed, it betokens a serene day. The black rocks loom up from the mountain-top, and from their summit a wonderful scene presents itself. The eye sweeps the entire horizon, taking in the Catskills, Butter Hill, the Fishkill Hills, Bull and Pine Hills, Mount Bashan, Sugar Loaf, Bellvale and Goose Pond Mountains, with lakes, farms, mines, mills and villages galore. The Devil's Racecourse lies on the northern slope of old Schunnemunk, but the visitor needs none of his counsel or company, for he who climbs these steeps can find sweeter communion nearer to the heart of nature.
"One other landmark is Bald Hill, very dear to us because at its foot we first hung the crane. Here we toiled and studied, and here the sunshine lingers in our memory longest and our children fell asleep. It is the Acropolis of the village."
And in writing of its valleys he says: "Soils of great fertility were laid down here; yes, brought from distant hills to furnish slope and meadow. Here are alluvions of great depth and good grain lands; but the town is best adapted to grazing. The grasses, like those of the Blue Grass region of Kentucky, contain just those elements which yield fattening and milk-producing qualities. Had the mountains of Monroe been only a mass of rock, like some parts of Scotland, they might have been abandoned to the heather and become great solitary sheep-walks; or if they had been only picturesque vales and quiet nooks, there would have been a temptation to some lord of the manor to make it his park and country-seat. Heaven had a better destiny in store for it, hence mingled rocks and soils so as to invite the plow, scooped out the water courses to attract the loom and forge, hid away such materials as would bring hither the herd-man and artisan, the abhorrence of lordly pretension and elegant leisure. Monroe, from its very physical constitution, was predestined to be the home of honest toil and frugal industry. In the vicinity of what was to be the greatest city of the New World, and on the route of its best approaches from west to north, wealth and prosperity ought to be its sure reward, and doubtless will when the wisdom of men is able to master the situation."
MONROE VILLAGE.
But the growth and development of Monroe depends not alone upon its picturesque mountains, beautiful valleys and charming lakes, which attract so many city people, who are fast dotting the available lake and mountain sites with charming villas and country homes, beautiful inns, hotels and boarding houses, for the village itself is becoming one of the most progressive and bustling of modern towns. Its growth during the past five years being much more rapid than any other village of the county.
Monroe village, incorporated in 1894, with a population of 781, now has about 1,200. The incorporation was due in a large degree to a disastrous fire occurring in November, 1892, which showed the necessity of fire protection.
On July 31, 1894, a vote on the question of incorporation was taken, resulting in favor of incorporation 111 for, and 45 against. On August 21, 1894, an election for officers was held. Henry Mapes was elected president; George R. Conklin, Gilbert Carpenter and Henry Morehouse, trustees, and J. Lester Gregory, treasurer. On August 28th the Board organized as a board of water commissioners with Gilbert Carpenter, president. At the election held November 10, 1894, to vote for waterworks, there were fifty-eight for and fifteen against the proposition. The board of water commissioners took the necessary steps to acquire water for the village, and the village of Monroe is largely indebted to this first board of water commissioners for its splendid water plant which is contributing so largely to its development.
The village purchased from the Sterling Iron & Railway Company the right to raise the dam and store additional water at Mombasha Lake. This lake affords one of the purest and finest water supplies to be found in the State. About one mile of 14 inch pipe and two miles of 10 inch pipe bring the water to the center of the village with a head of about 250 feet, and distribution is made with 8, 6 and 4 inch pipes. The water was turned on October 10, 1895. No fire has since extended beyond the building in which it originated. The cost of the works was about $46,000, which is probably about two-thirds of what it would cost at present, owing to the increased cost of labor and material. The works are now not only self-sustaining but are producing a comfortable surplus, and it is estimated that in not many years the plant will pay for itself and will then produce sufficient revenue to light and keep in repair the village streets—a splendid example of municipal ownership of public utilities.
The town of Monroe has no bonded indebtedness and the village none other than its water bonds, except that Union Free School District No. 1, which includes the village, has issued $4,375, on account of the purchase of a seven acre school site on a commanding height overlooking the village.
The Warwick, Monroe and Chester Building and Loan Association has been a potent factor in Monroe's development. It was organized in April, 1890.
Standard Lodge No. 711 F. & A. M., instituted at Chester, N. Y., June 30, 1871, was, with consent of the Grand Lodge, moved to Monroe in 1884, and has a membership of 180.
The Monroe National Bank, U. S. No. 7,563, although in its infancy, is a flourishing institution. It was chartered by the Treasury Department January 18th, 1905 and it was opened for business, March 1st, 1905.
Monroe has a very excellent fire department. The Mombasha Hose Company was organized July 24th, 1895, and the Mombasha Fire Company, April 5th, 1898.
The Orange and Rockland Electric Light and Power Company, which furnishes light and power to the villages and communities in the eastern end of the county, is located at Monroe and is now erecting a very large plant. The Newbury Foundry Company is also located here.
Monroe has a fine telephone system, an athletic association, and is now putting down cement walks in the village, and it is confidently predicted that it will be the leading center of the eastern end of the county within a short period.
A Methodist society existed in the neighborhood of Monroe prior to 1839, the M. E. Church at Oxford (near Quaker Hill) having been built some time before, but in the year above mentioned Matthew B. Sweezy deeded to the Trustees of the recently organized M. E. Church of Monroe the land upon which the church now stands. In the following year, 1840, the church was built. The first board of trustees was the following: Stephen Post, Isaac Compton, Jeremiah Knight, Thomas D. Tannery, John King, Samuel Smith and Peter Ball. Others who served the church in its early history as trustees were Jonathan Mapes, John S. Gregory, Matthew B. Sweezy, Solomon W. Esray, Townsend Mapes, Job Mapes, William Hudson, George K. Smith, William Johnston, Martin Konnight, Daniel Secord, Nathan Strong and Walter Roberts. John S. Gregory was elected trustee in 1843 and served in this capacity until his death in 1905, a period of sixty-two years.
The Rev. Mr. Bancroft is said to have been the first minister. Others who followed him were the Rev. William Van Duzen, Rev. A. C. Fields, Rev. Mr. Newmans, Rev. J. H. Hawkshurst, Rev. Mr. Blake, Rev. Mr. Croft, Rev. N. Messiter, Rev. D. D. Gillespie.
Matthew B. Sweezy was chorister for a time. There was no organ in the early days of the church, but the congregation was frequently led in singing by the violin and the violoncello, though there were some who objected to the use of so ungodly a thing as the "fiddle."
At first the Monroe church was a part of the circuit under the charge of a pastor and his assistants. This circuit in the early days comprised, besides Monroe, the churches at Highland Mills, Washingtonville, Craigville and Turner. Finally, Monroe and Turner comprised the charge, and this relationship was dissolved in 1895.
In 1875 it was voted to enlarge and repair the church, and the pastor, Rev. David McCartney, and Mr. H. H. Lawrence, were appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions for this purpose. Their efforts were successful and the church was remodeled, and stands to-day practically the same as they left it.
The church has reason to hold the memory of Mr. James Smith, Mrs. James Smith and Sara Smith, their daughter, in lasting remembrance, as they respectively left substantial legacies to the trustees of the church, to the Ladies' Aid Society, and to the Sunday school, said legacies to be held in trust for their use.
The church has a Sunday school and Epworth league. The superintendents of the Sunday school during the last twenty-five years or more have been Franklin Bull and Orville Eichenberg, the latter having held the position for the last nineteen years.
The first available records of the schools of the town of Monroe are dated January 7, 1819. These are receipts given by the trustees of several of the school districts for State moneys received from the commissioners of common schools. These moneys were for the benefit of their respective districts and were in all cases small, the apportionments ranging from eight to twenty-five dollars. At this time the town's educational interests were in the hands of three commissioners of common schools. The incumbents of these offices in the town of Monroe in 1819 were Israel Green, Lewis H. Roe and George Wilks.
In 1843 the office of town superintendent was instituted, thus doing away with the board of three commissioners of common schools. The duties of this officer were probably the same as those exercised by the board which he had taken the place of. The first person to hold this new town office was Joseph R. Andrews, who had been a member of the last board of commissioners of common schools. The office of town superintendent ceased to exist in 1857, when the office of school commissioner was created. The new official assumed the powers of licensing teachers, altering school district boundaries, etc., while the care of the school moneys from the State was given to the supervisor of the town. The office of town superintendent was held for a short time by Morgan Shuit, and afterward for a period of about ten years by Archibald Campbell, whose term was concluded in 1857, when the office was abolished.
In 1819, as they did in subsequent years, the commissioners reported the text-books in use. This list varied little for many years and was given in the following order: Webster's Spelling Book, Murray's Grammar, Johnson's Dictionary, Scott's Lessons, English Reader, American Selections, American Reader, Columbian Orator, Daball's and Dilworth's Arithmetic. Later on a new and inexperienced board of commissioners enumerates the above list with one exception, and concludes with the information, "all of which are American selections."
The commissioners of common schools in 1819 rearranged the boundaries of the school districts of the town, and recorded these boundaries somewhat definitely. The number at that time was thirteen, but since that date the number has been changed many times and their boundaries have frequently been altered.
Of the schools of the former town of Monroe four have become union schools, having high school departments, viz: Central Valley, in February, 1895; Monroe, in December, 1896; Turner, in May, 1902, and Tuxedo, in December, 1902.
District No. 1 is the district that includes the village of Monroe. Though it contains practically the territory of District No. 1, as recorded in 1819, its boundaries have been materially changed. The Rev. D. N. Freeland says, in his history of the town of Monroe, that the first mention of a school in this neighborhood is of one held in the Presbyterian church building at Seamanville. After that a log school-house was built just west of the church. The old stone school-house on the road to Mombasha followed, and this in turn gave way to another built a few rods further south. In 1857 a two-story building near the Presbyterian church was constructed and this was made to answer the purpose until 1884, when the building now in use (1907) was erected at a cost of $10,000. This building has now become too small and the people of the district have purchased, during the past year, a new site just north of the Episcopal chapel, containing nearly seven acres, at a cost of $5,000. They have also appropriated the sum of $40,000 for the erection of a suitable building, the foundations of which are at this time completed.
Of the persons serving the district in an official relation the following have rendered the longest continuous service; Henry Mapes, as clerk, thirty-four years; George R. Conklin, trustee, twenty years; A. B. Hulse, trustee, fifteen years.
The school of District No. 1 was admitted as a member of the University of the State of New York December 17, 1896, having been created a union school the preceding year. The following are the names of the trustees appearing upon the certificate of admission as petitioners: Eugene McGarrah, George R. Conklin, L. H. Marvin, Solomon Fairchild.
The present board of education is: Fletcher B. Brooks, Solomon Fairchild, Millard Mapes, Frank F. Griffin, and Clarence S. Knight. In addition to the usual work of a board of education, this board has the additional responsibility of building a modern school-house.
TURNER VILLAGE.
Many changes have to be recorded in the thriving village of Turner, in the eastern part of the town of Monroe. By common consent the name has been changed from "Turners" to "Turner," and this seems to be a most reasonable change.
No longer do the trains of the Erie Railroad Company sweep majestically into the depot, there to stand impatiently while its hungry passengers regale themselves in that famous restaurant founded by Peter Turner. The now common, every-day dining-car attached to nearly every train, has crowded out that famous business. The large brick building was destroyed by fire and the restaurant moved to the wooden building on the opposite side of the track. This property is now owned by the Ramapo Mountain Realty Company, but is fast falling into decay. One end alone is used as a depot. Below the hill stands the famous grist mill which receives its power from the village pond near by. Across the street from the mill stands the old hotel of stage coach days, now renovated into a modern hotel, known as "Silver Fox Inn." This property and the farm connected therewith are owned by the Ramapo Mountain Realty Company.
The old smithy, where Cortland Rumsey's hammer caused the anvil to ring, has long since become a business house. The village blacksmith, J. B. Hallock, has built a modern shop near by and causes the same old anvils to ring as hearty and strong as ever.
The little old stone school-house where our fathers learned their "three R's," is now a dwelling and a magnificent school-house stands on a hill overlooking the entire village. There, four learned instructors hold forth, where a few short years ago one was sufficient.
The few rambling houses that constituted the little village of a few years ago have given way to modern dwellings and business places, constituting a thriving village of some eight hundred people, all busy and prosperous.
Surrounding the village on every hillside stand the beautiful summer homes of some wealthy New Yorkers. Among these are the homes of W. R. Barr, "Stony Wolde"; Mrs. John Brower, "Blythlea"; and the homes of E. H. Harriman, Ward Brower, Farrand Brower, Max Jagerhuber, Orrin S. Wood and William L. Strout. Where once our farmers tilled the soil beautiful lawns appear. To the east, where once hunters and trappers alone journeyed, on the highest peak of the Ramapo Mountains, rises the mansion of E. H. Harriman. Inch by inch and foot by foot this great stone structure rises into view above the trees that surround it. A railway has been hewn out of the side of the mountain and a cable railroad operates cars that hoist workmen and materials to the summit.
The village maintains two churches—a Methodist Episcopal and a Catholic. Both have excellent sanctuaries and congregations of earnest, sincere, right-living people. They have done yeoman work in their territory and their influence has been widespread. Connected with the Methodist Church is a Sunday school and Epworth league.
The famous old store of Thomas Earl has been torn down and the village now has five stores. The old "Bombeetel" house still stands at the cross-roads in the center of the village and now contains the village market run by J. R. Brooks.
Time has indeed dealt kindly with Turner. The latest item to be accredited her is electricity. Nightly the village streets are brilliantly lighted and business goes on as busily as by daylight. The magic current is introduced to the houses and brings light and cheerfulness to the homes.
The old village of Centerville would scarcely recognize the village of Turner, which is but the village of Centerville under a new name.
This important town is in the northern part of Orange County, bordering upon Ulster. It lies between the towns of Newburgh on the east, and Crawford on the west. Each of these towns has a large tongue of land that extends much further toward the north than the territory of Montgomery, the northern bounds of which form nearly a straight line. On the south are the towns of New Windsor, Hamptonburgh and Wallkill, from which it is separated by rather irregular rectangular lines. The area of the town as shown by the last Supervisors' report, is 30,578 acres. The assessed valuation of property taxable in the town and found by the Assessors in 1906 aggregated $2,094,640. The total taxes for that year amounted to $23,953.01.
TITLES.
The territory of Montgomery is a part of the original John Evans Patent, which seems to have been set aside subsequently for various reasons. In 1714 it was in the precinct of Shawangunk, in Ulster County, where it remained until 1743. when it became part of the Wallkill precinct. At that time it embraced the following patents:
| Cadwallader Colden, April 9, 1719 | 2,000 acres |
| John Johnson, Jr., February 3, 1720 | 1,000 " |
| Thomas Brazier, March 17, 1720 | 2,000 " |
| Henry Wileman, June 30, 1712 | 3,000 " |
| David Gallatian, June 4, 1719 | 1,000 " |
| Edward Gatehouse, January, 1719 | 1,000 " |
| James Alexander, April 9, 1719 | 2,000 " |
| Archibald Kennedy, April 9, 1719 | 2,000 " |
| James Smith, December 15, 1722 | 2,000 " |
| Patrick McKnight, April 9, 1719 | 2,000 " |
| Thomas Noxon, May 28, 1720 | 2,000 " |
| Francis Harrison & Co., July 7, 1720 | 5,000 " |
| Jeremiah Schuyler & Co., January 22, 1719 | 10,000 " |
| Phillip Schuyler and others, July 20, 1720 | 8,000 " |
| Jacobus Bruyn and Henry Wileman, April 25, 1722 | 2,500 " |
| Frederick Morris and Samuel Heath, January 24, 1736. | |
| Thomas Ellison and Lawrence Roome, Nov. 12, 1750 | |
| Cadwallader Colden, Jr. and David Colden, June 20, 1761 | —720 A. |
In 1772 Wallkill Precinct was divided and the eastern part named the precinct of Hanover. In 1782 this name was changed to the precinct of Montgomery, which was erected as the town of Montgomery in 1788. Ten years afterwards it was, with other towns, taken from Ulster County and annexed to Orange County. In 1823 the town of Montgomery was divided and the western part containing about 25,000 acres constituted and named the town of Crawford. In 1830 the southern part of Montgomery was detached to form (in part) the town of Hamptonburgh. The last alteration in its boundaries was made in 1842, when four farms containing nearly 600 acres were taken from the town of New Windsor and annexed to Montgomery.
NATURAL FEATURES."
The fertile valley of the Wallkill, which extends through the town on a northeasterly course, dividing it nearly into equal parts, is a distinguishing characteristic. For nearly a third of the way, where the stream enters Ulster County, it flows very nearly north in a straight line. Then it deflects toward the southwest to the village of Montgomery, when there is a sharp bend, which afterward turns nearly at right angles toward the east and finally leaves the town in nearly a straight course again, forming a part of the eastern boundary of the town and dividing it from Hamptonburgh. The most important tributary of the Wallkill is the Tinn Brook, which begins in the town of New Windsor, pursues a sinuous career, and finally tumbles into the Wallkill near the village of Walden. The Beaver Dam stream rises in the southeastern part of the town and flows nearly south into the Otterkill, in the town of Hamptonburgh. The source of this stream is a large spring of great depth. McKnight's Kill also rises in the southeasterly part of the town, and flows southerly into the Otterkill near Burnside. The Muddy Kill rises in the western part of the town, drains that section in a sluggish way, and ends near the village of Montgomery. The surface of the town is diversified with hills, rolling and meadow land. Comfort's Hills on the west rise from 600 to 800 feet above tide and are much the highest elevation. For adaptation to varied agriculture the town is not excelled by any other town in the county. The uplands are warm, fertile, and comparatively easy to cultivate. The meadows generally produce large crops of grass, and afford excellent pasturage. Numerous springs and small streams furnish an abundant supply of pure water. Dairying is the predominant agricultural industry.
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
On the east bank of the Wallkill, on the old Rogers farm, there was an old Indian settlement. The red men had made a goodly clearing in the forest here and, tradition says, had planted fruit trees, and when the white man first set foot in this region he found full-grown bearing apple trees on this ancient clearing. An Indian settlement was found on the flat above the bridge over the Wallkill, near the old Miller stone house. Another had its wigwams on the old Christoffel (or Stuffell) Moul (Mould) farm about two miles north of Montgomery on the main highway afterwards known as the stage road from Goshen to Albany. These left for more remote regions in 1775.
Near the present village of Walden the settlement of Henry Wileman was made. His patent contained 3,000 acres, and he settled upon it very soon after its purchase in 1712. What was known as the Harrison Patent was granted May 25, 1721. This was given to the following persons: Francis Harrison, Allan Jarrat, Adolphus Phillips, George Clarke, Johanes Lansing, Henry Wileman, Jacobus Bruyn and William Sharpas. This entire tract was surveyed and a large village laid out, and deeds were given to all actual settlers. Among these the following were named: Hans Newkirk, Hendrick Newkirk, Matthias Slimmer, Peter Kvsler, ____ Kraus, ____ Brandos. These ancient settlers upon this land were Palatines, and after a few years they erected a small log church within the village, the site of which is still fairly indicated by the old graveyard on the east side of the Goshen road, a short distance south of Montgomery. This old village was known as Germantown.
About a mile farther south on this patent Johannes Miller, a German, made a settlement in 1727. The next year he built a stone house where Mr. Elmer Miller afterwards lived. His grandson, Johannes Miller, was a leading citizen of the town in later years—a progressive man, prominent in promoting several important public enterprises, and especially active in the construction of the Newburgh and Cochecton Turnpike Road. His services towards establishing and maintaining the Montgomery Academy have always been held in grateful remembrance.
The 5,000-acre tract granted to Schuyler & Co., was first settled by Jeronimous Weller & Co., in 1721. Another grant of 10,000 acres was settled by a company consisting of Johannes Mingus, his son Jeronimous, Mattias Miltzbagh, and others whose names are not definitely known. It was agreed by this company that a tract of 100 acres would be granted to each family that would locate permanently upon it. Mingus built a mill, around which the old village of Ward's Bridge soon clustered. But Mingus lost his life in this mill by accident soon afterward, which resulted in considerable dispute over the property.
The Wallkill or Goodwill settlement is supposed to date from 1724-25. John Mackneel and Adam Graham were among the first settlers. When they came into the Precinct is not definitely known. The former owned a part of what is now known as the Downs farm; the latter settled on what is now the Parsonage farm. In 1727 Archibald, James and Robert Hunter purchased 200 acres of land, on which a house had then been built, from James Alexander, the patentee; this purchase included the Henry Suydam farm. In 1731 James Munnel settled on, or near, the Charles Miller farm, now owned by Mr. William Y. Dennison. Alexander Kidd settled on what is still known as the Kidd Homestead, about 2-1/2 miles north of the Church in 1736. Benjamin Haines came into the neighborhood in 1739, and the Rev. Joseph Houston was installed pastor of the Goodwill Church in 1740. Other early settlers were James Barkley, on the James W. Bowne farm; the Rev. Joseph Moffat, 1758; John Blake who bought 475 acres of land in 1761, part of which is owned and occupied by his great grandson, Mr. John P. M. Blake, and whose son, John Blake, Jr., was in after years, a prominent man, being supervisor sixteen years, and a member of assembly several terms, sheriff and congressman; Samuel Miller, who came from Canada previous to 1764; Peter Hill in 1767; Captain Hendrichs Van Keuren in 1768; Colonel John Nicholson; John Morrison; Gideon Pelton, and Tunis Van Arsdale, whose blacksmith shop is mentioned in the early records of the town.
Adjoining the Goodwill settlement on the east, Cadwallader Colden had been granted a patent for 2,000 acres and was settled in 1728 where Mr. George W. Pimm now resides. The locality was named Coldenham in his honor. He was one of the most prominent of the early settlers, being surveyor-general of the Province, lieutenant-governor and several limes acting governor. As a man he was esteemed for his great learning, benevolence and strict honesty. As a public officer he was distinguished for his unblemished integrity. Several buildings were erected in that vicinity by members of the Colden family, some of which are still standing.
The Neelytown section adjoins the Goodwill neighborhood on the south, and was so called from a large and influential family which appears to have been active in bringing in the early settlers, but whose name has entirely disappeared from the community, it was settled before 1726. In that year the names of John Neely and Thomas Neely appear as actual settlers. At that time Charles Booth who purchased 1,000 acres of land had built his first house near where Mr. William Conning lived in later years—his two sons, Charles and George Booth, were with him. A defective list of freeholders made in 1728 contains the name of Alexander Neely. William and Robert Neely were witnesses to a will in 1731, and the name of John Neely, Jr., is seen in an old record. William Eager with his sons, William and Thomas, came to Neelytown in 1741. He built a log house where the residence of Mr. Samuel W. Eager now stands. His second house was of stone and was situated a short distance south of the first and built before the Revolution. His descendants are very numerous and are widely scattered. Samuel W. Eager, Orange County's first historian, was one of them. Other early settlers in this section were James McCobb, who located at a very early date on the Sherwood farm, now "Nestledown"; William Jackson, James Jackson, James Houston, William Young, Captain Alexander Trimble, 1764; Patrick Barber, 1764; Captain James McBride and Rev. Robert Annan, 1765.
A settlement across the Wallkill opposite the present village of Montgomery, was made by Henry Crist, Stevanus Crist, Mathias Millspaugh and others. This land was then considered the best in the town. These Germans were a vigorous and hearty people, and they went to work boldly to cultivate the land and establish comfortable homes, with a determination to succeed. They soon began to extend their farms to the Comfort Hills slopes, and into the section now embraced in the town of Crawford. Their success attracted many representatives of the sturdy Scotch-Irish race, who joined them soon afterward. Among the more progressive pioneer settlers was Henry Crist, from whom descended many active men and women who became leading and influential citizens of the town. Jacob Crist is said to have been drowned in the Hudson River on his return from New Amsterdam with his wedding outfit. Henry Crist, the early immigrant, built near the foot of the hill east of the old Dutch church. His son, Jacob, planted his home on the hill opposite Montgomery village near the mill.
Among other early settlers were David Bookstaver, Jacob Bookstaver, Frederick Sinsabaugh, and Johannes Youngblood who bought an 800 acre tract. It is recorded of these pioneer German settlers that they were even unable to build so much as a log cabin at first, and were obliged to make excavations in the hillside in which to pass the winter. This they did in the gravelly hill east of the old Brick church. In these primitive dugouts they waited patiently for the snowdrifts to melt away in the springtime, when they might renew their labors and provide more comfortable shelter for their families.
Johannes Miller came to America in 1700, lived in Ulster County for a time, and about 1727 settled upon a portion of the Harrison patent. Frederick Shafer, a tanner by trade, was also among these old settlers, and soon established a tannery, which was afterward improved by his son Daniel.
Charles Booth purchased 1,000 acres of land in Neelytown, and this tract remained in the Booth family for a long series of years afterward. This family came into the town from Long Island, and George Booth became a leading citizen and was so regarded all through his life.
MILITARY NOTES.
In 1738 a company of militia of the Wallkill was organized under Captain John Byard, and formed part of a regiment of which A. Gaasbeck Chambers was Colonel and Wessel Ten Broeck Lieutenant-Colonel, to protect the early settlers against the incursions of the Indians. Among those whose names were enrolled in this company the following are known to have been residents of what is now the town of Montgomery: John Newkirk, sergeant; James Gillespie, Thomas Gillespie, Alexander Milligan, Alexander Kidd, Archibald Hunter, James Hunter, John Mingus, Stephanus Crist, James Munell, John Munell, George Munell, John McNeill, John McNeill, Jr., Robert Hunter, Richard Gatehouse, Joseph Sutter, Philip Milsbaugh, Cronimus Mingus, Stoffel Moul, Johannes Crans, Matthias Meltzbagh, Hendrix Newkirk, Hendrick Crist, Benjamin Hains, John Neely, Jr., Frederick Sanzabah.
In 1755 the regiment was divided into two regiments. The first embraced Kingston and the northern part of the county; the second embraced the Precincts of Highlands, Wallkill and Shawangunk, and in this form took part in the French and Indian War. The roster of officers in the second regiment included the names of the following persons who then resided in what is now the town of Montgomery: Jacob Newkirk, Captain; Cadwallader C. Colden, Captain; David Gallatin, Captain; Matthew Rea, Lieutenant.
The militia of the Revolution was organized by an act of the Provincial Convention passed August 22, 1775. Ulster County was divided into four regimental districts. The second district comprised the precincts of New Windsor, Hanover and Wallkill. At first there were twelve companies in the regiment, of which Hanover furnished five, commanded by Captain Matthew Felter, William Jackson, James Milliken, John J. Graham and John Gillespie. In 1777 the number of companies was reduced to nine, four of which were in Hanover, under Captains Felter, Milliken, Hendrik Van Keuren and James McBride.
An eminent historian said of the second regiment of Ulster County militia that "it gave, perhaps, more fighting men than were drawn from other similar organizations," and that "no other regiment of militia was more active from the beginning until the end of the war." There was fight in it from start to finish. "As a rule circumstances would not admit of the calling out of an entire company from its beat at one time; some must remain at home; but portions of this regiment were in almost constant motion, some going, others returning." From December, 1876, to April 12, 1778, less than 16 months, the militia of Hanover and adjoining precincts were called out twelve times and spent 202 days in the field.
Although the records of churches and traditions give glimpses of controversies, the inhabitants of Hanover precinct acted with great unanimity and showed an intense patriotic spirit during the War for Independence. The pledge of association, dated May 8, 1775, in which they pledged their "support to the Continental Congress in resisting the oppressive acts of the British Parliament," and in the most solemn manner resolved "never to become slaves," was signed first by Dr. Charles Clinton and received 342 signatures.
The history of the men of Montgomery in the Revolution, who they were, and what they did, if it could be written, would be a story of toils, privation and exposure of great interest to the present generation. In few sections of the State did the burden of the war bear more heavily than in the valleys of the Wallkill and the Hudson, and in no portion was it borne with more unflinching determination. But this history cannot be written. The names of many of these men and their deeds have sunk into oblivion. A few of those preserved by history and tradition, together with the places where they lived, are mentioned. To locate the places definitely the names of the owners at the present (1908), are given.
Arthur Parks lived at Ward's Bridge (now Montgomery), on what was afterwards known as the L'Hommedieu farm, now occupied by Mr. H. H. Hallett. He was a member of the Committee of Safety in 1775 and 1776, first Lieutenant in Captain William Jackson's company of militia, Major of a battalion of minute men in 1776, member of the first Provincial Convention, member of the convention that framed our first State Constitution and of the convention that amended it, and State Senator for eleven years.
Jacob Newkirk was captain under Colonel Thomas Ellison in the French and Indian War, member of the Committee of Safety, Major, and afterwards Lieutenant-Colonel of the second regiment Ulster County militia, and commanded the regiment during the years that Colonel James McClaughry was a prisoner and was recovering from his wounds received at the capture of Fort Montgomery.
Henry Smith was also a member of the Committee of Safety for the precinct and was first Lieutenant in Captain Matthew Felter's company; he lived nearly two miles north of Montgomery on the farm now owned and occupied by his descendant, Mr. James Smith.
Hugh Lindsay was a private in Colonel John Lamb's Artillery, and was taken prisoner at the capture of Fort Montgomery; he lived at Ward's Bridge and afterwards built and lived in the house on Bridge street now owned by the estate of the late Jonathan M. Morrison.
Alexander Trimble was quarter-master of the Second Ulster Regiment in the War of the Revolution, and also a member of the Committee of Safety; he lived about two miles south of Goodwill Church on the farm now owned and occupied by Mr. George Van Alst.
Johannes Moul (Mould), who lived about two miles north of Montgomery, where his great-great-grandson, Mr. John D. Mould, now lives, was a sergeant in the French and Indian War, and with his son, Johannes Moul, Jr., and his brother, Christopher Moul, were privates in Colonel McClaughry's Regiment in the Revolution. These three patriots also evinced their patriotism by loaning money to the Government when it was urgently needed to equip the army for the capture of Cornwallis.
James Milliken, a member of the Committee of Safety, lived on the east side of the Wallkill, where Mr. Harvey N. Smith now resides, was captain of one of the Hanover companies, and was killed at Fort Montgomery.
Hendricus Van Keuren was a veteran of the French and Indian War, who served throughout the Revolution as Captain, and according to family tradition, gratuitously lived on what is known as the Downs farm, between Montgomery and Goodwill church.
John Nicholson was Colonel of the Third N. Y. Regiment of the Continental Line, which was brigaded under General Richard Montgomery, and took part in the assault on Quebec when the brave Montgomery was killed. The privations and exposures of that campaign were so great that with impaired health he returned to his farm, near Maybrook, which is now divided, and owned by Mr. John Wiley and Mr. William H. Jewell.
Hamilton Morrison enlisted as soon as he was old enough, and served first as a private and then as a sergeant in Captain James McBride's company, Second Ulster County Militia. He lived about a mile south of Goodwill Church on what is known as the Morrison Homestead, now owned and occupied by his grandsons, Mr. George H. Morrison and Mr. John G. Morrison.
Tunis Van Arsdale lived on the adjoining farm (now a part of the homestead), and was a blacksmith. His shop was the rendezvous of the patriots in that vicinity. He was also a private in Captain Van Keuren's company and saved his life at Fort Montgomery by slipping between the legs of a British soldier who was holding an American bayoneted against the wall of the fort, and escaped in the darkness.
John Van Arsdale, who lived with his elder brother, Tunis, enlisted in the Continental Army at the beginning of the war, and served faithfully until its close. He suffered intensely from cold and hardship in the Canada expedition, was severely wounded and taken prisoner at Fort Montgomery, languished many weary months in the "old sugar house" and in the foul hold of the "Jersey prison ship," was finally exchanged, and then braved the perils of Indian warfare in several campaigns. On November 25, 1783, he witnessed the evacuation of New York City by the British, which was the final triumph of the cause for which he and others had fought and suffered seven long years, and was present when the advancing Americans, following closely upon the retiring British, reached the Battery to perform the last formality in repossessing the city, which was to unfurl the American flag over Fort George, but found the royal ensign still floating as usual over the Fort. The British had nailed their colors to the staff and taken away the halyards. In this dilemma John Van Arsdale ascended the flag-staff, partly by ladder, but mainly by shinning, tore down the British flag and rove the new halyards by which the Star Spangled Banner was quickly run up while the assembled thousands cheered, and the artillery boomed forth a national salute. While other localities may boast of those who struck the first blow for American freedom, Montgomery may justly claim for one of her sons the glory of removing the last vestige of British authority from this country.
ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWN.
The town was originally organized under the name of Hanover Precinct in 1772. The present territory of Crawford was then included, the whole having been taken from the old Wallkill Precinct. In 1782 the name was changed to Montgomery Precinct, and seven years later it was finally changed to the town of Montgomery. This title was bestowed in honor of General Montgomery, who was killed in the assault upon Quebec in 1775. Major Colden was the supervisor of the old Wallkill precinct in 1768-69.
The record of the first town meeting, now on file in the town clerk's office, is of April 5, 1803. Reuben Neely was then chosen supervisor, and Arthur Parks, town clerk. There were fifty-five overseers of highways in the town that year. But the laborers were few, the system of road-working was sadly defective, as in fact it remained for nearly a hundred years afterwards, and the results were primitive and unsatisfactory, although, of course, far less was required of a public road in those days than is now demanded, and the people accepted the situation without complaint, so far as the record shows.
The following is a list of supervisors of the town to 1908: David Galatian, 1798; John Blake, 1799; Reuben Neely, 1800 to 1810; John Blake, Jr., to 1826; Samuel W. Eager, to 1833; Nathaniel P. Hill, 1834; Edward Blake, to 1839; James Galatian, to 1841; William Blake, to 1844; William Graham, to 1846; Stephen Rapalje, 1847; Joshua G. Hallock, to 1849; Lindley M. Ferris, 1850; Johannes M. Hunter, to 1852; Stephen Rapalje, to 1863; Marcus K. Hill, 1864; Stephen Rapalje, to 1873; Daniel M. Wade, to 1875; Marcus K. Hill, to 1877; Charles J. Van Alst, to 1879; Robert Young, to 1886; Andrew K. Wade, to 1889; Robert Young, 1890; Irving H. Loughran, to 1900; William H. Didsburg, to 1905; Hector W. Millspaugh, to 1907; William G. Decker, 1908.
VILLAGES.
The old village of Montgomery is on the bank of the Wallkill in the southern part of the town. It was here that Henry Crist, Stephen Crist and Matthias Millspaugh settled at an early date, on the west bank of the river. Johannes Mingus built a grist-mill there, which was afterwards sold to James Ward with 200 acres of land, upon which the village was built. Mr. Ward built a rude bridge across the Wallkill in order that his customers might reach his mill. This was really the first road bridge of any kind known in that vicinity for years afterward. In fact, the place took its name from this important structure, as well as the post-office itself, it being known as Ward's Bridge for many years.
James Clinton and William Crist, having obtained an interest in the Kennedy patent, upon which the village stands, laid out "a small town called Montgomery town," which gave the village that name. Among other early settlers there were John McFaugh, David Crist, John McKinstry, Matthew Hunter, Samuel Smith, Arthur Parks and Oolis Shulp. James Ward, the pioneer, lived in a log cabin.
The village was incorporated by a special act dated February 17, 1810. Hugh Lindsey was the first president. The first village tax aggregated $60. Two years later $100 was raised to build a market house, and in 1814, $200 was appropriated for a fire engine. But it was not until seven years later that four professional firemen were appointed. In 1880 this village tax had increased to over $1,200.
The location of Montgomery on a placid stretch of the Wallkill, with its slightly elevated banks, affording a fine natural drainage, is peculiarly healthful, and there are many attractive and commodious private residences. Among the leading manufacturing industries is the worsted mills of William Crabtree & Sons. The people of Montgomery are noted for their hospitality and public spirit. The place is surrounded by fine State roads, and ranks as one of the important historic villages of Orange County.
Walden is the most thriving and important village. It is on the Wallkill River at the high falls, by which indefinite name it was known for years. The settlement began many years before the Revolution. Of course, the first structure was the inevitable grist-mill, as in nearly every instance in this region. James Kidd built a mill at the foot of the falls on the east side of the stream, though the precise date is not definitely known. In any event, the records show that in 1768 this old mill had already fallen into the possession of Johannes Decker. In 1789 it belonged to Cadwallader Colden, Jr. The plant was afterward converted into a cotton factory.
Mr. Walden, the founder of this village, is said to have struggled manfully under adverse influences and suffered defeat at the end in his old age, causing him to retire ultimately from the scene of his labors. Leaving the refinements of city life to establish manufacturing interests in this sparsely settled region, and without adequate protection, he spent his fortune and his active energies here practically without reward. There being no railways, raw material had to be drawn in sleighs in winter to these factories.
Mr. Walden was a prosperous New York merchant. While summering in the Highlands, he extended his drive with Mrs. Walden many miles further, and came upon this charming valley of the Wallkill, through which a broad stream flowed. They saw the old mill at the very foot of the cataract, and a tiny cottage in a grove of locusts further down the stream. The old merchant perceived the wonderful possibilities of this picturesque spot, and he lost no time in developing the place. He purchased large tracts of land covering the region, closed up his extensive city business and moved here. The place grew very slowly in the earlier years, even after its incorporation in 1855. Down to 1868 the population of the village did not exceed 600 souls. Of course, the manufacturing interests had not been fully developed at that time. The people were still largely employed in trades and farm work. The New York Knife Company began business in 1856 by purchasing the cloth mills of Scofield, Capron & Gowdy.
There are two fine iron bridges over the Wallkill at this point, many handsome private residences on the heights on either side of the river, several busy factories, churches, schools, newspapers, numerous stores and shops of every kind, and there is a general aspect of thrill and progress all through the pretty village. Most of this growth is modern; nearly all the more substantial structures are less than forty years old. The act of incorporation was passed April 9, 1855, and the first village meeting was held the following week. Augustus F. Scofield was the first president, and continued six years. Previous to the incorporation of the village the fire company had been in existence some time. This organization was known as "The Walden Fire Incorporation," and it constituted the Fire Department of the village for years afterwards. In 1865 Daniel Torbush was the chief engineer, and in 1880, when the company was known as "Enterprise No. 1," the chief engineer was Granville Crist.
A new comer in Walden in 1859 says there were then only three prominent business houses, those of Marcus K. Hill, Ebenezer Knapp, and Joseph Millspaugh. It seemed to him then that about nine-tenths of the inhabitants there were named either Millspaugh or Kidd. Augustus F. Scofield was then the leading citizen of wealth and influence, having a large shawl factory. The hotels were the Eagle and the St. Nicholas, as they are at present. Scofield Hall was used for public assemblies and such eminent lecturers as John G. Saxe, Rev. Edward K. Beecher, Park Benjamin and Fanny Fern appeared there. The much loved village parson was old "Dominie" Schoonmaker, who labored there faithfully for many years. The industries of Walden were then confined to the shawl factory, the satinette factory of Giles Andrews, and the knife factory. James Todd was widely known as "the model farmer of Orange County." George Weller was a prominent resident greatly devoted to all the village interests, and his home was regarded as a scene of unbounded hospitality and good cheer.
The first introduction of gas in Walden many years ago was not a financial success, and the company abandoned the project. A public water system was introduced in 1892. Previous to that time water for fires had to be taken through long hose from the Wallkill and Tinn Brook streams. The electric fire alarm system was installed about fifteen years ago. The newspaper known as the Walden Herald was established about 1869, and the Walden Citizen is in its twentieth year.
Near the line of Newburgh, in the northeastern part of the town, is the old hamlet of St. Andrews, which was left behind in the later development of Walden with its great water-power facilities. It was named for the ancient Episcopal church there, which is now located at Walden.
Maybrook is an important railway junction, in the extreme southeast corner of the town. The population, which numbers about four hundred, is composed principally of railroad employees.
Coldenham is near the New Windsor boundary, but in the southeastern part of the town. The title came from the Colden family and the hamlet was the home of the Lieutenant Governor and acting Chief Magistrate of the New York Colony.
Allard's Corners on the northwest border, and Scott's Corners, east of Montgomery village, are other small hamlets of minor importance.
BANKS.
Le Fevre and De Garmo were the first bankers, beginning business in Walden in 1870. They continued but a short time, and in 1873 the Exchange Bank was organized with George W. Stoddard in active charge. This was merged into the Walden National Bank in 1877 and was succeeded in 1897 by the National Bank of Walden, the name of the present institution. The Walden Savings Bank, the oldest and largest financial institution in the town, began business June 1, 1872, with the following officers: Seth M. Capron, president; Thomas W. Bradley, vice-president; and Peter LeFevre, secretary and treasurer.
The Montgomery National Bank began business November 1, 1905, with the following officers: William H. Senior, president; John A. Crabtree, vice-president; E. I. Emerson, cashier. Directors: William Eager, John J. Vanderoef, John A. Crabtree, Clunks D. Wait, J. Harvey Harris, Dr. E. Ross Elliott, William F. Lodge, Harvey Tuttle, William H. Senior, Walter R. Comfort, Fred W. Tower.
INDUSTRIES.
Nearly all the soil of this town is well adapted to successful agriculture in its varied forms. While much of the land has been devoted to meadows and grass, fine crops of grain were grown, wheat especially, in the earlier years of the settlement. Fruit is also grown to a considerable extent in some localities with profit. Orchards were planted in the town nearly a hundred years ago by Robert Griffith, John Miller, Andrew Graham, Hamilton Morrison and others.
The bonding of the town in aid of the Wallkill Valley and other railway construction had a depressing effect upon the people and their property for a time, and there was much opposition to the scheme, among the farmers especially. But the advantages of the railways became apparent in a few years, and probably no one would now care to abolish the present traffic facilities afforded or longer regrets the cost.
The opening of the Wallkill Valley Railway to Montgomery, in 1866 was a most important event for the town and county.
The Walden Woolen Factory was established in 1823 by Jesse Scofield and Dr. Coburn. It was at first known as the "Franklin Company." There were frequent changes in the firm and management in the succeeding years. But for over fifty years this old plant was the most important business feature of Walden, and it had much to do with its early growth and development. The buildings were of stone and of the most durable character, and the water-power ample.
The New York Knife Company has long been regarded among the largest cutlery plants in the United States. It was organized in 1852 and operated at Matteawan, Dutchess County, until 1856, when it was moved to Walden to the building formerly used as a cotton factory. Table and pocket cutlery of every kind and quality are made in this establishment, which has achieved world-wide fame in the hardware trade, domestic and foreign. Thomas W. Bradley was long the leading spirit of the concern, being the active superintendent as well as the president of the company. He served with valor and distinction in the Civil War, and became prominent in the military affairs of the State afterwards. He also served in the State Assembly in 1875-76, and at present represents this district in Congress.
The Walden Condensed Milk Company was organized in 1864 with a proposed capital of $50,000. But it was reorganized three years later under the name of the Highland Condensed Milk Company. The enterprise was finally abandoned soon afterward and the buildings were used by the Walden Soap Works. The Walden Brickyard began operations in 1868 with James Gowdy at its head. The Walden Knife Company was established in 1870 with W. E. Gowdy as president. It is entirely devoted to pocket cutlery. In 1891 Mr. Edward Whitehead became its president, since which time the industry has forged rapidly ahead, with the annual payroll exceeding a quarter of a million dollars. The Schrade Cutlery Company was organized in 1904. It is under the direct management of George Schrade and his brother, J. Louis Schrade. The Rider-Ericsson Engine Company, manufacturers of hot air pumping engines, is also a very important industry, giving employment to 125 men. The Wooster Manufacturing Company, makers of pants and overalls, conducts an extensive and increasing business. The firm of William Crabtree & Sons, manufacturers of worsted yarns with plants in Montgomery village and Newburgh, conducts an important industry. This was established in 1880 by William Crabtree and Arthur Patchett, both now deceased. Two hundred persons are given employment by this progressive firm.
The New York Condensed Milk Company established a very extensive branch of its business just north of Walden in 1880, at an initial cost of $200,000, and the buildings and entire plant have been greatly enlarged and improved since that time. It was intended to receive the milk from 5,000 cows at the outset. John G. Borden, who became one of the most prominent and progressive men in that region in after years, was the first president of this important plant. Since his death the great enterprise, with its model farms, has been carried on most successfully by his daughters, and it is still one of the great show places of this region of the State. The farms, though mainly in Ulster County, are highly cultivated and operated under the most modern methods.
HISTORIC HOMES.
The Colden house, on the Montgomery and Newburgh State road, at Coldenham, was built in 1765 by Cadwallader Colden, Jr. His father, Dr. Cadwallader Colden settled in Coldenham in 1728 on his patent of 3,000 acres of land—he was the surveyor general of the province for eleven years, lieutenant governor for thirteen years and acting governor in 1761, 1763, 1769 and 1774. He gave to Cadwallader, Jr., on his marriage, five hundred acres of land, including the site on which this house stands. The land was all in woods, and Cadwallader, Jr., began at once to clear part of it for farming purposes; with his own hands he felled the first tree, and up-rooted the first stub. After a few years the first dwelling he erected gave place to this permanent stone structure, then, one of the finest dwellings of the period. In it he lived a useful life, esteemed by all who knew him, and in it he died mourned as a public benefactor. Some years ago an addition to the house was built in the rear, and more recently a mansard roof and other improvements were added. The date of the erection of the building, and the names of its builders, are cut on a stone in the upper front center. Its historical associations, past and present, cover a period of one hundred and seventy-five years.
The Thomas Colden mansion was built by Cadwallader Colden, Jr., for one of his sons. It is situated about a mile north of Coldenham, at Colden Hill, near what was the Newburgh and Ellenville plank road. It is a frame building with hipped-roof and is kept in excellent condition. After the death of Thomas Colden it was occupied by Cadwallader C. Colden, and more recently by Messrs. John and Joseph Kelly.
The Haines house is situated about a mile east of the Goodwill Church, and a short distance south of the highway known as the Hadden road. It was built by Benjamin Haines who came into the precinct in 1739. The year in which the house was erected is not known, but it is probably the oldest house in the town. During recent years it has been occupied only for short intervals, and the walls are crumbling. This house is known as the Old Hadden house, having been in the possession of successive generations of that family for more than one hundred years.
The Hill Brick house situated about three miles east of Montgomery on the State road was built by Nathaniel Hill in 1774 and occupied by his son, Peter, who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution. At his death the ownership and occupancy of the homestead passed to his son, Nathaniel P. Hill, who was a prominent man—was sheriff, member of congress, and filled other important positions. One of his sons, Nathaniel P., had also attained prominence as U. S. senator from Colorado.
The Van Keuren Stone house, now generally known as the Downs House, about a mile west of Goodwill church, on the road to Montgomery, was built in part by Hendricus Van Keuren in 1768, and in part by a previous owner probably John McNeal. The house is in excellent condition and is, perhaps, the oldest unchanged occupied house in the town.
The Beemer house, situated on the old Stage road from Goshen to Albany, nearly three miles north of Montgomery and about two miles west of Walden, was built by Adam Beemer in 1770. It is a framed building and has been recovered and repaired, but otherwise not materially changed. It is now in fair condition.
The Hans Youngblood house is situated on the road leading from the Searsville road north to the former site of Graham's church on the Pine Bush road. Tradition says it was built before the French and Indian War. It was used for a German school in 1761, and is not occupied at present.
The Kidd house in the extreme southeasterly part of Walden was probably built in part by Alexander Kidd, who settled there in 1736. The year it was built is not known. Alexander Kidd was among the first elders of Goodwill Church. His descendants are numerous.
SCHOOLS.
One of the ancient landmarks is the Montgomery High School, formerly known as the Montgomery Academy. This noted school is as old as our National Government. It had its inception in 1787, the year that the National Constitution was framed. It was the fourth oldest academy in the State, having been incorporated in 1791. Before 1787 the inhabitants of the village and surrounding country felt the need of a school of a high grade, and during that year erected a school building on lots reserved in part for school purposes, when the village was first surveyed and laid out. In the autumn of 1787 teachers were employed and the school opened for pupils. During 1790 steps were taken to incorporate the institution and place it under the care of the regents of the State University, as appears from the following application and petition:
"To the Regents of the University of the State of New York: Be it known that a certain tract of land pleasantly situated in the town of Montgomery, in the county of Ulster, in the center of a populous, fertile and wealthy country, hath lately been purchased, and a large and convenient building of two stories high erected and completed thereon, for the use of a public academy for the instruction of youth in the learned languages and other branches of useful knowledge, that the expense of the undertaking hath been defrayed by the free and liberal benefactions of individuals, of whom the subscribers constitute more than one-half with respect to the contributions raised and collected to found said academy, and that a gentleman of liberal education, of very competent abilities and irreproachable moral character has been procured, with a tutor, to teach in said academy.
"The subscribers, pursuant to an act of the Legislature of the State of New York entitled an act to institute a university within this State, and for other purposes, passed April 13, 1787, respectfully make the application to the regents of said University requiring that the said academy may be incorporated agreeably to the said law, and be subject to the visitation of the said regents, and they do hereby nominate Arthur Parks, Matthew Hunter, Benjamin Sears, Henry Van Keuren, Solomon Slight, Joseph Barber, James Clinton, Moses Freleigh, Daniel Bull, James Hunter, Peter Hill, David Galatian, Johannes Miller, Severyn T. Brown, Henry Smith, Ebenezer Clark and William Cross to be the first trustees of the said academy, declaring it to be their desire that the said trustees be called and distinguished by the name of the trustees of the Montgomery Academy in the County of Ulster.
| "Andrew King. | John McKinstry. |
| Nathan W. Howell. | James Moore. |
| L. Sleght. | William Jackson. |
| Matthew Hunter. | Matthew Gillespie. |
| Stephen Goldsmith. | David Jagger. |
| John Nicholson. | Hugh Milliken. |
| Benjamin Sears. | Andrew Graham. |
| James Clinton. | Thomas Greggs. |
| Hamilton Morrison. | Jacob Meltzberg. |
| Gideon Pelton. | Alexander Leeds. |
| Patrick Barber. | Robert Kidd. |
| Jacob Newkirk. | James Mackay. |
| David Galatian. | Thomas Barkley. |
| William Cross. | Stephen Ross. |
| Severyn T. Bruyn. | Stephen Crist. |
| Johannes Mould. | John Wilkin. |
| Christian Rockefeller. | A. M. McCord. |
| Jacob Linderman. | William Wilkin. |
| Jacob Bookstaver. | Robert Sewall. |
| William Booth. | David Miller. |
| Alexander P. Anderson. | B. Hopkins. |
| John Clark. | Samuel Boyd. |
| James W. Wilkin. | Adam J. Doll. |
| Johannes Miller. | Martimus Crist. |
| William Weller. | William Johnston. |
| Jacob F. Bookstaver. | Daniel Cahill. |
| Henry J. Smith. | John Millspaugh. |
| Neal Diggie. | Solomon Sleght. |
| Henry Sinsabaugh. | John Robinson. |
| Henry Van Keuren. | John C. Millyberg. |
| Peter Crans. | Henry Nealy. |
| Henry Smith. | Benjamin Cradit. |
| James Jackson, Jr. | Frederick Bookstaver. |
| Philip Millspaugh. | Moses Latta. |
| John Linderman. | Jacob Smedes. |
| William Cross. | John A. Newkirk. |
| David Smith. | James Hunter. |
| James Hunter. | William Crist. |
| Jacob Pitts. | Johannes Yerkes. |
| Henry German. | Christopher Moule. |
| John Barber. | George Monnell. |
| Daniel Bull. | Joseph Burrows. |
| James M. Claghen. | William Hill. |
| John Puff. | Thomas McKissock. |
| John Pool. | Alexander Dorcus. |
| John Sears. | Charles Young. |
| John Barclay. | Andrew Hart. |
| John Scott. | James Kidd. |
| Jeremiah Smith. | William Erwin. |
| Jane Crage. | John Hunter. |
| James T. Graham. | John P. Haines. |
| John Haines. | Peter Hill. |
| Thomas Beallie. | Robert Hunter. |
| Tunis Van Arsdale. | David Crist. |
| John Dunlap. | James Fitzgerald. |
| Caleb Dill. | Samuel P. Gale. |
| Andrew Embler. | William Faulkner, Jr. |
| Jason Wilkin. | James Sutton. |
| William Faulkner. | John Barber. |
| D. G. Rogers. | Jonathan Miller. |
| James Preston. | David Comfort. |
| Cornelius Schoonmaker. | Matthew M. Rowe. |
| William Miller." |
The petition was dated January 3, 1791, and the act of incorporation was passed the 23rd of April following. The school prospered and greater accommodations became necessary. In 1823 the main part of the present brick building was erected at a cost of about $5,400. Nearly two-thirds of the cost was paid by State moneys; the remaining third was raised by subscription through the activity and persistence of Johannes Miller.
The academy continued to prosper until the free school system was adopted, when it began to decline. In 1881 it was transferred by the trustees to the Board of Education of the Montgomery Union Free School, of which it is now (1908) the academical department. The following is a list of principals of the academy since it was incorporated: Rev. Alexander Miller, Nathaniel Howell, Nathan H. White, Reuben Neely, James King, Prof. Stansbury, William H. Weller, Rev. John McJimsay, Prof. Wilson, Jacob C. Tooker, twenty years, Silas S. Harmon, seven years, Rev Samuel B. Bell, D. D., Joseph M. Wilkins, three years, Robert Simpson, Daniel K. Bull, Prof. Lasher, Prof. Graham, Prof. Gunnison, Theron Little, Prof. Stevens, Prof. Beardsley, Prof. Cone, Benjamin C. Nevins, Prof. Demarest, Prof. Rouse. This famous academy reached the zenith of its prosperity under Professors Tooker and Harmon.
The town is divided into thirteen school districts and parts of districts; of these, twelve have school-houses in the town. These district schools will compare favorably with those of any other town. It appears from trustees' reports for 1907 that the whole number of children of school age (between five and eighteen), residing in the town that year was 1,337; of these 1,299 attended school. The average daily attendance of these children was 850. The number of teachers employed at the same time was thirty-four. The total cost of sustaining these schools was $25,330; of this sum $17,892 was raised by district tax. The value of school-houses and sites was $42,450. Two of the districts (Montgomery and Walden), are union free school districts. The former was established in 1881 and now (1908), employs six teachers. The first principal was Reuben Fraser. The present board of education is: Dr. E. Ross Elliott, William Eager, William H. Senior, John A. Crabtree and William S. Hanlon. The latter was organized in 1859 and now employs eighteen teachers. The Board of Education in 1908 is: Sanford Abrams, Henry E. Williams. Frank Benedict, Benjamin S. French, Harry Hollingsworth, Dewitt C. Dominick. There is one parochial school in the town.
CHURCHES.
There are many ancient churches in this town. It was a sturdy Christian people that first settled in this region. After building their grist mills and providing themselves and families with log-cabins, or other rude shelter from the storm and cold of the severe winters which then prevailed, their next thought was for the church, where they might enjoy religious worship, hear the Scripture expounded and meet together in praise and song.
The oldest and best known of these churches in those early days was the Good Will Presbyterian Church. This was established by the Scotch-Irish settlers who came into the region in 1724. The earliest records of this old church seem to have been lost. But the organization was represented in the Synod of Philadelphia in 1729 by John McNeal as commissioner. This date has, therefore, been taken for the establishment of the church, although it was doubtless in existence there some years earlier. The settlers of the region being long known as "the people of Wallkill," this church went under the name of the Wallkill Church, though incorporated under the name first mentioned. The first church structure is believed to have been erected in 1735, although there was some rude building set apart for religious worship some years before this. The building was improved and enlarged from time to time, some $8,000 having been expended upon it in this way in 1871. During the one hundred and seventy-nine years of its existence it has had but nine pastors: Rev. Joseph Houston, John Moffatt, Andrew King, Robert W. Condit, William Blain, David M. Maclise, D.D., James M. Dixon, D.D., David F. Bonner, D.D., and the present pastor, Rev. John H. Thompson, who has served the church for seventeen years.
The Reformed Church of Montgomery was founded mainly by the German element in 1732. As the population increased divisions arose in this church and several other churches were formed from it. The first house of worship was a log structure built in 1732. And it is said that the entrance of this old church was by means of a ladder placed on the outside. All these early records were kept in the Dutch language, and the services were also conducted in Dutch for the first fifty years. Then for a time each alternate Sunday the English language was used. Rev. John Michael Kern seems to have been the first settled pastor. He came in 1772 and resigned in 1776. Rev. G. W. Mancius, of the old parent Kingston Dutch Church, had been acting as a supply previous to that date, until his death in 1762. Three different church buildings have occupied the site since the old block house was taken down in 1760. The first was a frame structure erected immediately thereafter. The church contained sixty-eight pews, forty-six of which were occupied at a rental of 96L 8S. Pews for the elders and deacons were on the right and left of the old-fashioned pulpit. Among the names of the pew-holders are found those of Rockefeller, Youngblood, Mould, Decker, Weller, Robinson, etc., ancestors of many well-known families. The modern name of the church for years has been "the Brick Church of Montgomery." The present pastor is Peter Crispell.
The St. Andrew's Church at Walden, before alluded to, is another ancient religious society. This people passed through a troublous {sic} existence during the Revolution, and the parish was left vacant for some years until 1790. Finally, after emerging from a heavy debt, a new church was erected in the village of Walden in 1827. Then after many changes in rectors, another new church was decided upon in 1870. This with the parsonage cost $18,000, and in 1880 the church was finally consecrated free from debt.
The Reformed Presbyterian Church of Coldenham was organized in 1795, and a house of worship built four years later. This was replaced by a new structure in 1838. Dr. Alexander McLeod was the pastor from 1800 to 1812. The present pastor, Rev. Thomas Patton, was installed in 1893.
The Reformed Dutch Church of Berea, which came as a secession from the Goodwill Church, got its first pastor in 1823, Rev. James Ten Eyck, the congregation having been incorporated two years before. When the first little church was built it was surrounded by a forest, the timber for the building being cut from the site itself.
The First Reformed Church of Walden was incorporated in 1870, although the society was formed forty years before, and the church building was completed in 1838 at a cost of $12,000. Some $5,000 more was afterward spent upon the parsonage. Rev. M. V. Schoonmaker was the minister from 1849 to 1888. The present minister, Rev. W. W. Schomp, was installed in 1897.
The First Presbyterian Church of Montgomery was incorporated in 1832 and Rev. James O. Stokes was the first pastor. There were many changes in this pastorate in the succeeding years, and the debt piled up gradually until it reached $2,300 in 1848, a parsonage having been built meanwhile. This debt was, however, fully met that year under the pastorate of Rev. E. R. Fairchild, whose health soon failed, however. Rev. J. C. Forsyth was installed in 1875 and he continued in that field for many years.
The Methodist Church of Montgomery, was organized in 1829 with Rev. B. Howe and J. W. Lefever as priests. The "table expenses" of Mr. Howe were $100 and those of Lefever $50, which was in addition to the disciplinary allowance. A small church was built that year and a parsonage four years later.
In 1906 an Episcopal mission was established in Montgomery.
The Walden Methodist Church was incorporated in 1850. Previous to that the "classes" there were under the pastoral care of the Montgomery preachers. In fact, it was not until 1866 that the Walden Church became an independent charge. Then a parsonage was built and the church building was enlarged and improved in 1870 at a cost of $6,000. In 1893 it was removed to the east side of the church lot and remodeled.
The Church of the Holy Name in the village of Montgomery was incorporated in 1870. Rev. Hugh S. O'Hare was the pastor.
The inception of the Church of the Most Precious Blood in Walden was in 1887. Services were held in Lustig's and later in Condon's hall. The church was dedicated by Bishop Farley July 5, 1896. The officiating priests have been Rev. C. A. Meredith, Rev. P. Morris and Rev. F. C. Lenes.
Among the recent church organizations of the town is the People's Baptist Church at Maybrook, erected in 1906. No settled pastor.
Several of the old cities of the dead date back to 1725. The Wallkill Valley Cemetery Association was organized in 1865 and the first burial made May 1, 1867. This cemetery commands general admiration in the beauty and grandeur of its location. It comprises forty-one acres and the interments exceed 2,000. In 1905 Colonel Thomas Bradley erected here a bronze statue, "The Volunteer," memorial to Company H, 124th Regiment. Other burial places are Goodwill, St. Mary's, Riverside, Berea, Brick Church and Coldenham.
LOCATION, AREA, ETC.
This is one of the smaller towns of Orange County and it is located in the acute angle of the western boundary line of the county formed by the indentation of Sullivan County. The territory of the town is diamond-shaped. The Shawangunk stream, which flows through the town lengthwise toward the northeast, leaves it in the apex of the angle and then forms the boundary line separating Orange from Sullivan, as well as the northwestern bounds of the towns of Wallkill and Crawford.
It is bounded on the north by Sullivan County and a very small part of the town of Wallkill, east by that town, south by the towns of Wawayanda and Greenville, and west by the town of Deer Park.
The area of the town is now placed at 16,104 acres. The assessed valuation of all the real and personal property, as reported by the assessors in 1906, was $632,075, upon which the tax levy for that year was $3,903.36. In 1880 this land was valued at $673,470, and the annual tax was $5,157.79. But it would be manifestly unfair to assume that the land is less valuable now than it was twenty-five years ago. The average town assessor in the State of New York, under the prevailing political conditions and customs, is largely a creature of circumstance, with strange vagaries in judgment, if indeed he is called upon to exercise any judgment at all under the official limitations of his position. Then, too, standards of value have greatly changed during that time.
This Mount Hope territory lies wholly north of the old county line which originally divided Orange from Ulster County.
NATURAL FEATURES.
The Shawangunk mountain range in the western border of the town is the most important topographical feature. This northern spur of the Alleghenies is known as the Blue Mountains in New Jersey and the Kittatiny Mountains in the State of Pennsylvania. Beginning in the central part of Ulster County the general trend of the range is toward the southwest for some 250 miles. There are few isolated peaks, and the greatest altitude reached is about 1,800 feet above tide. The more notable elevations of this range are Sam's Point, near Ellenville, Sky Top and Eagle's Cliff at Lake Mohonk, all of which are in Ulster County. The Indian word Shawangunk, which has been used to designate this range since the settlement of the region, signifies "great wall" in the aboriginal vernacular, which in fact seems especially appropriate as a descriptive title.
The eastern slopes of these mountains are uniform and well adapted to cultivation, even to their summits, in most instances. But on the western side they are broken and precipitous. The approach from the east has been fitly described by an old writer in the following language: "The eye rests upon fields of grain and grass, upturned furrows, the verdure of waving trees and the homes of thrifty hospitality, spread out from valley to crest, over the south and the far north, in unwearying {sic} panoramic beauty—a patchwork of gold and green, of brown and gray, of white and red."
The Shawangunk River is another dominating feature in this Mount Hope township. Rising in the adjoining town of Greenville on the south, this stream enters the Mount Hope territory near the middle of the southern boundary line and flows northeasterly through the central portion of the town, leaving the north boundary line at the apex of Sullivan County, as before stated.
The Little Shawangunk rises at Shawangunk Lake, on the eastern border of the town, flows northward along the line some four or five miles, then crosses over into the town of Wallkill, anon reentering Mount Hope in the northeast corner, and finally unites with the parent stream in the western bounds of Wallkill. There are several small tributaries which enter the Shawangunk from the west and drain the mountain slopes effectually.
This territory also presents many geological features of interest which have attracted considerable attention in past years. Here, as elsewhere in this mountain range, rich mineral deposits have been found. Lead, copper and zinc ores were discovered many years ago, and numerous mining companies have been formed in the town.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
This being one of the newer towns of the County, having been taken from the towns of Wallkill and Deer Park in 1825, the details pertaining to its early settlement are of course embodied in the history of those towns and cannot well be treated separately in this place at much length.
Among the early pioneers in this section was John Finch, who settled in what was afterward known as Finchville. The records show he was there in 1733 at least. He came from Horseneck, Conn., settling first at Goshen, where it was said in after years he was the first adult person to receive burial in the Goshen churchyard.
Jasper Writer came from Germany, and after spending a few years in Philadelphia he removed to this section and settled on what was afterward known as the Writer farm. This was probably before 1763, as he was over a hundred years old when he died in 1842.
Ashbel Cadwell was another early settler here, and his grandson, Harvey R. Cadwell, in later years became a prominent citizen of Otisville.
The Green family was also among the early settlers here. Israel Green, the pioneer, started at Middletown, and he had many children, some of whom lived in the Otisville section. Daniel Green, his brother, settled near Finchville. William Shaw must also be numbered with the well known Mount Hope pioneers, and he settled near Howells some years before the Revolution and left many worthy descendants in that region.
Stephen St. John was another enterprising and public spirited citizen of that little village. James Finch served in the militia during the Revolution for more than three months, and also in the French and Indian war in 1755 and 1756. In his youthful days he served as valet to General Abercrombie at Fort Stanwix.
Benjamin Woodward, already mentioned, came into the section in 1773 from Stonington, Conn. He served several sessions in the Legislature, was a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1821, and was state senator from 1827 to 1830. His son Charles also represented his town in the Legislature in 1863 and 1864.
Joshua Corwin was another Mount Hope pioneer who came there sometime before the Revolution, coming from Southold, L. I. He had eight children, who settled on an extensive tract of land in that region.
Jacob Wiggins came very soon after the Revolution and settled two miles south of Otisville.
ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWN.
The act of incorporation of Mount Hope was passed in 1825, as before stated. But the new town was then named "Calhoun" in honor of the distinguished South Carolina Senator, John C. Calhoun, whose patriotic course as secretary of war during the contest with Great Britain in 1812 won him great favor with the people of this entire region. But they soon regretted this action and the honor conferred because of Calhoun's course and policy during the nullification discussions of 1831 and 1832. There was a violent revulsion of public opinion and everybody wanted to drop this now unpopular name of the town without ceremony, thus showing their open disapproval of the new policy of the Southern statesman. A public meeting was held, the old name was dropped with a heavy thud and the present title of "Mount Hope" was unanimously adopted with much enthusiasm. In response to a popular petition sent to the Legislature in 1833 a law was passed March 14 of that year discarding the old name and ratifying the new one. The plan of thus honoring a political favorite of the hour, however distinguished and popular he might be, had proved a dangerous experiment even in those eight short years, and the people were now resolved to adopt some title for their town which could not be affected by the sands of time or the progress of human events.
While all the earlier records of this town were destroyed by fire in 1848, the account of the first town meeting, which was held at the house of Joseph Conklin, April 5, 1825, is happily preserved in the books of Deer Park. Joseph Chattle and Richard Penny were the presiding justices of the peace. One hundred and fifty dollars were raised for the support of the poor for the ensuing year and $35 for the maintenance of bridges. Joseph Chattle was chosen the first supervisor and Joseph Conklin town clerk. While many of the principal officers were chosen by ballot, all the minor town officials were selected by the primitive method of raising of hands. Four constables were chosen, six fire masters, four fence viewers and forty-one highway masters. Just what the duties of the latter were can only be conjectured, as very little attention was paid to the public roads of that period or their repair, and fortunately so, perhaps, because of the primitive and defective methods in vogue. The official list of the town included also three assessors, two overseers of the poor, three commissioners of highways, three school commissioners and three school inspectors.
The first town meeting after the fire was in 1849. At that time the rather extravagant civil list of the town had been somewhat reduced in number. One hundred dollars were then raised for repairs to roads and bridges.
It is interesting to note in passing that in 1906 the sum raised for the maintenance of public roads alone in the town under the money system of road work was $2,743.33. Of this amount $933.12 was received from the State and $260 from the poll tax.
LITTLE SHAWANGUNK KILL.
Heretofore it has been said that the little Shawangunk Kill, in this town, was of such little importance that historians declined to mention it, yet this stream, lying practically all in the town, was at one time the scene of five thriving saw-mills in operation, but which have since disappeared. Yet the city of Middletown in 1890 saw a basis of great water works in this stream, and just from the line at the headwaters of this kill in the town of Wallkill, erected a reservoir which was known as Highland Lake, containing about 500,000,000 gallons of water. On April 22, 1901, just below Highland Lake and in the town of Mount Hope, the city of Middletown decided to erect another lake, and the contract was let to Charles Sundstrom of the city of Middletown, who, by the erection of what was known as Shawangunk, Greenleaf and Steward dams, impounded a large quantity of water, which was to form a part of the Middletown system.
This work was at the cost of something like $57,000, and was connected with Monhagen Lake by a twenty-inch conduit, and also a twenty-four-inch conduit was extended in a westerly direction to a point in the Shawangunk Kill, above Mount Hope, from which it was intended to take water at high times, and conduct it to what was called Shawangunk reservoir.
This reservoir when full contains over 434,000,000 gallons of water, and has an acreage of about 102 acres, on what was formerly known as the Greenleaf farm. It will be observed that Highland Lake had been erected some fourteen years, but since Shawangunk Lake was erected, litigation sprang up from the mill owners on the big Shawangunk Kill, as far north as Pine Bush, and all the farmers on the line of the little Shawangunk Kill were brought into proceedings for condemnation, and the payment of damages for the taking of this water, and this litigation, which continued some two or three years, was finally settled in the year 1907, when all water rights to both kills were finally determined, but the city of Middletown had paid in expenses and damages something like $25,000.
VILLAGES.
The village of Mount Hope is in the southwestern part of the town. This name was bestowed long before the formation of the town itself, which was evidently named after the old village. The site of the hamlet is a commanding elevation, and there is a charming view of the surrounding landscape on all sides far and near.
Benjamin Woodward and Dr. Benjamin Newkirk are credited with the establishment of the place in May, 1807. On the eighth day of that month, after the "raising bee" was over, James Finch, the old settler, called the assembly to order and made a very enthusiastic speech, during which he christened the place "Mount Hope" with proper ceremony.
Otisville was settled in 1816 by Isaac Otis, a merchant from New York, and named for him. There were but three houses on the upper street, and probably but little more than a dozen buildings comprised the entire village when the Erie Railroad was opened on November 3, 1846.
The officials of the road who arrived on the first train dined at the hotel of Ambrose W. Green, who for many years was one of the leading citizens of Otisville. At this time, 1846, Dr. Avery Cook lived and had his office near where the depot stands. Galen Otis owned the only store which stood where he later built a large square house. Ezra Coleman lived and had his wagon-making shop where Dr. Writer now lives. Samuel K. Wheat was the harness-maker, and lived where later Judson Van Duzer lived. Stanford Harding was the blacksmith, and Squire Baker had a cooper shop. Harvey R. Cadwell, a member of Assembly in 1862, owned the farm on the north, and Smith Loomis, father of Supervisor Charles Loomis, owned the farm on the western boundary of the village.
The schoolhouse in 1840 was nearly a mile south of the village on the plains, the present site of the cemetery. A church was also there. This same year Algernon Sidney Dodge, son of Benjamin Dodge, of Mount Hope, came to Otisville and leased the store of Galen Otis. Alsop Woodward Dodge, son of Algernon Sidney Dodge, now resides in Middletown, and from him we learned some of the facts contained here.
Ambrose Woodward Green, mentioned above, was born in the town of Greenville in 1813. His father was Charles S. Green, and his grandfather was Daniel Green, a soldier of the Revolution from Orange County.
Ambrose W. Green settled in Otisville in 1835, and for a time carried on the tailoring business, which he discontinued, and built the Washington Hotel, now the Greenleaf Hotel, conducting it for some time in connection with other business.
Before the Erie came to Otisville, Mr. Green owned a market wagon route to Newburgh, going twice a week by way of Bloomingburg. While Otisville remained the western terminal of the Erie, Mr. Green also owned a stage line to Forestburgh, Sullivan County, connecting with lines into Pennsylvania for Honesdale and other western points. He was interested in building the Otisville and Wurtsboro turnpike. Mr. Green sold the Washington Hotel and about 1850 built the hotel near the railroad track. While conducting this hotel, he was engaged in the lumber and coal business. From 1863 to 1870 he was extensively interested in the lead mining operations on Shawangunk Mountain. The decline in the value of lead after our Civil War caused the mines to be discontinued, and Mr. Green later sold his hotel and removed to a farm a couple of miles north of Otisville, where he died in July, 1888.
The coming of the Erie boomed Otisville for the next few years. A Methodist and a Presbyterian church were built and a little later a Catholic church. Several stores and many dwellings were erected. Market wagons came here twice a week with farmers' produce for shipment to New York. Previous to the building of the Midland Railroad hundreds of teams throughout the winter, while the Delaware and Hudson Canal was closed, came to Otisville from Sullivan and western Ulster Counties, with leather from the tanneries, and returned with the green hides for tanning. For many years, until the introduction of refrigerator cars, Otisville was the western terminal of the milk train.
George Strickland and Joel D. Northrup, residents of Otisville, were the conductors—the latter for many years. The Orange County Express for several years went no further west than Otisville. The gravel and construction train for this section, with nearly a hundred employees, had its headquarters at Otisville. Until coal was used as the fuel for the engines of the Erie, Otisville for many years was the principal point where the thousands of cords of wood were received which the Erie consumed yearly. This wood was all sawed by hand, and many men were employed. Many citizens of Otisville found various kinds of employment with the Erie during these years, and much of the prosperity of the village came from the dollars left here by the monthly pay-car of the Erie.
TUBERCULOSIS SANATORIUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
To the historian of the future the name Otisville will be associated with one of the great sanitary advances made in this country, namely, the establishment, by a municipality, of a tuberculosis sanatorium outside the political limits of that municipality.
The establishment of such a sanatorium was first suggested in 1889. At that time, however, not even a medical sentiment was ripe for such a movement. In the succeeding fifteen years, little progress was made toward a realization of these plans, and it was not until Dr. Thomas Darlington became commissioner of health that any tangible results were achieved. He proved an aggressive and resourceful champion. With political, corporate, and private interests leagued together to prevent the city from acquiring a site, it was largely owing to the indefatigable labors of Dr. Darlington that the most determined opposition to the plan was overcome.
After carefully examining many sites, it was finally determined to establish the sanatorium at Otisville, a little village lying in the Shawangunk Mountains, and about seventy-five miles from New York City. As a southern exposure was desired, the grounds, covering an area of over 1,400 acres, were selected on the southeastern slope of one of the most picturesque and most favorably situated mountains of the entire range. The grounds have an altitude varying from about 800 feet to 1,500 feet above sea level. The sanatorium property consists of what were formerly thirteen separate farms, which were purchased at different times during the years 1905 and 1906, the health department first taking possession for the city of New York on December 1, 1905.
To avoid delay in establishing the institution on a working basis, it was deemed best to renovate and remodel the buildings on the property, and use them until such time as the needs of the sanatorium would require the erection of new ones. By July, 1906, the institution was ready to receive its first patients, and a year after that date had accommodations for about 100.
Since the sanatorium is designed for the treatment of those ill with tuberculosis in the early stages of the disease, there is only a small building for hospital accommodations. The rest of the buildings, in which the patients practically live outdoors, are portable houses and shacks. All the frills and ruffles so universally connected with the construction of public buildings have been omitted; everything has been subordinated to that which is best for the patients.
There are six portable houses, which are set on posts and can be taken apart and transferred to any location desired. The houses all measure ten by sixty feet, and are divided into five rooms. The center room, heated on cold days, is used as a bathing and dressing room, as well as a sitting room in inclement weather. Those on either side are used as bed rooms. Each room has four windows, two of which are always open and so arranged as to avoid all draughts. Each room contains one bed. The two rooms on either end are entirely open on the three sides, a fine screen only enclosing to keep out insects, etc. Heavy canvas curtains are folded in a roll outside, and can be dropped in stormy weather. These end rooms each accommodates two patients, thus making a capacity of six to each house.
In the latter part of 1906 a one-story and a two-story shack were erected for the additional accommodation of patients; and during 1907 two single-story shacks and one small house were built.
The shacks are built in the form of the letter T. The stem of the T consists of a room containing the washstands, lockers for each patient, and toilets and baths. In front of this is a sitting room, and opening from either side of this are the sleeping rooms. The latter are practically only verandas, being open in front and on the side, while for protection against storms and severe winds there is a similar provision to that used on the portable houses; that is, the curtains ordinarily rolled up are lowered, shutting off the verandas from the outside. A single-story shack accommodates twelve patients, six on each veranda. The two-story shack accommodates just double that number, being exactly alike in its two stories.
A feature of considerable importance in an institution of this kind is the manner in which the different patients are segregated. As nearly as possible patients in the same physical condition as well as those who are apt to be congenial are assigned to the same quarters.
Every patient is closely observed for about ten days after admission. The amount and frequency of rest, exercise and work is determined at all times by the condition of the patients. They are assigned to work according to their strength and capabilities. All dining-room duties, such as waiting on the table, washing dishes, and preparing vegetables, are performed by selected patients who show but slight lesions, negative sputum, and have no cough. Many of the patients are able to do farm work, and this keeps them out in the air and relieves their ennui.
In a large institution of this kind the problem of sewage disposal is not an easy matter. But by the aid of expert sanitary engineers this has been satisfactorily overcome. Thousands of feet of pipe have been laid, and an up-to-date disposal plant has been erected. The effluent from this plant will have been so purified as to be practically indistinguishable from pure water.
An abundance of pure water has also been provided, and is supplied at a high pressure to all the buildings. Fire plugs are scattered about the sanatorium grounds, and a fire-fighting system has been organized.
The sanatorium has its own dairy, for the patients are encouraged to drink considerable milk. The cow barn and the milk handling rooms in connection with this, are immaculately clean, and this condition is reflected by the milk, which is of the highest possible purity.
The one fact which stands out prominently at the sanatorium is the broad foundation on which the whole work has been planned. The work is being directed with admirable foresight, and will yield immense returns in the fight against tuberculosis in New York City. The sanatorium was established in order to provide a place for treating these consumptives of New York who are unable to pay, the large army who until now have had merely the clinics and dispensaries, but for whom country treatment is most desirable. The city maintains the patients absolutely free, the only condition being that the disease is not too far advanced.
The present capacity of the institution, about 150, is only a small fraction of what it will be five or ten years hence. Yet even these small numbers are an immense potential for good when they return to the city cured or improved, for they carry with them habits of cleanliness and personal hygiene and a knowledge of the value of fresh air, which are of incalculable value not only to them, but to all with whom they come in contact.
The present officers of the institution are: Dr. Thomas Darlington, commissioner of health; Dr. Hermann M. Biggs, general medical officer; Dr. Irving D. Williams, superintendent; Dr. Edward J. McSweenv, resident physician, and Dr. Frank P. Hauser, assistant resident physician.
RAILROADS, HAMLETS, MINES.
Erie & Jersey Railroad.—In the year 1904 a corporation was organized, known as the Erie and Jersey Railroad Company, which ostensibly was an independent line, to be built from a point on the Erie railroad west of Guymard, on a circuitous route, to the north of the present Erie railroad, to Turner. It was well understood that this road was a part of the Erie system, and was to be a double-track road, the projectors of which alleged that it would be used for freight, but as it shortened the route of the road and was a much easier grade, when completed, undoubtedly would be used by many fast express trains.
The condemnation laws of this State were not elastic enough to permit of taking property along the line of this route through the courts, and the greater part of the right of way had to be bought by the company, and fabulous prices were paid for its right of way, which was 130 feet wide. About eleven miles of this road is in the town of Mount Hope.
The Erie & Jersey Railroad Tunnel.—On August 10, 1905, Bennett & Talbott, contractors, of Greensburg, Pa., contracted with the Erie & Jersey Railroad Company to build twelve miles of railroad, eleven miles of grading, which would require about 1,500,000 cubic yards of excavation, and about 15,000 yards of concrete masonry, and one mile, three hundred and three feet of tunnel through the Shawangunk Mountains, between Guymard and Howells, N. Y. The road was to be completed within a period of two years. Work was commenced on September 4, 1905, by sinking a shaft at the center of the tunnel to a depth of 117 feet. Owing to a delay in getting the right of way, however, they were compelled to sink another shaft at the east portal of the tunnel to expedite the work, beginning on or about October 1, 1905. The west portal of the tunnel was begun on or about November 15 of the same year. The completion of the work was delayed somewhat on account of the suspension of work April, 1907. The excavation of the tunnel will now be completed on or about the first of March, 1908, while the arching will be finished some time in July, 1908. The excavation of solid rock required for this work was 180,000 cubic yards. The timber required to support the roof was 1,700,000 feet, while the amount of concrete sidewall was 8,000 cubic yards. The number of brick required was 8,000,000. The machinery used in the construction of this tunnel was two improved Style A Marion steam-shovels, known as the "45-ton." Alpha Portland cement was used for the masonry. Francis Lee Stuart was chief engineer of this work.
Finchville.—This hamlet is in the southwestern part of the town at the eastern base of the Shawangunk Mountains. It was founded by James Finch, the old settler, in whose honor the name was bestowed. But the precise date of this settlement is not accurately disclosed by the records. It was to this place that many terror-stricken women and children fled for refuge from the Mamakating Valley during the Indian troubles there.
New Vernon.—This is a small hamlet in the northern border of the town. In fact, part of it is in Sullivan County. It was named thus to distinguish it from Vernon in New Jersey. It had one church and some twenty dwellings in 1860, and has shown no very material increase in recent years.
Guymard, in the western part of the town of Mount Hope, was the culmination of the plan of the Gumaer brothers to have a railroad station nearer Gumaer's, which was on the Delaware & Hudson Canal. After the strenuous times of 1857, labor could be obtained at sixty-five cents per day, and the Gumaer brothers decided to build a road from the canal to the Erie railroad, and then the station was named Guymard.
About 1862 they concluded to extend the new road to the old turnpike on top of the mountain. While constructing that part of the road, lead was discovered. As a result of this discovery, many mines were prospected on the Shawangunk Mountain and were operated more or less from 1863 to 1870. Among these was the mine of the Guymard Lead & Zinc Co., from which several carloads of lead were shipped weekly. After the close of the Civil War the price of lead declined, and considering the crude mining methods and the cost involved, eventually the mines were abandoned.
Of the Gumaer brothers, Peter and Jackson are now living at Guymard. Chauncey Gumaer, son of Peter, having had nearly twenty-five years' mining experience in Colorado and the West, has returned and is now working the old mine at Guymard. With the improved methods of mining, he believes his new venture will prove successful.
An incident of considerable local historical interest occurred here in the spring of 1863. The mine at Guymard was being worked by its owners, when one day one George H. Servoss, an Englishman, arrived and claimed that he owned the mine and all the mineral rights in this section through a grant by Queen Anne of England. He erected a small building on the grounds and his miners began operations. The rightful owners were wild with excitement and the news was soon communicated to others interested in mining in this section at that time. A day was appointed, when between 100 and 200 men assembled and tumbled Servoss's building over into the gully below the railroad track and drove him and his miners from the mine. This was probably the last attempt of a subject of Great Britain to claim territory or granted rights in the United States which had been so definitely decided nearly a hundred years before by the ancestors of some who took part in driving this Englishman from his false claim.
A singular incident in connection was this: Ambrose W. Green, who kept a hotel at Otisville, and was much interested in mining, was one of the men who assembled and helped to drive Servoss from his claim at Guymard. Servoss came to Otisville that night and with some of his miners stopped at Mr. Green's hotel. Being convinced that Yankee blood still predominated in this section, Servoss gave up his claim. While stopping with Mr. Green he began prospecting and on June 13, 1863, leased the mineral right of Thomas Hawk of his farm situated less than a mile above Otisville. Ambrose W. Green witnessed the document and Servoss formed what was known as the Otisville Copper Mining Company, which he worked for some time. Servoss died in New York City on December 10, 1907.
The Farmers' Library was incorporated in October, 1807, just a century ago. Its first meeting was held at the home of Benjamin Woodward. The original trustees were Benjamin B. Newkirk, Benjamin Woodward, William Mulock, James Finch, Jr., Peter E. Gumaer, Daniel Green, William Shaw, Jr., Stephen Farnum and Peleg Pelton. The library was established at once and it is said to have contained a valuable collection of historical works which were doubtless the only available books for such use at that early period of library literature. This old library was maintained there some thirty years, which certainly speaks well for the people of that region at that time. The educational influences of this old library upon the young people of that section during that period are said to have been most wholesome and of incalculable value.
POINTS OF HISTORIC INTEREST.
Of course the Shawangunk Mountain range is always interesting to the geologist and historian. The pass through these mountains at Otisville is well worth visiting. It was the only break the Erie engineers could find when they laid out the railway, and they went over ten miles north of Port Jervis to utilize it.
The old Finch homestead at Finchville has long been an object of interest, although the old house itself was burned many years ago. It was here that the militia halted on their way to the fatal Minisink battlefield and took a hurried meal. Resuming their march over the mountains, it is said very few of the soldiers survived the terrible encounter and lived to recross those hills and again enjoy Mr. Finch's hospitality.
The huge bones of a noted mastodon, which awakened much popular interest at the time, were found deeply embedded in the soil on the old Allison farm, a short distance from Otisville, nearly fifty years ago. This remarkable find took the imagination back to the primitive era when these mammoth creatures roamed at will over this western continent.
INDUSTRIES.
Of course the primary and paramount interest of the people in this town from its early settlement even to the present day, has been agriculture. The cultivation of the land attracted the settlers thither and the raising of crops, together with lumbering, were the leading pursuits in which the residents engaged for over a hundred years. The sunny mountain slopes and the alluvial bottoms along the rivers were well adapted to plant growth, and the farmer obtained good results from his labor. Nearly all the ordinary crops to which the latitude and climate were suited could be grown with profit. The town had its full share in the production of the famous "Orange County butter," which was made in large quantities for a time. But for many years past, with the ample railway facilities afforded for prompt shipment, nearly all the milk produced has been shipped to New York direct and the butter-making branch of the dairy interest has been almost entirely discontinued. In fact, many of the farmers have been buying butter elsewhere for their own use, finding it more profitable to sell their milk, which of course has been produced to a far larger extent than ever before.
MILITARY HISTORY.
This town east of the mountain range was long regarded as a place of refuge for those fleeing from the frequent Indian attacks in the Mamakating Valley. Historic records contain many thrilling and pathetic incidents of this nature, and they are presented in much graphic detail, although doubtless based largely upon traditionary authority.
As to the history of Mount Hope during the Revolution, there is none, apart from the annals embraced in the records of the parent towns of Deer Park and Wallkill, from which Mount Hope was taken forty-five years after the settlement of that little dispute with a tyrannical nation over certain questions regarding human rights and personal liberty. Concerning the roll of honor, belonging to this territory in that war for independence the reader is referred to the records of Deer Park and Wallkill, found on other pages of this work.
In the War of 1812 the Wallkill Regiment was ordered out in full force, while the 128th Regiment of Sullivan was drafted into the service. This organization then included many men from this Mount Hope section. Those who served in that secondary struggle from here, mentioned in the records, are Joseph Stanton, Amzi Mapes, John Mulock, Zebulon Giffen, Frederick A. Seybolt, Richard Penny and Captain William Mulock.
During the war of the rebellion the town was of course an integral factor of the county, and it bore an honored share in that memorable struggle. The population being small the number who enlisted in the service of the government was not very large. Under the various calls of President Lincoln in 1862-1863-1864 some 330 men went forth from this town to serve their country. In addition to this, fifty-eight were drafted into the service.
At a special town meeting held August 9, 1864, and ratified on the twentieth of the same month, a tax of $37,000 was ordered for the payment of bounties at the rate of $800 per man. In February, 1865, another tax of $10,000 was authorized for a similar purpose. The town was afterward reimbursed by the Government for bounties paid to the amount of $11,400. In addition to this, voluntary subscriptions and contributions amounting to $913 were sent forward at different times. Of the Mount Hope soldiers four were reported killed in action. The record also contains the names of forty-one other men who enlisted during 1863 and 1864.
EARLY PATENTS.
While Newburgh is the most important and impressive place in Orange County, Newburgh Town, outside of the city, has its facts and points of interest.
After the annulment, in 1669, of the patent purchased of the Indians by Governor Dongan, and conveyed by him to Captain John Evans in 1684 in which patent was included the territory of the Newburgh precinct, the entire district was conveyed, between 1703 and 1705, in small patents, ten of which were in the Newburgh precinct, and a list of which is given in the chapter on Newburgh city.
All patents were conditioned upon a payment of quit-rent, sometimes in money, sometimes in wheat or other commodity.
The Palatine settlement, including a portion of the present city of Newburgh and a portion of the town, is elsewhere considered. So are the changes and troubles that followed the coming of the new Dutch and English settlers, resulting in a decision of the council which practically terminated "The Palatine Parish by Quassaick." Ruttenber says that when this decision was rendered the original members of the parish had long previously removed from it or been laid away in the quiet church-yard, and adds: "As a people they were earnest, good men and women. Wherever their neighbors of subsequent migrations are met, their record compares favorably with that of immigrants from any other country. No citizens of more substantial worth are found under the flag of this, their native land, than their descendants; no braver men were in the armies of the Revolution than Herkimer and Muhlenberg. Had they done nothing in the parish but made clearings in its forests and planted fields they would be entitled to grateful remembrance. They did more; they gave to it its first church and its first government; and in all subsequent history their descendants have had a part."
As to the other patents: The Baird patent included the settlement of Belknap's Ridge, later classed at Coldenham. It was issued to Alexander Baird, Abraham Van Vleque and Hermans Johnson, and was sold to Governor William Burnet. The Kipp patent included the district east, north and west of Orange Lake, and adjoined the Baird patent on the south. It was issued to Jacobus Kipp, John Conger, Philip Cortlandt, David Prevost, Oliver Schuyler and John Schuyler. It was divided into six parts, and these were subdivided into farms. About 1791 a company of Friends from Westchester County settled on the patent. They were Daniel, Zephaniah and Bazak Birdsall, John Sutton and John Thorne. The first purchasers on the Bradley patent are supposed to have been Johannes Snyder and John Crowell. The Wallace patent, issued to James Wallace alone, was afterwards purchased by John Penny, who sold 200 acres of it to Robert Ross, and settled, with his seven sons, upon the remainder. The Bradley patent was to Sarah, Catherine, George, Elizabeth and Mary Bradley, and was taken in their name by their father, Richard Bradley, who thus secured six tracts, of which that in Newburgh was one. The Harrison patent was to Francis Harrison, Mary Fatham, Thomas Brazier, James Graham and John Haskell. It included the present district of Middlehope, and its settlers were influential in the control of the town during its early history. The Spratt patent was in two parcels, 1,000 acres in Newburgh and 2,000 acres in Ulster. It was issued to Andrew Marschalk and John Spratt, the latter taking the Newburgh tract. This was purchased in 1760 by Joseph Gidney, and took the name of Gidneytown. The Gulch patent was to Melichor Gulch and his wife and children of the original company of Palatines. The Johnson or Jansen patent adjoined the Gulch patent, and was the first occupied land in the northwestern part of the town.
The settlement of these patents resulted in dividing the old precinct of the Highlands in 1762 into the precincts of Newburgh and New Windsor, the former embracing the towns of Marlborough and Plattekill in Ulster County with the present town and city of Newburgh, and the latter covering substantially the same territory as now.
GOVERNMENT BEGINNINGS.
The next April, 1763, Newburgh's first town meeting was held at the house of Jonathan Hasbrouck, now known as Washington's Headquarters, and these officers were chosen: Jonathan Hasbrouck, supervisor; Samuel Sands, clerk; Richard Harper, John Winfield and Samuel Wyatt, assessors; Daniel Gedney and Benjamin Woolsey, poor masters; Jonathan McCrary, John Wandel, Burras Holmes, Isaac Fowler, Muphrey Merritt and Thomas Woolsey, path masters; Nathan Purdy and Isaac Fowler, fence viewers and appraisers.
Ten years later Marlborough and Plattekill settlements were set off as New Marlborough, and left Newburgh with almost the same territory as that of the present town and city. The first supervisor of this reduced town was John Flewwelling and the first clerk was Samuel Sands.
The territory of the present town embraces 26,882 acres in the extreme northeast portion of the county. The soil along the river front for a distance of five miles is warm, productive and well cultivated. The rock formations are largely slate and lime. In 1875 its population was 3,538, and the census of 1905 places it at 4,885 persons.
Subsequent to the incorporation of the city of Newburgh, April 25, 1865, the town of Newburgh was invested with the government of its own officers. The following supervisors have been elected:
Nathaniel Barns, 1866; C. Gilbert Fowler, 1867; Nathaniel Barns, 1868 to 1870; W. A. Pressler, 1871; John W. Bushfield, 1872 to 1877; Henry P. Clauson, 1878 to 1880; W. A. Pressler, 1881 to 1885; Oliver Lozier, 1886; John W. Bushfield, 1887; Oliver Lozier, 1888 to 1801; William H. Post, 1892 to 1899; Henry P. Clauson, 1900 to 1906; Fred S. McDowell, 1907 and 1908.
EARLY PATRIOTISM.
But little need be added to what has elsewhere been sketched regarding Newburgh's part in the war for independence. Its people were prompt in patriotic response to the non-importation resolutions of the Continental Congress. It was one of the five precincts to publicly burn the pamphlet assailing those resolutions, entitled, "Free Thoughts on the Resolves of Congress," and on June 27, 1775, at a public meeting, appointed a Committee of Safety: Wolvert Acker, Jonathan Hasbrouck, Thomas Palmer, John Belknap, Joseph Coleman, Moses Higby, Samuel Sands, Stephen Case, Isaac Belknap, Benjamin Birdsall, John Robinson and others. When the pledge to support the acts of the Continental and Provincial Congress was ready 174 names were voluntarily signed to it and twenty-one of the fifty-four men who refused to sign afterward made affidavit that they also would abide by the measures of Congress and pay their quota of all expenses. Some of the thirty-three Tories who stood out were imprisoned and some were executed. The Newburgh patriots as promptly reorganized the militia of the precinct. They furnished two companies for a new regiment in September, and in December helped to constitute a regiment of minute men, and provided its colonel in the person of Thomas Palmer. They also, in 1776, organized as rangers or scouts to prevent attacks from hostile Indians. Throughout the war the citizens of Newburgh were conspicuous as volunteers in the regular army and as local militiamen in the cause of the Revolution, and were subjected to much inconvenience and many privations in consequence of the presence of other troops, as elsewhere stated. Many of them were killed and many more taken prisoners in the defense of the Highland forts, after which the poor taxes were increased from 50L to 800L and special donations were collected for those who had been deprived of their husbands or parents.
The history of Washington's doings and sayings in and near Newburgh is so familiar that they need not be repeated here.
EARLY ORGANIZATIONS.
The Benevolent Society of the County of Orange was formed in January, 1805, with the following officers: Hugh Walsh, president; Gen. John Skey Eustace, vice-president; John McAuley, treasurer; William Gardner, Secretary.
In the sketch of Newburgh village and city mention has been made of the charter provision for a Glebe fair. This fair is believed to have been held occasionally as late as 1805, as there has been found in an old newspaper notice of one to be held in October of that year, with an offer of $125 as a premium to the jockey riding the best horse on the course of Benjamin Case, $50 to another jockey riding the best horse on the following day, and $25 to the jockey riding the best filly on the third day.
The Newburgh Bible Society was organized September 9, 1818, at a meeting held in the Presbyterian Church of Newburgh village, after a discourse by Rev. James R. Wilson. The first article of the constitution declared that its "sole object shall be to encourage a wider circulation of the Scriptures, without note or comment." The following officers were elected: Jonas Story, president; Isaac Belknap and Joseph Clark, vice-presidents; Rev. John Johnston, corresponding secretary; Charles Miller, recording secretary; Benjamin J. Lewis, treasurer.
In 1823 the Newburgh Society for Aiding Missions was formed. The report said: "Its design is to be auxiliary to the cause of missions in general; its funds, at the disposal of a board of managers, are to be appropriated from time to time to such societies or other missionary objects as may seem to have the most pressing claim to assistance."
The Newburgh Sabbath School Society was organized in 1816, and the following officers are found recorded, as chosen in 1823, sixteen years afterward: Superintendents, Mrs. Agnes Van Vleeck, Mrs. Mary G. Belknap, Mrs. Harriet M. Bate, Miss Joanna Schultz; secretary, Miss Louisa Lewis; treasurer, Miss Jane Carpenter. The secretary, in her report, stated that the school then consisted of more than 300 scholars, the average attendance being 200, and that there were thirty-two classes instructed by forty-six teachers and assistants. She stated that the number of verses committed to memory during the year was 21,440 and of divine songs 8,684.
Eager reports a meeting of the Orange County Medical Society in Newburgh in October, 1823, which invited the members of the Newburgh Lyceum to attend. Medical and scientific essays were read by Drs. John M. Gough, Francis L. Beattie and Arnell, other essays by George W. Benedict and Rev. James R. Wilson, and "the merits of each underwent an able discussion."
LOCALITIES.
Just outside the legal boundary line north of the city of Newburgh is the fashionable suburb of Balmville, named after a large Balm of Gilead tree, which is estimated to be one hundred and fifty or more years old, and nearly twenty-five feet in circumference. The population is large and wealthy, inhabiting charming country seats. Continuing northward about two miles is the village of Middlehope, formerly known as Middletown. It is the center of a prosperous fruit section where many varieties of fruit originated with men foremost in pomology. North of this settlement is Cedar Hill Cemetery. The grounds are from the design of August Hepp, and are under the control of the Cedar Hill Cemetery Association, which was organized in 1870, mainly through efforts of Enoch Carter. Roseton, four miles north of Newburgh, on the banks of the Hudson, was named after John C. Rose, who established extensive brick yards here in 1883. Brick yards have multiplied in this section, and destroyed the natural attractions of a once pretty cove. The Dans Kammer, a promontory just beyond, marks the northern extremity of Newburgh Bay. Hampton, now known as Cedar Cliff Post-office, is a landing on the Hudson, adjoining the Ulster County boundary line. Savilton, formerly Rossville, is a small district eight miles northwest of Newburgh city, named from Alexander Ross. Gardnertown is a small settlement four miles northwest of the city, and was named from the old and numerous family of Gardners who settled there.
Orange Lake, now a noted summer resort, was called by the early settlers Dutch Bennin Water, and later Machen's Pond, from Captain Machen, an engineer employed by Congress in 1777 in erecting fortifications in the Highlands and stretching the huge obstructing chain across the Hudson. It was also called Big Pond as distinct from Little Pond in New Windsor. The lake covers about four hundred acres and is kept well fed by creeks and large springs. Numerous cottages dot its shores, and an amusement park is conducted under the management of the Orange County Traction Company. Extensive improvements were made in 1907, including the erection of a large theatre and other buildings.
Quassaick Creek is a fine stream entering the Hudson between Newburgh city and New Windsor, and is formed by the united waters of Orange Lake outlet and Fostertown and Gidney's Creeks. It has supplied many mills and factories with power.
King's Hill is a high boundary elevation in the northwest part of the town affording an extensive view in all directions. Bacon Hill is another, north from King's Hill, at the edge of the town. Limestone Hill is a ridge running north and south two miles northwest of the city.
Fostertown Creek, one of the tributaries of Quassaick Creek, is a small stream which rises in Ulster County and drains a narrow valley several miles in extent. Bushfield Creek also rises in Ulster and is one of the streams which feed Orange Lake.
EARLY INCIDENTS.
Among the "remarkable incidents" of early times mentioned by Eager, are the following: In 1803 the formation of a Druid society, composed, it was said, wholly of deists, whose proceedings were secret. In January, 1805, a son of Warren Scott, 14 years old, was torn in pieces by wolves in the west part of the town while feeding his father's sheep. The wolves at this time also came down and killed sheep near the village of Newburgh. In 1816 the owners of the Newburgh ferry first used a horse boat, and on August 13th of that year the boat Jason Rogers crossed the river with two horses attached to a coach and a wagon, seventeen chaises and horses, another horse and fifty passengers. In 1817 government officers inspected ninety tons of cannon made by Mr. Townsend on Chamber's Creek, and all proved good. They were the first manufactured in the State, and were of sterling ore from the town of Monroe. November 24, 1824, the schooner Neptune, on the way from New York to Newburgh, was upset and sunk, and the most of her fifty or more passengers were drowned. She had forty or fifty tons of plaster on board, and the heavy wind shifted it, which caused the accident.
Newburgh, the chief city of Orange County, with a population of nearly 27,000, is also the largest commercial city on the Hudson between New York and Albany. It is located on the side hill of a bay, 57 miles from the river's mouth, has a deep and spacious harbor, with good docks, and its scenic views and contiguous territory are peculiarly attractive. The inviting bay and river are in front, and the mountains southward and westward have been characterized as "Nature's arm thrown lovingly about us." In the landward distance mountains are visible in several directions from the upper town, and adjacent are fruit and dairy farms on undulating fields, with a ten-mile plain known as "Highland Terrace." A recent local pamphlet says of the City of Newburgh: "As a home-city there is little to be desired. It is metropolitan and suburban. It has broad thoroughfares, good streets, and provision is now perfected for having $100,000 expended annually in new pavements. There are numerous breathing spots. One of the most magnificent views obtainable anywhere in the Hudson Valley is from Downing Park, where from the observatory the city appears to be almost beneath your feet. The Hudson River presents an unobstructed view for miles, and a half dozen ranges of mountains appear to view. The Catskills at the north, Fishkill and the Beacons on the east, Storm King and Crow Nest on the south, Schunnemunk at the southwest, and the Shawangunk range far to the west. At the north end of the city is LeRoy Place, one of the coziest and most inviting of the city's little parks. It is especially referred to as a resting place for those who find it convenient to take a walk to the famed 'Balm of Gilead' tree, one of the oldest monarchs of its class to be found for many miles around."
The near suburban villages tributary to the city have a population of nearly 50,000, as follows: Fishkill and Matteawan, 1 mile, 13,016; Cornwall, 1 mile, 4,258; Marlborough, 6 miles 3,478; Milton 10 miles, 1,500; Walden, 10 miles, 5,939; Highland Falls, 10 miles, 4,519; Cold Spring, 8 miles, 2,067; New Hamburgh, 10 miles, 500; Washingtonville, 10 miles, 1,118; New Windsor, 3 miles, 2,392; Newburgh Town, 3 miles, 4,246. The little hamlets in the vicinity probably have a population of 3,000 more.
THE EARLIEST DAYS.
The territory embraced in the town and city was a part of the lands purchased from the Indians by Governor Dongan in 1864, [sic] and conveyed by him to Captain John Evans in 1694. The conveying patent was annulled in 1699, and the district was afterward conveyed in small tracts at different periods, of which ten were included in the precinct of Newburgh as it was constituted in 1762. These were: No. 1, German patent, 2,190 acres, issued December 18, 1719; No. 2, Alexander Baird & Co., 6,000 acres, February 28, 1719; No. 3, Jacobus Kip & Co., 7000 acres, October 17, 1720; No. 4, Ricard Bradley and William Jamison, 1,800 acres, May 17, 1729; No. 5, James Wallace, 2,000 acres, January 25, 1732; No. 6, Bradley children, 817 acres, March 26, 1739; No. 7, Francis Harrison & Co., 5,600 acres, July 10, 1714; No. 8, John Spratt & Co., 1,000 acres, April 12, 1728; No. 9, Melchior Gulch 300 acres, October 8, 1719; No. 10, Peter Johnson, 300 acres, October 8, 1719.
The original settlement was in 1709 by a party of Germans from the Palatinate—a strip of German territory along the middle Rhine. In 1708 Louis XIV gave warning to the people of the Palatinate that it was to be devastated in order to cripple the enemies of France, and this caused a company of twelve families and two bachelors—fifty-three persons in all—to flee to London. Here Queen Anne interested herself in their welfare, and sent them to New York, with a guaranty of 9 pence each for twelve months, and of a grant of land on which to settle. From New York they were moved in the spring to "Quassaick Creek and Thau-hammer." Of the heads of families there were seven husbandmen, a minister, a stocking maker, a smith, a carpenter and a cloth weaver. One of the bachelors was a clerk and the other a husbandman. They were Protestants and of "good character." as certified by officials in the villages where they had lived. Their promised land patent was not issued until 1719, when it granted to each of the different families from 100 to 300 acres, with 500 acres set apart for the support of the minister. The settlement was generally called "The German Patent," but its official title was "The Glebe." The lands for each family extended from the Hudson River west one mile. No. 1 was bounded on the south by Quassaick Creek, and covered the present site of Newburgh.
The immigrants erected a church, cultivated portions of their lands and maintained their settlement several years. Then sales were made to newcomers, and there were changes in ownership and population. After twenty or thirty years the later Dutch and English comers were largely in the majority, and in 1747 elected trustees of the Glebe, closed the church to the Lutheran minister, and in 1752 obtained from the governor and council a new charter whereby the revenues might be applied to the support of a minister of the Church of England, with the title of "Palatine Parish of Quassaick" changed to "The Parish of Newburgh." At this time there were forty-three real estate lease holders in the settlement. Ruttenber characterizes as prominent among them the following: Alexander Colden, son of Lieutenant-Governor Colden; Duncan Alexander, brother of William Alexander, the Lord Sterling of the Revolution; James Denton, son of Daniel Denton, the first historian of New York; Jonathan Hasbrouck, from the Huguenot settlement of New Paltz. Colden, Denton and Hasbrouck erected grist mills, and in 1743 Colden obtained a charter for the Newburgh ferry. "The names of Hasbrouck and Colden have never been absent from the list of inhabitants since 1750," says Ruttenber.
The trustees elected in 1747 were Alexander Colden and Richard Albertson. When the first service was held after the Church of England was substituted, the Lutheran minister and his flock made public protest at the door, and afterward went away and had service in a private house. Tradition says that the Lutherans attempted a forcible entry, and there was a fight in which the church door was torn from its hinges and one Lutheran was killed. This was after the election of trustees in 1847, and previous to the receipt of the new charter.
The new trustees, Colden and Albertson, established a public landing, started agricultural fairs, took temporal charge of the church, erected a parsonage, a residence and school-house combined for the schoolmaster, and did much other work which contributed to the growth of the settlement.
In 1762 Newburgh was set off from the precinct of the Highlands and made a precinct by itself. In 1767 a petition was granted for licenses for more taverns, as being necessary "to accommodate the country people, travelers and passengers." In 1769 a petition asking for a charter of lands for the Newburgh mission, signed by missionary, vestrymen and wardens, was granted. In 1770 another petition to the governor for "a royal charter of incorporation of St. George's Church" was granted.
The old patent of the Highlands, after serving its purpose 50 years, had given way in 1762 to the precincts of Newburgh and New Windsor, the latter being constituted nearly as now, and the former embracing the towns of Marlborough and Plattekill in Ulster County as well as the present town and city of Newburgh.
In 1776 the Glebe hamlet comprised about a score of houses, and three boats owned in town made trips between it and New York.
TROUBLE AND REVOLUTION.
Passing to the events just preceding the War of the Revolution, when the bold and significant non-importation agreement was adopted by the Continental Congress, and a pledge of association in its support was opened in every town and precinct, supervised by committees, Wolvert Acker was chairman of the committee for the precinct of Newburgh. When the signing was finished he made return of 195 signatures and names of thirty-nine who had refused to sign. The names of the signers follow:
Non-Importation Pledge Signers of 1776.
| Richard Albertson | Caleb Chase |
| Stephen Albertson | Daniel Denton |
| William Albertson | Daniel Denton, Jr. |
| Joseph Albertson | Nehemiah Denton |
| Daniel Aldridge | Samuel Denton |
| Isaac Brown, M.D. | Nathaniel Denton |
| Isaac Brown, Jr. | Peter Donelly |
| Joseph Brown | Benj. Darby |
| Abel Belknap | John Donaghey |
| Isaac Belknap | Isaac Demott |
| Isaac Belknap, Jr. | Hugh Ferguson |
| Wm. Bowdish | Wm. Ferguson |
| John Becket | Elnathan Foster |
| Solomon Buckingham | Morris Flewwelling |
| Richard Buckingham | James Flewwelling |
| Benjamin Birdsall | Jonathan Hasbrouck |
| Daniel Birdsall | Cornelius Hasbrouck |
| James Burns | Moses Higby, M.D. |
| Benj. Coffin | James Harris |
| Caleb Coffin | John Nathan Hutchins |
| Wm. Collard | George Harding |
| Nathaniel Coleman | Thomas Ireland |
| Henry Cropsey | George Jackson |
| Wm. Carskadden | Wm. Lawrence |
| Benjamin Lawrence | Thomas Smith |
| Aaron Linn | Thaddeus Smith |
| Solomon Lane | Samuel Sands |
| George Leonard | Hugh Stevenson |
| Silas Leonard | Stephen Stephenson |
| Robert Morrison, M.D. | William Thurston |
| John Morrel | Burger Weigand |
| Thomas Palmer | Martin Weigand |
| Thomas Patterson | Monson Ward |
| Harmanus Rikeman | Richard Ward |
| Thomas Rhodes | William Ward |
| Albertson Smith | Timothy Wood |
| Benjamin Smith | Jeremiah Wool |
| Henry Smith | Charles Willett |
| Leonard Smith | John Wandel |
| Leonard Smith, Jr. |
The lists of those who signed and those refusing to sign embraced all males over 16 years old.
The "old town" was at this time a forlorn looking place, and the side hill was mostly covered by orchards. A tavern built in this year of 1776 by Adolph De Grove, on the southwest corner of Water and Third streets became Lafayette's headquarters.
When the war became a certainty the control of Hudson River navigation became important, and to this end Forts Montgomery, Clinton and Constitution were built. Two out of every five of the male population became militiamen, were almost constantly in service, and levies en masse were frequent. In 1779 Washington established his headquarters at New Windsor in the William Ellison house, and here they remained until the movement which resulted in the siege of Yorktown in 1781. After its surrender his army returned to the Highlands, and Washington then made the Hasbrouck house in Newburgh his headquarters, retaining them as such until August, 1783.
Before the beginning of hostilities in the Revolution two companies were organized in Newburgh for a regiment formed in the southern district of Ulster County, of which Jonathan Hasbrouck, of Newburgh, was colonel, and Arthur Smith and Samuel Clark captains of the companies. In the next December a regiment of minute men was organized, of which Thomas Palmer, of Newburgh, was the colonel. In the summer of 1776 a convention directed the general committee to organize three companies (201 men) of rangers to guard against and fight Indians. Of one of these Isaac Belknap, of Newburgh, was captain. At this time the aged and those who ordinarily would be regarded as exempts were pressed into the service. In 1778 the people were asked to form companies to repel invasions and suppress insurrections, and a company of this kind was formed, with Samuel Edmonds as captain. Figures show that the militia of Newburgh was not sleeping during the Revolution, for in 1776 they were called out on alarms twenty-seven days, and between that time and April, 1788, 305 days. Newburgh was made a general rendezvous for troops, and frequently the soldiers were billeted on the inhabitants. Although the precinct escaped direct devastation, many of the men were killed or taken prisoners in defense of the Highland forts.
When the British sailed up the river in 1777, and burnt Kingston, after capturing the Highland forts, the Newburgh women hid their valuables in the woods, nearly all the men having gone to the defense of the forts.
While Washington's headquarters were at New Windsor his main army was in and near the Hudson River forts, and in 1782, after the surrender of Yorktown, was again encamped along the Hudson, numbering about 8,000 men. Washington at Newburgh, meanwhile, during the progress of peace negotiations, kept careful watch of Sir Henry Clinton's movements. Many interesting stories have been told about Washington during his long stay at New Windsor and Newburgh. At Newburgh he battled with discontent, and even mutiny, in the army, and here he proclaimed the cessation of hostilities. This was on April 19, 1783, eight years after the beginning of the war, when general rejoicing followed. The first battalion marched southward June 5th, and the last June 23d. On July 12th Washington went up the Hudson to Albany, where he was joined by Governor Clinton and a small party. On August 17th he issued the last general orders from army headquarters, announcing his intention to depart and meet Congress at Princeton, and left West Point the next day. July 4, 1850, the ancient house that had been his headquarters in Newburgh was dedicated as a monument of the events of the war. General Winfield Scott was present to raise the flag, and Judge Monell made an address. The building is owned by the State and controlled by trustees appointed by the Governor.
For some time after the war the Newburgh people were almost poverty-stricken. Their Continental money was almost worthless; they lacked means for the cultivation of their lands, and business was at a standstill. In 1785 they petitioned the Legislature for relief, giving as reasons the supplies they had provided for the war, their many losses caused by the war, their large personal service, and the depreciation of the paper currency, all of which rendered it impossible for them to cultivate their farms or pay their just debts, while many families were reduced to want for the necessities of life.
Soon, however, the vigorous population recuperated, was increased by newcomers, and the period of prolonged prosperity began in earnest. From the position of the lowest in 1780 the precinct passed to the fourth in 1790, with a population of 2,365, and in a quarter of a century to the first rank in population.
LATER EARLY DAYS.
The charter of 1752 of the Glebe was complied with down to 1793. From 1793 to 1815 there was only a temporary church organization, and no regular minister. Then a legislative enactment was obtained dividing the income from the Glebe between the Newburgh Academy and such other schools as existed or might exist in the territory. It is remarkable that the early academy instituted by the Glebe served the community educationally for nearly a century.
The "old town," situated on a plot opened by Cadwallader Colden before 1730, was located between present Front street and Broadway, and named Newburgh. This was extended by Benjamin Smith in 1782, who laid out streets and lots from a part of his farm lying east of Montgomery street and between First and South streets. After the disbandment of the army in 1783 Newburgh's population increased somewhat rapidly by the settlement there of some of the soldiers of the dissolved army and of families who had fled from New York City when it was captured by the British. But up to 1790 it was a disjointed settlement, the three township plots of which it was composed having no connection except through Liberty street and a few cross-lot roads. None of the lateral streets intersected each other, and in 1790 other highway commissioners formally connected them. The general legislative act of 1788 changed the name "precinct" to "town."
Newburgh quickly became the first shipping point of importance on the west bank of the Hudson north of New York, because of its fine harbor, and of being the natural outlet for the trade of a vast section of country previous to the advent of the canals and railroads. South of the Highlands the Palisades and other mountain ranges were a barrier to easy access to the river. Therefore in the early days transportation became the most important business of Newburgh. The lumber business was especially heavy, and large quantities of ship timber, planks and staves were forwarded to New York. Shipbuilding was also carried on, and Newburgh ships entered into the Liverpool and West Indies trade. Ruttenber mentions many mills that were erected in Newburgh and vicinity after the war, and says: "Besides mills and hamlets there were many well-cultivated farms, and substantial dwellings which had supplanted rude log cabins."
The early millers and boatmen of Newburgh kept goods of various kinds to sell to the farmers. The first regular store was opened by Benjamin and David Birdsall, and the second, immediately after the Revolution, by John McAuley. Hugh Walsh opened a store about the same time. The other principal merchants up to 1801 were Wm. Seymour, Leonard Carpenter, John Anderson, Cooper & Son, George Gardner, James Hamilton, James Burns, Robert Gourley, Robert Gardiner, George Monell, Robert W. Jones, Denniston & Abercrombie, Wm. W. Sackett, Alexander Falls, John Shaw and John Brown. A considerable number of these were connected with the forwarding business, among them John Anderson, John Anderson, Jr., Hugh Walsh, Benjamin Case, Jr., Jacob and Thomas Powell, Jacob and Leonard Carpenter and George Gardner. Trade on the river was conducted by sloops until 1830, when the first steamer, the Baltimore, was purchased and started on regular trips by Christopher Reeve.
Before the war Great Britain would not allow the colonists to engage in much manufacturing, requiring them to import or supply themselves by domestic substitutes. Therefore, there was much spinning and weaving by wives and daughters, and making soap from refuse fats, and dipping for candles, while the farmer made his own sleds and carts and generally constructed his own dwelling and outhouses. These practices were continued to some extent long after the war for economical reasons.
Some of the first men to start things in Newburgh are here named:
John Haines, hat manufacturer, 1795; Richard and Joseph Albertson, shoe making, before the Revolution; Cooper, tailor, at the close of the war; Joseph Reeves, watchmaker, 1798, took up whip-making in 1804, and was followed in watch-making by George Gorden and Ebenezer Ayres; Hugh Spier, cabinet-maker and undertaker, 1798; Selah Reeve, earthenware manufacturer, 1799; James Patterson, tin plate worker and coppersmith, 1797; Mrs. DeGrove, baking, 1791, and succeeded by John and Joseph Hoffman; Peter Bannen, soap and candle making, 1804, preceded by Abel Belknap; Matthew DuBois, tobacconist, 1799; James Renwick distiller, 1790; John Cooper, father of the famous Peter Cooper, ale brewer, 1794; Benjamin Roe, saddle and harness maker, before 1800; Phineas Howell, tanner, before 1800; Sylvester Roe, painting and glazing, 1804; Henry B. Carpenter, iron and brass foundry, 1821; Richard B. Phillips, brush manufacturer, 1831, preceded by Daniel Berrian; Henry B. Ames, fancy and family soaps, 1852; stock company, with Hiram Bennett, president, cotton goods manufactory, 1844; George Gardner, Jason Rogers, William Seymour, Richard Hill, earliest ship builders, and Walter Burling, Daniel Bailey, Wm. Holmes, Samuel Wright, earliest ship carpenters; Drs. Isaac Brown and Robert Morrison, regular physicians in 1776; Phineas Bowman, first lawyer, settled in Newburgh at close of Revolution, and his contemporary lawyers were Thomas Cooper, Solomon Slight and Jonathan Fisk; Lucius Carey; first newspaper, Newburgh Packet, 1775, bought by David Denniston, and name changed to Mirror; E. W. Gray, first daily, News, 1856; Hezekiah Watkins, schoolmaster, 1752; John Nathan, teacher during Revolution and founder of "Hutchin's Family Almanac"; Rev. Jonathan Freeman and Sylvanus Haight, private school, 1801.
When the second war with England came, Newburgh was paying nearly one-fourth of the taxes of the county. Again she was prominent in zeal for the national cause. A convention was held in which it was resolved to resist "the attacks of domestic enemies and the insolent aggressions of foreign powers." Local military companies were ordered on duty at Staten Island, and later Newburgh was made temporarily the rendezvous for grenadiers, light infantry and riflemen of the 34th Brigade. Its citizens celebrated Perry's victory on Lake Erie with enthusiasm. The embargo act detained Newburgh vessels, among others, in foreign ports, and Newburgh merchantmen were captured and confined in Dartmour prison.
Colden's first dock was built in 1730. Isaac Belknap sailed a sloop from Newburgh before the Revolution which made trips to the West Indies. William Harding, Richard Buckingham and Lewis Clark also sailed sloops before the war, and later conveyed troops on them for the Revolutionists. As early as 1798 there were four lines of sloops from Newburgh.
In the thirties Newburgh's river and land trade was very large. The streets were frequently blocked for hours with farmers' loaded wagons. The completion of the Erie canal diverted the most of this trade, and later the Delaware and Hudson canal cut off another source of wealth. Then the construction of the Erie Railroad from Goshen to Piermont, and its subsequent extension in other directions, finished the old transportation business of Newburgh, and it has taken many years to bring about the present prosperity, with railroads extending from many directions, large and varied manufactures, superior public institutions and other conditions to correspond.
AFTER INCORPORATION.
The village of Newburgh was incorporated March 25, 1800, by an Act of the Legislature, and in May seven trustees, three assessors, three fire wardens, a collector and a treasurer, were elected. John Anderson was chosen president of the board of trustees. In 1801, the Newburgh and Colchester turnpike was incorporated, with a capital of $125,000. "Both measures," says Ruttenber, "were largely instrumental in influencing the prosperity of the village." The latter, by opening a new route of travel westward, brought a trade which in the main had previously reached the Hudson by way of New Windsor, as up to that time nearly all the wagon roads led to this place. The turnpike so reversed conditions, by giving to the western part of Orange County and Sullivan County a better and shorter route of travel, that Newburgh came up and New Windsor went down, and the merchants of the latter place moved their stocks of goods to Newburgh. Other turnpikes followed, and the village grew rapidly. From the close of the Revolutionary War to 1825 its population increased 1,100 in each decade, and its commerce was proportionately extended. Connecting turnpikes stretched to Canandaigua Lake, and were traversed by lines of stages, and a steamer on Cayuga Lake facilitated travel. Subsequently connections with Buffalo permitted a trip of sixty-five hours between that place and New York, and this was advertised as "the shortest and most expeditious route from the Hudson River to the western country."
INTERESTING PUBLIC EVENTS.
The city of Newburgh was incorporated in 1865. Of its patriotic celebrations two were of surpassing enthusiasm and interest. These were the Centennial celebration of 1876 and the Centennial celebrating the close of the Revolutionary War, of October 18, 1883. In the former there was a great nocturnal parade, and the noise and commotion were unprecedented in Newburgh from cannon firing, engine whistling, fireworks, band playing, songs and shouts. At Washington's headquarters the procession paused awhile and sang, "My Country 'tis of Thee."
The celebration of 1883 was less noisy, but more imposing. The memorial monument or "Tower of Victory," at Washington's headquarters, had been completed at a cost of $67,000, and the event was of national and State as well as local significance. Congress had appropriated $25,000, the State Legislature $15,000, the Common Council of Newburgh $7,500, and the citizens of Newburgh had subscribed $5,000. Many thousands of people came from far and near on railroads, steamboats and wagons. The river front was lined with steamers. The procession of the military, firemen, and societies was three miles long, and included quite forty brass bands and a score of drum corps. It was headed by a company of New York City police, and within it rode Peter Ward, mayor of Newburgh; Joel T. Headley, president of the Washington Headquarters Commission; Thomas Bayard, president of the day; William M. Evarts, orator, and William Bruce, poet. The inscription on the monument gives the sufficient reason for the parade and accompanying ceremonies:
"This monument was erected under the authority of the Congress of the United States and the State of New York, in commemoration of the disbandment under proclamation of the Continental Congress of October 18, 1783, of the armies by whose patriotic and military virtue our national independence and sovereignty were established."
Another noteworthy celebration was the unveiling of the statute of General George Clinton, October 6, 1896. The exercises consisted of a military and civic parade. The presentation address was delivered by Rev. William K. Hall, D.D. and Mayor Odell, in behalf of the city, made the address of acceptance. The statue stands in Clinton Gore, at the junction of Water and Colden Streets. It shows General Clinton resting on his sword, which he holds in his right hand. It was modeled by the late eminent sculptor, Henry K. Brown, and his nephew, Mr. Bush-Brown, had the statue cast and the pedestal carved. The cost to the people of Newburgh was only $3,000, raised by subscriptions undertaken by the local Historical Society, and finished by Mayor Odell. Upon the granite pedestal is this inscription:
GEORGE CLINTON
Member of Continental Congress, 1775-1777. Brigadier-General
Continental Army, 1777. Governor of the State of New York,
1777-1795, 1801-1804. Vice-President of the United States,
1804-1812. Cara Patria Carioe Libertas.
The Newburgh Municipal Centennial was fittingly observed May, 1900. The parade, in which about twenty-eight hundred persons took part, marched through the city's principal thoroughfares, after which the people assembled at Washington's Headquarters, and Mayor Wilson called the gathering to order. The Rev. W. K. Hall, D.D., eloquently reviewed the events of a century in this village and city. Benediction was pronounced by Rev. Father Salley.
Another event of unusual interest was the visit of Lafayette, in 1824, to Newburgh, the place of his headquarters in the Revolution. He was given a great reception, Francis Crawford, President of the village, presented him to the corporation in a brief address, and he was afterwards received with Masonic honors by Hiram Lodge, F. & A. M., where he replied eloquently to an address by Rev. Dr. John Brown. He was banqueted at the Crawford Hotel, with about 100 citizens at the table.
Newburgh's growth has been steady and healthy in recent years, in consequence of civic enterprise and better knowledge of the advantages and attractions of her location. Her compact buildings, mostly of brick, her charming suburbs, with fine country seats, the good and delightful roads extending into the country for carriage drives and automobiles, her excellent harbor and easy access to the Metropolis by rail and steamer, her good schools and churches and her busy manufactories, are enticements which are drawing many new residents. Apart from its population it is the center of trade for many thousands of people.
MANUFACTURES.
The following is a partial list of leading industries:
Newburgh Bleachery, bleachers and finishers of fine cotton fabrics; Sweet, Orr & Co., overalls and working-men's garments; Coldwell Lawn Mower Co.; Coldwell-Wilcox Co., iron founders and machinists; T. S. Marvel & Co., iron shipbuilding and engineering works; Newburgh Steam Boiler Works; Fabrikoid Company, imitation leathers; Newburgh Ice Machine and Engine Co.; Newburgh Lumber Co.; Newburgh Planing Mill Co.; Belknap & McCann, soap; Lackey Manufacturing Co., lace curtains; Harrison & Gore Silk Co.; Hudson River Woolen Mills; Staples & Hanford, wire goods; Newburgh Reed Co., reed chairs; Stroock Plush Co.; Stroock Felt Co.; Little Falls Paper Co.; Granite City Soap Co.; Newburgh Steam Mills, cotton goods; John Turl's Sons, iron works; Cleveland & Whitehill, overalls; Ferry, Weber & Co., hats; Abendroth & Root, spiral pipe, etc., automobiles; Muchattoes Lake Ice Co.; Higginson Manufacturing Co., cement; Newburgh Light, Heat & Power Co.; Pennsylvania Coal Co.
Of the industries which have been listed, some should be more fully noticed. The Newburgh Ice Machine and Engine Company was known at the time of its establishment, in 1824, as the Newburgh Steam Engine Works. The present company was organized in 1890 with a capital of $500,000 to manufacture Whitehill-Corliss engines and ice-making and refrigerating machines. Extensive shops were completed that year, to which additions have recently been made. Mr. Edgar Penney is vice-president and general manager.
The Muchattoes Lake Ice Company's business was started in the winter of 1859-1860 by James R. Dickson, and was bought in 1863 by Benjamin B. Odell, when he organized the company named. The officers are: B. B. Odell, president; B. B. Odell, Jr., secretary and treasurer; H. B. Odell, superintendent.
Sweet, Orr & Co. are the pioneers and most extensive manufacturers in the country of overalls and other working-men's garments. In 1876 their weekly product was about a thousand dozen pairs at their Wappinger's Falls factory, where they kept 250 employees busy. Seeking increased quarters they started another factory in Newburgh in 1880. The factory has a frontage of 150 feet on Broadway and 275 feet on Concord street. In 1882 they opened a factory in Chicago, and in 1900 another at Joliet, Ill. Sixty traveling salesmen cover the entire United States with their product. Mr. Clayton E. Sweet, head of this concern, resides in Newburgh.
To Captain Thomas S. Marvel is due the success of the immense shipyard of the T. S. Marvel Shipbuilding Company. Soon after the failure of Ward, Stanton & Co., Captain Marvel, who had been their superintendent, began business on his own account. The shipyard has been enlarged from time to time, and building after building erected for their business. Over 200 men are employed in the building and repairing of iron and wooden steamboats and other water craft. Among their notable products are the steamers Homer Ramsdell, Hendrick Hudson, numerous ferryboats, and fire-boats for the New York Fire Department.
The Higginson Manufacturing Company have a very extensive plant for the production of plaster, gypsum, etc., with steamers and barges to transport it to New York and other points. The business was begun by William R. Brown in 1868. Mr. Henry C. Higginson has been proprietor of the plant for many years.
The Newburgh Bleachery is owned and managed by Joseph Chadwick & Sons. It is one of the largest and best equipped manufactories of its kind. The Chadwicks in 1871 purchased the present site, and combined with it a factory which they owned in Rutherford, N. J., concentrating their whole business in the Newburgh establishment. They employ about 300 hands in bleaching and finishing various kinds of cotton goods.
The Fabrikoid Company's industry was moved to Newburgh in 1902. The plant covers about fifteen acres, and consists of twenty-eight buildings. The product is chiefly an imitation leather and the manufactory has a capacity of over 6,000 yards a day. Mr. John Aspinwall is president, and Mr. George H. May, secretary and treasurer.
Coldwell Lawn Mower Company, manufacturers of hand, horse and motor lawn mowers, is the largest concern in the world devoted exclusively to the production of these machines. The firm is composed of William H. Coldwell, president and general manager; E. C. Ross, treasurer; H. T. Coldwell, assistant treasurer, and A. W. Mapes, secretary. Mr. Thomas Coldwell, the parent of this industry, organized the company in 1891, and the plant was built on the most modern principles. Their annual output, shipped to all parts of the globe, exceeds one hundred thousand mowers, which is over one-fifth of the entire production in the country.
H. Powell Ramsdell, of Newburgh, is the proprietor of the Arlington Paper Mill at Salisbury's Mills, eight miles southwest of the city on Murderer's Creek and the Newburgh branch of the Erie. The mill is the principal industrial element of the hamlet. It is picturesquely situated on the edge of a rocky gorge. The oldest part of the mill was built about 1840, by Isaac K. Oakley. It forms but a small part of the present plant, the main building of which is 480 feet long and from one to three stories high, with capacity for the employment of 150 hands, and the production of over 24,000 pounds of paper daily. It is a progressive institution and up to date in its machinery and other equipment. There are several detached buildings in addition to a connected series of brick and stone buildings, and twenty or more cottages for the families of the employees. The Arlington Mill manufactures the best grades of book paper and French folios, white and colored. These go to the great publishing houses of New York and other American cities, and some of them to England and even to Australia.
EXTENSIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS.
Washington Heights, formerly the homestead of Captain Henry Robinson—a tract of nearly 100 acres in the southern part of the city—was made a valuable addition to the resident portion of the city by its purchase from the heirs, division into streets and lots and their improvements started twenty years ago. The part of the plateau east of Lander street, about forty acres, was purchased by Henry T. McConn, and he arranged with Colonel Charles H. Weygant for its development. The macadam streets are broad and straight, the houses must set twelve feet back from the sidewalk, which is lined with shade trees. A little later, in October, 1887, William D. and Joseph M. Dickey purchased the part of the Robinson farm west of Lander street, forty-two acres, and there inaugurated similar improvements. Many lots have been sold and houses erected on both plots.
The Newburgh Street Railway Company obtained a franchise early in 1886 to build a surface road from a point near the western end of the city to the Union depot, and then another to extend the line from the corner of Water and Third streets along Water street to near the northerly line of the city. On December 23d, of the same year, the road was formally opened between West Newburgh and the Union depot. Later the road was extended to Orange Lake, and the name was changed to the Orange County Traction Company. In 1906 it was purchased by Ex-Governor Odell, and desirable improvements in equipment were made.
On recommendation of Mayor Odell, in his annual message of 1887, the people voted $30,000 for the purchase of additional lands to the former Smith estate, owned by the city, to be improved and laid out into the beautiful and sightly Downing Park, in honor of Andrew J. Downing.
Of buildings for public use the Newburgh Academy of Music is conspicuous. It was projected in 1886 by J. P. Andrews and E. S. Turner, and the construction was commenced in the spring of 1887. It has a frontage on Broadway of 85 feet and a depth of 140 feet. The auditorium is 80 feet long by 45 feet deep, 40 feet high, and will seat 1,300 people. The stage is 80 by 35 feet, and there are 12 dressing rooms, 2 balconies and 4 boxes. In all its appointments it is thoroughly modern.
Of school buildings two deserve particular notice. The Free Academy was erected in 1885-1886, and cost $67,000. The material is brick with stone trimmings. It is 112 by 68 feet, and three stories high, with basement. It has an assembly room 88 by 64 feet, which will seat 700 persons, and 12 class rooms each 31 by 23 feet. There are 21 rooms in all. Without and within it is a good specimen of school architecture. Another is the Grammar School building, erected in 1891 at a cost of $30,000. This is 74 by 76 feet, with eight class rooms 28 by 23 feet each, and each containing desks for 40 pupils. The assembly room is in the third story.
Another noteworthy building is that of the Y. M. C. A., constructed in 1882-1883, and costing $24,000. It is 31 by 77 feet, three stories high, and has a seating capacity in its assembly room for 300 persons.
In 1896-1897 a handsome Government building was erected. Congress having appropriated $100,000 for this purpose, and this has since been the home of the post-office, the business of which has already almost outgrown it.
The water with which Newburgh is supplied is drawn from Washington Lake, three and a third miles from the Hudson and 276 feet above it. The lake is fed by internal springs and an artificial channel with Silver stream. Chemical analysis has shown that this water is so pure that it needs no filtering, and it is agreeably palatable, without any mineral flavors. It has been healthy Newburgh's drinking water for more than fifty years. The lake's area is about 140 acres, and it has a storage capacity of 300,000,000 gallons. Newburgh is now so thoroughly piped that the water is universally accessible to its citizens, and is an invaluable protection against fire as well as promoter of cleanliness, health and happiness.
PROTECTION AND EDUCATION.
Newburgh has been remarkably free from crime, which is in part due to the character of its citizens and in part to its uniformly excellent police force, which now consists of one marshal, two sergeants, two roundsmen and fifteen patrolmen.
The Volunteer Fire Department of Newburgh is one of the oldest in the State, and also one of the most efficient. Therefore there have been few very damaging fires, and the insurance rates are low. From its organization, over a hundred years ago, until now, it has had on its records of membership some of the leading business and professional men in the community, and they have promptly responded to the call for service when their service was required.
The department was started, by authority of an act of Legislature, in the spring of 1797. This was three years before the village was incorporated, and the five trustees which the act required to be elected annually for controlling managers were the first form of government in the village. Their power was transferred to the village trustees by the incorporating act. There were at first a suction engine and a bucket brigade to keep it supplied with water. In 1805 a company of "bagmen" was formed, whose duty it was to take charge of goods. The first engine house was erected about the same time, and a record of the two engine companies of 1806 furnishes the following names:
No. 1—William I. 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 Hoagland, 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, Solomon Sleight, Jonathan Carter, Hiram Weller, Samuel Wright, Hugh Spier, Thomas Powell, Cornelius De Witt, Joseph Hoffman. Cadwallader Roe, Daniel Niven, Jr., Benoni H. Howell, Sylvanus Jessup, Joseph Reeve, John Richardson.
The interesting history of the department from its interesting beginnings cannot be followed here. Coming down to the present time its heads consist of a chief engineer and two assistant engineers, the foreman and assistant foreman of the various companies, and the trustees of the Fire Department fund. The names of the companies are: Highland Steamer Co. No. 3, Washington Steamer Co. No. 4, Brewster Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1, Ringgold Hose Co. No. 1, Columbian Hose Co. No. 2, C. M. Leonard Steamer Co. No. 2, Chapman Steamer Co. No. 1, Lawson Hose Co. No. 5, Washington Heights Chemical Engine Co. No. 3.
The city is divided into five fire districts, and thirty-two alarm boxes connect with the engine houses.
Newburgh is essentially progressive and modern in its educational system, now made free, from the primary to the end of the academic course. Its Board of Education consists of nine members. It has seven public school buildings and one public library building. Other officers besides the board, are its president, vice-president, clerk, who is also superintendent, librarian, counsel and attendance officer. There are also three Glebe trustees and three Glebe auditors. The courses of study are similar to those in other city schools, and the graduate from the Free Academy may be prepared to enter one of the leading colleges, while the Manual Training School is a physical safeguard as well as a means for harmonious muscular development. For reading helps apart from text-books the good library of nearly 35,000 volumes is an opening into general literature.
The reason for the Glebe trustees and auditors referred to dates back to ancient conditions which have been mentioned. The act to amend the charter of the Glebe passed by the Legislature in 1803, directed that $200 should be paid annually to the trustees of the academy, and that the remainder of the money from the Glebe income should be paid to the other schools on the Glebe lands, as the inhabitants should direct. It was applied to the juvenile school which was established in the old Lutheran church in 1803, the last teacher of which was John L. Lyon, who taught from 1843 to 1845, when the school was removed to the academy. In 1849, after the Clinton street school building was erected and became officially known as the Glebe school, it received the revenues of the Glebe above the sum required by law to be paid to the academy. The High school was incorporated in 1829, and opened the next year. The number of pupils registered in this 1851-1852 was 348, and the number in the Glebe school about 120. During the first year of the new order of things, provided for in the act of 1852, the number of pupils was doubled.
Besides the present public schools there are several parish and private schools, the former being under the care of the Roman Catholic Church. Of these St. Mary's Academy, founded in 1883, has become very prominent and useful.
The library, with its 35,000 volumes, is free to the people of Newburgh, and the building includes a teachers' reading room supplied with books adapted to the professional needs of the teachers, and may also be used by citizens and strangers for study and literary work. The library was started in 1852, and is among the oldest of the free circulating libraries. Previous to 1850 there were but four in the State, ten in the New England States, six besides these in the United States, and none in Great Britain, and but one of the libraries then organized has as many books or as large a circulation as the Newburgh library. In September, 1852, the Board of Education resolved that all the school libraries in the village should be consolidated and placed together in the academy room, then ready to receive them, and William N. Reid, first principal of the academy under the new system, was appointed librarian. There were 924 volumes from the high school, 737 from the Glebe and 418 from the academy. In 1862 the books of the Mechanics' Library Association were transferred to the Board of Education, which added 2,801 volumes to the library. Other donations and the purchases have brought the library to its present valuable condition in the number and quality of its books. The fine building which now contains them was completed in 1877.
CHURCHES.
Of Newburgh's churches the oldest is the First Presbyterian, whose legal existence began a few months after the close of the Revolutionary War, although its informal existence had started a score of years before, and been kept up in an irregular and feeble way. The formal organization as a Presbyterian society under the laws of the Slate took place July 12, 1884, with these trustees: Adolph Degrove, Daniel Hudson, Thomas Palmer, Joseph Coleman, Isaac Belknap. The first stated supply was Rev. John Close, who served from 1785 to 1796. His successor was Rev. Isaac Lewis, who continued until 1800 and was followed by Rev. John Freeman, and Mr. Freeman by Rev. Eleazer Burnet. Then came the long and very successful pastorate of Rev. John Johnston, which lasted from July 5, 1807, until his death, August 23, 1855. Nearly a thousand members were added to the church roll during his ministry.
The congregation of the First Associate Reformed Church was formed in 1798, and the society was legally incorporated February 7, 1803. The first pastor, Rev. Robert Kerr, was installed April 6, 1799. The first trustees were: Derick Amerman, Hugh Walsh, Daniel Niven, Robert Gourley, Robert Boyd, John Brown, Isaac Belknap, Jr., John Coulter and Robert W. Jones. The ruling elders were John Currie, Samuel Belknap, Hugh Speir and John Shaw.
The First Reformed Presbyterian Church was planted in Newburgh by several families of the Covenanter faith in 1793, who held services in their homes on Sundays, and, with others, organized a Covenanter society in 1802. This became a branch of the Coldenham congregation, and the connection was continued until 1824, when it separated, and James Clark, Samuel Wright and John Lawson were chosen elders and John Crawford, deacon.
Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1808, when Rev. Samuel Fowler became the first pastor.
St. George's Episcopal Church has been elsewhere referred to in the early history of Newburgh. The parish was reincorporated, after a long period of adversity, in 1805, and the minister who more than any one else built it up afterward in the early years of the nineteenth century was Rev. John Brown. He became its regular rector in the fall of 1815.
The African M. E. Church was organized in 1827, by Rev. George Matthews.
A Baptist Church was organized in 1821, and after a feeble existence, ending in dissolution in 1828, was formally reorganized in December, 1834.
Of the later churches the organizations were as follows:
American Reformed Church, September 24, 1835; St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, 1838; Union Church, July 13, 1837; Shiloh Baptist Church, 1848; St. John's M. E. Church, May 23, 1852; Westminstcr Reformed Presbyterian Church, November 12, 1854; Calvary Presbyterian Church, September 1, 1856; First United Presbyterian Church, December 6, 1859; Congregation Beth Jacob, about 1860; St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church, May, 1860; Grace M. E. Church, April 25, 1868; Church of our Father (Unitarian), 1855; St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, May 19, 1875; Church of the Corner Stone (Reformed Episcopal), December 2, 1873; German Evangelical Lutheran Church, spring of 1876; Church of the Good Shepard (Episcopal), June, 1871; First Congregational Church, January 3, 1889.
OTHER HELPFUL ORGANIZATIONS.
A Young Men's Christian Association of Newburgh was organized September 17, 1858, and the next week officers were elected. The time of organization was less than six years after the Y. M. C. A. movement started. The association dissolved about 1861, and after the lapse of seven years the present association was organized. It did not have a vigorous existence for several years, and was reorganized in January, 1879. A few months later General Secretary J. T. Browne came to Newburgh and put new life into it, and it has been prosperous and progressive since. Its president, E. S. Tanner, was largely instrumental in raising the money for the new building, first occupied in 1883, and costing $17,000.
At a public meeting held April 24, 1888, after an address by the national secretary, Miss Nettie Dunn, Newburgh's Young Women's Christian Association was organized, and 105 members enrolled. The elected officers were: President, Mrs. Susan McMasters; vice-presidents, Mrs. Isaac Garrison, Miss Mary E. Gouldy and Mrs. Charles S. Jenkins; recording secretary, Miss Augusta Lester; treasurer, Mrs. M. C. Belknap. The association has been prosperous and useful.
St. Luke's Home and Hospital was incorporated in 1876. Its object is to provide for the care and medical treatment of the sick and disabled, and also a home for aged women. It has a training school for nurses, established in 1893, and a medical board of nearly a score of physicians and specialists.
There are two institutions under the care of Alms House Commissioners—the City and Town Home and Children's Home. The former is on a farm in the southwestern corner of the city, and the latter is a building in High Street. These are city benefactions, well managed and helpful to the aged and orphaned.
An office and employment bureau was organized in 1875, and reorganized in 1886. It is primarily an organization to help the poor to help themselves. Members pay $5 annually and agree to abstain from indiscriminate alms giving. The society is otherwise supported by voluntary contributions.
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union and Young Women's Christian Temperance Union labor to teach the boys and younger men the principles of temperance and morality, and have restrained and reformed many of them.
There are two military companies in Newburgh—the Fifth Separate and Tenth Separate Companies, originating in the Seventeenth Battalion, which was organized in 1878. Lieutenant Colonel E. D. Hayt, commanding. January 11, 1882, Companies B, C and D were mustered out and Company A, Captain James T. Chase, continued as Fifth Separate Company, and Company E, Captain James M. Dickey, continued as Tenth Separate Company.
The Lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows are Acme No. 469; Bismarck No. 420; Highland No. 65 and Mount Olive Encampment No. 65.
The Elks have Lodge No. 247, B. P. O. E.
The Grand Army of the Republic is represented in Newburgh by Ellis Post No. 52. and Fullerton Post No. 589. The Sons of Veterans have A. S. Cassedy Post No. 18.
The Knights of Pythias have Storm King Lodge No. 11, Olive Branch Lodge No. 133, Endowment Rank Section No. 206 and Charles T. Goodrich Division No. 25, Uniform Rank.
The Knights of Honor have Hudson River Lodge No. 1218.
The Ancient Order of Foresters has Court Newburgh No. 7256 and Court Pride of the Hudson No. 7718.
The Improved Order of Red Men has Muchattoes Tribe No. 54, and Orange Council No. 50, Degree of Pocahontas.
Of temperance societies there are Orange Council No. 186, Royal Templars of Temperance, Prohibition Alliance; Junior Prohibition Club, St. George's Company No. 62, Knights of Temperance, St. Paul's Company No. 62. Mission Lodge No. 639 I. O. of G. T., Newburgh Lodge No. 282 I. O. of G. T., and Victory Lodge I. O. of G. T.
Among the many other societies are United Friends, Sons of St. George, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Royal Arcanum, Order of United American Mechanics, Sexennial League, Knights and Ladies of the Golden Star, Knights of Honor, Orange Men, several Catholic societies, labor and trade unions, Newburgh Bible Society, Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Society for Instruction in First Aid to the Injured, and Horse Thief Detecting Society.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
Newburgh has solid financial institutions. Highland Bank was chartered April 26, 1834, with a capital of $200,000. In January, 1865, the capital was increased to $350,000, and the following April was reorganized as a National Bank with a capital of $450,000, which was reduced to $300,000 in 1888. The first president was Gilbert O. Fowler.
Quassaick National Bank was organized March 31, 1852, and began business with a capital of $130,000. The first president was E. W. Farrington, and the first cashier Jonathan N. Weed. In June of the year of organization the capital stock was increased to $200,000, and in June of 1853 to $300,000. In 1895 Mr. Weed was chosen president.
The National Bank of Newburgh is the successor of the Bank of Newburgh, incorporated March 22, 1811. The capital of the first bank was $120,000. The first president was Isaac Belknap, Jr., and the first cashier was John S. Hunn. In February, 1820, a branch bank was opened at Ithaca and continued till 1830, when its charter expired. The Bank of Newburgh was then reorganized under the Safety Fund law with a capital of $140,000. In 1851 it was again reorganized under the general banking law with a capital of $200,000, which was increased the next year to $300,000. July 3, 1864, the bank divided its capital and 60 per cent, profits among its stockholders, and closed business, and two days afterward the National Bank of Newburgh more than took its place in the business community, with the large capital of $800,000, the stock of which was promptly taken. June 3, 1890, the stockholders voted to reduce the capital to $400,000, and the additional $400,000 with 40 per cent profits was divided among them. The bank has continued to prosper.
The Newburgh Savings Hank was chartered April 13, 1852, and was opened January 1, 1853. Its present building was completed in 1868, and cost $115,527. It has been a helpful institution to the people of Newburgh and vicinity. Its first president was Robert L. Case. Joseph Chadwick is now its president.
The Columbus Trust Company began to do business March 1, 1893, at No. 82 Broadway, with a capital stock of $100,000 divided among 144 shareholders. Semi-annual dividends of 3 per cent, have been regularly paid since 1895. In 1901 the directors decided to purchase No. 78 Broadway for a banking house. The building was remodeled, and April 20, 1902, the company moved to its present quarters. This company has prospered beyond the reasonable expectations of its friends. The statement of December 31, 1893, showed $117,249.17 on deposit, and $20,238.36 surplus and undivided profits. June 29, 1907, deposits amounted to $2,941,587.13 and surplus and undivided profits to $121,527.26. The total number of accounts is 5,300. The present officers are: Joseph Van Cleft, president; David A. Morrison, first vice-president; Charles K. Bull, second vice-president; Henry M. Leonard, treasurer; Barclay Van Cleft, secretary; Walter C. Anthony, counsel.
The Board of Trade was organized February 22, 1882, Mayor A. S. Cassedy presiding at the meeting. Daniel S. Waring was chosen president and the other officers were: vice-presidents, William B. Brockaw and John Schoonmaker; treasurer, Jonathan N. Weed. This organization helped in many ways to advance the city's interests. It was succeeded by the Business Men's Association, organized October 16, 1900, with the following officers: Samuel V. Schoonmaker, president; James Chadwick, W. C. Belknap, Hiram B. Odell, vice-presidents; John F. Tucker, secretary: H. A. Bartlett, treasurer. It was incorporated March 30, 1904. Among the larger plants it has secured for Newburgh may be mentioned (1901) the Abendroth & Root Co., of Brooklyn manufacturers of spiral pipe, automobiles, etc.; (1901-1902) the Fabrikoid Co., formerly doing business in New Jersey, which purchased the property known as Haigh Mills at West Newburgh. Their products are shipped to all parts of the world; (1903) William C. Gregg Co., of Minneapolis, Minn., manufacturers of sugar plantation machinery. William Johnston McKay was chosen president of the association in 1907. This organization is in charge of Newburgh's portion of the Ter-Centenary celebration of the discovery of the Hudson River, and has already arranged for special exercises, September 25, 26 and 27, 1909.
TRANSPORTATION AVENUES.
The transportation facilities of Newburgh are almost unsurpassed.
In front is its fine harbor, bay and river, with steamship lines up and down and across. These lines are a restraint upon the tendencies of the railroads towards high freight rates. The river trade is large and within a few miles of Newburgh are about fifteen village ports which are more or less tributary to it. The local traffic of the Hudson is mostly by lines of steamers, some of which carry both freight and passengers and others only passengers. Sloops and schooners, which long ago did nearly all the carrying trade, still do service.
The Central Hudson Steamboat Company has two night lines of steamers to New York, which carry passengers and freight. Boats of this line leave Newburgh and New York in the evening and afford charming water trips to residents and others. The company also provides the Newburgh, Albany and Troy line, the steamers of which leave Newburgh for the upward trips every morning, except Sundays, and arrive from Albany in the evening. The captains of the boats on the Newburgh and New York lines are Zach Roosa, William Meakim, Weston L. Dennis and E. N. Gage. Those on the Newburgh, Albany & Troy line are Fred L. Simpson and Egbert Van Wagner.
The Newburgh and Fishkill ferry, for which a line of steamers was started in 1835, continues business, its steamers leaving Newburgh about every half hour between 5.45 a. m. and 10.45 p. m. H. Stockbridge Ramsdell is the agent.
Newburgh and Haverstraw Steamboat Company has the steamer Emeline, Captain D. C. Woolsey, which starts for Haverstraw and intermediate landings each mid-afternoon and Haverstraw for Newburgh in the evening.
Newburgh and Poughkeepsie line's steamer Hudson Taylor, Captain George Walker, leaves Newburgh for Poughkeepsie every morning.
Wappinger's Falls and Newburgh line's steamer Messenger leaves Newburgh forenoons and early evenings.
The West Shore Railroad, which extends north and west to Albany and Buffalo and south to New York, connects at Newburgh with the line and the New York and the New England systems, and at Buffalo with the Grand Trunk and the Lake Shore Railroads. Over thirty trains a day arrive and depart on this road. It has facilities for transporting cars across the river.
One Erie Railroad branch extends to a junction with the main line at Greycourt, eighteen miles distant, and affords a direct route to the Pennsylvania coal fields and across the southern tier of New York counties to the west. Another Erie branch connects with the main line at Newburgh Junction, fifteen miles distant, and passes through a number of Orange County villages. About twenty passenger trains a day arrive and depart over these branches.
The New York Central's Hudson River line of railroad across the river from Newburgh is reached by the ferry, the boats of which make close connection with all through passenger trains.
The Lehigh and Hudson River Railway extends from a junction with the Newburgh branch and the Erie's main line at Greycourt to Belvedere. The Newburgh branch is operated as a part of the system controlled by the Central Railroad of New Jersey.
There is also the line of the Orange County Traction Company, extending to Walden.
Newburgh is the principal gateway for the coal traffic between Pennsylvania fields and the New England States, which consume six million tons of coal annually. The loaded cars on reaching the river front are quickly ferried across to Fishkill on the transfer boat, and the roads coming to Fishkill distribute them. Much coal is also shipped from Newburgh by water to all parts of the northern country, and to the ports of Long Island and the New England coast.
CEMETERIES.
Newburgh has six cemeteries—the Newburgh, or Old Town, St. George's, St. Patrick's, the Hebrew, and in the suburbs, Woodlawn and Cedar Hill.
The Newburgh has many old headstones, and is in the block where stood the church of the old Palatine settlers.
St. George's is under the care of St. George's Protestant Episcopal Church.
St. Patrick's is for the remains of the Roman Catholic dead and the Hebrew for the Jewish dead.
Woodlawn Cemetery is controlled by the Newburgh Woodlawn Cemetery Association, which was incorporated October 22, 1870. It is in the town of New Windsor, a mile from the city, and is reached by a delightful avenue. It is an ideal location for a cemetery, with extended river and mountain views. Quassaick avenue, leading from the city to Woodlawn, is lined with elegant country residences in the midst of spacious grounds studded with fine trees and beautified in the warm season with wide lawns and varieties of beautiful flowers. The cemetery grounds contain fifty acres, laid out with excellent artistic taste and skill, and carefully looked after and kept in order by the superintendent, MacLeod Rogers, who has occupied the position from the beginning. Some of its features are a row of fine cedars along the northern boundary, a dense grove on the western side, scattered ancient oaks, also maples, pines, elms and other kinds of trees, varieties of shrubs and flowers, and a natural stream. There are several imposing monuments and many fine designs in sculptured marble and granite.
Cedar Hill Cemetery is about five miles north of the center of the city, and contains 100 acres in the midst of a picturesque landscape. It has about three miles of driveways through its park-like grounds, there is a stream of spring water which supplies a little lake of two and one-half acres, and there are many handsome monuments. The Cedar Hill Cemetery Association was organized in 1870.
THE CIVIL WAR.
Regarding enlistments from Newburgh and the money raised for the Civil War, the recapitulation in Ruttenber and Clark's History is here quoted:
"1. Company B. 3d Regiment, recruited in March and April, 1861. 2. Company B, 36th Regiment, recruited in May and June. 1861. 3. Company I, 71st Regiment Militia, recruited principally from Company I, 19th Regiment. 4. Companies A and B., and parts of C, D and G, 56th Regiment, recruited between July and October, 1861. 5. Seventh Independent Battery, in part, recruited with 56th Regiment. 6. Companies D, E, F, I and L, 19th Regiment Militia; miscellaneous enlistments prior to July, 1862, 111. Under the calls of July and August, 1862, 470 men were required from the town, and 501 furnished, 217 of whom were enrolled in the 124th and 106 in the 168th Regiments. The call of July, 1863 required 443 men, of whom ninety were furnished; but it was merged in the calls of October 1863, and of February, March and July, 1864, requiring 756; number furnished, 827, of whom seventy-one were not credited. The total of enlistments, including re-enlistments, was 2,250; the total of men required, 1,226. The public subscriptions and loans of the town, including at that time the village, for the promotion of enlistments and for bounties were: 1861, by individual subscriptions, $7,385; bonds of the village, $5,000; 1862, individual subscriptions, $17,512; 1864, town bonds, $175,100; total, $204,997. In addition to this sum the town expended for special relief—1863-1864—$1,075.50; expended by aid society, and in contributions to the Christian Commission, $12,387.31; raising the total to $218,459.81, and the further sum of $321,320 (partly estimated) for special income and internal revenue taxes to January 1, 1865—a grand total of $539.779.81."
POST-OFFICE.
The Newburgh post-office was the first to be established in this part of the State, and passed the centennial of its organization in December, 1895. Prior to that date letters and other articles which now go by mail were carried by post riders, who delivered and deposited letters at appointed stations. The first post-carrier station in this district is supposed to have been what was known as "the glass house" in the ancient village of New Windsor, where letters were addressed as early as 1755. One of the early stations was the tavern of Michael Wiegand on present Liberty street, and the regular accounting post-office of 1895 was its successor. At that time, we are told, the Newburgh office included in its deliveries Marlborough, Montgomery, Plattekill, New Windsor and other nearby settlements, and received mails by carriers on the established post roads, the main trunk lines being the old King's Highway, now Liberty street, the old road from Kingston to Goshen, running through Montgomery, from which a cross mail was carried through Coldenham to Newburgh, and there was a main cross mail running east through Fishkill into New England and to Boston, which intersected a cross line on the east side of the river extending from New York to Albany.
The Newburgh post-office had various locations in town until 1897, when it was moved into its permanent home in the new Government building, then just completed. The equipment here was modern and complete and the space sufficient, but the rapid growth of the city's industrial business and other changing conditions have been such that the building is already too small for the increased and increasing post-office business. Note the changes in five years. On March 1, 1900, there were connected with the office eight clerks, thirteen letter carriers and one substitute carrier, and in 1905 there were thirteen clerks, two substitute clerks, sixteen carriers, four substitute carriers, and four rural delivery carriers. The receipts of the office for the year ending March 31, 1901, were $52,263.12, and for the year ending March 31, 1906, they were $73,232.79, an increase of $20,969.37. or 40.12 per cent.
A list of postmasters from the beginning until now, with the dates of their appointment, follows:
Ebenezer Foote, appointed January 1, 1796; Harry Caldwell, October 1, 1797; Daniel Birdsall, October 1, 1802; Chester Clark, July 1, 1810; Aaron Belknap, March 26, 1812; Tooker Wygant, November 26, 1830; A. C. Mullin, May 23, 1833; B. H. Mace, November 23, 1836; Oliver Davis, June 11, 1841; James Belknap, May 18, 1843; Samuel W. Eager, August 6, 1849; Joseph Casterline, Jr., May 4, 1853; Ezre Farrington, May 22, 1861; James H. Reeve, November 1, 1866; Henry Major, May 7, 1867; Joseph Lomas, August 22, 1867; Ezra Farrington, July 19, 1869; John C. Adams, April 1, 1875; Joseph M. Dickey, March 21, 1883; William R. Brown, April 8, 1877; William G. Taggart, April 2, 1891; Joseph A. Sneed, February 1, 1892; Lewis W. S. McCroskery, March 1, 1896; Hiram B. Odell, March 1, 1900, reappointed 1904 and January, 1908.
CITY OFFICERS.
A list of the mayors, etc., of Newburgh with their terms of service since its incorporation as a city in 1865 are here given:
Mayors.
Treasurers.
Recorders.
Corporation Counsel.
City Surveyor.
Supervisors.
Supervisors from 1763 to inauguration of first city officers, March 12, 1866: Jonathan Hasbrouck, 1763; Lewis Du Bois, 1764; John Wandal, 1765; Benjamin Carpenter, 1766; Lewis Du Bois, 1767; Edward Hallock, 1768; Latting Carpenter, 1769-1771; Jonathan Hasbrouck, 1772; John Flewwelling, 1773; Samuel Prowler, 1774; Wolvert Acker, 1775; Morris Flewwelling, 1776; Wolvert Acker, 1777-1780; Thomas Palmer, 1781-1786; John Robinson, 1787-1788; Isaac Fowler, Jr., 1789; John Robinson, 1790-1791; Isaac Fowler, 1792-1795; Reuben Tooker, 1796-1807; Isaac Belknap, Jr., 1808; William Ross, 1809-1810; Jonathan Fisk, 1811; Leonard Smith, 1812-1818; Daniel Tooker, 1819-1820; Leonard Smith, 1822; William Wear, Jr., 1823; William Walsh, 1824-1831; Robert Lawson, 1832-1833; William Walsh, 1834; James G. Clinton, 1835-1836; Daniel Tooker, 1837; David W. Bate, 1838; Jackson Oakley, 1839; David W. Bate, 1840-1844: John W. Brown, 1842; David W. Bate, 1843-1846; Odell S. Hathaway, 1847-1849; Enoch Carter, 1850; Odell S. Hathaway, 1851; Enoch Carter, 1852; Samuel J. Farnum, 1853; Henry Walsh, 1854; Stephen W. Fullerton, 1855; Odell S. Hathaway, 1856; Albert Noe, 1857; Enoch Carter, 1838; Albert Noe, 1850-1860; Odell S. Hathaway, 1861-1863; William H. Beede, 1864; George W. Underhill, 1865; C. Gilbert Fowler, 1866.
A Few Briefs.
Less than three centuries ago, to be accurate in 1609, Hendrick Hudson sailed up the beautiful river to which he gave his name, and anchored in the broad bay above the Highlands to trade with the aboriginal inhabitants, who then inhabited the primeval forests which lined its banks.
It is probable that he and some portion of his crew were the first men who set foot upon the virgin soil of New Windsor, but it was not until more than half a century later, in 1685, that a company of Scotch and Irish emigrants to the number of twenty-five families, with their servants, under the leadership of Colonel Patrick McGregorie, accompanied by his sons-in-law, David Foshack and Captain Evens, settled upon the extreme eastern extremity of the town, now known as Plum Point, an elevation of 118 feet above the river and consisting of eighty acres at the mouth of the Moodna Creek.
Here they erected a commodious cabin and established a trading post; this is the earliest recorded settlement in the county. Colonel McGregorie was appointed muster general of the militia of the province and after his death, in 1691, in an endeavor to suppress an insurrection by the Leister party, his sons-in-law and their families continued to reside here until 1789. The patent which the Colonel obtained to the land passed into the possession of his son, Patrick McGregorie, Jr.
The town is wedge-shaped, its sharp edge of about five miles in extent resting upon the river. There is but a small extent of comparatively level land along the river bank upon which the village of New Windsor stands, back of which there rises a steep bluff with a surface of sand and gravel, and a substratum of clay, which is used in the manufacture of an excellent quality of brick, which at the present time is the principal industry of the place. The township is bounded on the north by the city and town of Newburgh, from which it is separated by Quassaick Creek, an outlet of Washington Lake, formerly known as Little Pond, also a portion of the town of Montgomery; on the west by the towns of Montgomery and Hamptonburgh; on the south by Blooming Grove and Cornwall. From the latter town it is separated by Moodna Creek, near its mouth. On the east it is bounded by the Hudson River.
The soil is of a sandy and gravelly nature, interspersed in some portions by rocks and large stones, of a diversified surface, being rolling and hilly. After leaving the river the surface gradually ascends for a distance of two or three miles, interspersed with gentle elevations which have been utilized by retired business men of New York for sightly country residences, most of which command a magnificent view of the noble Hudson, and the picturesque Highlands in the distance.
On the northern edge of the town rises Snake Hill, or more recently called Muchattoes Hill, an elevation of 600 feet above the river. It lies north and south and is almost perpendicular on its eastern extremity, but slopes gradually on the west, from which the surface is again rolling and adapted to agricultural purposes. At the distance of about five miles from the river the town is crossed north and south by two ridges, rising in amphitheatre form, from whose summit is obtained a most elegant view of the surrounding country. The Highlands on the south, the Fishkill Mountains on the east, the Shawangunk Mountains on the north, and the Sugar Loaf and Schunnemunk Mountains on the west.
PATENTS.
The earliest recorded patent was issued to Patrick McGregorie in 1685. Others were as follows: 1,000 acres to William Chambers and William Southerland, September 2, 1709; 4,000 acres (in part) to Charles Huddy and Phillip Brooks, February 20, 1709; this included subsequently a portion granted to Mary Ingoldsby and her daughter, Mary Pinkhorn, August 12, 1720; 4,000 acres to John Haskell of the dates of April 9, 1719, and April 24, 1721; 800 acres to Vincent Matthews, June 17, 1720; 1,000 acres to John Johnson, February 3, 1720; 1184 acres to James Henderson, February 12, 1722; 1,000 acres to Vincent Price (in part), July 21, 1721; 2,000 acres to Andrew Johnson, July 19, 1719; 1,000 acres to Louis Morris, July 21, 1721; 2,000 acres to Patrick Hume, November 29, 1721; 3,292 acres to Cornelius Low & Co. (mainly), March 20, 1720; 1,000 acres to Richard Van Dam (in part), June 30, 1720; 2,000 acres to Phineas Mcintosh (mainly) April 9, 1719, and some portions of the patent granted to Cadwallader Colden, April 9, 1719, some portions of which and the Low & McIntosh patents were cut off in 1830, when the town of Hamptonburgh was created.
On the 7th of October, 1734, Dr. John Nicoll, of New York, purchased of John Waldron, Cornelius Van Horn and James Livingston 7,500 acres.
The Chamber and Southerland patents were divided November 7, 1723, into three equal parts. Chambers occupying the northern part, Matthews the central Part and Southerland the southern part, on the death of the latter in 1738, his portion passed to his two sons, William and John. On the death of William, without issue, John inherited and also obtained, in 1753, the water front from the village of New Windsor to Quassaick Creek. He sold this to Nathaniel Smith, of Kingston in 1738, together with a portion of the Ingoldsby patent, purchased by his father in 1726; also a portion of the German patent purchased by himself in 1742. Smith sold a portion to Robert Boyd, Jr., and another to George Clinton upon which the latter erected a house in 1769, and resided here until elected Governor in 1777, when he removed to Poughkeepsie. From him was purchased what is known as the Walsh farm on the Quassaick Creek, recently in the possession of his grandson, E. J. Dewitt Walsh. On this portion of the tract was Admiral William Chambers; Associate Judge John Chambers, 1751; Governor George Clinton, 1776; Captain Charles Ludlow, U. S. N. The central portion held by Matthews was purchased by John Aslop, 1724, whose son John Aslop, Jr., was prominent in the Revolution, and grandfather of Governor John Aslop King, in 1749. He also sold that portion on which the village of New Windsor stands to the company called the "Proprietors" of New Windsor, September 9, 1749. Their names were Vincent Matthews, Ebenezer Seely, Michael Jackson, Joseph Sackett, David Marvin, Evan Jones and Brant Schuyler.
The Southerlands tract came into the possession of Thomas Ellison in May, 1723, who erected a stone mansion on the bluff overlooking the river; also a storehouse and dock on the river, and conducted a prosperous business for over a century. His mansion was the headquarters of General Washington from 1779; until he moved to the Hasbrouck House in Newburgh.
He also purchased the Vincent Matthews patent, adjoining, at Vail's Gate, in May, 1724, upon which his son, Thomas Ellison, Jr., erected in 1754 the stone mansion and a mill, which subsequently came into the possession of his son John, and is now known as General Knox headquarters.
The fourth patent was on the Ingoldsby patent in 1726, by John Gate, who sold to Thomas Ellison in 1736. He sold a portion to James Edmonston in 1727, upon which the latter erected a stone house in 1754, just west of Vail's Gate, which figured conspicuously in the Revolution.
Dr. John Nicoll came into possession of a considerable tract, from one Peter Post in 1738, which extended from New Windsor village to the base of Snake Hill; his great-grandson now resides upon a portion of it on the river road.
David Mandeville purchased the Mary Ingoldsby patent May 1st, 1728, and sold to Samuel and Nathaniel Hazard who erected a mill which is still standing.
A patent was granted to Colonel John Haskell in 1719 of 2,000 acres and another 2,000 acres in 1721 upon which he settled in 1726. He erected a log cabin on what was known as the Dusenberry farm, upon which the army erected the Temple when encamped there. Other early settlers upon this tract were: Even Jones, Samuel Brewster, Elizabeth Stollard, Andrew Crawford and Neil McArthur.
The first settler upon the McIntosh patent was John Davis, July 5th, 1726; others about this time were Robert Boyd and the Dill families. Through his wife, Sarah McIntosh, Nathan Smith came into possession of a considerable portion of this tract and erected thereon a grist mill, a fulling mill and a store.
The first settler upon the Andrew Johnson patent upon which Little Britain now stands was John Humphrey, 1724; Peter Mullinder, 1729; also Mary McClaughry, John Read, Robert Burnett, in the same year; Charles Clinton, Alexander Denniston, John Young, Andrew McDowell, 1731.
The Mailler family were here prior to 1730, who sold to Robert Carscadden. Among others who settled here with the Clintons were the Armstrongs, Beatty, Barkly, Brooks, Denniston, Davis, Dunlap, Frazer, Gordon, Gray, Hamilton, Little, Mitchell, McDowell, McClaughry, Oliver, Nicholson, Thompson, Wilson and Young, whose descendants are numerous in the county.
The Low and Co.'s patent of 3,292 acres was granted to Peter Low, Garret Schuyler and John Schuyler and was divided among them. The third portion of John Schuyler passed by will to his nephews, Brant and Samuel Schuyler. Brant Schuyler eventually becoming sole possessor. Low and Garret Schuyler sold a considerable portion to Allen Jarrett, April 5th, 1720, Low sold 600 acres to John Vance, September 1st, 1734, and 200 acres to Jarvis Tompkins, May 22, 1738. Other settlers on this patent were: John Slaughter, 1720; Thomas Shaw, 1729; William Miller, 200 acres, November 12th, 1746: Charles Beatty, 200 acres of Brant Schuyler's, August 22nd, 1744, which he sold to James McClaughry, July 14th, 1749, the latter the colonel of the 3rd Regiment of Militia, who fought at the Highland forts in 1777. Beatty, the son of a sister of Charles Clinton, became a distinguished clergyman, some of whose descendants still reside at Salisbury Mills in this county.
James Gambell and John Humphrey purchased of the Hume patent 300 acres, April 6, 1730, and divided it equally between them. Gambell sold to Patrick Byrne, March 12, 1744, and Humphrey sold to Patrick McClaughry, February 22, 1769. The remaining portion of this patent was sold by James Ludlow, a nephew of the patentee, to James Neely, Henry M. Neely, William Young and Patrick McClaughry. William Young sold to Samuel Sly 233 acres, and Gambell and Humphrey sold their portion to William Tilford and Samuel Falls.
Cadwallader Colden became the owner of the John Johnson patent of 2,000 acres at the date of its issue. A portion of the Belknap family settled upon it in 1750.
The Van Dam patent of 5,000 acres passed into the possession of Jessie Woodhull in 1753, also a portion to Peter Gallatin, John Moffat and the Walling Brothers. This tract is now included in the present town of Blooming Grove.
The small Henderson patent early passed into the possession of John Wandel and David Edmonston.
The Lewis Morris patent of 1,000 acres was owned by Alexander Denniston, Francis Crawford, Thomas Cook and William Denniston in 1786, purchased from earlier settlers.
We have already mentioned under the head of patents, many of the early settlers. The earliest were those of Colonel McGregorie at Plum Point in 1685, and the Reverend Richard Charlton, sent out by the London Missionary Society in 1732, for the parish of New Windsor, which was connected with the Church of England. Among the names of the owners of the village were: Ebenezer Seeley, Brant Schuyler, Henry Case, Vincent Matthews, Michael Jackson, Daniel Everet, Even Jones, Hezekiah Howell, Joseph Sackett, Jr., James Tuthill, John Sackett, Jr., Colonel Charles Clinton, 1731; Dr. John Nicoll, 1734; William Ellison, 1732; John Ellison, Captain Jas. Jackson, William Jackson, Thomas Ellison, Isaac Shultz, Messrs. Logan, Bryam, Halstead, Denniston and others. At Little Britain, John Humphrey, 1724; Peter Mulliner, 1729, who gave it the name from Windsor Castle in England; Robert Burnett, John Reid, 1729; Charles Clinton, John and James McClaughry, Alexander Denniston and John Young in 1731. Among those who came from Ireland were James Edmonston, 1720; the Clintons, Alsop, Chambers, Lawrence, Haskins, etc., 1731, who settled in the eastern portion of the town, while the Coldens, Matthews, Wileman, Mcintosh, Bulls, settled in the more western portion.
NOTED RESIDENTS.
The most noted residents of this town were those of the Clinton family. Charles Clinton, the father of James and George, was a native of Langford, Ireland, of Scotch-English descent. He sailed with a company of relatives and friends in 1729, to escape persecution. Having espoused the cause of the Stewarts at the accession of the House of Hanover in 1689, he settled at Little Britain in 1731. He was a highly educated man and gave his sons a good education. He was a surveyor and a judge of the court of common pleas and fought in the French and Indian Wars, 1759 to 1763, was public spirited, had five sons and two daughters, lived to the ripe old age of eighty-three and died at home, November 19th, 1773.
One son and a daughter died at sea. Two of his oldest sons, Alexander and Charles, were physicians. James and George figured conspicuously in the early history of the Empire State. James, born in 1756, preferred the army to politics. He served with his father in the taking of Fort Frontenac in Canada, also in the invasion by the Indians of Orange and Ulster Counties, rose to major-general in the war of the Revolution, was in charge of the northern department, led an expedition against the Iroquois, cut a road from the Mohawk to Lake Otsego, dammed the outlet of the lake and floated the boats over the upper Susquehanna to reach the lower country with his command, was at the siege of Yorktown, member of the assembly, ratified the Constitution of the United Slates, and was a member of the convention of 1804 to amend the State Constitution; died at his home December 12th, 1812, 75 years of age; was buried in the family burying ground by the side of his father.
George Clinton, while a very young man, sailed in a privateer in the French War, was with his father and brother at the siege of Fort Frontenac, studied law under Judge William Smith, was clerk of Ulster County in 1759, member of the assembly in 1780, elected to the Continental Congress in 1775, Brigadier-General in 1776, first Governor of New York in 1777; commanded a brigade at the defense of New York City in 1776. He was in command of the forts in the Highlands which he nobly defended with 600 raw militia against 5,000 veteran British troops, and was overwhelmed and obliged to surrender in 1777; was Governor of the State for eighteen years, administering its trying duties with conspicuous ability; was president of the convention which met at Poughkeepsie in 1788; Vice-President of the United States in 1804; died soon after his re-election in 1808; has been designated as the father of the State. On the beautiful monument in the old Dutch Churchyard in Kingston, N. Y., is the following: "To the memory of George Clinton, born in the State of New York, 26th day of July, 1738, died at the City of Washington the 20th of April, 1812, in the 73rd year of his age. Soldier and Statesman of the Revolution, eminent in council, distinguished in war, he filled with unexampled usefulness, purity and ability, among other high offices those of Governor of his native State, and Vice-President of the United States. While he lived, his virtue, wisdom and valor were the pride, the ornament and security of his country, and when he died he left an illustrious instance and example of a well-spent life, worthy of all imitation."
DeWitt Clinton, a son of James, was born March 2nd, 1769, the exact place, being in dispute, some authorities claim at Fort DeWitt in Deer Park, while his mother was there on a visit; others claim at the home of his father, either at Little Britain or while he was residing in the village of New Windsor. Perhaps it doesn't matter so much where a man is born as what he may make of himself by strenuous efforts, as was the case with the illustrious Lincoln and the subject of this sketch. After graduation at Columbia College in 1786, he studied law with Samuel Jones; was admitted to the bar in 1789; became soon after secretary to the Governor, his uncle, and became devoted to politics; subsequently filled with great ability the following honorable positions: Member of the Assembly, State Senator, member of the council of appointment, United States Senator, Mayor of the City of New York, many times member of the council board, Governor of the State for two terms, candidate for President of the United States, being defeated by Madison, and was invited by Mr. Adams to serve as minister to England, and was the author of twenty-six acts which became incorporated in the laws of the State and nation. The following panegyric was given by William H. Seward, the political successor to the Clintons in New York State, in 1871.
"Only next after Alexander Hamilton, DeWitt Clinton was the wisest statesman, the greatest public benefactor, that in all her history the State of New York has produced." This was from the man who ten years after sat in his chair and persevered in carrying out his policies which established for New York the political leadership of the land.
Alexander Denniston came over with Charles Clinton and settled at Little Britain in 1731.
Robert Burnett came from Scotland in 1725, and purchased 200 acres at Little Britain in 1729.
Colonel James McClaughry, born in Philadelphia, when nine years old was brought by his uncle, John McClaughry, to Little Britain, all the way behind his uncle on horseback. He married Kate, a sister of Governor Clinton, received a colonel's commission at the commencement of the war, commanded a regiment at Fort Montgomery, 1777, where he was taken prisoner and sent to a hospital in New York, where he would have perished but for the extra care and comforts provided by his good wife, who ministered also to many others there. He returned to his farm at the close of the war and lived until 1790, dying at the age of 69.
Martin Dubois, a neighbor of Robert Burnett and General James Clinton, was an assistant quarter-master during the war.
Cadwallader Colden, Jr., of Coldenham, who married Betsy, a daughter of Thomas Ellison, of New Windsor, was a son of Cadwallader Colden, Sr. He was lieutenant-governor of the State from 1760 to 1770. He was arrested as a Tory in June, 1776, by the council of safety of the towns of New Windsor and Newburgh, and after due trial was confined in jail at Kingston, where he remained, for over a year, after which he was liberated on parole. The town of Coldenham is named after his family.
REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY.
This town is rich in Revolutionary lore. A portion of the troops of Colonel James Clinton were organized here in 1775. A battery of fourteen guns were mounted at Plum Point in 1776. The militia were rallied here in 1777, after the fall of the Highland forts and during the winter of 1779, 1780, 1781, 1782 and 1783, nine brigades under command of General Heath, were encamped at the foot of the ridge just west of Snake Hill and just south of the square at Little Britain.
Washington concentrated his forces here in 1779 and made his headquarters at the William Ellison house at New Windsor village, and remained there until 1782, when he removed to the Hasbrouck House in Newburgh and remained there until the army was disbanded in 1783. Other generals of the army were quartered at John Ellison's. Here were Generals Knox and Greene, while Gates and St. Claire were at the Edmonston House, Wayne at Newburgh and Baron Stuben at Fishkill, Lafayette at William Ellison's at the foot of Forge Hill. Other generals were quartered at the old Stone Hotel just west of Edmonston's. When Washington brought his army from New Jersey in 1779, he probably marched over the road from Goshen or Chester to New Windsor now known as the Vail's Gate-Chester State road, but which at that time must have been in a very rough and primitive condition, for a hill just west of Vail's Gate derives its name of Pork Hill from the fact that one of the commissary wagons loaded with salt pork was overturned on this hill, a conspicuous example how names will stick to places as well as to individuals. When Colonel Morgan marched through New Windsor with his three thousand riflemen to join Washington at Boston, a man preceded him who represented himself as Colonel Morgan to Mr. John Ellison, but when the Colonel himself arrived soon afterwards, the impostor was detected and was given over to his men for punishment, who gave him an effectual coat of tar and feathers.
At the camp grounds between Vail's Gate and Little Britain, the writer has traced the foundations of many of the huts in which the army was encamped from 1779 to 1782. The foundations were of stone, surmounted by hewn logs. A level meadow in front of the barracks was cleared for this purpose and utilized as a parade ground, but was of so marshy a character that for marching and drilling it required paving with flat stones, many of which are still in evidence. This must have been a labor of infinite difficulty and shows of what sturdy material these men were made. At the lower border of this parade ground was also constructed a causeway to the ridge opposite, upon which was erected a temple or public building, near which were also the barracks for some of the minor officers, a hospital, bakery, and a little further east the burying ground. To commemorate the site of this temple the Newburgh Revolutionary Monument Association has erected a rough stone monument on the farm of the late William L. McGill, now owned and occupied by his married daughter, Mrs. Richard Smith. It commands an uninterrupted view of the Hudson Highlands and the majestic river rolling between, offering exceptional advantages for watching the approach of any vessel on the river or of any considerable body of men from that direction.
NOTED BUILDINGS.
At Plum Point, formerly a portion of the Nicholl estate, still stands the stately mansion of the late Phillips Verplank. On the river side is the earthwork for the protection of the Chevaux-de-frise, one of five obstructions placed in the river at various points to prevent the ascent of the British fleet, but which proved ineffectual, as the ships of the enemy broke them all, and ascended the river to Kingston, which it burned.
Some portion of this boom and chain are now to be seen at Washington's Headquarters at Newburgh. A Scotchman by the name of McEvers, also located here, built a log cabin or tenement long prior to the Revolution; the excavation for the cellar, as well as the embankment, are still plainly visible.
The point is approached by a natural causeway from the river road, upon the opposite side of which stands the old-fashioned homestead of Dr. Nicoll, who purchased 500 acres of Peter Post and settled here in 1730.
On the bluff just south of the village of New Windsor stood the stone house erected and occupied by William Ellison and also by Washington as his headquarters from 1779 to 1782. This is now replaced by a modern Queen Anne building the residence of his grandson, Thomas Ellison.
Martha Washington is said to have visited the General while here. His estrangement from Hamilton also occurred here in 1781.
The Brewster House, known as Lafayette's headquarters, is situated just across the Moodna at the foot of Forge Hill.
The steep hill which ascends from this point to Vail's Gate derives its name from this circumstance. The iron used in its construction was transported on the backs of mules or horses from the forests of Dean Mines in Monroe. As you ascend Forge Hill just at its top you come to the most noted Revolutionary building now in existence in the town, known as General Knox's headquarters. It was built for Mr. John Ellison in 1735, and was in the possession of the Morton family for a number of years, who endeavored to change the name of the place to Mortonville, and for a time the post-office was known by this name, but on the death of the major it reverted back to the old name of Vail's Gate, from the toll gate stationed here, kept by the Vail family, father and son, for many years; this gate was still in existence in 1872.
Generals Knox and Greene, Colonels Riddle and Wadsworih were quartered here in 1779 to 1781 and General Rochambeau was also a visitor here to Washington.
The Edmonston building near the short cut crossing on the Erie at Vail's Gate, was built by James Edmonston in 1755. During the encampment of the Continental Army in this vicinity, it was made the headquarters of Generals Gates and St. Claire, and some of the other officers; also the hospital and military stores were kept here. When Washington arrived here with his army, he consulted with Edmonston as to the best place to locate his camp and was conducted over a bridle path by his son William to the Square which became their camp.
At the Square, so-called from being surrounded by four roads, is the Falls' House, occupied by the Widow Falls in 1777, when it was the rallying point for the scattered militia by General Clinton after the fall of the Highland forts. It is a wooden structure just opposite the Silver Stream school-house, now occupied by Mr. Charles Merritt. It was while General Clinton was here that the incident of the silver ball occurred. Major Daniel Taylor had been sent with dispatches concealed in a small silver ball by Sir Henry Clinton for Burgoyne. He was captured October 10th, 1777. After he had been conducted to the presence of General George Clinton, instead of Sir Henry, as he supposed, he swallowed the ball. Dr. Moses Higby, who was in the neighborhood, administered an emetic and it was soon disgorged. It contained the following on very thin paper:
"Fort Montgomery, Oct. 8th. 1777.
"Nous y, voici, and nothing now between us but Gates. I sincerely hope this little success of ours will facilitate your operations. In answer to your letter of September 28th by C. C., I shall only say, I cannot presume to order or even advise, for obvious reasons. I heartily wish you success.
"Faithfully, yours,
"H. Clinton."
Taylor was tried, condemned and executed as a spy.
THE TEMPLE.
It was upon what was then known as the Dusenberry farm, formerly a portion of the General Haskins' estate, an English officer who settled 4,000 acres, during the old French War, that this building was erected under the supervision of General Heath, for the use of the army and for Masonic meetings.
It was here that General Lafayette was made a Mason by the American Union League, which accompanied the army. It was built of hewn logs, 80 X 40 ft., with a barrack roof, first known as the Temple of Virtues, but on account of a carousal of the officers after the departure of Washington, on the night of its dedication, it was afterwards known simply as the temple.
It was also used for public services on the Sabbath. At the close of the war, a proclamation by Congress of the cessation of hostilities was read from its door and a celebration on a grand scale was held. Here also was held the meeting to consider the Newburgh letters, written by a Major Armstrong, to determine, "whether the army should rise superior to the grievances under which it had long suffered, and precipitate a separation between the military and civil powers." It was a vital crisis in the history of the republic, and a tragic ending prevented by an address of Washington to the officers at this time, which is a lasting monument to his unselfish patriotism, profound wisdom, superior ability and marked discretion. The Society of the Cincinnati was founded here in 1783. "To perpetuate among the officers of the army and their descendants, the memory of their toils, trials, friendships and triumphs, for succeeding ages." The following were among the signers: Lieutenant Robert Burnett, Brigadier James Clinton, Lieutenant Alexander Clinton, Lieutenant Daniel Denniston, Lieutenant George J. Denniston, Captain James Gregg, Captain Jonathan Lawrence, Major Samuel Logan, Ensign Joseph Morrell, Lieutenant William Stranahan, Lieutenant William Scudder, many of whose descendants are residents of the county.
On the northern side of the monument spoken of as marking the site of the temple, is the following inscription: "Erected by the Newburgh Revolutionary Monument Association, 1891. E. M. Ruttenber, president; James M. Dickey, vice-president; A. A. McLean, treasurer; Russell Headley, secretary."
On the western face is the following: "Omnia reliquit servere rempublicam. On this site the Society of the Cincinnati was born May 10th, 1783, at the last cantonment occupied by the American Army, and it still lives to perpetuate the memories of the Revolution. Committee of the New York State Society of the Cincinnati, Fourth of July, 1802. T. M L. Christy, chairman, William Simm Keese, John Shayler."
On the southern face: "On this ground was erected the temple or public building by the army of the Revolution, 1782-1783—the birthplace of the republic. This tablet is inscribed by the Masonic Fraternity of Newburgh, and its Masonic confreres under whose direction and plans the temple was constructed, and in which communications of the fraternity were held, 1783."
The Clinton homestead was situated about two miles north of Washingtonville, on the road to Little Britain.
VILLAGES.
New Windsor, in its early history, was the scene of great commercial activity and the outlet by the river for the produce of the country for miles around and promised to be the site of a flourishing town, but the limited extent of land between the river and the high bluff, of about 120 feet in length, but a short distance from the river, precluded the possibility of building any large towns between. This high bluff is composed of clay which is utilized in the manufacture of a fine quality of brick. Mr. William Lahey, who has two brick yards, is the leading manufacturer. Mr. Hugh Davidson and the late Mr. Walsh each owned one. The remains of several docks on the river front are still in evidence of its former business activity. A ferry to Fishkill was maintained for a number of years and until Newburgh sprang up and superseded it in commercial life it was a flourishing town. At the present time there are some thirty houses, stores and saloons, scattered along the river bank, occupied by about two hundred inhabitants. The first glass factory in this country was also built here.
Moodna, formerly called Orangeville, situated at the mouth of the Moodna Creek, is a small hamlet of perhaps thirty houses. There are also two factories at this place, a paper mill, formerly that of Townsend, now owned by the Hemmingway Paper Co., and a cotton mill owned by Mr. John Broadhead, of Firthcliffe, which is now closed. Plum Point, of Revolutionary fame, juts out into the river just north of the village and is frequently visited by tourists.
Vail's Gate, four and a half miles from Newburgh, contains about thirty-five houses, a Methodist Episcopal church, three hotels, and a general store, where Mr. Thomas Gushing has a new building.
The General Knox headquarters, the Edmonston house, and the old hotel buildings of stone are the most noted Revolutionary relics. The population is probably about four hundred.
Little Britain, made famous as the home of the Clintons, extends from the Square to the Little Britain creamery. At the Square are a dozen houses, most prominent among which is the Alexander Falls house. Here General Washington was a frequent visitor during the encampment of the army just south.
Rocklet, a small hamlet in the extreme western part of town, has a store and post-office, kept by Mr. Frank Mulliner.
The Ontario and Western railroad intersects the township for a distance of seven miles and is taxed for $85,000; Erie, six miles, assessed for $42,000; West Shore, five miles, assessed for $22,000.
The schools are—District No. 1, New Windsor; No. 2, Moodna; No. 3, Vail's Gate; No. 4, Mount Arie; No. 5, Silver Stream; No. 6, Little Britain; No. 7, Alexander Neighborhood; No. 8, Rocklet.
CHURCHES.
St. Thomas.—By the will of Thomas Ettson, Jr., fifty-six acres of land and the sum of six thousand pounds, English money, was bequeathed to his brother, William, and nephew Thomas, to be held in trust for the maintenance of a Glebe and minister under the jurisdiction of the Protestant Episcopal Church at New Windsor, the interest of said lands and sum to be paid yearly to the minister when in active service; when there was no service the interest therefrom was to be added to the principal. When a religious organization should be effected, the said lands and sum were to be conveyed to it. Such an organization was established, April 18, 1818, under the title of St. Thomas' Church, and the Rev. John Brown, then a resident of New Windsor, also serving St. George's Church at Newburgh, became its rector and continued so up to 1847.
In 1844, the old church having been destroyed by fire, a new one was started in 1847, and the present church completed in 1849. The old rectory having been burned, a new one was built in 1849. The value of the church property is estimated at $13,000. Among the prominent members who have been here for a good many years are, Messrs. Aymar Van Buren, J. Abner Harper, John Harper, F. W. Senff, R. D. Jeffreys, W. C. Gregg, the Misses Morton, Mrs. Leonard F. Nicol and others.
New Windsor Presbyterian.—This church was organized in 1794. It was associated with Newburgh or Bethlehem churches. From 1828 to 1834 the Rev. J. H. Thomas, of the Canterbury Presbyterian Church, served also this church, and from 1834 to 1835 he served this church exclusively. The first building was used by the Continentals as a hospital. This was subsequently destroyed by fire and the present structure was erected in 1807.
M. E. Church at Vail's Gate.—This church celebrated the centennial of its existence in the fall of 1806. the present building having been erected in 1706, and is the oldest church edifice. Its society originated from a union class started by John Ellison in 1789, and was conducted in one of his tenements for a quarter of a century.
Little Britain M. E. Church was erected in 1853 and occupied in 1854, and has been associated with other churches mostly during its existence. Services were held here up to 1885, since which it has remained closed.
Little Britain Presbyterian Church was organized in 1760 as Associated Reformed by Scotch and Irish emigrants. The first edifice was erected in 1765, and rebuilt in 1826. Its first pastor, Robert Annan, was installed in 1768, and served until 1783. Rev. Thomas J. Smith was his successor in 1791, who served until 1812, when Rev. James Schringeour, a Scotchman, was installed, and served until his death in 1825.
CEMETERIES.
The two principal cemeteries in this town are "Calvary," at the junction of Quassaic avenue and the Walsh road, established within the last decade by the Catholics, and "Woodlawn," a half mile further west, which contains about thirty acres and has been in existence about twenty-five years.
In the ancient burying ground connected with the Presbyterian church at the village of New Windsor, are the graves of James Williams and wife, Abigale Brewster; John Yelverton, one of the original settlers, who died in 1767 at the age of 74; Joseph Morrell, one of the heroes of the Revolution. Other early settlers whose names are recorded on tombstones are the Moores, Walshes, Logans, Brewsters and others. In connection with the M. E. Church at Vail's Gate is also another old burial ground. Here are the Mortons, the Stills, the Vails and many others of the forefathers of the hamlet who "rest from their labors and their works do follow them."
James Clinton, the father of DeWitt Clinton, was buried in the family burying ground on the Clinton estate. When the patriotic citizens of Newburgh thought to remove his remains to Woodlawn and erect a monument to his memory, all that could be found was the coffin plate. The following epitaph to the memory of his father was written by his son, DeWitt: "He had filled with fidelity and honor several distinguished civil offices, was an officer of the Revolutionary War, and the war preceding, and at the close of the former was a major general in the army of the United States. He was a good man and a sincere patriot, performing in a most exemplary manner all the duties of life, and he died as he lived, without fear and without reproach."
This triangular township is in the southeast corner of Orange County. It is bounded on the north by the towns of Monroe and Woodbury, on the east and south by Rockland County and on the west by the town of Warwick. Its area as given in the latest supervisors' report is 27,839 acres, and the assessed valuation of real estate is placed at $2,510,500. The title to the soil is derived from the Chesekook patent.
The general topographical features are invested with peculiar charm. The towering mountain crags and scattered bits of valley, the wildwood and forests primeval, are dimpled with beautiful lakes and threaded with purling streams. The Ramapo, which is made up wholly by the surplus waters of these lakes, has its head in Round Island Pond and flows thence southerly, through the valley which bears its name, into Rockland County.
The name Tuxedo is, undoubtedly, the corruption of one or more Indian words. In the language of the Algonquins, who occupied this region, it is found that to or tough mean "a place." A frequent habit of the Indians was to name a place after the chief whose tribe occupied it, and there was a sachem named P'tauk-seet, "the bear," who, in the seventeenth century, ruled over a tract of country including the present town of Tuxedo. Uniting his name with tough, the Algonquin for place, we should infer the original spelling to have been P'tauk-seet-tough, and its meaning "Place of Bears." The earliest mention of the name occurs in Sargeant's survey of 1754 where reference is made to Tuxedo Pond. In Chesekook's patent of 1769 it is written Potuckett. Erskine, in his survey of 1778-1779, writes it Tuxedo and Toxedo. In Eager's and Ruttenber's histories written respectively in 1847 and 1875 the name is corrupted to Duck Cedar, with the explanation that its margin is over-thrown with cedars and that it is a favorite haunt of wild ducks.
The first description of this region is written by the Marquis de Chastellux, a French officer who came to America with Lafayette, and who, on December 19, 1780, following the Continental road through the gorge south of the lake, then called "The Clove," presently came in view of Tuxedo. He mentions that at Ringwood he stopped to ask his way, and that at Erskine's house they gave him full information about the roads and wood-paths, and also "a glass of Madeira, in accordance with a custom of the country, which will not allow you to leave a house without taking something." Having been thus refreshed, he says: "I got on horseback and penetrated afresh into the woods, mounting and descending precipitous hills until I found myself at the edge of a lake so secluded that it is hardly visible from the surrounding thicket. Its banks are so steep that if a deer made a false step on the top he would infallibly roll into the lake. This lake, which is not marked upon the charts, and is called Duck Sider, is about three miles long and two miles wide (sic!), and is in the wildest and most deserted country I have yet passed through. My poetic imagination was enjoying the solitude, when, at a distance, I perceived in an open spot, a quadruped, which a nearer observation showed to be not the elk or caribou, for which I at first mistook him, but a horse grazing peaceably in a field belonging to a new settlement."
SETTLEMENT.
Following the grant of the Chesekook patent in 1702 there was no settlement in this territory for many years. The families who came were mostly of English ancestry and moved from Long Island and the Eastern States. The Smiths are supposed to have explored this region as early as 1727. The first settlement in the vicinity of Tuxedo Lake was made at the northern extremity of this body of water. Prior to 1765, a woodcutter named Hasenclever enclosed a ten-acre tract lying equally on both sides of the outlet. On a survey made in 1778 is shown his enclosure and the dam built by him, and also the position of the house, situated fifty yards northeasterly from the dam, and built by a man named Howard, who was probably "the original settler." During the Revolution, when the iron works on the Ramapo were liable to interruption by the British, Hasenclever's dam was raised several feet, and the overflow turned southwest to supply the Ringwood furnaces in New Jersey. During this period, Tuxedo Lake was the resort of a band of cowboys who at times found shelter among some rocks which they named after their leader, "Claudius Smith's Cave." (See general history.)
Vicent Helms was chosen constable in 1775. Phineas and Brewster Helms are also mentioned in the records of the old Town of Cornwall of which this locality was then a part. The hamlet Helmsburgh indicates the place where the families of that name lived before the Revolution. Moses Cunningham was a member of the first board of assessors of the town of Monroe erected in 1709. He lived at Greenwood Iron Works. Richard Wilkes, school commissioner in 1709, also lived here. Adam Belcher, school commissioner in 1800, lived at Southfields.
The survey and construction of the Continental road was performed by the military engineers of the Continental Army in 1778. It entered the park at the present south gate and followed the east lake shore at a somewhat lower level than the present road. From the Hoffman corner it continued up to the east slope of the Alexander place to the top of Tower Hill, where it crossed to the Coster place, thence to the Griswold place, which it crossed to the end of what is now the Wee Wah Lake and left the park near the present north gate where it joined the main turnpike road of the Ramapo valley. There was also a wood road from the present east gate to the Continental road at the Hoffman corner.
CHANGING CONDITIONS.
Up to 1864 the territory now embraced in the town of Tuxedo belonged to the town of Monroe. In the fall of 1883 a petition was sent to the board of supervisors requesting that the town be divided into three towns. The request was granted and the new towns were named respectively Monroe, Southfield and Highland. Monroe held its town meeting March 22, 1864, electing Chauncey B. Knight, supervisor. Southfield did likewise, electing Josiah Patterson, supervisor, while Highland chose its old favorite Morgan Smith. This piece of political surgery did not prove satisfactory, and in 1865 the Legislature overruled the action of the board of supervisors and restored to its citizens the old town of Monroe.
Again in December of 1889 the board of supervisors were prevailed upon to effect a triple division of the town. The reason advanced for this re-division was that the town was too large and its interests too diverse for harmonious government. It was resolved that the division should be made on the old lines, but that the names Tuxedo and Woodbury should be substituted for Southfield and Highland. This was duly passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor. The lines were run so as to give Monroe 12,101 acres, Tuxedo 27,839 acres and Woodbury 23,839 acres. However, the boundary line between Monroe and Tuxedo had not been clearly determined or marked by monuments. When the Heine Club desired to build a road from Mombasha to Southfield, it became a practical question how much of this road must be paid for by each town. Hence the question as to the dividing line. The men who were with the 1863 surveyor said: "It crossed Mombasha Pond, but they did not know where." A survey was then made by F. J. Knight, who established a true line, demonstrating that the line of 1863 had been a trial or random line. This decision placed Mombasha in the territory of Monroe.
In January 1890, J. Spencer Ford represented the town of Tuxedo in the board of supervisors; in 1894, Paul Tuckerman was elected supervisor; Mahlon J. Brooks filled the office in 1896 and 1897, and Charles S. Patterson, the present incumbent, has served continuously since 1898. Daniel F. Clark, the veteran bookkeeper, has held the office of town clerk since 1890. Gillmore O. Bush, the present postmaster and captain of the park police, held the office of town collector in 1890 and from 1894 to 1899. The assessors for 1907 are M. J. Brooks, Joseph W. Conklin and Benjamin Moffatt. The highway commissioners are George Griswold, Benjamin Moffatt and William Viner. District schools are located at Arden, Southfields, Eagle Valley, Scott Mines, and in Tuxedo Village are the primary and union free schools. Of the latter institutions, Mr. James Cronon has been the efficient clerk of the board since 1891. A private preparatory school is conducted within the limits of the park.
Episcopal churches are located at Arden and Tuxedo, Methodist Episcopal churches at Southfields, Tuxedo and Scott Mines. The Roman Catholic church is in Tuxedo village.
The main line of the Erie Railroad parallels the Ramapo river through the entire length of the town, and was opened in September, 1841. In this valley are the hamlets that took part in the iron industry of a century ago. Augusta was the seat of the "Augusta Works" founded at the close of the Revolution, 1783-1784, by Solomon Townsend of New York, to make bar iron and anchors. It was an important enterprise but not permanently successful. In later years the works came into the ownership of P. Lorillard, who allowed them to remain idle. Thirteen thousand acres of land were attached to the works. Southfield was the name of the locality of the "Southfield" and "Monroe" works. These enterprises were established about 1805 to make pig iron. The early proprietors were William and Peter Townsend. Stirling Furnace, of which the Southfield plant became an important branch, was in operation a century and a half ago. (See Warwick). The Sterling Iron & Railway Company filed their annual report with the county clerk January 17, 1865. They purchased mines, manufactories and other property in southern Orange. Greenwood Iron Works was established in 1811 by the Messrs. Cunningham to make pig-iron. Mr. P. P. Parrott became the subsequent owner. The Parrott Iron Company was formed by a certificate verified June 23, 1880. It engaged in mining and selling of iron ore and the manufacture of pig iron and steel. The capital stock was stated as $500,000. The trustees named were Peter P., Edward M., and R. D. A. Parrott. The locality is now known as Arden, and is the headquarters of the Arden Dairy Farms, of which Mr. William A. McClellan is manager. A short distance northeast, bordering Echo Lake, is the home of Mr. E. H. Harriman, who owns vast tracts of land throughout this region. Helmsburgh is a rural mountain locality west of Southfields. Eagle Valley is a station on the Erie Railroad, in the extreme southern angle of the town, near the New Jersey line.
TUXEDO PARK.
The tract of land containing this park consists of 7,000 acres, and came into the possession of the Lorillard family in 1812. Shafts were sunk in various places in an attempt to find iron ore, but the property was otherwise undeveloped until the advent of the Erie Railroad in 1841. The locomotives burned wood in those days, and an arrangement was made to supply the railroad with fuel. The hills and valleys were covered with large forest trees, all of which were sacrificed, excepting a few along the Continental road. The station here was for years known as the "Wood Pile."
About 1860 Tuxedo Lake was stocked with black bass, and from that time the fishing was carefully preserved for the Lorillard family and their friends. Up to 1885 no better bass fishing could be found anywhere than that afforded by this beautiful lake. This suggested to Mr. P. Lorillard (deceased, 1901), the idea of establishing here a shooting and fishing club. He bought out the other members of the family, and acquired a clear title to the whole tract. Five thousand acres were enclosed in a wire fence eight feet high. Deer were bought and turned loose. English pheasant eggs were procured in large quantities and several pheasant hatcheries were located. A fine trout hatchery was also built.
Having made a start on the preserve, Mr. Lorillard proceeded to organize the club. He gave a dinner to his sporting friends at the Union Club, New York, and his idea met with an enthusiastic reception. Twenty gentlemen were appointed a board of governors. Invitations to join the club were sent out, and temporary headquarters secured in New York.
The foundations of the clubhouse were laid, and about 1,800 men were employed in road-making. Before the new work was begun there was but the Continental road through the park. The first park road constructed was the Station road. The construction of the road around the lake was then undertaken. As the work progressed Mr. Lorillard decided, instead of a mere game preserve, to lay out a residential park. This plan involved enormous expense. Many roads were required to develop the building sites. A complete sewer and water system was constructed. A village for shops and employees and a large livery stable were built. An office in the village for the transaction of the park business was opened. At the same time Mr. Lorillard formed a stock company called the Tuxedo Park Association, to which he turned over all the lands and other assets of the park. The officers chosen were: Mr. P. Lorillard, president; P. Lorillard, Jr., vice-president; George D. Findley, treasurer, and William Kent, secretary. This company leased the clubhouse and grounds to the members for twenty-one years, and guaranteed the new club against loss for the first ten years of its existence and subsequently during the term of the lease. Fourteen houses were built and advertised for sale or rent. Twelve were located on Tower Hill and two across the dam at the foot of the lake.
The first sale of park property to a resident was made in February, 1886, when Dr. Morris H. Henry, Mr. Lorillard's personal physician, purchased Lot No. 101 on the map of Tuxedo Park. This was followed in March, the same year, by the purchase of Lot No. 120 by Allen T. Rice, the editor of the North American Review, and the same year Lot No. 121 was sold to William Waldorf Astor, Lot No. 123 to Pierre Lorillard and Lot. No. 103 to Travis C. Van Buren, all of which persons are now deceased, the land having in every instance passed into other hands.
That same year, Francis D. Carley, James L. Breese, Josephine Lee Price, James Brown Potter, Margaret S. E. Cameron and Mary L. Barbey also purchased land in the order named. Of these Mrs. Price, Mrs. Barbey and Mr. Potter still hold interests in the real estate.
The first person actually to take up his residence at Tuxedo with his family was Mr. Grenville Kane, who leased the cottage he subsequently purchased and is now the oldest resident of the park proper. Mrs. Price and William Kent, in the order named, being the next arrivals.
Thus the park as a place of residence became an accomplished fact, through the indomitable pluck and energy of Mr. Lorillard. Each year has shown a steady and substantial gain in residents. The present officers of the association are: P. Lorillard, president; George Griswold, vice-president; George D. Findley, treasurer; and William Kent, secretary.
As an organization the Tuxedo Club is very strong. The club book of 1908 shows a membership of 374, of which seventy-seven were resident members. Among them are found the family names of those not only prominent in business and financial circles, but also who have been identified with the society of the State since the earliest periods. The club is self-supporting, has renewed its lease with the Tuxedo Park Association for a term of years, and bids fair to become a great center of social life.
TUXEDO VALLEY.
So comprehensive was the scope of the original plan of development, that a whole village was created at the time of the founding, near the entrance gate, containing stores, cottages, and subsequently a town hall, schoolhouses, churches, library, and a $30,000 hospital now in course of construction.
The Tuxedo Stores Company was organized March, 1894. Each resident of the park was invited to subscribe to the stock, and the company began business April 1, 1894.
The Tuxedo electric light plant was organized in 1899, and is owned and controlled by the residents of Tuxedo.
St. Mary's-in-Tuxedo.—In 1887 Mr. Henry T. Barbey obtained from the association a grant of land, on which he erected the first church building at Tuxedo, since which time it has been greatly enlarged by additions from time to time including a large parish house—until it had grown into the present beautiful church edifice. It was consecrated October 14, 1888, and the Rev. Mr. Colston placed in charge. The present rector is the Rev. William Fitzsimon.
Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.—The cornerstone of this church was laid June, 1895. The edifice cost $7,000. Rev. James Quinn was the first pastor. In July, 1899, the church and rectory were completely destroyed by fire. A year later it was rebuilt, and on September 23, 1900, was solemnly dedicated by the Most Rev. Archbishop Corrigan.
The Tuxedo police force was organized May 1, 1886. John Pederson was captain until 1891, when he was succeeded by Gillmore O. Bush. The residential part of the park is patrolled regularly day and night.
The town of Wallkill is the second largest town in the county of Orange, and, exclusive of the area in the city of Middletown, contains 38,030 acres, as shown by the equalization table of the board of supervisors for the year 1906. This area would be considerably increased if an accurate estimate could be obtained of the amount of land not included in farm and lot descriptions and being used for church, cemetery, school and road purposes.
The town is bounded northerly by Crawford and Montgomery, easterly by Hamptonburgh, southerly by Goshen and Wawayanda, and westerly by Mount Hope and the Shawangunk Kill, which separates it, for about half the distance, on its westerly border, from the town of Mamakating, Sullivan County. The Wallkill River forms part of its easterly boundary, dividing it from the town of Hamptonburgh. This stream also passes through the southeast corner of the town, and is the only large stream flowing within its borders. Both the Wallkill and Shawangunk Kill flow in a northerly direction and find their way into the Hudson River at Rondout. The other streams in the town of Wallkill are small; the principal ones being Monhagen Creek, flowing through the city of Middletown; the Bullhack, rising near Circleville and emptying into the Wallkill near Phillipsburgh; and the Mayunk, flowing through the easterly portion of the town and emptying into the Wallkill in the town of Montgomery. Notwithstanding the fact that there are no important streams, the town is well watered by small streams and springs, so that there is never danger to agriculture from this source.
The topography of the town of Wallkill is very irregular, varying in elevation from 335 feet above sea level in the easterly portion of the town along the Wallkill to 1,035 feet in the westerly, about three miles west of the city of Middletown and about half a mile north of the old Mount Hope turnpike. All the principal ridges and valleys of the town run in a northerly and southerly direction.
EARLY CHANGES AND GOVERNMENT.
The precinct of Wallkill, of which the present town is the legal successor, was erected December 17, 1743, by an act of the Colonial Legislature. The three towns of Crawford, Montgomery and Wallkill, and portions of Mount Hope and Hamptonburgh, were embraced in the area of this precinct. In 1772 the precinct of Hanover was erected, or set off, from the precinct of Wallkill, and included the towns of Crawford and Montgomery and a portion of Hamptonburgh, and, while it was generally supposed that Wallkill became a new precinct, legally Hanover was set off from the old precinct, and the statute directed that the rest of the territory "should remain" the precinct of Wallkill. It is also a fact that the town records of the precinct of Wallkill were left with, and became a part of, the records of Hanover, and, from the date of the separation, the precinct of Wallkill opened a new record, which is still preserved. Up to the time of the erection of the precinct of Hanover, the town or precinct meetings were held for the whole precinct, including all territory originally forming the precinct of Wallkill.
The first town meeting in the precinct of Wallkill, after the division, was held at the house of Samuel Watkins, April 7, 1772, and the following is the record of the officers chosen:
William Dunn, clerk and supervisor; Benjamin Booth, James Wilkins, Elijah Reeve, commissioners for regulating and laying out public highways; Stephen Harlow, William Watkins, David Moore, commissioners for laying out the money raised by act of Assembly on the highways; David Crawford, Moses Phillips, assessors; John McGarrah, John Patterson, constables and collectors; Abel Wells, George Booth, poor-masters; Jonathan Smith, Esq., Isaiah Vail, John Ketchum, Benjamin Vail, Jr., fence viewers and damage appraisers. Fences were to be four and one-half feet high, staked and ridered; five rails high or otherwise equivalent as the fence viewers shall judge.
Many items of interest could be gleaned from these old records, one of the principal being the fact that many of the persons in Wallkill to-day, occupying prominent social, business and official positions, are the direct descendants of these sturdy pioneers of earlier days.
The construction and care of the roads then, as now, seemed to be one of the principal subjects in which the people were interested. In order to demonstrate this, and at the same time preserve the names of many of those who then assumed the long-enduring business of road building in Wallkill, we make the following quotations from the records:
"Precinct to be divided in three districts, viz: The east side of the Wallkill, one; the west side, two, to be divided by the new northwest line."
"Samuel Watkins, from the Widow McBride's corner to Thomas Simeril's, and thence along the road to Campbell's bridge."
"William Bodle, from Esquire Smith's to the Minisink road, and from the schoolhouse on the road to Hezekiah Gale's; from thence to John McGarrah's, and thence to the schoolhouse; to work also on David Crawford's road to the bridge one day."
"John Hill, from Esquire Smith's road along the Minisink road to the middle of Connor's bridge; also a piece of road leading from the Minisink road to Orange County."
"James Rogers, Jr., from the precinct line to the Widow McCord's north gate."
"Captain William Faulkner, from his own house to Thomas Simeril's."
"Henry Savage, from the Widow McCord's north gate to Arzuble McCurdy's house."
"Daniel Tears, from the precinct line to John McHenry's house."
"Edward Campbell, from the John McHenry's to Arzuble McCurdy's, and Peter McLaughlin, from the corner of Edward McNeal's lot to Phillips house."
"Tilton Eastman, from Connor's bridge to the Pine Swamp."
"Stacy Beakes, from Minisink road to Dunning's road that leads to Pine Swamp."
"George Smith, from the middle of the white-oak bridge to the top of the round hill beyond Corey's."
"John Ketchum, from the top of round hill to the west end of the precinct."
"Abraham Taylor and John Daily, Jr., from the white-oak bridge by Elijah Reeve's to the precinct line."
"There was raised by direct taxation for the following purposes:"
| "L. | S. | D. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| "For the poor | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| "For highways | 46 | 16 | 0" |
For the year 1906 there was raised by direct taxation in the town of Wallkill, which contains only about one-third of the acreage of the precinct of Wallkill, for the support of the poor, $1,000, and there was expended in the town for road purposes, exclusive of the care of State roads, and exclusive of the territory embraced in the City of Middletown, about $4,500. Presumably many of our taxpayers would prefer the olden days so far as taxes are concerned.
SOME EARLY HISTORY.
Very little is known of the aboriginal days of the town of Wallkill. While various tribes of Indians occupied different parts of Orange County, from the names of certain of the streams in the town of Wallkill, it is evident that they made their home, at least part of the time, in this town. However, outside of tradition and a few individual cases of contact with them, which had very little, if any, influence on the future history of the town, nothing reliable is known that would be of interest at the present time.
The earliest record of the patenting of lands, now included within the town of Wallkill, was some time before the year 1724, and seems to have been embraced in two patents, one known as the Minisink Angle, and the other a part of what is known as the John Evans patent. The latter tract was subsequently re-patented at dates commencing December 14, 1724, and ending May 13, 1761. The actual settlement of the town did not occur until about the close of the period mentioned, and therefore, Wallkill was not settled as early as a number of the other towns in the county.
It is only necessary to refer to the assessment roll of the town of Wallkill of to-day to find many property owners whose names are the same as those of their ancestors who subdued the wilderness and made Wallkill one of the most attractive and wealthy towns in the county. When we mention such names as Bull, Harlow, Borland, Wisner, Houston, Carpenter, Reeve, Mills, Green, Wickham, Connor, Mapes and Horton, taken from the assessment rolls of to-day, we could almost imagine we were reading a roll call of the names of the sturdy pioneers who subdued the wilderness and caused the valleys of this town to blossom as the rose.
Previous histories of this town and the numerous writings of other persons have made all these facts so familiar that it would seem idle to burden these pages with any repetition of the history of the early settlement of the town and its inhabitants.
From the time of settlement, during the entire Colonial period to the Revolutionary War, there was little of moment that happened here. The settlements gradually progressed in different directions, but, as before stated, not as rapidly as in some other towns. During the Revolutionary War, a number of its citizens were with the army at various times, but the town, by its location, was far removed from the din and strife of participation in any events of the struggle; no battles occurred within its limits, and it is not known that any organized bodies of the British or their allies ever set foot within its borders. From the close of the Revolutionary War until 1803, there was a steady growth in population, so that the assessment roll for that year contained 462 names of those who were assessed for either real or personal property, or both.
On March 29, 1799, the State Legislature passed an act for the gradual abolition of slavery, and a number of citizens recorded a formal act of freeing Negroes held by them. The first one of these seems to have been made in 1800, and is in the following form:
"I do hereby certify that I have manumitted and set free my Negro slave, Otis, as fully and amply as I am authorized by the act of the Legislature entitled, 'An act for the gradual abolition of slavery,' passed the 29th day of March, 1799."
"Given under my hand and seal this 1st day of November, 1800."
"Tabetha Borland."
Similar acts of manumission were entered by Jonathan Smith, Stephen Smith, Henry G. Wisner, John Wilkin, William Phillips and Israel Wickham, and it is a fact that the descendants of these people, bearing in many cases the identical names, were the strongest opponents of slavery, and the most loyal supporters of the government during the Civil War.
As early as 1828, the temperance question began to agitate the people of the town of Wallkill, possibly more thoroughly than it is doing in the present day, for the reason that, in 1824, there were just three times as many taverns (as they were called in that day) within the limits of the town as there are hotels at present (1908). Many of the questions involved in the temperance agitation of that time are the chief object of argument at present, and we have only to quote a resolution passed at a meeting of the town of Wallkill, held in that year, to show this fact conclusively:
"Whereas, pauperism has increased in the town of Wallkill to an alarming extent; and whereas intemperance is one of the greatest progressing causes, inasmuch as more than three-fourths of the paupers emanate directly or indirectly from that source, and whereas tippling-houses, dram-shops, and groceries have a direct tendency to increase the evils; therefore,
"Resolved, (as the sense of this town meeting), That the board of excise be requested to refuse granting licenses to those persons whose principal object is to retail intoxicating liquors and not having suitable accommodations for public entertainment."
"Resolved, that the foregoing be entered on the records of said town and published in two newspapers printed in Goshen."
"Dated Wallkill, this 1st day of April, 1828."
The town of Wallkill continued to grow steadily, without any change in territorial boundaries, until 1848, when the village of Middletown was incorporated within its limits, but, outside of certain local matters, such as schools, streets, police, and a few other minor matters, the village continued to form a part of the town until the erection of the city of Middletown, in 1889. All the town officers were elected to represent the village and town in all things, excepting the purely local matters, applicable especially to the village.
IN THE CIVIL WAR.
At the outbreak of the Civil War, in 1861, the fires of patriotism seemed to burn as brightly in the town of Wallkill and village of Middletown as in any corresponding section of the country. Meetings were called, resolutions adopted, and steps immediately taken to form a company for the defense of the Union. Aid societies were established by the women, supplies sent forward to suffering soldiers, and everything was done that love and patriotism could suggest for the care of those in the army and for the preservation of the Union.
As near as can be estimated, Wallkill and Middletown combined sent to the front some 787 soldiers. Liberal bounties were paid to those who went, either as volunteers or substitutes, and the best of care was taken of the families of the absent soldiers. When we take into consideration the fact that, at the beginning of the war, the population of the town of Wallkill and village of Middletown, combined, was less than 7,000, it will be seen that more than, 10 per cent. of the entire population proved its loyalty by going to the front, and the percentage who went and never returned was far greater than the proportion, in comparison to population. That Wallkill proved its loyalty by devotion and blood, this record most amply proves.
In the year 1879, the citizens of Wallkill and Middletown erected to the memory of the soldiers of Wallkill, a most graceful and impressive monument. It was first located at the junction of North and Orchard streets, but subsequently removed to Thrall Park, on the corner of Wickham avenue and Grove street, which is a much better location than the original. Mrs. Thrall, who generously donated and bequeathed the money for the erection of Thrall Library and Thrall Hospital, also gave the city the land for Thrall Park, which is situated north of and adjoining the hospital.
HAMLETS.
The present town of Wallkill contains no incorporated village, and only four hamlets, which might be dignified by the name of village, as follows: Circleville, Howells, Scotchtown and Mechanicstown. The rest of the town is entirely devoted to agriculture, and, since the erection of the city of Middletown, has not shown any increase in population. Its farms are largely occupied by the owners, in many cases heirs and descendants of original and colonial possessors, and it possibly shows a less number of farms under rental than do many other towns in the county.
CHURCHES.
There are three churches and one chapel at present in the town of Wallkill. A Congregational church is located at Howells, and was incorporated under its present name on July 6, 1847. This church had existed for many years previous to this, under other names, and at different locations.
The Presbyterian church at Scotchtown was organized some time before 1798, but the precise date seems to be unknown. The first official record that a church was regularly organized seems to be in the minutes of the Presbytery of Hudson, when, on April 19, 1798, Jacob Mills and George Houston appeared as commissioners from the Presbyterian church in the town of Wallkill and requested that said church be taken under the care of the Presbytery, and that supplies might be appointed them. This request was granted and the services of the church continued, under supplies, until June 30, 1803, when Rev. Methuselah Baldwin became pastor. Previous, however, to the appearance of the commissioners before the Presbytery, a meeting had been held, on December 24, 1795, at the house of George Houston, apparently for the organization of a church, and at this meeting it was resolved that a subscription be opened for building a meeting-house at the corner of the roads above the house of George Houston, and that the new congregation should be under the care of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. This church was erected, enclosed and painted in 1797, and thus remained, without plastering, pews, pulpit or stoves, until 1806, when it was finished, at a cost of $515. This building was used for about fifty-seven years, when it was succeeded by the present church edifice. The church was, for many years, a leading one in the Presbytery of Hudson, and is still doing active work.
The Circleville Presbyterian Church was organized on January 4, 1842, and became a part of the Presbytery of Hudson. Its house of worship was erected in 1842, and a large part of the expense of such erection seems to have been contributed by donations in the way of labor, timber, lumber and mason work. The land, consisting of five acres, was donated by Samuel Bull, who, in addition to his gift of land, contributed much in labor, material and money, and to him the community is largely indebted for benefits derived from this church through its past years and at the present time.
The chapel previously referred to was erected near Rockville through the liberality of Robert A. Harrat and his neighbors in the immediate vicinity, and is used for Sunday-schools and special church services by clergymen from any denomination who desire to preach within its walls.
RAILROADS.
Wallkill has excellent railroad facilities. The Erie runs through from Howells Depot, passing out at its southern border. The Ontario & Western comes in at the northwesterly end of the town, running thence in a general southeasterly direction to the city of Middletown, thence easterly through the town of Wallkill, passing out into the town of Hamptonburgh near Stony Ford. The Middletown & Crawford branch diverges from the Ontario & Western Railroad about two miles north of Middletown, passes through the town in a northeasterly direction to the town of Crawford near Bullville and runs thence to Pine Bush. The Susquehanna & Western Railroad passes into the town from the southerly border of the city of Middletown and runs in a southwesterly direction in the town of Wawayanda. In addition to the above, the Erie & Jersey Railroad Company is now building a low-grade road which enters the town near Howells and runs in a general easterly direction through the town, passing about one mile north of the city of Middletown, thence leaving the town and passing into the town of Hamptonburgh in the vicinity of Stony Ford.
There is also a trolley line owned by the Wallkill Transit Company, which is operated in the city of Middletown and extends from the city, through the town of Wallkill, to the town of Goshen, and thence to the village of Goshen.
An example of the enterprise of the town of Wallkill was manifested when the question of raising money for the construction of the New York & Oswego Midland Railroad came up in 1867. Its citizens, under the wise leadership and guided by the excellent judgment of Senator Henry R. Low, Captain James N. Pronk, Elisha P. Wheeler, William J. Groo, and others, was induced to bond the town for the sum of three hundred thousand dollars and subscribe to the stock of the new road for that amount. The bonds were issued for a period of twenty years, with interest at the rate of seven per cent, per annum, payable semi-annually, with a provision that after ten years an annual sinking fund of five per cent, of the total issue of bonds should be raised. Within a few years the New York & Oswego Midland Railroad Company went into the hands of a receiver, and its stock became comparatively worthless. The three-hundred thousand dollars of stock owned by the town was sold for $15,000. When the bonds matured in 1888, William B. Royce, the sole railroad commissioner, had accumulated from the sinking fund, sale of stock, interest and other sources, the sum of $180,000, with which bonds to that amount were paid. To provide for the payment of the balance of said bonds, amounting to $120,000, the railroad commissioner issued, under authority of law, bonds to that amount, payable in installments, the last of said bonds maturing on April 1, 1907, with interest payable semi-annually, at the rate of three and one-half per cent, per annum. As provided by the bonds, the last installment of principal and interest was paid April 1, 1907, the town and city of Middletown having paid the whole of said principal sum by direct tax, excepting the $15,000 for which the stock was sold. The New York, Ontario & Western Railway Company was organized and took over the property of the old New York & Oswego Midland Railroad Company. As a result of the construction of this road, to which the town of Wallkill and city of Middletown have contributed so largely, the railroad shops were located at Middletown, which brought a very large influx to the population of the town and city, and added largely to their taxable value. It also resulted in building the road from Middletown to Cornwall, and the extension of what was known as the Middletown, Unionville and Water Gap Railroad through to New York under the original name of the New Jersey Midland Railroad, which subsequently became the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railroad, thus giving Middletown three direct lines of railroad to New York City, and making northern and western communications, which largely added to its transportation facilities.
HIGHWAYS.
The highways of the town of Wallkill are in fair condition, and are maintained under the money system. The town has a portion of three State roads; one branching off from the Middletown-Bloomingburg plank road, about three miles north of Middletown, and running in a general northerly direction to the town line of Crawford and thence to the village of Pine Bush. Another road starts from the southern corporate limits of the city of Middletown and runs in a southerly direction to the town line of Wawayanda, and thence to the village of Goshen. This road branches off in a southwesterly direction in the town of Wawayanda and extends to Unionville, and by another branch is being extended to Port Jervis. Another State road, known as the Middletown-Cuddebackville road, starts from the northwesterly line of the city of Middletown and runs through the town to the line of the town of Mount Hope, thence through Mount Hope and Deer Park to Cuddebackville. Under existing laws the State roads are in the first instance maintained under direction of and at the expense of the State.
SCHOOLS.
The town of Wallkill has seventeen school districts, in which are maintained the usual form of district schools under the State law. These are being gradually improved under the efficient system of State supervision, but are not yet at the standard to which they should be raised.
MIDDLETOWN.
The precise time when the first settlement was made in this village is uncertain, though it is believed to have been shortly after the erection of the town. John Green purchased some land of Delancey, a patentee under the crown of Great Britain, and that purchase included land in the southern part of the village and the ground where the First Congregational church now stands. Mr. Green donated the lot for the purpose of having a house of worship erected. When the citizens assembled to put up the frame of the old Congregational church, it was concluded that the locality should have a name. "What shall it be? There is Dolsontown on the south, Goshen on the east, Scotchtown on the north, and a locality not defined, on the west, called Shawangunk. We will call it Middletown, it being the center." In 1829, the name of the village was changed to South Middletown to prevent confusion in the transmission of mail matter, there being another place styled "Middletown" north of Newburgh, but in 1849 the prefix of "South" was left off.
The Minisink road which passes through the city of Middletown is mentioned by a Mr. Clinton, a surveyor employed by the owner of lot No. 35 of the Minisink Angle, as early as 1742, and the second store in Middletown was started by Isaiah Vail at a place called Monhagen, opposite the white oak bridge on the old Minisink road, near the westerly limits of the present city of Middletown. The first store in Middletown was kept by Abel Woodhull, previous to the place being called Middletown.
The western portion of Middletown was included in lot No. 36 in the Minisink Angle, owned by Delancey, and as he espoused the Royalist cause his land, except what was sold to Mr. Green before the Revolution, was confiscated by the State of New York. Three appraisers were appointed by the State to put a value on the land, two of whom were Israel Wickham and Henry Wisner. It is stated that an earnest debate occurred on the subject of valuation, whether to call it six shillings or a dollar per acre. Mr. Wickham insisted that it would never be worth a dollar, so it was put down at six shillings an acre. The land confiscated takes in the western portion of the village and present city, and includes the real estate formerly owned by John B. Hanford, Henry Little and George Houston. Part of this land could not now be bought for $10,000 an acre.
The New York & Erie Railroad seems to have been built on the installment plan in the county of Orange; first to Monroe, then to Chester, then to Goshen, and finally by large contributions from the people of Middletown, it was extended to that place. The building of this road seemed to give an impetus to the business of the village and induced manufacturers to locate there, which soon made it one of the most flourishing villages in southern New York.
The actual incorporation of the village did not occur until April 7, 1848, when the preliminary proceedings in regard to the incorporation were approved by Judge D. W. Bates. The first president of the village was Stacey Beakes, and associated with him as trustees were Coe Dill, William Hoyt, Israel Hoyt, Israel O. Beattie and Daniel C. Dusenberry. John B. Friend was clerk. Of the above named trustees, Daniel C. Dusenberry is still living (1908).
The growth of Middletown has always been gradual, and it has never been what might be called a "boom town." In 1807 the population was forty-five; in 1838 it had increased to 433; in 1848, at the time of its incorporation, it had increased to 1,360; and in 1857, to 2,190. At the time of its incorporation as a city, in 1888, its population had increased to 11,977, and at the close of 1907 it was about 16,000.
The post-office in the village of Middletown was first established on the 22nd of October, 1816. Stacey Beakes was appointed the first postmaster and held the office for about ten years. The first quarter's receipts in 1817, as rendered by the postmaster, were $0.69; in 1826, the receipts had risen to $16.12 a quarter; and in 1854, to $257.79. The annual receipts of the Middletown post-office are now upwards of $50,000.
The citizens of Middletown were always ambitious for its growth, and in all that was done, the future as well as the present, interests of the village were carefully looked after. Manufacturers were induced to locate there, and the village, and afterward the city, has always been recognized as a manufacturing center for this part of the State. Some of the largest manufactories in the old village of Middletown were the Monhagen Saw Works, Eagle File Works, Matthews Brothers' Carpet Bag Factory, Draper's Hat Factory, Babcock's Hat Works, and a large tannery, which was afterward merged in the leather manufactory of Howell-Hinchman Company. As before mentioned, the New York, Ontario & Western Railway Company located its shops here, and from that time, the village and city have had a steady growth.
CHURCHES.
Middletown as a village and city has always been well supplied with churches.
The first, the Congregational Church, was organized June 10, 1785, and incorporated August 12, 1786, and so far as organization and incorporation are concerned, it is the oldest church in Middletown.
The first Presbyterian Church of Middletown, as such, was organized March 31, 1828.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Middletown effected a legal organization on July 11, 1838.
Grace Episcopal Church was incorporated on February 18, 1845.
The First Baptist Church filed its certificate of incorporation October 28, 1849.
The Second Presbyterian Church (now Westminster church) was incorporated December 5, 1854.
The Primitive Baptist Church of Middletown was incorporated May 29, 1871.
The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was incorporated November 20, 1861.
St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church was established in 1866.
Calvary Baptist Church was incorporated in 1902.
North Congregational Church was incorporated in 1890.
Christ Church (Universalist) was incorporated in 1897.
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church (German) was incorporated in 1897.
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church was incorporated in 1875.
Faith Mission was incorporated in 1889.
The Christian Science Church was incorporated in 1903.
It will be seen from the above that the churches of Middletown average one to every 1,000 people of the present population.
SCHOOLS.
The school system of Middletown was originated by the holding of a meeting April 6, 1813, to take steps to comply with the statute of 1812, for the organization of the common school system of the State. The first commissioners elected were William Hurtin, Jacob Dunning and Benjamin Woodward. In 1844 a system of supervision by town superintendents was inaugurated. Previous to that several citizens were selected who decided upon the qualifications of the teacher. John G. Wilkin, afterward county judge of Orange County, was the first town superintendent of Wallkill, which included the village of Middletown. About the year 1856 a law was passed providing for the election of superintendents for assembly districts, thus doing away with the town system, and this system has ever since been continued.
On the 30th of January, 1841, a meeting was held to initiate the work of founding Wallkill Academy. It was started as a private enterprise, stock to the amount of $3,656.75 was subscribed by 115 stockholders, the shares being $5.00 each. Application was made to the Legislature for an act of incorporation, which was passed in May, 1841. The building was completed in October, 1842, and soon thereafter school sessions were opened, the first teacher being Rev. Phineas Robinson, who remained in charge for two years. For a number of years Wallkill Academy was continued under the plan of its first incorporation, but subsequently passed over to the village of Middletown as a part of its school system. The school system of the village of Middletown was always well managed and excellent results were attained. This system was afterward merged in the city school system upon the incorporation of the city of Middletown in 1888.
The management is now under a board of education consisting of nine members, with superintendent of schools. There are now eight schools in the educational system of Middletown. The high school was erected on the site formerly occupied by the Wallkill Academy, and is a very imposing building with all modern facilities and conveniences. It employs thirteen teachers in the academic department, and eight in the grammar grades. The seven primary schools are located in various parts of the city, so as to accommodate the pupils, but upon graduation in the primary grades all of the pupils are promoted to the high school in its various grades.
The free public library of Middletown, known as the Thrall Library Building, is architecturally an ornament to the city, and is fitted up in the most modern style for library purposes. The lot was formerly used as a location for the village school. Mrs. S. Maretta Thrall left a legacy of $30,000 to the city, with which the library was built. Mrs. Thrall, by her liberality, provided Middletown with a library of which its citizens are justly proud, and erected for herself a monument in our city and in the hearts of its people which will be as enduring as time. The library at present contains 10,500 volumes. The legacy bequeathed by Mrs. Thrall was to be used exclusively for the building, and was so used.
CHARITABLE AND BENEVOLENT ORGANIZATIONS.
In the year 1880, the matter of establishing a Children's Home for Orange County was brought up in the board of supervisors. A committee, consisting of the Hon. William H. Clark, Selah E. Strong and William B. Royce, was appointed to take the matter under consideration and report. After a careful investigation and examination of a large number of properties, the committee reported that in its judgment the property known as the Israel O. Beattie property in the village of Middletown was better adapted for the purpose than any other property that had been brought to the notice of the committee. The property, at the time, was owned by the Mutual Life Insurance Company of the city of New York, and after negotiations, a price was fixed by the company at $8,000. The price was approved by the board and the committee was ordered to purchase the property, which was subsequently done. The sum of $2,000 was appropriated for the use of the committee in making such necessary repairs and changes as might be deemed necessary to fit the property for immediate use. The committee, having completed its duties, reported to the board on the 21st of November, 1881, that its work was completed and that there had been expended $9,910.05, leaving a balance of $89.95 in the hands of the committee.
Previous to the making of this report, the property had been turned over to the county superintendent of the poor, and it was formally opened on February 7, 1881. On the first day of January, 1882, forty-four children were being cared for in the home. This number has fluctuated during the intervening years, sometimes the number of children being as low as sixteen, and at other times approximating the original number reported.
The Orange County Home for Aged Women is located at No. 27 South street, in the city of Middletown, and like the Children's Home, is not limited to the city of Middletown with regard to the territory from which its inmates are received. It was incorporated in 1884, the idea emanating from the fertile brain of Dr. Julia E. Bradner. The home now has become a well-known institution, not only in the city of Middletown, but in the county of Orange.
It is difficult to realize that Thrall Hospital, so much an integral part of the civic life of Middletown to-day, was not dreamed of a quarter of a century since. It is not an easy matter to make plain to the lay mind just what is behind the bald statistic, "One typhoid—discharged." Statistics may number the bandages and weigh out the drugs, but they never take reckoning of the anxieties, the heartaches, that broad utilitarianism which under the name of the Middletown Hospital Association began its beneficent work.
It was twenty years ago last November (1907) that Dr. Julia E. Bradner called together, at her residence, a few of the women of Middletown to discuss the project of having a hospital in their own home town.
At the first informal meeting in November, 1887, nine women, led on by the indomitable spirit of Dr. Julia E. Bradner, voted to have a charter legally drawn and to meet again at her home, on Orchard street, on the 22nd of November.
The charter was presented at this second meeting and signed before Notary Henry W. Wiggins by the following women: Julia E. Bradner, president; Ella S. Hanford, first vice-president; Lutie M. Clemson, second vice-president; Clara S. Finn, treasurer; Harriet L. Clark, secretary; Sarah Orr Sliter, Jennie E. Prior, Frances W. Wilcox, Florence Horton.
The organization effected on this November day and incorporated December 6, of the same year, was named "The Middletown Hospital Association," its object "to build and maintain a hospital in the village of Middletown."
The day of the second meeting was big in history, for not only was the matter of the charter settled, but an advisory board of physicians was elected, consisting of William E. Eager, M.D.; William H. Dorrance, M.D.; Selden H. Talcott, M.D.; Burke Pillsbury, M.D.; and Ira S. Bradner, M.D.—all of whom have passed away.
In the spring of 1891, seeing the need and the opportunity to supply that need, Mrs. S. Maretta Thrall gave to the association the lot on the south side of what is now Thrall Park. Plans were made for a building to cost over $13,000, but their execution would have been put off indefinitely had not Mrs. Thrall come forward with a gift of money sufficient to cover the cost of the planned building, making, with the estimated value of the lot, a total gift of over $16,000. Work on the foundation was begun immediately.
The association, which in various ways, during the four years which elapsed after the foundation was laid, had raised $5,000, now used that amount to furnish and equip the building in a practical and up-to-date manner. On the tenth day of May, one year after the gift of the lot, the hospital, having a capacity of twenty-six beds, was thrown open for the reception of patients.
MIDDLETOWN STATE HOMEOPATHIC HOSPITAL.
Nearly forty years ago, or, to be exact, in 1869, several of the citizens of what was then the village of Middletown decided that a hospital for the insane was needed in this vicinity. Funds were collected and a farm was purchased on the western border of the village for a site for an asylum, as such institutions were then called. Dr. George F. Foote endeavored to raise money by subscription for a private asylum. To this end $75,000 were subscribed, the amount expended for a site and to build part of the institution, all of which was finally accepted by the commonwealth as a free-will offering from a comparatively few generous subscribers.
The first appropriation by the State for the institution was made in 1870. The original board of trustees numbered twenty-one, appointed by the Governor. The first superintendent, Dr. Foote, having resigned, Dr. Henry R. Stiles was appointed in his stead. He served until February 9, 1877, and then resigned. He was succeeded by the late Selden H. Talcott, who served until his death in 1902, when the present incumbent, Dr. Maurice C. Ashley, was appointed to succeed him, and is now in charge of the institution.
Among the early trustees, who were residents of Orange County, may be recalled the well-known names of Daniel Thompson, John G. Wilin, Moses D. Stivers, James G. Graham, Henry R. Low, Elisha P. Wheeler, Dr. Joshua A. Draper, James B. Hulse, James H. Norton, Nathaniel W. Vail, and Uzal T. Hayes.
The hospital was incorporated in 1869, opened for the reception of patients on the 20th of April, 1874, and the first patient was admitted May 7, 1874.
To give an idea of the present magnitude of this great public charity, it seems fitting that a few figures should go on record where they will be permanently preserved.
The farm and grounds comprise nearly 300 acres, on which there are thirty buildings; the value of the real and personal property is over $1,500,000; the present annual expenses for all purposes, excepting the new building, are about $245,000, of which nearly $60,000 are received from private and reimbursing patients; about $110,000 is required for salaries and wages. Since the opening of the institution, over 7,000 patients have been received and treated. Of this number 2,600 have been discharged recovered and returned to their homes and to society, and 900 others have been sufficiently restored or improved to enable them to return to their families. The number of patients under treatment at the present time is 1,350.
The present normal capacity of the hospital for patients is 1,222. Buildings are now under construction for about 550 more patients and the necessary employees, making a total capacity for 1,850 patients and 450 employees.
The hospital district comprises Orange, Sullivan, Ulster and Rockland Counties, but those desiring homeopathic treatment are received from any part of the State.
During all the years, the hospital has been conducted upon homeopathic principles, following strictly the practice and principles of homeopathy in the selection of medicines and treatment of patients. This is a compliance with the law under which the hospital was first incorporated, and the results, in all respects, would seem to warrant the continuance of the present form of treatment and management.
In compliance with the law, a training school for nurses and attendants has been established and maintained for some years with the most satisfactory results.
A few years since all the asylums were placed under State control, and a board of local managers with modified duties took the place of the old boards of trustees.
The board of managers of the asylum, as at present constituted, consists of William H. Rogers of Middletown, N. Y., president; Ira L. Case, of Middletown, N. Y., secretary; Newbold Morris, of New York City, N. Y., Miss Alice Larkin, New York City; Mrs. Harriet A. Dillingham, New York City; George B. Adams, Middletown, N. Y.; and James B. Carson, Middletown, N. Y. The attorney for the hospital is William B. Royce, of Middletown, N. Y.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The city of Middletown is located on the Erie, the New York, Ontario & Western and the Susquehanna & Western railroads, about sixty-seven miles from New York City, and is the legal successor of the village of Middletown, in the county of Orange. The city was incorporated by an act of the Legislature of the State of New York, known as Chapter 535 of the Laws of 1888, and John E. Iseman became its first mayor. The city, as now incorporated, contains 2,330-1/2 acres.
The city is divided into four wards. The general city officers are: A Mayor, Robert Lawrence, now holding the office; president of the common council, two aldermen from each ward, city clerk and collector, city treasurer, corporation counsel, city engineer and surveyor, superintendent of streets, recorder, two justices of the peace, and three assessors. Each ward also elects one supervisor, the duties of whose office are the same as those of town supervisors.
Middletown has a most excellent and efficient fire department, of which Charles Higham is chief. The force, as now organized, consists of one hook and ladder company, truck drawn by horses; five hose companies, two of them having chemical wagons drawn by horses; one engine company, new steamer drawn by horses. The city has a complete system of electric fire alarms, with forty-two boxes in service.
Middletown has about forty-seven regularly organized charitable, benevolent, fraternal and social organizations and clubs, exclusive of labor-organizations, societies and organizations connected with its railroads. Of the latter there are nine, and of the labor organizations, twenty.
A fine State armory is located here, which is the headquarters of the First Battalion, First Regiment, N. G. N. Y., A. E. Mclntyre, Major, commanding. This armory is also the home of Company I (24th Separate Company), First Regiment, N. G. N. Y., of which Abraham L. Decker is captain.
There are two Grand Army Posts in Middletown, viz: General Lyon Post, No. 266; Captain William A. Jackson Post, No. 301.
Middletown has a very efficient Business Men's Association, which was incorporated November 20, 1902.
The banking interests of Middletown are represented by the following banks: First National Bank, capital $100,000; Merchants' National Bank, capital $100,000; Orange County Trust Company, capital $100,000; and the Middletown Savings Bank. These institutions are all in a healthy and prosperous condition and have, in the aggregate, deposits amounting to about the sum of $8,000,000.
There are, in addition to the above, thirty-five incorporated companies in Middletown, representing manufacturing, mercantile, mechanical and financial enterprises. The largest employers of labor are the Borden's Condensed Milk Company, the New York, Ontario & Western Railway Company shops, Howell-Hinchman Company, and the Union Hat Company.
The cemetery grounds of the Hillside Cemetery Corporation, formerly Hillside Cemetery Association, are located in the southwest part of the city. The cemetery had many natural advantages from contour of the land, virgin forests and running streams. To these have been added about twelve miles of macadamized roads and drives, with gracefully curving paths and winding walks. A great deal of shrubbery and many flowering plants have been set out and in the summer the scene is a most lovely one. Surely Hillside Cemetery is a beautiful resting place for the dead.
Middletown has a most complete water system supplied by three reservoirs, located in the towns of Wallkill and Mount Hope, and named respectively, Monhagen, Highland and Shawangunk. All water for domestic use is thoroughly filtered before being conveyed to the city.
The city has several miles of well paved streets, and is lighted by both gas and electricity.
The telephone system consists of two companies. The Orange County Telephone Company has about 1,600 telephones in use, and also does the long-distance business in the city for the Hudson River Telephone Company. The Middletown Telephone Company has about a score of subscribers in the city. It also has connection with several outside independent companies.
With its location, financial ability, numerous business enterprises, its many social, benevolent, charitable and religious associations and institutions, its splendid school system, and with the enterprise, energy and business ability of its citizens, the Middletown of to-day is only a beginning of the greater Middletown which will occupy this central part of Orange County in the years to come.
To sum up the history of the town of Wallkill were an easy task, and so saying is to speak in the highest praise of the town. Its course has been peaceful, quiet, serene; its politics have never been infected by scandal and corruption; the red glare of warfare—aboriginal or otherwise—has not shone athwart its pages; it has been a history in which the husbandman has dominated the scene and has been the central actor. Agriculture has been the mainstay of a people pious and God-fearing, the descendants of those sturdy New England and Long Island ancestors, who built the meeting-house and the school as soon as ever the settlement was made.
We dwellers in the Wallkill of to-day have every reason to be thankful that our history has been what it has; if it has lacked romance or excitement, it has likewise abounded in a peace that has meant prosperity.
Of late years the flood of immigration has sent its waves to our thresh-olds, and we find in our villages, on our farms, and toiling along our railroads the children of Italy, of Hungary, of Austria, of Russia and the more remote East. What the picture will be a century hence, what sort of an amalgamation will have taken place, we cannot foresee. Certain it is that, if he is to remain with us, we must educate the alien, teach him our ways, prepare him for citizenship, and do all we can for him morally and intellectually, and that will surely involve amalgamation. At any rate, this is a force that is bound to change our town's history, in the next hundred years, from anything that has gone before it. We should face the problem—meet it with those most forcible of weapons, Education and Law.
For the rest, acting the role of prophet is not difficult. Wallkill's lines have been cast in pleasant places and will probably so continue to be cast. We anticipate nothing marvelous, look forward to naught phenomenal, expect no revolutions. Our townspeople will pursue the even tenor of their way on their pleasant farms and in their quiet villages; they will know neither the bleak necessities of poverty nor the anxieties of extreme wealth; all will be medium, which is the happiest state of all. We are content with that. Our Wallkill is well beloved; we would not trade it for anything different or more brilliant; we would have it as it has been, not meaning stagnation, of course, yet not longing for the "boom" which newer and less firmly established and less well-grounded communities are forever invoking.
Wallkill, in many ways, realizes one's ideal of a rural township—well governed, knowing neither financial extreme, and with a people contented, and at peace.
The derivation of Warwick, according to Mr. Thomas Kemp, mayor of Warwick, England, who has written a "History of Warwick and Its People," is from the Saxon "Wara" which in that tongue signifies inhabitants, and "wic"—a town or castle, or hamlet, a bank or crook of a river. So that Warawic, or Warwick, signifies no more than the inhabitants of the town or castle upon the bank of the river. Other Saxon forms of the name found are Werhica, Wyrengewyk, Woerincwic, and Weringwic.
The history of our Warwick from the earliest times has been written by Eager and Ruttenber in their publications—that of the last-named writer coming down to the year 1880.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The present sketch is intended rather to supplement these earlier accounts than to re-write all of the past history, by recording principally the events which have occurred since 1880.
The town or township of Warwick was erected from the precinct of Goshen in 1788, and derived its name from the plantation of Benjamin Aske, one of the original grantees of the Wawayanda patent. Upon the sub-division of the patent among twelve patentees, Aske's share was a tract nearly in the form of a parallelogram, which extended from Wickham's or Clark's Lake, on the northeast, to the farm now owned by Townsend W. Sanford, on the southwest, with an average width of a mile, and containing 2,200 acres of land. Aske named this tract, "Warwick," from which fact it is supposed that he came from Warwickshire, England. The date of the Wawayanda patent is March 5, 1702-1703, which was the peculiar style of writing year date a couple of centuries ago. The document is signed by the twelve chiefs, all making their mark in the presence of witnesses, one of them Chuckhass, the chief who lived in this town and for whom Chuck's Hill is named. This patent embraced at that time practically all of Orange County as it existed in 1703.
By deed dated February 28, 1719, Aske sold to Lawrence Decker, yeoman, for 50 pounds, 100 acres, in the deed described as "being part of the 2,200 acres of land, called Warwick," showing that previous to that date Aske had bestowed the name of Warwick upon his tract. Later deeds to Thomas Blaine and Thomas DeKay contain similar recitals.
The pioneers of Warwick were principally English families who came hither from Long Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Among them we find the names of Armstrong, Baird, Benedict, Blaine, Bradner, Burt, DeKay, Decker, Demarest, Ketchum, Knapp, McCambley, Post, Roe, Sayer, Sly, Sanford, Welling, Wheeler, Wisner, Wood and Van Duzer. Most of these settlers have left descendants who still live in the town or village.
During the Revolution there were a few Tories near Warwick, but the majority of the people were loyal to the country of their adoption, and many of them enlisted for service.
John Hathorn, colonel of the Warwick and Florida regiment, Captains Charles Beardsley, John Minthorn, Henry Wisner, Jr., Abram Dolson, Jr., John Norman, Henry Townsend, Nathaniel Elmer, John Saver; Lieutenants Richard Welling, Samuel Lobdell, Nathaniel Ketchum, George Vance, Peter Bartholf, Matthew Dolson, John Hopper, John DeBow, Anthony Finn, John Popino, Jr., Richard Bailey, John Kennedy, John Wood, and many others rendered valuable services during the Revolution.
While New York City was in the hands of the British, the most traveled road between the Hudson River and the Delaware ran through Warwick. It is said that Washington passed through Warwick twice during the war, and was entertained by Colonel Hathorn at the Pierson E. Sanford stone house near the village, on one of these occasions, at least.
For some time after the Revolution there were not more than thirty houses in the village. In 1765 Daniel Burt built the shingle house, now owned by Mrs. Sallie A. F. Servin, the oldest house in the village. In 1766 Francis Baird built the stone house now owned by William B. Sayer, which was at one time used as a tavern, and in some of the old maps Warwick is called "Baird's Tavern."
DEVELOPMEMT.
The town of Warwick is the largest in area of any of the towns of the county, containing 61,763 acres, or nearly double that of any of the others, and being a little more than one-eighth of the area of the whole county. Its assessed valuation of real and personal property in 1906, was $2,863,010. The taxes levied upon that valuation for last year were $22,745.12. Population according to State census of 1905 was 6,691.
Within the last generation the town has greatly improved its public highways and bridges. With the advent of the bicycle, automobile and other motor vehicles, the demand for better road facilities has been felt, and this demand has been and is now being supplied. Under the State law providing for the construction and improvement of the highways at the joint expense of the State and county, the sum of $15,387.40 has been expended by the county, and the additional sum of $1,602.60 by the State, up to the year 1905, for acquisition of rights of way, engineering and cost of construction of 4.67 miles of road from Florida to Warwick, known as Road No. 93, so that under the good roads law (Chap. 115, Laws 1898) we have nearly five miles of finished work done. Plans have also been approved by the county and its share of the cost appropriated for the building of 6.92 miles of road from Warwick to Greenwood Lake at a total estimated cost of $54,250, which will undoubtedly be built as soon as the Legislature makes appropriation for the State's share of the cost.
Since 1883 the town has constructed several new iron bridges, viz: on the east arm of Greenwood Lake, at Main, South, Lake, Elm and Bank streets in the village of Warwick; also at Florida, Kimball's Point, Garners' Island across the Pochuck Creek, one between the towns of Goshen and Warwick, and one between the towns of Minisink and Warwick; also at Bellvale and New Milford, these substantial structures replacing the old wooden bridges of the past. An elevated bridge across the tracks of the Lehigh and Hudson River Railway Company was constructed to avoid the grade crossing at Stone Bridge at the joint expense of the railway company and the town, costing nearly $8,000, of which the town's share was one-quarter of the whole cost, made a most desirable improvement in this part of the town.
The town constructed a new road along the east side of Greenwood Lake in 1889, the land being donated by Alexander Brandon, trustee, and others, to the town, and the latter building the same at a cost of over $7,000. This improvement opens up a large tract of land for building purposes, the road extending to State line of New York and New Jersey.
In 1902, by a vote of the taxpayers, a change was made in the manner of working the highways from the labor to the money system. Under the old system something over 5,000 days would be assessed for labor, but a considerable portion would never be worked and in consequence our highways would suffer. Under the present method the sum of $5,593 was expended by the town in 1906, in cash upon our highways, and the additional sum of $2,000 State aid, with uniformly better results everywhere.
The total mileage of public roads is nearly 200 in the town, and the sum of $25 per mile was expended upon every mile in that year and additional sums of $10 per mile upon those roads more frequently traveled.
This amount was for all the road districts outside of the incorporated village of Warwick, which is a separate road district maintained by the corporation. The valuation for 1907 was $1 of tax for every $300 of assessed value.
Town boards of health have been maintained since 1881 and consist of the supervisor, town clerk, justices of the peace, a citizen member and a physician, known as the health officer. Rules and regulations governing the proper observance of health are published each year by this official body, and prompt action taken in case of any outbreak of disease, and measures instituted to control and prevent the spread of the same. As a result of the labors of these organizations and those in the incorporated villages of our towns, the public health has been safeguarded, and no serious epidemics have been experienced.
The town has seventeen separate school districts, where the common school is maintained, and two union free schools at Florida and Warwick, under the supervision of the Regents of the University at Albany. In these latter schools our young people are graduated, prepared for the different walks of life, and many entering colleges to prosecute their studies further for the learned professions. Under the present State law education is compulsory, between the ages of eight and sixteen, and parents, guardians and employers detaining the child between those ages are liable to fine and imprisonment.
Under the compulsory education law our town appoints annually for each of the school districts an officer known as the truant officer, whose duty it is to look after the interests of those who will not look after their own, and compel all children within the school age to be in attendance upon the public school during the required period. The State apportionment of school funds for 1907 for the town was $4,300.
The town has six election or polling places, known as Districts Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. No. 1 includes the voters in the Amity and Pine Island district; No. 2, those in Florida and vicinity; Nos. 3, 4 and 5, the village of Warwick, Bellvale and New Milford; No. 6. Greenwood Lake and Sterling. The total vote polled for Governor in the town in 1900 was 1,218.
The principal farm products are dairying, onions, peaches, apples, hay and potatoes. Milk is condensed at several places in the town. The mineral products are iron, granite, mica, white and blue limestone. The white limestone is very valuable for fluxing purposes and in the manufacture of Portland cement. Large deposits of the same are found in the western part of the town, running from near Florida to the Vernon Valley. The blue limestone is valuable for building purposes and is found very generally in different parts of the town. Clay beds also exist at Florida and at Durland's, from which brick have been manufactured.
The present bonded debt of the town (1907) is $4,950, bearing 4 per cent. interest, which is very small considering the amounts expended in the construction of the new iron bridges in the town during the last thirty years—nearly twenty—and the cost of new road construction and for damages to the town roads and bridges caused by the great flood of 1903, when one bridge was completely destroyed, and nine were damaged, besides the damages to many of the public roads, and other small bridges.
VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
Warwick
The village of Warwick was known as early as 1719, but was not settled until about 1764. It is the largest village in the town and the only one incorporated. Its area is 395 acres, and its population (1905) was 1,767. It was incorporated under a special act of the Legislature in 1867, and re-incorporated under the general village law in 1901. Built on rolling land in the valley west of the Warwick Mountains, it is an ideal spot for country homes. The land is well drained, the Wawayanda Creek flowing through the center of the town in a southeasterly direction. The mean elevation of the valley is 550 feet, and the nearby mountains rise to a height of 1,200 to 1,400 feet. The varied pastoral scenes of wood, stream and meadow, with here and there a lake, and the tall peaks of the Catskills in the distance greeting the eye from these heights, are said by travelers to equal, if not surpass, anything else of the kind in all the wide world.
Fine roads, affording delightful drives, extend from Warwick, in every direction, some among the neatly kept farms in the valley and others through winding ways among the hills. With such an unrivaled environment, Warwick has grown famous for its own peculiar beauties. One cannot say that our village is quaint or old-fashioned, with swinging gates, grassy lanes, and moss-covered roofs; rather, it has an air of smartness, blended with polished repose. It is a pretty park with velvety lawns, showing to vast advantage groups of flowering shrubs, unmarred by fences, and with the houses well apart, giving an air of freedom from cramped conditions.
Not only the fine mansions that have been built by prosperous country merchants, professional men and city folk, but also the modest homes of the village mechanics and artisans, all show the same individual public spirit, not to be outdone in keeping things spruced up and freshly painted. Here and there are old homesteads where son has succeeded father for generations, yet the old homes look well and becoming in their new and airy clothes. The advent of broad avenues and flag walks have forever effaced the winding trails, and with them much of the sweet Indian legendary has been obliterated. For all these rolling hills were once covered with chestnut, birch, maple and pine trees. There is something pathetic in the passing of the red man, the type of years gone by, as the impress of civilization unrelentingly, step by step, has crowded upon his tepee and forced him westward.
Yet the maples, as planted by our fathers, forming bowers over streets, are more beautiful than the pine tree. We have no "Unter den Linden," but we might claim an "Unter den Maples."
Warwick has been called the Queen Village, also a Village of Homes. If she is not truly the former, she is easily and far away a village of homes.
As early as 1830 Henry William Herbert, an English gentleman and writer, better known as Frank Forester, visited the village and stopped at the old inn, known as Tom Ward's, now and then called the Wawayanda House. Forester has celebrated us in his famous book of sporting tales and adventures called "Warwick Woodlands," in which he tells many a quaint tale of the doings of himself and mine host Ward, (whom he cleverly calls Draw by simply inverting the letters of the name), and of many other sportsmen of that early day.
No one has ever paid our vale and village a higher tribute than Forester, when he said:
"In all the river counties of New York there is none to my mind which presents such a combination of all natural beauties, pastoral, rural, sylvan and at times almost sublime, as old Orange, nor any part of it to me so picturesque, or so much endeared by early recollections, as the fair vale of Warwick. . . . Throughout its length and breadth, it is one of the most fertile and beautiful, and the most Arcadian regions of the United States; poverty in its lower and more squalid aspects, if not in any real or tangible shape, is unknown within its precincts; its farmers, the genuine old solid yeoman of the land, the backbone and bulwark of the country, rich as their teeming pastures, hospitable as their warm hearts and ever open doors, stanch and firm as the everlasting hills among which in truly pleasant places their lines have fallen, would be the pride of any nation, kingdom or republic; its women are among the fairest daughters of a country where beauty is the rule rather than the exception. . . . Sweet vale of Warwick, sweet Warwick, loveliest village of the vale, it may be I shall never see you more, for the silver cord is loosened, the golden bowl is broken, which most attached me to your quiet and sequestered shades. . . . May blessings be about you, beautiful Warwick; may your fields be as green, your waters as bright, the cattle upon your hundred hills as fruitful, as in the days of old."
In 1883 the village voted the sum of $600 to lay the sidewalks over the Main street bridge. In 1886 the sum of $4,200 was voted by the tax-payers to buy the lot and build the brick building occupied by Excelsior Hose Company. In 1889 an application was made to the trustees for the organization of the Goodwill Hook and Ladder Company. In 1891 a truck was bought for said ladder company at a cost of $600. The system for working the village streets was changed in this year to the money system. In 1895 a number of the citizens contributed the sum of $433.03 for the purchase of a sprinkling cart, a proposition previously submitted to the taxpayers for the purchase of the same having been defeated at a special election. In 1896, Raymond Hose Company No. 2, to look after the interests of the village in the west end, was organized by consent of the trustees.
In 1897, the sum of $500 was voted for the purpose of a fire alarm. In this year the first and only franchise ever granted by the village was given to Sharp & Chapman for a term of fifty years, for an electric light plant.
These parties having failed to carry out their agreement, the village the next year granted a franchise for the same purpose to the Warwick Valley Light and Power Company, of the same duration.
Since 1898 the village has been lighted with electric light at a cost of about $2,000 per year, the present plant consisting of ninety-seven incandescent electric lights and six 2,000 candle power arc lamps.
In 1900 the taxpayers voted the sum of $1,600 for the purchase of a lot and the building of a hose house for the Raymond Hose Company.
In 1901 a proposition to reincorporate the village under the general village law was carried. A special election held the same year to vote upon the proposition of paving our streets with Telford pavement and asking for the sum of $10,000 for that purpose, was defeated by only three votes.
In 1902 the heirs of the late George W. Sanford donated the sum of $1,250 to the village for the purpose of a drinking fountain, which has been erected and is placed at Fountain Square, corner of Main and East Main streets.
In July, 1906, Warwick, England, celebrated the two thousand years of her past history in a great historical pageant upon the grounds of Warwick Castle. Invitations were issued to all the Warwicks of the world—fourteen in all—to be present and participate in these festivities. Our board appointed its president, Ferdinand V. Sanford, as its representative, who attended the celebration, and delivered in person the following resolutions of greeting and congratulation:
Honorable Thomas Kemp,
Mayor of the Corporation of Warwick, England
Sir:
Accept congratulations and greetings from your daughter and namesake across the sea, on the occasion of your great historical pageant, wherein somewhat of your ancient and honorable past is reproduced, not merely in centuries, but in millenniums of time.
As Americans we are proud of our English ancestry, and of that mighty nation, on whose empire the sun never sets, whose history is the history of everything that makes for progress, a higher civilization and the enlightenment and uplifting of mankind.
May God continue to bless England and America, the leading Christian nations of the earth, whose history teaches the world of the transcendent value of the life, liberty and happiness of man.
Done at Warwick, New York, United States of America, on the twenty-sixth day of May in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and six.
The Village of Warwick.
By
| (Seal.) | Ferdinand V. Sanford, President, |
| Charles Wutke, | |
| George H. Strong, | |
| Trustees | |
| F. C. Cary, | |
| Clerk of the Corporation. |
To which the mayor replied officially as follows:
Borough of Warwick, to-wit:
At a meeting of the mayor, aldermen and councilors of the said borough in Council assembled, on the 13th day of July, 1906,
It was resolved: That the congratulatory address from the corporation of the village of Warwick, in the State of New York, United States of America, presented to the mayor on the occasion of the recent Historical Pageant, be entered on the minutes of the Council, and that a cordial vote of thanks for their sympathetic greetings be accorded to the sister municipality with an earnest hope for its continued prosperity.
And that a copy of the resolution be sealed and transmitted to the president of the corporation.
| Thomas Kemp, | |
| Mayor, | |
| Brabazon Campbell, | |
| Town Clerk. | (Seal.) |
During the present year (1907) the village has been the recipient of a fine town clock, presented by Mr. Pierson E. Sanford. The clock is stationed in the tower of the Methodist church on Main street.
At a special election held this year the sum of $4,200 was voted to purchase the building and lots formerly owned by John A. Dator and others, on Main street and Wheeler avenue. It is the purpose of the trustees to change the building, and adapt it for village purposes, such as a village hall, office for records, maps and files, and the rooms of Goodwill Hook and Ladder Company.
New Milford.
The hamlet of New Milford lies southwest of Warwick, and forms a part of the boundary line between New York and New Jersey. It was formerly called Jockey Hollow. It comprises an area of a little more than 2,000 acres of the most fertile and well watered land in Warwick Valley. When the Wawayanda patent was deeded by the Indians to twelve white men in 1702, the twelfth part deed to Cornelius Christiance included what is now known as New Milford. Cornelius Christiance sold his share to Derrick Vanderburgh in 1704, and the latter sold to Everett & Glows, land speculators, in 1714, for a little more than $500. In 1724, the land was purchased by Thomas DeKay and Benjamin Aske. Settlers now began to come and they were quick to take advantage of the superior water facilities. The land was intersected by Wawayanda Creek, and flowing into this stream were four rushing mountain streams, all capable of furnishing fine water power, the largest of which was the Doublekill, so named because it is the outlet of Double Pond, or Wawayanda Lake. But not until about the year 1770 were any mills operated, excepting a saw mill and the forge on Wawayanda Creek on the farm recently owned by the Edward L. Davis heirs. During the year 1780, we find among the settlers the DeKays, the Davises, the Demarests, the Lazears, and Wood. The first excise money was paid into the treasury from the New Milford tavern in 1790 by Cornelius Lazear. A grist mill was built that year on the west side of the Doublekill, on the farm known as the Kiernan farm, and much further up the stream than the present mill. This mill was operated many years.
In 1802 John Lazear built a grist mill on the site of the present mill. In connection with the mill he had a factory for manufacturing axe and shovel handles. Between the years 1805 and 1825 New Milford was an exceedingly busy place. The original and only town at the time was where the post-office is at present.
There were six mills on the Doublekill, and four on the stream covered by the arch bridge, near the post-office, known as Green Mine Brook. On the Doublekill there were the grist mill, or axe handle factory, and tannery owned by S. W. Clason, now owned by E. M. Bahrmann; further down the stream a feed mill, a saw mill and a fulling or wool-carding mill. Then on the Green Mine stream there were a clover seed mill, plaster mill, cider mill with distillery, and about where William T. Vandervort's barn is located there was a large saw mill run by David Demarest. A very good schoolhouse was situated just west of the present Methodist church. A post-office was established in 1815—the first postmaster was Merritt Coleman. The turnpike running between New York and Port Jervis left the main road near the present home of Darius Fancher, crossed the E. L. Davis farm, continued northward over a bridge which was east of the present site of Borden's creamery, and up the hill to the road which now passes west of the house known as Peachblow. This was the main road to the northwest. Mr. E. L. Davis built a fulling and carding mill near the bridge and operated that as well as a saw mill.
Further down on Wawayanda Creek there were a saw mill, cider mill and distillery owned by John Ryerson. The "covered bridge" was built about 1830. In 1835, a boarding school for young ladies was opened in the house now occupied by John Lines. The principal, Charles G. Winfield, was a man of profound learning. Here the best people of Warwick and vicinity sent their daughters to be educated. It was a classical school of the highest order. The Methodist church was opened in 1838. In 1861, When there was a call for volunteers. New Milford, with a population of only 150 persons, responded with twenty-eight men.
With the growth of the dairy business in Orange County, less attention was paid to milling interests. In 1866, a factory for condensing milk was built where the Kiernan fulling and carding mill stood. This was abandoned after the railroad was built in 1879. In 1898 a fire swept away the business portion of New Milford, and it has not been entirely rebuilt.
At present the town is regaining some of the business prosperity it enjoyed one hundred years ago. There are two grist mills and a saw mill, and one of the largest creameries for bottling and condensing milk in the county, owned by Borden's Milk Company, where 4,500 gallons of milk are received and shipped daily. There are several old cemeteries scattered throughout New Milford, where one may read the names of those who lived when the "years were young."
Pine Island.
Pine Island is a village lying two miles northwest of Amity at the terminus of the Goshen and Deckertown railroad, leased by the Erie. It has a public school, a hotel, a store and post-office.
Greenwood Lake and Sterling.
The Chesekook's patent, confirmed by letters patent of Queen Anne, which embraced this district, was granted March 25, 1707, by Manngomack and other Indians, whose names are unpronounceable, and who signed by their marks, representatives of the sub-tribes of the Minsis, whose totem was the wolf, a branch of the Lenni-Lenapes, whose totem was the turkey, a branch of the great Algonkin or Algonquin tribe, or nation, which held sway over them.
This deed was dated December 30, 1702, and recorded in the Orange County clerk's office, June 1, 1736. The original patent, bearing Queen Anne's seal, is in the possession of the Sterling Iron and Railway Company. Sterling and Greenwood Lake are now embraced in the sixth election district of the town of Warwick.
Charles Clinton surveyed this patent for the owners in common, beginning April 1, 1735, and ending December 13, 1749. He mentions in his field book, as early as 1745, that iron works were in operation at Sterling, but to what extent is not stated. The old furnace at Sterling, now in ruins, is said to have been built in 1751, and from it was drawn the iron from which the great chain was made to cross the Hudson River in Revolutionary days from West Point to Constitution Island. This chain was built by Abel Noble & Co., Peter Townsend signing the contract for said firm for its construction February 2, 1778, to be finished by April 1, 1778. This chain was drawn across the river April 30, 1778. A bronze tablet commemorating the building of Sterling furnace was unveiled at the foot of the furnace on June 23, 1906. Iron mining is still in active operation, a shaft extending diagonally under Sterling Lake a distance of over 2,000 feet, but the ore is all shipped to other furnaces. The iron industry created a need for charcoal, and from Revolutionary times until about 1865 cutting wood and burning charcoal was an industry extending all over this section, and through the mountains of Greenwood Lake and Sterling is a network of wood roads and many foundations where formerly stood the dwellings of collieries. Sterling Mountain rises about 600 feet above the surface of Greenwood Lake, which is about nine miles long and 700 feet elevation above sea level.
The map of this section made by Robert Erskine for General Washington gives it the name of Long pond. About midway on the west side and about 300 feet from the shore of Greenwood Lake stands an old furnace on the furnace brook, which was built about seventy-five years ago by William Noble of Bellvale. The furnace was a failure from the start, as the stream of water furnished insufficient power for the blast. About 1845 Wanaque Creek, at the outlet of Greenwood Lake, was crossed by a dam, which raised the lake about eight feet, resulting in the overflow of about a mile of low land at both the north and south ends of the lake, forming a reservoir for the use of the Morris and Essex Canal, nine miles long and a mile wide. The New York and Greenwood Lake railroad reached here in 1876. The terminal station at the line between New York and New Jersey on the east shore, called then "State Line" (now Sterling Forest), was accessible by boats only, there being no public road until 1889, when one was built by the town of Warwick, the contract being taken by Conrad Diehl of Goshen. The steamboat Montclair, capable of carrying 400 passengers or more, was built and launched in 1876, to accommodate travelers from the railroad. Smaller boats had been previously built, first the Pioneer, a sail boat, then the Sylph, then the Montclair, and later the Anita, and at present several small steamers and naphtha launches without number are in use.
Prior to the completion of the railroad visitors reached here by stage from Monks on the south or from Monroe on the north. Religious services were held in a log schoolhouse one mile north of Greenwood Lake prior to 1850, when under the pastorate of Rev. J. H. Haunhurst, the first Methodist church of Greenwood Lake was built, where services were regularly held until 1898, when the settlement concentrating about two miles farther south, it was deemed expedient to build a new Methodist Episcopal church on land donated for the purpose by M. V. Wilson, opposite the new schoolhouse, which for the same reason was built about two and one-quarter miles south of its former site, and now has an attendance of sixty-three pupils. The school at Sterling mines has about the same number of pupils, children of the miners, religious services being held in the schoolhouse under Methodist supervision.
The new Methodist Episcopal church of Greenwood Lake was built under the supervision of Pastor Cranston, and now in 1907 Rev. J. H. Calyer is pastor. For fifty-seven years the church has never been without a pastor in charge of regular services.
In about the year 1880 a summer school of Christian philosophy, under the supervision of William O. McDowell, was begun in a fine auditorium erected for the purpose at Warwick Woodlands on the west shore of the lake, and, for the accommodation of visitors, an encampment hotel in connection with the Greenwood Lake Association clubhouse was under the supervision of Lyndon Y. Jenness. Dr. Charles H. Deems, Dr. Lyman Abbott and many other speakers on religious, social and philosophical themes, spoke to the assembled multitudes. This club house for a time was Greenwood Lake's center of interest, but for lack of support financially it was finally abandoned to the uses and amusements of excursionists. In 1906 the dilapidated building was demolished.
About 1880 a movement took form to inaugurate a church on what was known as the lime rocks, and under the management of Rev. Mr. Bradford, of Montclair, assisted by local friends, a tent was erected here where services from time to time were held. Now a stone church occupying this most picturesque spot is under construction and the supervision of E. G. Lewis, of New York City, representing the Episcopal church.
Civilization's onward march is taking strong form here, and over the old Indian camping grounds, where numberless arrow heads, spear points, stone axes and beautifully ornamented fragments of pottery bear testimony to the race that has departed, leaving only here and there a name that claims relationship, stand to-day spacious hotels, towering churches, palatial homes, and the last society formed for their protection is the Pioneer Fire Company of Greenwood Lake, which was formed May 3, 1907.
Little York.
The hamlet of Little York is about a mile east from Pine Island, in the town of Warwick. The first settler, Conrad Luft, came from Russia and settled there in 1886. About five years later Henry Lust, another Russian, came and located. Then followed in 1897 Peter Miller, Conrad Schmick, and August Youngmann. The next year eight more families came from Russia, buying land and building homes. Their industry is onion raising, for which the black meadow land which they cultivate is admirably adapted. They are Russians, but speak the German language and are Lutherans in religion. They are very industrious and thrifty, and nearly all have their homes and the land all paid for. In 1907 there were twenty-four houses, and one church, the Evangelical Lutheran, of which Rev. Gerhard Rademacher is the rector. There are about 200 in population, 100 communicant members of said church, and thirty-three voters.
A parochial school is maintained in connection with the church and has thirty-nine children in attendance. The church was built in 1898, finished in 1901, and incorporated in 1904. Rev. George Kaestner served the church until 1904. It was under his ministry that the church was begun and completed. He was followed by the present pastor, Rev. Gerhard Rademacher, during whose ministry the parsonage was built and the cemetery of three acres acquired.
Other Russians are expected the present year to come and settle here.
Amity.
Amity is the western portion of the town of Warwick, extending about three miles in radius from the Presbyterian church, the only house of worship in the village.
The church was organized by a committee of the Presbytery of Hudson on September 15, 1809, but the first building had been erected and dedicated thirteen years previous, August 1, 1796. The building stands on a lovely eminence 500 feet above sea level and commands a splendid view in every direction.
The two conical mountains, Adam and Eve, some four miles distant, stand to the northeast and are about 800 feet above the level of the sea. These granite mountains are rough and rocky, and are covered with impenetrable brush and bramble.
The chief occupation of the people is extensive farming. Peach growing, however, became a popular and profitable industry about 1885, and continued for twenty years, during which time all the principal farmers turned their best land into orchards, from which they shipped thousands of baskets of delicious fruit to New York City and other towns, where there was great demand and high prices.
It was not uncommon for a successful orchardist to realize from $5,000 to $10,000 for his crop in a single season. The land soon became exhausted, however, the San Jose scale attacked and killed the trees, and the business declined as rapidly as it had sprung up. About the present date (1907) a new find in the land is receiving much attention—limestone in unlimited quantity in most of the farms. Prospectors are finding zinc and other valuable minerals, which indicate wealth for those who still possess the soil.
Bellvale.
Bellvale village, known in Colonial times as Wawayanda, is situated on the lower rapids of Longhouse Creek, which here enters the meadows and flows a mile and one-half to Stone Bridge station, where it enters the Wawayanda, which has its source in Clark's Lake, and then loses its name when merged in the smaller stream. Longhouse Creek has its source in a swamp in New Jersey a short distance east from Wawayanda Lake. It has a large watershed at an elevation above tide water of about 1,100 feet, and in its descent of six or seven miles runs through several fine storage basins and down numerous rapids and falls. For a distance of 500 feet options were taken on some of the storage basins by the Ramapo Water Company during its active days, with a view to conducting the water into the headquarters of the Ramapo River.
This stream is well adapted for the generation of water power for electrical or manufacturing purposes, and we learn from colonial history, was utilized by Lawrence Scrauley in 1745 to operate a forge of tilt-hammer for a plating and slitting mill. This was the only mill of this kind in the State of New York, and in 1750 was not in operation. Under the Crown we were not allowed to advance the manufacturing stage of iron beyond the pig and bar iron stages. It seems Scrauley took his chances in this secluded portion of the valley to furnish more convenient sizes of iron to meet the wants of the blacksmiths and builders of that day, and thus avoid paying tribute to the manufacturers of the mother country. The ruins of the hearth where the ore was melted, the raceway, and the pit for the wheel that operated the tilt-hammer, are still visible, as well as the mudsill of the foundation of the dam.
During the War of 1812, a Mr. Peck had an establishment upon the stream, near the home of William M. Mann, where he manufactured bridle-bits, stirrups, buckles and saddle trees for our cavalry. As well as agricultural implements generally.
The old forge site and the lands along the rapids up to the line of the Chesekook patent were bought by Daniel Burt in 1760, and soon after he built a flouring mill and a saw mill, both of which were washed away by the breaking away of the dam during a very unusually heavy shower of rain. The present flouring mill is situated near the site of the earlier one. A saw mill was built in 1812, by John Bradner and Brower Robinson, and rebuilt by Thomas Burt, who operated it and a turning shop for about twenty years. The dam has been washed away and the mill is in ruins. A wool carding factory was built by Nathaniel Jones about 1810. and subsequently enlarged for the manufacture of broadcloths by Joseph Brooks, but is not now in operation. James, the son of Daniel Burt, about 1812 settled three of his sons at Bellvale in the milling and mercantile business. They established shops for a blacksmith, carpenter, wagon-maker, cooper, tailor, shoemaker and the manufacture of red earthen pottery. Benjamin Bradner had a tannery before 1812 where the ruins of the old saw mill are situated. The vats were located where is now the old raceway, and the bark was ground in a circular curb upon the flat rock back of the saw mill rolling a heavy mill-stone over the bark, as at one time apples were reduced to pumice by cider makers.
About 1808 the Bellvale and Monroe turnpike was built to make a shorter route to the markets along the Ramapo for the produce of the farmers of Warwick. It was nine miles long and shortened the distance previously traveled by about one-half.
The road was maintained above fifty years and the charter then surrendered to the State, and the road divided into districts—a fund on hand of about $500 was spent in putting the road in order before the charter was surrendered. The stockholders never received any money for their investment. The massive stone bridge over the channel at Bellvale was built in 1832, to take the place of the old wooden one then unsafe for travel. Recently the old bridge site, as well as nearly all the land along the Longhouse Creek for four or five miles, has passed into the hands of one owner, also all the mills and about 3,000 acres of land lying along the stream. The probable development of the water power for electrical purposes and an early completion of the State road from Pine Island to Tuxedo promises a brighter future. Tradition accounts for the name of the stream from the long house that stood on its bank near the residence of the late C. R. Cline. The Indians that settled there built their houses end to end and, as their families became more numerous, a long house was built instead of the isolated circular wigwams of many tribes. That there was an Indian settlement at this place is highly probable from the nearby streams for fishing, swamp and mountain for hunting, and the fertile prairie-like land for their crops of corn and tobacco. In the part where the land has been cultivated plenty of flint arrow heads and large chips of flint with sharp edges have been found. The flint chips were used by the squaws in cultivating corn and tobacco.
In 1841, in digging a cellar for an addition to the house, the skeleton of an Indian of immense size was found, if the writer mistakes not, in a sitting posture. This may have been only one of a great many buried there and might have been their chief.
Out of a population of only about 330, at the time of the Civil War, forty-two were enrolled from Bellvale and the immediate vicinity. In 1907 the population of the place is estimated at about 300.
Edenville.
Edenville, known in the early annals of local history as Postville, in honor of Colonel Jacobus Post, one of its pioneer settlers, enjoys a picturesque location three miles west of Warwick, with which place it is closely connected in its postal facilities and commercial interests.
Doubtless its early progenitors, because of the establishment of this little hamlet within a radius of great agricultural fertility, predicted its growth to be vastly greater than its actual development proved, but as one by one the railroads on either side were established Edenville was left to its primitive means of transportation.
Nearly north of the village of about one hundred inhabitants are located the isolated peaks of Mts. Adam and Eve, interest in the mineral deposits of which has increased with time. In the decades past, specimens of granite, syenite, granular quartz, hornblende, arsenical iron, and white limestone were gathered by the seeker of mineralogical specimens. Later the quarrying of granite was undertaken by the Orange County Granite Company and the Empire State Granite Company. The quality of the granite found within the mountain confines is of a high order, but the difficulty of transportation forbids an extensive output.
The oldest home of Postville, known as the "Shingle House," was built in 1734, and remained an object of much interest to visitors of the village until destroyed by fire in the winter of 1907.
This was the home of Col. Jacobus Post and is said to have been a haven for travelers on their early tours across the Netherland country.
The Edenville Methodist Church was organized on September 11th, 1822.
The school district known as Purling Brook district was organized in 1813.
Florida.
Probably no village of our county presents so great a contrast in its local interests of to-day as compared with the early incentives of its development, as does Florida, or Floridus, land of the red flowers, situated six miles south of Goshen, six miles north of Warwick, which points are connected by a recently constructed State road.
In records relating to the early settlement of the village in the latter part of the eighteenth century we find the names of Seward, Armstrong, Wisner, Carr, Poppino, Randall, Thompson and Roe as actively identified with its early interests.
Although in the heart of a prolific agricultural section, recently developed to its full extent, political and scholastic ambition actuated the impulses of many of its earlier settlers, still to the steadfast, sterling qualities of those engaged in agricultural pursuits must be attributed its constant development.
During the governorship of George Clinton, 1777-1795, Florida was represented in the Legislature, and was prominent in the Revolutionary struggle. Later, in the political arena, we recall the career of William H. Seward, elected as state senator in 1831, Governor in 1838, United States Senator in 1849, and appointed Secretary of State in 1861.
Florida to-day shows marked changes in its church history. The Methodist Church was established in 1868. As early as 1742 a Presbyterian Church was organized. In 1837 the church edifice was consumed by fire. The present structure was erected in June, 1838. In 1839 a second Presbyterian Church was founded, but in 1878, the two churches were united. Two flourishing church organizations of the Catholic faith exist, St. Edwards and the St. Joseph's Polish Catholic Church.
Educational matters early claimed the attention of the settlers of Florida, Samuel S. Seward, De Witt C. Jayne, Robert Armstrong and Jonas Seely serving respectively as school commissioners from 1813 to 1843. Judge Samuel S. Seward founded the S. S. Seward Institute in 1848 as a classical school, endowing it with the sum of $20,000. This school was held in the old Randolph hotel. After Judge Seward's death, a young ladies' seminary was established, opposite the original school building, and for years Florida was noted for its superior boarding school.
With the improved common school advantages of later years came the desire of the citizens to widen the influence of the school as originally designed, and accordingly a new edifice was erected bearing the name of S. S. Seward Institute, receiving the benefit of the reserve fund, and also the State appropriation for high schools, thus fulfilling in a greater sense the beneficent plans of the original founder.
A prominent factor in agricultural development has been the influx of many Poles and Germans of thrifty type, whose business, at first confined to onion and celery growth, is gradually reaching out to other industries and professions. Under their management largely the value of the black dirt land during the past thirty years has increased from $10 to $200 per acre.
Within the last year brick making has been revived. In July, 1905, the Florida Civic Improvement Club was organized.
A sketch of Florida would hardly be complete, without mention of Glenmere, a beautiful sheet of water, furnishing the village water supply, located one mile east of the village.
From the date of its early christening as Thompson's Pond, its clear waters have furnished pleasure to the boatman and fisherman.
CHURCHES.
The Reformed Church of Warwick was organized by a committee of the Classis of Paramus in 1804, and was duly incorporated on March 18, 1807, under the corporate name and title of "The Consistory of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church and Congregation of Warwick." It was the successor of the Presbyterian Church and occupies the same site of the earlier society. In 1904 it celebrated its centennial.
During Mr. Crispell's ministry the present stone church was built and furnished at a cost of about $40,000. The new edifice was begun in 1889, and dedicated June 26, 1890.
Union African Methodist Episcopal Church.—This organization was begun in the winter of 1906. The church was incorporated under the above name on March 12, 1906. Rev. Joseph Stiles was the first pastor. During the year that Rev. Stiles had charge a new church was built on McEwan street at a cost of something like $2,000.
The Roman Catholic Church of St. Stephen.—In Shea's history we read, Father Steinmeyer, S. J., better known as Father Farmer, crossed over from his New Jersey missions into Orange County and baptized seven near Warwick. After his death, other priests may have visited the neighborhood, but there is no record of the fact.
In 1849, Father Ward was appointed resident pastor at Goshen, with, charge of all Orange County, except the strip along the Hudson. The building formerly occupied by the Methodist church in Church street was purchased by the denomination, but was not taken possession of until 1867.
In June, 1887, the Presbyterian church at Florida was purchased.
In May, 1887, the cemetery ground was purchased at Warwick for $350, about an acre and a half.
Father Minogue erected the present church on South street in the year 1903, at a cost of $16,000.
The Calvary Baptist Church of Warwick.—This church was formed on the 4th of January, 1866. Very soon after its organization, measures were taken to erect a house of worship. A lot was purchased on West street, in the village of Warwick, in 1867, and the edifice was dedicated August 26, 1868. The parsonage was built the following year—1869. Total expenditure about $20,000. In 1902 the house of worship was remodeled and a large addition made to the eastern side for the use of the Sunday school. Total expenditure, including new seats and pipe organ, about $10,000. Society incorporated February, 1872.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Warwick.—The list of pastors since 1880 is as follows: William Colden, 1880-1882; Cyrus W. McPherson, 1883-1884; E. S. Bishop, 1885-1887; Philip M. Waters, 1888-1889; Arthur Thompson, 1800-1894; Frank Heale, 1895-1896; Edwin H. Carr, 1897-1899; Elmer E. Count, 1900-1902; David McCartney, 1903-1904; J. C. Codington, 1905-1906; E. Stirling Potter, 1907.
In 1891, $5,500 was expended on improving church and parsonage. In 1906, $7,250 additional was expended, increasing the value of the property to nearly $13,000. The present membership is 240, an increase of 102.
The Old School Baptist Church in Warwick.—The principal historical events since 1880, when a history of the church was published in Ruttenber's history of the county, are as follows: Elder James Benedict resigned his charge on June 29, 1786, instead of 1777, as stated in the published history. A centennial celebration of the organization of the church was held on October 5, 1865. Elder Lebbeus Lathrop preached the first sermon in the meeting house still standing on May 19, 1811. The burying ground belonging to the church and still in use was started in 1795, and lies nearly opposite the former burying ground, on the road from Warwick to Bellvale.
Christ Church (Episcopal).—The first attempt to start an Episcopal church in Warwick was in 1804, but the plan was not consummated. In 1854 another effort was made, and services were held in the former Methodist Episcopal church until 1859, under the Rev. W. H. Carter, when again the project was abandoned.
In 1862 the Rev. George Zabriskie Gray, then in deacon's orders, held services in Warwick for about six months, when he was called to another charge.
In 1864 Rev. N. F. Ludlum was called, and a certificate of incorporation of the parish was executed under the name of Christ Church, Warwick, N. Y. In 1865 a building committee was appointed, composed of Grinnell Burt, John Cowdrey and J. Mason McJimsey. The building was opened for divine worship the ensuing year, 1866.
The Y. M. C. A. of Warwick.—This organization was begun in 1879, incorporated in 1885, and in 1907 owns a building and lot on Main street, with a new gymnasium, costing about $6,000, entirely free of debt. It also owns a library of over 1,200 volumes, part donated and part purchased by the association. The library is registered at Albany, and is the only free public library in the village.
BURIAL PLACES.
For over a century the tract of land lying to the north of the Reformed church was used as a burying ground. The deeds of conveyance to the then trustees of the Presbyterian church, the predecessor of the Reformed church—Francis Baird, John Simson and George Nance, dated January 11, and April 23, 1793—recite that in still earlier conveyances from William Wickham and John Morin Scott, one of which was dated March 14, 1770, to William Wisner, of forty-five acres of land, "one acre thereof was excepted and reserved there-out for a burial ground for the use and benefit of the Presbyterian Church of Warwick." In 1889, at the time when the new stone church was built, there had been no interments here for perhaps twenty years, and accordingly a consent was obtained from at least three-fourths of the congregations of the Presbyterian and Reformed Dutch Churches for the removal of all the remains interred therein, as required by law. The Reformed Church purchased a lot in the Warwick Cemetery and received deed from the latter, dated June 15, 1889, to which lot the remains of all those interred in the church burying ground were removed, and also the headstones marking the graves. There are 116 of these stones; doubtless there were many buried there without any stones to mark them, and there were other burials there which were afterwards removed to family lots in the Warwick Cemetery when the latter was dedicated in 1867. The oldest stone is one erected to the memory of Anna, the wife of William Eagles, who departed this life July 8, 1771. There are interred there Revolutionary soldiers, members of consistory and many prominent citizens. To William Culver, a donor to the church, was erected by the church a monument, bearing this inscription: "Sacred to the memory of William Culver, who departed this life, at South Hampton, Long Island, October 27, 1822, aged 37 years, in hope of a blessed immortality."
The last interment of which there is a gravestone is that of Daniel Sinsabaugh, who died November 19, 1869, aged thirty-eight years. It is believed that there were later interments than this, but if so there are no stones marking the graves.
It is said that Jacob Gaul, a colored man, the sexton of the church for over twenty years, was one of the last burials in the old church graveyard.
The Old School Baptist burying ground, situated at the corner of Galloway road and Lake street, was first used for burial purposes in about 1774, when the meeting house was built there.
This plot of land was given to the Baptist Church by Elder James Benedict, by deed dated September 12, 1791. The trustees of the said church at that time were James Burt, John Morris Foght and John Sutton; consideration mentioned in deed, forty shillings current money; contains seventy-nine perches of land.
Elder James Benedict died September 9, 1792, aged seventy-two years, six months, eighteen days, and was buried in this plot of ground, but no stone marks the spot. This plot was used as a burial ground until 1795.
SCHOOLS.
The Warwick Institute continued as an academy until October 1, 1868, when the entire property was transferred to the board of education of Union Free School District No. 12. The district at that time consisted of the school districts Nos. 11 and 12. Since 1880 two other districts have been annexed, Nos. 10 and 23.
In 1893 the board of education built a new brick school house, in the place of the old wooden structure and upon the same site, at a total cost of $23,000. Again in 1901, another brick building was built, at a cost of about $16,000, to take care of the increased demands for more school facilities. The latter building was erected upon a new site and is called the High School.
According to the last census (1906) there are 512 children of school age in the district; the actual number enrolled is 450.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Lehigh & Hudson River Railway Company.—This company was first organized under the name of the Warwick Valley Railroad Company, April 20, 1859, for the purpose of building a road from the village of Warwick to the line of the New York & Erie Railroad, at or near the village of Chester.
May, 1879, steps were taken to extend this road to McAfee, Sussex County, and in December, 1880, the Lehigh & Hudson River Railway Company was formed for the purpose of extending it to Belvedere, N. J., on the Delaware River, and connecting with the Pennsylvania Railroad at that point. The line was built and the road opened for business through to Belvedere in August, 1882.
In 1889 an extension was built from a point near Greycourt, N. Y., to Maybrook, N. Y., connecting at that place with the Poughkeepsie Bridge Road. Arrangements were made to use the tracks of the Pennsylvania Railroad to Phillipsburgh, N. J. A bridge was built across the Delaware River at that point to Easton, making a continuous line from Easton. Pa., to Maybrook, N. Y.
The First National Bank of Warwick.—This bank was organized at a meeting of citizens held in January, 1864, at the Warwick Valley House. After a canvass for subscriptions to its stock, which was to be $75,000, on January 21, 1864, its articles of association were adopted. On January 28, the first board of directors was chosen. On January 29, John L. Welling was chosen president, and on February 6, John Cowdrey was chosen vice-president. On March 11 it was voted to increase its capital stock by $25,000, making it $100,000 as it stands to-day. At the same date Grinnell Burt was sent to Washington to have this bank made a depository for the internal revenue of this Congressional District. The bank commenced business April 1, 1864.
The Warwick Savings Bank was the first one incorporated under the general law of 1875. It commenced business January 3, 1876. James H. Holly has been president since January 7, 1879. Thomas Burt has served as secretary and treasurer from the organization to the present time, and has had the general care and management. There has been a steady increase in deposits year by year, and there is now (July 1, 1907) on deposit $1,264,636.24 belonging to 3,483 depositors, and a surplus of $40,683.97.
The Warwick Cemetery Association was incorporated in 1865. The land purchased, graded, surveyed and plotted in 1866, was dedicated July 2, 1867, Leonard Cox delivering an appropriate poetical address, and Rev. Cyrus G. Van Derveer the oration on that occasion. The twenty-seven acres of ground have a pleasing elevated contour, which were plotted by Mr. B. F. Hatheway, of Stamford, Conn.
The lands cost about $7,000 and improvements about $5,000. The funds were provided by citizens' notes of $100 and $200, which were canceled by deeds for lots to the makers of notes. The purchase of a cottage, building a vault and entrance gates and bringing in the public water for fountains were accomplished in the few following years and the Association was free from debt, and in 1881 had $2,000 invested. In 1907 its investments in bonds and mortgages and Government bonds are over $30,000.
George W. Sanford was president from its organization until his death in 1900—for thirty-five years. He was succeeded by Sidney H. Sanford and the latter by Nicholas L. Furman.
Nearly all lot enclosures have been removed, graves leveled and a fine sward maintained and treated as a lawn, without expense to the lot owners. Its picturesque appearance, fine monuments and well kept grounds command the admiration of its visitors.
Water-Works.—The village was first supplied with water in 1872. The brook running north through the Thomas Welling and P. E. Sanford farms to the Wawayanda creek furnishes the supply, and is called Mistucky. This name is an Indian one, from an Indian village located near the reservoirs, originally called Miskoutucky, signifying red hills or plains.
In 1871 preparations were made for the building of a dam of 131 feet across this brook, which when completed made a reservoir of 1 90/100 acres on the Welling farm and 1 50/100 acres on the Sanford farm, both of which pieces of land were acquired by the village. Upon the completion of the work and the introduction of water in the village, a celebration took place in honor of the event in January, 1872.
This reservoir is situated one and a half miles south from the center of the village and covers over three acres of land, with a capacity of eight million gallons of water. The works were constructed at a cost of $25,000.
In 1890 the village had outgrown the old supply and steps were taken to increase the same. Accordingly a second reservoir was constructed about a quarter of a mile to the south of the first dam, with a capacity of thirty million gallons.
In 1903 the sum of $23,000 was appropriated for the enlargement of water mains and the construction of new ones.
Fire Department.—The fire department consists of two hose companies—Excelsior No. 1 and Raymond Hose Company, and the Goodwill Hook and Ladder Company. The fire council consists of the chief engineer and two warders elected from each of the companies. Inspection day is held each year in the month of September, at which time the rooms and apparatus of the various companies are inspected by the president and trustees of the village, and a parade of the whole department takes place.
Grand Army of the Republic.—A post of the Grand Army of the Republic was organized at Warwick on November 16, 1885, with thirty-three charter members. James W. Mullery was commander, and the post was named for Michael Mullery, a brother of the commander, who served in a New Jersey regiment. The number of the post is 575.
Some years after its organization the name was changed to John J. Wheeler Post, in honor of Colonel John J. Wheeler, a native of the town of Warwick, who served with honor and distinction in the 56th New York Regiment.
The name Wawayanda is a corruption of the general salutation between white settlers and Indians in pioneer times. This we take to be illustrated by the example given in Gabriel Thomas' "East and West Jersey," published in 1698. He evidently was familiar with the Indian language and lived in Philadelphia where he was a frequent participant in the conversations when a white man and an Indian met. He reports it as follows: "When meeting, the white man would say in the Indian language 'Hitah takoman?' (Whence comest thou?) The Indian would reply, 'Andagowa a nee weekin' (over yonder). Then the white man, 'Tony andagowa a kee weekin?' (Where yonder?) The broad Indian accent coupled with the recurrence of the words 'over yonder' was very probably the true derivation of the word 'Wawayanda.'"
There is not much doubt that the town of Wawayanda was formed out of Minisink for political reasons. In 1849 the board of supervisors in Orange County was Whig by a considerable majority. The town of Minisink was and had been considered Democratic for a long time. Nevertheless that year Daniel Fullerton, a Whig, was elected Supervisor of Minisink. By taking off the northern part of Minisink the Whigs hoped to be able to elect the officials in the new town universally. Dr. D. C. Hallock made a survey for it. The signers of the petition were mostly Whigs. November 27th, Mr. Fullerton made the motion in the board of supervisors for the division of the town and the creation of the new town to be called Wawayanda. The motion carried by a strict party vote of ten Whigs for, to five Democrats against it. The name was selected from the old Wawayanda patent, with out any particular reference to its meaning. The town has ever since been mostly Democratic in its elections. At the first election in the spring of 1850, $200 was ordered raised for roads and bridges.
The population of the town in 1855, the first census taken after it was formed, showed it to contain 2,069 inhabitants. Ten years later it had 1,906, a decrease of 163. In 1905, the last census taken, it had 1,574, a decrease since the first census of 1855 (fifty years) of 495. There were only 34 aliens in the last census.
The assessment of this town in 1865 was 19,677 acres, valued at $706,250. and in 1906, forty-one years later, its assessment was 20,175 acres, valued at $695,060, and in 1907 it was the same. The town expenses in 1907 were $1,067.88, besides $2,250 for highways and $400 for bridges.
THE DROWNED LAND WAR.
A feature of the towns of Minisink and Wawayanda is the Drowned Lands. These comprise the valley of the Wallkill, or, as named by the Indians, the "Twischsawkin," extending from Hamburg, N. J., to Denton in this State. The westerly part of that valley is the part of it in the territory of which we write. When the Wallings, who, so far as we can ascertain were the first permanent settlers at the head and on the west shore of these drowned lands, located here, they found them covered with water the greater part of each year, and of little value except for grazing purposes, and for the wood upon them. Their total acreage was about 40,000 acres, of which 10,000 acres were in New Jersey. From the high grounds of the west shore to the river the distance will average about half a mile. The great Cedar Swamp on the eastern shore of the lands comprised about 15,000 acres. It was covered with water more or less the year round, and, when the ice was strong enough in winter, farmers drove for many miles to it to get a supply of rails and wood. In spring floods the water was often from eight to twenty feet deep over the entire drowned lands. They were the homes of innumerable flocks of wild geese and ducks, and the flocks were often composed of thousands of members. They raised their young by thousands in the great swamps. Fish were also very abundant.
In 1804 the farmers who owned lands along this vast morass, as well as the rich speculators who had bought, for a trifle, huge tracts of it, agitated the plan for a drainage. They got up petitions and appealed to the legislature for help so persistently, that, in 1807, that body passed an act authorizing money to be raised to drain the drowned lands. The act empowered five commissioners to be elected annually in Goshen. They were to assess property owners along the drowned lands for expenses.
A large ditch was dug by them from Turtle Bay (a wide and deep place in the river opposite the present farm of Reeves B. Wickham and the former Van Bomel farm), to the junction of Rutger's Creek with the Wallkill, a distance of about two miles in a direct line up stream. The intention was for this ditch to carry the river's water mainly, especially at high tides. Other work was done, so that in nineteen years it is estimated that $40,000 had been expended. Little good resulted from it, for the ditches rapidly filled with mud. The ruins of this ditch are easily traced at this time.
Gabriel N. Phillips was then the owner of the great woolen factory and an immense dam at what is now called New Hampton, but which was then called Phillipses'.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The Erie Railroad, completed through New Hampton in 1835, caused that village to become a business place. Many farmers who then brought their produce to Goshen for shipment, changed to New Hampton and some large business houses started up. The large manufactories which soon started in Middletown and the completion of railroads from Sussex County, N. J., to New York, drew off trade and New Hampton is to-day of less importance than it was in former days.
Denton, named from the family that founded it, has been subject to much the same influences as New Hampton. It is about three-quarters of a mile southwest of the latter place. Once there were drug stores, hotels and a vigorous church there. Under the local option law there have been no licenses for hotels issued in Wawayanda for the past twenty-five years. The business of Denton has, like other villages, drifted away from it.
Centerville, now called South Centerville, was named from its central location in the old town of Minisink. Its trade has, much like that of other villages in proximity to Middletown, very much lessened of late years.
Slate Hill is one of the very early settled places in this town. It was before the days of post-offices called Brookfield. Some say that this name was adapted from the circumstance of a brook winding around the village.
Ridgeberry, named from the high ridge east of it, famous for berries, was an early settled place and once had two hotels, two stores, two churches and was quite a business place. Owing to the same causes which have taken away the trade of many other villages, Ridgeberry has now only one good store.
The Old School Baptist Church at Slate Hill deserves more than a passing notice. Built over 100 years ago it stands there to-day as it was built, but its congregation has nearly melted away. We give it a more extended notice elsewhere. The Methodists have a chapel in the village and conduct services weekly. The Presbyterians have purchased a site for a church in the village and it is only a question of time when an edifice will be built upon it. Millsburg on Boudinot's Creek, and Gardnersville on Rutger's Creek, are shorn to a great extent of their former glory. The Manning Company has feed and saw mills at the latter place, while in the former place the mills of Frank Mead are its distinguishing features.
The first town meeting held in the town after its organization was at the hotel of D. C. Hallock in Brookfield-Slate Hill in the spring of 1850. This was in the building now occupied by Kinney Skinner as a store. The other hotel, then kept in the place, was on the opposite corner now owned by Dr. F. D. Myers as a private dwelling. That hotel was then kept by William Bell. There was then no fence in the space between the hotels and the square was often the scene of lively scraps in the good old days.
An Indian, Keghgekapowell, one of the granters of the Evans patent under Governor Dongan, was commonly called by the whites "Jo-Gee." After signing away his rights to the lands under that patent he moved to the foot of the hill, about a mile and a half west of what is now Brookfield-Slate Hill, and resided there for some years. The hill in the rear of his wigwam became known as "Jo-Gee" from that circumstance. A spring by his wigwam furnished him water, and an apple tree which he is said to have set there, bore fruit for several generations after his departure. The fruit was of a peculiar variety and excellent. He is reported to have been a good old man and kept up his friendship for the whites until a party of his tribe came on a visit and coaxed him to go away with them, which was the last seen of him in this town.
The manufacture of pot and pearl ashes was an important industry in the early history of the town. Benjamin Smith was engaged in it during and after the Revolution.
Tanneries were once of much importance in the industries of the town. There were at least two in Greenville at one time, one in Minisink, and a large one for those times, in Brookfield-Slate Hill, in the eighteenth century. The one in Slate Hill was where Elijah Cock now has his Creamery and where Samuel Hornbeck resides. The last proprietor of it was Holloway W. Stephens. He was a justice of the peace in 1851.
In those early days it took a full year to tan a cow skin, an art now performed in a few days.
There is not a tannery in existence in this locality now.
Besides tanning, previously mentioned, two other important industries have passed out of existence in these towns—milling and distilling. When the white settlers first invaded this country they did as the Indians did, pounded their corn and grain into flour by means of wooden mortars and stone pestles which the Indians taught them to use; but in a short time grist mills were erected and a little later milling grew to be a great part of the work of part of the population. Large mills were at one time in Gardnersville, Dolsontown, Waterloo Mills, Unionville, Brookfield, and Millsburg. Old millers remembered were: The Gardners, Christian Schultz, Peter Kimber, John Racine, James C. and Adirondam Austin. The course of trade has now caused all the flour to be purchased of western millers, and the old mills are now closed or simply used to grind cow and horse feed. Frank Mead's, at Millsburg, is now the only flouring mill in the town. In those first days whiskey was a common beverage in almost every family, and when visitors came it was considered a breach of hospitality to neglect to set out a glass of it for the guests. It sold then, as we find from old account books, at about seventy-five cents a gallon. Distilleries abounded everywhere. But there came a time when taxes were laid heavily on distillers, and the price of liquor was put up by the action of the taxes. In consequence the distilleries dropped out one by one, until now only one remains in Wawayanda, near Centreville; and one in Minisink, near Johnson's.
WAWAYANDA CHURCHES.
The Baptist church of Brookfield (now Slate Hill) executed a certificate of organization at the house of Lebbeu Lathrop, which, we have been informed, was then in the village, December 15, 1791. Isaac Finch, John Fenton and Benjamin Smith were the trustees. Previous to that date several members had, in July, 1783, stated to the Warwick church, in an application, that they lived west of the Wallkill and desired to be set off as a separate church. August 28, 1783, Elder Benedict, of Warwick, with two brethren named Sillshee, came west of the Wallkill, baptized seven members, and constituted the church. A brother named Clark was ordained the next day to preach for the new church. The meetings of the congregation were held at private houses and in barns to suit convenience until 1792.
In December, 1791. John Hallock, whose lands extended from his residence, a mile south of Ridgeberry, across the flats and to Brookfield, deeded a lot to the church for its use. In 1792 the new meeting house was erected on the lot. In those days the difference between the meaning of church (an organization for religious worship) and the building used for meeting purposes was clearly defined, and the edifice was called a meeting house invariably. The building at first was without a steeple and just as it stands to this day, except it now has a steeple. The steeple was added to it in 1828. The church interior is to-day just as it was first built and should be preserved as an excellent specimen of old-time architecture.
A Congregational church was organized in Ridgeberry in 1792, which held until 1817, when it was changed to Presbyterian. The regular organization of the church dates from November 27, 1805, when a certificate of it was filed at the house of Jonathan Bailey in Ridgeberry.
The next oldest church organization to Ridgeberry was the Presbyterian as Centerville. This was incorporated April 5, 1827. The church edifice was built and dedicated in 1829.
The Presbyterian church of Denton was organized and dedicated in 1839.
The Methodist Episcopal church, at what is now called South Centerville, was incorporated September 8, 1873.
The town of Woodbury is located in the southeast section of Orange County. Bounded on the north by the towns of Blooming Grove and Cornwall, on the east by the town of Highland, on the south by Rockland County and the town of Tuxedo, while the town of Monroe forms its western boundary. It has an area of 23,839 acres, and the title to the soil is mainly derived through the Chesekook patent. The assessed valuation of real estate in the town in 1907 was $802,371.
Topography.—A striking feature of the town is the continuous valley extending from the northern to the southern boundary which divides the town into nearly equal parts, and which has been made the line of the Newburgh short-cut branch of the Erie railroad, and of the new State road. Through this valley flows Woodbury Creek northward, uniting in the town of Cornwall with Moodna Creek. Not far south of the sources of Woodbury Creek are the headwaters of the Ramapo, which flows southward through the town of Tuxedo. The summit between these two valleys is low, and the rivulets of the two streams flowing in opposite directions are found very near to each other. The eastern portion of the town is drained by Popolopen Creek in the town of Highlands. Numerous ponds of surpassing beauty are within the town limits, of which Cromwell, Forest and Cranberry Lakes are the largest.
The Schunnemunk Mountains, appropriately described as the "high hills to the west of the Highlands," extend along the northwestern boundary of the town and are divided longitudinally by the boundary line of Blooming Grove and Woodbury. This was the original dividing line between the Wawayanda and Chesekook patents, and also one of the monuments in the line of the Evans patent. This range has an elevation of from 1,300 to 1,600 feet. Eastward across the valley filling out to a section of the southeast border of the county and forming a portion of the Highlands, is a battlement of mountainous elevations, including Pine Hill, Black Cap, Cranberry Hill, Stockbridge, Stevens, Goshen, Letter-rock and Black Mountains.
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
The southeastern portion of Orange County was settled mostly from the Eastern States and Long Island. The families were generally of English ancestry. All accounts of Revolutionary times indicate a population of considerable numbers in this territory. The Chesekook patent was granted in 1702, and there was no settlement for some years following that date. The Smiths were in this region as early as 1727, and the name Smith's Clove near the present village of Highland Mills appears in the town records of Cornwall of 1765. The records of Cornwall having been preserved, the following names are taken from them as having belonged to what is now the territory of Woodbury. Solomon Cromwell and Jonathan Hallock were among the earliest settlers. John Earle in 1765 was a chosen fence-viewer for Woodbury Clove. He lived near Highland Mills. His sons were Peter, John and Solomon. Isaac and John Lamoreux are both mentioned in Cornwall records before the Revolution. Thomas Smith was overseer of highways in 1765. William Thorn was a justice of the peace in 1770 and lived at Highland Mills. Captain Austin Smith was chosen assessor in 1775. Nicholas Townsend came from Long Island previous to the Revolution. Tobias Weygant was a town officer of Monroe at the first town meeting in 1799. Jonathan Taylor, one of the first school commissioners, lived near Highland Mills, and Linus Rider lived on the "Ridge" west of the same hamlet. Patrick Ford lived near Woodbury Falls. His son, David Ford, was the father of ten children, of whom Charles T. was the eldest. Further reference to the early settlement of this locality is made in the historical sketch of the old town of Monroe.
ORGANIZATION.
In the year 1863 a movement was set on foot to divide the town of Monroe into three towns. A petition was sent to the board of supervisors, which was granted at its usual meeting. The names of the new towns were respectively Monroe, Highland and Southfield. Monroe held its town meeting March 22, 1864, electing Chauncey B. Knight, supervisor. Highland did likewise, choosing its old favorite, Morgan Shuit. The town of Southfield organized in the same manner, elected Josiah Patterson, supervisor. This triple division was at length disapproved, and in 1865 the Legislature was asked to overrule the action of the board and reorganize the old town of Monroe. This movement was successful.
December 19, 1889, the board of supervisors, upon representation of the diverse interests of different parts of the town, resolved to redivide the same into three parts. The three new towns erected were named respectively, Monroe, Woodbury and Tuxedo. The lines were run so as to give Monroe 12,101 acres, Woodbury 23,839 acres and Tuxedo 27,839 acres. It was further resolved that the division of the town should be made on the old lines, but that the names Woodbury and Tuxedo should be substituted for Highland and Southfield. The reason advanced for this re-division was that the town was too large and its interests too diverse for harmonious government. In January, 1890, John A. Patterson represented the newly created town of Woodbury in the board of supervisors. James Seaman was the second supervisor from this town, Alexander Thompson the third, and William E. Ferguson, who was elected November, 1907, the fourth. The town hall is located at Highland Mills, where the present town clerk, B. S. Pembleton, resides. The assessors in 1907 are Charles Jones and William Wilson, of Highland Mills, and Richard Bullwinkle, of Central Valley. The highway commissioners are E. C. Cunningham, of Central Valley, N. B. Hunter, of Highland Mills, and John H. Hunter, of Woodbury Falls. The justices of the peace are W. M. Gildersleeve and John Rodgers, of Central Valley, Amos W. Sutherland, of Highland Mills, and Charles E. Hand, of Mountainville. The town is divided into four school districts, of which the Free School at Central Valley is the most important. A new school building is in course of construction at Highland Mills at a cost of $18,000. Places of worship include the Friends' churches at Woodbury Falls and Highland Mills, a Methodist Episcopal church at Highland Mills and another of the same denomination at Central Valley. A Roman Catholic church is now being erected midway between Central Valley and Highland Mills. The Society of Friends had a meeting house in Cornwall, built before 1788, and it was the only meeting house or church in that town until 1825. The meeting house at Smith's Clove was built in 1799. After the separation of the society in 1828, a meeting house one and a half miles easterly of Highland Mills was built. The first Methodist Episcopal church in the old town of Monroe was organized and duly incorporated May 2, 1829, and a church edifice soon afterward erected at Highland Mills.
VILLAGES.
Central Valley, a noted summer resort, is the most thriving and populous village in the town, on the Newburgh branch of the Erie railroad. A post-office was established here December 27, 1871. Alfred Cooper was appointed postmaster and held the position many years. Mr. J. M. Barnes received the appointment of postmaster in 1885 and again in 1892. Henry T. Ford, the present incumbent, received the appointment July 15, 1899. Among the leading industries of the village is the Bamboo fishing Rod factory of which Reuben Leonard is superintendent. This was established by the late Hiram L. Leonard, who came to Central Valley in 1881. The Leonard rods are shipped to all parts of the world where fly-fishing is pursued. The carriage factory of R. F. Weygant's Sons is another important industry. It was established in 1867 by Robert F. Weygant, who died September 3, 1902. He was a descendant of Michael Weigand of the Rhine Palatinate, who settled at Newburgh in 1709. The sons, Frank E. and Fred, conduct the Central Valley establishment, and William M. operates the blacksmith shop and garage at Tuxedo. The flour and grain warehouse of J. M. Barnes had an extensive trade. Mr. Barnes located in Central Valley in 1876, engaging in the mercantile business with Alfred Cooper. In this village is located the office of the superintendent of the Good Roads Construction Company, Mr. Charles T. Ford, who in his sixty-third year is one of the most active citizens in the county. Many miles of good roads in Orange County are evidence of the splendid work accomplished under his direction. Here also is a branch of the Arden Farms Dairy Company. Both these enterprises are the product of Mr. E. H. Harriman, who owns extensive farms throughout this section. Mr. Isaac L. Noxon erected many of the beautiful homes and other substantial structures in and adjoining the village. He also conducted for a time a classical boarding school. Here also was the home of the Cornell Institute, a high-class boarding and day school of which Mr. David Cornell was principal. In the fall of 1885 Tomas Estrada Palma established the Palma Institute over which he presided. It was a school for boys in which they were prepared for college, English, French and Spanish being taught. Mr. Palma was a Cuban and in 1868 joined the Revolutionists. After fighting nine years he was captured and taken to Spain, where he spent a year in prison. His first visit to Central Valley was in 1879, making his home here with Mr. David Cornell. "Falkirk," an institution designed and built for the special care of patients suffering from nervous diseases, was founded by Dr. James Francis Ferguson in 1889. Its elevated location, a mile and a half from the village, and the beautiful surroundings, contribute to make an ideal home for such patients. Following the death of Dr. Ferguson in 1904, the sanitarium was conducted for two years by Dr. Henry A. Ferguson and William E. Ferguson, when it was purchased by Dr. Carlos F. MacDonald, who has associated with him Dr. Clarence J. Slocum as resident physician. Among the New Yorkers who occupy their homes here during the entire year may be mentioned Mr. Edward Cornell, Mr. W. E. Ferguson, Mr. Davidson, Mr. Theboldt and Mr. Bullwinkle.
Highland Mills is situated about a mile north of Central Valley, and is the home of the descendants of some of the earliest settlers in this region, notably the Cromwells, Townsends and Hallocks. The place grew up around the mills established at this point. The Townsend tannery and the Townsend flour mill were in operation many years ago. The place was formerly known as Orange and a post-office was established here under that name in 1828. Mr. Vail was the first postmaster. He was succeeded by Peter Lent in 1844, and a few years later Morgan Shuit received the appointment. It was about this time that Mr. Shuit began taking an active interest in local politics in which he soon became a leader. For thirty-one years he was supervisor of the town, and for a like period justice of the peace. From 1879-1880 and 1880-1881 he was a member of the State Legislature; retiring from a mercantile career in 1864, he purchased large tracts of farm land, and followed this vocation to the time of his death in 1884. Among the business enterprises of the village is the fishing line factory; the high-class livery of Tannery & Hull, whose stables contain forty head of horses; the fish rod factory of Edward Paine, and the firms of Jarnes & Terry and Harding & Eames, building contractors. The leading mercantile establishments are those of George Cromwell, B. S. Pembleton and Albert Fitch. The present postmaster is Henry Hallock. The only hotel in the village is conducted by George Lamoreux. Hill Crest, a fashionable summer hotel, is a mile and a half west of the village. It has accommodations for two hundred and fifty guests. The Cromwell Lake House, bordering on this beautiful sheet of water, accommodates one hundred and fifty guests, and is conducted by Oliver Cromwell. The water supply for the villages of Highland Mills and Central Valley is obtained from Cromwell Lake.
Woodbury Falls is a hamlet in the north part of the town, taking its name from the falls in Woodbury Creek. It was formerly the seat of a furnace. A post-office was established here August 11, 1874, and Lewis A. Van Cleft was the first postmaster. James Seaman is the present incumbent.
The specific details of the settlement of this region are blended with the histories of the towns of Cornwall and Monroe, to which the reader is referred.
At the unveiling in Goshen, September 5th, 1907, of the monument in memory of the gallant soldiers of the 124th Regiment, erected by that modern exemplar of medieval knighthood, that truest of men, of gentlemen and of heroes, Thomas W. Bradley, it was mentioned by one of the speakers that just forty-five years before, upon that very spot, as the regiment was about to start for the front, the stand of colors destined to be carried by it through many a battle, was presented to it in behalf of the Daughters of Orange by Charles H. Winfield.
His noble, inspiring speech upon that occasion was fitly responded to in behalf of the regiment by David F. Gedney, then Mr. Winfield's only rival at the Goshen bar and his acknowledged equal. The highest praise that can be bestowed upon either is that each feared for the success of his cause when opposed by the other. Indeed they were nearly always opposed, for what timid, anxious client, learning that his adversary had engaged the services of one, ever failed to suggest to his local attorney the importance of averting prospective defeat by the employment of the other. This remark of course applies chiefly to litigations arising in the Western end of the county, in which the trials were usually held at Goshen, for in Newburgh, Stephen W. Fullerton, who was admitted to the bar in 1844, just one year before Mr. Gedney was admitted and two years before Mr. Winfield, had from the first successfully challenged their supremacy in the county at large. Well might he do so, for while he was not the equal of Winfield in magnetism and force or of Gedney in scholarship and style, yet he excelled them both in acuteness, in industry and in mastery of the rules of evidence. This, then, was the great triumvirate that forty years ago reigned supreme throughout the county of Orange in the affection of their associates, in the admiration of juries and in the plaudits of the multitude—Winfield, Gedney, Fullerton. All three possessed genius of an uncommon order and no court, however insensible to the graces of oratory, could wholly restrain its flights or direct its course. When the vexatious details of the testimony were over—for in those days the testimony was regarded by the public as a tedious formality preparatory to the great event of the trial, the summing up—and when it was understood that the addresses to the jury were to begin, the courtroom was quickly filled by people from all parts of the county, eager for the intellectual treat that was sure to follow. Winfield was wont to begin his closing argument somewhat slowly and even laboriously. This was due partly to the habit of his mind, which required the stimulus of exercise to quicken it to its highest exertions, but partly also to rhetorical design, by which he sought to make his subsequent outbursts of impassioned eloquence seem wholly unstudied, spontaneous and irrepressible. Indeed, they usually were. As the thought of his client's wrongs surged in upon him, as he dwelt upon his client's right to protection or relief, or contemplated the disaster involved in defeat, his words could scarcely keep pace with the torrent of impetuous, sincere and deep emotion on which they were upborne. He always struck the human note which the case presented. To him a trial did not involve a mere application of legal principles to an ascertained state of facts, but to him every case, however dry, barren or abstract, was a human drama. He saw, with the eye of imagination and the insight of genius, those forces of hate and revenge, of greed and falsehood, of cunning and cruelty, of devotion and affection, of honor and truth, which in one form or another, surcharge every trial, and project their palpitating figures upon the most intensely vital, vibrant stage for which the scenes were ever set—the conscious court-room, the austere judge, the impassioned advocates, the enthralled spectators; human life or liberty, human happiness or despair, human rights or relations, hanging in the balance upon a jury's nod. All this Winfield saw. In every trial the panorama of human life unfolded itself to his inspired vision. He took the broken, confused fragments of human testimony and subjecting them to the kaleidoscope of his own fervent, symmetrizing, mirroring imagination, they were transformed into pictures of beauty or shapes of evil, as he willed.
It can easily be imagined that his power over juries was well nigh irresistible. If David F. Gedney, who was so often pitted against him, had sought to counteract his influence by the exercise of similar gifts, he might well have despaired of success. But happily for himself and for the delight of juries and the bar, no advocates were ever more unlike each other in method of argument, in point of attack, in form of expression, in appeal to the sentiments, than Winfield and Gedney. Winfield filled the eye; Gedney charmed the ear. Winfield visited upon wrong or duplicity the bludgeon blows of invective. Gedney pierced it with the envenomed shaft of sarcasm. Winfield sought to break the armor of his adversary with the broad axe of denunciation. Gedney penetrated it with the slender arrow of wit and the fatal spear of ridicule. To Winfield language was a necessary vehicle of thought, a familiar medium of expression. To Gedney language was a divine instrument, over the responsive chords of which his master touch swept with unerring taste and classic grace, evoking notes of exquisite harmony and images of surpassing beauty. The words that flowed unbidden from his enchrismed lips were music indeed. His sentences, chaste and polished as though chiseled in the very laboratory of thought, were but the unconscious reflection of a mind steeped in the literature of every age and tongue. Even Winfield often found to his dismay that those weapons of solid argument which would have defied all the onslaughts of the gladiator, were powerless before the arts of the magician. Not indeed that Gedney elevated style above matter or sacrificed strength to beauty. But in him style and matter were so delicately balanced, beauty and strength so discreetly blended, that each borrowed from the other and none was poorer for the exchange.
The personal characteristics of the two men were also different. Winfield loved the approbation and applause of his fellows and aspired to political honors. Gedney looked out upon the world with philosophic calm, undisturbed by its clamors and un-tempted by its baubles. The only offices which he held were strictly in the line of his profession—district attorney and county judge—while Winfield acquired a conspicuous position in Congress at a time of intense public interest and excitement. Winfield bore defeat with impatience, Gedney with equanimity. Winfield, who especially could not endure the thought of defeat by a younger adversary, often treated him with unnecessary severity; always, however, taking care to express his regret afterwards that the heat and zeal of conflict had carried him too far. Gedney, on the other hand, never suffered to arise the occasion for apology or regret. He disdained to use his unrivaled powers of sarcasm and ridicule at the expense of a weaker adversary, and throughout the entire course of a trial, he was scrupulous not to say one word which might in any degree wound the sensibilities of a younger member of the bar. Moreover, he always look pains to speak a word of encouragement and praise to the younger lawyers whenever their maiden efforts justified interest or respect.
Gedney's happiest hours were passed at his own fireside, while Winfield loved to mingle freely with his fellow men. But Winfield's children had died, one by one, in childhood, and it is pathetic to recall that he sank to his long sleep while addressing little children on a peaceful Sunday afternoon in June, just sixty-six years after his eyes had opened not far away on a world in which he was destined to reap many cruel sorrows, some substantial rewards, and all the mocking, delusive delights of a transient fame.
His friend, Judge Gedney, followed him only a month later as he sat upon the porch of his home in Goshen. As together they had journeyed through life, sharing its burdens and its conflicts, so in death they were not long separated, and in the manner of their summons they were alike blessed, for to neither did it come upon a bed of lingering illness.
Their lifelong friend, Judge Stephen W. Fullerton, was not so fortunate. Surviving his old associates fourteen years, he lived to see the world march past him and to realize the bitter truth that it takes but little interest in a lawyer, however prominent, popular or useful he may have been, after his activities and usefulness have ceased. And yet Judge Fullerton possessed some traits of character which should have ensured him, above all his fellows, from the sharp tooth of either ingratitude or neglect. He actually gave away three fortunes. His generosity knew no bounds. An appeal to his sympathies was never made in vain. A claim put forward in the name of friendship was to him sacred and admitted of no hesitation. Every consideration of selfishness or even of prudence went down before the spectacle of a friend in need. It was inevitable that a nature so generous and so confiding should often be imposed upon by unworthy claims, but to these he never referred with bitterness or even regret. A few dear friends, including especially Judge Hirschberg and Walter C. Anthony, were true and faithful to the last, and it must be a satisfaction to them to know that their loyal, undeviating attachment cheered and consoled the last hours of a lawyer who once shared with Winfield and Gedney undisputed preeminence at the bar of Orange County.
For never were tender, affectionate and generous traits of character—often assumed to be inconsistent with the coldness and sternness of the law—joined to a more severe, patient, thorough, comprehensive training in the law than in the case of Judge Fullerton. To him the law was a science and the practice of it an art demanding the sleepless pursuit and worship of its votaries. To the principles of such a science and the rules of such an art, having for their object the most exalted end of all organized society, the establishment of truth and the maintenance of justice, he was willing to consecrate the noblest energies of his mind and heart. To him no labor was too hard, no sacrifice too great to deter him from mastering the minutest details of a complicated case or from ascertaining and applying the principles by which it should be governed. When he came to court to present it every form in which difficulty might be apprehended or obstacles interposed had been anticipated and provided for. He always tried the case on both sides before he went to court, and his opponents never raised many of the points which he, in his anxious survey, had most dreaded. His thorough knowledge of the rules of evidence enabled him to introduce testimony upon some minor issue in the case which was afterwards used with telling effect upon the main issue. In his addresses to the jury he discarded every appeal to mere sentiment and sought to impress only their reason and their judgment. His analysis of the evidence was so close and perfect, his presentation of it so clear and convincing that the jury were led to think that his was the view they had taken of it all the time it was being given. Gathering up the different threads of narrative in the case he wove them together in a strand of pitiless, impervious, cohesive logic that not all the frantic efforts of his adversary could avail to unwind. Such was the man who, like Gedney, had also been county judge and district attorney of the county, to whom Mr. Marsh, as the spokesman of the Orange County bar, paid fitting tribute at the Newburgh court house in June, 1902—Luther R. Marsh who at the time of his own death in 1903, constituted the last lingering tie between the present and the past.
No history of Orange County is complete that fails to chronicle the twelve years' residence of Luther R. Marsh, who imparted luster to every scene in which he mingled, dignity to every spot in which he lingered. He spent in Middletown the closing years of a life which had been marked by the most intense ardor and activity in his profession, and, though he had retired from active practice when he settled in Orange County, he was drawn into court after that upon two occasions in litigations arising in the county. The intimate friend all his life of Orange County's ablest sons, from the Hoffmans to the Fullertons, he became the friend, the companion, the idol of a new generation of its lawyers when he came to Middletown in 1889, being then nearly eighty years of age. For though he lived to be ninety, he never became old, worn or feeble in spirit. In a public speech delivered a few months before his death, he declared that to be the happiest period of his life. In his daily walk and conversation he exemplified the philosophy of Rabbi Ben Ezra, as expressed by Browning:
"Grow old along with me!
The best is yet to be,
The last of life, for which the first was made;
Our times are in His hand
Who saith 'A whole I planned,
Youth shows but half;' trust God; see all,
Nor be afraid!"
Nor was he afraid. His daring vision sought to pierce the secrets of the hereafter. For a long time before his death he was deeply interested in spiritual phenomena and in the investigation of those manifestations of persistent personal energy after death, the authenticity of which constitutes the only proof we can ever obtain of the doctrine of immortality. Trained to estimate the weight and value of evidence, engaged during his entire professional career in convincing arguments as to its proper construction and effect, he accepted as sufficient and satisfactory the evidence adduced to him of communications and impressions still conveyed, as the church even now maintains they were of old, from those who have passed on to the spirit world.
But, though during his later years he clearly saw how trivial were the ordinary ambitions and pursuits of men; though his thoughts became more and more centered upon things spiritual and eternal, yet he never lost his interest in the sterling values and, above all, in the beautiful friendships of life. Childhood, youth and manhood held each its claim upon his tender regard, his ready understanding, his never-failing sympathy. To him more than to any man I ever knew do Goldsmith's immortal lines apply:
"E'en children followed, with endearing wile,
And plucked his gown, to share the good man's smile.
His ready smile a parent's warmth exprest;
Their welfare pleased him, and their cares distrest;
To them his heart, his love, his griefs, were given,
But all his serious thoughts had rest in Heaven:
As some tall cliff that lifts its awful form,
Swells from the vale, and midway leaves the storm.
Though round its breast the rolling clouds are spread,
Eternal sunshine settles on its head."
Luther R. Marsh was unquestionably the most original, brilliant, fascinating, prolific, versatile genius that ever dwelt in Orange County during the years in which in him it "entertained an angel unawares." He mingled on equal terms with the greatest men of his generation. He was a partner of Daniel Webster. Among my most cherished possessions is the tin sign which Mr. Marsh had framed and hanging for many years in his study, bearing in his own handwriting the inscription:
"Luther R. Marsh.
"In 1845, on Mr. Webster's retirement from business to return to the Senate of the United States, I took this sign off from our office door, 44 Wall Street, New York, where it had been during our partnership."
When Webster was dying in 1852, Henry J. Raymond, the gifted editor of the New York Times, wrote:
"My Dear Marsh:—We hear from Marshfield that Mr. Webster cannot live through the day. I want from you, if it is possible, for to-morrow morning, an article—of what kind you know a good deal better than I can tell you. . . . No man in this city certainly can do it so well. Nine o'clock this evening, or even ten, will be early enough to have it here.
"Yours as ever,
"H. J. Raymond."
The article, occupying over four columns, was there on time. Mr. Marsh, that afternoon, upon a moment's notice, at a single stroke, threw off an estimate of Webster's genius and achievements that never was excelled later, even in the glowing, studied periods of Everett, Winthrop, and Curtis.
When in 1869, Henry J. Raymond died, Mr. Marsh was invited to become his successor, but he declined the honor fearing that the position, though congenial to his tastes, would be too exacting in its demands. When we consider that at this time Mr. Marsh was besieged by clients and immersed in cases; when we consider, too, that a busy lawyer is the last one to whom a publisher would naturally turn (for there is no class of men in whom the truly literary instinct combined with the gift of literary expression is so rare as among successful lawyers), this recognition of the unique literary distinction which Mr. Marsh had attained, even while engaged in the fiercest legal contests with such hard-headed lawyers as David Dudley Field, John Van Buren, Charles O'Conor, James T. Brady, John K. Porter and Judge Comstock is most impressive and conclusive. But in his forensic contests the lawyer dominated the litterateur. Any opponent who thought that because of Mr. Marsh's finished, faultless, elegant literary style he would escape hard blows and sturdy onslaughts soon learned his mistake. He was, at about the time he received this offer from the Times, in the very zenith of his powers and his fame. Mr. Hunt, then the superintendent of public schools in Massachusetts, thus wrote in 1873, of a trial he had just attended, in which Mr. Marsh was opposed to Joseph H. Choate:
"I shall never forget the spectacle of that trial; from the opening to the close, it was the most perfect thing I ever saw. Having entered upon the study of law in the late William Pitt Fessenden's office; having seen many able lawyers conduct cases in court—Fessenden and Evans in Maine, Rufus Choate and other great lawyers in Boston, and, in the South, Yancey and others—allow me to say that I never saw anything to be compared with the ease, dignity and power with which Mr. Marsh managed everything."
But his splendid gifts and varied powers could not be restricted in their exercise to the energies of the law and the graces of literature. Equally fitted to shine in society or among scholars, in pulpit or press, on the rostrum or in the forum; always facile princeps as poet or preacher, essayist or journalist, publicist or philanthropist, advocate or orator, his un-approached range and versatility mark him indisputably as the Admirable Crichton of his land and age.
During the period covered by Mr. Marsh's impressive eulogy upon the character and attainments of his friend Stephen W. Fullerton, the Orange County bar was enriched by the weight, the influence and the learning of a group of lawyers whose temperament disinclined them to the fierce excitements, the rude conflicts, the temporary triumphs of the forum. Foremost among them was Eugene A. Brewster, who, though he personally argued his cases with great ability and success before the appellate courts, where reason and reserve count for more than fervor and fluency, was unskilled in the art of swaying a jury against its will or snatching a verdict against the evidence. Mr. Brewster's warm admiration for his great preceptor, Judge John W. Brown, may have unconsciously influenced his bearing, but his moral and intellectual equipment was entirely his own. This embraced a deep sense of the responsibility resting upon every lawyer to sustain the honor and dignity of an ancient and honorable profession. He scrupulously maintained throughout a busy and active career the high ideals with which he started out. His aim was to ascertain the truth, not to circumvent it; to apply the law, not to evade it; to draw from the fountains of justice, not to pollute them. He enjoyed the respect of the courts, of his brethren and of the public because of his character as well as his ability, his virtues as well as his talents. His whole life was a steady influence working for honesty in the moral fibre of the community; a persistent power making for righteousness; a never-failing light guiding to the path of safety and of honor. In him were incarnated those conserving principles, those formative influences, those stimulating ideals, those ennobling traditions which impart dignity to human life, strength to human character, stability to human society.
David A. Scott was another eminent member of the same group. As surrogate of the county for two terms his administration was distinguished by an unusual display of those qualities of breadth, wisdom, patience, knowledge of human nature and capacity for affairs so peculiarly requisite in a probate judge exercising jurisdiction over the saddest controversies, disclosures and scenes ever presented for adjudication—contested wills, disputed claims, angry accountings, recrimination between brother and sister, calumniation of the dead, sordid passions and petty avarice disrupting old friendships and family ties. In calming these dissensions whenever possible and in deciding them whenever necessary Judge Scott manifested that happy blending of tact, temper, common sense, sound judgment, practical sagacity and professional learning so essential in the office of surrogate. I say judge because the title surrogate is a most unfortunate one. The office is known in other commonwealths as that of probate judge. People are so influenced by mere names that if such were the title here the claims of an able surrogate to public respect would be more fully understood. When it is considered that once in every generation the entire wealth of the county, including vast fortunes amassed elsewhere by those who die residing in it, is administered upon in this court and that nearly all the intricate and perplexing questions involved in its distribution are passed upon by the surrogate, it will readily be seen that the duties and responsibilities of this office are among the most important, extensive and onerous that can devolve upon judicial officers.
It is now nearly fifty years since David A. Scott entered upon the duties of this office. There are those who still remember the dignity and grace with which he discharged them. It is forty years since he laid them down. One year after the close of his second official term and one year after Judge Michael H. Hirschberg had been admitted to the bar, they entered into a partnership under the name of Scott & Hirschberg, which continued until Mr. Scott's death. What this long, close association meant to the younger member of the firm he alone fully knows. Surely he would be the last to repel the suggestion that it doubtless profoundly influenced a character still sensitive and impressionable when the intimacy began. Indeed he himself bore affectionate testimony to this impress when, in the court proceedings, held to honor his dead friend's memory, he said: "For more than twenty-one years we have labored together side by side in the perfect intimacy and union of the partnership relation, and realizing how very much I am indebted to his precepts, his example and his support; with only sweet and grateful memories of that connection now remaining, wholly unalloyed by even the momentary shadow of doubt or distrust, and un-vexed by even an occasional suggestion of discord or dissension—indeed one long and unbroken period of harmonious intercourse, of joint and cheerful endeavor, and of undisturbed confidence and esteem, I deem it a duty no less than a privilege to add my humble meed of praise to the chorus of eulogy which I am sure will greet his memory to-day."
In closing his tribute Judge Hirschberg said, with the heartfelt concurrence of the entire bar:
"And so passed away forever an honorable lawyer, a faithful friend, a loving father, an estimable citizen, a good man. We will all miss his familiar form, his friendly greeting, and his kindly presence. Let his virtues be commemorated in the records of the court. Let the sweet and wholesome fragrance of his memory remain, to inspire lawyers, living and to come, to emulate his upright deeds, and to con the lasting lessons of his pure and simple life."
And now as we pause in the contemplation of this fine and beautiful character there rises before the mind another figure associated with the days of Winfield and Gedney in Goshen; of Fullerton, Brewster and Scott in Newburgh—the figure of James G. Graham. It is difficult to classify him in either group to which reference has been made. A constitution naturally delicate led him to shrink from the strife and turmoil of sharply contested trials and to prefer the seclusion of his office and his library. Yet no lawyer of the period under consideration approached him in the kind of oratory adapted to public and ceremonious occasions. Indeed James G. Graham stands in a group or class alone. None but himself could be his counterpart, for he was compacted of every creature's best. In serenity he was equal to Scott, in strength to Winfield. In counsel he was as wise as Brewster, in speech as gifted as Gedney. While in vigor of expression he may be compared to Winfield and in felicity of style to Gedney, yet he excelled them both in a certain tender grace, a poetic touch, a romantic spell, an iridescent play of fancy and sentiment which were the spontaneous reflection of an ardent, imaginative, spiritual temperament, united to and controlled by exquisite literary taste.
He never received, either in life or in death, the public recognition due to his splendid gifts and exalted character. He was ever generous in his own praise of substantial worth. His tributes to his departed brethren were marked by peculiar elevation of thought and tenderness of sentiment. A work professing to be history, seeking to readjust the balances in which the superficial judgment of contemporaries is corrected by the tardy recognition of posterity, should not fail to register the star of James G. Graham in that brilliant constellation from which Marsh and Winfield, Gedney and Fullerton, Brewster and Scott shed undying refulgence upon the traditions and memories of the Orange County bar. Let a garland of affectionate, reverent homage entwine the memory of one who never failed himself to lay a chaplet of rosemary upon the grave of friendship.
To this period also belongs Abram S. Cassedy. Admitted to practice just fifty years ago, his rise from the time that he settled in Newburgh was so rapid that he came into professional relations with the members of both groups which have been considered, though they were all admitted to the bar several years before. Indeed he belonged to both groups. He was emphatically what is meant by the expression "an all-'round lawyer." He could work patiently and assiduously in his office drawing contracts and giving counsel and then proceed to the courtroom to try his cases. His knowledge of the law commanded the respect of the courts, while his earnestness and sincerity produced a favorable impression upon juries. He was essentially a man of affairs, equally at home in the bank directors' meeting, the common council, the mayor's office and the board of education. He was corporation counsel of his city and district attorney of the county. He was the executor of large estates and the trustee of great interests, one of the most important of his transactions being his sale of the West Shore Railroad for the sum of $22,000,000, and his distribution of the fund. In all the positions that he occupied and all the capacities that he filled he was animated by the very highest ideals of professional honor and personal probity. In many ways the influence of his life and the force of his example have been more persistent and abiding in Newburgh than in the case of lawyers whose fame has been exclusively in the courts. His interesting and stainless career affords a striking illustration of the results which may be accomplished by an acute and active mind concentrated upon one leading object and directed in its energies by a simple, sincere, straightforward, undeviating devotion to the noblest standards of public duty and private honor.
Looming large and masterful in the second group of lawyers, the friend and associate of Winfield, Gedney and Fullerton, who always valued highly his legal opinions and who frequently were influenced by them, though he distrusted his own ability to cope with them in court, comes the figure of John G. Wilkin. Twice elected county judge, the first time in 1851 and the second time in 1883, the interval between these elections was marked by the presence and the power of his persistent, aggressive, dominating, yet at the same time winning, gracious, picturesque personality. Born to command, the exciting times in which he lived, covering the most painful period of our national history, tended to develop his natural powers of leadership. He had a talent for friendship. His absolute devotion to his friends in times of adversity and defeat confirmed a leadership which, however, was constantly challenged by those who, because they could not control him, sought to crush him. He tasted many a time the bitter truth of Joubert's epigram that a man who by the same act creates a friend and an enemy plays a losing game, because revenge is a stronger principle than gratitude. But Judge Wilkin never knew that he had lost. He never accepted defeat. Like his old friend Halstead Sweet, who always began the day after election to prepare for the next election, the hour of Judge Wilkin's defeat was the most dangerous one for his enemies. In the case of such a character, deeply implanted with the love of power for its own sake as well as for its rewards, it was inevitable that it should pass through many periods of storm and trial. But if Judge Wilkin perforce bent to the storm he never quailed before it. The deepest trial of his life was one that he never foresaw. This was the failure in 1884 of the Middletown National Bank of which he was the attorney and nominally the vice-president. This failure, which was precipitated by the unsuspected acts of the president in giving up to a grain shipper who had acquired a hypnotic control over his mind, two hundred thousand dollars' worth of bills of lading without the payment of the drafts to which the bills of lading were attached, came to Judge Wilkin with all the force of a cruel and crushing accident. The spirit which no opposition could daunt recoiled for a moment under the stab of treachery. But only for a moment. Quickly recovering himself—though deeply pained and humiliated that such a disaster should come to an institution with which he was connected and especially to friends who might have been influenced by his name—the strength, the courage, the manliness of his royal character were never more strikingly exemplified, were never shown to greater advantage than at this very time. He never flinched from any obligation which this or any other relation, business, political, social or professional entailed upon him. His devotion to his clients, his determination to relieve them from the consequences of their own folly or imprudence was absolute and fearless, never taking any note of whether they could have avoided the plight they were in. If they were in trouble through no fault of their own, of course anybody would be glad to help them. But if they were in trouble through their own fault the very addition to their troubles which this reflection caused them only created a double claim upon Judge Wilkin's sympathies and energy. This is the spirit of the true lawyer, who, when appealed to in distress, has no more right to arrogate to himself the functions of court and jury and decree that his client must take his punishment than a physician has to refuse to cure a disease which his patient has incurred through a violation of the laws of health or morality.
Judge Wilkin's interest in the young men who grew up about him never deserted him. He welcomed their advances, he reciprocated their esteem, he enjoyed their companionship. His reminiscences of the older bar were lively and entertaining, his sense of humor keen, his exultation in life and all its activities throbbing and intense. He was not ready to go when the summons came and he made no hypocritical pretense of resignation to it. His was a life so full of promise and performance, passion and power, persuasiveness and preeminence that well may we exclaim with the poet:
"But what rich life—what energy and glow!
Cordial to friend and chivalrous to foe!
Concede all foibles harshness would reprove,
And what choice attributes remain to love."
If James N. Pronk had given the thought and attention to his own interests that he gave to the interests of the public and to the development of his city he would have died wealthy and famous. In his early manhood when, as the only lawyer in Middletown, except Judge Wilkin, he acquired a large practice, he quickly accumulated a fortune sufficient to enable him to build and wholly pay for what still remains the finest store and office block in Middletown. He had nothing to do then, in order to a successful life, but to take his ease and accept such work as he might enjoy. But this was not his nature. He simply could not take his ease. He was possessed by the desire to originate and carry forward every public enterprise that might benefit the town. He lived plainly and simply, had no personal indulgences, spent nothing upon himself, denied himself every pleasure in order that he might give himself wholly to the service of the public. Every pleasure indeed except that of friends and books. He loved the society of congenial spirits and he dwelt much among books. But he was not selfish even in this. Instead of putting the books he bought into his own library he put them into a public library. He established the Lyceum, the fine circulating library of which gave to Middletown its first literary impetus. In connection with this he organized debates in which the ablest men of the community discussed every moral, social and political question of the day. These debates brought out the native talent and debating powers of many men who otherwise might have been silent, notable among them Israel O. Beattie, whose wide information, keen reasoning and sparkling wit are well remembered by those who know how naturally his distinguished son, Judge John J. Beattie, comes by these qualities.
Moreover, Mr. Pronk brought to the platform of the Lyceum the foremost intellects of his time—Henry Ward Beecher, Wendell Phillips, Horace Greeley, Edward H. Chapin, Theodore L. Cuyler and many others. I well remember when, a few years ago at Mohonk, Judge Beattie and I introduced ourselves to Dr. Cuyler and mentioned Middletown, he at once exclaimed: "How's my old friend Pronk?" though they had not met for forty years and he had not heard of his death.
The great mistake of Mr. Pronk's life was when he mortgaged his fine building, on the income of which he might easily have lived, in order to establish what became the passion and the idol of his life, Hillside Cemetery. But was it a mistake? Is it not success, after all, to live in lasting institutions? This cemetery is to-day the most beautiful resting place of the dead in Orange County. Over this sacred spot where he himself was laid, broods ever the sentiment inscribed over the tomb in St. Paul's Cathedral of Sir Christopher Wren, its architect—"If you would behold his monument look about you." (Si monumentum quaeris circumspice.)
Younger than any of the lawyers thus far considered, but entering upon his professional life while theirs was still active, and dying prematurely before the close of those careers with which his own was strictly contemporaneous, was William F. O'Neill. Perhaps no career was ever more of a surprise to the public and to the profession than that of Mr. O'Neill. From Winfield, Gedney and Fullerton with their distinguished lineage, family influence, county connections, social position, superior education, wide culture, courtly address and imposing presence much was expected and expectation was always satisfied. But here was a young man, who coming from Monticello to study law in Middletown with Judge Groo and entering upon his career without any of these advantages, boldly flung himself into the courts to try conclusions with the ablest of Orange County's advocates and began at once to captivate juries and to win his cases. Small in stature, unimpressive in appearance, deficient in culture, unformed in style, averse to application, trying his cases with very inadequate preparation, the lawyers were puzzled at first to know the secret of his immediate and enormous success at the bar. It lay, as they soon learned, in his faculty of making the jury think that he always happened to be on the right side. It was like the case of the juror who was descanting enthusiastically upon the magnificent, unrivaled powers of Brougham as an advocate. "But," said a bystander, "I see that you always give the verdict to Scarlett." "Scarlett, O yes," said the juror. "Well, you see Scarlett is always on the right side."
Mr. O'Neill was a natural verdict getter. He never went over the heads of the jury. He talked with them on their own plane of thought, sentiment and experience. Juries liked him personally. They felt interested in his success. I remember a trial in which he obtained a verdict of $2,000 against the village of Port Jervis for a woman who had fallen upon a defective sidewalk, but who did not appear to have been much injured. After the verdict, one of the jurors, Coe Goble, of Greenville, asked me what I thought of the verdict, to which I replied that they probably gave as much as the evidence justified, since she did not seem to be hurt much. "Well," said Goble, "it was this way—we thought the woman ought to have $1,000 and we thought Billy ought to have $1,000."
This familiar, affectionate reference to him as "Billy" indicates his place as a popular idol. Indeed the boyishness of his appearance and stature seemed to help him. People who saw him for the first time and who had not expected much from him, went out of the courtroom saying, "Did you see how little Billy O'Neill laid him out?"
Mr. O'Neill made negligence cases a specialty, and he became known far and wide as a negligence lawyer. Those who deprecate the rise of the negligence lawyer and the increase in negligence cases during the last forty years fail to make sufficient allowance for those changed conditions in the business of the world under which its various currents of capital and industry converge in one swollen stream of corporate enterprise and control. This tends, on the one hand, to encourage professional alertness in protecting the individual from corporate greed or neglect and, on the other hand, to create extreme devotion to corporate interests seeking the aid of professional skill and judgment. While the zeal of attorneys in behalf of corporations is rarely condemned it is somewhat the fashion to deprecate the negligence lawyer who takes the case of a client against a corporation upon a contingent fee. As the client is usually destitute it is difficult to see how his case is to be presented at all unless the attorney takes his chances upon success. As courts and juries must determine that the claim is a worthy one before it can succeed, the whole criterion seems to resolve itself into the position that worthy causes and clients should be deprived of a hearing. This feeling can be well understood on the part of corporations constantly compelled to pay damages on account of their carelessness, but the expression of it comes with poor grace from lawyers who receive large retainers and liberal fees from wealthy clients. It is at least as fair to a client to wait for compensation until the work is done as it is to insist on a retainer before any work at all is done. It is noticeable that the criticism upon the contingent fee at the conclusion of the case comes usually from the lawyer who expects a large fee at the beginning of the case.
It is simple truth and justice to say that human life and limb are safer to-day in Orange County because that sturdy fighter and dangerous opponent, William F. O'Neill, caring not whether his client was poor or rich, never allowed a case of negligence, once brought to his attention, to pass unchallenged and un-presented to a court of justice. And if his example and his influence have encouraged others, as indeed they have, in the same path of professional honor and public duty, then he, too, has not lived in vain.
The advent of Mr. O'Neill was coincident with the rise of a new generation of advocates who were confronted at first with a supremacy in the older bar which never could have been ousted by superior talent. It yielded at last to the only rivals it could not resist, decay and death, even as now the lawyers I am about to name will soon surrender to a still later generation their coveted place and prominence in the courts. I say about to name because, notwithstanding the considerations which suggest the omission of any reference to the living, it seems to be inartistic and it ought to be unnecessary to break off a narrative in the middle because some of its characters are still living. Caution and delicacy may indeed discourage, if not wholly forbid such un-stinted praise as may be properly bestowed upon a finished, rounded career, far removed from possible marring by some late and regrettable error. But, on the other hand, the opinion of his contemporaries by one who has freely mingled with them and frequently been pitted against them ought to be accurate, and, if accurate, then interesting and valuable. How we would all enjoy now Winfield's own characterization of Samuel J. Wilkin and William F. Sharpe, his partner; of Benjamin F. Duryea and Joseph W. Gott, the senior; of David F. Gedney and Stephen W. Fullerton. There are histories of our own times and this is one of them. Let me proceed then, diffidently, indeed, but still unflinchingly, to perform the task assigned to me before the subjects and the generation chiefly interested in them have all alike passed away; appealing to the judgment of those still able to decide, upon the candor, fairness and impartiality of the estimates. Indeed, if we wait until all contemporaries have passed away, who is left to determine whether the estimates are just?
William J. Groo is older than the lawyers who came to the bar in the late sixties, but he falls naturally in this group, because he came to Orange County in 1866, when he at once took a foremost place among its trial lawyers, his reputation having preceded him. He had already become leader of the bar of Sullivan County, where in 1856 he was elected its district attorney. This leadership was, in itself, evidence of great ability, for he had to win his spurs against such intellectual giants as General Niven, Judge Bush, Senator Low and James L. Stewart. It is not strange, then, that in him Winfield, Gedney and Fullerton found a match for all their powers and an equal in all the arts and accomplishment of the advocate. His perfect self-possession, his readiness in retort, his firm grasp of the points in controversy, his unfailing memory enabling him to marshal the testimony with crushing effect, his severe logic, his scathing enunciation, his intrepid spirit, and, above all, his moral earnestness combined to make him a dreaded and formidable adversary.
Judge Groo (for he acquired the title through his election as special county judge of Orange County in the year 1868) has carried this quality of moral earnestness, which so largely contributed to his success at the bar, into all the interests and relations of life. He early espoused the cause of temperance and has long been one of the most prominent members of the prohibition party, which at different times has bestowed upon him its complimentary but unsubstantial nomination for governor and judge of the Court of Appeals. He has always insisted that the absolute prohibition of the sale of liquors in the State of New York is not only a righteous and necessary reform, but an entirely feasible one. The remarkable strength of this movement in the South, followed as it has been by recent prohibitory legislation in several of the States, is one of the cheering rewards for unselfish, life-long devotion to principle which he is permitted to enjoy in his declining years. There is no doubt whatever that his sacrifices in behalf of this cause seriously interfered with his later eminence at the bar, for such eminence, even when once achieved, can be maintained only by sedulous, un-relaxed devotion; by steady, unqualified, undivided allegiance to that most exacting of all masters—the law.
This consecration to higher duties and nobler aims than those involved in mere professional success does not, however, constitute the sole reason why Judge Groo ceased to be a familiar and prominent figure in the courts of Orange County. This was due primarily to the removal of his office to New York, where he continued to win many notable legal triumphs until failing health compelled him to retire from active practice. His dignified and honorable repose is divided between his home in Middletown and his summer retreat in his native county of Sullivan at Grooville, so named in honor of one of his Revolutionary ancestors.
Though Lewis E. Carr has transferred his professional activities to a wider field, yet he acquired and developed in Orange County those transcendent qualities as a trial lawyer which have since, in nearly every county of the State, excited the astonishment of the bar and the admiration of the courts. From the very first he produced a profound impression upon Winfield, Gedney and Fullerton, with whom he engaged in vigorous, courageous contest at a time when it was difficult, indeed, to stand up against their powerful and almost irresistible influence. But it was when he came to be associated with them in some most important trials that they were even more impressed with his knowledge of fundamental principles, his wisdom in consultation, his mature and unerring judgment. Judge Gedney once remarked in a public tribute to Mr. Carr in his early life that it was possible to gain a far more accurate measurement of a lawyer's real ability through association with him than in opposition to him. He added that it was after enjoying such opportunities to become acquainted with Mr. Carr that he was the better able to express admiration of his surpassing talents as well as confidence in his brilliant future. Mr. Carr has since then enjoyed many honors and some supreme triumphs, but it is doubtful that any encomium has ever given him deeper pleasure than this now amply verified prediction by so competent an authority.
Nothing more surely attests the eminence which Mr. Carr has attained in the State than the recognition of it by the Assembly of the State of New York in inviting him to pronounce in its chamber the eulogy upon its beloved speaker, S. Frederick Nixon, upon the memorial occasion dignified by the attendance of the Governor, the Senate and the judges of the Court of Appeals. In that august presence Mr. Carr, defending the prerogatives of the State, said:
"However much we take pride in the nation's greatness and power we cannot shut our eyes to the fact that in some way, not easy to understand, the Federal Government of which we constitute no mean part, has been steadily encroaching upon the province of the State, and year by year the waves of its rising power are biting away some part of the shore on which our feet should rest. . . . Preservation of the rights of the State, as the framers of the Constitution intended and provided, is as essential to the safety, security and perpetuity of the sisterhood of States as the armies that carry and defend the flag and the navies that patrol the sea and protect our harbors against the dangers of attack. Our State is an empire in and of itself. Dominion over it and control of its priceless interests are all our own, save to the narrow extent they were expressly yielded to give needed strength and requisite power for the protection of the whole."
This extract gives some idea of the force and clearness which characterize all Mr. Carr's public utterances, but no extract can give any conception of his extraordinary powers as an advocate. The assembly indeed had already enjoyed an unusual opportunity to witness their display, for Mr. Carr was easily the most conspicuous and imposing figure in a public trial of great importance conducted before it, in which he made the principal and prevailing argument. But it is perhaps in the appellate courts that Mr. Carr's abilities find their most congenial field of exercise. There his ready command of all the resources of a trained, vigorous and richly stored intellect enables him to discuss every proposition propounded by the court, or advanced by his opponent, with a breadth of reasoning, a fertility of illustration, an array of authority which never fail to arouse admiration and delight. Indeed in every argument or trial in which he engages he organizes from the outset an intellectual duel. One who is not prepared to cope with him on equal terms, or with a cause so strong that it overcomes the intellectual handicap, will find it prudent not to enter the lists with him.
When Mr. Carr resided in Port Jervis before going to Albany, where he is the general counsel for the Delaware and Hudson Company and where he is called as senior counsel into many important cases not at all connected with railroad litigation, such was his devotion to his profession that it was only in exciting political campaigns that he could yield himself to the demands of the platform. But in Albany so insistent and repeated have been the demands upon him that he has been compelled to yield more frequently, until now his reputation is firmly established as a platform speaker of rare attractiveness. A fair example of his after-dinner oratory may be found, in fit company and enduring form, in the book entitled "Modern Eloquence," edited by Speaker Thomas B. Reed; it being a response, at the banquet of the State Bar Association, in which, with a fine blending of humor and seriousness, he commends that recent revival of an ancient custom which has done so much already to revive and promote the dignity of the bench—the wearing by judges of the robe of office.
The Orange County Bar has contributed to the bar of the State many gifted sons of whom it has been, indeed, proud—Ogden Hoffman, William H. Seward, William Fullerton and others—but it has never contributed one of whose character, ability and fame it is more justly and universally proud than it is of the character, ability and fame of Lewis E. Carr.
Henry Bacon is now, indisputably, the leader of the Orange County Bar. His career has been marked by a singleness of devotion to his profession rarely equaled. It was interrupted at one time by his service for five years in the House of Representatives, in the debates of which he bore an honorable part, impressing himself most favorably upon the leaders of his own party and those of the opposition. But his heart was all the time in the law, which he keenly enjoys as a science and reveres as a master. Returning to Goshen at the expiration of his congressional service he threw himself with renewed ardor into the practice of his profession to which he has since applied himself with undeviating purpose, persistence and power. The position of leadership now held by him is the natural, inevitable and only consistent result of high endeavor and unfaltering purpose united to intellectual gifts and legal qualifications of a superior order. Mr. Bacon has the legal instinct. He is not content until he has penetrated to the heart of the mystery. He revels in a perplexing and complicated case. He loves to unravel its intricacies and explore its mazes.
Mr. Bacon has in the past twenty years tried more cases than any lawyer in the county. He is retained in nearly every important trial. His manifest knowledge of every principle of the law involved in the case always commands the respect of the court and of the bar. In presenting his views to the jury he relies upon logic rather than eloquence, upon consecutive force of argument rather than the arts of persuasion. In the celebrated case of Magar vs. Hammond his opening address to the jury upon the second trial was a masterpiece of clear, coherent, cumulative and convincing statement.
Mr. Bacon is never more interested than when he is confronted with some grave question of constitutional construction. His attack upon the constitutionality of the drainage law, which was declared invalid by the Court of Appeals upon the arguments advanced by him, and in which he was opposed by the eminent advocate John G. Milburn, will be long remembered.
All lawyers are true to their clients, but Mr. Bacon's inflexibility in the assertion or defense of his client's rights is uncompromising to the last degree. It has even been said that, in his zeal and ardor, he is willing to trample upon all the ties of private friendship and all the claims of personal courtesy. But no client was ever heard to complain of this and, after all, the fact remains that no lawyer can serve his clients with absolute fidelity without, at times, wounding his neighbors and his friends. An honest lawyer can know no one but his client and him crucified. His standard of morality and manners, of duty and decorum is expressed in the sentiment, "Stop pursuing my client and I have no further quarrel with you." Mr. Bacon typifies this spirit and embodies this principle in his professional life more strikingly than any lawyer who has ever practiced at the bar of Orange County.
On the other hand Mr. Bacon's social gifts and graces are in the highest degree winning and attractive. One would never suspect, in the velvet palm that greets him at his threshold, the iron hand that crushed him but the day before in court. One would never recognize in the beaming, graceful host the hard-headed lawyer who, with stern, unflinching purpose, will destroy him to-morrow. United in marriage to the brilliant and accomplished daughter of one of America's purest and noblest statesmen, Samuel J. Randall, his home is a center of charming, courtly and gracious hospitality dispensed with lavish, refined and unaffected generosity. Mr. Bacon is the only lawyer in Orange County who has ever both recognized and fulfilled his social duty to his brethren of the bar by throwing open his home to them in receptions intended to bring the judges and the lawyers together in social relations. In olden days and in other counties this custom once prevailed. Possibly it is because Orange County labors under the misfortune of being a half-shire county—a calamity to any bar for the reason, besides many others, that it effectually destroys the possibility of having a suitable court house—that a spirit of comradeship among its lawyers has never grown up. It is noticeable that in counties where the legal interests converge in one central county seat the brotherly spirit is more active. But, however that may be, Mr. Bacon is entitled to the grateful acknowledgment of his efforts to suspend the asperities of professional conflict in the solvent of social converse. In this, as in every other respect, his leadership of the bar is supreme.
Walter C. Anthony preceded Mr. Bacon a few months in their student life with Judge Gedney at Goshen. No one has painted so perfect and beautiful a picture as he of those halcyon days in that country law office. In his memorial tribute he said:
"But of all the delightful hours spent with Judge Gedney I recall, with most pleasure, our afternoon talks at the office. As the day was wearing late and he began to make preparations to leave, he usually seemed to want to draw me into conversation. Frequently it took the form of an examination as to those branches of the law which I was then reading upon. Occasionally he would draw me into the discussion of some legal question, in which he would maintain an opinion opposed to that which I expressed, and in which after combating me, with all his ingenuity and acuteness and frequently discomfiting me, he would in the end explain the whole question and point out the errors of either side of the argument. At times some event of the day's work would be used as a foundation for an explanation of the legal questions involved. In whatever way the conversation was begun his evident purpose was that it should be profitable to me in connection with the studies I was pursuing; and when that end had been accomplished our conversation would wander on 'at its own sweet will,' touching on many and varied themes which all developed new beauties and suggestiveness beneath the light of his varied learning and fertile fancy. Is it to be wondered at that I recall them with a chastened delight? Judge Gedney was then in the very prime of his remarkable powers. His mind was a storehouse of varied and interesting knowledge, and his conversational and descriptive skill were not only very great, but quite unique.
"I shall always regard it as one of the most fortunate circumstances of my life that 1 was brought into such intimate association with David F. Gedney. And as my life passes on into the 'sere and yellow leaf and I sit among the lengthening shadows of its afternoon looking back upon the friends and friendships of my youth, I shall very, very often recall Judge Gedney—the slender, erect figure; the strongly marked face; the scant but expressive gesture; the wonderfully melodious and well modulated voice; the words so deftly chosen from a vocabulary surpassingly rich and full, that they always reminded me of the sentence in holy writ: 'words fitly spoken are like apples of gold in pictures of silver;' and above all I shall recall his kind and generous deeds, the fit exponents of a loving, loyal heart; and, thus recalling him, I shall often in the future exclaim—as I have already in the past—in no empty phrase and with no exaggeration of speech:
"'Oh for the touch of a vanished hand
And the sound of a voice that is still!'"
This extract is made not solely to embellish the portrait of Judge Gedney, the man—though I indeed left it unfinished intending thus to invoke Mr. Anthony's aid in completing it—but also to illustrate Mr. Anthony's own cast of mind, character and literary style. Mr. Anthony is by nature and inclination, a scholar and a recluse. If he were rich he would shut up his office and browse in his library; but not selfishly, for no one has been more generous than he in responding to demands for public and literary addresses. I heard him once, before the Chautauqua Assembly, give a purely extemporaneous lecture upon wit and humor which for range of reading, wealth of information, critical analysis and brilliant characterization has never been surpassed by our most famous lecturers; and yet it was delivered with a modesty, sweetness and simplicity which seemed to deprecate the suggestion that it was anything out of the ordinary.
His memory of Judge Gedney unconsciously reveals how deep was the impression made in youth upon a mind singularly susceptible to the charms and graces of literature and upon a nature no less susceptible to the beauties and joys of friendship. As in the case of all such natures, the books must be choice and the friends fit but few. Not, indeed, that Mr. Anthony is deficient in the elements of personal popularity. His election twice to the office of district attorney of the county, the duties of which he most ably discharged, attests his popular strength. But it is undeniable that his predilection for the society of the great and wise of every age, to be found in his well-filled library, has tended more and more to withdraw him from the society of the shallow, the superficial, the frivolous. He stands to-day a lonely but alluring figure, on whose heights those who choose to follow may find in him the charming companion, the accomplished scholar, the earnest inquirer, the inspiring instructor.
Let no captious reader take cynical exception to the note of honest praise sounded in these memoirs. Let it be remembered that, out of hundreds of lawyers, only a few of those entitled to admiration and praise have been selected for extended mention. While personal memoirs should be accurate they need not be exhaustive. In those rare instances in which conspicuous talent has yielded to temptation and, in weakness or dishonor, forfeited public respect, it has seemed to be the truest kindness to pass over it in silence. Indeed, as one surveys the procession down half a century of those who have become notable in the law he is profoundly impressed that not by infirm, invertebrate character have they gained their prominence but only by firm resolution, high endeavor, moral purpose and intellectual power. One is led to wonder not that there should be so few entitled to praise, but that there should be so many. Impartial criticism will demand of the contemporary chronicler not that his praise be stinted, but only that it be discriminating.
Indeed only the most un-stinted, unqualified praise would be either just or appropriate in summoning from that stately procession of great and honored lawyers the lofty, imposing figure of Judge John J. Beattie, who for eighteen years—1889 to 1907—presided over the County Court of Orange County, having been elected for three successive terms. His dignity of presence, weight of character and wealth of learning amply sustained the traditions of a bench once occupied by Gedney and Fullerton. Many of Judge Beattie's decisions have been in cases of far-reaching public importance—notably the case involving the construction of the eight-hour law in which Judge Beattie decided that the provision prohibiting a contractor from allowing his men to work over eight hours a day on a public improvement was unconstitutional and void. The Appellate Division reversed but the Court of Appeals affirmed Judge Beattie in an opinion sustaining every position which Judge Beattie had taken in his opinion.
Judge Beattie is grounded in the principles of the law. In all that he does he is thorough, going to the very bottom of the case whether as to the law or the facts. This quality was strikingly brought out in the case tried by him for eight days before Judge Maddox involving the liability of a railroad company for the damage resulting from the explosion of a locomotive boiler. There was absolutely nothing about a boiler that Judge Beattie did not understand. One would have supposed that he had been brought up in boiler works and had then run an engine on the road. He succeeded in dividing the jury and Judge Maddox said after the trial that he had never seen a finer display of sheer intellectuality than Judge Beattie's management of the defense.
He is an omnivorous reader and his marvelous memory retains all that he ever read. His conversation is an intellectual feast, for he pours out a never-failing stream of literary anecdote, historic incident and choice passages from the classics of every age, all ready to gush forth from his well-stored memory as the conversation glances from one subject to another.
Judge Beattie carries into his retirement from the County Court the gratitude and respect of the bar and of the public for the fine example of judicial dignity and learning which he has given for eighteen years—an example which may well be followed not only by all who succeed him in the County Court, but by all who administer in the same court houses and from the same bench the wider jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
Having considered several leaders of the bar who came into practice in the late sixties, but who, like their predecessors, Winfield, Gedney and Fullerton, were never invited to the bench of the Supreme Court, we come now naturally to that group of their early associates who have achieved judicial honors, those honors which have always held a glittering fascination for the bar whether in the wearing or the recounting of them. There never have been enough judgeships to go around and the long tenure now established wholly excludes rotation among the leaders of the bar in respect to judicial position. Hence the prospect that any member of the bar, however able, will ever attain judicial honors is so remote and dependent upon so many unforeseen conditions that when they do descend and repose upon the modest brow of some highly favored but always unenvied brother, the circumstances combining to produce such a fortuitous selection possess all the charm of romance and all the fascination of a fairy tale. While it is true that many unforeseen conditions must always unite in determining the destination of this coveted prize, there still seems to be one inexorable condition to which all Orange County aspirants must conform. They must not reside in the interior of the county. They must practice in the old, historic city of Newburgh—a city which has always taken a deep, honorable, patriotic pride in its Revolutionary associations and in the land they represent, but which has no more pride in, no more sense of connection with, Orange County as a whole than West Point has. Its bar has always been distinguished for great ability and high character.
The Supreme Court of the State of New York, the wide jurisdiction of which extends from Long Island to the St. Lawrence and the Lakes, was never more fortunate than in the acquisition to its bench from the Newburgh bar of the two Browns, father and son—John W. Brown and Charles F. Brown—the elder having ascended the bench in 1850 and the younger in 1883.
It is Charles F. Brown who belongs to the period we are now considering. Graduated from Yale College in 1866, admitted to practice in 1868, elected district attorney in 1874 and county judge in 1877, he resigned in 1882 the position of county judge to assume the duties of supreme court judge.
Mr. Winfield had always ardently desired a position upon the bench of the Supreme Court. It was one of the bitterest disappointments of his life that he so narrowly missed this object of his ambition in 1875, when Judge Dykman was elected. In that year the widespread revolt among the bar and public against the re-election of that most unpopular official, Judge Tappen, who had received the regular democratic nomination, made it evident that any independent democratic candidate who should receive the endorsement of the republican convention would be elected. Mr. Winfield's hopes of receiving this endorsement rose high and were on the point of being realized when an unexpected influence intervened to dash them. General Benjamin F. Tracy, who had a longstanding personal feud with William Fullerton, the brother of Stephen W. Fullerton, suddenly came to the conclusion that he did not want upon the bench an intimate friend of the Fullertons. He therefore threw his influence in favor of Jackson O. Dykman, then a prominent democratic lawyer of Westchester County, who thus received the nomination. His election by a large democratic and republican vote confirmed the prediction that such a coalition would easily accomplish the defeat of Judge Tappen. Orange County, notwithstanding that it shared Mr. Winfield's disappointment, followed his generous lead in supporting Judge Dykman and gave him a majority of 10,000. No one labored for Mr. Winfield's nomination at this time more earnestly than Charles F. Brown himself.
In 1882 Mr. Winfield's hopes of obtaining a nomination revived, but Charles F. Brown, who cherished the natural and honorable ambition to emulate his father's noble example and distinguished career as a jurist, felt that he ought not to stand aside again. He of course secured the delegate from his own assembly district without opposition. Overcoming the opposition offered by Mr. Winfield's friends in the second assembly district, he secured its delegate also. By thus presenting a united front Orange County was able to successfully assert its claims in the judicial convention and to secure for Judge Brown the nomination that was followed by his election.
No one was more gratified by Judge Brown's election than Mr. Winfield himself, especially as it involved the defeat of General Tracy, the very man who, seven years before, had snatched from him the same prize when almost within his grasp. When General Tracy, of Kings County, was nominated by the republican convention against Judge Brown, of Orange County, he confidently expected to defeat Judge Brown, whose greatness was then unknown to the district at large, through the promised support of many large Brooklyn interests. But all his calculations were confounded by a wholly unexpected event. This was the cataclysm in which Grover Cleveland, with whom Judge Brown was running, carried the State by the enormous, unprecedented majority of 200,000.
Thus was Orange County enabled to contribute to the bench of the Supreme Court a jurist who, in the fourteen years of his incumbency, made a profound, a lasting impression upon the jurisprudence not only of his State but of his country.
After serving for six years with great acceptance in the trial and special terms, he was, upon the formation of the second division of the Court of Appeals, promoted to its bench. His services during the four years' existence of that court were of the highest value, his luminous opinions being still quoted and followed in every State in the Union. Some of the litigations which came before him were in the highest degree difficult and complicated; one of the most important being the case involving the construction of the Tilden will, in which the opinion of Judge Brown, declaring the trusts invalid, was adopted by the court. His opinions rendered in this court constitute an imperishable monument to his learning and ability.
Judge Brown's manner upon the bench, at trial and special term, was a happy mingling of simplicity and dignity. His most noticeable personal trait was his entire lack of self-consciousness. He never thought about himself or about the impression which he might be making upon the bar or the public. His mind was wholly upon the case and upon the principles involved in it. He was considerate of the feelings of counsel and rarely rebuked them for imperfect presentation of their views. When they wandered from the point he thought about the case and when they came back to the case he followed them again. It is simply the truth of history to say that the members of the bar, not only of Orange County but of the entire State, do not expect to see in this generation a nearer approach to the ideal judge than they were permitted to behold during the fourteen years of Judge Brown's incumbency.
There was one marked characteristic of Judge Brown while upon the bench which deserves more than a passing mention. After a case was submitted to him and while it was still under consideration he was never afraid to enter upon a discussion of the principles involved in it, with either of the counsel he might happen to meet, if he felt that such a discussion might prove profitable. In this respect he differed from some of his colleagues who were perfectly aghast at the thought of counsel conversing with them upon any phase of a pending case in the absence of opposing counsel. This of course was due to their high sense of the importance of preserving not only real impartiality but the strictest appearance of impartiality. But there was something in Judge Brown's character which did not need the protection of such a rule; something in the very atmosphere which he threw out; something in the impression which he gave of being simply a thinking, working, impersonal, intellectual machine, which left no room for misunderstanding on the part of any lawyer thus admitted to a share in his deliberations and which left his judicial independence and impartiality absolutely untouched. This capacity at once constitutes the highest test and the consummate type of the strictly judicial temperament. To this test Judge Brown easily responded and of this type he was the perfect embodiment.
No one can be accused of sycophancy in awarding to a judge long since retired from the bench his merited meed of praise and gratitude for distinguished public services. Nor even in the case of judges still occupying the bench can such a charge fairly lie when the faithful historian surveying and reviewing, from the serene heights of retirement and rejection, the stirring scenes in which once he bore an active part, is now as indifferent to, as independent of, the opinions of judges as they are of his. It would indeed be far more entertaining if there could be contributed to this volume the opinions which the judges hold of each other, thrown into literary form instead of merely being promulgated from the bench or disseminated by the press. When, upon the occasion of Queen Victoria's jubilee, the judges met in London to prepare an address to Her Majesty, the proposed draught submitted to them began with the words, "Conscious as we are of our shortcomings," whereupon Lord Bowen gravely suggested, as an amendment, "Conscious as we are of each other's shortcomings." Human nature is very much the same here and in England; very much the same, in its manifestations, among judges and among lawyers.
Judge William D. Dickey ascended the bench in 1896, one year before Judge Brown's retirement from it. The second judicial district, of which Orange County then formed a part, was for many years democratic and it was not unusual for the republican conventions to endorse the democratic nominations. But in 1895 there seemed to be such a fair prospect for success that the republicans put forward a full ticket of judicial nominees, including Judge Dickey, who was elected, though one of his associates upon the ticket, Hugo Hirsch, of Brooklyn, was defeated by Judge Martin J. Keogh, whose court ought to be attended every year by visiting delegations of judges from all parts of the State as a training school and object lesson, illustrating how a busy judge may at all times, in all circumstances and under all provocations still be the model, faultless, consummate gentleman.
Although Judge Dickey removed from Newburgh to Brooklyn soon after his election and is counted as a judge of the second judicial district, while Orange County is now a part of the ninth judicial district, still Orange County is where he was born; where his professional life was passed; where he rose to prominence and power, and where he lived when he was elevated to the bench. He exhibited even in boyhood the qualities which have marked his public career, his patriotic ardor inspiring him to enlist in the Union Army when only seventeen years of age; his promotion being so rapid that before he was twenty years old he had been brevetted colonel in recognition of conspicuous gallantry.
Admitted to practice soon after the close of the Civil War he threw himself with characteristic energy not merely into the legal contests which arose in his city, but into all the public and political controversies of the day. Ardent in his affections and implacable in his hatreds, loyal to his friends and relentless to his enemies, he soon acquired an extensive influence and attracted to himself a devoted following, both personal and political.
The public spirit and civic pride shown by Judge Dickey in promoting every enterprise tending to beautify or benefit his native city was generally recognized and his election to the constitutional convention of 1893 was a distinct turning point in his career. His ability, vigilance, authority, force of character and readiness in debate, soon gave him a dominant influence in the deliberations of that highly intellectual body—an influence aided by his commanding presence and resonant voice, advantages not without value in that most difficult of all auditoriums, the assembly chamber in the Capitol at Albany. Among the many far-reaching reforms which he proposed or advocated in the convention he undoubtedly looks back with special satisfaction upon the provision incorporated, with his active support, in the new constitution prohibiting any legislative limitation upon the amount of recovery for death occasioned by negligence, since he has had abundant occasion in his experience upon the bench to verify his convictions of the justice, necessity and public policy of this amendment.
Judge Dickey displays upon the bench the same sterling qualities which marked his active professional career. Among them none is more pronounced than his remembrance of and kindness to old and valued friends. The exercise by a judge of the patronage necessarily pertaining to his office has always been a trying question for him. But since one lawyer has no natural, superior claim over any other lawyer upon the fruits of patronage, there seems to be no reason why a judge should not be permitted to gratify his feelings of friendship and esteem in the appointment of referees whom he knows to be not only estimable but entirely capable. No one questioned this sentiment or principle of conduct when Judge Brown appointed his old friend and partner, Mr. Cassedy referee to sell the West Shore railroad, or when he appointed his old friend, William Harvey Clark, of Minisink, receiver of the Port Jervis and Monticello railroad; Mr. Clark, by the way, proving to be so capable a receiver that he not only paid its debts but surprised the stockholders by handing over to them a large amount of money.
But in the distribution of patronage Judge Dickey has not only been loyal to the claims of private friendship; he has nobly used it in the recognition of the debt which the public owes to distinguished public services and sacrifices. I know one able lawyer whose physical infirmities disqualify him from active practice at the bar, but whose eye is still as clear, whose judgment as alert as when, from the heights of Gettysburg, he directed the Federal forces on the first day of the battle and saved the fortunes of the day till they could be turned and redeemed upon the morrow. In appointing this old hero to important service in various public condemnation proceedings, in which his sound judgment and wide experience have been utilized to the public benefit. Judge Dickey has entitled himself to the gratitude of all who believe that conspicuous worth and patriotic service should not be forgotten and neglected by judges any more than by governors or presidents. And personal gratitude is no less due to Judge Dickey from all those whose appointment by him to positions of trust and responsibility has enabled them to justify his own unerring judgment as to their fitness and capacity.
It was in the autumn of 1902 that Judge Dickey was called upon to pass through the first deep sorrow of his life in the loss of his only son, Frank R. Dickey, cut off in his young manhood at the very beginning of his promising career at the bar. Born and educated in Newburgh he had followed his father to Brooklyn, where he established himself in practice and where he soon won a large and growing clientage. His solid abilities; his pure, lofty character; his open, sincere nature; his refined, engaging manners; his gentle, amiable disposition united to create a personality of singular charm and interest. Troops of new friends, attracted to him by the graces of a sweet and beautiful character, joined with those who had always known and loved him in heartfelt sorrow over the untimely grave of Frank R. Dickey.
Judge Dickey's wide experience in affairs, with his knowledge of human nature, its secret springs and devious ways, enables him to arrive at decisions always prompt and usually just. His influence upon the bench has always been powerfully exerted in support of the domestic virtues and social purity. Gambling, which is fast becoming one of the most threatening of our national dangers, as it is already one of the most degrading and corrupting of our social vices, whether practiced by men in policy shops, or by women at bridge parties, finds in him, whenever it comes within his judicial purview, neither countenance nor toleration.
There is one trait of Judge Dickey upon the bench which calls for special mention. When, in an action which has been tried and decided by him, without a jury, the attorneys come before him for settlement of the case upon appeal, he does not seek to emasculate the appeal, as some judges in their weakness and vanity do, by striking out the exceptions designed to bring up sharply for review the points of difference between him and the defeated counsel. He always gives the unsuccessful and dissatisfied litigant a fair opportunity to review every issuable ruling and to get a reversal if he can. He is not hyper-sensitive upon the subject of being sustained by the appellate courts. Indeed, his mental attitude toward them is doubtless reflected in the remark once made by the famous judge, Lord Young, when he was told that one of his decisions had been affirmed upon appeal by the House of Lords, "Well, I may have been right, notwithstanding," said Lord Young.
As Judge Dickey has never been assigned to the Appellate Division and much prefers the close contact with the bar and with vital human interests which is enjoyed by judges constantly engaged in trial term and special term, he has never felt called upon to accompany his decisions with opinions of any length. When he does write, his opinions are clear, terse and sententious. Indeed there is very little satisfaction for a judge at special term in writing elaborate opinions, only to find them arrested and archived in that mere vestibule of fame, that hall of unmerited but predestined and pathetic oblivion known as the Miscellaneous Reports.
But the waters of a cruel, though often kindly, oblivion can never wholly submerge the fine superstructure of judicial fame reared by Judge Michael H. Hirschberg upon a foundation of singularly exclusive, concentrated, severe, professional, intellectual and literary training. Born and reared in Newburgh, but coming to practice at the bar without those intermediate college advantages enjoyed by his life-long friend and associate, Judge Brown, whom he succeeded upon the bench, he has, nevertheless, strikingly verified the saying of Carlyle that, after all, books are the best university. During all the years of his professional activity in Orange County he sedulously, patiently wrought out, cultivated and perfected a crisp, nervous, virile, epigrammatic, yet withal, polished, mellifluous, ornate and opulent English style which constituted an admirable discipline and equipment for the very field of juristic service in which he was later destined to engage.
Elected in 1890 to a seat upon the bench, he was, after a brief period of service at trial and special terms, assigned to the Appellate Division, and later, upon the retirement of Judge Goodrich, he was appointed the presiding justice of the court. This was the opportunity for which his slumbering, but not unready, accomplishments long had waited. Then ensued the disclosure to his judicial associates and to the bar of the State of those attainments as a writer and as a jurist, which had long been known to the bench and bar of his county and his district. While comparisons are often more dangerous than odious his career almost inevitably reminds one of that literary lawyer, known then chiefly for his writing of "The Blue and the Grey," who was summoned by his friend, Governor Cornell, from his scholarly seclusion at Ithaca to take a seat upon the bench of the Court of Appeals; and who thereupon enriched the literature of the law with a body of opinions, unrivaled for English style and judicial learning, which have entranced and instructed two generations of lawyers. Equally true is it of Judge Hirschberg that already has he permanently enriched the Reports of the Appellate Division with a series of opinions which, for lucidity of statement, force of reasoning, felicity of style, and perfect command of the literary implements adapted to the expression of exact distinctions or delicate discriminations, stand unrivaled in the pages of these imposing volumes, which will long perpetuate his fame as a judicial writer.
One characteristic of Judge Hirschberg during his brief service in holding trial terms should be mentioned, because no ponderous tomes can reveal character. Contemporary history must transfix for posterity the personal traits and manners of a judge. When Judge Hirschberg was elected even his intimate friends supposed, from long familiarity with his extraordinary quickness of mental action, his scintillations of repartee in social life and his swift rejoinder at the bar, that he would show some impatience with the slowness, dullness and density due to imperfect preparation or inherent ineptitude, which every judge is called upon, more or less frequently, to endure; that he would find it difficult to restrain the bubbling of wit and sarcasm at the expense of ignorance or incapacity. But on the contrary, he proved to be the most gentle, indulgent and long-suffering of judges. The wearisome lawyers might drone on, he made no effort to take the trial of the case out of their hands and try it himself, he could try it better than they, but he felt it his duty to let them try it in their own way. No one could tell what he was thinking of them or their methods. He might be a maelstrom of seething disgust or amusement within; but he wore the impassive, inscrutable, uncommunicative exterior of a sphinx. Under the responsibility of his great office he unconsciously developed and en-grafted that quality which Judge Jenks in his impressive eulogy upon Judge Wilmot M. Smith declared to be almost the greatest attribute of a judge—infinite patience.
And since the entire bar of Orange County regarded with peculiar affection the character of Judge Smith and now holds in deepest veneration his sacred memory, it is not amiss to incorporate in this record that expression of its feelings by Judge Hirschberg himself, which sheds a reflected light upon his own standards of duty and with which this attempt to limn his portrait for succeeding generations may fitly close:
"Judge Smith was truly an ideal jurist, profound as a lawyer, estimable as a citizen, lovable as a man. The mortal part of each life ends necessarily in nothing but an insignificant contribution to an immense volume of pathetic dust, but the spiritual sense is satisfied when, as in this instance, the ashes are sanctified with the memory of a noble life devoted to duty and glorified with the love of God, of justice and of humanity."
And now, having sought to project upon the canvas a faithful portraiture of the judges who were drawn into the public service from the Orange County bar, within the period embraced in these personal recollections, it is convenient and fitting at this time to briefly outline the conditions of practice which prevailed in Orange County at the time they came to the bar—Judge Dickey in 1866 and Judges Brown and Hirschberg in 1868—when Winfield, Gedney and Fullerton were at the zenith of their powers and their reputation. It is a great mistake to assume that the older members of the bar were satisfied with these conditions. On the contrary, they bitterly chafed under them. The number of judges was wholly inadequate to the needs of the district, as will readily be seen when it is considered that twenty-five judges are now required to serve the same territory then covered by only four judges upon whom devolved all the motions, trials and appeals arising and heard within it. The ever-increasing volume of business created by the rapid growth of Brooklyn made it impossible for the judges to hold a trial term—then called the "circuit term"—longer than five days. The judges were indeed upon a circuit, for they were always under assignment to open court in some other county on the following Monday. Every Thursday afternoon or Friday morning the judge marked off the calendar every case which could not be tried in time to enable him to leave on Friday afternoon in order to hold his Saturday special term. This arbitrary, inexorable limitation of time, which was equivalent to shutting out many cases that had been carefully prepared, was most cruel to the younger members of the bar whose sole chance of either emolument or distinction lay in getting their cases tried; while to say that these conditions were satisfactory to the older members of the bar of that period would violate the truth of history. They always unduly and often indecently accelerated the trial of important cases in which advocates like Winfield and Gedney were spurred to an undignified celerity which was not merely distasteful but detestable to them. Both Winfield and Gedney were tenacious of dignity, deliberation and decorum in the administration of justice. They disliked extremely to be told. "Go on with the case, gentlemen," or to be asked, "What are you waiting for?" They could not share the glee manifested by the judge when he succeeded in having three juries "out" at one time, and boasted to the justices of Sessions at his side how he was "expediting the business." They, too, wanted the business advanced, but they wanted it done with due regard to the traditions and the usages of the bar. Winfield was especially the distinct representative in this county of the old Websterian school of advocates. He believed earnestly in the maintenance of all that form and dignity, of all those ancient usages and proprieties which once uniformly marked the relations to each other of the bench and bar. When in 1874 I met him in Albany to argue my first case in the Court of Appeals, then presided over by that most urbane jurist, Judge Sanford E. Church, Mr. Winfield carefully attired himself on the morning of the argument in a full-dress black suit with its broad expanse of shirt front, now used only for evening wear, but regarded at that time as a suitable uniform for appearance before the highest court in the State; just as, at a slightly earlier period, Webster and Pinckney appeared before the Supreme Court at Washington in blue coat and brass buttons, with buff waistcoat. How different from the present when able lawyers in short sack coats of gray, looking like commercial travelers, hasten from the Albany station to the two o'clock sessions of the court without stopping to even remove the dust of travel before launching into their keen and brilliant arguments.
When Judge Joseph F. Barnard, of Poughkeepsie, upon the transfer of judge Lott to the Court of Appeals in 1869, became the presiding judge of the old general term, he became also the presiding genius, the dominating, all-pervading spirit of the second judicial district. He was opposed to any increase in the number of judges. With his insatiable voracity for work and his preternatural velocity of thought, enabling him to accomplish as much alone as the other three judges combined, he thought that four judges ought to be fully able to keep up with all the business of the district; as indeed they were if the administration of justice, involving the most profound issues of human life and society, had been merely a matter of getting the business out of the way, as on a wharf, to make room for the next cargo.
The judges, fresh from their several circuit terms, met in the general term and proceeded to hear appeals from the decisions made by themselves at special and trial term. It was, indeed, an impressive, inspiring and solemn spectacle to see Judge Tappen and Judge Gilbert gravely considering whether they would reverse Judge Barnard; and in the next case Judge Tappen and Judge Barnard sitting upon Judge Gilbert. Of course the tacit challenge, "You reverse me, I'll reverse you," pervaded all the proceedings. Nothing else could be expected of human nature. It has never been pretended that the State supplies lawyers with any superior, exclusive brand of human nature when it gives them their diploma, and judges are simply lawyers upon the bench. That an appellate system should ever have been devised so exquisitely adapted to defeat its object and destroy respect for its operations was not, of course, the fault of the judges of the second district.
When the general term sat in Poughkeepsie, as it did every May, to accommodate Judge Barnard, the business was disposed of even more rapidly than in Brooklyn, Judge Barnard greeting with delight any lawyers who would appear at eight o'clock in the morning, both ready to argue their appeal in advance of the regular session. The judges constantly interrupted the attorneys to assure them that they could not possibly remember what they said but that they would read their briefs. It was of course true that no human mind could retain or even grasp the arguments discharged at the court as from a catapult by attorneys gasping for breath in the mad race against time.
Some amelioration of the intolerable conditions under which circuit terms were held in Newburgh and Goshen was effected through the election in 1870 of Judge Calvin E. Pratt, whose conservatism, affability and dignity won for him universal respect. This improvement was extended by the election in 1880 of Judge Edgar M. Cullen, whose high sense of absolute fairness to all suitors alike led him to devote as much time and thought to a case involving a trifling amount as to one involving large interests; though even he was merciless in his infliction of night sessions upon the attorneys during the hot June term at Goshen, a course to which he felt impelled because of his inability to remain longer than one week and his desire to crowd as much work as possible into that wholly inadequate time.
The comfort and convenience of the Orange County bar and the interests of litigants were served to a still greater degree by the election in 1882 of Judge Charles F. Brown. Though he could not extend the trial terms beyond two weeks, on account of his assignments to other counties, still he held a special term every Saturday at Newburgh where, by consent of counsel, many cases were tried that otherwise would have been tried before a jury, thus affording great relief to the overtaxed calendars of the trial terms.
From that time to the present there has been a steady reaction against feverishness and ferment as a suitable atmosphere for judicial proceedings and a gradual return to calm, neutral, deliberate, dignified, decorous methods of judicial procedure, until finally, for the first time in the history of the county, a four-weeks' term of court was held in February, 1907; this being one of the first fruits of the formation of the ninth judicial district, consisting of the river counties alone—a change which was opposed by some Orange County lawyers but which is now generally recognized as, in the highest degree, conducive to the convenience and interests of the bar and of the public, though it does involve some additional burdens upon jurors.
Forty years ago the familiar excuse made by judges for dispatching business with unseemly haste was their solicitude for the time and convenience of the jurors. Indeed there never was a judge more popular than Judge Barnard among jurors, witnesses, spectators and the public. They admired the celerity of his movements and they were vastly entertained by his caustic remarks to counsel. But his remarks about counsel and witnesses during the progress of the trial were far more entertaining and racy than any the public was permitted to hear. The favored persons privileged to hear these were his associates upon the bench of the old Oyer and Terminer, since abolished and now merged in the Supreme Court. They were drawn from the justices of the peace of the county and with the presiding judge constituted the criminal branch of the court. Squire George A. Durland, of the town of Greenville, who sat in this capacity next to Judge Barnard at many terms of court, never tired of telling about the trenchant, scathing, witty commentary kept up by the judge upon every incident of the trial, the counsel engaged in it and the witnesses sworn upon it.
During Judge Barnard's entire tenure of office the plea of not taking up the time of the jurors was invoked to override every other consideration. Not even death itself was superior to it or sacred from it. When Mr. Winfield died on the tenth of June, 1888, and court convened at Goshen on Monday, the eighteenth of June, Judge Cullen suspended the regular business of the court at four o'clock to allow a suitable tribute to his memory, including several addresses in addition to the resolutions. But when Judge Gedney died, a month later, there was no opportunity to take formal action upon his death at a trial term until the regular November term. Accordingly, when court convened at Newburgh the twelfth of November an informal request was made to Judge Barnard for an opportunity to pursue the same course in respect to Judge Gedney's memory that had been adopted at Goshen in respect to Mr. Winfield. Judge Barnard promptly and firmly refused to allow the time of the jurors to be taken up in this way, adding: "Why, he's been dead some time, hasn't he?" So it became necessary to change the plan and to offer simply a motion "that a committee be appointed to present at a meeting of the bar of Orange County to be hereafter called suitable resolutions." That there should be further delay in honoring the memory of this great lawyer and brilliant advocate, after there had already been a necessary delay of four months, is not a reproach that rests upon the bar of Orange County. As the motion occupied only two minutes it was promptly granted and the committee purposed to present the resolutions at the following term of court to be held at Goshen in January, 1889, which was expected to be presided over by Judge Brown. But when Judge Brown was transferred to the Court of Appeals he became disqualified from holding the term and Judge Barnard unexpectedly took his place. Admonished by previous experience no attempt was made to present the resolutions at that time or to apply for permission to make addresses in honor of Judge John G. Wilkin, who, also, had meantime died. So the tributes of the Orange County bar to Judge Gedney, Judge Wilkin and Surrogate Henry A. Wadsworth, whose death also had occurred, were massed together at a meeting of the bar presided over by Judge Brown on Saturday, the second day of February, 1889, seven months after the death of Judge Gedney, without those customary adjuncts to the dignity of the occasion—the crowded court room; the attendance of litigants, jurors and witnesses from all parts of the county; the solemn pause in the business of the court; the impressive silence; the strained, eager attention of old friends in the audience to the last tributes of respect for one they loved; all of which were not only appropriate but, indeed, imperative in honoring one who had so often held that very court room silent, captive, enthralled by the spell of his genius.
If Judge Gedney's brethren had felt, in the first instance, that a tribute to his memory at a mere meeting of the bar would be appropriate and adequate, it would not have been delayed seven months, as such a meeting could have been called at any time after his death. That it was not so called shows the strength of a sentiment which was ruthlessly trampled upon by judicial contempt not merely for all the traditions of the bar but for all the sacredness of love and death.
At the same time the bar always recognized with gratitude the earnest desire on the part of Judge Barnard to transact all the business that he could and to accommodate the bar as much as possible. It was this disposition that led to his constant signing of ex parte orders without looking at them, trusting to the honor of the bar not to impose upon him and, also, to a motion by the other side to vacate any improvident order. The lawyers, through long custom, so came to prefer this system that they resented any departure from it by new judges who could not take this view of their duties. When Judge Brown's transfer to the second division of the Court of Appeals led to the Newburgh special terms being taken by Judges Cullen and Bartlett, the bar practically boycotted them in favor of Judge Barnard's Saturday term at Poughkeepsie, merely because both Judge Cullen and Judge Bartlett manifested a very decided preference to know what they were signing. Gradually, however, the lawyers learned that this course was not intended as a reflection upon the bar, but as a help to it, in preventing any such mistake or oversight as might lead afterwards to serious consequences. Of this I once witnessed a striking illustration. An attorney desired an order to examine a party before trial in a case in which the examination of his adversary was absolutely essential to his success in the litigation. Judge Bartlett sent the affidavit back to him three times for correction and the order was finally sustained in the Court of Appeals because of the sufficiency of the affidavit. All this involved to Judge Bartlett conscientious labor and minute examination which he might well have shirked and which judges generally consider counsel have no right to expect of them or to impose upon them.
Judge Barnard was the most conspicuous of all the judges in his anxiety to save the lawyers the trouble of travel in order to transact their business. He instructed the Orange County attorneys to mail to him an order designating a referee of their own choice, to compute the amount due in foreclosure cases, with the report of the referee signed by him in anticipation of his appointment, together with the judgment of foreclosure; whereupon he signed at the same time both the order of reference and the judgment of foreclosure, promptly mailing them back, although it was physically impossible that the referee should have acted in the interval between his appointment and the judgment. This practice, which is now regarded as irregular and which even the most accommodating judges now discountenance, resulted in no harm, for it rested upon the most implicit good faith on the part of the attorneys, while the confidence of the judge was never, in a single instance, abused. An incident strongly illustrating this trait of Judge Barnard also grew indirectly out of Judge Brown's transfer to the Court of Appeals. Judgments of foreclosure in cases in Sullivan County had usually been taken before Judge Brown at Newburgh because, though in another judicial district, Orange County is an adjoining county and this is permitted by the code. But soon after judge Brown left Newburgh an attorney, overlooking the fact that Dutchess County does not adjoin Sullivan, sent the papers in a Sullivan County foreclosure case to Judge Barnard to be signed by him on Saturday at Poughkeepsie. His eagle eye at once noticed that the action was in Sullivan County and that he had no jurisdiction to act in the case in Dutchess County. Any other judge would have returned the papers, calling attention to the difficulty. But did this satisfy Judge Barnard? Not at all. This would not have advanced the business. This would not have "helped out the boys." So he struck out the word "Poughkeepsie" in the order and judgment and in his own handwriting substituted the word "Newburgh," thus making himself, by a legal fiction, sit in an adjoining county for five minutes, for the purposes of that case, though he was actually in Poughkeepsie all that day, and though he never held a Saturday special term in Newburgh in all his life. Judge Cullen and Judge Bartlett would have felt that they were inviting impeachment by such an act, and yet Judge Barnard was moved solely by the desire to facilitate the business of the attorneys in every possible way. To him an irregularity meant nothing unless it meant also a wrong. But those days have passed and have been succeeded by better days, in which it is recognized by the courts and the lawyers alike that they should co-operate in making even their routine practice so regular as to exclude any possibility of error.
There will be no sigh in this retrospect over the better days of long ago, no wail about the "good old times." The better days are now and the good times have come at last. The new generation of lawyers now entering upon their active career has reason for gratification that the facilities for the orderly, deliberate, tranquil trial and hearing of their causes, with the prospect that even and exact justice will be rendered in them, are greater to-day than at any previous period in the history of the county. There never was so good an opportunity for a young, ambitious, able advocate to win fame at the bar of Orange County as there is to-day. While the subjects of litigation and the conditions of business have somewhat changed in the last fifty years, human nature has never changed. Juries respond to-day as readily as then to the touch of a master spirit. When jurors ask nowadays why they do not hear such speeches at court as their fathers have told them about the answer generally given is that judges frown upon anything like display and hold the lawyers down to business. The business of an advocate is to make a good speech and no judge ever was able to stop a good speech. Let no young lawyer seek indolent refuge in the pretext that the judges will not give him a chance. Let him not, with difficulty, fold his restless pinions lest they be arrested in their soaring flight by judicial insensibility. No, the reason that forensic eloquence has so lamentably declined in Orange County lies not in the hostility of judges, but in the absorption of lawyers themselves in the merely material, sordid aspects of life, to the exclusion of any interest in those liberal arts and erudite pursuits which alone can anoint the hesitating lips with the honey of eloquent discourse. The field is clear for another Winfield or Gedney.
It is the fashion to say that the influence of the bar has declined—that the legal profession, as a body, does not enjoy the same measure of public respect which was paid to it in the early days of the republic, or exercise now that ascendancy over public opinion which once it exerted so powerfully and so naturally. It is true, indeed, that coincidently with the stealthy, sinister growth in the Northern States of the modern machine methods of party management the lawyer has been gradually and inevitably displaced as a leader of public opinion. It is only in the South that the influence of the lawyer among the masses is still unshaken because there the appeal of candidates is still made directly to the people who, through their primaries and in other republican ways familiar to the fathers and founders of the nation, express their preference and give effect to their choice.
But it is significant that, even in the North, whenever the people at large resolve to destroy long-standing abuses or odious machines, as, at stated intervals, they always proceed to do, they turn instinctively, as of old, to the plain, simple, honest, busy, practicing lawyer. Among the lawyers elected to the high office of governor of our State the three governors whose homely, direct, straightforward methods have most captivated the imagination and impressed the conscience of the passing generation are Tilden, Cleveland and Hughes, who simply brought to their duties the habits, the instincts, the training and the ideals of the old-fashioned country lawyer, whose first aim is always to protect the interests committed to his charge without any thought as to the effect of his course upon his own interests, popularity or future. This training, this tradition, this character of the true lawyer still happily survives all changes in political methods or party management and still constitutes the highest security the people have for the faithful administration of their laws, wholly un-swerved by selfish, ulterior or sinister purposes.
At the time, now forty years ago, to which my memory of the Orange County bar runs back, these honorable traditions were wholly maintained by a bar, the members of which still enjoyed a high place in the public esteem and exercised a profound influence upon public opinion, based upon the dignity and importance of their profession as well as upon their personal talents and character. The relations between the lawyers and the farmers were particularly close, confidential and agreeable. The soil was still largely occupied by men of character, education and intelligence who freely sought the counsel and society of their friends among the lawyers at whose offices and homes they were as cordially welcomed on a social or political call as upon a professional visit. The reason that the sons and successors of the lawyers of that day have, to some extent, lost touch with the interests of the soil is that the farmers of that day were not able to persuade their sons to become their successors. The saddest change that has overtaken Orange County in the last forty years is not in the character of its professional men, but in the character of its farming population.
Identified with the period included in the personal recollections here but partially preserved are several groups of fathers and sons who may for convenience be considered together; especially as a sufficiently consecutive view of the period has now been presented to admit, henceforth, of greater latitude in respect to time and order.
Joseph W. Gott, senior, died in 1869 after twenty-seven years continuous practice in Goshen, where he established the enviable reputation throughout the county of being one of the most honorable and high-minded men, as well as one of the most able and successful lawyers, known to his generation. His premature and deeply regretted death occurred before his only son could be admitted to practice.
Joseph W. Gott, Jr., was admitted in 1875 and since then, like his father, has practiced continuously in Goshen. No higher praise can be bestowed upon him than to say, that while he has, by his own vigorous intellect and independent character, won for himself prominence at the bar, he has never lost sight of the high ideals which animated his father.
The general confidence in his supreme honor and integrity which he has always enjoyed corresponds most touchingly to the confidence and respect always inspired by his honored father. With him is now associated in practice his own son, Percy Van Duzer Gott. These two are mentioned first in the group of fathers and sons because they are the only lawyers in Orange County, thus associated, who constitute and represent four generations of Orange County lawyers. For in them flows not only the blood of the elder Gott, but the blood of the Van Duzers and the Gedneys.
Isaac R. Van Duzer, who married in 1826 the older sister of Judge Gedney—their daughter, Charlotte, being married to Joseph W. Gott in 1847—was, undoubtedly, the most brilliant advocate, with the single exception of Ogden Hoffman, who ever addressed an Orange County jury. All the accounts of contemporaries and all the traditions of the bar unite in this verdict. Often have I heard Judge Wilkin, who as a boy heard him in Goshen, expatiate upon his transcendent powers. He died prematurely in his fortieth year, but the opinion entertained by his generation was that, had he lived, his name would have gone down to history with the foremost orators of his age. Of their distinguished ancestry at the bar of Orange County the Gotts may well be proud; for the junior member in the present firm is now the fourth in a line of lawyers whose practice and residence at Goshen have extended over a period of eighty-five years—from 1823 to the present time.
John W. Brown was admitted to practice in 1822, just one year before Mr. Van Duzer, to whom he was related, Judge Brown having married a Reeve, which was the family name of Mr. Van Duzer's mother. It is remarkable that if the practice of Judge Brown and of his own son, Charles F. Brown, had not been interrupted by extended terms of judicial service in the life of each—sixteen years in the life of the elder Brown and fourteen years in the life of the younger—the continuous practice of the two Browns would now cover a period of eighty-six years. As it is, their contributions in two generations to the jurisprudence of the State, at the bar and on the bench, cover a longer period than that embraced in the careers of any father and son associated with the legal annals of Orange County. I say still associated because, although Judge Charles F. Brown is now one of the two or three acknowledged leaders of the bar of the State, with his office in New York City, where his practice is largely in the Appellate Courts, he still retains his residence in Orange County and a nominal connection with the firm established in Newburgh by his former partner, Mr. Cassedy.
His own career has already been sufficiently treated in its appropriate place in this commentary. It only remains to add that his life-long veneration for his father's memory and his consistent emulation of his father's example supply an element of interest to his career and of filial tenderness to his character not appreciated by the thousands of his admirers, among the judges and lawyers of the country, who know him only through the cold medium of his published judicial opinions.
Judge John W. Brown was undoubtedly a great man. Serving two terms in Congress from 1833 to 1837; a prominent member of the Constitutional Convention of 1846; elected in 1849 to the Supreme Court and again in 1857, his life was one of unceasing activity, influence and power. His greatness as a judge may be inferred from the remarkable circumstance that no decision made by him was ever reversed by the Court of Appeals, of which court he was himself a member, under the system then prevailing, during the last years of his successive terms as a judge of the Supreme Court.
It is not strange that one who was born to the heritage of such a name should have sought to add, as indeed he has added, to its luster in a succeeding generation.
It was while Charles F. Brown was district attorney of Orange County that John W. Lyon became an official of the county through his appointment to the office of assistant district attorney. The career of the Lyons, father and son, now covers a practice of sixty-one years in Port Jervis, the longest period of continuous practice at the bar carried over from father to son, in Orange County.
Thomas J. Lyon, or, as his friends affectionately preferred to call him, Tom Lyon, was a man of great native talent and marked originality. Beginning life as a Methodist preacher, but coming to prefer the more extended opportunities for usefulness afforded by the law, his fame in the fifties soon spread from the Delaware to the Hudson. Throwing himself with ardor into the exciting political contests which marked this period, he was in constant demand as a campaign speaker and his political services were recognized by a lucrative appointment under the administration of President Franklin Pierce. Twice elected to the Assembly and once a candidate of his party for the Senate, his abilities always received the cordial recognition of the public with whom he kept constantly on good terms. The announcement that he was to speak at a political gathering was always sure to attract a large attendance of adherents of the opposite party for they knew they would be entertained by his sallies though they might not be seduced by his arguments.
His control over juries was due to a mingling of magnetism and humor. He could touch the chord of sentiment and the response was immediate. He could cover his opponent with ridicule and the result was contagious and convulsive laughter. No weapon is more powerful at any time than gentle banter and no one knew better how to employ its arts to the discomfiture of an adversary than Thomas J. Lyon.
His son, John W., inherits his ability and much of his originality. He, too, has always taken a deep interest in politics and he has been heard on the platform in every campaign since 1872.
He was the pioneer of the bar in that branch of the practice which has since assumed such proportions, railway litigation. He was the first to carry to the Court of Appeals many important questions, relating to the liability of the master for injury to the employee, which were settled by that court in favor of the positions contended for by him.
A most interesting feature in the genealogy of the profession is the fact that the daughter of John W. Lyon, Frances D. Lyon, is also a lawyer duly admitted to practice, having supplemented her studies in her father's office by a course at the Cornell Law School from which she graduated with honor, subsequently passing her examinations before the State Board. She is now engaged in practice with her father, to whom her aid is invaluable in the office, while she has also shown marked ability in her appearances at court.
Thus we have in the Lyons the only family in Orange County, except the Gott family, in which there have been three successive generations of lawyers bearing the same name.
Eugene A. Brewster and George R. Brewster cover a period of sixty years' continuous practice, the elder Brewster having been admitted in 1848. The judgment of his associates, placing Eugene A. Brewster in the front rank of the lawyers of his time, has already been expressed. Upon his death his son, George R., succeeded to his practice in the same office to which for so many years the friends of his father were accustomed to bend their steps and where they never received any but the most wise and judicious counsel. George R. Brewster inherits the sound judgment and conservative instincts of his father and well maintains the dignity and responsibilities of his honorable name and lineage. His public spirit and devotion to every worthy cause are among the most conspicuous of his traits of character. Possessed of ample means and under no spur of necessity he gives freely to the public all the time he can spare from a practice which has been attended with great success, one of the most notable of his recent legal victories having been gained in restraining the building of a railroad across his client's property.
His sense of civic duty has been strikingly exemplified in the conscientious performance of his duties as supervisor, though his acceptance of the office involved great inconvenience and sacrifice. His labors in behalf of St. Luke's Hospital have been of inestimable value to that noble benefaction.
In a community as conservative as Newburgh, where one minister is still acceptably serving his congregation for the fifty-second year and another for the thirty-fifth, it counts for something, and very properly so, that a man should be the son and successor of an honored, respected father. When Mr. Brewster died his son was made a director of the Newburgh Bank in his father's place and when Abram S. Cassedy died the same course was taken in the Quassaick Bank in respect to his son, William F. Cassedy.
The Cassedys, father and son, cover a period of fifty-one years' continuous practice, the elder Cassedy having been admitted in 1857. The high place gained by him in the esteem of the bar and in the confidence of the public has already been set forth at length. This confidence has been transferred to his son, William F. Cassedy, to a degree almost unprecedented in the career of a young practitioner but in every sense justified by his high character and brilliant talents. Mr. Cassedy has during the last few years managed and represented estates of as great magnitude as the estates represented by all the other lawyers of Orange County combined. He has a special talent for this important branch of the practice, but, like his father, can drop his papers and go to court with his case well prepared for trial. The ability with which he uniformly presents it to a jury is well reinforced by the same winning manner and pleasing personality which has endeared him to so many friends.
When Judge Charles F. Brown was in 1883 elevated to the bench of the Supreme Court, the firm of Cassedy & Brown, of which Abram S. Cassedy was then the senior member, was, of course, dissolved. When Judge Brown retired from the bench in 1897, Mr. Cassedy having meantime died, the names became transposed, the firm of Brown & Cassedy then formed, and still continuing, being composed of Judge Brown and William F. Cassedy. That this association of his name with that of his old partner's son should be pleasing to Judge Brown is a distinguished mark of that great jurist's confidence, esteem and affection which indeed, are shared by all, bar and public alike, who come to know the pure and lofty character of William F. Cassedy.
William B. Royce who with his son, Herbert B. Royce, is engaged in practice in Middletown, was admitted forty years ago, but being persuaded, while in the full tide of active practice, to accept the position of president of the First National Bank in 1875, his career as a lawyer was interrupted for seventeen years. Resigning this position, however, at the end of this period, he soon recovered his scattered practice and upon the admission to the bar of his son the firm of William B. and Herbert B. Royce was formed. This continued until the autumn of 1906 when, John C. R. Taylor, having been elected to the Senate, the firm of Taylor, Royce & Royce was formed.
Mr. Royce has greater capacity for public business than any lawyer who ever practiced at the bar in Orange County. His mind grasps readily, his tastes run naturally to, every phase and variety of town, county and municipal relations, improvements and enterprises, with all the important questions involved in them in respect to the proper distribution of public burdens. He is an authority upon corporation law in respect both to the organization and management of corporations. His power of clear statement, in respect to any involved or intricate situation, is very great.
There is one characteristic of Mr. Royce which is fully appreciated only by those who have been in a position to see its frequent effective exercise. He loves to settle disputes among neighbors and litigants. He has genuine talent for making each party see how it would benefit him to make some concession and even greater tact in pointing out how certain concessions necessary to the settlement will still leave the pride and dignity of the parties uncompromised. He absolutely has never failed in bringing about an agreement which he started out to compass. Sometimes, indeed, the perverseness of the parties has seemed to make the difficulties insuperable, but this has only spurred him on to renewed exertions. Those who know how unprofitable and unwise for both parties is any litigation which can possibly be avoided and, especially, any litigation representing only an honest difference of opinion, will realize the indebtedness of the public to Mr. Royce for those unselfish exertions and that salutary influence which, throughout his entire professional career, have been steadily, consistently and successfully directed to the promotion of peace and the soothing of angry controversy.
His son, Herbert B. Royce, who enjoyed the advantages of both the classical and law course at Cornell University, was launched from the first into the activities of a busy office. Having been elected special county judge he has enjoyed an opportunity, in presiding over the trial terms of the County Court, to impress his abilities upon the bar and the public to a degree and in a manner never before enjoyed by a special county judge in the entire history of the county. Before Judge Beattie's time the county judges were never very considerate to the special county judges. They regarded them as officers provided merely for the convenience of the bar in signing orders and they affected to think that there might be some serious question of jurisdiction involved in their trying and sentencing criminals, even Judge Hirschberg and Judge Beattie were never invited, as special county judges, to hold a term of court, but the judges, when they could not act themselves, always brought in a county judge of a neighboring county. Judge Beattie acted more generously to his official coadjutor and when it became necessary for him to surrender two terms of court. Judge Royce was requested to hold them. This service was performed by him with such marked ability and so greatly to the satisfaction of the entire bar and the public, that Judge Seeger, who succeeded Judge Beattie in 1907, and who was disqualified from sitting in any cases in which he, as district attorney, had procured the indictments, again summoned Judge Royce to the bench, when again he was enabled to give a public demonstration of his judicial fitness and capacity and to prove that it will never be necessary to call in a judge from a neighboring county as long as Judge Royce remains special county judge.
Finn & Finn is the name of the firm of which Daniel Finn was the senior member until it was ruthlessly dissolved by the untimely hand of death, which overtook him without warning in the very midst of an unusually active and prosperous career. Admitted to the bar in 1870 he began and, for thirty-five years continued his practice in Middletown, becoming one of the most respected and influential of its citizens as well as one of the ablest and most trusted of its bar. He was especially versed in the law of wills. Nothing appealed more strongly to his interest than the ambiguous provisions of a will and the difficult questions raised as to their proper construction. His opinions upon these were often submitted to the court with the result that his judgment was invariably sustained.
He was the most imperturbable of men. Nothing agitated or even ruffled him. He could lay down his pen to engage in an interview with some irascible client and, after it was over, calmly resume work upon his thoughtful brief at the very point at which it had been interrupted. This faculty, the result of training as well as of temperament, enabled him to accomplish a great deal of work. The day was never spoiled for him by some untoward incident, unpleasant letter or peevish client. Each day marked distinct progress in some appointed task.
Mr. Finn, who drew the will of Mrs. Thrall, was deeply interested in the noble institutions founded by her—the hospital and the library in addition to the park—and it was largely through his influence that her thoughts were directed to these beneficent objects. It was also through his careful prevision that her testamentary wishes in respect to an additional endowment for the hospital were not defeated by statutory precautions. Mr. Finn foresaw that she might die within the two months set apart, arbitrarily and without respect to testamentary capacity, by the inscrutable wisdom of the legislature as the fluctuating hiatus, that may or may not turn out to be the vitiated period, within which testamentary benevolence must be suspended; within which all tardy attempts of the passing soul to make its peace with God or restitution to mankind must be overruled and nullified in favor of worthless or distant relatives; but still within the last day of which the cunning physician seeking to cheat death of its prey and rapacity of its spoils, might so galvanize into convulsive life the dissolving frame, might so fan into flickering flame the vital spark that, in the race between greedy kindred and melting charity, rapacity will lose by a single hour. In the case of Mrs. Thrall there was no such dramatic suspense. She died twenty days after the execution of her will; so that the bequests in her will and codicil of twenty thousand dollars to Thrall Hospital, already founded by her, were declared void. But Mr. Flinn also advised her to give to her executors, Isaac R. Clements and Nathan M. Hallock, individually, absolutely and outright all legacies which might for any reason be declared void or ineffectual, and this provision was incorporated in her codicil. After this provision had withstood in the courts the attacks of relatives who claimed that it represented a secret trust, equally as abhorrent to legislative solicitude for relatives as a direct charitable bequest, Mr. Clements and Mr. Hallock, in honorable recognition of Mrs. Thrall's wishes, as expressed in her defeated bequests, but under no legal compulsion so to do, turned over to Thrall Hospital the twenty thousand dollars which came to them absolutely under this alternative provision. Thus were Mr. Finn's wisdom and foresight, not only in respect to his client's provision for the hospital but in respect to her bequest to the city of Middletown for its library, amply justified by the event. The bequest of $30,000, for the library was sustained by the courts. These noble foundations—the library and the hospital—constitute an enduring monument to the generosity of S. Maretta Thrall but are no less a monument to the learning, skill and prescience of Daniel Finn. The people of Middletown, though they have always recognized his virtues and his abilities, but imperfectly understand the full measure and extent of their indebtedness to his guiding hand and public spirit. It is simple justice to his memory that the incidents of his professional career bearing upon the public welfare should be embraced in any work professing to be history.
Mr. Finn's intense affection for and loyalty to his alma mater, Hamilton College, was a very pronounced and interesting trait of his character. His only son, Frank H. Finn, also graduated from this classic institution of learning which numbers among its alumni that most intellectual of all living American statesmen, Elihu Root.
Frank H. Finn, upon being admitted to practice, entered into partnership with his father under the firm name of Finn & Finn—the name under which, notwithstanding his father's death, he and his present partner, Arthur H. Payne, himself also a graduate of Hamilton College, conduct their business. Every writ and process issued by the present firm runs in the name of Finn & Finn, thus perpetuating the potent influence, the fine example and the gentle memory of one of the purest and ablest of Orange County lawyers. It is unusual among lawyers to preserve the name, in a firm, of a deceased partner. The only instance I recall is that of James C. Carter, whose surviving partner, Lewis Cass Ledyard, has always, with a tenderness and delicacy of sentiment so in consonance with his own noble nature and chivalric character, kept Mr. Carter's name at the head of his firm, through all ensuing changes. The filial reverence shown by Frank H. Finn for his father's memory, his unwillingness to let his father's name disappear at once beneath the cold waters of swift forgetfulness, illuminates his own strong and sterling character. Called upon suddenly to assume charge of many intricate and involved cases pending in the office at the time of his father's death he accepted and discharged the painful responsibility with a dignity, firmness, manliness, courage and ability which commanded the admiration and won the affection of the community. Though he owes much indeed to his noble father, he has given abundant evidence of his capacity to stand alone. He and his brilliant partner, Mr. Payne, will bring no reproach upon the honored name still in their pious keeping.
Henry W. Wiggins came to the bar two years later than Daniel Finn. The business established by him in Middletown in 1872 is now carried on by the firm of Henry W. & Russell Wiggins, father and son.
Henry W. Wiggins is especially distinguished for his knowledge of the law of real estate, but his practice has always covered a wide range. I well remember an important litigation between mill owners in which Mr. Wiggins established the right of the upper owner to substitute a turbine for an overshot wheel and to take water at a lower depth, provided he did not use a greater quantity of water than before. His success was the more notable and gratifying because he was opposed by both Mr. Brewster and Mr. Winfield. But it has been in litigations involving the liability of the city of Middletown for damages that Mr. Wiggins has won many of his most conspicuous triumphs. He was, at intervals, its corporation counsel for many years, his son Russell now holding the position. It is safe to say that no city was ever more ably served and carefully protected than the city of Middletown was by Mr. Wiggins. No expensive condemnation proceeding in his charge ever proved ineffective because of some flaw or oversight. No suit for damages defended by him ever terminated in an extreme or excessive verdict. His caution, vigilance and conscientiousness combined with his sturdy independence in always standing his ground, in always adhering inflexibly to any position once, after due consideration, taken by him, have been of incalculable service to his clientage and have resulted in saving to the city of Middletown alone many thousands of dollars.
Russell Wiggins also has enjoyed marked success in defending the interests of the city. His recent victory in a case involving the validity of the provision in the charter of the city of Middletown making notice to the common council of snow or ice upon a sidewalk prerequisite to an action for injuries sustained in consequence of it, has attracted wide attention. Mr. Wiggins was overruled by the special term and by the appellate division which held that this provision exceeded the powers of the legislature and was, therefore, unconstitutional. But Mr. Wiggins succeeded in convincing the Court of Appeals, which, in an opinion embodying the arguments advanced by him, sustained the validity of this provision of the charter, with the result that all actions of this class are practically done away with, it is not surprising that all the cities of the State have been so impressed with the importance of Mr. Wiggins' victory that they are now trying to secure a similar provision in their own charters. It seems, indeed, somewhat hard that a total stranger, alighting from a train on a dark night, should be compelled to proceed at his peril along a city street, under conditions which physically exclude his either having or giving notice, but Mr. Wiggins ingeniously persuaded the Court of Appeals to say that this is a question for the legislature and not for the courts, thus establishing a new precedent, if not a new principle, in constitutional construction, in a case sure to become a leading one; sure to be cited for many years to come, in the courts of the entire country. In thus linking his name at the very outset of his career, to a leading authority, Mr. Wiggins has set for himself a hard task. He must now live up to his own reputation—which there is abundant reason to believe he is entirely able to do.
Cornelius E. Cuddeback, admitted to the bar in 1873, immediately established in Port Jervis the business now carried on under the firm name of C. E. & S. M. Cuddeback, his son Samuel M. having become associated with him.
Mr. Cuddeback early became prominent in all the interests of the community, social, business, legal and public—a position which he maintains by virtue of his unquestioned integrity, great ability and enormous industry. He was largely instrumental in straightening out the affairs of the Port Jervis & Monticello Railroad Company, and he has for many years been the attorney for the town of Deer Park and the village (now the city) of Port Jervis. He has also been the attorney for many public service corporations. His defense of the Barrett Bridge Company in a test case tried at Goshen in June, 1905, to determine the liability of the company for the deaths occasioned by the sweeping away of the bridge over the Delaware River in a freshet, furnishes a fine example of his characteristics as a lawyer. The defense was prepared with a thoroughness, exhaustiveness and comprehensiveness and conducted with a verve, vigor and vivacity which carried everything before it, sweeping away the case of the plaintiff as ruthlessly as the freshet swept away the bridge; leaving little for the jury to do but to register the fact that the defense had been completely successful.
Mr. Cuddeback finds in his son a lawyer well qualified to assume the burdens of his practice when he shall be prepared to lay them down.
All the living lawyers thus far considered, except the sons and daughter, will very soon be passing from the scene. The pages that bear this imprint will scarcely be flung from the press before the lawyers whose now familiar names they carry forward to a generation that knows them not, will drop away, one by one, from their accustomed places. So true is this, so strong is the author's sense that only, by slight anticipation, do these pages commemorate the departed, that nothing has been set down here which could not be truthfully and becomingly said if they had gone before who yet, for a little, linger. This, indeed, suggests the chief reason why the present record, to be of any value, should include the living; for long before this publication is superseded by a rival or a successor the figures it portrays will have passed from action to remembrance.
In connection with this thought it is proper to point out that the sketches and estimates now published bear this further resemblance to veracious and posthumous biography—they have not been edited by the subjects. The system adopted in some modern compilations of permitting prominent men to write their own biographies, or of procuring from them the data for less sympathetic treatment, has not been followed here. Indeed, with a single accidental and insignificant exception, not one lawyer has any knowledge of the scope or purpose of this undertaking or has furnished any information available for use in it. He who carelessly takes up this volume to read about others will be covered with modest confusion to find himself included in it. This is an attempt not to let a man speak for himself, but to collect and crystallize in definite forms of expression the floating particles of contemporary judgment upon his character. It is for this reason, besides others, that so few specific dates and irrelevant facts are given. They have not been asked for. They are not needed. They do not fit with the scheme of this work, which aims, perhaps presumptuously, but still consistently, to be a gallery of portraits, not a table of statistics. Of what possible interest is it to know the number of a lawyer's children, or the building in which his office is located? Character and achievement are the things that count.
It will be convenient at this point to return to the consideration of the leading advocates now at the bar of the county. No one recognizes more than advocates themselves their frequent indebtedness to the great lawyers who, undisturbed by absorbing, distracting and exhausting trials, apply to life's complex and varying conditions the immutable principles of the common law. It implies no disparagement of Winfield and Gedney to assume that the one often leaned upon the judgment of his partner, William F. Sharpe, and that the other often sought the wise counsel of his esteemed relative, Joseph W. Gott. At the same time it cannot be doubted that public interest has always centered upon the trial lawyer, for the obvious reason that the open field, the public challenge, the combat of intellectual athletes, the palm of victory appeal strongly to the imagination and dramatic sense. There need, therefore, be no apology for making prominent in a popular work those who engage the larger share of merely popular interest.
There is no man at the bar of Orange County, or indeed anywhere, for whom the term colorless would be so inept as it would be for Judge Albert H. F. Seeger. He radiates color. He is the incarnation of sunshine. He is the forerunner of gladness, sounding a proclamation of hope and good cheer wherever he goes. No one would suppose that he ever had a care or sorrow. Yet he must have had his share. He performs more perfectly than any man I ever knew that mission which Robert Louis Stevenson glorifies when he says:
"There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy. A happy man or woman is a better thing to find than a five-pound note. He or she is a radiating focus of good will; and their entrance into a room is as though another candle had been lighted. We need not care whether they could prove the forty-seventh proposition; they do a better thing than that, they practically demonstrate the great theorem of the livableness of life."
But Judge Seeger can also prove the forty-seventh proposition. He can usually prove anything he sets out to prove, as lawyers opposed to him have often found to their dismay. And even when the law and the facts are all against him and you have him thoroughly beaten, according, to all the rules of the game, there will still be three to six jurors who strangely refuse to believe that anything but infallible argument could emanate from a personality so radiant. Not that his propositions always need the support of his personality, upon which, indeed, he never consciously presumes. He always builds up a strong, solid, telling, convincing argument, delivered with unaffected earnestness and artless sincerity.
And his sincerity really is artless. While he is personally the most popular man in Orange County and while such preeminence can only be attained by the use of popular arts, yet in his case they are entirely legitimate and unstudied. He really does feel kindness when he seems to. He really is interested in the things which interest others. He really does love their babies, their dogs, their horses—anything, in fact, but their automobiles. His bubbling spirits and effervescent mirth, his ready wit and sparkling sally, the ring of his laughter and the spell of his bonhomie are all the genuine expression of a rich, ardent and impressionable nature.
It might be thought that such a man would be a time-server. Far from it. There is not a trace of the demagogue in his composition. Much as he would naturally desire to retain his remarkable popularity he would fling it all away, if necessary, in the performance of his duty or in the defense of law and order. He showed this unmistakably when as district attorney he boldly held at bay the lawless mob, at a personal risk which his official duties did not call upon him to incur. Knowing then that he would soon be a candidate for a higher office he cared not whether he made friends or enemies, whether he lost votes or gained them; he simply saw his duty and went straight for it. As it was, the very forces he antagonized respected him. When this genial friend, this blithe companion became transformed into the stern, unyielding, inexorable officer of the law the very mob he awed retired to worship him, and when the time came it voted for him.
This mingling in Judge Seeger's character of the sterner and softer elements, of courage and tenderness, manliness and simplicity, firmness and forgiveness, has inspired in the people of Orange County a respect and affection such as rarely attends upon a public man. His election to the office of county judge was inevitable whether the "organization" had been friendly or not. If it constitutes high qualifications for this responsible position to possess a character noble and sincere, a disposition just and fair, a judgment sound and true, a mind well trained and informed, a knowledge of the law wide and various, a knowledge of human nature keen and close, a sense of public duty deep and earnest, then is the county of Orange indeed fortunate that a judge as respected as John J. Beattie should be followed by a successor so worthy as Albert H. F. Seeger.
From painting to stenography; from stenography to the law; from the law to the recovery of a judgment for eight hundred thousand dollars in 1906—that is the condensed history of Thomas Watts. As the painting was, not of pictures but, of houses, it will readily be seen that he is the most consummate embodiment of that familiar phrase, the self-made man, that the Orange County bar possesses. After working all day painting, often walking back several miles to his home, he spent his evenings studying stenography. After acquiring this art and while pursuing its practice as a court stenographer he studied law assiduously, following carefully also the course of every case that came under his notice in court and drawing out the able judges and lawyers whom he met in conversation that was not less instructive than edifying.
Born in England, about the same time that Judge Seeger was born in Germany, and brought to this country at an early age by his parents, as Judge Seeger was also, the career of both men is a striking illustration of what may be accomplished in this land of opportunity, without the social influence of generations of local ancestry, by sheer pluck, perseverance, energy and ability.
Mr. Watts is a very nucleus of abounding and super-abounding energy. He generates energy by a process of spontaneous mental combustion. His mental activity is more continuous and intense than any I have ever known. His mind never goes fallow, but seems to be constantly fructified by the floating pollen in the business, legal or intellectual atmosphere surrounding him. It is of course inevitable that, with such a temperament, he should repeatedly cross the path of people who would like to have him keep out of their way. But Mr. Watts is so constituted that where other people are there would he be also; and he is always willing to keep out of their way by letting them step aside.
Yet, despite all his initiative, aggressiveness and combativeness with respect to those who can meet him upon equal terms, he is tenderness and generosity itself to the weak, the helpless and the dependent. He has been known to pour out his bounty for years upon those who appealed to his sympathy or invoked his aid. He has, in a marked degree, the English love of fair play and is as ready to acknowledge a mistake as he is to resent an injury. Often brusque and impulsive in his manner when no offense is intended, and quick to regret when it is, he is always surprised to find that others are not so ready to forget as he is to forgive.
The fighting qualities of Mr. Watts are never shown to better advantage than when he is asserting the rights of the poor and weak against all the resources of corporate or individual wealth. He never tires. His tenacity cannot be shaken. No reversal of the first judgment dismays him. He enters upon the second or third trial with as much vigor and vim as upon the first. In one case he more than doubled upon the second trial the verdict obtained upon the first trial. Indeed he has led in the securing of large verdicts, having obtained the largest verdict in a death case ever rendered in the county and the largest verdict, with one exception, ever rendered for personal injuries.
The judgment for eight hundred thousand dollars to which reference has been made was obtained by Mr. Watts in an action brought by him for a contractor against a railroad company for extra work in the building of a branch, disputed by the company. Mr. Watts examined and cross-examined all the witnesses and, with the aid of his office force, prepared the final argument. He was opposed by the finest legal talent in the State and the case was tried before that learned, eminent and profoundly respected judge, the Honorable Alton B. Parker, sitting as referee. The case involved many intricate questions of which Mr. Watts exhibited entire mastery. His management of this case marks the zenith of his ability and reputation as a trial lawyer. A lawyer who, before such a tribunal, wins such a case, involving such large interests and attended with results of such magnitude, for the judgment was not only obtained but settled, has established his place, beyond all question, in the very front rank of the trial lawyers of the State.
Mr. Watts excels in cross-examination. In a case brought by him for injuries resulting from the explosion of a locomotive boiler, the judge hesitated at the close of his case about letting it proceed, but finally ruled that the railroad company should go on with its proof, reserving the questions that troubled him. Mr. Watts thereupon took the defendant's witnesses in hand and on cross-examination he so completely established the liability of the company out of the mouths of its own witnesses that all thought, not merely of non-suit, but of defense even was abandoned and the company was thrown into a panic. It made an offer in the recess and when the court convened again to resume the case it was announced as settled.
Mr. Watts' addresses to the jury are marked by pith, point and piquancy. He emphasizes the salient features of the case and lets all minor or subordinate issues take care of themselves. His sturdy defense of his client's rights, his strong individuality and his intellectual force combine to make him a formidable opponent.
Perhaps no lawyer at the bar of Orange County ever received a more emphatic, pronounced, unmistakable tribute of personal regard than John C. R. Taylor, of Middletown, received at the election of 1906, when, in a district opposed to him politically, he ran over four thousand ahead of his ticket and was elected Senator by a majority of over twelve hundred. The good opinion of him thus expressed by his fellow citizens has been confirmed by his broad, patriotic, statesmanlike course at Albany, which has attracted the attention and commended him to the approbation, of the entire State, without respect to party lines. The purity of his character, the singleness of his motives, the soundness of his judgment and the independence of his action carried him in a single session to a position of weight and influence usually acquired only after several terms of legislative service. Senator Taylor is one of those public servants who believe that the State is a great business corporation of which the Governor is president and each Senator a trustee. Under this conviction he refuses to consider either party advantage or private interests but seeks to ascertain solely what is best for the welfare of the people and the cause of good government. Whether he can repeat his phenomenal success at the polls under less favorable conditions is of course uncertain. But whether he does or not he has set an example of clean, straightforward, high-minded methods in politics and legislation which will long be remembered in his district. He has set a standard of political morals which will have to be satisfied by any successor who hopes to retain the mandate of a now aroused, vigilant, exacting and independent public conscience.
Senator Taylor's success at the bar was almost as immediate as his later success in the Senate. Early in his practice he went to Kingston to try a case against one of the leaders of the famous Ulster County bar and obtained a verdict of $10,000 in an action against the town of Shawangunk for damages resulting from a defective bridge, a verdict which was subsequently paid after passing the ordeal of all the courts. Judge Clearwater who presided over the trial and whose qualifications as a critic will be conceded, since he has himself made both the bar and bench illustrious, told me that he had never seen a case more ably tried and presented than this case was by Mr. Taylor.
Senator Taylor has the courage of the true lawyer. When a few years ago he was engaged to defend a client accused of a shocking offense, people went to him and said, "Why, you will be ruined if you defend that man." He simply replied, "He is my client and I shall stand by him to the end." Senator Taylor not only was not "ruined" but he completely reversed public sentiment which had been misled from the start, and established his client's entire innocence of the charge against him in a crushing cross-examination of the first witness which demonstrated its complete falsity.
Senator Taylor's professional ideals are as high as his political ideals. He is an honorable foe, a straight lawyer, a cultured gentleman.
Michael N. Kane, of Warwick, the most beautiful village in the county, if not in the State, also received at the election of 1906 a vote for the office of supreme court judge which strikingly attested the admiration and regard in which he is held by his fellow citizens in the county and district. He ran several thousand ahead of his ticket but this was not sufficient to overcome the adverse majority caused by the creation of the new ninth judicial district out of the river counties. Mr. Kane has securely established his reputation as a trial lawyer of conspicuous ability and success. He is frequently employed as counsel in important cases and has never failed to satisfy the expectations of both attorney and client. His preparation of cases for trial is complete and masterly.
In the appellate courts his arguments are marked by a learning, lucidity and power which always command attention and usually assent.
The breadth of character and fineness of moral fibre which have contributed so largely to his professional success are displaced in all his relations to his professional brethren, in which he is the pattern and exemplar of uniform courtesy, consideration and indulgence. While never imperiling the interests of a client to accommodate a professional brother he is always able to find a way to accommodate him without injuring his client. He never takes refuge in the transparent pretext that his client will not consent, which is the customary formula used to cover, though it does not conceal, professional churlishness. In the very cases in which Mr. Kane has been most generous to his opponents he has had the most complete ultimate success; thus furnishing to his brethren of the bar an object lesson from which they may learn that courtesy to each other is entirely consistent with perfect loyalty to their client.
Mr. Kane's public spirit has always been a noticeable phase of his character. His pride in and devotion to the interests of Warwick have endeared him to his community which not only respects him as a lawyer but esteems him as a neighbor and honors him as a citizen.
Ferdinand V. Sanford is another citizen of Warwick whose abilities entitle him to rank among the trial lawyers of the county. Fluent in speech, cultivated in manner and refined in character, his personal charm imparts weight to his opinion and impulsion to his utterances. He, too, is deeply interested in his beautiful village, the citizens of which have bestowed upon him many marks of their favor and confidence. His prominence in its affairs led to a most interesting experience in the summer of 1906 when he represented his village at the brilliant and imposing pageant held In old Warwick in England at which he upheld the reputation abroad of American oratory in a most graceful, felicitous and eloquent address.
Darwin W. Esmond, of Newburgh, prepares his cases for trial more thoroughly than any lawyer I ever knew. His trial brief is comprehensive, elaborate, and minute, even containing instructions in reference to the cross-examination of the witnesses expected to be called by his opponent. Every case likely to be cited by his opponent is discussed and distinguished. Every pitfall into which his opponent might seek to draw him is pointed out and provided against. If he should die the day before a case is set down for trial and it should be thought best, notwithstanding, to go on with the trial, any experienced trial lawyer could, on a moment's notice, take his brief and try the case without consulting an authority, seeing a witness, or even talking with the client. He would find his opening to the jury outlined for him, the statements of the witnesses arranged in the order in which they should be adduced, the authorities bearing upon a motion for non-suit carefully analyzed and, finally, the points to be dwelt upon in the submission to the jury clearly emphasized.
It is needless to say that such painstaking industry implies the most conscientious devotion on the part of Mr. Esmond to his client's cause—a devotion as earnest and intense when the amount involved is small as when it is large. His theory is that a small case is just as important to a poor man as a large case is to a rich one and that the measure of duty, of fidelity and of devotion should be the same in each.
But mere industry is of little avail in the law unless directed by ability. It is a valuable supplement to ability, never a substitute for it. Mr. Esmond has all the qualifications of an able trial lawyer. I once saw him in Kingston pitted against one of the leaders of the Ulster County bar overturn by the sheer force of his ability and address, all the prejudices first formed against his client, the defendant, in the mind of both court and jury, in a case in which the plaintiff, an old man, was seeking the restoration of property turned over by him to his son. I heard Judge Chester say that in the beginning of the trial he thought the plaintiff was right but that as the case proceeded his mind changed. This result was due solely to the splendid defense made by Mr. Esmond in a case which from the start was full of elements of danger and defeat.
Mr. Esmond has always taken a prominent part in the literary life of the community and in the discussion of public topics. His services to the Chautauqua society have been most valuable, while his own addresses upon a large variety of topics have been a distinct contribution to the literature of the subject.
It is fortunate indeed for Mr. Esmond at this time that he has all these resources to fall back upon; else might he have been wholly crushed by the cruel sorrow that came to him and his devoted wile in the recent loss of their only child, Paul Warner Esmond, one of the most precocious, promising and brilliant boys who ever lived. His poems, dealing with the problems of life and death, are as mature, reflective and suggestive as though written by a man of fifty. That such a child of genius should be snatched away when the angel of death leaves untouched so many circles from which one could be better spared, is a mystery that has never ceased to perplex mankind.
Howard Thornton, of Newburgh, bel-esprit, bon-vivant and raconteur, the favorite of society and the delight of dinner tables, is not one whit less a good lawyer because he can smooth away the difficulties of a hostess in entertaining her guests as easily as he can glide over the difficulties of his client's case in court. The best lawyers have always shone in society, from Hamilton to Choate, and Mr. Thornton's social gifts have never interfered with his devotion to his profession. Every morning, year in and year out, the early riser can see Mr. Thornton at seven o'clock wending his way to his office where by ten o'clock he has already accomplished a day's work and is ready to talk with his clients
.Mr. Thornton has always found his chief pleasure in some abstruse question arising out of the law of wills or of real estate. He has been drawn into some very important litigations involving the construction of the transfer tax law and his contentions have been uniformly sustained by the Court of Appeals.
Mr. Thornton's service in the Assembly, of which he was for three years a member, showed his capacity for public affairs. He was chairman of the judiciary committee and took high rank in legislation and politics. But his tastes incline him to the more arduous and less devious duties of his profession in which he has gained the reputation of an honorable, talented and brilliant lawyer.
Russel Headley, of Newburgh, is the son of the eminent historian Joel T. Headley from whom, doubtless, he inherits those literary gifts which account in part for the direction of his energies into the field of legal authorship. But this is not the only reason. It is but justice to him that it should be known that Mr. Headley was interrupted in the very midst of a brilliant career at the bar by the coming on of that most disqualifying of all infirmities for an advocate—deafness. This naturally had the effect of turning Mr. Headley to the labors of authorship for which his inherited tastes and acquired accomplishments so well fitted him. His works upon assignments, witnesses and criminal justice are well known to and widely read by the profession.
Mr. Headley filled the position of district attorney of Orange County for two terms. He especially distinguished himself at this time by his abilities as a trial lawyer.
Mr. Headley accepted in 1902 and still holds a position in the legal division of the State Excise Department at Albany. His research, his faculty for writing sound, able, exhaustive opinions and his knowledge of the law of pleadings make him a most valuable member of the legal staff of that very important branch of the public service, in which questions are constantly arising which could scarcely be expected to come within the purview of an arm of the service devoted to the enforcement of a single law. In this work Mr. Headley is able to reconcile himself to the surrender of those more spectacular triumphs of the court room in which his activities and his ambition once found a more congenial field.
Cornelius L. Waring, of Newburgh, is an authority in the law of municipal corporations. He was for many years the attorney for the city, the interests of which he always most zealously and successfully protected. He has a large general practice including among his clients some wealthy business corporations.
Mr. Waring has had wide experience in the trial of cases. His manner in court is marked by dignity, determination and persistence. He never yields a point on his own side and he never fails to seize upon the weak point in the case of his adversary. His arguments are terse, direct and forceful, always commanding ready and respectful attention.
Elmer E. Roosa, of the Newburgh bar, who was associated with Judge Hirschberg at the time he ascended the bench, succeeded in large part to the prestige of an office which had been established for nearly thirty years. The confidence always reposed in him by Judge Hirschberg is shared by a large body of devoted clients who find in him a safe, discreet and honorable counselor.
Edward J. Collins, of Newburgh, who is associated in practice with Judge Seeger, possesses in a high degree that dignity of bearing and of character which well supports professional attainments of a superior order. He has been honored by his fellow citizens by repeated marks of their confidence. He was for some years president of the common council of the city of Newburgh, a position which brought into prominence his fine qualities of mind and character.
Henry R. Lydecker, of Newburgh, has the most amiable disposition of any lawyer at the bar. If he were more self-assertive his abilities would be more widely appreciated. He showed marked ability in his service four successive winters in the attorney general's office at Albany in the work of reviewing for constitutional and other objections, the bills sent by the Legislature to the Governor. This appointment was made each year and would not have been repeatedly conferred unless the discharge of his important duties had proved to be able and satisfactory.
Mr. Lydecker has recently received, at the instance of Presiding Justice Hirschberg, an appointment upon the clerical force of the Appellate Division—another evidence of the high opinion entertained of him by governors, attorneys general and judges alike.
J. Renwick Thompson, Jr., of Newburgh, is still permitted to write "junior" to a noble and conspicuous senior, who now for more than fifty years has ministered over one of the most important churches and congregations in Newburgh. Mr. Thompson's character and standing wholly contradict the adage about "ministers' sons." In his keeping all the traditions of an honorable lineage are safe, while a large and increasing clientage can testify that in his hands are equally safe all the interests committed to him.
Elwood C. Smith, who has an office in Turner as well as in Newburgh, has advanced rapidly in reputation and standing. His agreeable manners and attractive personality always create a favorable impression sure to be confirmed by future acquaintance with his character and abilities. He enjoys the respect of the community and the confidence of a very considerable clientage.
N. Deyo Belknap, of Newburgh. has shown great talent in all his appearances in court and is a rising aspirant for professional honors. In an action brought by him for the construction of a will he exhibited all the qualities of a mature and experienced practitioner. His success at the bar has been immediate and pronounced.
R. H. Barnett, of Newburgh. has made a specialty of negligence actions. Like his great exemplar, John M. Gardner, he never concedes that he is beaten. He always renews the argument to the court, after being non-suited, so undauntedly that the court often reverses itself and lets the case go to the jury, before which Mr. Barnett meets with unvarying success. A jury always admires pluck and pertinacity and these qualities Mr. Barnett possesses in a marked degree.
Graham Witschief, of Newburgh, would attract attention in any assembly for the intellectual cast of his features, which clearly betoken unusual talent. This impression is at once confirmed when he addresses the court. He so excels in the power of lucid statement that by the time he has informed the court of the nature of the controversy he has already produced the effect of an argument. This faculty of seizing upon the crucial, controlling points of the case, of applying the philosophical rather than the historical method, is one of the rarest among lawyers, who usually narrate the facts in the order in which they occurred, leaving the court to pick out the essential, determining elements from a mass of more or less related matter. This gift Mr. Witschief possesses to a degree so unusual that it constitutes a large factor in the success which he has so rapidly attained. He is a rising advocate, taking his place easily among the leaders of the Orange County bar.
Benjamin McClung, of Newburgh, obtained, early in his practice, a foremost position at the bar of the county. One of his first and most notable victories, which attracted wide attention at the time, was won in a proceeding instituted by him in 1892 to require the registry board of the town of Highlands to strike from the register the names of over a hundred soldiers quartered at West Point, who claimed the right to vote in the village of Highland Falls, adjoining the Government reservation. Mr. McClung took the position that the West Point reservation is not a part of the territory of the State of New York; that upon the cession of the territory by the State the general government became invested with exclusive jurisdiction over it and that persons resident within it are not entitled to vote. Mr. McClung, notwithstanding the limited time at his disposal, upon the very eve of an exciting election, made a most exhaustive and convincing argument, collating all the authorities and relying chiefly upon the decision of the United States Supreme Court in Fort Leavenworth Railroad Company vs. Lowe, which involved the character of Government property at Fort Leavenworth. Though he was opposed by such eminent counsel as Judge Hirschberg, Walter C. Anthony and Howard Thornton, his argument was sustained by the court and the law upon the subject was finally established in this State.
His stubborn defense a few years ago of an unpopular client will be long remembered. So strong was the public sentiment against his client and so thoroughly had the court room been surcharged with this sentiment that it was impossible for Mr. McClung to prevent his client's conviction of the offense of receiving stolen property, knowing it to be stolen. But, nothing daunted, Mr. McClung procured a stay of the sentence, reversed the conviction on appeal, and on the second trial cleared his client triumphantly, the court saying that the proof for the prosecution did not make the slightest progress toward fastening guilt upon the defendant. This case affords a striking illustration of the dangers that often surround innocent men in the artificially superheated atmosphere of a court room created by an excited and credulous public opinion eager for a victim. Had it not been for Mr. McClung's steadfast, stalwart and fearless exertions in this case, in the face of much hostile criticism, an absolutely innocent man, as subsequently ascertained by the court, would have been consigned to the ignominy of a term in State prison. Mr. McClung's action in thus stemming the tide of adverse, powerful and malignant influences bent upon crushing and ruining his client cannot be overestimated. It attests his place at the Orange County bar not merely for intellectual ability but for that moral courage which constitutes the very highest attribute, the noblest equipment of the advocate.
That Mr. McClung's manly, independent and intrepid character is understood and admired by the public was strikingly shown in the fall of 1907 by his election to the office of mayor of the city of Newburgh by a majority of over five hundred votes, overcoming an adverse majority of about five hundred usually cast in that city against the candidate of his party. The people evidently believed that Mr. McClung is imbued with the idea that a municipal corporation is, in its last analysis, simply a business corporation in which each taxpayer is a stockholder, the aldermen its directors and the mayor its business manager.
Mr. McClung has already shown that this confidence in his character and aims is well founded. He may be relied upon to give the people a purely business administration unfettered by political obligations and uninfluenced by the desire to build up a personal machine or to reward a band of hungry parasites.
Henry Kohl, of Newburgh, now the partner of Mr. McClung, is also a fighter. His tastes and his sympathies incline him to espouse the weaker cause, and he is often assigned by the court to defend those who are unable to employ counsel. I remember a notable case in which he was thus assigned arising out of the killing of a motorman by the alleged criminal negligence of another motorman in causing a collision. The indictment was for manslaughter and the trolley company refused to give any assistance to the accused motorman, who languished several months in the county jail while his case was being tossed back and forth between the supreme and county courts. Mr. Kohl took hold of the case and so stoutly convinced several jurors that the fault was that of the company in not providing the motorman with proper appliances that a disagreement was secured and the motorman discharged on his own recognizance. This illustrates the quality of Mr. Kohl's work—earnest, strong, enthusiastic, courageous, loyal. Nothing dismays him. The more able and astute his opponent, the better he is satisfied, since it proportionately increases his credit in beating him, as he always expects to do, and frequently does.
Mr. Kohl is a verdict getter. His recent success in getting a verdict for $9,000 in a negligence case was a gratifying one, while he also recently secured a favorable settlement in a case against the city growing out of the fall of a tree in a high wind, causing the death of a young lady. The lawyers who start in to try a case against Henry Kohl know that in him they will find an opponent equipped at every point and with every art to sway a jury and to save his client. He has forged his way ahead until now he is in the front rank of Orange County's trial lawyers.
J. Bradley Scott, of Newburgh, is the son of that noble lawyer. David A. Scott, whose precious legacy of an honorable name is guarded well by the son, who came to the bar several years after his father's death. He has developed far more fondness for the trial of cases than his father had and has already achieved a distinct standing as a trial lawyer. His recent success before the appellate courts, in the case involving the right of a soda water establishment to refuse to furnish soda water upon request to a colored person, has attracted great attention. The case involves grave questions and far-reaching consequences. Mr. Scott's broad, powerful and convincing argument in it shows that he inherits not only the good name but also the fine intellectual, discriminating qualities of his distinguished father.
George H. Decker, of Middletown, is the dean of its trial lawyers. He is the one first asked upon every public occasion to voice its spirit, or its purpose, filling in this respect the part so often taken by Mr. Winfield, who was, by the way, until his death, always one of Mr. Decker's warmest friends and admirers.
Possessed of a highly sensitive, responsive nature, a poetic, imaginative temperament, an exquisitely nervous organization, his fibre is almost too fine for the buffetings and shocks of the court room. While his brilliant mind, his legal attainments and his oratorical powers have always been exhibited in the court room to great advantage and with marked success, yet he has often declined conflicts in which, if he had entered upon them, not he, but his opponent, would have had occasion to regret it. Mr. Decker has always placed a far more modest estimate upon his own abilities than he should have done, and a far lower estimate than that of the public, by which he is unreservedly admired and respected.
Mr. Decker's gifts as a public speaker, his scholarly tastes and his literary attainments are never shown to greater advantage than upon the lecture platform, from which he has often instructed and delighted a cultured audience. His recent series of brilliant lectures upon Edgar Allan Poe will be long remembered.
Soon after Mr. Decker's admission to the bar in 1870 he formed a partnership, under the name of McQuoid & Decker, with Henry M. McQuoid, who died a few years later. Mr. McQuoid's portrait hangs in Mr. Decker's office, but there is little else to remind us now of one who once occupied a large place in the interest and attention of the public. Mr. McQuoid was distinguished for bold, dashing, sparkling qualities as a trial lawyer. Soon after Judge Groo moved from Monticello to Middletown in 1866 he and Mr. McQuoid were opposed to each other in a trial in which Mr. McQuoid disputed all of Judge Groo's legal propositions with the prefatory remark, "That may be good law in Sullivan County but it won't go in Orange County." After Judge Groo had stood this as long as he thought he ought to, he remarked, "I want you to understand that there are just as good lawyers in Sullivan County as in Orange County." "Oh, yes," said McQuoid, "I know that, but they all stay there."
Judge Groo himself enjoyed the sally and was himself very quick at a retort. Once upon a trial in Goshen in which he was opposed by Judge George W. Greene, who at one time occupied a prominent place at the Orange County bar, subsequently living in New York, where he died, Judge Greene asked the jurors the usual question, whether any of them had ever done any business with Judge Groo, saying that if so he would excuse them, whereupon Judge Groo said. "Are there any gentlemen in the box who have ever done any business with Judge Greene; if so I would like to have them remain."
Mr. McQuoid had a wonderful memory. He could entertain his friends by the hour repeating passages from famous orations or works of poetry. His memory treasured even a fugitive poem read once in a newspaper. I recall an instance of this. One day when I was driving back with him in a buggy from Circleville, where we had tried a case against each other it was the local custom for the lawyers to drive out together for their justice's court trials, he repeated to me a poem he had seen in a newspaper written by Prime, the well known Eastern traveler, in memory of a young girl, Claude Brownrigg, who had died soon after he had told her of his travels in Palestine, as they walked the beach one night in the moonlight. I told Mr. McQuoid I would like a copy of it. So as soon as he got back to Middletown he wrote it off for me. I have preserved it these thirty years and more. Here are some of the lines:
"All this I wished as on the beach
Beside the sea I walked,
And to a young and white-robed girl,
As thus I wished I talked.
Talked of far travel, wanderings long,
And scenes in many lands,
And all the while the golden path
Led eastward from the sands.
"And she has crossed the shining path,
The path where moonbeams quiver,
And she is in Jerusalem,
Forever, yes, forever."
That lines like these should be repeated by him in coming back from a commonplace suit in justice's court shows how thirty-five years ago lawyers thought and talked of something besides law and politics, money and stock markets.
The name of the McQuoids should not be permitted to fade from the memory of the passing generation. His brother, Charles C. McQuoid, who died in 1866, attained even greater prominence at the bar. He enjoyed great personal popularity and his premature death at the age of thirty-six from typhoid fever, contracted at the home of a client, whose will he had been asked to draw, removed from the bar one of its most conspicuous figures. His popularity is shown by his success in defeating judge Gedney for district attorney by a narrow majority in 1859. He served as district attorney until 1862. Being succeeded by Abram S. Cassedy, who in 1865 was succeeded by J. Hallock Drake, another brilliant member of the Orange County bar who practiced in Newburgh for some years but who subsequently settled in New York.
Charles G. Dill, now the Nestor of the Middletown bar, studied law with Charles C. McQuoid, whose memory he holds in deep veneration. Mr. Dill at one time enjoyed the largest practice in Middletown. It is only lately that he has relaxed his devotion to business, now spending several months each year in Florida, where he has extensive interests.
Mr. Dill is the very soul of honor and integrity in all the relations of life. The kindness of his heart is often obscured by the brusqueness of his manner which sometimes gives strangers a wholly erroneous impression of a disposition singularly generous, open and buoyant. He is the precise opposite of the type represented by the traditional cow that gives a good pail of milk and then kicks it over. Mr. Dill kicks over the pail first and then proceeds to fill it with the milk of human kindness. He generally explains at the beginning how impossible it is for him to do anything for you and ends by doing more for you than you asked or expected.
Mr. Dill's miscellaneous library is the best in Orange County. He is a born, inveterate, irreclaimable bibliophile. A week that passes by without his buying some old, rare or scarce volume is to him a failure. The question of price is never considered. If he wants it he gets it and that is all there is of it. He has built several additions to his home to accommodate his treasures, but they constantly overtax its capacity. They overflow and regurgitate in a confusion that drives to despair the order fiend and the dust hunter.
Rosslyn M. Cox, who was for many years the partner of Mr. Dill and who recently has entered into partnership with Mr. Watts, is one of the most successful lawyers in Middletown. He is an expert in accountings before the surrogate and before the bankruptcy courts, but he is equally at home in a trial or in an argument before the court. The esteem in which he is held is shown by his nomination in 1906 for the office of county judge.
Associated with Mr. Cox is Elmer N. Oakes, whose abilities in the preparation of a case for trial are unique and remarkable. He is a natural mechanic, understanding with ease the most difficult adjustments, functions and forms of complicated machinery. The knowledge displayed by him in respect to the construction and operation of a locomotive boiler was an important element in the success of several actions growing out of an explosion.
After preparing the case for trial Mr. Oakes is entirely competent to try it. He has often examined and cross examined the witnesses but distrusts his own powers when it comes to summing up the case to the jury. When his modesty shall be replaced by greater assurance he will be better known for his really solid attainments and fine abilities.
Abram F. Servin will probably never overcome his timidity at the sound of his own voice in the presence of a jury, though he can furnish enough law to other lawyers to keep them busy expounding it to the courts. He has argued and won cases in the Court of Appeals but his chief victories are carried off by other lawyers who argue from the learned and exhaustive briefs prepared by him. He is an expert in the preparation of a brief for the appellate courts. He can take the printed record of a case of which he never heard and construct from it a perfectly convincing brief upon either side.
Allen W. Corwin, who occupies the position of recorder of Middletown, has displayed in the performance of his duties firmness tempered by forbearance, judgment informed by conscience, justice controlled by wisdom. His broad and humane policy in dealing with minor offenses, united to his stern and rigid enforcement of the law in serious cases, largely accounts for the almost entire freedom of Middletown from crimes of pillage and violence.
Recorder William H. Hyndman, of Newburgh, has also succeeded during the last few years in greatly reducing the number of crimes committed in and about a city which was at one time infested by bold and desperate criminals. A river town is always subject to greater danger, through its opportunities for access and escape, but Recorder Hyndman has earned the gratitude of the public for an administration of the criminal law which has resulted in a marked improvement of the conditions once prevalent in his jurisdiction.
Of course the discouragement of crime rests largely in the vigilance of the district attorney of the county. Thomas C. Rogers, of Middletown, the son of William H. Rogers, who himself could easily have attained eminence at the bar if he had so chosen, was elected to this office in 1906. He has already shown that in his hands the wise, faithful and efficient enforcement of the criminal law may be confidently depended upon. His previous administration for three years of the office of assistant district attorney was distinguished for unusual ability. He is amply qualified to uphold the traditions of an office always ably filled by such men as Fullerton and Carr, Brown and Hirschberg, Anthony and Headley, Powelson and Seeger.
J. D. Wilson, Jr., of Newburgh, who received the appointment as assistant district attorney, to serve with Mr. Rogers, is well qualified to sustain the burdens of the position, which are necessarily very considerable when it is considered that he is expected to exercise special vigilance in the entire eastern part of the county, including Newburgh itself.
Wickham T. Shaw was one of the most alert assistant district attorneys that Orange County ever had. He served in that capacity under Judge Fullerton from 1868 to 1871, trying many of the cases. His career at the bar of Middletown has afforded many opportunities for the display of his knowledge of the criminal law, gained in that association with one of the foremost lawyers of his time.
Abram V. N. Powelson never satisfied the expectations of his friends until he came to the office of district attorney in 1897, a position which he filled for seven years. They always knew that he had ability and they always regretted that his retention of the office of justice of the peace, for many years, prevented that recognition of his abilities to which they were entitled. But the opportunity to show his solid worth both as a lawyer and as a law officer came with his entrance into a wider field of county administration in which he acquitted himself with credit and distinction.
John F. Bradner, of Middletown, was also at one time closely connected with the administration of the criminal law, having been the recorder of Middletown for many years; a position in which he presided with great dignity over many important and exciting trials. Mr. Bradner is an advocate who enters upon a trial with all the ardor and enthusiasm born of absolute conviction in the justice of his cause, and he never fails to make a strong impression upon a jury.
John L. Wiggins, of Middletown, son-in-law of Judge Groo and brother of Willis H. Wiggins, an eminent member of the Ohio judiciary, is distinguished for the earnestness, energy and enthusiasm with which he espouses every cause committed to him. He is original and resourceful. In an action brought once against his client for a violation of the law in respect of adulterated milk, Mr. Wiggins gravely argued to the jury that in his judgment the law was unconstitutional. As the facts were clearly against his client, the judge did not take the trouble to interrupt him, but was astonished when the jury rendered a verdict in favor of Mr. Wiggins' client, based wholly upon the constitutional argument.
The next day Mr. O'Neill, encouraged by Mr. Wiggins' tactics, entered upon the same line of defense, but Judge Gaynor admonished by the miscarriage of the day before, promptly suppressed it, and Mr. O'Neill's client was convicted.
Alton J. Vail, of Middletown, is a lawyer whose modesty often conceals his merits, which, however, are well known to his clients. Mr. Vail has for many years transacted the business of the Middletown Savings Bank. He is an authority upon titles and upon all questions involving the law of real estate, his opinion upon these and kindred questions having frequently been sustained by the courts. Wide experience, sound judgment, conservative instincts, elevated character, absolute probity and intense loyalty in friendship unite in Alton J. Vail, the able lawyer, the honorable man, the upright citizen.
A. C. N. Thompson, of Middletown, who is in partnership with Mr. Dill, has abundant inspiration in his name. He is the son of John A. Thompson, once a prominent lawyer of Monticello who, on account of his admiration for one of the greatest lawyers of his day named him after Archibald C. Niven.
Mr. Thompson has already shown one quality conspicuous in his distinguished godfather—that of capacity for hard work. His energy and self-denial in preparing himself for the bar while engaged in the exacting duties of another calling, give promise of abundant success in the career now opening before him.
Charles T. Vail, who entered upon a career of high promise at the bar was cut down upon its threshold. No lawyer in Middletown ever had the faculty of winning friends as easily as he. His sunny disposition, affectionate nature and engaging manners won for him a host of admirers, adherents and clients. Undimmed affection in many hearts still sheds a tear over the untimely grave of Charlie Vail.
Dewitt Van Zandt, of the Middletown bar, was the son of that gifted divine, Dr. Van Zandt, so long the beloved pastor of the brick church at Montgomery. Coming to Middletown fresh from college, his sparkling wit and ready repartee endeared him to a large circle of admiring friends. But soon he was overtaken by broken health, which paralyzed his energies and crumbled his ambitions. Through all the experiences of a life that failed to fulfill its early promise, he maintained the instincts, the manners and the bearing of the true gentleman. He never lost the sweetness, serenity and gentleness of his disposition, or the high standard of personal honor inherited from his revered father. Fond meditation still tenderly dwells upon the fadeless memory of DeWitt Van Zandt.
John G. Mills, of the Goshen bar, removed to Washington, where he died in April, 1883. While necessity chained him to the law inclination led him along the flowery paths of literature, his talents and accomplishments brought him into relations with the great and the gifted, one of his dearest friends being Robert G. Ingersoll, who pronounced the oration at his funeral. Mr. Ingersoll said:
"My friends: Again we are face to face with the great mystery that shrouds the world. We question, but there is no reply. Out on the wide waste seas there drifts no spar. Over the desert of death the sphinx gazes forever, but never speaks.
"In the very May of life another heart has ceased to beat. Night has fallen upon noon. But he lived, he loved, he was loved. Wife and children pressed their kisses on his lips. This is enough. The longest life contains no more. This fills the vase of joy.
"He who lies here, clothed with the perfect peace of death, was a kind and loving husband, a good father, a generous neighbor, an honest man,—and these words build a monument of glory above the humblest grave. He was always a child, sincere and frank, as full of hope as spring. He divided all time into to-day and to-morrow. To-morrow was without a cloud and of to-morrow he borrowed sunshine for to-day. He was my friend. He will remain so. The living oft become estranged; the dead are true. . . .
"With him immortality was the eternal consequences of his own acts. He believed that every pure thought, every disinterested deed, hastens the harvest of universal good. This is a religion that enriches poverty; that enables us to bear the sorrows of the saddest life; that peoples even solitude with happy millions yet to live,—a religion born not of selfishness and fear, but of love, of gratitude and hope,—a religion that digs wells to slake the thirst of others, and gladly bears the burdens of the unborn.
"But in the presence of death how beliefs and dogmas wither and decay! How loving words and deeds burst into blossom! Pluck from the tree of any life these flowers, and there remain but the barren thorns of bigotry and creed.
"All wish for happiness beyond this life. All hope to meet again the loved and lost. In every heart there grows this sacred flower. Immortality is a word that Hope through all the ages has been whispering to Love. The miracle of thought we cannot comprehend. The mystery of life and death we cannot comprehend. This chaos called the world has never been explained. The golden bridge of life from gloom emerges and on shadow rests. Beyond this we do not know. Fate is speechless, destiny is dumb, and the secret of the future has never yet been told. We love; we wait; we hope. The more we love, the more we fear. Upon the tenderest heart the deepest shadows fall. All paths, whether filled with thorns or flowers, end here. Here success and failure are the same. The rag of wretchedness and the purple robe of power all difference and distinction lose in the democracy of death. Character survives; goodness lives; love is immortal."
Harrison W. Nanny, of Goshen, had a pathetic career. Possessed of unusual talent and capacity he was handicapped in the practice of his profession by an accident which paralyzed his energies, embittered his solitary life and pressed to his rebellious lips the chalice of mocking irony.
But while he was not resigned he was courageous. Some of the work which he performed in suffering and illness is marked by a high degree of intellectual power. Only his misfortunes prevented his attaining prominence at the bar.
No one has a deeper affection for the memory of Mr. Nanny than his old friend and partner, Charles L. Mead, who now lives in retirement from the activities of his profession at his home in Middletown. Mr. Mead has the unprecedented record of having served three terms in succession as county treasurer—a striking proof of his influence, his popularity and his qualifications for public office. During his entire period of service not one of his political acts was ever questioned and he surrendered the office crowned with the respect and confidence of the public.
Bradford R. Champion, of the Goshen bar, was a contemporary of Winfield and Gedney. While his talents were not brilliant or showy he still possessed those solid, sterling qualities of mind and heart which impart strength and vigor to individual character; which inspire confidence in the community at large; which uphold the very structure of society; which confer blessings upon every relation in life and which bring peace and honor, repose and happiness to their possessor.
The recent death of William H. Wyker removed one who, while not prominent in the trial courts, possessed many endearing traits of character and occupied a large place in the social and civil life of Goshen. He was also in great favor and request as a speaker in political campaigns. He could have taken his place among the trial lawyers of the county, had he so chosen, but, he, too, suffered under the disadvantage of having accepted the office of justice of the peace—that abyss in which talent has so often found its unmarked grave.
The late Benjamin F. Low, of the Middletown bar, was one of the most genial spirits ever drawn into social relations with his fellow-men. He fairly oozed companionship and good fellowship. He was also a good lawyer, coming from a family of which Senator Henry A. Low, his brother, was the most able and conspicuous member.
He had some notable successes at the bar. In the case of Josie Teets against the city of Middletown he obtained a verdict for considerably more than he would have got if it had not been for the mistake of his opponent in the cross-examination of the plaintiff's physician. Dr. William H. Dorrance, who, on the direct, had testified to only moderate injuries to his patient as the result of her being thrown over the dashboard on account of an obstruction in the street. But he became nettled by the cross-examination and when he was finally asked: "Now, doctor, tell me just what is the matter with this young lady," he replied: "Why, Mr. O'Neill, there is not one organ or function of that woman's body that works healthfully or naturally."
This brought up the verdict from $1,000, all that Mr. Low expected to get, to $3,000. It was a lesson to all who heard it as to the danger of giving a hostile witness too good an opening. As a matter of fact, the woman is still living in vigorous health.
Louis S. Sterrit, of Newburgh, who died in April, 1907, left a void in the hearts of a large and intimate circle. He enjoyed an extensive clientage and the confidence of the entire community. He was the attorney of that old, strong and conservative institution, the Newburgh Savings Bank, and of many other institutions and societies. His dignified presence, his affable manners, his substantial worth, his sincerely religious character, his mental poise combined to produce an impression upon the community which the corrosion of time will, with difficulty, efface.
Mr. Sterrit was eminently public-spirited. In 1904 he erected at the entrance of Woodlawn Cemetery, New Windsor, two very fine gates. He also placed in the Union Presbyterian church of Newburgh a tablet in memory of the late Rev. Alexander B. Jack, one of its pastors.
His generosity was unbounded. No client, however poor or humble, ever failed of help or counsel because he lacked a fee.
The death in 1906 of Lewis W. Y. McCroskery, of the Newburgh bar, created a general feeling of sorrow and a distinct sense of personal loss. He had filled many offices which brought him into individual relations with the entire community, and it is safe to assert that he had not a single enemy. His appointment as postmaster by President Cleveland was filled with credit to himself and usefulness to the public service. His professional career was interrupted by this service, but when he resumed his practice at the expiration of his term his clients gathered about him again, for they and the bar alike always appreciated deeply his amiable disposition, his spotless character, his solid ability.
Joseph M. Leeper, of the Newburgh bar, also passed away in 1906. A veteran of the Civil War his health did not permit him to engage in active practice, but he took an honorable pride in his membership of a profession which he never did one act to discredit.
The mention of Mr. Leeper suggests the name of one who should not be suffered to fall into oblivion, for it was one of the strongest passions of his own life to perpetuate the memory of the leaders of the Orange County bar, by which he was especially deputed to prepare and publish the memorial to Mr. Winfield. No one will dissent from a passing tribute to the generous instincts and throbbing heart of John K. Goldsmith.
Henry W. Chadeayne, elected in 1906 supervisor of the town of Cornwall, but practicing in Newburgh, stands out as one of the few men who always says what he thinks. You can always tell where to find him, and that is just where he says he is. You do not have to go to any one else to learn where he stands. Just ask him and you will know. He has no patience with trimmers and time-servers. He always takes the most straight road possible to any given end.
This rugged intellectual honesty constitutes a positive force and a sterling asset. The public service and the legal profession have no purer representative than Henry W. Chadeayne.
Among the members of the Newburgh bar who have risen rapidly to prominence is James G. Graham, the son of the gifted lawyer already referred to, whose full name he bears. Mr. Graham, after four years' experience in public affairs at Albany, in the executive chamber, accepted the office of deputy attorney-general, which he held two years. This position, which has always been a most exacting one, involving the trial and argument of cases of great magnitude, was filled by Mr. Graham with marked ability and to the entire satisfaction of the public. It was during his incumbency of this position that Mr. Graham was chiefly instrumental in bringing about the creation of the new ninth judicial district—a service for which the Orange County bar can never be sufficiently grateful to him. It is to his untiring and influential exertions that we are chiefly indebted for the creation of a natural, homogeneous judicial district, free from the blight and incubus of Kings County—a district in which the accession to the bench of Judges Mills, Tompkins and Morschauser insures the preservation of those standards of judicial dignity, decorum, deliberation and, above all, consideration for the rights and feelings of the bar, which have been so nobly maintained by their distinguished colleague, Judge Keogh.
The Newburgh bar has many members of varying degrees of prominence and experience, including the venerable Jesse F. Shafer, who was born in 1828; Samuel E. Dimmick, who comes from a family of able lawyers; Seward U. Round, who worthily bears the famous name bestowed upon him at the time his father was principal of the Seward Institute at Florida; Caleb H. Baumes, who is idolized by his brethren of the Odd Fellows; Peter Cantline, aggressive, ambitious and rising, destined to take his place among the foremost members of the Orange County bar; James M. H. Wallace, earnest, forcible, unflinching, indefatigable and intellectual; Charles W. U. Sneed, modest, interesting and well informed; David C. Scott, patient, devoted and industrious; Leroy Dickerson, engaging and efficient; John B. Corwin, the fit successor of Louis S. Sterrit as attorney for the Newburgh Savings Bank and, like him, retiring and reserved until the occasion calls for action, when he is eloquent, convincing and powerful; Frank W. Tompkins, popular and respected; George W. May, refined and gentlemanly; Martin G. Mould, courteous and affable; W. J. Wygant, unassuming and competent; Reeve Ketcham, faithful and energetic; Reuben H. Hilton, U. S. Collector of the Port of Newburgh; Russell S. Coutant, accomplished and scholarly; Nehemiah Fowler, solid and dignified; A. D. and A. W. Lent, father and son, educated, amiable and conscientious.
The Walden bar is adorned by the ardent, impulsive, enthusiastic, brilliant A. S. Embler; by the earnest, thoughtful, learned Irving H. Loughran; by the bustling, energetic, ambitious Anson J. Fowler, and by the fine natural abilities of Caleb B. Birch, Jr.
Joseph M. Wilkin, of the Montgomery bar, bears an honored name—that of his father, who for several years occupied a prominent position at the bar of Tennessee, returning to Orange County at the opening of the war on account of his pronounced Union sentiments. He was the brother of Judge John G. Wilkin, already referred to, and the two had many traits of character in common derived from their sterling ancestry. It is not strange that the younger Joseph M. Wilkin should exhibit in his present administration of the duties of special surrogate the qualities which have always distinguished the members of his famous and honorable family.
The bar of Montgomery is also strengthened by the high character and unquestioned capacity of William L. Dickerson. But Montgomery has ceased to be the center of legal interest which it was in the days when Edward Van Orsdall organized a suit there at least once a week and where he and that once well known member of the Goshen bar, George W. Millspaugh, frequently tried out the issues before a jury packed to beat one or the other.
The Middletown bar includes, among its well known members, Henry T. Crist, whose personal popularity led to his election as coroner; Russell M. Vernon, who has acquired a large practice in the Surrogate's Court; Howard M. Starr, who is performing the duties of justice of the peace; John Bright, whose alertness, readiness and general information predestines him to an active career; Jeremiah E. Barnes, who served most acceptably for several years as the recorder of the city of Middletown; and Charles C. Elston, who has manfully overcome many difficulties in establishing and maintaining his position at the bar.
The Goshen bar includes among its honored members Charles W. Coleman, who notwithstanding that he is a martyr to ill health and is compelled to spend the winters in Florida, retains the confidence and business of a host of personal friends; also William D. Mills, who has learning enough to equip a dozen lawyers for successful practice.
Louis Bedell, of the Goshen bar, secured at Albany in the Assembly a more powerful personal influence than any member from his district ever enjoyed, with the exception of his former partner, George W. Greene. This was, of course, partly due to the wisdom of the electors in keeping him there. But Mr. Bedell's many qualifications for success in public life accounted in a large degree for the extent of his influence. A lawyer is always needed in either the Assembly or the Senate and no amount of good fellowship or general intelligence can make up for the lack of legal training and experience.
Joseph Merritt, of Goshen, whose diffidence prevents his coming into prominence before the public is, however, unable to conceal from his professional brethren his very superior legal attainments. He is a lawyer of the very first rank. His opinion is respected and followed in many instances in which the court is unaware that it is he who has guided it to a correct conclusion.
Philip A. Rorty, of the Goshen bar, has gone rapidly to the front. The wide experience gained by him in the extensive business established by the firm of Bacon & Merritt, in which he is a partner, has been used by him to great advantage. He is entrusted with the preparation of important cases, in the trial of which also he takes a considerable and highly creditable part. He is an expert in railroad law and in the law of negligence.
T. Floyd Halstead, of Goshen, is the son of one of the most warmhearted, noble, honorable men who ever lived—the late John R. Halstead of Unionville. If he will but emulate in private and professional life the virtues of his most estimable father he will be sure to continue and confirm the success which has already in a large measure attended upon him.
J. V. D. Benedict, of Warwick, represented his district in the Assembly in the year 1877. His suavity of manner and moderation of speech are the sincere reflection of a kind, generous and affectionate nature.
His interest in various pursuits has interfered with the singleness of his devotion to the law, but his opinion upon difficult questions has often been sought and followed with the most satisfactory results to himself and to his clients.
Clifford S. Beattie, of Warwick, who is associated in business with his father, Judge Beattie, settled in his old home after a most valuable and enlightening experience as one of the legal staff of the Metropolitan Railway system in New York. He possesses an individuality, an independence and a strength of character which prevent his being overshadowed by the great reputation of his father. But if he did not have these qualities he would not be a Beattie.
Lewis J. Stage, of Warwick, who is associated in business with Mr. Kane, under the name of Kane & Stage, had the good sense to voluntarily resign the office of justice of the peace—that grave of professional ambition; that rock upon which so many a professional career has foundered. Since then he has made strides in reputation and influence.
Mr. Stage has always taken an active part in the educational, philanthropic, historical and religious interests of the community. His sincerity in this is manifest and unquestioned. He is free from all forms of cant and pretense, sham and affectation.
John Miller, of Cornwall-on-Hudson, whose memory goes back to the days of McKissock, is a veritable encyclopedia of the law; a storehouse of principles and authorities; a reservoir of unlimited capacity; a fountain of perennial flow. If he had been as able to apply, discriminate and assimilate as he has been to accumulate stores of knowledge his abilities would undoubtedly have been more widely recognized.
Thomas S. Hulse, of Westtown, has long enjoyed the advantage of being the only lawyer in town. He is often consulted upon the controversies arising in it and his influence is always for peace rather than strife, for settlement rather than litigation. His solid worth of character commands for him universal and unchallenged respect.
Frank R. Gump, of Highland Falls, signalized his entrance into practice at the Orange County Bar by bringing the unusual action of a man against a woman for her breach of promise in refusing to marry him. He has been the attorney for some most important interests involved in actions brought to determine priority of water rights. The ability shown by him in the management of these cases and especially in the examination and cross-examination of the witnesses in several trials has given him a recognized position at the bar of the county.
Frank Lybolt, of Port Jervis, who filled most competently a term of office as special county judge, has tried some cases in the Supreme Court with an intelligence, earnestness and spirit which attracted the attention of his professional brethren.
Wilton Bennet, of Port Jervis, has given special attention to the trial of criminal cases in which his zeal, earnestness, boldness and eloquence have given to him many professional victories and to his clients many occasions for profound and lasting gratitude.
William P. Gregg, of the Port Jervis bar, has, by his straightforward and manly character, impressed himself most favorably upon the community, this ability as a lawyer received deserved recognition in January, 1907, when he was appointed the tax appraiser of Orange County.
Henry B. Fullerton, of Port Jervis, greatly resembles in character and ability his relative, Daniel Fullerton, who, though he did not attain the eminence of his brothers, William and Stephen W. Fullerton, possessed more original gifts and natural eloquence than either of them.
The Port Jervis bar is also enriched by the fine character and sterling abilities of Alfred Marvin and R. Edward Schofield.
William A. Parshall, of Port Jervis, who was at one time associated with Mr. Carr in the protection of the interests of the Erie Railroad Company, has won the respect of the community and of his professional brethren by the high-minded, honorable, sincere and manly course which he has always pursued in every walk of life, private, public and professional.
His splendid vote in the autumn of 1907 for the office of surrogate attests the popular esteem in which he is held.
John B. Swezey, his successful competitor, entered upon the duties of the office of surrogate in January, 1908.
He was for many years the attorney for the Middletown State Hospital and he has occupied many other positions of responsibility, the duties of which he has always discharged with fidelity and ability. His service as special surrogate brought the bar of the county into close acquaintance with his superior judicial qualifications and prepared it to expect his elevation to still higher judicial station.
Orange County has always been fortunate in its surrogates and the friends of Judge Swezey confidently expect him to maintain unsullied the traditions and the standards set by such predecessors as Scott and Coleman, Wadsworth and Howell.
Obadiah P. Howell retired from the office of surrogate on the first of January, 1908, after an incumbency of twelve years, with the profound respect of the bar and of the public for both his character and his attainments. Judge Howell possesses an evenly balanced, well poised character which admirably fitted him for the duties of this position.
His abilities as a lawyer were also brought into constant requisition during his terms of office on account of the many new questions which arose under the operation of the transfer tax statutes. These questions were disposed of by him with rigid impartiality, zealous regard for every interest represented, and deep anxiety to arrive at a just and sound conclusion. His careful discrimination in applying the principles of law involved has resulted in a body of decisions which command the respect of both the bar and the judiciary.
Judge Howell was always most conservative. Such was his veneration for the last wishes of a dying testator that if he ever felt it his duty to set aside a will, the fact is not generally known. He gave no encouragement to those frivolous and often merely speculative or intimidating contests which have done so much to bring probate administration into reproach in many jurisdictions.
Judge Howell always exhibited one characteristic which commands special commendation. He never tolerated the merely perfunctory performance of their duties by guardians appointed to represent the interests of minors or incompetents. He exacted the most careful investigation of their rights to the end that they should be fully protected and he so exercised his authority in making appointments as to insure this result. His administration will go down to history as one of the purest and ablest in the annals of the county.
Roswell C. Coleman, who preceded Judge Howell in the office of surrogate, occupying it for twelve years (1883-1895), entered upon his duties with peculiar qualifications for their successful discharge. His professional bent had always been in the direction of practice in the Surrogate's Court and of interest in all the questions arising in the construction of wills. Moreover he began his practice with the senior Joseph W. Gott, an association from which he could not fail to derive benefit as well as pleasure.
His eminently judicial temperament was early recognized by the judges and by his associates with the result that, in the days when references were far more common than they are now, owing to the inadequacy of the judicial force and the necessity for auxiliary requisitions upon the profession, Mr. Coleman was constantly designated by the court and by consent of counsel to serve in important references. His absolute fairness, his love of justice, his freedom from influence and his unerring judgment made him the favorite referee in the county during that entire period of imperfect judicial service which was supplemented in him by an ability fully equal to that of the judge appointing him. I remember an occasion when judge Barnard, in announcing the selection of Mr. Coleman as referee, remarked to the attorney, "Don't let him get after you with his gun," referring to his well-known experience in 1875 as a member of the first American rifle team that ever went abroad, Mr. Coleman returning with several prizes for his skillful marksmanship.
Mr. Coleman's tenure of the office of surrogate was distinguished for the display of those high judicial qualities with which the entire bar had become acquainted in his frequent exercise of them as referee. Indeed, so great was the respect in which they were held that in many contests involving large interests, the parties acquiesced in his decision as final, the defeated party taking no appeal. This was notably the case in the matter of the will of John S. Sammons, in which all his property was given to a church upon the condition that it should care perpetually for his tomb. The church took no appeal from the decision of Surrogate Coleman refusing to admit the will to probate. The opinion of the surrogate is a masterly review of the law of insane delusions as affecting testamentary capacity, pointing out that a will may often be upheld notwithstanding the presence of insane delusions when those delusions do not tend to produce the will. But in this case the will was rejected because the delusion under which the testator labored did govern him in the disposition of his property, he having formed the delusion that his body was to be preserved to the end of time and having given his property to the church to secure the protection of his tomb from disturbance. The opinion contains a very subtle, acute and interesting discussion of other delusions cherished by the testator which would not in themselves have invalidated the will, but which are considered as bearing upon the liability of the testator to form a delusion by which he was controlled in the disposition of his property.
Although the case attracted great attention, the opinion of the surrogate never was reported. For this reason it is especially appropriate that a partial report of it should be preserved in this all too perishable record. The case constitutes, also, one of the notable legal victories of Henry W. Wiggins, who appeared for the contestants.
Mr. Coleman since his retirement from the bench has been honored with many marks of continued confidence in his judicial qualifications. No lawyer now living commands greater respect for the simplicity of his life, the purity of his character, the force of his example, the vigor of his manhood, the solidity of his attainments and the genuineness of his learning than does Roswell C. Coleman.
Henry A. Wadsworth, who preceded Mr. Coleman in twelve years' incumbency of the office of surrogate, brought to its duties a large fund of practical knowledge, common sense and capacity for affairs. His legal attainments were ample and he was deeply anxious in every case to arrive at a sound and just decision. His place in the affections of the bar was accurately as well as touchingly set forth in the memorial address of Judge Hirschberg, in which he said:
"The sweetness and gentleness of his nature, his genial and frank spirit, the generous impulses of his heart, and the broad and engaging charity of his views are known best to the favored few who rejoiced in his intimate companionship. His hand was open as the day to melting charity. His dealings were ever plain, straightforward and direct. He despised all shams and affectations. To his friends he was the very soul of unselfish loyalty, and to the party which honored both him and itself in his elevation, and in whose counsels he was ever a trusted leader, he rendered always a manly and unfaltering allegiance. A loving husband, an affectionate and indulgent father, a wise, honest and safe adviser, an unstained lawyer, an incorruptible judge, and a loyal friend are buried in his grave. And if amid the good of his great nature there was mingled any blemish or alloy of human fault or folly, let us to whom his name is now but a sweet and tender memory:
"'No further seek his merits to disclose
Nor draw his frailties from their dread abode,
(There they alike in trembling hope repose)
The bosom of his Father and his God.'"
Gilbert O. Hulse, who preceded Mr. Wadsworth in the office of surrogate, still survives at the age of eighty-four to relate his reminiscences of the bench and bar of a previous generation. Before coming to this office in 1868 he had enjoyed a large professional experience which fully qualified him for his duties. He was engaged in many notable cases, in one of which, attracting great attention at the time, he established a lost will many years after it had been wrongfully destroyed and secured the property till then denied to its rightful owners, his clients. Much of his professional life has been passed in the city of New York but he retains his residence in Orange County, in which he was born in 1824, and with which his ancestors had been identified since 1775.
The early part of the last century was marked by the rise in Orange County of an able and progressive bar, whose courage and public spirit contributed to keep alive the fires of exalted patriotism. Jonathan Fisk, who removed to Newburgh in 1800, became one of the most influential citizens of the county, being elected twice to congress and being appointed twice United States attorney for the Southern District of New York.
Henry G. Wisner, who was admitted in 1802, settled in Goshen in 1810, where for thirty years he stood forth as its most prominent citizen, its most active philanthropist and one of its foremost lawyers.
Walter Case, who also was admitted in 1802, settled in Newburgh, serving in Congress and becoming the surrogate of the county in 1823 for a term of four years. His scholarly tastes and literary gifts still find inherited expression through the cultured mind of his descendant, Walter Case Anthony.
David W. Bate and Thomas McKissock, who were associated under the name of Bate & McKissock, were strong and able men, exercising a wide and potent influence. Judge Bate was elected county judge in 1847. Judge McKissock was appointed supreme court judge to serve for a few months and was elected to Congress in 1849.
William C. Hasbrouck, who studied with Mr. Wisner, was admitted in 1826 and began his practice in Newburgh. where he resided until his death. He was speaker of the Assembly in 1847 and attracted attention and admiration abroad as well as at home by a courtly presence and charming address, united to robust manhood and sturdy principles. He enjoyed the personal friendship of many prominent men of every shade of opinion, including Sam Houston, Andrew Jackson and William H. Seward. He died in 1870.
Benjamin F. Duryea filled a large place in the life of the county. Admitted in 1839, he became surrogate in 1847 and county judge in 1855. His opinion upon any state of facts submitted to him was regarded by his associates of the bar as conclusive upon the questions of law involved. His son, Henry C. Duryea, whose career was marred by precarious health, survived him until 1906.
Of all the able lawyers who have kept bright the fame of the Goshen bar, perhaps no one ever exhibited greater force of character or made a deeper impression upon his fellow citizens than Samuel J. Wilkin, who was admitted to the bar in 1815 and who practiced in Goshen from that time until his death in 1866. He served with distinction in Congress and in the Senate of the State. His fiery eloquence, commanding presence and lofty character live in traditions that will long preserve his name from indifference or his memory from neglect. His daughter Sara became the wife of ex-Surrogate Roswell C. Coleman. His father, General James W. Wilkin, was also a distinguished man, serving in the Senate, Assembly and Congress, and coming within one vote of being elected to the United States Senate.
Oliver Young rose to conspicuous influence and weight in Port Jervis soon after his removal there in 1849. He lived during the period of political unrest which soon afterwards set in, and he was the foremost champion of anti-slavery principles in the county at a time when his sentiments were highly unpopular. He survived to see the once decried abolitionists acclaimed by the arbitrament of war and the verdict of history the most advanced statesmen of their century. He died in 1871.
This brings our narrative to the point of time from which the direct connection of the Orange County bar with the events of that stirring period and with the subsequent history of the county has been traced.
When it is considered that, in the sixty years preceding the publication of Eager's History of Orange County in 1847, no less than one hundred and seventy-five lawyers were admitted to practice in Orange County, their names appearing in the appendix to that volume; and that, in the sixty years now elapsed since its publication, fully as many more have been added to the number, it will readily be seen how impossible it is to undertake, in one department of a general county history, a sketch of many, among the living and the dead, whose estimable career it would be a pleasure to follow and depict. The purpose of this review and the treatment of its themes are entirely different from the plan and method adopted in Ruttenber's History of Orange County published in 1881, to which the reader is referred for such dates as may not be accessible here in respect to some of the lawyers who nourished before that time; while to Eager's history is referred the reader who may seek simply the names of those who were admitted to practice before 1847.
The bar of Orange County has also contributed to wider fields of activity many who have reflected high honor upon the place of their professional nativity. One of these was Benjamin F. Dunning, who, when he was in practice in Goshen in 1853, was invited by the leader of the New York bar, Charles O'Conor, to become associated with him. That veteran of the Orange County clerk's office, Charles G. Elliot, who has seen three generations of lawyers come upon the scene, told me that he was in the clerk's office when Mr. Dunning received the letter from Mr. O'Conor containing this proposition and saw him show it to Nathan Westcott, then a leading lawyer of the county and once its district attorney, whose brilliant career was interrupted by paralysis resulting from a fall from a wagon. Mr. Westcott handed the letter back to Mr. Dunning with the remark that Mr. Dunning would never live to receive a higher honor than this evidence of Mr. O'Conor's admiration and confidence. This confidence was abundantly justified in the long years of Mr. Dunning's association with Mr. O'Conor, which continued until Mr. O'Conor retired from practice.
William Fullerton also was invited by Charles O'Conor to New York, where he soon established a reputation as the most superb cross-examiner of his generation and as an advocate of remarkable gifts. He retained until his death his residence in Newburgh, where he had originally been associated in practice with James W. Fowler, whose honorable service as the surrogate of Orange County from 1851 to 1855 is still remembered.
John Duer, after several years of practice in Goshen, went in 1820 to New York, where he became a justice of the Superior Court and the author of several Valuable textbooks. His fame is preserved in his writings, though these give no conception of the effect of his noble presence and impassioned oratory.
Of course, the reputation which towers above that of any man ever born in Orange County is that of William H. Seward, who studied law in Goshen with John Duer and Ogden Hoffman. This is not because he was a greater lawyer than either of his preceptors but because his career as a United States senator in the period of excitement before the Civil War, his valuable services as Secretary of State in the crisis of our national life and his farseeing statesmanship in acquiring the territory of Alaska, have written his name large upon the roll of everlasting fame.
Ogden Hoffman, indeed, excelled him in all the attributes of a great lawyer. Admitted to the bar in 1818 and elected district attorney of Orange County in 1823, his transcendent abilities soon drew him to New York, where he transfixed the wondering gaze of its brilliant bar, which welcomed into its firmament this star of first magnitude. Benjamin D. Silliman, one of its leaders, in an address made in 1889, thus refers to him: "the fascinating Ogden Hoffman, the Erskine of our bar, at which he became powerful and eminent and captivated all by his art and his wonderful eloquence; his voice was music from the note of a lute to the blast of a bugle." Luther R. Marsh, when opposed to him once upon a trial, sought to forestall the dreaded effect of the speech in which Hoffman was to follow by describing him as one who "could rise upon the heaving exigencies of the moment, and at whose bidding instant creations and mighty embodying of thought and argument, sublime conceptions, glowing analogies and living imagery burst as by miracle from the deep of mind in overshadowing forms of majesty and power."
George Clinton and his nephew, DeWitt Clinton, are claimed by Ulster County, because New Windsor, the town in which they were born was, at the time, a part of Ulster County, it not having been set off to Orange County until 1799. But their fame has passed beyond the trivial rivalries of county pride. It belongs to the State and to the Nation. George Clinton died in 1812, vice-president of the United States. DeWitt Clinton died in 1828, governor of the State of New York.
In our own time, too. Orange County has contributed to the bar of the State many distinguished ornaments. The brilliant career of Lewis E. Carr, once its district attorney, but now a member of the Albany bar, has already been outlined.
George W. McElroy is a member of the Orange County bar, now representing it at Albany, of which the bar is particularly proud. In the intervals of his official duties in the Transfer Tax Bureau he prepared a work upon the transfer tax law which affords abundant evidence of his industry, research and learning.
Mr. McElroy's service as special surrogate of the county at the time that he resided in Warwick, was distinguished for some opinions which showed his marked qualifications for judicial station. He wrote an opinion in a case involving the question whether the statute of limitations runs in favor of an administrator, in which the doctrine maintained by him was not generally accepted by the courts; but later the courts adopted and enforced the view which he, at one time, was almost alone in asserting.
Mr. McElroy is assured of a warm welcome from his brethren of the Orange County bar when he is ready to exchange the weary, dreary, depressing treadmill of department officialism for the pleasant, refreshing, verdured paths of general practice.
John B. Kerr, of the Newburgh bar, is another lawyer of whom Orange County is indeed proud, though he has now been separated for some years from its personal associations and activities, having accepted the position of general counsel for the New York, Ontario & Western Railroad Company. In this responsible position he finds unusual opportunity to exercise and develop those qualities of sound judgment, rare foresight, steady poise and intellectual grasp in which he so excels and of which his early career at the bar gave abundant promise.
Thomas P. Fowler, whose home is in Warwick, and who was at one time a member of the firm led by his distinguished father-in-law, Benjamin F. Dunning, has acquired a position in the railroad and financial world which reconciles him to his withdrawal from the activities of his profession. The masterly ability shown by him in making the New York, Ontario & Western Railroad Company one of the most important and valuable railroad properties of the country has given him national prominence and reputation.
John M. Gardner, formerly of the Newburgh bar, settled in New York, where his chief reputation has been gained in actions against corporations. He is a recognized authority in the law of negligence, having won many important cases and having edited for some years a series of reports specially devoted to cases of negligence. Mr. Gardner was born in Warwick, to which lovely spot he frequently returns. His career in Newburgh was distinguished by the same qualities which have commanded success in a broader field. His fine presence, unfailing resources, entire self-possession, tireless energy, dauntless courage and impressive delivery combine to make him one of the most formidable trial lawyers of the State.
Amos Van Etten, who began his practice in Port Jervis, removed to Kingston, where he very soon established his title to recognition as one of the leaders of the Ulster County bar, a position which he now holds by general acknowledgment of both the bar and the public.
Mr. Van Etten, as the attorney for the New York Central Railroad, and of other public service corporations, has been compelled to give his chief attention to railroad and negligence law, though he commands also a wide general practice. His success has been emphatic, pronounced and permanent.
William H. Stoddard, formerly of the Middletown bar, has become a prominent member of the Buffalo bar. He is original, independent and entertaining in his addresses to juries, while his conversation is full of wit, sally and anecdote.
One day there came to his office on old client whose wife had just left him to take up her abode with another man. His client was in deep dejection and wanted comfort. This is the way "Stod"—as he was familiarly called by his friends—gave it to him. He said: "Cheer up, John, brace up; why, there are a dozen men in Middletown who would be glad to be in your shoes to-day."
Referring once to the wife of a friend, who was known to be a termagant, he said: "She's the most even-tempered woman I ever knew—always mad."
This faculty of bold, rapid characterization has always prevented him from being dull either in his speeches or in social life. He is nothing if not interesting. His rare qualities of mind and heart endeared him to a large Orange County circle, which still affectionately remembers him.
William S. Bennett, formerly of the Port Jervis bar, removed to New York, where his career has been one of uninterrupted prosperity and promotion. He is now representing his district in Congress, where he has already achieved distinction in that most difficult of all places in which to compel immediate recognition.
His abilities have been so conspicuous and the esteem of his colleagues has been so unmistakably manifested that the attention of the entire country has been fixed upon this still cherished son of Orange County.
Not only has Orange County sent forth many lawyers whose names have become famous throughout the world, but Orange County is the Mecca to which many of the country's ablest lawyers repair to spend their declining years, attracted by its beauty and invigorated by its atmosphere. Benjamin F. Tracy, once secretary of the navy and long one of the leading advocates of the bar of Brooklyn and New York, now spends much of his time upon his beloved farm near Goshen. General Henry L. Burnett, prominent in Ohio and New York, whose life of high adventure and brilliant achievement possesses all the interest of romance, also finds upon his Goshen estate the leisure in which to charm a choice circle of friends old and new with reminiscences of the famous men with whom he has been associated on equal terms and of the stirring scenes in which he has so honorably and conspicuously mingled.
Orange County, which has in days gone by attracted to itself the sensitive poet, Nathaniel P. Willis, the scholarly historian, Joel T. Headley, the gifted lawyer, Luther R. Marsh, and the still vigorous publicist, John Bigelow, will never cease to have a charm for the retired veteran of letters and the law. It should never cease to interest also the active and alert practitioner who, on its rugged hills and in its peaceful valleys and by its murmuring streams and from its bracing atmosphere can draw vitality, inspiration and delight—strength for the duties of each succeeding hour as he seeks to emulate the lofty virtues and resplendent talents of those whose eyes, like his, once wandered with rapture over its entrancing prospects.
NOTE BY THE EDITOR.
The Editor deeply regrets that since the modesty of the author has forbidden any reference to himself this review of the period in which Mr. Vanamee himself has borne so honorable and conspicuous a part contains no description of his own brilliant career as an advocate. But though it is thus unavoidable that his signal talents and accomplishments should not be specifically portrayed in these pages, still the intelligent reader will not fail to perceive in these graphic estimates of his contemporaries an unconscious reflection of his own commanding character, lofty ideals and acknowledged abilities.
The early history of Orange County is intimately connected with the physicians who practiced there, and had they undertaken the task, it is logical to assume that no citizens could have narrated the history of their day and locality better than they. Unfortunately the duties and hardships then attendant upon the practice of medicine so limited outside literary work as to have left even the annals of medicine bare of many important facts which it would seem ought to have been recorded. It is stated that at one time Dr. David R. Arnell expressed his intention to write a history of Orange County, but he failed to carry out this undertaking which he was so well qualified to perform.
In the earlier periods of the county's existence medical education began to feel the impulse of independence and the wider knowledge resulting therefrom, developed a higher standard of practice.
This advancement was undoubtedly favored by the self-dependence brought out in practice through widely separated settlements, and Orange County early established a reputation for skillful physicians. The renowned traits and ability of many of these physicians remain only in tradition, but the anecdotes told of some of them show that they were men of more than ordinary attainments. Among those physicians best known in the early history of the county are Dr. Cadwallader Colden, who, besides being a medical author of note, was honored with the title of Lieutenant-Colonial Governor; Dr. Moses Higby, who is remembered by his successful use of an emetic in the case of a British spy, and Dr. Benjamin Tusten for his heroism at the battle of Minisink. Other physicians have no doubt rendered equally meritorious services in less conspicuous ways, but being unrecorded remain uncredited in history.
Some interesting statistics have been collected by Dr. W. L. Cuddeback regarding the average length of stay of about ninety physicians who settled in Port Jervis and vicinity. Of these, sixty-five per cent, removed or died within five years; eighty per cent, before ten years; eighty-five per cent, before fifteen years, and ninety per cent, before the end of twenty years of practice there. The reasons for this well known lack of permanency and short longevity of physicians are best understood by those who really know the peculiar trials, dangers and discouragements of the daily life of a doctor. The character developed by the experiences of thirty or forty years of medical practice is logically one worthy of admiration and emulation and this is proven by the appreciative and unshaken position uniformly held by the old family physician "Our doctor."
A perusal of the older records reveal many interesting customs and practices of the physicians of those days. Travel was generally on horseback and the distances were often so great that meal hour or nightfall compelled the weary doctor to accept the proffered hospitality of his patients. Saddle bags were made to hold a veritable armamentum and the doctor must tarry long enough to put up his own prescriptions. Bloodletting, blistering and emetics were remedies often employed and were, perhaps, as potent for good as some other extreme measures which were later substituted with greater confidence and found after all to have but a limited field of usefulness. The average physician has but little time for public affairs, but a number of the Orange County doctors have held public offices both in the County and as representatives in the State and National legislatures. In times of war, too, our doctors names are found enrolled in the military lists and their records there have been most creditable. Other physicians seem to have found time for literary pursuits; but these efforts have been mostly along medical lines. The patriotic gift of the Minisink Monument by one of their number is a matter of great pride and satisfaction to the physicians of this county.
The records of the Orange County Medical Society, although abbreviated, present the local history of medicine more fully than it is to be found elsewhere. Even here we may search in vain for data which the busy physicians who have acted as secretaries have failed to record. However, extending as they do over nearly the whole of the last century we can find many facts of interest, especially in the earlier years of its existence. No county society was formed until after the passage of an act of the Legislature, April 4, 1806. This law, under which the Orange County and twelve other county societies were soon incorporated, permitted each licensed physician in the county to become a charter member and each society to elect a representative to the State society, which was to be composed of such delegates. The county society had the right to examine both physicians desiring to practice in the county and students of medicine who applied for licenses.
Upon the first pages of the minutes is found a concise report of the organization of the Medical Society of the County of Orange, with the names of the founders and officers elected. It reads in part as follows:
"Agreeable to a law of the State of New York, passed the fourth day of April, 1806, entitled 'An Act to incorporate Medical Societies for the purpose of regulating the practice of Physic and Surgery in this State,' the physicians and surgeons of Orange County met at the Court House in Goshen on Tuesday, the first day of July, 1806.
"Drs. Jonathan Swezy, Chairman (pro tem), Thomas Wickham, Clerk (pro tem), Elijah Randall, William Elmer, William Elliott, Samuel S. Seward, Benjamin S. Hoyt, Nathaniel Elmer, Elisha Du Bois, Charles Fowler, David R. Arnell, Samuel Warner, William McCoppin, Aaron M. Smith, William Gourley, Elihu Hedges, Eleazer Gedney, Ethan Watson, Cornelius Roosa, James Bradner, Henry I. Hornbeck and Elijah Welch were present and produced their several licenses to practice physic. The Society then proceeded to organize and elect officers when the following gentlemen were elected for the ensuing year: Dr. Jonathan Swezy, President; Dr. Samuel S. Seward, Vice-President; Dr. Nathaniel Elmer, Secretary; and Dr. Thomas Wickham, Treasurer.
"Drs. Anthony Davis, Joseph Houston, Joseph Whelan and Jonathan Hedges were, upon examination, licensed to practice physic and surgery in this State and admitted members to this Society. Dr. David R. Arnell was elected delegate to the Medical Society of the State of New York.
"Drs. Anthony Davis, Elisha Du Bois, Charles Fowler, Joseph Whelan and Cornelius Davis were appointed censors."
The minutes of the earlier meetings were admirably kept and are still in an excellent state of preservation.
The autographs of the founders and other members who signed the by-laws form an interesting and valuable collection. The by-laws were carefully drawn and consisted of twenty-six articles. Meetings were held semi-annually or quarterly, and, as indicated by the titles, the papers read and discussed were of a high order. Notwithstanding such evidences of proficiency I find that these physicians were very poorly paid. In a rate list adopted by the society in 1807, the charge for a visit of less than one mile was but twenty-five cents, with a corresponding low charge for medicines furnished, and, the largest fee asked for any operation was one hundred dollars.
Dr. Arnell, who may be called the father of the Orange County Medical Society, was elected president of the society eight times and was a charter member of the State Society. In 1818 he presented a library to the society. It contained fifty volumes, which, with five of the best medical periodicals, were circulated among the members throughout the county. This collection formed a nucleus for subsequent additions and a valuable and useful library was maintained for many years.
In 1830 the membership of the society numbered sixty, of whom twenty-five attended the annual meeting.
Among notable resolutions passed was one in 1830 endorsing the American Temperance Society and the tenets of temperance in general; in 1832 the formation of health boards in each town; and in 1839 a resolution recommending a change in the method of examining and licensing students of medicine, the whole to be placed in the hands of the Regents, was forwarded to the State Medical Society. Such efforts were highly creditable and progressive, as is shown by the fact that the law providing for the last named recommendation was not passed until 1893.
An important amendment to the by-laws adopted at a meeting in 1840 marks the beginning of a prolonged and troublesome epoch of controversy over medical ethics, especially in regard to sectarian forms of practice, including homeopathy, then being introduced in this vicinity.
The status of practice among the members of the society having always been regular (i. e., belonging to the general school of scientific medicine and not restricted by any sect or pathy), much criticism was aroused by the attempt of some of the local physicians to practice according to Hahnemann's Laws of "Like cures like." "Medicinal potency increased by dilution," etc.
An application for membership to the society from a physician who practiced that system was promptly rejected at the next meeting and much discussion ensued. The subject was frequently referred to in the minutes of the meetings for a number of subsequent years, and in 1851 several members were expelled from the society for practicing homeopathy. Rules forbidding members to consult with homeopathic physicians were passed, and in 1856 there was prepared and printed for public information a system of popular ethics, explaining fully the position of the society regarding the whole subject of ethics. Feeling ran high over the matter for a long time, as is shown by the lengthy discussions and resolutions devoted to the subject in the minutes, year after year. Gradually, as it became evident that there was an increasing abandonment of sectarian practice, a reaction came; but it was not until 1883 that this society, following the lead of the State Society, adopted a new code which permitted, under reasonable restrictions, consultations between regular and sectarian practitioners.
Dr. Merritt H. Cash, by his will in 1861, left a legacy to the State Society of five hundred dollars which is known as "The Merritt H. Cash Fund." The fund now amounts to seven hundred and fifty dollars and the interest is devoted to a prize essay written by members of the county medical societies throughout the State. Dr. Cash also left four thousand dollars for the monument erected at Goshen in honor of those who fell at the battle of Minisink. The society was, of course, much interested in this event and was accorded a prominent place at the unveiling of the monument July 22, 1862.
Four members represented this society and served as surgeons with credit and distinction during the Civil War: Dr. R. V. K. Montfort and Dr. J. H. Thompson in the 124th, Dr. Solomon Van Etten in the 56th, and Dr. Theodore Cooper (assistant surgeon) in the 156th regiment of volunteers.
In 1879 the society received a special invitation to attend the celebration of the centennial of the battle of Minisink. This invitation was in recognition of the county's obligation to the donor, Dr. Merritt H. Cash, and for the patriotic and heroic services rendered by Dr. Benjamin Tusten at the battle of Minisink, July 22, 1779, where his life was sacrificed in the actual performance of his professional duties.
The last quarter of the century is notable in the history of the society for a renewal of interest and increased literary work. This was the developmental era of antiseptic and aseptic surgery, and the records, as shown by the papers read and the cases reported, were creditable to the progressive spirit and practice of the members of the society.
A resolution to the effect that all members of the society, in good standing for thirty years, be constituted honorary members was adopted in June, 1887. This honor was accordingly bestowed upon Dr. Bartow Wright, whose membership dated from 1834, and upon Dr. Harvey Everett, who joined the society in 1839. The former died in 1890 and the latter April 8, 1899, having been a member of the society for sixty years.
In 1895 revised by-laws were adopted, one of which admitted to membership any licensed physician who declared his full abnegation of sectarian principles and practice. This invitation was an expression of a principle and belief which it is hoped will in the near future rally all physicians to a broad standard of practice, and the recent law enacted, which provides but one board of examiners to grant State licenses to physicians of all schools, is another hopeful sign of medical unity.
In 1898, at the breaking out of the war with Spain, Dr. James R. Wood, a member of this society, volunteered and accompanied the 101st Regiment to Cuba. There he afterwards died in the performance of his duties, which were those of endeavoring to render sanitary the almost impossible conditions at Guanajay.
In February, 1901, the Orange County Medical Association was organized, about which time a successful effort was made to complete the organization of associations in those counties where they had not been formed when the State Association split off from the State Society, because of the code question in 1882. The two sets of organizations had not been long maintained, however, when a comparison of their ethical standards revealed the fact that twenty years had so modified opinions as to have practically removed the differences. The associations, however, had the advantage of the recognition of the American Medical Association, which had never been accorded the societies since their adoption of the new code of ethics. In order to avail themselves of membership in the national association many of the members of the societies joined the associations, too, and the barriers between the two organizations eventually became completely broken down.
The first meeting of the amalgamated county societies was held at Newburgh, January 25, 1906, the combined membership being seventy-nine.
The society had three hundred and thirty-eight members and forty-eight honorary members during one hundred years. Of these sixty-two were elected to the office of president one or more times, twenty-three to the office of secretary, and twenty-three to the office of treasurer.
The centennial celebration of the society was held at Goshen, Monday, July 2, 1906. The first part of the exercises consisting of addresses and an historical sketch—were conducted in the board of supervisors room in the County Building, which stands on the same ground once occupied by the old Court House, in which the society was organized, July 1, 1806. A collation, followed by short speeches, was afterwards held in Music Hall, which had been decorated for the occasion with flags and bunting. Eighty-five members and guests were present.
(A list of the officers and members of this society will be found in the chronological table.)
The second medical society formed in the county was the Homeopathic Medical Society of Orange County.
This society was organized November 12, 1851, at the time when considerable local interest had been awakened in this system of practice and the controversy heretofore mentioned was going on between the new and old schools. The first meeting was held in Newburgh when by-laws were adopted and the following officers elected:
Drs. A. Gerald Hull, president; Dewitt C. Jayne, vice-president; Ira T. Bradner, secretary and treasurer; and W. A. M. Culbert, corresponding secretary. A committee was also appointed to prepare an address to the public in answer to that on ethics published by the Orange County Medical Society.
Quarterly meetings were held during the first year, but no records of subsequent meetings are again found until January 11, 1870. The meetings were at first resumed semi-annually, but after three years, more interest seems to have been taken and the society met every three months. From time to time papers were read by members of the society bearing upon important topics and the society continued active for a number of years. After 1888 the meetings were held but twice a year, and interest waned until 1891, when they were discontinued.
(A list of the officers and members of this society will be found in the chronological table.)
The Tri-States Medical Society.—This society was organized in September, 1871, by a number of physicians living in Port Jervis and the adjacent counties of the three States, New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, which join near there. Drs. Solomon Van Etten, Isaac S. Hunt, O. A. Carroll and P. G. McCabe represented Orange County in the formation of the society.
Quarterly meetings were held and fifty physicians became members during the first ten years. The society flourished for about eighteen years but was finally discontinued, probably because of a renewed interest in the county societies. Several Orange County physicians served as officers of the society.
(A list of the officers and members of this society residing in Orange County will be found in the chronological table.)
The Newburgh Bay Medical Society.—This society was organized September 10, 1895. The first meeting was held at the Palatine Hotel, Newburgh.
There were present Drs. A. E. Adams, John Deyo, A. V. Jova, C. E. Townsend and J. T. Howell. Dr. Adams was elected temporary chairman and Dr. Townsend, secretary. Committees were appointed to secure additional members and draft a constitution and by-laws, after which the meeting adjourned until October 8th next. At that meeting there were present, besides the above mentioned, Drs. E. H. Borst, W. L. Carr, E. F. Brooks, W. S. Gleason, R. V. K. Monfort, G. Garlzman and M. C. Stone.
The society was named and by-laws adopted. The object of the society was declared to be the banding together of congenial physicians residing in Newburgh and vicinity for the purpose of study and discussion of medical and surgical topics and scientific subjects relative thereto, and the promotion of social intercourse among its members.
The society was incorporated November 8, 1897, and at that time had twenty-nine members. Since then interest in the society has been fully maintained, as is evidenced by the unusual record of individual work and attendance on the part of the members. The present membership numbers forty-two, of whom twenty-six are residents of this county. The meetings are held bi-monthly and are usually at Newburgh.
(A list of the officers and members of this society will be found in the chronological table.)
The Orange County Medical Association was organized February 12, 1901, in Middletown, by Drs. M. C. Connor, W. E. Douglas, A. W. Preston. C. I. Redfield, William Evans, E. A. Nugent, L. G. Distlar and F. D. Myers. The following officers were elected: Drs. M. C. Connor, president; F. W. Dennis, vice-president; Charles I. Redfield, secretary and treasurer. A committee on by-laws was appointed and the meeting adjourned until March 12, 1901, to perfect the organization. At the adjourned meeting the appointment of committees was completed and the membership found to be sixteen, including those already belonging to the New York State Association. The additional members not mentioned above were: Drs. E. F. Brooks, J. B. Hulett, W. L. Purdy, R. A. Taylor, C. E. Townsend, H. E. Wise, and E. D. Woodhull. Meetings were held monthly in the different larger places of the county and much interest was maintained by securing the uniform presence of some recognized authority on a special subject for each meeting.
On December 9, 1905, the New York State Medical Association and Medical Society were amalgamated and the formal union of the corresponding county organizations took place, as heretofore stated, at Newburgh, January 25, 1906. The association at that time had thirty-seven members, a number of whom belonged also to the county society.
(A list of the officers and members of this association will be found in the chronological table.)
Homeopathic Medical Society of Dutchess, Orange and Ulster Counties.—The above-named society was formed in response to a suggestion of the Dutchess County Homeopathic Society. The first meeting was held in Poughkeepsie, but the society was not regularly organized until a meeting held at Newburgh June 24, 1902. Since that time the members have met regularly at Newburgh in the months of May and October each year, and much interest has been manifested. The present number of members is twenty-four, eighteen of whom reside in Orange County. Dr. William E. Reed, of Washingtonville, is now president, and Dr. F. A. Jacobson, of Newburgh, secretary and treasurer of the society.
(A list of the officers and members of this society residing in Orange County will be found in the chronological table.)
MIDDLETOWN STATE HOSPITAL.
During the past thirty-seven years several hospitals have been built and conducted in the different larger places of the county. First among these was the Middletown State Hospital (homeopathic) for the care and treatment of the insane, which was incorporated in 1869. Funds were collected by Dr. George F. Foote, and a farm purchased near Middletown as a site for the present hospital. About seventy-five thousand dollars was raised by private subscription, a part of which was used in hospital construction. The following year, 1870, the first appropriation was made by the State and the main building was opened for the reception of patients in the spring of 1874, with Dr. Foote as superintendent. After a brief service Dr. Foote resigned and Dr. Henry R. Stiles was appointed superintendent, which position he held until 1877, when he resigned, and Dr. Selden H. Talcott was appointed to fill the vacancy. Dr. Talcott served for twenty-five years until his death, June 15, 1902, and under his management the institution developed nearly to its present proportions. The present superintendent, Dr. Maurice L. Ashley, was appointed his successor.
The farm and grounds comprise nearly three hundred acres, on which there are thirty buildings, the value of the real and personal property being over $1,500,000. The present annual expenses for all purposes are about $245,000. Since the opening of the institution the reports show seven thousand patients received and treated. Of this number two thousand six hundred have been discharged recovered, and nine hundred improved. The number of patients under treatment at present is one thousand three hundred. Buildings planned and under construction will increase the accommodations to a capacity of one thousand eight hundred and fifty patients and four hundred and fifty employees.
The medical staff consists of nine members: Maurice C. Ashley, M.D., medical superintendent; Robert C. Woodman, M.D., first assistant physician; George F. Brewster, M.D., second assistant physician; Roy E. Mitchell, M.D., third assistant physician; Arthur S. Moore, M.D., junior assistant physician; Clara Barrus, M.D., woman assistant physician, and their interns.
ST. LUKE'S HOSPITAL, NEWBURGH.
This institution was founded as a "Home for the aged, the indigent, and the infirm and a Hospital for the sick and disabled." The hospital work for a number of years was of secondary importance, but during the latter half of its existence that has been the principal work of the institution, until now both the name and the work of the Home are discontinued.
The society was organized July 21, 1874, by representative members of the Protestant Episcopal parishes of Newburgh and New Windsor, which influence has until recently predominated in the management, although the work has been wholly non-sectarian in character. A constitution was adopted November 4, 1874, and the institution became incorporated. January 5, 1876. The corporation originally leased different places until the present reservoir site on Carpenter avenue was purchased. On March 23, 1886, the property on Liberty street was secured, where various buildings were erected and changes made from time to time. Recently, March 29, 1907, the seminary building and large grounds on Dubois street have been secured, where the fine elevation and surroundings will better accommodate the increasing needs of the hospital.
During the past fiscal year there were treated seven hundred and seventy-four patients. There are forty-eight beds. A training school for nurses was established in 1893, which now numbers twenty.
The society is a membership corporation and by a change in the constitution adopted November 22, 1906, has become non-sectarian in its management. It derives its income from the charges paid by patients, from voluntary contributions and from the interest received from an endowment fund of $47,415.21. Among the pioneer workers was Dr. Smith Ely, whose interest and zeal had much to do with establishing the hospital.
The present staff consists of four consulting and eleven attending members:
Consulting Staff—Robert Abbe, M.D., surgeon; Stephen D. Harrison, M.D., physician; Henry D. Nicoll, M.D., gynecologist; Henry L. Winter, M.D., neurologist.
Attending Staff—John T Howell, M.D., and Charles E. Townsend, M.D., surgeons; William J. Carr, M.D., and E. C. Thompson, M.D., assistant surgeons; Andrew V. Jova, M.D., and W. Stanton Gleason. M.D., physicians; John Deyo, M.D., and William H. Snyder, M.D., assistant physicians; Alpheus E. Adams, M.D., ophthalmologist and otologist; Louis R. Pierce, M.D., obstetrician; A. Judson Benedict, M.D., rhinologist and laryngologist.
THE PORT JERVIS HOSPITAL.
This hospital was established January 1, 1887, by Dr. J. H. Hunt as a memorial to his father, Dr. J. S. Hunt. It accommodated twenty patients and was located on the corner of Ball and Sussex streets.
On March 8, 1892, the hospital was purchased by Drs. W. L. Cuddeback and H. B. Swartwout, who enlarged and remodeled it, providing additional private rooms, the use of which was extended to outside physicians. The hospital was again sold on September 1, 1895, the purchasers beings several physicians living in Port Jervis and vicinity, who formed a corporation for that purpose. The hospital, besides doing general work, has always especially provided for the care of the injured employees of the Erie Railroad Company.
A training school for nurses was established in 1896, which now numbers five nurses. The number of beds in the present hospital is twenty-five. The number of patients treated during the fiscal year ending 1907 was one hundred and thirty-four. The present attending staff consists of Drs. Cuddeback and Swartwout.
THRALL HOSPITAL, MIDDLETOWN.
This institution was organized largely through the efforts of Dr. Julia E. Bradner and eight other ladies representing different churches, who raised a fund of over five thousand dollars toward the project. Mrs. S. Maretta Thrall subsequently came to their assistance and donated not only the grounds but the building, thus placing the hospital upon a firm basis in the early days of its history. The fund already collected was used for furnishing and equipment.
The hospital was opened May 10, 1892. A training school for nurses was established in 1894, which now numbers ten. The number of beds in the hospital, including those in private rooms, is thirty-five. The number of patients treated during the fiscal year ending 1907 was four hundred and fifty-five. The present staff has six consulting and nine attending members:
Consulting Staff—Dr. M. C. Ashley, neurologist; Dr. Francis Walk, Dr. J. I. Lent, ophthalmologists; Dr. W. E. Douglas, Dr. E. L. Fancher, Dr. C. W. Dennis, physicians.
Visiting Staff—Dr. T. D. Mills, Dr. J. B. Hulett, Dr. W. L. Purdy, surgeons; Dr. Julia E. Bradner, Dr. J. L. Hammer, Dr. D. B. Hardenburgh, Dr. M. A. Stivers, Dr. C. I. Redfield. Dr. E. M. Schultz, physicians.
THE DR. MacDONALD HOUSE.
The Dr. MacDonald House at Central Valley, formerly known as "Falkirk," was founded by Dr. James Francis Ferguson in 1889.
This institution was designed and built for the special care of patients suffering from nervous diseases. Originally it accommodated but fifteen patients, but it was enlarged by the construction of another large cottage called the "Stanleigh," and now can care for twice that number. Its beautiful location and surroundings contribute to make it an ideal home for such patients.
Following the death of Dr. Ferguson, in 1904, the sanitarium was conducted for two years by Dr. Henry A. Ferguson and William E. Ferguson, when it was purchased by its present proprietor and physician in charge, Dr. Carlos F. MacDonald, who has associated with him Dr. Clarence J. Slocum as a resident physician.
INTERPINES.
This sanitarium is located at Goshen and was established in June, 1890, by Dr. F. W. Seward. It then had fourteen beds for patients, but in 1897 the capacity of the institution was increased by commodious additions, to fifty-six patients. The institution affords all the advantages of a modern home for invalids especially for the treatment of disorders of the nervous system.
It is conducted by Dr. Seward and his son, Dr. F. W Seward, Jr., who has been associated with his father for the past eight years.
The limitations of space allotted this article not allowing the presentation of biographies, I have collected and arranged the following data relating to the physicians who have settled in Orange County and practiced there since 1728.
The dates include the period of practice in this county, terminating either by removal or death. The residences designated generally refer to villages or larger places, but sometimes only the townships are known. The last column contains the names of the medical college or society granting the diploma or license, memberships and offices in county medical societies and positions or connections with local hospitals, etc. In all cases every endeavor has been made to obtain the full data, and careful verification made of all information received. In a number of cases it has been impossible to determine the dates, and even the residences of some of the practitioners could not be ascertained. In other cases the source of their diploma or license cannot be found in any of the records. Special mention has been made in a comparatively few instances where physicians are known to have held distinguished positions or have been otherwise honored, but omissions should not be construed to indicate inferiority of the standing of those worthy physicians who labored on in dignified silence, although conscious of many a triumph in the art of life saving.
I am greatly indebted to those physicians and other interested friends who have furnished information and data and especially to Dr. L. R. Pierce who assisted in the compilation of this table.
| Years of Practice | Name | Location | Medical College or Society Granting Diploma; Memberships in County Medical Societies—Public Service, etc. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1728—p.1758 | Cadwallader Colden | Coldenham | Univ. of Edinburgh, 1708; Medical Author, Historian, Lieut.-Colonial Governor, Died 1776. |
| d.1758 | Alexander Clinton | Montgomery | Studied medicine in N. Y. City. Died of smallpox at Shawangunk. |
| d.1768 | John Barnes | Cornwall | |
| d.1791 | Charles Clinton | Montgomery | Studied medicine in N. Y. City. Served in British Navy as Surgeon's Mate. |
| P.1749—d.1763 | Evans Jones | New Windsor and little Britain | One of the proprietors of the New Windsor township plot. Lived in the "Brewster house." |
| P. 1754 | William Tunis | Florida | |
| 1760—d. 1837 | Eleazer Gedney | Gedneytown, Newburgh | Inc. O. C. M. S. and Pres., '28. Resided on present site Quassaick Bank, Newburgh. |
| P.1764 | ____ De Pee | New Windsor | |
| P.1768 | Thos. Clark | Little Britain | |
| P.1769 | John Gale | Goshen | |
| P.1769—d.1779 | Benj. Tusten | Goshen | Surrogate, 1778. Introduced practice of inoculation with smallpox in this vicinity. Lieut. Col. Goshen Reg., 1777. Killed in Battle of Minisink. |
| P.1769 | John Pierson | Goshen | |
| P.1769 | Elisha Dubois | Warwick | Inc. O. C. M. S. |
| P.1769—d.1782 | Daniel Rosencrans | Minisink | |
| P.1769—d.1784 | Henry White | Minisink | |
| P.1769. | ____ Chandler | Blooming Grove | |
| P.1769 | Thos. Wickham | Goshen | Inc. O. C. M. S. |
| P.1769 | Isaac Brown | Newburgh | |
| P.1769 | Isaac Tobias | Cornwall | |
| P.1770 | John Hill | Montgomery | |
| P.1770 | Jacob Everett | Port Jervis | |
| P.1770 | ____ Smith | Montgomery | |
| P.1776—d.1821 | Jonathan Bailey | New Windsor | Served in War of Revolution |
| P.1776—d.1813 | Jonathan Swezy | Goshen | Inc. O. C. M. S. Pres., '06-'10, Born 1752. |
| P.1776 | William Gourley | New Windsor | |
| P.1776 | Elias Winfield | Newburgh | |
| P.1776 | Daniel Wood | Warwick, New Windsor | |
| P.1776—d.1797 | Nathaniel Elmer | Florida | Capt. Co. Florida Soldiers, 1775. |
| P.1776—d.1823 | Moses Higby | Newburgh and New Windsor | Contemporary Dr. Charles Clinton. Administered emetic to British spy and thereby recovered silver bullet containing important dispatch |
| P.1776 | Joseph Young | Newburgh | With Revolutionary Army |
| P.1776 | Thomas Young | Newburgh | With Revolutionary Army. |
| P.1776 | Robt. Morrison | Newburgh | |
| P.1776 | Hugh Morrison | Newburgh | |
| P.1776 | James Stukney | Newburgh | |
| P.1780-1810 | William Elliott | Montgomery | |
| P.1783 | John Smedes | Montgomery(?) | Contemporary Dr. Chas. Clinton, Probably practiced in nearby locality |
| P.1784—d.1799 | Phineas Hedges | Newburgh | |
| P.1786—d.1835 | David Fowler, Jr | Newburgh | Surgeon 2d Reg. Loyalists, 1776, Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. '15. |
| P.1786 | Wm. Gale | Goshen | |
| P.1786 | Chas. Tusten | Montgomery | |
| P.1788—d.1830 | Eusebius Austin | Unionville | Hon. Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| P.1788-1808 | Jos. Whelan | Crawford and Montgomery | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. |
| 1795—d.1849 | Samuel S. Seward | Florida | Mem. Assembly, '04 County Judge, '15, Inc. O. C. M. S., and 1st Vice-Pres. Est. S. S. Seward Institute at Florida, '46. |
| 1878—d.1898 | Matthew C. Lyon | New Windsor | |
| P.1798 | Samuel Gale | Goshen | |
| P.1798 | Benjamin S. Hoyt | New Windsor | Inc. O. C. M. S. |
| P.1798—d.1845 | Increase Crosby | Crawford | Lic. M. S. S. C. Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| P.1799—d.1844 | Benj. Newkirk | Mt. Hope | Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| P. 1799—d.1826 | Israel Sayre | ||
| 1802—d.1859 | Jacob Hornbeck | Port Jervis | Lic. M. S. S. N. Y. |
| 1806—d.1867 | Jacob Van Dusen | Port Jervis | Univ. N. Y. |
| P.1806 | Elijah Randall | Monroe (?) | Inc. O. C. M. S. |
| P.1806—d.1816 | William Elmer | Goshen | Inc. O. C. M. S. |
| P.1806—d.1810 | Nathaniel Elmer, Jr. | Denton | Inc. O. C. M. S. and 1st Sec'y. |
| P.1806 | Charles Fowler | Montgomery | Inc. O. C. M. S. |
| P.1806—d.1826 | David R. Arnell | Scotchtown and Goshen | Inc. O. C. M. S. and Pres., '10, '11, '12, '13, '19, '21, '22, '23. Organized movement which recovered bones of heroes of Minisink. |
| P.1806—r.1846 | Samuel Warner | Inc. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1806—r.1817 | Wm. McCoppin | Inc. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1806—r. | Aaron M. Smith | Inc. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1806—d.1824 | Elihu Hedges | Cornwall | Inc. O. C. M. S. |
| P 1806—r. | Ethan Watson | Inc. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1806—r. | Cornelius Roosa | Inc. O. C. M. S. | |
| P 1806—d.1823 | James Bradner | Goshen | Inc. O. C. M. S. Born 1762. |
| P.1806 | Henry I. Hornbeck | Port Jervis(?) | Inc. O. C. M. S. |
| P.1806 | Elijah Welch | Newburgh(?) | Inc. O. C. M. S. |
| P.1806 | Anthony Davis | Goshen | Lic. O. C. M. S. Mem. and Pres. id., '07-'08-'09. |
| P.1806 | Joseph Houston | Edenville | Lic. O. M. S. and Mem. id. |
| 1806 | Jonathan Hedges | Little Britain | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. |
| 1807 | Charles Frazer, Jr. | Lic. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1807 | Gabriel N. Phillips | Phillipsburgh | Lic. O. C. M. S. Mem. and Pres. id., '14; also Hon. Mem. |
| P.1807 | Nathaniel Gillespie | Goshen(?) | Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| P.1807—d.1815 | David Gallatian | Precinct of Hanover, near Walden | Lic. N. Y. C. M. S. 1789. One of first Supervisors. Mem. Assembly, 1785. Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| P.1807—d.1843 | Baltus Van Kleeck | Newburgh | Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres., '20. |
| P.1807—r.1846 | Heman Allen | Lic. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1807 | Sylvester Austin | ||
| P.1808—d.1836 | Silas Loomis | Otisville | Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1808 | Joseph R. Andrews | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. | |
| 1808 | Andrew J. Miller | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. | |
| 1808—d.1849 | Chichester Brown | Newburgh | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. |
| 1809—d.1814 | Jesse Arnell | Goshen | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. |
| P.1809—d.1837 | Daniel Corwin | Hopewell, Middletown and Minisink | Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1809—r.1819 | Francis Fowler | Lic. O. C. M. S. Mem. id., and Pres.. '18. | |
| 1809 | Walter Watson | Lic. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1809 | Albert Schoonmaker | Lic. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1810—d.1846 | William Townsend | Goshen | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. |
| 1810—d.1844 | David Hanford | Middletown | Yale, '07. Mem. O. C. M. S. One of the founders Wallkill Academy. |
| 1810—r. | Chas. Parks | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. | |
| 1810—d. 1848 | Robt. Shaw | Mt. Hope | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. |
| 1810 | William Hedges | Newburgh(?) | Lic. O. C. M. S. |
| 1810 | James Fowler | Lic. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1810 | Jno. Gasherie | Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| p. 1811 | Jno. T. Jansen | Minisink | Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres., '20,'29. |
| 1812—d.1858 | Joshua Hornbeck | Scotchtown | Lic. O. C. M. S. Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '27, 43, '44, '45, '47, '48. |
| p.1813 | Peter A. Millspaugh | Montgomery | Lic. M. S. C. N. Y. Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres., '18,'24, '26. |
| 1814—d.1858 | Jas. M. Gardner | Newburgh | Lic. N. Y. S. M. S. Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '34, '37, '40, '41. |
| 1814 | Thos. G. Evans | Goshen | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. |
| 1814—d.1866 | Thos. McKissock | Newburgh | Lic. O. C M. S. admitted to the Bar 1817; Supreme Court Judge, 47, and Rep. in Congress, '49. |
| 1814—r. | Jno. S. Swezy | Minisink | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. |
| 1814 | Jas. Heron | Warwick | Lic. O. C. M. S., Mem. id., and Pres., '33,'36,'39 |
| 1814—d.1838 | Jas. P. Youngs | Edenville | Lic. M. S. S. N. Y. Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1814 | Marcus Ostrander | Port Jervis(?) | Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1815—d.1824 | Thomas Chattle | Port Jervis | Lic. O. C. M. S. |
| 1815 | Jesse Bodle | Lic. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1815—r.1831 | Peter P. Galatian | Walden | N. Y. Hosp., '13, '14, '15. Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. Born 1794; died 1862. |
| 1815—d.1843 | Robt. C. Hunter | Hamptonburgh | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. |
| 1815—r. | Jacob Ostrum, Jr. | Lic. M. S. D. C.; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1816 | George Eager | Montgomery and Newburgh | Lic. O. C. M. S. Mem. id., and Pres., '32 |
| P.1816 | Joseph Hallock | Ridgebury(?) | Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| p.1816 | Wm. H. Newkirk | Unionville | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. |
| p.1816—r.1832 | Israel Green | Monroe(?) | Lic. M. S. U. C.; Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| p.1816—r. | Jno. W. Montrose | Crawford | Lic. M. S. S. N. J. Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1817 | James Ray | Lic. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1817—r.1847 | Hiram K. Chapman | Newburgh | Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1818—d.1824 | Charles Miller | Newburgh | Yale; Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1818—d.1844 | William Horton, Jr. | Goshen | Lic. O. C. M, S., Mem. id., and Pres. '33 |
| 1818—d.1834 | Egbert Jansen | Goshen | Lic. O. C. M. S., Mem. id., and Pres., '29. |
| 1818—d.1851 | Nathaniel P. Church | Greenville | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. |
| 1818—d.1872 | Jno. J. Linderman | Port Jervis | Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1819—r. | Peter McGivney | ||
| 1819—d.1847 | John W. Drury | New Windsor | V. M. C.; Mem. O. C. M. S. Served in War 1812-'14. |
| 1819—r. | Stephen Hasbrouck | Walden or Newburgh | Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1819—d.1868 | Chas. Winfield | Crawford | Lic. O. C. M. S., Mem. id., and Pres. '36, '37, '42, '46; Rep. in Congress, '60-67. |
| 1819—d.1840 | Geo. Hedges | Newburgh | Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1821—d.1875 | John S. Crane | Goshen | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id.; Surgeon's Mate, 19th Brigade N.Y.S. '25; County Clerk, '26. |
| 1821 | Theodore Wells | Goshen(?) | Lic. O. C. M. S. |
| 1821 | Jonathan Sears | Montgomery(?) | Lic. O. C. M. S. |
| 1821—r. | Townsend Seely | Goshen | P. S. N. Y.,'15; Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1821—d.1870 | George Hunter | Searsville | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. |
| 1822—d.1848 | Robert Shaw | Mt. Hope | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. |
| 1822—r. | Francis Beattie | Mem. O. C. M. S | |
| 1822 | John M. Gough | Cornwall | Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '38. |
| 1822—r. | Thos. Royce | Minisink | Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| P.1823—d.1849 | Isaac Garrison | Newburgh | V. M. C, '23; Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| P.1823—d.1835 | Jos. Halstead | Minisink | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. Born 1798 |
| P.1824—d.1874 | Charles Hardenburgh | Pt. Jervis | P. & S. N. Y., Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. |
| P.1824—r. | Isaac D. Dodd | Goshen | Lic. M. S. S. N. J. Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| P.1824 | John J. Wheeler | Warwick(?) | P. & S. N. Y.; Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1825—d.1861 | Merritt H. Cash | Ridgebury | N. Y. M. C, '25; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '50, '51, 52; Mem. Assembly. Erected "Minisink Monument." at Goshen. |
| P.1825 | Adna Hayden | Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1825 | Andrew King | Washingtonville and Newburgh | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. |
| 1825 | Harris Edmonston | Newburgh | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. |
| 1825—r. | Gabriel Corwin | Lic. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1825—r. | Wynans Rush | Pine Bush(?) | Lic. O. C. M. S. |
| 1825 | Samuel Harlow | Monroe | Lic. O. C. M. S. |
| 1825 | Dewitt Strong | Washingtonville | Lic. O. C. M. S. |
| 1825—d.1866 | Marcus Sears | Montgomery and Craigville | Univ. N. Y.; Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1825—r. | Horace G. Bradner | Lic. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1825 | Dewitt C. Edmonston | Newburgh | |
| 1826-1828 | ____ Dickerson | Pt. Jervis | |
| 1826—d.1886 | G. M. Millspaugh | Walden | C. M. C., '20; Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1826 | James C. Fitch | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. | |
| 1826 | Jacob P. Stickle | Lic. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1826—r.1858 | Jno. P. Tarbell | Newburgh | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. |
| 1826 | Asa R. Howell | Lic. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1827—d.1869 | Jno. B. McMunn | Middletown and Port Jervis | Mem. O. C. M. S. Originator of "McMunn's Elixir of Opium." |
| 1827 | Lewis Dunning | Goshen | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. |
| P.1827 | Jas. B. McGill | Lic. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1827 | David H. Brewster | New Windsor | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id.; Mem. O. C. H. M. S. |
| 1829—d.1838 | Adam B. Gedney | Newburgh | Lic. M. S. H. C. |
| 1829—d.1852 | Thos. S. Edmonston | Chester | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. |
| P.1829 | Jno. P. Kennedy | Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1829 | Chas. Arnell | Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1829 | J. W. Cooper | Blooming Grove | Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| P.1829—r. | Jno. N. Pruyn | Blooming Grove | P. & S. N. Y., '28; Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1830—d.1888 | John W. Fenton | Newburgh and Middlehope | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id.; Health Officer, City Newburgh, '70, '71. |
| 1830—r. | A. Clinton | Cornwall | |
| P.1830 | Jas. Van Kuren | Little Britain | Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| P.1830 | ____ Hart | Port Jervis | Died in service U. S. Army. |
| 1830—d.1890 | Bartow Wright | Hamptonburgh | P. & S. W. D. N. Y., '30; Mem.O. C. M. S.; Pres., '55, and Hon. Mem. |
| P. 1830 | ____ Ball | Port Jervis | |
| 1830—d.1892 | Jno. Conkling | Port Jervis | P. & S. |
| 1831—d.1839 | Jerome Wells | Blooming Grove | Lic. O. C M. S. and Mem. id. Born 1810. |
| 1831—d.1893 | Jno. L. Foster | Newburgh (1836) | Rutgers, '30; Lic. O. C. M. S. Ret. to farm. |
| 1831—r. | Phillip S. Timlow | Amity | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. |
| 1831 | Jas. C. Horton | Craigville | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. |
| P.1831—d.1855 | William Morrison | Cornwall | P. & S. W. D. N. Y.; Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1832 | Abel Lybolt | Port Jervis(?) | Lic. O. C. M. S. |
| P.1832 | Leander W. Lynn | ||
| P.1833 | H. P. Benham | Newburgh | |
| P.1833 | H. W. Hornbeck | Scotchtown | Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| Years of Practice | Name | Location | Medical College or Society Granting Diploma; Memberships in County Medical Societies—Public Service, etc. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1833—ret.1853 | E. B. Carpenter | Monroe | P. & S. N. Y., '33; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Member Assembly, 1853. | |
| P.1833 | Harvey Hallock | Minisink | Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1834—d.1864 | Dewitt C. Hallock | Greenville | V. M. C.; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1834—d.1899 | Harvey Everett | Middletown | V. M. C, '34; Mem. O. C. M. S., and Hon. Mem. id. | |
| P.1834 | R. Austin Webb | Ridgebury | M. M. C. | |
| P.1834 | Edward H.S. Holden | |||
| P.1834—d.1890 | Avery Cook | Otisville | Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id.. '58 and '59. | |
| P.1834 | Wm. Murphv | |||
| P.1834—r.1841 | Samuel B. Barlow | Florida | Yale, '22; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Prof. Materia Medica N. H. M. Col., '63. | |
| P.1834 | Samuel D. Holly | Warwick | Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '56. | |
| P.1834 | George Brown | Newburgh | Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '57 | |
| 1833—d.1875 | Bushrod Millspaugh | Montgomery | Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1835 | William Everett | Goshen(?) | Lic. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1835—d.1890 | Daniel Wells | Newburgh | P. & S. N. Y., '35. | |
| 1835 | Horace W. Johnson | Lic. O. C. M. S. | ||
| 1836—d.1866 | Elias Peck | Newburgh | P. & S. N. Y., '35; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1836—d.1886 | Samuel M. Crawford | Crawford and Montgomery | Lic. M. S. S. N. Y., '36; Mem. O.C. M. S. | |
| P.1836—d.1859 | Chas. G. Fowler | Town of Montgomery | Mem. O. C. M. S. Born 1779. | |
| P.1836 | Grant M. Roe | Monroe | Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1836—d.1855 | Harvey Horton | Minisink | P. & S. N. Y., '29; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1836 | Joseph R. Andrews | Monroe | Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1836 | A. M. Brewster | Blooming Grove | Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1836 | Daniel G. Durkee | Crawford | Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1837—d.1891 | Alpheus Goodman | Salisbury Mills | C. M. C, '37; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '60, '61. | |
| P.1837 | John W. Rafferts | Westtown | Lic. M. S. S. N. Y.; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1838—d.1841 | Adam W. Millspaugh | Scotchtown and Middletown | M. I. F.; Mem. O. C. M. S. First Dentist in Middletown. Born 1812. | |
| P. 1838 | Abraham L. Reynolds | Warwick | Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1838—d.1881 | Nathaniel Deyo | Newburgh | J. M. C.; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1839—d.1890 | Henry C. Seely | Amity | Lic. M. S. S. N. Y. '38 and O. C. M. S. Mem. and Pres. id., '67. | |
| P.1839—d.1898 | D. C. Jayne | Florida | Yale, '39; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Mem. O. C. H. M. S. and Pres. id., '54. | |
| P.1839—d.1865 | Chas. B. Howell | New Windsor and Washingtonville | Lic. O. C. M. S.; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1839 | John S. Crawford | |||
| P.1839—r.1857 | Jonathan D. Bevier | Sugar Loaf and Warwick | J. M. C.; Lic. O. C. M. S.; Mem. O. C. M. S. Served in Civil War last two yrs. | |
| P.1840 | Alfred H. Lee | Lic. O. C. M. S.; Mem. O. C. M. S. | ||
| P.1840—r.1845 | Gilbert C. Monell | Newburgh | P. & S. N. Y., '39; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '53, '54. | |
| P.1840 | William H. Johnson | Mem. O. C. M. S. | ||
| 1840—d.1878 | David C. Winfield | Middletown | A. M. C, '40; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '65, '66; County Clerk, '59-'65. | |
| 1840—d.1842 | Charles F. Gray | |||
| P.1841 | D. B. McCartee | Newburgh Mem. O. C. M. S. | ||
| P.1841 | D. Bethune | Mem. O. C. M. S. | ||
| P.1841—r.1842 | William A. Westcott | Goshen | A. M. C.; Mem. O. C. M. S.; afterwards graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary and preached at Florida and S. Centerville. D. 1876. | |
| 1841—d.1870 | M. S. Hayne | Unionville | G. M. C.; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1841—d.1890 | Alex. Barclay | Newburgh | Lic. M. S. S. N. Y.; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1841 | Jesse T. Hotchkiss | Cornwall | Univ. Pa.; Mem. O. C. H. M. S. | |
| 1841—d.1889 | Jos. D. Friend | Middletown | Lic. Bot. M. S., 42, and afterward grad. Met. M. C. (Ec). Editor local papers; also of Med. Jour. of Reform; Prof. Obstetrics; Met. M. C, 52-'4; Assemblyman, '77. | |
| 1842—d.1892 | Jno. C. Boyd | Monroe | T. M. C. '41; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '62, '72, '73, '78. | |
| 1842—d.1886 | J. D. Johnson | Middletown | St. T. M. C. & H. Lon.; Mem. O. C. M. S.; N. Y. M. C, '55. | |
| P.1842—d.1849 | Thos. W. Newman | Goshen | P. & S. N. Y., '41; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Sec'y, '42-'48. Born 1821. | |
| 1842—r | Benj. Dunning | Goshen(?) | P. & S. N. Y., '41; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1843—d.1867 | Peter E. Conklin | Cornwall | P.& S. W. D. N. Y., '38; Mem. O. C M. S. | |
| 1843—d.1891 | Thos. Millspaugh | Walden and Montgomery | A. M. C, '43; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1843—d.1894 | Ira S. Bradner | Scotchtown and Middletown | Univ. N. Y., '43; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Mem. O. C. H. M. S.; Surg. 56th Reg.,'65. | |
| P.1843—d.1874 | S. W. Esray | Monroe | Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1843—r | Jas. A. Young | Scotchtown | Lic. O. C. M. S.; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1843—r.1856 | G. C. Blackman | Newburgh | P. & S. N. Y., '41; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Surg. U. S. V., '61 and '62. Medical Author and Editor of note. Later Professor of Surgery, Cincinnati Medical Col. | |
| P.1843 | Ashel Houghton | St. Andrew's and Cornwall | Mem. O. C. M. S.; Mem. O. C. H. M. S. | |
| 1844—d.1880 | S. C. Smith | Walden and Montgomery | Lic. M. S. C. N. Y., '39; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1844—d.1896 | Lewis Y. Wiggins | Newburgh | Univ. N. Y., '44. | |
| P.1844 | Philander Mix | Blooming Grove | Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1844—d.1900 | Lewis Armstrong | Minisink, Middletown | Mem. O. C. M. S. Retired and engaged in hardware business many years. Born 1819. | |
| 1845—d.1876 | Wm. P. Townsend | Goshen | Harvard, '45; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Sec, Treas. and Pres. id., '68; Mem. T. S. M. S. | |
| 1845—r.1890 | Saml. P. Church | Newburgh | P. & S. N. Y., '45; Ex-Visiting Phys. St. Luke's Hospl., Newbg. | |
| P.1845 | Jno. Patterson | Mem. O. C. M. S. | ||
| P.1845 | Henry L. W. Burritt | Yale; Mem. O. C. M. S. | ||
| P.1845—r.1850 | Abraham Crowell | East Coldenham | A. M. C, '43; Mem. O. C. M. S. Died in N. Y. C, '59 | |
| 1845—d.1899 | Sol. G. Carpenter | Chester | Univ. N. Y., '45; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '77. | |
| 1846—d.1882 | Wm. Dorrance | Middletown | Univ. N. Y., '45. | |
| 1846—d.1888 | Wm. A. M. Culbert | Newburgh | Univ. N. Y., '46; Mem. O. C. H. M. S. and 1st Sec'y of id. | |
| 1847—d.1870 | Thos. Cuddeback | Port Jervis | Yale. | |
| 1847 | George Eager, Jr. | Montgomery | P. & S. N. Y., '47; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1848—d.1863 | Chas. Drake | Newburgh | P. & S. (?); Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1849 | Isaac Carey | Warwick | V. M. C.; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1848—r.1854 | Benj. W. Thompson | Goshen | Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1849—d.1886 | Chas. M. Lawrence | Port Jervis | Univ. N. Y., '49; Mem. O. C. H. M. S. and Pres. id.,'71-77. | |
| 1850—r.1856 | A. W. Dufrene | Port Jervis | Germany. | |
| 1850—d.1882 | Geo. E. Putney | Howells | C. M. C., '50; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Sec. and Pres. id., '74; Mem. T. S. M. S. | |
| 1850—d.1885 | Wm. A. Loughran | Walden | G. M. C., '50. | |
| P.1850 | Isaac Reeve | Goshen | Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1850—d.1854 | Nelson McBride | Mt. Hope | Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1850—d.1903 | W. F. C. Beattie | Cornwall | G. M. C., '50; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1850—r. | Geo. H. Fossard | Port Jervis | A. M. C, '59; Surgeon 56th Reg. 1864-5; Mem. T. S. M. S. and O. C. M. S.,'75 | |
| 1850—d.1889 | Jas. H. Smiley | Scotchtown | A. M. C., '50; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '76; Mem. T. S. M. S. | |
| 1851—d.1880 | Robt. Slone | Middletown | Univ. N. Y., '51; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1851—1884 | David F. Robertson | Unionville | Univ. N. Y. | |
| 1851—d.1894 | Chas. P. Smith | Chester | C. M. C., '51; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '75. | |
| 1851—r.1864 | Abraham Deyo | Gidney's Mills and Newburgh | Univ. N. Y., '51. | |
| 1851—r.1853 | G. P. Reeves | Goshen | Univ. N. Y.; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1851—r. | Wm. S. Halsey | Chester(?) | Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| p.1851—r | M. Stevenson | Newburgh | Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1851—d.1896 | Wilmot C. Terry | Otisville and Ridgebury | C. M. C., '51; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1851—d.1859 | A. Gerald Hull | Newburgh | Rutgers, '32; Mem. O. C. H. M. S. and Pres. id., '51. Editor several homeopathic journals and books. | |
| 1852—d.1888 | Thos. Walsh | Port Jervis | Univ. N. Y., '48; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1852—d.1902 | Joshua W. Ostrum | Goshen | Lic. M. S. S. N. Y.; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Sec'y; Mem. O. C. H. M. S. and Pres. id.,'52, '76, '78. | |
| p.1852—d.1866 | James Low | Newburgh and Coldenham | P. & S. N. Y.; Lieut.-Col. 19th Reg. | |
| 1852—d.1866 | Thomas Heaton | Cornwall | P. & S. N. Y., '52. | |
| 1852 | A. H. Thompson | Walden | Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1853—r.1860 | Geo. S. Little | Walden | Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1854—d.1896 | Wm. H. Woodruff | Pine Bush | A. M. C, '54; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| p.1854—r. | L. F. Pelton | Florida and Warwick | Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1855—d.1901 | Peter M. Barclay | Newburgh | Univ. N. Y., '41. | |
| 1855—r.1856 | J. C. Garland | Port Jervis | T. M. C., Dublin. | |
| 1855-1863 | Benj. Carpenter | Port Jervis | Univ. Mich. | |
| 1855—d.1894 | Solomon Van Etten | Port Jervis | A. M. C, '55; Surgeon 56th Reg.; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres., '69; Mem. T. S. M. S. and Pres., '72. | |
| 1855—d.1888 | Theodore H. Cooper | Warwick | P. & S. N. Y., '55; Ass. Surgeon 156th Reg.; Supervisor and Assemblyman; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1855 | Nelson Newton | Mt. Hope | Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1855 | ____ Griffith | Pine Bush | ||
| 1856—d.1903 | R. V. K. Montfort | Newburgh | A. M. C., '56; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id.,'71,'82; Ass. Surg. and Surgeon 124th Reg., '65; Supt. Public Schools Newburgh 25 yrs.; Health Officer City Newbg., '66, '69; ex-Vis. Phys.; St. Luke's Hosp. | |
| 1856—d.1906 | Webb D. Cooper | Unionville | Univ. N. Y. | |
| 1856—d.1896 | William Jones | Newburgh | E. M. C. N. Y., '69. | |
| 1856—r.1859 | Harvey Addison Horton | Middletown | A. M. C., '56. | |
| 1856—d.1870 | Elisha Hawkins | Newburgh | ||
| 1857—P.1907 | J. H. Thompson | Goshen | P. & S. N. Y., '57; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '86; Mem. T. S. M. S. and Pres. id., '79; Surg. 124th Reg., '62-'65. | |
| 1857—p.1907 | Wm. B. Bradner | Warwick | P. & S. N. Y., '57; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '81; Surg. 166th Reg. | |
| P.1857 | Jonathan L. Whittaker | Unionville | P. C. M.; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1858—d.1867 | Jno. N. Taylor | Middletown | A. M. C.; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id.. '63-'64. | |
| 1858—r.1864 | Carroll Dunham | Newburgh | P. & S. N. Y., '50; later Dean N. Y. H. M. C. P. | |
| 1858—d.1894 | Jos. P. Thompson | Newburgh | P. U. M., '58. | |
| 1858—r.1861 | James McClaury | Newburgh | ||
| 1858—d.1896 | Smith Ely | Newburgh | V. M. C., '50; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '89; First Surg. of St. Luke's Hospital. | |
| 1859—r.1871 | G. H. Sears | Blooming Grove | Univ. Pa.; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1859—r. | Theo. Martine | Warwick | N. Y. M. C. | |
| 1859—P.1907 | Henry Hardenburgh | Port Jervis | P. & S. N. Y., '50; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '98; Mem. T. S. M. S. and Pres. id., '83. | |
| 1860—ret.1907 | H. H. Robinson | Goshen | Univ. N. Y., '60: Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id.,'89 and '93; Mem. T. S. M. S. | |
| 1860—r.1861 | A. S. Lines | Edenville | ||
| 1860—d.1885 | John S. Heard | Newburgh | P. & S. N. Y., '37; Pres. Board of Health Newburgh, 1867 to '83. | |
| 1862—r.1870 | Wm. B. Pierson | Goshen | ||
| P.1862—r. | Maria S. Plumb | Otisville | M. M. C. | |
| 1863-1867 | N. F. Marsh | Port Jervis | ||
| 1864-1870 | David A. Gorton | Newburgh | Hy. T. C. N. Y., '59; author and contributor to homeopathic lit. | |
| 1863—r.1865 | Francis H. Roof | Newburgh | P. & S. N. Y., '62; Ass. Surg. 39th Reg. | |
| 1863—p.1907 | Jas. C. Coleman | Goshen | A. M. C., '63; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1864—d.1897 | Simeon D. Dubois | Blooming Grove | B. H. M. C., '64; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1864—d.1901 | Joseph Moffat | Washingtonville | Univ. Mich., '52; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '70. | |
| 1864—d.1871 | Edward E. Lee | Newburgh | N. Y. M. C., '59. | |
| 1864—p.1907 | C. H. Gorse | Salisbury Mills | Univ. N. Y., '64. | |
| 1864—r.1868 | S. G. Dimmick | Newburgh | ||
| 1864—r.1870 | R. W. Heurtley | Newburgh | (Homeo.) | |
| 1865—r.1866 | Robt. Farries | Greenville | L. I. C. H.; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1865—r.1870 | Geo. W. Kerr | Newburgh | Univ. Glasgow, '63. | |
| 1865—d.1875 | Isaac S. Hunt | Port Jervis | Yale Univ., '65; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Mem. T. S. M. S. | |
| 1865—r.1883 | J. D. F. Nichols | Newburgh | B. M. C, '65. | |
| 1865—r.1867 | N. Roe Bradner, Jr. | Warwick | Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1865—r.1894 | Hiram A. Pooler | Goshen | B. H. M. C, '65; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1865—d.1905 | Adam P. Farries | Florida | Univ. Mich., '65; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id., '79. | |
| 1865—p.1907 | Clarence Ormsbee | East Coldenham and Newburgh | Univ. N. Y., '65; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Mem. N. B. M. S. | |
| 1866—d.1883 | Darwin Everitt | Middletown | P. & S. N. Y., '64. | |
| 1866—p.1907 | Theo. Writer | Otisville | B. H. M. C, '66; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '84; Mem. T. S. M. S., and Pres., '82. | |
| 1866—p.1907 | Jas. G. Birch | Newburgh | Harvard, '66. | |
| 1866—p.1907 | James Gordon | Newburgh | J. M. C, '66; Health Officer City Newburgh, '72-'7 and '82-'93; ex-Visiting Phys. St. Luke's Hospl. | |
| 1866—p.1907 | Fredk. W. Seward | Goshen | Univ. Vt., '66; Mem. O. C. H. M. S. and Pres., '89 and '90; Mem. H. M. S. D. O. & M. U.; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Prop. Interpines Sanitarium; ex-Health Officer. | |
| 1867—ret.1907 | Grenville A. Emory | Middletown | A. M. C., '67; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Mem. T. S. M. S. | |
| 1867—d.1904 | Geo. B. L. Mitchell | Newburgh | N. Y. H. M. C., '67. |
| Years of Practice | Name | Location | Medical College or Society Granting Diploma; Memberships in County Medical Societies—Public Service, etc. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1867—p.1907 | J. D. Malone | Newburgh | D. M. C., '67. | |
| 1867—r.1875 | David Van Dyke | Newburgh | A. M. C., '52; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1867—r.1871 | James A. Mills | Newburgh | ||
| 1868—r.1895 | Moses C. Stone | Newburgh | Univ. N. Y., '68; Mem. O. C. M. S.; ex-Phys. St. Luke's Hosp.; Health Officer City Newburgh '78-'79. | |
| 1868—d.1897 | Chas. N. Wooley | Newburgh | L. I. C. H.,'68; Mem. N. B. M. S. | |
| 1868—d.1899 | Jno. R. Monroe | Highland Falls | L. I. C. H., '68. | |
| 1868—r.1870 | ____ Ward | Goshen | ||
| 1869—p.1907 | John J. Mitchell | Newburgh | N. Y. M. C, '57; Mem. O. C. H. M. S. and Pres. id., '73, '74, '75. | |
| 1869-1875 | M. E. Jones | Port Jervis | ||
| 1869—d.1904 | D. D. Wickham | Port Jervis | Syracuse Univ., '76. | |
| P.1869—r.1886 | Wm. H. Vail | Cornwall | P. & S. N. Y., '69. | |
| 1870—d.1893 | A. J. Jessup | Westtown and Goshen | P. & S. N. Y., '69; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Mem. T. S. M. S. | |
| 1870—d.1897 | Jerome A. Maubey | Newburgh | Lic. Or. H. M. S., '60; Mem. O. C. H. M. S.; literary and poetical contributor | |
| 1870—d.1879 | Oris A. Carroll | Port Jervis | C. M. C., '55; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Mem. T. S. M. S. and Pres. id., '75 Surg. 143d Reg.,'63. | |
| 1871—d.1880 | Fred H. Bradner | Middletown | N. Y. H. M. C., '71; Mem O. C. H. M. S. | |
| P.1871—r.1877 | S. W. Clauson | Blooming Grove | Univ. N. Y., '67; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1871—r.1872 | C. H. Yerrington | Craigville | Univ. N. Y.,'71; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1871—r.1885 | Jno. H. Le Grange | Newburgh | ||
| P.1871—r.1881 | Arthur Woodruff | Goshen | C. H. M. C., '73; Mem. O. C. H. M. C. and Pres. id., '79, '80, '81. | |
| P.1872—d.1907 | Henry K. Bradner | Monroe, Warwick | Univ. Pa., '72; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Mem. T. S. M. S. | |
| P.1872—r.1877 | Isaac Curtis | Sugar Loaf | M. S. M.; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| P.1872—r. | A. W. Jackson | Newburgh | Lic. M. S. U. C. | |
| 1872—r.1906 | K. R. Post | Newburgh | P. & S. N. Y., '67; Druggist. | |
| 1873—r.1874 | C. S. Van Etten | Sparrowbush | Univ. Pa.; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1873—d.1897 | K. S. Elmer | Monroe and Cornwall | Univ. Mich., '73; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1873—d.1896 | Gustav Gartzmann | Newburgh | B. M. C., '71; Mem. O. C. M. S. Mem. N. B. M. S. | |
| 1873—r.1878 | B. G. McCabe | Middletown | Mem. T. S. M. S. and Pres. id. | |
| P.1875—r. | H. P. Chase | Highland Falls | P. & S. N. Y., '73. | |
| 1874—r.1874 | George F. Foote | Middletown | Organizer and 1st Supt. Middletown State Hospital. '74. | |
| 1874—r.1883 | Wm. M. Butler | Middletown | P. & S. N. Y., '73: Mem. O. C. H. M. S. and Pres. id., '82; 1st Asst. Supt. State Hospital. | |
| 1874—d.1881 | F. D. Owens | Westtown and Unionville | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. | |
| 1874—r.1883 | J. T. Potter | Port Jervis | Syracuse Univ. | |
| 1874—r.1888 | Clarence Conant | Middletown | N. Y. H. M. C., '73; Mem. O. C. H. M. S. | |
| 1874—r.1888 | Allen P. McDonald | Port Jervis | H. M. C. Ch. | |
| 1874—d.1900 | T. Burke Pillsbury | Middletown | Harvard, '72; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres., '94; also Sec. id., '79-'90; Mem. T. S. M. S. and Pres., '86; Visiting Surg. Thrall Hospital. | |
| 1874—d.1892 | J. H. Hunt | Port Jervis | B. M. C., '72; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Mem. T. S. M. S. Erected Hunt Memorial Hospital. | |
| 1874—p.1907 | D. T. Condict | Searsville and Goshen | A. M. C., '74; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '87; Health Officer. | |
| 1874—p.1907 | E. Ross Elliott | Montgomery | Univ. N. Y., '74; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id. '03-'06; Mem. N. B. M. S. | |
| 1874—r. | E. H. Gillette | Turners | E. M. C. N. Y., '74. | |
| 1874—d.1884 | Jno. D. Stokem | Turners | E. M. C. N. Y., '74. | |
| 1874—r. | Emory G. Drake | Cornwall | L. I. C. H. | |
| 1874—p.1907 | W. W. Wendover | Warwick | P. & S. N. Y., '74; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1874—r.1877 | Henry R. Stiles | Middletown | 2d Supt. State Hospl. | |
| 1875—r. | C. H. Wilson | New Milford | Univ. N. Y., '75; Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. | |
| 1875—p.1907 | W. T. Seeley | Amity and Warwick | Yale, '75; Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem.; Mem. O. C. M. A. | |
| 1876-1880 | H. C. Mueller | Port Jervis | P. & S. N. Y., '73.; Mem. T. S. M. S. | |
| 1876—d.1890 | Wm. B. Eager | Middletown | P. & S. N. Y., '48; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres., '80; Mem. T. S. M. S. and Pres. | |
| 1876—r.1892 | Arthur Pell | Goshen | B. M. C., '75; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '90. | |
| 1876—r.1900 | Alex. H. Goodman | Salisbury Mills and Cornwall | Univ. N. Y., '76; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1876—p.1907 | R. J. Kingston | Newburgh | P. & S. N. Y., '77, and N. Y. Col. Pharmacy. | |
| 1876 | Alex. B. Leggett | Montgomery | Lic. O. C. M. S. and Mem. id. | |
| 1877—d.1888 | Henry C. Smith | Montgomery | N. Y. H. M. C., '74; Mem. O. C. H. M. S. | |
| 1877—r.1895 | Leon Devanoye | Port Jervis | France. | |
| 1877—d.1900 | W. H. Edsall | Otisville and Highland Falls | A. M. C., '77; Mem. O. C. M. C. | |
| 1877—r.1878 | R. C. Irving | Campbell Hall | B. M. C., '77; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1877—r.1883 | R. S. Stansborough | Newburgh | Univ. N. Y., '74. | |
| 1877—d.1902 | S. H. Talcott | Middletown | N. Y. H. M. C., '72; Mem. O. C. H. M. S. and Pres. id., '79-'80; 3rd Supt. State Hospl., '77-'02; Lecturer N. Y. H. M. C. | |
| 1877—p.1907 | Theo. D. Mills | Port Jervis and Middletown | P. & S. N. Y., '76; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Sec. and Pres., '83; Mem. T. S. M. S. and Pres., '78; Visiting Surg. Thrall Hospital. | |
| 1877—p.1907 | Elizabeth G. Meyer | Turners | W. M. C. N. Y. I., '77; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1877—P.1907 | John Deyo | Newburgh | B. H. M. C., '77; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Mem. N. B. M. S. and Treas. id.; Ass. Phys., St. Luke's Hospl. | |
| 1877—r.1880 | N. Emmons Payne | Middletown | A. M. C., '75; Mem. O. C. H. M. S.; 2nd Asst. Supt. State Hospital. | |
| 1878—r.1888 | Aloysius Kesseler | Newburgh | Univ. N. Y., '78. | |
| 1878—p.1907 | W. L. Cuddeback | Port Jervis | B. H. M. C., '76; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., 91; Mem. T. S. M. S. and Pres. id., '78; Visiting Surg. Port Jervis Hospital. | |
| 1878—d.1898 | Chas. Collin | Middletown | Lic. N. Ecl. M. S., '78. | |
| 1878—p.1907 | Julia Bradner | Middletown | N. Y. C. & H. for W. (Hom.), '72; Mem. H. M. S. D. O. & U.; Visiting Phys. Thrall Hospital. | |
| 1878—r.1907 | K. T. Jones | Newburgh and Walden | H. R. Ecl. Soc. | |
| 1878—r.1896 | A. L. Leonard | Central Valley | Univ. Pa. | |
| 1878—r.1879 | C. H. Stanley | Warwick | Boston Univ. (Hom.). | |
| P.1879—r. | W. H. Hanford | Sparrowbush | ||
| P.1879—r. | A. A. Seymour | Westtown | ||
| 1879—r.1900 | C. S. Kinney | Middletown | N. Y. H. M. C., '79; Mem. O. C. H. M. S.; 1st Asst. Supt. State Hospl. | |
| P.1879—r. | J. S. Vreeland | Westtown | ||
| P.1879—r. | H. B. Shaw | Cornwall-on-Hudson | P. & S. N. Y., '77. | |
| 1880—r.1889 | Floyd P. Sheldon | Newburgh | Univ. Mich. (H.); Mem. O. C. H. M. S. and Sec. id. | |
| 1880 | Jno. F. Higgins | Port Jervis | B. H. M. C., '80; Mem. T. S. M. S. | |
| 1880—d.1897 | H. D. Struble | Unionville and Middletown | Univ. Pa.. '75; Mem. T. S. M. S.; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Health Officer, '91-'92. | |
| 1880—r.1889 | E. J. Birmingham | Cornwall-on-Hudson | P. & S. N. Y., '71. | |
| 1881—r.1882 | Simon C. Bradley | Middletown | P. & S. N. Y., '80. | |
| 1881—d.1905 | David B. Smilev | Scotchtown and Middletown | P. & S. N. Y., '81; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1881—r. | Wm. B. DeWitt | Pine Bush | Univ. N. Y. | |
| 1881—r. | Edw. R. Bowden | Turners | L. I. C. H. | |
| 1881—r.1884 | Millard Brockway | Cornwall and Newburgh | E. M. C. | |
| 1881—p.1907 | Wm. E. Douglass | Middletown | B. H. M. C., '76; Mem. O. C. M.S. and Pres., '88; Mem. O. C. M. A. and Pres., '03 and '04; Visiting Phys. Thrall Hospl. | |
| 1881—p.1907 | Wm. H. Faulkner | Walden | N. Y. H. M. C, '81; Mem. O. C. H. M. C. | |
| 1881—r. | E. J. Westfall | Middletown | P. & S. N. Y., '71. | |
| 1882—r.1888 | R. E. Asher | Sparrowbush | N. Y. H. M. C., '82. | |
| 1882—r.1892 | Sarah Clock | Newburgh | N. Y. M. C. & H. for W., 82; Mem. O. C. H. M. S. | |
| 1882—d.1893 | Arthur P. Olney | Middletown | Univ. Buffalo, '82. | |
| 1882—r.1882 | Arthur W. Condict | Howells | Univ. Mich., '82; Mem. T. S. M. S. | |
| 1882—d.1901 | Geo. H. Dav | Monroe | U. S. M. C. (Ecl.) | |
| 1882—p.1907 | E. B. Lambert | Port Jervis | N. Y. H. M. C., '82; Mem. O. C. M. A. and O. C. M. S. | |
| 1882—r.1904 | James O. Davis | Howells | A. M. C., '75; Mem. T. S. M. S. and Pres., '87; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1883—d.1905 | D. G. Lippincott | Campbell Hall | J. M. C., '83; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1883—p.1907 | Milton C. Conner | Middletown | P. & S. N. Y., '83; Mem. N. B. M. S.; Mem. O. C. M A. and Pres., '01-'03; Mem. O. C. M. S.; ex-Health Officer. | |
| 1883—r. | Felix Carren | Middletown | E. M. C. N. Y. | |
| 1883—p.1907 | George S. Bond | Washingtonville | P. & S. N. Y., '83; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1883—r. | Maria B. Patterson | Turners | W. M. C. N. Y. I. | |
| 1883—r.1890 | Alonzo P. Williamson | Middletown | H. M. C. Pa., '76; Mem. O. C. H. M. S. and Pres. id., '83, '85, '87; 1st Asst. Supt. State Hospl., '83-90. | |
| 1884—d.1904 | James F. Ferguson | Central Valley | Univ. N. Y., 1860. Founder and Prop. Falkirk Sanitarium. | |
| 1884—r.1894 | W. H. Illman | Port Jervis | P. & S., '84. | |
| 1884—p.1907 | W. L Purdy | Westtown and Middletown | Univ. N. Y., '82; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Treas. and Pres. id., '00; Mem. T. S. M. S. and Pres. id., '88; Visiting Surg. Thrall Hospl.; Health Officer, '94, '95, 96. | |
| 1884—r. | William I. Wallace | Washingtonville | Univ. Mich | |
| 1884—r.1898 | Lemuel G. Roberts | Newburgh | Univ. N. Y., '82. | |
| 1887—p.1907 | E. Fancher | Middletown | Univ. Boston (H.); Mem. O. C. H. M. S., H. M. S. D. O. & U., O. C. M. A. and O. C. M. S.; Visiting Phys. Thrall Hospl. | |
| 1884—r. | Gordon B. Barnes | Montgomery | Univ. N. Y., '84. | |
| 1884—r. | William Scheide | Middletown | B. H. M. C. '66. | |
| 1885—d.1902 | Charles W. Butler | Cornwall | Univ. N. Y., '85; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1885—d.1906 | Louis E. Hanmore | Newburgh | P. & S. N. Y., '84; also Ph.G. N. Y. C. Ph.; Mem. O. C. M. S.; ex-Visiting Phys. St. Luke's Hospl. | |
| 1885—r. | Frank Whitaker | Otisville | Univ. N. Y., '83. | |
| 1885—r. | Edward W. Harriman | Middletown | Univ. N. Y., '84. | |
| 1885—p.1907 | H. B. Swartwout | Port Jervis | B. H. M. C., '85; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Vis. Surg. P. J. Hospital; Mayor Port Jervis. | |
| 1885—r.1887 | Geo. F. Rice | Chester | Univ. N. Y. | |
| 1886—r.1889 | Charles N. Payne | Port Jervis | N. Y. H. M. C., '85; Mem. O. C. H. M. S. | |
| 1886—r.1888 | Louis Bertine | Middletown | B. H. M. C., '86. | |
| 1886—d.1901 | A. L. Brown | Cornwall-on-Hudson | A. M. C., '86; also Ph.G.; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1886—p.1907 | F. W. Dennis | Unionville | Univ. Mich. '81; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Mem. O. C. M. A. | |
| 1886—r. | E. O. Eckart | Cornwall | Boston Univ. (H.). | |
| 1886—p.1907 | F. W. Best | Port Jervis | N. Y. H. M. C. '85; Mem. O. C. H. M. S. | |
| 1886—p.1907 | Clinton C. Cooley | Montgomery and Pine Bush | A. M. C., '84 Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1886—p.1907 | Jacob B. Peters | Walden | Univ. N. Y., '85; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id.. '99; Mem. N. B. M. S.; ex-Health Officer. | |
| 1887—r.1891 | W. Coe McKeeby | Otisville | Univ. Md., '87. | |
| 1887—r.1898 | L. L. Gillette | Turners | Univ. W., '87; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1887—r. | Homer A. Hitchcock | Goshen and Highland Falls | Univ. N. Y., '80. | |
| 1887—r.1900 | W. Frank Ross | Cornwall | P. & S. Balt., and N. Y. H. M. C., '87. | |
| 1887—p.1907 | John T. Howell | Newburgh | P. & S. N. Y.. '85; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id.. '92; Mem. N. B. M. S. and Pres. id.. '97; Mem. O. C. M. A.; Visiting Surg. St. Luke's Hosp. | |
| 1887—r. | J. A. Bush | Middletown | P. & S. Balt., '85. | |
| 1887—p.1907 | A. C. Santee | Scotchtown | J. M. C., '86; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Mem. O. C. M. A. | |
| 1887—r. | John P. Henry | Montgomery | Univ. N. Y. | |
| 1887—p.1907 | Edward C. Rushmore | Tuxedo Park | P. & S. N. Y., '86; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Mem. O. C. M. A. | |
| 1887—r.1906 | F. D. Meyers | Slate Hill | Univ. Mich., '93; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Mem. O. C. M. A. | |
| 1887—r.1889 | Jos. O. Reed | Middletown | N. Y. H. M. C., '87; Asst. Phys. State Hosp. | |
| 1887—P.1907 | W. Stanton Gleason | Newburgh | Univ. N. Y., '86; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres.. '01; Mem. N. B. M. S. and Pres.; Mem. O. C. M. A.; Visiting Phys. St. Luke's Hosp. | |
| 1887—d.1907 | Louis A. Harris | Newburgh | A. M. C., '84. | |
| 1887—r.1898 | Daniel H. Arthur | Middletown | N. Y. H. M. C., '87; 2d Ass. Supt. State Hosp., '97; Mem. O. C. H. M. S. | |
| 1888—r.1896 | Howard E. Winans | Newburgh | N. Y. H. M. C., '88. | |
| 1888—d.1899 | W. J. Nelson | Middletown | Univ. Md.. '83; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Health Officer, '97. | |
| 1888—d.1907 | Jas. E. O'Malley | Newburgh | Univ. N. Y., '88; ex-Visiting Phys. St. Luke's Hosp. | |
| 1888—p.1907 | Edgar Potts | Port Jervis | Univ. N. Y., '88; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1888—p.1907 | J. B. Hulett | Middletown | P. & S. N. Y., '87; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres., '96; Mem. O. C. M. A.; Visiting Surg. Thrall Hospl. | |
| 1888—p.1907 | Frank M. Cummins | Warwick | N. Y. H. M. C., '88; Mem. O. C. H. M. S. and H. M. S. D. O. & U. | |
| 1888—p.1907 | Alpheus E. Adams | Newburgh | P. & S. N. Y., '79; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '95; Mem. N. B. M. S. and Pres. id., '96; Mem. O. C. M. A.; Consl. Ophth.& Otol. St. Luke's Hosp. | |
| 1888-r.1906 | Stephen D. Harrison | Cornwall-on-Hudson | P. & S. N. Y., '79; Mem. N. B. M. S. and Pres. id.. '03; Consl. Phys. St. Luke's Hosp. | |
| 1889—r.1891 | Jos. W. McCready | Goshen | B. M. C, '88; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1889—d.1899 | J. L. Kortright | Middletown | P. & S. N. Y., '80; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1889—p.1907 | Frank A. Jacobson | Newburgh | N. Y. H. M. C., '88; Mem. O. C. H. M. S. and Sec. '90; Mem. H. M. S. D. O. & U. and Sec. and Treas. id. |
| Years of Practice | Name | Location | Medical College or Society Granting Diploma; Memberships in County Medical Societies—Public Service, etc. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1889—d.1900 | A. Winfield Bergen | Cornwall | N. Y. H. M. C., '87; Mem. O. C. H. M. S. |
| 1889—r. | Jacob Walter | Newburgh | H. M. C. Pa., '87. |
| 1889—p.1907 | J. H. Hanmer | Middletown | E. M. C. N. Y., '83; Health Officer, 1898-'08. |
| 1889—p.1907 | David H. Sprague | Middletown and Central Valley | Univ. N. Y., '86; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Mem. O. C. M. A. |
| 1889—r.1899 | Wm. G. Birdsall | Cornwall | N. Y. H., '88; Mem. H. M. S. D. O. & U. |
| 1890—r.1891 | F. S. Cole | Newburgh | P. & S. N. Y., '90; Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1890—r.1894 | E. W. Hitchcock | Goshen | N. Y. H. M. C, '90; ex-Health Officer. |
| 1890—d.1895 | E. H. Borst | Newburgh | P. & S. N. Y., '90; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Mem. N. B. M. S.; Visiting Surg. St. Luke's Hosp. |
| 1890—r.1902 | G. H. Brown | Highland Falls | P. & S. N. Y., '89; Mem. N. B. M. S. and O. C. M. S. |
| 1890—r.1906 | H. Martyn Brace | Port Jervis | P. & S. N. Y., '81. |
| 1890—r.1890 | Nathan B. Van Etten | Port Jervis | B. H. M. C., '90. |
| 1890—r. | T. C. Vandeveer | Monroe | L. I. C. H., '90. |
| 1890—r.1903 | William Evans | Westtown | P. & S. N. Y., '90; Mem. O. C. M. S. and O. C. M. A. |
| 1890—d.1907 | Louis R. Pierce | Newburgh | L. I. C. H., '89; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Mem. O. C. M. .A.; Mem. N. B. M. S.; Sec. and Pres. id., '00: Visiting Obst. St. Luke's Hospl.; died Dec, 1907. |
| 1890—r. | F. A. Carpenter | Slate Hill | Ecl. Univ. Cinn.,'89 |
| 1890—r | Andrew T. Carpenter | Slate Hill | E. M. C. N. Y., '86. |
| 1890—p.1907 | Robert Kearns | Montgomery | P. & S. N. Y., '88. |
| 1890—r.1897 | George Allen | Middletown | H. M. C. Pa., 77; 1st Asst. Supt. State Hosp. |
| 1891—r.1893 | Edward F. Smith | Goshen | B. H. M. C. |
| 1891—p.1907 | S. L. Sweeney | Newburgh | Univ. N. Y., '90. |
| 1891—p.1907 | Thos. L. Gilson | Middletown | L. I. C. H., '91; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Health Officer, '93. |
| 1891—p.1907 | I. D. Brownell | Walden | L. I. C. H., '91; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Mem. N. B. M. S.: ex-Health Officer. |
| 1891—p.1907 | Wm. E. Reed | Washingtonville | N. Y. H. M. C., '84; Mem. H. M. S. D. O. |
| 1891—p.1907 | E. A. Nugent | Unionville | B. H. M. C., '91; & U.; Pres., '07. Mem. O. C. M. S. and O. C. M. A. |
| 1892—r.1902 | Chas. W. Banks | Port Jervis | B. M. M. C., '92; Mem. O. C. M. C.; Health Officer, 1893-'96 and |
| 1892—r.1907 | Chas. E. Skinner | Port Jervis | B. H. M. C, 92; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Health Officer, 1893-'95 and '96-'97. |
| 1892—r.1894 | Mary Beattie | Newburgh | |
| 1892—p.1907 | Chas. P. Smith | Chester | L. I. C. H., 92; Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1892—p.1907 | M. C. Ashley | Middletown | H. M. C. Pa., '92; Mem. H. M. S. D. O. & U.; former Asst. and since '02 Supt. State Hospital. |
| 1893—r.1895 | Jas. E. Spiegel | Middletown | Univ. Buffalo. |
| 1893—r.1895 | Josiah M. Ward | Goshen | B. H. M. C.; ex-Health Officer. |
| 1895—r.1897 | Wm. E. Sebring | Searsville | A. M. C., '93; Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1893—p.1907 | Thos. K. Burke | Newburgh | Niagara Univ., '91. |
| 1893—p.1907 | Chas. E. Townsend | Newburgh | B. H. M. C., '92; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres., '03; Mem. O. C. M. A.; Mem. N. B. M. S. and Sec'y, '95; Visiting Surg. St. Luke's Hospital. |
| 1893—P.1907 | Robt. A. Taylor | Port Jervis | B. H. M. C., '93; Mem. O. C. M. S. and O. C. M. A. |
| 1893—p.1907 | W. S. Russell | Highland Mills | Univ. N. Y., '93; Mem. O. C. M. A. |
| 1893—p.1907 | M. H. Dubois | Washingtonville | B. H. M. C., '93; Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1893—p.1907 | J. S. Cummins | Warwick | H. M. C. Chic., '91; Mem. H. M. S. D. O. & U. |
| 1893—p.1907 | E. O. Mitchell | Newburgh | Harvard Univ., '92. |
| 1893—p.1907 | Clara Barrus | Middletown | Univ. Bost.(H.),'88; Woman Phys. State Hosp.; Mem. H. M. S. D. O. & U. |
| 1893—p.1907 | Andrew V. Jova | Newburgh | P. & S. N. Y., 84; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '99; Mem. N. B. M. S. and Pres. id., '00; Visiting Phys. St. Luke's Hospl. |
| 1894—r.1896 | Mortimer W. Shaw | Middletown | L. I. C. H., '92; Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1894—r.1899 | H. B. Masten | Chester | P. & S. N. Y., '94. |
| 1894—r. | Walter S. Elliott | Port Jervis | P. & S. Balt., '78. |
| 1894—p.1907 | D. B. Hardenburgh | Middletown | P. & S. N. Y., '91; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '02; Visiting Phys. Thrall Hosp. |
| 1894—P.1907 | Chas. H. Hall | Monroe | P. & S. Balt., '91; Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1894—P.1907 | C. Willis Many | Florida | L. I. C. H., '94; Mem: O. C. M. S. |
| 1894—P.1907 | F. M. Phillips | Newburgh | Univ. N. Y., '94. |
| 1894—p.1907 | Chas. N. Knapp | Port Jervis | B. H. M. C., '94; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Health Officer, 1902 to '03. |
| 1894—p.1907 | Geo. F. Pitts | Warwick | Univ. N. Y., '77; Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1894—P.1907 | Edward F. Brooks | Newburgh | Univ. N. Y., '94; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Mem. N. B. M. S. |
| 1894—P.1907 | John E. Leemon | Middletown | Univ. N. Y., '94. |
| 1894—p.1907 | Arthur P. Powelson | Middletown and Walden | N. Y. H. M. C, '94; Mem. H. M. S. D. O. & U.; Asst. Phys. State Hosp., '96-'01. |
| 1894—P.1907 | R. L. Geoch | Goshen | N. Y. H. M. C., 94; Mem. H. M. S. D. O. & U. |
| 1894—p.1907 | Henry Wilson | Newburgh | R. C. P. & S. Eng.'79 |
| 1895—d.1899 | James Wood | Newburgh | B. H. M. C., '91; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Mem. N. B. M. S. Died in service U. S. A., Cuba, '99. |
| 1895—r.1897 | A. F. Hardlicka | Middletown | E. M. C. N. Y.; Asst. Phys. State Hosp. |
| 1895—p.1907 | Hilton J. Shelley | Middletown | E. I. Lines; Univ. N. Y., '89; Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1895—p.1907 | C. I. Redfield | Middletown | Univ. Pa., '94; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id., '04; Mem. O. C. M. A.; ex-Sec. N. Y. State Med. Assn.; Health Officer, 1898. |
| 1895—P.1907 | William J. Carr | Newburgh | B. H. M. C.; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Treas. id.; Mem. O. C. M. A.; Mem. N. B. M. S. and Pres. id., '06: Health Officer City Newburgh, '97-'04; Ass. Visiting Surg. St. Luke's Hosp. |
| 1895—p.1907 | E. J. Leahy | Port Jervis | Queen's Col. Ontario, '93. |
| 1895—p.1907 | Lysander M. Jones | Port Jervis | Medico-Chir. Phila., '93; Health Officer, '97 to '01. |
| 1895—p.1907 | Raphael F. Medrick | Port Jervis | Univ. Pa.. '95; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Health Officer, 1903 to 1907. |
| 1895—P.1907 | H. E. Wise | Turners and Tuxedo Park. | Univ. N. Y., '95; Mem. O. C. M. S. and O. C. M. A. |
| 1895—p.1907 | Isabelle M. Wilson | Middletown | N. Y. M. C. for W., 94; Mem. H. M. C. D. O. & U. |
| 1895—p.1907 | W. H. Snyder | Newburgh | N. Y. H. M. C., '93; Mem. H. M. S. D. O. & U.; Mem. O. C. M. S. and O. C. M. A.; also N. B. M. S.; Asst. Visiting Phys. St. Luke's Hosp.; Health Officer City Newburgh. |
| 1895—p.1907 | E. M. Shultz | Middletown | N. Y. H. M. C. N. Y., '93; Mem. H. M. S. D. O. & U. |
| 1895—p.1907 | Fred A. Hadley | Walden | P. & S. Balt., '95; Mem. N. B. M. S. and O. C. M. S. |
| 1895—p.1907 | W. H. F. Burke | Middletown | B. H. M. C., '82; Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1895—p.1907 | Warren Worcester | Middletown | P. & S. Balt.; also D.D.S., '88; Mem. O. C. M. S. Practices Dentistry. |
| 1896—r.1897 | Julius A. Winter | Port Jervis | L. I. C. H. |
| 1896—p.1907 | William Hollinger | Newburgh | Univ. N. Y., '92; Mem. O. C. M. S. and N. B. M. S. |
| 1896—r. | Norman W. Currie | Searsville | Univ. N. Y.; Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1896—r.1899 | E. M. Devol | Goshen | Univ. N. Y., '96. |
| 1896—p.1907 | I. H. Lent | Middletown | A. M. C, '74; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Cons. Ophth. Thrall Hosp. |
| 1896—p.1907 | E. D. Woodhull | Monroe | D. M. C, '95; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Pres. id.; Mem. O. C. M. A. and Pres., '04. |
| 1896—r.1907 | D. E. Francisco | Middletown | N. Y. H. M. C., '96; Asst. Phys. State Hosp. |
| 1896—r. | Mary G. Cummins | Goshen | H. M. C. N. Y., '96. |
| 1896—r.1907 | Frank A. Augur | Newburgh and Searsville | P. & S. Balt., '86. |
| 1897—r.1898 | Geo. B. Brown | East Coldenham | B. H. M. C, '97; Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1897—p.1907 | F. W. Gerecke | Newburgh | B. H. M. C., '97; Mem. O. C. M. S. |
| 1897—p.1907 | L. J. Merritt | Pine Bush and Maybrook | Univ. Md., '97; Mem. O. C. M. A. and O. C. M. S. |
| 1897—p.1907 | Ira C. Whitehead | Walden | B. M. C. Mass., '55; Health Officer since '03. |
| 1897—p.1907 | Mary Ella Dunning | Newburgh | W. M. C. Phil., '96; Mem. O. C. M. S. and O. C. M. A. |
| 1897—p.1907 | M. A. Stivers | Middletown | P. & S. N. Y., '94; Mem. O. C. M. S.; Visiting Phys. Thrall Hosp. |
| 1897—p.1907 | H. J. Powelson | Middletown | H. M. C. Phila.,'94. |
| 1897—r. | Clarence Klar | Florida | H. M. C. Phila.,'96. |
| 1897—r.1905 | Edward A. Everitt | Middletown | N. Y. H. M. C., '97; 2d Asst. Supt. State Hosp. |
| 1897—r.1899 | Clarence A. Potter | Middletown | N. Y. H. M. C., '97; Junior Phys. State Hosp. |
| 1897—r.1900 | Harry P. Dawe | Chester | Univ. N. Y., '03. |
| 1898—r.1900 | H. S. Cooley | Newburgh | B. H. M. C., '98. |
| 1898—r.1904 | Geo. A. H. Smith | East Coldenham | L. I. C. H., 98; Mem. N. B. M. S. |
| 1898—p.1907 | H. A. Waldron | Newburgh | A. M. C., '77; Mem. O. C. M. S. and O. C. M. A.; Mem. N. B. M. S.; Pres., '04. |
| 1898—p.1907 | H. S. Trigg | Cornwall | Univ. Vt., '81. |
| 1898—p.1907 | W. L. Dunning | Newburgh | B. H. M. C., '92; Mem. O. C. M. S. and N. B. M. S. |
| 1898—p.1907 | Robt. C. Woodman | Middletown | H. M. C. Phila.,'95; 1st Asst. Supt. State Hospl.; Mem. H. M. S. D. O. & U. |
| 1898—p.1907 | A. H. Bayard | Cornwall | A. M. C., '89; Mem. O. C. M. S. and N. B. M. S. |
| Years of Practice | Name | Location | Medical College or Society Granting Diploma; Memberships in County Medical Societies—Public Service, etc. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1898—r. | Edward H. Sharp | Central Valley | Univ. Buffalo, '98. | |
| 1899—r.1902 | M. V. Wilkie | Deerpark | P. & S. N. Y., '94. | |
| 1899—p.1907 | Albert W. Preston | Middletown | P. & S. N. Y., 96; Mem. O. C. M. S. and O. C. M. A. | |
| 1899—r.1902 | Effie W. Banks | Port Jervis | Cornell Univ., '99. | |
| 1899—r. | W. R. Tubbs | Port Jervis | H. M. C. Phila. | |
| 1899—p.1907 | Lawrence G. Distler | Middletown | B. H. M. C., '09; Mem. O. C. M. A. and Sec. id.; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1899—p.1907 | Chas. W. Dennis | Goshen | R. M. C. '83; Mem. O. C. M. S. and Sec. id.; Consl. Phys. Thrall Hosp. | |
| 1899—p.1907 | H. T. Kurtz | Highland Falls | Cornell Univ. | |
| 1899—r.1905 | Reeve Turner | Middletown | N. Y. H. M. C., '99; Asst. Phys. State Hosp., '99-'05. | |
| 1900—r. | B. V. E. Dolph | Port Jervis | Syracuse Univ., '00. | |
| 1900-1907 | Hiram D. Walker | Newburgh | Univ. Buffalo, '64; Mem. N. B. M. S. Discovered that earthworms convey the parasite of "gapes" to fowls. | |
| 1900—p.1907 | F. W. Seward, Jr. | Goshen | N. Y. H. M. C., '98; Mem. H. M. S. D. O. & U.; Asst. Phys. Interpines. | |
| 1900—r.1902 | Emory G. Drake | Cornwall | L. I. C. H. | |
| 1900—p.1907 | David H. Chandler | Cornwall | N. Y. H. M. C., 92; Mem. H. M. C. D. O. & U. | |
| 1900—r.1903 | C. A. Canfield | Middletown | Univ. N. Y., '86. | |
| 1900—r.1906 | J. Austin Kelly | Chester | L. I. C. H., 95; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1901—r.1905 | E. R. Smith | Washingtonville | L. I. C. H.. '01. | |
| 1901—r.1906 | H. A. Ferguson | Central Valley | Univ. N. Y. Prop.; Falkirk Sanitarium, '04-'06. | |
| 1901—p.1907 | Geo. W. Blanchard | Highland Falls | M. S .M., '95; Mem. O. C. M. S. and N. B. M. S.; Phys. to Convent. | |
| 1901—p.1907 | Merritt I. Beers | Middletown | N. Y. H. M. C., '01; Mem. O. C. M. A. and O. C. M. S. | |
| 1901—p.1907 | Julia F. Fish | Middletown | Pulte Med. Col.,'01; Intern State Hosp. | |
| 1902—p.1907 | George E. Brewster | Middletown | N. Y. H. M. C, '00; 2d Asst. Supt. State Hospl.; Mem. H. M. S. D. O. & U. and O. C. M. S. | |
| 1902—r.1904 | Fred I. Savage | Chester | B. H. M. C., '70. | |
| 1902—p.1907 | Elizabeth J. Jaeger | Cornwall | W. M. C. Phil., 02. | |
| 1902—p.1907 | Henry I. Winter | Cornwall | Univ. N. Y., 92; Mem. N. B. M. S. and Pres. id.; Mem. O. C M. A. and O. C. M. S.; Cons. Neurol. St. Luke's Hospl. Newburgh. | |
| 1902—p.1907 | Thos. D. McMenamin | Highland Falls | Cornell Univ., '01; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1902—r.1907 | Francis H. Dreyer | Searsville | N. Y. H. M. C., '94. | |
| 1902—p.1907 | Albert Brinkman | Central Valley and Brooklyn | Univ. N. Y., '83. | |
| 1903—r.1907 | Aaron D. Davidow | Florida | P. & S. Chicago,'94; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1903—p.1907 | F. P. Howser | Otisville | B. H. M. C., 91; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1903—p.1907 | Roy E. Mitchell | Middletown | Univ. Minn. (H.), '01; Asst. Phys. State Hospl.; Mem. H. M. S. D. O. & U.; Mem. O. C M. A. and O. C. M. S. | |
| 1903—p.1907 | Max H. Skou | Slate Hill | N. Y. Ecl., '01. | |
| 1904—p.1907 | Geo. O. Pobe | Port Jervis | L. I. C. H., 01; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1904—p.1907 | Frank E. Gessner | Port Jervis | B. H. M. C., 03; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1904—p.1907 | Palmer R. Bowdish | Cornwall | A. M. C., '04. | |
| 1904—r.1906 | Henry F. Parker | Newburgh | J. M. C., '83. | |
| 1904—p.1907 | E. C. Thompson | Newburgh | P. & S. N. Y., '01; Mem. O. C. M. A. and N. B. M. S.; Sec. id.; Asst. Visiting Surg. St. Luke's Hosp. | |
| 1904—p.1907 | Percy E. Banks | East Coldenham | L. I. C. H., 04; Mem. N. B. M. S. | |
| 1904—r. | A. S. Moore | Middletown | Univ. Mich.(H.).'01; Asst. Phys. State Hospl. | |
| 1904—r. | Leroy James Smith | Turners | U. & B. H. M. C.00, '05. | |
| 1905—p.1907 | A. Judson Benedict | Newburgh | Univ. Buffalo; Mem. O. C. M. S. and O. C. M. A.; Mem. N. B. M. S.; Visiting Rhin. and Otol. St. Luke's Hospl. | |
| 1905—p.1907 | Elijah Osterhout | Newburgh | Syracuse Univ., '96; Mem. O. C. M. S. and O. C. M. A.; Mem. N. B. M. S. | |
| 1905—p.1907 | W. B. Andrews | Newburgh | P. & S. N. Y., '03; Mem. O. C. M. S. and N. B. M. S. | |
| 1905—p.1907 | W. W. Davis | Chester | Syracuse Univ., '03; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1905—p.1907 | John I. Cotter | Campbell Hall | A. M. C., '04; Mem. O. C. M. S. and N. B. M. S. | |
| 1905—p.1907 | Jesse D. Mars | Florida Univ. | Mich., '04; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1905—p.1907 | F. W. H. Massey | Unionville | Univ. N. Y., '84. | |
| 1905—r.1907 | LeRoy J. Smith | Turners | Univ. & B. H. M. C., '04. | |
| 1905—p.1907 | Nelson W. Thompson | Middletown | Univ. Mich.(H.), '05; Intern State Hospl. | |
| 1905—p.1907 | H. V. Bingham | Middletown | N. Y. H. M. C., '05; Junior Ass. Phys. State Hospl. | |
| 1906—p.1907 | Carlos F. MacDonald | Central Valley and New York City | B. H. M. C, '69; Propr. and Phys. in charge The Dr. MacDonald House; also N. Y. C. | |
| 1906—p.1907 | Lillian Morgan | Middletown | N. Y. M. C. & H. for W., '06; ex-Supt. Thrall Hosp., '07. | |
| 1906—p.1907 | Fred B. Colby | Highland Falls | B. M. C., '06. | |
| 1906—p.1907 | Clarence J. Slocum | Central Valley | A. M. C., '97: Supt. of The Dr. MacDonald House. | |
| 1906—p.1907 | Geo. W. Shirk | Cornwall | R. M. C., '97; Mem. N. B. M. S. and O. C. M. S. | |
| 1906—p.1907 | Henry B. Ballon | Middletown | Univ. Mich.(H.),'05; Intern State Hospl. | |
| 1906—p.1907 | Benj. Ver Nooy | Middletown | Univ. & B. H. M. C., '96. | |
| 1906—p.1907 | Robt. Cordner | Middletown | P. & S. N. Y., '99; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1907—p.1907 | H. G. Hubbell | Cornwall | L. I. C. H., '06. | |
| 1907—p.1907 | Talcott O. Vanamer | Newburgh | P. & S. N. Y., '04; Mem. O. C. M. S. | |
| 1907—p.1907 | B. F. Seaman | Newburgh | A. M. C., '05. | |
| 1907—p.1907 | Burke Hamilton | Goshen | Syracuse Univ., '05. |
EXPLANATION OF ABBREVIATIONS.
The eastern part of the State of New York, including all those portions which were settled in the seventeenth century or in the early part of the eighteenth, have this common feature in their educational history. They all show three periods of development, separate and distinct from each other, and these periods are characterized, largely, by the initiative under which the schools were organized and maintained.
The first of these periods, which we may call the colonial period, reaches from the first settlement of the country down to the time of the Revolutionary War. During this time, about seventy-five years, whatever schools there were in Orange County, were organized and supported entirely by the settlers in the different neighborhoods, for the instruction of their own children.
There were no large villages in Orange County at that time. The communities were purely agricultural, with small hamlets scattered here and there, such as are found in agricultural districts to-day, and the educational advantages were very limited. This period culminated in the struggle for independence, during which even these limited advantages were almost entirely swept away.
During the war of the Revolution, the settled portions of the State were overrun by armed bands again and again. The valley of the Hudson was harried by the contending armies, back and forth for years, and, even where there were no armies, the virulence of the feeling which existed between the patriots and the Tories, was such that there was little more safety for life and property in those localities than there was at the very seat of war.
Under these circumstances, the schools were generally closed and the generation which grew up during the Revolution was largely without regular instruction.
Toward the end of the war, when actual hostilities had largely ceased, there was a great awakening throughout the State to the necessity for more and better schools than had ever existed heretofore. Mingling with those who had enjoyed better educational advantages, in the camp and on the field, had taught the pioneers the value of education, and they determined to make it possible for their children to become better equipped, educationally, than they had been.
Private academies, for classical training, were established in the small towns and villages and a new period, which we may call the period of the private schools, began.
In response to this sentiment in favor of higher education, the Legislature passed the University law in 1784, establishing the University of the State of New York and giving the authority and the aid of the State to the academies which had already been established and encouraging the establishment of others. The object of this movement by the Legislature, as defined in the act establishing the University, was "to encourage and promote education in advance of the common, elementary branches."
It is a characteristic feature of the thought and feeling of this period that the State should give its aid and authority to private institutions for secondary instruction long years before it recognized in any way, its duty to the common school and elementary instruction.
Soon the private academies became so numerous that the opportunity for higher education reached to every part of the State. These schools did a grand work. For three-quarters of a century they opened up opportunities for the ambitious boys and girls whose parents were able to pay for their tuition.
Then, a new idea appeared in educational matters—the idea that the child of the poor man has as much right to the opportunity for education as the child of the rich, and that it is the duty of the State to provide this opportunity for rich and poor alike. So the period of the free schools followed that of the private academies.
THE COLONIAL PERIOD.
The first settlements in what is now Orange County were made not far from the same time in both the eastern and western extremities. The county then included what is now Rockland County, and was bounded on the north by the line separating the counties of Orange and Ulster. This line ran from the mouth of Murderer's Creek (now Moodna) "westward into the woods as far as the Delaware River." These settlements were made previous to 1700, but the time is not absolutely certain with respect to either of them.
In the western part of the county, in what is now the town of Deerpark, the first settlers were Dutch and Huguenot families, who came from Kingston and New Paltz. In the eastern part the settlers came up the Hudson River and consisted almost entirely of English speaking people from New York and the Long Island towns. In fact, so close was the association with New York, that for some years the New York reports included Orange and our county had no independent county government.
In 1693, according to the report of Governor Fletcher, made by Matthew Clarkson, secretary of the province, there were in "Orange County not above twenty families, for the present under the care of New York."
In 1698 there were reported to Governor Bellomont about thirty families and 140 children in Orange.
These children were scattered over a wide district, in pioneer homes, where luxuries were unknown and where even the necessaries of life were difficult of attainment. There were no schools for their instruction at this time, nor for a number of years afterward, but it is evident that many of them at least did secure the elements of an education, either from their parents or from some other source, for we find them later, in the Dutch and Huguenot settlements at any rate, as the men of affairs, prominent in the church and in the community, able to read and write and to transact business in a business-like manner.
By 1723 a second generation had grown up and new settlers had come into the county. In that year 543 children are reported. By this time the pioneers had overcome the greater difficulties of the early settlement. Their farms yielded abundant supplies and there was opportunity to make provision for the instruction of their children. That this opportunity was made use of and that some provision was made, in most parts of the settlements, for the instruction of the boys and girls, there is little reason to doubt.
The young people of this generation learned "to read and write and cast accounts," at any rate. There were few, if any, schoolhouses, and tradition has it that the teachers, like the tailors and the shoemakers, went about from house to house, giving instruction in the three R's.
At this time no text-books had been published in America and books of all kinds were very scarce in the frontier settlements, so that the few books attainable were quite generally provided by the teacher as the tools of his profession. The hornbook was used for teaching beginners. This was a flat piece of wood with a handle. On the flat part of this there was fastened a piece of horn, scraped thin to make it transparent. A strip of paper on which the lesson was written or printed, was placed between the horn and the wood. These lessons, protected by the horn, would last a long time and could be used by many different pupils. The hornbook was used for teaching the letters, some of the combinations of vowels and consonants and either the Lord's Prayer or some other verses of easy reading. A copy of the Bible was often the only printed book in the school and was used as a reading book.
The material for the instruction in arithmetic, in language and the more difficult words in spelling were contained in the teacher's note-book, which he had carefully prepared, under the direction of some other teacher, similarly equipped. These note-books contained the rules and tables in arithmetic, many problems, lists of words for spelling and selections for memorizing. In fact, the teacher's note-book was his tool-chest, and its size and completeness were his recommendations. The possession of a Bible, a psalm book, a copy of Dillingham's arithmetic or some other English work, and a few books of general literature were sufficient to mark the pioneer pedagogue as a man of great distinction in his profession.
On the hornbook the letters of the alphabet were usually followed by the character &, to which were added the Latin words per se and the English word and, making & per se and. Many of the teachers knew no Latin and condensed this into "Ampersand," and this word has come down to us meaningless, except as we know its origin.
When the pupils had learned to use the quill pen, which the teacher fashioned for them with his penknife, they were provided with a few sheets of paper, bound together in strong covers, and they proceeded to make, more or less carefully, a note-book like the teacher's. Some of these note-books, still preserved, show the character of the work done in these early schools. Besides the matters enumerated above some have riddles and anecdotes, evidently intended as practice in language. One which I have seen, written by a young lady, has the following exercise for punctuation:
"There is a lad in this land
Hath twenty nails upon each hand
Five and twenty on hands and feet
And this is true without deceit."
Much attention was paid to penmanship, and the copies prepared by the teacher were often as perfect as the engraved copies of the modern copy-book. These copies were kept by the pupil and practiced with painstaking care. A reproduction of a copy written by Joseph Dolph, with a quill pen of his own make is given to show the skill in lettering with which some of these old schoolmasters prepared their copies.
It would be of great interest if we could know more of these pioneers of the teacher's profession and their work. But there are few records of them left. They were generally men, in the early days always men, and probably few of them possessed much learning beyond the rudiments which they taught.
There was no opportunity for higher studies and the few young men who desired to enter college had to find a tutor, usually a clergyman, who could give him instruction in the preparatory studies.
When the first schoolhouse in Orange County was built I do not know. It is possible that there was a building used for this purpose on the Quassaick, now Newburgh, during the occupancy of the Palatinate colony, previous to 1730. It is certain that a building for school purposes was erected there soon after 1752, although it is not possible to determine when this school was opened. There is reason to suppose that a teacher was installed soon after the transfer of the Glebe lands to Alexander Colden and Richard Atherton "as trustees thereof, for the sole use and behoof of a minister of the Church of England, as by law established, and a school-master, to have the care of souls and the instruction of the children of the neighboring inhabitants." This transfer was made in 1752.
The land known as the Glebe was part of a grant of 2190 acres on the west side of the Hudson River, "beginning on the north side of Quassaic Creek and extending up the Hudson 219 chains and into the woods 100 chains," made for the benefit of a colony of Lutheran, refugees from the Palatinate of the Rhine. They had crossed over to England and Queen Anne directed that this grant be made for them. From this tract 500 acres were set apart, "according to the queen's pleasure," for the support of their minister and 100 acres for the schoolmaster's lot. Although the Queens interest had been manifested in 1708, the patent was not issued until 1719, and then the land soon passed into other hands.
After the transfer of the Glebe lands in 1752 as mentioned above, a house was built for the schoolmaster, "with a school-room in the rear." Little is known of this school. Ruttenber, in his history of Orange County, gives the names of some of the teachers who were in charge of it at different times before the Revolution, as follows: Lewis Donveur, in 1768; Joseph Penney, in 1769; Thomas Gregory, in 1773. In 1774 John Nathan Hutchinson became the teacher and continued in the school until shortly before his death, which occurred in 1782.
There were other schools in various parts of the county, previous to the Revolution. One James Carpenter, a teacher at or near Goshen, is mentioned in certain records in 1762.
In the town of Deerpark, as it is now constituted, there were at least two school buildings which were erected before the war. One of these was located about a mile from the boundary of the city of Port Jervis. on the east side of the Neversink River, and the other where the village of Cuddebackville now stands. In this latter building Thomas Kyte taught for some time. In 1775 he married Lea Keator and removed from the valley to the town of Wantage, Sussex County, New Jersey, where he became a prosperous farmer and where some of his descendants still remain. In 1776 Thomas White, an Englishman, was employed as teacher in the same district. He came, with his wife Elizabeth, and lived at the home of Ezechiel Gumaer near the Neversink River. The school was also conducted in one of the rooms of the Gumaer house. Later, when the house was reconstructed as a fort, for the better protection of the people of the neighborhood, and several families had gathered there, the school was continued in the fort. Mr. White remained throughout the entire period of the war, and the children who were so fortunate as to be his pupils, enjoyed advantages which very few could have at that time. He was a man of some literary attainments, small in stature, but quick and active in body and mind.
Mr. Peter E. Gumaer (1770 to 1869) who was one of his pupils, says of him, in his history of Deerpark: "I conclude that Mr. White had been taught in one of the best of the common schools of England, and in a very perfect manner so far as he had progressed. He was a very eloquent reader and could perform the same with an air suitable to the nature of the subject on which the reading treated. I have always considered him as the equal of the best readers I have ever heard."
Commenting on the advantages which Mr. White gave his pupils and the value of his services to the community, Mr. Gumaer says, "This man's services have been a greater benefit to the third generation of the descendants of this neighborhood than those of any other individual, in consequence of which he ought to be held in remembrance by our descendants and be incorporated in our history, as the first important originator of education among us."
Mr. White spent his old age on a farm in the town of Wallkill and is buried in the churchyard of the Presbyterian church at Otisville. In his will he left a sum of money from the proceeds of which there should be paid $10 each year, to the minister of each of four different churches, for preaching a special sermon, to be known as The White Sermon. The four churches benefited are the Dutch Reformed church of Port Jervis, the Congregational church of Middletown, and the Episcopal and Presbyterian churches of Goshen.
The school on the east side of the Neversink River, near Port Jervis, was in session at the time of Brant's raid on Tuesday, July 20, 1779. The Indians and Tories under Thayandanega, or, as the whites called him, Joseph Brant, came down the Delaware valley and separated into two divisions. One party followed the river and the other crossed the point of land between the two rivers, keeping near the base of the mountain and crossed the Neversink near the old Indian burying ground. The object of the raid, as stated by Brant in his report to the commanding officer, was to secure booty, especially beef cattle. But it would appear from the method of attack that there was another object, that of capturing or killing Major Decker.
The attack was made simultaneously upon the home of Major Decker and upon the farms four miles down the river across the State line, in New Jersey. The men of the Major's family were away attending a funeral and the house, although it was surrounded by a stockade, was easily taken and burned. It is probable that the most of the men were attending the funeral when the attack was made. This funeral, or at least the burial, was held at the meeting house of the Dutch Reformed church, which stood on East Main street, near the culvert over which the Erie Railroad crossed that street. This also was burned later in the same raid. One of these bands came upon the school house with the school in session. The teacher, Jeremiah Van Auken, grandson of James Van Auken, who was the first magistrate of the Minisink region, was killed and scalped and the children scattered. According to the deposition of Mehary Owen, one of the Tories who accompanied Brant on this raid, that chieftain had issued strict orders that no women nor children should be injured. This deposition was taken by Henry Wisner, Esq., at Goshen, and, while there is little dependence to be put upon the word of such a renegade, there is no proof that any of the children were harmed.
The story so often told and sometimes discredited, that Brant himself came upon the party that had killed Van Auken, and put paint upon the clothing of the children to protect them, is too well authenticated to be rejected. It is more than tradition.
There are persons still living who have heard the story told by those who were there, on that day. Among others, Margaret Decker, daughter of Major Johannes Decker, horn in 1770, was there at school that day. She afterward married Benjamin Carpenter and left many descendants. She told the story many times to children and grandchildren, substantially as it has been told by the people of the valley since 1779. Several of these grandchildren are still living and agree in all the main points of the story as she told it to them. This is only one of many cases where the story is a family tradition.
Peter E. Gumaer was a lad nine years old, at the time this occurred. He was a neighbor and playfellow of those children in the other district who were in school that day. He grew up with them and knew them intimately all their lives, for he outlived them all, dying beyond the middle of his ninety-ninth year. In his account of Brant's raid, given with slight alterations in Eager's History of Orange County, he tells the story substantially as it is told by the descendants of these children. The addition of a brush and the color of the paint are touches not found in the original story.
This sketch of the schools in colonial times is fragmentary and unsatisfactory, but, there is so little that has been preserved concerning them, that no account can be other than fragmentary.
THE PERIOD OF THE PRIVATE ACADEMIES.
The movement for the establishment of schools of higher grade began with the people themselves. They knew what they wanted and proceeded to obtain it in the most direct way. The method was much the same all over the State. The farmers and other well-to-do people of a considerable section subscribed the money necessary to put up a building and to provide the furniture and equipment needed. Then, when the building was ready for occupancy, it was leased to some teacher, whose compensation was the fees for tuition, paid by the students who attended. More than 300 of these institutions were established in the State.
In this movement for improved schools, the county of Orange was one of the first in the State to act. There were two other schools of this type which were incorporated before The Farmers' Hall Academy in Goshen, but the incorporation was not until several years after these schools had been in operation. The Clinton Academy at Easthampton and the Erasmus Hall Academy in Brooklyn, were both chartered by the Board of Regents in 1787, while the Goshen school was not chartered until April first, 1790.
The building for the Farmers' Hall was erected in 1773 and the school was maintained as a school for instruction in academic subjects during the Revolution, with some interruptions.
To this school, in 1781, there came a man who was to do more for the cause of education in this county than any who had preceded him. Noah Webster had graduated from Yale in 1778 and had begun the study of law at Hartford. The invasion of New York from the north, by Burgoyne, called for the services of every able bodied man, and young Webster marched to the valley of the Mohawk, as a private in his father's company of Connecticut militia. After the campaign was over, he returned to the study of law and was admitted to the bar in Hartford in 1781. Instead of waiting at Hartford for a practice, he decided to enter the profession of teaching and probably came to Goshen in the fall of the same year.
The following letter of introduction, written by Henry Wisner, Esq., a magistrate of Goshen, would seem to indicate that Mr. Webster was not a new comer in Goshen at that time and he had probably completed his first year in the school when it was written:
Goshen, N. Y., August 26th, 1782.
Sir:
The bearer, Mr. Noah Webster, has taught a grammar school for some time past, in this place, much to the satisfaction of his employers.
He is now doing some business in the literary way, which, in the opinion of good judges, will be of great service to posterity. He, being a stranger in New Jersey, may stand in need of the assistance of some gentlemen with whom you are acquainted. He is a young gentleman whose moral as well as political character is such as will render him worthy of your notice.
Any favor which you may do him will be serving the public and accepted as a favor done your friend and very humble servant,
Henry Wisner.
His Excellency, Governor Livingston.
During the preceding year, Prof. Webster had prepared the manuscript of the first part of his "Grammatical Institute of the English Language," the first text-book for the use of schools published in this country. This first part was the Webster Speller, not only the first school book published in this country, but also the most popular one.
Mr. Webster's object in leaving Goshen at this time, was to show these manuscripts to people acquainted with the educational situation throughout the country and to get their opinions on the probable demand for the work.
He visited Philadelphia and met a number of the members of Congress, among whom was James Madison, afterward president of the United States. Mr. Madison was himself, a thorough linguist and deeply interested in the subject of schools. He also showed much interest in Mr. Webster and his proposed work. From Philadelphia, Mr. Webster went to Princeton and showed his work to the Rev. S. S. Smith, then a professor and afterward president of Princeton College. Everywhere the project was enthusiastically received and the young author returned to Goshen, greatly encouraged to complete his series of texts and to publish it.
As we have already stated, no text books had been published in America. Moreover, at this time a widespread awakening to the importance of education was manifest throughout the country and the demand for books suitable for the instruction of the children, both in the elementary schools and in the academies was great. Accordingly, Prof. Webster returned to Goshen, continued his work there another year, during which he revised and completed his manuscripts, and in 1783, returned to Hartford and began their publication. The Grammatical Institution of the English Language was published in three volumes. The first was the speller, the second the grammar, and the third, the reader.
They seem poor and printed with wretched type, when compared with the workmanship of modern text-books, but these little volumes, produced by an Orange County teacher, while teaching in its earliest academy, were most enthusiastically received and the demand for them taxed the capacity of the publishers to the fullest extent.
The speller, the first part published, was an immediate success. In fifty years, about twenty-five million copies were sold, and for a part of this time the sales exceeded a million copies a year. The royalty on this book was one cent a copy, and, for many years this royalty yielded the author a very comfortable income. The other parts of the work never had so large a demand as the speller, but the reception accorded them and the demand for them which followed, induced the young author to devote his entire time to authorship, so that his two years in the Farmers' Hall Academy, at Goshen, comprised his entire work as a teacher.
What other teachers conducted this school before the date of its incorporation under the university law, is not definitely known. The charter was issued April 1st "in the fourteenth year of American independence," or 1790. The school, however, had been in operation at least sixteen years, before this date, and ten years before the university law was passed.
The first principal of the school, after its incorporation was Benjamin Carpenter, who remained only one year, and then removed to the Minisink valley where he established a ferry over the Delaware and gave his name to the village of Carpenter's Point. A Mr. Minor succeeded him and he in turn, was followed by John K. Joline, who was said to have been a soldier of fortune, and, as such, had visited the Spanish Main and several of the Central and South American States. He was not a young man at the time of assuming the principal-ship and tradition tells many stories of his eccentricities. He had charge of the school for several years and when he retired from the principal-ship, he remained in Goshen, living at one of the hotels until the time of his death. By a benevolent fiction he was supposed to deliver a course of lectures each year. The tickets were purchased by those who had been his pupils and by others who were benevolently inclined, and the proceeds were generally sufficient to defray his expenses, but few of the lectures were delivered, and these to very small audiences. Occasionally he would fill an engagement to teach for a few weeks, away from his beloved Goshen, but he could not be persuaded to stay away long. He taught at different times, in the Minisink valley, in what is now the town of Deerpark, but for short periods only. He was erratic, leaving without notice, and returning when he pleased, and always going back to Goshen when he had earned money enough to relieve his present necessities.
There he would sit in his chair, on the porch of the hotel, always ready to tell of the many and varied experiences of his life to any who cared to listen.
One day he did not respond to the call of the gong which announced that dinner was ready, and they found him, sitting in his chair, dead. He had died without a struggle and unnoticed, sitting in his accustomed place.
Some time previous to 1820, the Female Academy was established and became a part of the institution, controlled by the same board of trustees as the Farmer's Hall. William Ewen was the first principal in this department. Among the many teachers who had charge of this school during the earlier half of the nineteenth century were: Nathan Stark, Horace Sweezy, Victor M. Watkins, Rev. B. Y. Morse, David E. Fowler, Stephen D. Bross and Nathaniel Webb.
The last mentioned, Nathaniel Webb, became principal of both departments about 1833. Mr. Webb's influence, not only in this school, but also in the educational interests of the entire county, was such that he is worth of more than a cursory notice in any account of educational matters in this county.
He was a graduate of Union College and had caught some of the enthusiasm of Dr. Nott in the cause of education. He had prepared for the ministry, but, on the completion of his studies at Union, he found his health so impaired that he had to give up work and spend some time in the South, recovering his lost vitality. He never became robust, but enjoyed a fair degree of health and was an indefatigable worker.
After leaving the principal-ship of Farmers' Hall, Mr. Webb established a boarding school for young ladies at Goshen, which had, for many years, a wide reputation and patronage. It was noted for its thoroughness, its high moral tone, and for the real culture of its graduates. This school, which was later known as the Goshen Female Seminary, under the efficient management of Professor Webb, became one of the best schools of its kind in the State, and sent out many cultured women into the homes and schools of this section.
In connection with his school work, Mr. Webb was also one of the proprietors and editorial writers of the Democrat and Whig, a local paper published in Goshen, and continued his connection with that paper until the time of his death, which occurred in 1855. As an editorial writer for a political paper, he was so fair and impartial that he frequently became the trusted friend and adviser of both sides of a political controversy and his judgment had great weight on all political questions. As a teacher, as a man of affairs in both the social and political world, as a Christian gentleman, interested in every good work in the community in which he lived and as an exemplar of true living and Christian manhood, he was a worthy example of what the teacher should be in any community.
Various other teachers as principals and instructors carried on the work of this school until well on in the second half of the nineteenth century, when, like most of the other private academies, it was replaced by the public school.
Whatever the facts may be concerning the priority of the establishment of Clinton Academy and the Farmers' Hall, there seems to be no doubt that the Montgomery Academy, another Orange County institution, incorporated in 1792, was the fourth of these schools in the State.
The progressive character of the people of our county is shown by this fact, that two of the first four academies of the State should have been founded by them. The subscription list for the Montgomery Academy is dated in 1787 and was probably circulated and signed at that time. The village of Montgomery was only a small hamlet in a farming community. The people were, not wealthy, but they were in earnest in their determination to secure for their children the advantages of a good school.
Two hundred and seventy-seven names appear on the list, almost all of them heads of families, residing within eight or ten miles of the village. The amounts were small individually, but the sum obtained was sufficient for the modest beginning which they were to make. The trustees appointed by the subscribers, to take charge of the undertaking, were thirteen in number and were generally the most prominent and intelligent men of the section.
The story of how these farmers helped themselves to what they wanted in school accommodations is told by both Eager and Ruttenber in their histories of Orange County. This story illustrates so well the method of the founding of these schools in rural communities throughout the State that I quote from Ruttenber the story, entire:
"The trustees purchased a frame, already put up, several miles distant, as they could get it for some small sum, made a frolic to which the farmers came with their teams and carted it down to the village. This was but the work of a day, in these patriotic and freewill times. So, at very little expense, the building was entirely put up and finished.
"The teacher they wished to employ (the Rev. Alexander Miller, of New Jersey), was married, had a family and a horse and could not come unless the family and the horse could be accommodated. So, the trustees redoubled their exertions, built a kitchen adjoining the academy, put up a stable and permitted the Reverend Mr. Miller to live on the ground floor. They tendered him 80 pounds for the first year, and, after that, all he could make. This offer was accepted and the Reverend Mr. Miller became the first principal of the new institution. The tuition fees paid by the pupils varied from 2 L. to 5 L. a year, according to the subjects studied." The pound in New York currency was $2.50."
The old building was used about twenty years and was then replaced by a substantial brick building, in which the old academy maintained its existence for many years, after most of the private schools had been absorbed by the public school system. In 1891, after more than a hundred years of existence as a private school, it became the academic department of the Montgomery public schools.
The Newburgh Academy was projected by the Reverend Mr. Spierin, pastor of the Episcopal church. After some delay a building was erected and a school opened "for the instruction of youth in the Greek and Latin languages and in other branches of literature." The peculiar relation of this school to the Church of England and its control by the trustees of the Glebe, seem to have been a source of trouble. In 1804, a public meeting of the inhabitants of the original patent was held and nine trustees were elected "to take charge of the school in the academy." The new trustees evidently did take charge, for the school was incorporated under the University of the State of New York in 1806 as "The Newburgh Academy." This school had a long and successful career. Many of its teachers were men of learning and ability and the school enjoyed a reputation second to none in this section of the State. It is impossible to give its full history or to name all of its teachers. Mr. Ruttenber mentions Samuel Nicholson as principal in 1799, James Larrimore in 1802 and a long line of successors. The academy continued its work as a private school until the special act establishing the free schools of Newburgh was passed in 1852, when it became a part of the public school system of the village.
The Washington Academy, of Florida, had its inception in a meeting of the inhabitants of that village held on February 14th, 1809. The meeting was enthusiastic and decided to erect a school building and establish a school "for the instruction of the young."
A two-story brick building was erected, but it was not conducted as a private academy long. When, in response to the law of 1812, the towns were divided into school districts, in 1813, the building became the school house of District No. 15, of the town of Warwick.
Samuel S. Seward was one of the first movers for the establishment of this school and was a member of its first board of trustees. His son, William H. Seward, afterward governor of the State of New York, United States Senator and Secretary of State under President Lincoln, was one of its early pupils.
Mr. Seward was never satisfied with the fate of the Washington Academy and later gave a site and erected a building for a private school which was known as the S. S. Seward Institute.
He left $20,000 in his will for a permanent endowment of this school. For nearly half a century it was maintained as a high class boarding school. The endowment and the active interest of the Seward family kept it in operation long after most of the schools of its kind had been closed by the competition of the public school. But in 1891, it was turned over to the board of education of the village of Florida and it has, since that time, been the academic department of the Florida public schools.
The Wallkill Academy, Middletown, like a number of other places along the line of the Erie Railroad, owes its initial development to that road. In 1840 it was a small village. The people were alive to the interests of their children, however, and in 1841, they organized a company with 115 stockholders, for the purpose of establishing an academy to provide the children of the village with better opportunities for education than could be had in the district school. The result of this movement was the building of a school house and the establishment of the Wallkill Academy.
The Reverend Phineas Robinson was the first teacher, and the school took high rank as a classical or grammar school from the first.
He was succeeded by Patrick McGregor, who was principal for five years. Henry Freeman was in charge for a like period, and the Reverend P. Teller Babbitt was in charge for a year and half. Then D. Kerr Bull became principal and continued in charge of the academy until it became a part of the public school system of the village of Middletown, at its organization under special act of the legislature in 1867.
The Chester Academy was chartered by the regents of the university on February 27th, 1844. The first principal was William Bross, who was assisted by his brother, Stephen D. Bross, mentioned above as one of the principals of Farmers' Hall Academy at Goshen.
William Bross prepared for college at Milford, Pa., and graduated from Williams College in 1838. He taught in several places before going to Chester, and, in 1848, he went to Chicago and engaged in newspaper work. For a number of years, he was president of the Chicago Tribune Company and he was lieutenant-governor of the State of Illinois from 1865 to 1869.
The Reverend Phineas Robinson, who was the first principal of Wallkill Academy at Middletown, was in charge of this school for eight years, and Edward Orton, who was later a professor in the Ohio State University, was principal for six years. Like the others, the Chester Academy became, later, a part of the public school system, and the old academy building was used for public school purposes until it was burned in 1905. A new building has been erected to take its place and has been in use since September, 1907.
The Warwick Institute was organized in 1852. The building was erected in the spring of 1853 and the school opened the same year. D. F. Drew was engaged as principal but left during the first year, and was succeeded by William A. Carter. The institute and its property were turned over to the board of education in 1868, that board agreeing to forever maintain a school for instruction in the higher studies.
The West Point Military Academy—This school, while in the county, is not of it. It is the United States government school for training officers for the command of its armies.
The Military Academy is located on a government reservation at West Point, one of the most picturesque and beautiful spots on the Hudson. The establishment of such a school was recommended by Washington in his last message to Congress and it is known that even from the time of the Revolution, West Point had been looked upon by him as a most suitable place for its location.
The recommendation of Washington was acted upon and some provision made for the instruction of cadets, but it was not until after the war of 1812 had shown the necessity for such training, that the military academy was fully established.
From that time to the present it has grown in importance and efficiency. Many millions of dollars have been spent in utilizing the natural advantages of the reservation and in providing the equipment needed. The reservation contains nearly two hundred buildings of various kinds, and its attractiveness on account of its natural scenery, its buildings and its well-kept lawns, make it a popular place for tourists.
The academies which I have mentioned, with the exception of the military academy, which is brought in here simply because of its location, were of a semi-public character. While not maintained by taxation, they were organized by popular movements and existed only for the benefit of the people.
There have been many other schools in the county, which were entirely private in character. Many of these have been important factors in the progress of education in our county, and have done much to uphold a high standard of school work, but we shall be able to mention only those which now exist and which hold charter relations with the educational system of the State.
THE PERIOD OF THE FREE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
There had been elementary schools in most of the scattered communities of the county before the Revolution, as we have seen, and they continued after that war, increasing in numbers and in efficiency. The academies provided better teachers for those schools, and they also stimulated the children in them to prepare themselves for the higher studies of the academies. They were public schools also, but they were entirely dependent upon local initiative and supported entirely by the people of the neighborhoods in which they were maintained. The State had shown its interest in secondary education by the establishment of the university, in 1784, by chartering the academies and by grants of money in aid of these schools, but it was not until 1795 that it showed any interest in the common schools.
In that year, acting on the recommendation of Governor Clinton, the legislature appropriated the sum of 20,000 L. ($50,000) a year, for the succeeding five years, "for the encouragement of the common schools."
The act provided, also, for the election of two commissioners of schools, in each town, of the counties of the State, to supervise the schools of the town and to make arrangements for the proper distribution of this grant. The chaotic condition of the schools, with no system of records and accounts, and, in some instances, the local pride and resentment, occasioned by this State interference in what was considered an entirely local institution, rendered the just apportionment of this fund difficult, and, after three years it was abandoned.
In 1805 the State began the accumulation of a fund, the interest of which should be used to aid the public schools. This fund, to which additions are made from year to year, now amounts to considerably over $4,000,000, and the United States deposit fund, an overflow of the treasury of the United States, distributed to the States in 1836-7, which has been reserved for school purposes, amounts to a like sum. By the laws of 1812, the State definitely assumed control of the public schools. During the succeeding year, 1813, under the provisions of this act, the townships, in all the counties of the State, were divided into school districts and public schools were established, supported partly by State aid and the balance made up by a rate bill, an amount assessed upon the parents of the children attending, proportioned upon the number of days they were in attendance.
The districts, as formed in Orange County, in 1813, have not greatly changed since that date. The rate bill was continued as the method of school support until the passage of the Free School Act, in 1853, and, in many places it was continued until 1867 when it was finally abolished and the schools, supported entirely by public funds, became free to the children of rich and poor alike.
The supervision of the public schools by township commissioners, under the law of 1795, and abandoned in most of the towns in 1798, was restored by the law of 1812, and thereafter, until 1844, what supervision of the schools there was, in the various towns, was vested in three commissioners and three inspectors. In 1844, the supervision of the schools was vested in a town superintendent of schools and so continued until the office of school commissioner in the assembly districts, was created in 1856. Since that time, the work of inspection and supervision has been performed by these officers.
The commissioners of the two assembly districts of Orange County, since 1856, have been in the first assembly district, George K. Smith, David A. Morrison, Charles N. Gedney, Jonathan Silliman, James M. Monell, Charles Rivenburg and George W. Flood. In the second assembly district, George N. Green, Harvey H. Clark, John J. Barr, Benjamin F. Hill, John W. Slauson, Asa Morehouse, Oliver N. Goldsmith, William H. Shaw, Ira L. Case, Willard M. Clark, William P. Kaufmann.
Since the operation of the free school act began, the educational progress of the county has been continuous. The enrollment has increased with the population. The average daily attendance has increased more rapidly than the enrollment, and the efficiency of the schools, as indicated by the number of the institutions which are doing academic or high school work together with the number of pupils of high school grade, shows the most marked advancement. The number of such schools in our county has increased from half a dozen to twenty-two and the percentage of high school pupils to the enrollment has increased from less than one per cent, to about eight per cent.
To demonstrate more clearly this progress of the schools. I have prepared a table showing the population, enrollment, average attendance and high school pupils for each decade of the free schools.
| 1860 | 1870 | 1880 | 1890 | 1900 | 1906 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 63,812 | 80,002 | 88,220 | 97,859 | 103,859 | 108,267 |
| Enrollment | 12,750 | 18,210 | 19,615 | 17,955 | 18,302 | 18,193 |
| Average attendance | No data | 8,300 | 10,262 | 10,963 | 12,868 | 13,617 |
| In high schools | No data | 129 | 298 | 320 | 843 | 1,369 |
| Principal. | No. of H. S. Pupils. | |
|---|---|---|
| Newburgh High School | William H. Doty | 412 |
| Middletown High School | James F. Tuthill | 179 |
| Port Jervis High School | Charles A. Benedict | 235 |
| Walden High School | A. H. Courtenay | 61 |
| Highland Falls High School | S. H. McIlroy | 60 |
| Warwick Institute High School | Frank M. Edson | 56 |
| Chester High School | Frank J. Squires | 52 |
| Cornwall-on-the-Hudson High School | E. Everitt Cortright | 45 |
| Goshen High School | Montgomery C. Smith | 44 |
| S. S. Seward Institute, Florida | Levi R. Tubbs | 40 |
| Cornwall High School | Herman C. Woodworth | 30 |
| Montgomery High School | F. W. Whitney | 25 |
| Monroe Union School | Orville Eichenberg | 24 |
| Central Valley Union School | T. L. McKnight | 7 |
| Principal. | No. of H. S. Pupils. | |
|---|---|---|
| N. Y. Military Academy, Cornwall-on-the-Hudson | Sebastian C. Jones | 67 |
| Garr Institute, Goshen | Rose Sanders | 27 |
| Ursuline Academic School, Middletown | Mother M. Lucy | 17 |
| St. Mary's Academy, Newburgh | 11 |
The three cities, Newburgh, Middletown and Port Jervis, with 40 per cent. of the population of the county, furnished 52 per cent, of the average attendance and nearly 65 per cent, of the high school pupils. The school systems of these cities are well organized and the schools are thoroughly graded, and rank high among the schools of the State.
The Newburgh Schools—The school system of the city of Newburgh was established in 1852 by special act of the legislature, before the general free school law was passed. At that time, sixteen teachers were employed and about 500 pupils were enrolled. By 1865, when Newburgh became a city, and had a population of 13,905, the average attendance had increased to nearly 1,200, and thirty-one teachers were employed. Since that time, the growth in population has been gradual and the schools have more than kept pace with that growth.
New buildings have been erected from time to time to provide room for the constantly increasing enrollment, until there are now seven buildings with sittings for more than 4,000 pupils. These buildings are all fully equipped with the modern improvements and all the appliances needed for the most efficient school work.
There are 109 teachers employed and the enrollment for 1906 was 4,230.
The city is doing more in the line of manual training than is done in any other part of the county. A five years' course is given the boys who reach the higher grammar grades and the girls, from the third to the sixth year, are taught to sew.
The following superintendents have had charge of the schools of the city since 1852:
| Nathaniel Jones | 1852-57 |
| Hugh Banks | 1857-59 |
| Dr. R. V. K. Montfort | 1859-63 |
| E. M. Ruttenber | 1863-64 |
| Hiram A. Jones | 1864-72 |
| Dr. R. V. K. Montfort | 1872-83 |
| John Miller | 1883-87 |
| Dr. R. V. K. Montfort | 1887-1900 |
| James M. Crane | 1900 |
The Middletown Schools—The school system of the city of Middletown was organized under a special act of the legislature passed in 1867. At that time, about 500 pupils were enrolled in all the schools. The schools have grown with the growth of the city, making necessary the erection of new buildings at frequent intervals.
There are now eight school buildings, all built of brick, well distributed for the convenience of the pupils attending and excellently adapted to the needs of the city. The new high school building is the finest and most costly school building in the county. Sixty-two teachers were employed in 1906, and the number of pupils enrolled was 2,557.
The following named gentlemen have been the superintendents of the schools since their organization:
| A. V. N. Powelson | 1867-69 |
| A. H. Farnham | 1869-70 |
| Hiram Warren | 1870-74 |
| Henry R. Sanford | 1874-85 |
| George T. Church | 1885-86 |
| A. B. Wilbur | 1886-91 |
| James F. Tuthill | 1891 |
The Middletown schools have a reputation for excellent work and the school rooms, especially those in the new high school, are models of convenience and furnishing.
The Port Jervis Schools—The village of Port Jervis came into being soon after the completion of the Delaware and Hudson Canal and took its name from that of the engineer in charge of that work.
It was only a small hamlet, however, until the building of the Erie Railroad, near the middle of the last century. In 1850, there were only 270 children of school age in the district. The coming of the railroad caused a rapid increase in population and by 1853, the date of the free school act, the number had increased to 562. It was not until 1862 that the district was organized under the general law as Union Free School District Number One of the town of Deerpark. By 1866, the number of children of school age had increased to 1,816.
The high school was organized in 1863, with David Beatty as teacher. This school was admitted under the Regents in 1867. There are forty-nine teachers employed and an enrollment of over 2,000 pupils.
There are six buildings used for school purposes, three of them substantial brick buildings, constructed within the past few years. A very noticeable feature of the schools in Port Jervis is the large enrollment in proportion to the population. More than 20 per cent, of the entire population was registered in the public schools, and more than one-ninth of this registration was in the high school in 1906.
The superintendents of the schools, in Port Jervis. since their organization in 1862, have been:
| K. W. Manning | 1862-63 |
| David Beatty | 1863-65 |
| Isaac M. Wellington | 1865-69 |
| Edward A. Kingsley | 1869-70 |
| A. B. Wilbur | 1870-83 |
| F. W. Best | 1883-84 |
| J. M. Dolph | 1884 |
By the courtesy of School Commissioners George W. Flood, of the First Assembly District and William P. Kaufmann of the Second, and of the Superintendents of schools in Newburgh and Middletown, I am permitted to present the principal facts of the school reports for the year 1907.
| School Buildings | Number of Teachers | Children of School Age in District | Entire Enrollment | Attendance | Average Expenditures for All School Purposes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newburgh City | 7 | 110 | 5,773 | 4,257 | 3,291 | $101,577.97 | |
| Middletown City | 8 | 64 | 2,648 | 2,440 | 1,962 | 65,457.29 | |
| Blooming Grove Town | 10 | 16 | 463 | 503 | 299 | 8,188.70 | |
| Cornwall | 7 | 26 | 1,014 | 971 | 704 | 23,541.76 | |
| Crawford | 11 | 13 | 276 | 305 | 230 | 4,983.17 | |
| Hamptonburgh | 6 | 7 | 249 | 230 | 145 | 3,368.36 | |
| Highland | 3 | 19 | 843 | 730 | 593 | 17,666.24 | |
| Monroe | 5 | 14 | 491 | 515 | 360 | 10,653.14 | |
| Montgomery | 13 | 34 | 1,337 | 1,394 | 852 | 24,593.10 | |
| Newburgh | 13 | 19 | 753 | 724 | 447 | 12,228.41 | |
| New Windsor | 8 | 11 | 421 | 352 | 189 | 4,911.79 | |
| Chester | 5 | 14 | 461 | 461 | 365 | 19,549.67 | |
| Deerpark | 14 | 60 | 2,358 | 2,369 | 1,754 | 45,553.98 | |
| Goshen | 11 | 20 | 701 | 691 | 463 | 14,847.64 | |
| Greenville | 7 | 7 | 148 | 173 | 79 | 2,717.39 | |
| Minisink | 8 | 10 | 262 | 335 | 185 | 5,181.39 | |
| Mount Hope | 5 | 6 | 250 | 250 | 120 | 2,952.37 | |
| Tuxedo | 6 | 16 | 618 | 615 | 416 | 17,140.34 | |
| Wallkill | 18 | 18 | 498 | 511 | 300 | 7,175.70 | |
| Wawayanda | 10 | 10 | 276 | 299 | 171 | 4,204.28 | |
| Norwich | 18 | 36 | 1,336 | 1,374 | 950 | 28,387.84 | |
| Woodbury | 5 | 9 | 314 | 300 | 221 | 6,618.42 | |
| ___ | ___ | ______ | ______ | ______ | ___________ | ||
| 198 | 530 | 21,490 | 19,707 | 14,086 | $431,499.39 |
The prevailing religion of Orange County is still nominally Christian, differentiated in forms of worship and principles of faith. As yet few representatives of other religions have formed any settlement within its boundaries.
The organized religious bodies are numerous and strong, exercising still against many adverse agencies a controlling influence over the lives of the people. Those first established in the county in the Colonial epoch still maintain the predominance they then secured. Although the confessions of faith of some of them have been modified somewhat, yet they all with a few minor exceptions hold to the creeds Apostolic and Nicene. With more general diffusion of education amongst the people has come to prevail a more genial and less dogmatic form of enunciating the great truths of the Gospel of Christ. The churches or associations of religious people are becoming more conservative of all that is good and wholesome for human beings both here and hereafter.
Faith in the parental love of God the Father, and brotherly love of Christ are being taught by the Church of Christ as the mother of the world's children and the bride of Christ, whose spirit is more and more the atmosphere of a heavenly home for us all. The ministry of the church is coming to be a ministry over us everywhere in all places and at all times. She is extending her work of sponsorship into every sphere of human activity. And the time seems to be rapidly approaching when she will guard us all from the cradle to the grave from every agency of ill that would deprive us of the love and approbation of God.
The different religious bodies bearing the name of Christian are all seeking the good of humankind, animated by the same spirit which actuated the Christ when He went to Golgotha and when He ascended at Olivet. They are agreed in their aim and are united in their sympathy. They work in agreement and will not contend with each other. Christian charity to-day is prevailing to the elimination of denominational pride.
The Christians of Orange County are becoming assimilated to the spirit of those on whom the Holy Ghost fell in the day of Pentecost. For years since the earliest settlement of this country they have been known as Presbyterians, Lutherans, Reformed Dutch, Episcopalians, Roman Catholics, Baptists, Methodists, Quakers, etc., and are still connected with organizations bearing these names, but they are coming to bear in their membership the same characteristic devotion to humanity and God.
We cannot be to-day what our ancestors were who came from Europe. They were unaware of a vast deal we know. Their knowledge of the world and its peoples was infinitely little, ours is infinitely large. They came and settled here amid dense forests and interpreted God's word by and through their limited experience, but God's word to them was a sealed book; they could not interpret it at all. They came from different countries of Western Europe, and brought with them their theories religious and secular. The Dutch came to the mouth of a great stream that ran north, and settled on an island, and called their settlement New Amsterdam. Some of them sailed up this great river, now known as the Hudson, and established homes in the neighborhood of the present city of Kingston, at the confluence of two streams, known to us as the Wallkill and Rondout. Their expression of the Christian religion exists in their descendants to-day as the Reformed, known to me in my boyhood as the Dutch Reformed. The churches of this denomination in Orange County owe their origin to the missionary zeal of Rev. Petrus Vas and the Rev. George W. Marcius, pastors of the church at Kingston. The Montgomery Reformed Church was first organized as the German Reformed Church of the Wallkill in 1782. The Warwick Church was organized October 24, 1694, at Orangetown. In 1764 its congregation united with the Presbyterians, and remained thus united until 1803, when the congregation determined that as the deed of the property was to the Presbyterians it should continue to be held by them as trustees, while the Reformed Dutch Consistory should control the spiritual interests. At the present time there are ten churches of this type in the county, as follows:
| Location. | Pastor. | Membership. |
|---|---|---|
| Newburgh | A. T. Brook | 308 |
| Walden | W. W. Schomp | 420 |
| Montgomery | Peter Crispell | 312 |
| Port Jervis, 1st | Willard Conger | 418 |
| Port Jervis, 2nd | J. B. Appel | 99 |
| Minisink | Vacant | 60 |
| Warwick | Faber Knox | 347 |
| Pine Bush | H. K. Post | 169 |
| Cuddebackville | W. W. Whitney | 70 |
| Unionville | Vacant | 20 |
| _____ | ||
| Total | 2,223 |
There are hundreds if not thousands of people living in this county to-day, who do not understand why there are so many Christian societies bearing different names and worshiping apart. There are almost as many, in all probability who are ignorant of the doctrines wherein they differ from other Christian bodies.
The last generation arriving at adult age has heard so infrequently doctrinal and controversial preaching as to know not why they are of one denomination rather than another. On this line the men who established Presbyterian bodies in this county, away back in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, were well informed.
The differences between the Presbyterians of the various schools are equally beyond the knowledge of the great majority. I am not going to attempt to enlighten myself or my readers by any research of old pamphlets, etc., of the Presbyterian denomination. Life is too short and the matter too immaterial to the issue in which we are interested.
In 1752, says Ruttenber, the Associate Presbytery of Scotland sent the Rev. John Culbertson to America, who organized in the Wallkill valley a praying society in 1753, which eventually became the Reformed Presbyterian Church at Coldenham.
In 1816 or 1817 a praying society established in Newburgh became the first Presbyterian Church there.
In 1765 the Associated Reformed Church of Little Britain and Neelytown began their corporate existence.
In 1831 the Graham Church of Crawford, organized in 1800, united with the church at Hamptonburgh.
The first Associate Reformed Church of Newburgh was organized in 1797, and the Union Associate Reformed in 1837.
The Presbyterian Church at Goshen was the first of this denomination established in Orange County. Its first edifice stood at the site now occupied by the Court House.
The second Presbyterian Church was that at Goodwill. It was originally established for the use of immigrants principally from County Londonderry, Ireland. Its first pastor was Rev. John Houston. Out of this organization rose not less than five others, namely: Neelytown, Hamptonburgh, Hopewell, Graham, Berea and Montgomery. Its first house of worship is said to have been erected in 1735.
The third Presbyterian Church of Cornwall at Bethlehem, was organized in 1730. From it sprang into existence the first Presbyterian Church of Newburgh, and the first of New Windsor (now defunct).
The following statement was prepared by the Rev. Charles O. Hammer:
| Churches. | Pastors. | Membership | Money | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1902 | 1906 | Raised | ||
| Amity | R. H. Craig, LL.D. | 92 | 102 | $1,086.80 |
| Denton | J. L. Harrington | 45 | 33 | 725.60 |
| Chester | R. H. McCready, Ph.D. | 284 | 278 | 3,378.56 |
| Goshen | F. S. Haines | 630 | 393 | 7,792.92 |
| Montgomery | T. D. Elder | 186 | 205 | 4,416.72 |
| Port Jervis | Vacant | 410 | 335 | 3,635.86 |
| Scotchtown | " | 126 | 119 | 1,156.70 |
| Goodwill | J. H. Thompson | 143 | 152 | 1,811.48 |
| Ramapo | R. B. Marble | 320 | 304 | 5,674.00 |
| Hopewell | J. S. E. Erskine | 142 | 128 | 1,136.32 |
| Westtown | F. H. Bisbee | 160 | 169 | 1,638.72 |
| Middletown, 1st | W. R. Ferris | 465 | 465 | 7,328.00 |
| Monroe | Vacant | 111 | 114 | 1,870.00 |
| Suffern | Pastor Elect | ___ | 166 | 2,225.40 |
| Hamptonburgh | W. B. Johnson | 127 | 162 | 2,085.32 |
| Ridgebury | F. A. Gates | 82 | 86 | 1,381.24 |
| Washingtonville | J. A. McCallum | 126 | 146 | 2,102.44 |
| Florida | Vacant | 155 | 170 | 2,699.90 |
| Centerville | " | 43 | 40 | 412.00 |
| Circleville | " | 105 | 118 | 1,137.44 |
| Middletown, 2nd | Pastor Elect | 400 | 486 | 6,408.72 |
| Mt. Hope | Vacant | 29 | 26 | 290.24 |
| Otisville | " | 114 | 109 | 1,010.24 |
| Slate Hill | " | ___ | 44 | 786.96 |
| Calvary, N. B. City | J. Searles | 282 | 284 | 10,840.50 |
| First, " " " | Vacant | 506 | 490 | 9,700.59 |
| Union, " " " | S. K. Piercy | 400 | 400 | 7,044.03 |
| Grand St.," " " | R. H. Barr | ___ | ___ | ________ |
| Bethlehem S'l'y Mills | I. Maxwell | 174 | 196 | 2,274.25 |
| Cornwall | H. R. Fraser | 185 | 201 | 2,035.58 |
| Little Britain | J. S. King | 129 | 130 | 1,817.25 |
| Highland Falls | A. R. Barron | 113 | 135 | 1,880.25 |
| Canterbury | Supplied | 41 | 73 | 1,022.88 |
| _____ | _____ | __________ | ||
| 6,134 | 6,259 | $99,715.52 |
Reformed Presbyterian. The Reformed Presbyterians are the ecclesiastical descendants of the Covenanters of Scotland. In the latter half of the eighteenth century some of them who had come to Orange County, organized as a church society in Coldenham, and called as pastor, Rev. Dr. Alexander McLeod, who afterward became famous as a preacher in New York City. For five years, from 1812, Rev. James Mulligan was pastor, and he was followed by the eloquent J. R. Williams, who delivered the famous address at Goshen when the bones of the patriots who fell in the battle of Minisink were buried. The present pastor is Rev. Thomas Patton.
A society of Reformed Presbyterians was formed in Newburgh in 1802, and services were held for a time at the residence of James Clarke. This was a part of the Coldenham congregation until 1824, when it was organized as a separate society and called for its first pastor Rev. J. R. Johnston, who afterward joined the Presbyterian Church. The present pastor, Rev. J. W. V. Carlisle, is the successor of his father, who died in 1887.
December 12, 1854, a second Reformed Presbyterian society was organized in Newburgh, which is known as the Westminster Church. It has had but one pastor, Rev. J. R. Thompson, whose ministrations in December, 1907, had extended through the long period of fifty-two years. He has said of his church: "The motto of Harvard College is 'Pro Christo et Ecclesia'; but that of Reformed Presbyterians is, 'Pro Christo et Ecclesia et Patria.' Their aim is to Christianize the National government as well as the church."
The Protestant Episcopal Church. This branch of the Church Catholic now represented in Orange County is shown by the following statistical report. A brief general history of the Protestant Episcopal Church may be appreciated. Prior and up to the war of Independence, there were several places in the county where worship was maintained by the Church of England Society, for the propagation of the gospel in foreign parts, namely, at Newburgh on the Glebe, granted to them by King George; at St. David's in the vicinity of the present village of Washingtonville, and at St. Andrews west of Newburgh some twelve miles.
The success of the colonists in the above war took these and other churches from the jurisdiction of the Church of England. To meet the new situation measures were immediately taken by the ordained clergy of the colonies, who had accepted the results of the Revolutionary War for the restoration of the government and worship of that church. The church in the United States was without a head, that is to say without a Bishop. Those who constituted it could not continue without such. All English Bishops were so sworn to the Crown of England that they were unable to act in an independent state such as this. No priest could be elevated to the office of Bishop in England without subscribing to the following article, i. e. That the King's Majesty under God is the only Supreme Governor of this realm and of all other of His Highness's dominions and countries as well as in all spiritual or ecclesiastical things or causes as temporal. In the American church no ordination or confirmations could take place. In 1780 a conference of the clergy and laity assembled at the call of the Rev. Dr. William Smith, president of Washington College. The purpose was to unite the separated parts into a body corporate. A second conference was called in 1783. There were present at this eighteen clergymen.
When the Revolutionary War closed there were in Connecticut forty Episcopal congregations, fourteen clergymen and forty thousand members, ten of the fourteen met at Woodbury in Litchfield County, and chose two men either of whom they thought would be suitable for the office of Bishop, namely, the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Leaming, and Samuel Seabury. Dr. Seabury accepted, went to England and laid before the Bishop his credentials submitting to him the fact which in the judgment of the Connecticut people made the appointment of an American Bishop an immediate necessity. In case of failure in England he was to go to Scotland and endeavor to secure consecration of the non-juring Bishops. To these Bishops Seabury was finally compelled to resort for consecration. In a private chapel of a modest house in Aberdine he was consecrated by Robert Kilgour, Arthur Petrie and John Skinner. He came home to America the first Bishop of the church here.
In May, 1784, at a meeting held in New Brunswick, N. Y., by the managers of the society for the relief of the widows and orphans of clergymen the general condition of the church came up for discussion, the result of which was a call for a conference of churchmen from all the States to be held in October. It met. There were present delegates from Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Connecticut. A call was issued summoning the churches in the several States to send delegates to a constitutional convention. This was held in Philadelphia on St. Michael's Day in 1785, with the following result: A constitution for the church. Having made it they proceeded to consider the Episcopate; they drew up an address to the Archbishop and Bishops of England. Upon the receipt of the answer they met in October, 1786, for its consideration. In reply they informed the English Bishops that the Nicene and Apostles' Creeds were retained and that in fact the English prayer book was kept intact. They then called the roll of States present to ascertain if any had chosen men for Bishops. New York delegates presented the name of Dr. Provoost. Pennsylvania presented the name of White. Maryland had already chosen Dr. Smith. White and Provoost went to England and were consecrated in Lambeth Chapel, February 4, 1786. On their return to this country they were met by the Bishop of Connecticut and with him consulted on terms of union. The result of their deliberation was the adoption of resolutions which it was thought would harmonize both sides. In these resolutions they recognized the validity of Seabury's consecration and that together with Provoost and White they had all the power which belongs to the Episcopal office limited only by such canons or laws as the entire church of the United States might fix. They then adjourned to meet again in Connecticut in convention of the whole church. When the constitution was altered, the Bishops became a separate house, the other house was to be composed of representatives, lay and clerical (not Bishops). They also revised the English prayer book to make it harmonize with the government of these States. These things being satisfactorily adjusted the organization of the Protestant Episcopal church of the United States of North America became an established fact.
The Protestant Episcopal churches of this section, with those of other sections of New York State, first came under the superintendence of Bishop Samuel Provoost, Rector of Trinity Parish in the city of New York; at which time, St. Andrews Parish, Walden, then in Ulster County and St. George's, Newburgh, were the only ones surviving the ravages of the Revolutionary period. These churches with St. David's had been organized under an act of incorporation granted by King George the Third, dated July 23, 1770, at which time the Rev. John Sayre was in charge of missionary work at Newburgh and parts adjacent.
There do not appear to have been any Episcopal duties performed in either Ulster or Orange Counties until 1700, from the time of the superintendency of Bishop Provoost when Rev. George H. Spierin became the minister and schoolmaster of St. George's Glebe School and Church in Newburgh and the rector of St. Andrews, Walden. There is no record of any visitations of the parishes by Provoost.
In 1804 when Rev. Frederick Van Horn was rector of St. Andrew's, it and St. George's were members of the Diocesan convention. Bishop Moore was then in charge of the diocese. During his Episcopate St. James' Church, Goshen, was received into union with the convention, 1808, and Christ's Church, Warwick, 1804. Although there are no records of any Episcopal visitations in this section of the State there probably were such. February, 1816, Bishop Moore died, and was succeeded by Bishop John Henry Hobart, who became the third Bishop of New York. Trinity Church, from which the bishops were selected down to the time of Bishop Horatio Potter, furnished not only the Bishops but the financial means for the maintenance of church work throughout the whole country. The Episcopal Church in the United States, when Dr. Hobart assumed Episcopal jurisdiction, was apparently dying. He revived hope in the hearts of its adherents. With him the church began to live and grow. He established a Churchman's magazine in New York, provided for a learned clergy by establishing a college at Geneva, did much for the endowment of the college in New York and was also the real founder of the Theological Seminary there. It was while he was bishop that the Rev. John Brown became rector of St. George's Parish, Newburgh (1816) and St. Thomas', New Windsor, 1818.
The original diocese of New York is now divided into five. The names of successful Bishops of New York from Hobart's time to this are Right Rev. Treadwell Onderdonk, who was consecrated in 1830; Bishop Wainwright, Bishop Horatio Potter, Bishop Henry C. Potter and Bishop Greer. In 1838 the diocese of western New York was created. Grace Church, Middletown, was organized under Onderdonk's Episcopate. During which also the Rev. Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright was consecrated to perform the Episcopal duties in the diocese provisionally. Bishop Wainwright died on the feast of St. Matthew, Thursday, September 21st, 1854, in the sixty-third year of his age. Dr. Horatio Potter became Bishop, November 22, 1854, and served provisionally until the death of Bishop Onderdonk in 1861, and wholly from that time until the twelfth day of September, 1883, when he withdrew, having faithfully served the church as Bishop of New York for twenty-nine years. His Episcopate was the most successful and satisfactory from the beginning; Hobart's was brilliant, but his was masterful and complete. He was a great man, master of himself and others. He ruled with ease and equity the variant elements that composed the ministry and membership of the church. With clear perception of character he indulged idiosyncrasies in men whom he saw were sincere and earnest. A perfect gentleman, a true Christian, a sound churchman, unobtrusive and inoffensive. He handed the administration of the church to his successor affluent and strong, socially, spiritually, intellectually and financially. He was succeeded by his nephew, the Right Rev. Henry C. Potter. When he resigned his diocese there were in Orange County the following flourishing parishes: St. George's, Newburgh; St. Pauls, Newburgh; St. John's, Canterbury; St. James', Goshen; Grace Church, Middletown; St. Andrew's Walden; St. John's, Arden; St. George's Mission, Newburgh; Grace Church, Monroe. Under the present administration of his successor the growth of the church in this county has been continuous since 1904, being greatly aided by the Right Rev. David Hummel Greer, D.D., L.L.D., Bishop coadjutor. Orange County is united for missionary work with Sullivan County and Ulster County under the Rev. W. R. Thomas, D.D., Rector of Highland Falls, Arch-Deacon.
THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCHES.
Grace Church, Monroe. Minister in charge, J. H. McGinnis, D.D. Number of communicants in 1905, fifty-six. Income, 1905, between five and six hundred dollars.
St. Paul's Church, Chester. Rector, J. H. McGinnis, D.D. Income, 1905, $901.39. Number of communicants in 1899, thirty-three.
St. Daniel's Church, pre-Revolutionary, near Washingtonville, (extinct).
Christ's Church, Warwick. Rev. W. M. Pickslay, Rector. This parish was admitted into union with convention, in 1866. Number of communicants in 1905, 130. Income, 1905, $4,305.47.
St. Mary's Church, Tuxedo. Rev. Wm. FitzSimons, Rector. Number of communicants in 1905, 242. Income, 1905, $18,654.20.
St. John's Church, Arden, N. Y. Rev. J. H. McGinnis, Minister. Received into union with convention, in 1868. In the year of 1885 communicants, fifty-seven, in 1905, forty. Income, 1905, $1,167.25.
St. Johns Church, Canterbury. Rev. W. W. Page, D.D., Rector. Organized, 1858, church edifices erected and opened for divine service, advent, 1859. A rectory was given to the parish by Miss E. C. Purdy in 1876. Number of communicants in 1858, three, in 1863, thirty-three, in 1879, fifty-nine, in 1885, 104, in 1905, 200. Income, 1905, $1,559.
Holy Innocents, Highland Falls, Rev. W. R. Thomas, D.D. Receipts for 1905, $2,387. Communicants, 112.
St. Thomas' Church, New Windsor. Rev. Creighton Spensor. Organized, April 8, 1818. Church built in 1848. Number of communicants in 1905, thirty-three. Receipts, $1,441.71.
St. Andrew's Church, Walden. Rev. Thomas G. Losee, Rector. Present number of communicants over 142. Incorporated in 1770, escaped dissolution during the Revolution.
Good Shepherd, Greenwood Lake. Rev. W. R. Thomas, D.D. In 1905 number of communicants, forty. Receipts, 1905, $1,902.80.
Good Shepherd Church, Newburgh. Rector, Rev. J. M. Chew. Organized in 1872. Number of communicants, 1905, 813. Rev. Francis Washburn. Receipts, 1905, about $4,000.
St. Paul's Church, Newburgh. Organized 1860. Rev. James Calhoun Elliott, Rector. Number of communicants, 1905, 193. Receipts, 1905, $6,671.76.
St. George's Church, Newburgh. Rev. John Huske, Rector. Incorporated by Royal charter, July 30, 1770. Present church built 1819. Number of communicants, 1905, 558. Receipts between seven and eight thousand dollars.
St. Agnes' Chapel, Balmville. Rev. Frederick Everet Whitney, minister in charge. Built by Mr. and Mrs. Whitney, and maintained by gifts from the communicants and members of the congregation. Number of communicants, 1905, fifty-eight.
St. Andrew's Chapel, Montgomery. T. G. Losee, Rector. Number of communicants, 1905, twenty-nine.
St. James' Church, Goshen. Parish organized June 25, 1803. Church built about 1804, and rebuilt, 1852. Rector. Rev. George William Dumbell, D.D. In 1812, there were six communicants, and in 1905, 222. Income about $4,000. It appears from the records that there was an Episcopal Church before the Revolution, at Decker's Corners. In 1843, the Rev. W. W. Page, of Goshen, preached occasionally at Middletown.
Grace Church, Middletown. Rector, Rev. F, J. Simthers, Jr. Parish organized, February 8, 1845. Church built, 1847. Number of communicants in 1885, 272, in 1905, 350. Income between seven and eight thousand dollars.
Grace Church, Port Jervis. Rector, Rev. Uriah Symonds. Income in 1905, between eight and nine hundred dollars. Parish organized in 1854. First church built in 1856, and the present edifice in 1870. Number of communicants in 1871, twenty-seven, in 1905, 117.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES.
The Rev. George W. Grinton, secretary of the New York Conference, reports that there are at present thirty-six churches of this denomination in Orange County, with a total membership of 5,900. Detailed reference to each appears in the various town histories of this publication.
Methodism began its existence on this continent and in this county, contemporaneously with the Republic of the United States, John Wesley, the founder of it, began his zealous propaganda in England, among the un-churched masses, in the year 1739, the year that Whitefield began his second tour of America. Independent of any effort of his, the first society of Methodists was formed in the city of New York by some of the German Palatines from Ireland. At the conference held by Wesley, at London, in 1770, two letters were received from New York reporting a society there of about one hundred members and a chapel.
In 1784 Wesley appointed Cooke superintendent of the Methodist societies in the United States, giving the following reasons for doing so—"that as the Revolution had separated the United States from the mother country and the Episcopal establishment was utterly abolished in the States it became his duty as providently at the head of the Methodist societies to obey their demand and furnish them the means of Grace. Recognized as their founder by the American Methodists; required by them to provide for their new necessities, and unable to induce the English prelates to do so, he ordained Cooke that he might go to America and ordain preachers." Cooke arrived in America and "ordained" Francis Ashbury first, as a presbyter and finally as a superintendent. Says Stevens, the Methodist historian: "The Colonial English Church being dissolved by the Revolution, its fragments were yet floating as had been the Methodist societies amid the stirring tide of events. When Ashbury began his superintendency there was small membership and but a few itinerant preachers. When he died there were seven hundred itinerants, 2,000 local preachers and 240,000 lay members."
The first services held in this country by a Methodist itinerant, Mr. Cooper, was held in the house of Colonel Daniel McCauley at Warwick in 1706. The second at that of Mrs. A. Smith, a sister of the colonel, situated at Middlehope. Mr. Cooper also visited John Woolsey near Milton. Six weeks later, accompanied by a Mr. John McCloskey, John Cooper passed through the same section, going as far north as New Paltz, holding services at the homes of Hendrick Deyo and Andries Du Bois.
In 1787 Ezekiel Cooper visited the town of Newburgh and held religious services at Samuel Fowler's in Middlehope, where he established a preaching station which remained such until 1813.
In 1788 the Methodist Conference established the Flanders circuit, which embraced a portion of this county, and put James O. Cooper in charge, with Jesse Lee, Orin Hutchins and John Lee as assistants.
In 1789 the circuit of Newburgh was created, with James D. Cromwell as presiding elder, and Nathaniel B. Mills and Andrew Humphrey as preachers. The following classes composed the circuit:
Samuel Fowler, Middlehope; Munson Wards, Fostertown; Jacob Daytons, Lattingtown; Mr. Schultz, Dolsentown; Mr. Warwick, Warwick; Luff Smith, Marlborough; Daniel Stephens, in the Clove; Richard Garrison, in the Clove; Elnathan Foster, Newburgh; Daniel Holmes, Middlehope; Samuel Wyatts, Keytown; Winslow Allison, Pochunk; John Ellisons, New Windsor; Daniel Ostrander, Plattekill; Samuel Ketcham, Sugar Loaf.
The first class to be organized (1807) as a church was the one at Vail's Gate under the name of the Union M. E. Church of New Windsor. In 1819 the Newburgh circuit was divided and another circuit created, including the societies at Bethel, Bloomingburgh, Middletown, Montgomery, Walden, Burlingham, Sam's Point and Walker Valley.
In 1837 Sugar Loaf circuit came into existence. This embraced Sugar Loaf, Florida, Ellenville, Bellevale, Chester. Monroe, Oxford, Satterlytown, Washingtonville, Blagg's Corner, Highland Mills, Little Long Pond and Greenwood Lake.
THE BAPTIST CHURCHES.
The Baptist denomination, we are informed by Dr. A. R Fuller of the First Baptist Church, Newburgh, N. Y., has at the present time, March, 1907, eleven churches. One in Cornwall, Unionville, Port Jervis, Warwick, Walden, Maybrook, two in Middletown and three in Newburgh. It has church property valued at $162,500.
The first minister of this persuasion to preach its tenets in the county was Mr. Halstead, pastor of a society at Fishkill, Dutchess County. April 24, 1790, a society was organized in Newburgh. In 1806 another society erected a place of worship at Luptondale, and established a burying ground.
The Baptist congregation at Warwick originated with the settlers from Connecticut. These organized what has since been known as the Old School Baptist Body. The first place of worship was erected on what is now the junction of the road leading from the village of Warwick, and the road leading from the Welling schoolhouse to Bellevale. In 1809 and 1810 the society bought land in Warwick, and erected the building which it now occupies.
THE LUTHERAN CHURCHES.
The Lutheran churches are St. Peters, Port Jervis, and St. Paul's, Newburgh. This society was founded by the immigrants from the Palatine, who were sent here in the reign of Queen Anne.
THE UNITARIAN CHURCH.
A Unitarian church, named the Church of Our Father, was organized at Fishkill-on-the-Hudson in 1847, at a private residence. The first meetings were held at the De Witt homestead, and afterward in the public hall of the village. The congregation included men and women of culture, public spirit and unquestioned high character. It was ministered to by such men of repute for ability and piety as Revs. William H. Channing, Edward Turner, F. A. Farley and H. W. Bellows among others. Occasional services were held at Low Point, Channingville and other points in the neighborhood of Fishkill for eight years. About 1855, in consequence of the increasing attendance from Newburgh, the church was reorganized in that city, where services were held in the court house and the Universalist church, and there was preaching by some of the ablest ministers of the denomination. There were so many accessions to the church that in 1869 a committee was chosen to consider the subject of building a house of worship. This consisted of William W. Carson, John Heron, George Lamey, Benjamin Dumville, George H. Southard, J. N. Dichey, George W. Peters and William Stocker. Warren Delano was afterwards added, and made chairman. The deliberations and resulting efforts brought about the erection of the present building at a cost of $16,000, and it was consecrated in 1870. The first pastor was Rev. F. W. Holland, and the present pastor is Rev. Alson H. Robinson.
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ORANGE.
The first Catholic missions in Orange County seem to have been established in 1817 and 1818. The Rev. Dr. French came in 1817, and the Rev. Father Langdill arrived about a year later.
The first Catholic church, St. Patrick's, was organized at Newburgh in 1826, and the parochial school in connection with that church was started soon afterward.
The introduction of Roman Catholicism in this State during the colonial period is fraught with much interest. The history of these initial efforts covers the incidents of the French and Indian wars, beginning in 1687 and terminating in the French domination of Canada. Even as far back as 1608, the work was begun among some of the northern Indian tribes. But the conversion of the Six Nations met with little success until after the accession of James II to the English throne. He instructed the province governors to aid the French missionaries and grant them every facility in the prosecution of their work.
But these privileges were also used to advance their national cause among the Iroquois, and the King was compelled to modify his zeal for the propagation of the Catholic faith, which he professed.
This policy of the English government was entirely changed, however, on the accession of William and Mary. Trade with the Indians had been seriously affected by the influence of these French priests, and the alliance between the English and the Iroquois was greatly weakened in consequence. Even the toleration of Catholicism was now forbidden; not from any hostility to the faith in itself, but for political reasons which affected the nation and its interests. Severe measures of repression were adopted. Catholic priests who came into the provinces voluntarily were subject to the death penalty.
This practically was the state of affairs until after the breaking out of the Revolutionary War. Then, by the terms of the first State constitution, freedom of opinion was permitted to all who subscribed to the oath of allegiance. When Ireland was appealed to for aid in the war, and the subsequent assistance of Catholic France was asked, the prejudices of the people were materially affected. This made it possible to engraft upon the federal constitution of 1787 the full and complete equality of all religious faiths. This of course opened the door to Catholicism, and yet the church authorities seem to have made little effort to extend their faith until after the Irish rebellion of 1798. Then the Catholic immigrants began to arrive in America.
The first priest stationed in New York City was the Rev. Charles Whalen, an Irish Franciscan, who had been a chaplain in the French fleet. He settled here after the war, and his brother, Dr. Joseph Whalen, purchased a plot of land from the Schuyler patent in Montgomery in April, 1788. The Rev. Luke Concanen was the first Bishop of New York, but he died before entering upon his duties. The Rev. John Conelly, his successor, was consecrated in 1814. And the first thing he did was to establish missions in the Hudson River valley. He is said to have sought "to prevent the children of Catholics conforming to the persuasions of their neighbors."
The success and well-being of the American farmer is always a matter of vital concern to the entire country. The agricultural interest of any country, any State, or any county, being the fundamental condition upon which all other branches of human effort are based and must depend, is therefore of paramount concern to all classes.
In the county of Orange in 1899 the figures of the national census show there were 13,584 acres devoted to corn, which yielded 589,730 bushels of this cereal that year. Two thousand eight hundred and forty-four acres were sown to wheat and 42,430 bushels were gathered. The acreage of rye was 4,453, and the total yield was 79,980 bushels. Oats were grown upon 5,156 acres and the product was 126,540 bushels. One thousand three hundred and eighty-three acres were in buckwheat, and the pancake crop that year was 23,640 bushels.
The decrease in the rural population of Orange County homes is smaller than most other counties of the State, and the depreciation of farm lands is not so apparent. In fact the general property valuation of the county seems to be increasing something like two and one-half million dollars per year, being rated at $43,804,861.40 for 1907.
The population of the county, according to the State enumeration of 1905, was 107,267. This was an increase over the report of the national census for 1900 of 3,408. Of this number, 41,014 lived in the cities of Newburgh and Middletown. In 1880 the county ranked eleventh in the State for population, ninth in the value of its farms, and third in the value of its farm buildings. It was second in the yield of hay, second also in corn, and third in wheat and potatoes. In the dairy department it stood right at the head, being first in cows and also in the average yield per cow. Even in its production of wool the county had fourth place.
Samuel W. Eager, the early and conscientious historian of Orange County, speaking of the agricultural aspect of the county in 1847, says:
"The soil is above medium character for all agricultural purposes, and while the agriculture of the county is above mediocrity, the soil may be considered worn out and exhausted, as respects growing large or profitable crops of wheat, without manuring too expensively. That article must be purchased of the western farmer, who yet drives his ploughshare through a strong and virgin soil. That this crop must be abandoned for the present, and the land employed to raise grass, or other grains, is a dictate of common sense, and we trust our farmers are wise enough to see it, and not struggle in an unequal contest against the easy culture and large crops of the West."
While this advice was doubtless justified, statistics show it was not followed. The wheat crop of 1874 was greater than that of 1840, and the yield per acre was better under the improved culture. No attempt is made to compete with the vast wheat fields of the far West in the production of this great staple grain, which in fact is only grown to a very limited extent in this county to-day.
Small fruits, peaches, apples and other orchard fruits are extensively grown in some parts of the county, especially in the upper river section, about Newburgh and Cornwall. The peach industry began in the Newburgh district about 1880, and in the Pine Island section about 1895, and for a time some fine crops were gathered when the winters were not too severe. But of late the orchards are less promising because of the devastations of the San Jose scale, which, together with the severe winters, make peach growing a precarious business in this section. The leaf curl and peach yellows are other discouraging features, and it takes an intelligent and industrious grower to succeed in the business. He must spray and spray, and also dig the borers from the base of the tree trunks diligently.
Among the largest peach growers in the Warwick, New Milford and Pine Island districts are E. G. Stiebeling, 6,000 trees; J. B. Rhodes, 4,000; J. R. Feagles, 4,000; Harvey Vail, 6,000; E. D. Waterbury, 3,000; J. C. Drew, 2,000; G. W. Hyatt, 6,000; W. S. Layton, 4,000; Henry Demorest, 4,000; Barry Walch, 3,000; Henry Patton, 2,000; Thomas Willing, 2,000; H. F. Wheeler, 2,000; Knapp & Husted, 1,500; George Benedict, 1,000; J. E. Sanford, 2,000. Florida District: J. O. Gable, 3,000; H. D. Jessup, 3,000; Charles Jessup, 3,000; John Houston, 2,000; E. Lovett, 2,000. Chester District: E. N. Demorest, 2,000. The largest fruit growers in the Middlehope section are E. D. Barns, Nathaniel Barns, Nat. C. Barns, John W. Bingham, W. J. Fowler, V. J. Kohl and many others. Barnyard manure, muriate of potash and ground bone are the fertilizers used. It is found by these growers that the peach can only be grown upon high, dry land with profit. The flavor of the fruit produced here is like that of the lower Ulster and northern Orange section, of high quality, and it brings the best price.
Red raspberries and strawberries were very successfully grown in different parts of the county some years ago, especially about Cornwall and Newburgh, and the northern river section. And both these popular fruits are still produced to a large extent. Among these small fruit enthusiasts there were the late Rev. E. P. Roe and N. P. Willis, of Cornwall. North of Newburgh was the home of Andrew J. Downing and Charles Downing, his brother, whose standard work on "The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America" has been the recognized authority upon nomenclature and description of fruits in America, ever since it was written.
THE ORANGE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
This society is one of the oldest and best known organizations in the county. It had its beginning at a meeting of citizens called pursuant to law by Lebbeus L. Vail, county clerk, to organize a county agricultural society, and held in the Old Stone Court House at Goshen, September 11, 1841. Of the persons who attended that meeting the names of the following have been rescued from oblivion: John Caldwell, Jesse Bull, Nicholas Dederer, Blooming Grove; William Sayer, Cornwall; Alexander Thompson, Crawford; Aaron Van Duzer, Charles Monell, John Wilson, Hezekiah H. Strong, Phineas Rumsey, James W. Carpenter, Goshen; Hamilton Morrison, Samuel Wait, Jr., John Wait, Gideon Pelton, John A. Smith, Montgomery; Frederic J. Betts, Charles Downing, Henry Robinson, Newburgh; Leonard Lee, John R. Caldwell, New Windsor; William Hurtin, Israel H. Wickham, Wallkill; Jeffrey Wisner, Warwick.
At that meeting a constitution and by-laws were adopted, and at the adjourned meeting, held at the same place, October 13, 1841, the organization of the society was completed by the election of the following officers: President, John Caldwell, Blooming Grove; Vice-presidents, Captain Henry Robinson, Newburgh; John R. Caldwell, New Windsor; William Sayer, Cornwall; Jeffrey Wisner, Warwick; Lewis H. Roe, Monroe; Hulet Clark, Minisink; James D. Bull, Hamptonburgh; Richard Sears, Goshen; Gideon Pelton, Montgomery; David C. Bull, Crawford; William Hurtin, Wallkill; William S. Little, Mount Hope; Thomas Van Etten, Deer Park. Recording secretary, John Wilson, Goshen. Corresponding secretary, Joseph W. Gott, Goshen. Treasurer, Charles Monell, Goshen. Executive committee, Frederic J. Retts, Samuel Wait, Jr., Leonard Lee, Phineas Rumsey, Alexander Thompson, Charles Dill, Thomas W. Bradner.
Of the officers then elected not one survives. So long has been the time that has passed, and so many and so great the changes that have taken place since its organization, that the management of the society is now in the hands of men, few of whom knew any of its founders. Although they were prominent men, well-known in their day and generation, even their names are not familiar to a majority of its members to-day.
The first fair was held at Goshen, November 17, 1841; and although it was very late in the season, and there had been but little time for preparation, it gave such general satisfaction that the success of the society was assured. The cattle, sheep and swine were shown on the grounds adjacent to the Presbyterian church; the horses were exhibited on Main street, and the other exhibits in the Old court house. Ninety-seven premiums were awarded amounting to $210, besides twenty-one agricultural periodicals.
The second fair was held at Goshen, October 12, 1842. The premiums offered amounted to $333, exclusive of thirty-five agricultural books and papers, distributed as follows: Farms, $45; cattle, $113; horses, $38; sheep, $31; swine, $8; butter, $44; agricultural products, $54. The county newspapers of that time said "The exhibition was in the highest degree creditable to the agricultural interests of the county. The people assembled in thousands to witness the exhibition, and thronged the streets in numbers equaled on but few occasions before. The exhibition of domestic manufactures graced the interior of the new court house."
The third fair was held October 4, 1843. Five thousand persons were estimated to have been in attendance. One hundred and thirteen premiums were awarded amounting to $325, besides twenty-eight publications. The following extract from the annual report of the president, Hon. Frederic J. Retts, is a reminder of changed conditions: "About thirty samples of butter were exhibited, and the committee of judges announced that twenty-six of the specimens they believed could not be beat in the world. In superlatives there is no comparative degree, and it is difficult to say, therefore, who stands first in such a category. Our wives and our daughters are our dairy-women, and while they so ably sustain the agricultural reputation of the county, Old Orange need have no fears for her rank as a farming county."
In 1846 the society for the first time held its fair on two days. In that year the first plowing match took place and was an interesting feature of the exhibition. Each competitor was required to plow one-fourth of an acre in seventy-five minutes, including two rests of five minutes each.
At the annual meeting in 1847, mainly through the efforts of the Newburgh members, the constitution of the society was so amended that the annual fair was thereafter to be held at Goshen every alternate year and the rest of the time at other places.
In 1848 it was held at Newburgh. The mechanical display was made on the porch of the court house, the grain and vegetables in the main hall, the fruit and domestic manufactures in the court room and within the railing, the horses were shown on Liberty street, and the cattle on a lot west of it. The plowing match took place on the farm of Captain Robinson. County Judge A. M. Sherman was one of the competitors—he held his own plow, performed his work in the shortest time, and received one of the premiums.
In 1850 the fair was held at Montgomery. The articles were exhibited under a tent, the cattle were loose in an adjoining field, the horses were shown on Union street; $95 were awarded in premiums on cattle, $57 on horses, $60 on sheep and swine, $14 on butter and $27 on plowing.
At Middletown in 1852, the fair grounds were located in the eastern part of the village and were known as the Ogden Track. At the suggestion of Colonel Israel H. Wickham (then president), the society had purchased a large tent, in which all articles were exhibited. Nearly all the cattle were tied to posts, and the horses for the first time were exhibited on a track.
The fourteenth fair was held at Chester.
The second fair held at Newburgh, October 8 and 9, 1856, was a great success. The society's tent was erected on grounds attached to Washington's Headquarters, north of which were posts with ties for cattle and pens for other animals, the adjacent lot on the south was used for loose cattle. Arrangements were made with the trustees of the village, and with the owners of property on South William, Liberty and other streets, for the exclusive use of portions of these streets for the exhibition of horses. The plowing match and a trial of plows took place a short distance south of Headquarters. Special attractions were for the first time provided—there was a parade of the entire fire department of the village and a boat race under the auspices of the Newburgh Regatta Association.
In 1858 the second fair at Montgomery was said to have been one of the best then held in the county. One hundred and ninety-seven premiums were awarded.
In 1860 the fair was again held at Middletown. The published accounts represent it to have been still more successful than it had been eight years before.
During these first twenty years of the society's existence it was customary for the executive committee to meet at an early day, fix a date for the fair, prepare a premium list, select judges, and have all published gratuitously in the newspapers of the county. These early fairs were generally satisfactory. The grounds not being enclosed, no admission fee was charged. Articles were exhibited in public halls until 1850, and after that in a tent. The expenses were light, the premiums few and payment was obtained from membership fees and the State appropriation, supplemented by private contributions procured by personal importunity.
At the annual meeting in 1861 the executive committee was empowered to raise by stock subscription a sum of money sufficient to purchase or lease suitable grounds, and to erect buildings and fences thereon—the grounds to be in the vicinity of Goshen. The committee leased the grounds known as the Goshen Driving Park and issued certificates of stock, in shares of $25 each, bearing interest at the rate of ten per cent, per annum. The number of shares was fixed at 100, and no person was permitted to subscribe for more than one share. All the stock was promptly taken, and the building (Agricultural Hall) occupied by the society from 1862 to 1874. During this period the interests of the turf were predominant and not entirely regarded as creditable exhibitions of the products of the farm, the workshop, or the home.
In 1866 the society was reorganized and incorporated. Having failed to secure a renewal of the lease for the grounds, it was determined that the fair building should be sold at auction, and on the 20th of December it was sold for $300. The proceeds of the sale were in part applied to the payment of debts, the balance was divided pro rata among the stockholders, who, as an element of the society, then ceased to exist.
In 1874 the society was therefore composed only of members. It was without grounds. It was out of funds and out of debt—having neither assets nor liabilities. Its exhibitions held many years at Goshen, the residents of that village had tired of them, and the people in other sections of the county took but little interest in them. Several of its leading managers were so absorbed in horse trotting that other departments had been neglected. The number of entries had been reduced to less than 400. The attendance of visitors was comparatively small, and the membership had dwindled to about seventy.
Under these discouraging circumstances, such of the officers as continued to take an interest in the society accepted the invitation of citizens of Montgomery to hold the thirty-fourth fair in that village. The result fully vindicated the wisdom of their action. More than 1,000 entries were made. Many new members were enrolled, prominent among whom was the Rev. L. L. Comfort, whose influence and example did much to elevate it from the condition into which it had fallen. The fairs continued to be held at Montgomery for four years, during which time the treasury was replenished and a surplus fund formed which in 1887 amounted to about $8,000.
The memorable fair in 1878, held at Washingtonville, was the beginning of a new era. For the first time in twenty years no trotting or racing was seen on the grounds. It was in all respects a legitimate and successful exhibition, and was only excelled by that of the following year, held at the same place, when nearly 2,600 entries were made, and 800 premiums, amounting to more than $1,500, awarded. During these two years the Orange County fair was raised to the high plane that it has since occupied.
At Warwick in 1880 and 1881 the excellence of its exhibitions were fully maintained. The additions then made to the society's membership rolls, and to its council board, were of great value, and were largely instrumental in securing the successes of subsequent years.
In 1882 the fair was located at Middletown, where it remained three years, exceeding in magnitude of display all former ones. The record of over 1,100 membership fees received, and of 379 entries of horses the third year, have not since been broken.
The status of the society not being in harmony with the articles of association, at the annual meeting in 1884, new articles of association were adopted and signed, and a new certificate of incorporation and reorganization filed with the secretary of state and with the county clerk.
The next three fairs held at Newburgh witnessed such exhibitions of the results of industry and skill as had never before been seen in this county. The visit of Governor Hill in 1887, was the first time the society bad been honored with the presence of the chief executive of the State on its fair grounds.
In 1888 and 1889 the fairs were held at Goshen. The number of entries was fully up to the average of recent fairs, while the quality of the exhibits in several departments had never been better. At the first of these fairs the society was honored with an address by the Hon. Norman J. Coleman, United States Commissioner of Agriculture.
The semi-centennial fair at Port Jervis in 1890, and that of 1891, were in all respects, very successful. In the latter year the whole number of entries was 5,120, nearly 700 more than at any former fair. In the domestic department nearly 1,200 entries were made, evincing in many ways woman's inventive genius and patient industry. The exhibition of articles of historic interest has never been equaled in this county.
The society's second visit to Warwick was in 1892 and 1893. The presence of Governor Flower, with the 5th and 10th Separate Companies of Newburgh as his military escort, was a noteworthy event.
The fairs of 1894, 1895 and 1896, held at Newburgh, are said to have been the greatest the Society has ever held. The number of entries in certain classes will give some idea of its magnitude. Cattle, 272 entries; horses, 116; poultry, 1,502; bench shows, 208; mechanical, 238; grain and vegetables, 849; fruit, 1,144; flowers, 204; culinary, 310; domestic 990; miscellaneous, 223. Total in all classes, 6,084. The exhibition of school work not entered for competition was a revelation to thousands of visitors of the work now being done by the pupils of public, private and parochial schools.
After the fair of 1896, the managers of the society being unable to obtain a satisfactory lease of the grounds for a term of years, purchased the Campbell Track Grounds at Middletown, April 16, 1897. These grounds are well adapted to fair purposes, and when contemplated improvements are made they will compare favorably, in convenience and beauty, with any fair grounds in the State.
The last eleven fairs have been held on these grounds. They are events of such recent occurrence that historic interest does not yet attach to them. It may, however, be well to say that these eleven exhibitions have been in magnitude and excellence highly creditable to the society.
The society occupies a prominent place in the front rank of the agricultural societies of the State. Organized to promote agriculture, horticulture, the mechanic and household arts, it has not lost sight of these objects. During the sixty-eight years of its existence, in times of prosperity and seasons of adversity, in peace and in war, it has never failed to hold its annual fair. It is a society whose reputation is unblemished, whose honor is bright, whose record is clean; a society that has not sacrificed right for expediency nor won temporary success at the expense of principle; a society that has never repudiated its debts but has honorably discharged all its obligations; a society that has always paid its premiums in full and never paid them pro rata; a society whose fair grounds have not been noisy with the voices of fakirs, defiled with the devices of gamblers nor desecrated by immoral shows, but have been consecrated to legitimate exhibitions; a society whose management during the years that are gone has been such that no rival society (town or district) has ever been organized within the limits of the county, to sap the sources of its prosperity, limit the sphere of its operations, or lessen the extent of its influence—a fact without a parallel in the State.
Presidents, Secretaries and Treasurers of The Orange County Agricultural Society from 1841 to 1908.
Presidents.
Vice-Presidents.
Corresponding Secretaries.
Treasurers.
Reorganization—1866.
Presidents.
Vice-Presidents.
Secretaries.
Treasurers.
Directors.
WALLKILL VALLEY FARMERS' ASSOCIATION—The following brief sketch was furnished by Mr. William C. Hart, Secretary of the Association. In 1889, the late Chauncey A. Reed suggested to the writer the advisability of the farmers of the Wallkill valley uniting in an effort to secure the appointment of a Farmers' Institute, to be held under the auspices of the New York State Department of Farmers' Institutes. An hour later, in consultation with Nicholas J. Fowler, it was decided to invite representative agriculturists to meet at his office on the evening of November 11, at which time a local society would be formed. The result of this meeting was highly satisfactory. William C. Weller was appointed chairman, William C. Hart, secretary, and Nicholas J. Fowler, treasurer, with committees on finance, music, addresses, etc. On November 25, at an adjourned meeting, the executive committee reported an enrollment of one hundred and sixty-eight members, with liberal responses in contributions to defray expenses.
The Institute held at Scofield Hall, December 19, 20 and 21, proved successful beyond the anticipation of its promoters and immediately suggested the desirability of forming a permanent organization. The idea was greatly strengthened on February 10 at Coldenham, N. Y., when Mr. George T. Powell, of Ghent, N. Y., gave a stirring address on the importance of carrying forward the movement, which appealed strongly to all. Thus started the movement which has resulted in the present organization—an association that has done more to unfold the beauty and charm of the Wallkill Valley and spread its fair name to remote localities than all efforts put forth by similar attempts in this direction.
OBJECTS OF ORGANIZATION.
The realization of the inestimable majesty; the unspeakable goodness of God as revealed in this marvelous valley, thus indirectly leading the thought of humanity into the valleys and rivers of life eternal.
The attainment of knowledge which comes of well ordered discussion. Increased skill in the methods of labor.
The mutual improvement of its members by disseminating reliable and valuable information tending to promote the best interests of the Wallkill valley.
Such advantages as may be derived through associated effort to promote a higher degree of excellence in farm, garden and agricultural affairs generally. The introduction and testing of flowers, shrubs, forest and ornamental trees.
It is the primary object of the Society to awaken interest in and promote the progress of that noblest of all human callings, agriculture, and it is the policy of the board of managers to interest all in its annual outing—not only as an exhibition of the prosperity and progress of the farming section, of the growths of field and orchard and garden, of intelligent competition in stock-breeding and dairy interests, but as a demonstration of the public spirit, intelligence and prosperity of the entire productive and business community.
THE OUTING DAYS AND OLD HOME WEEK.
As the society grew and prospered it was decided to establish a social side to the many interests represented. Arrangements were made with much enthusiasm on the part of its membership to hold beneath the open sky an outing that would have a tendency to attract the farming community with their guests and friends that might prove advantageous to all.
MEMORIAL DAYS—DATES AND LOCATIONS OF THE OUTINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION.
Highly artistic booklets have been issued since 1894, under the supervision of William C. Hart. The fifteen volumes are classified as follows:
| 1894—Borden's Home Farm. | 1904—Gems from the Hudson. Famous Horses of Orange County. |
| 1895—Historical " " | |
| 1896—Tributary Streams of the Wallkill. | 1905—The Hudson and Wallkill Rivers. City of Middletown, In Art and Story. |
| 1897—Indian Localities and Hostilities. | 1906—Lake Mohonk, profusely illustrated. Orange Blossoms and guests at Gettysburg. Walden in Profile. The Catskills and Queenly Hudson. |
| 1898—Battle of Minisink. | 1907—Wallkill Valley Farmers' Association. Lake Mohonk Snow bound. |
| 1899—Churches of the Wallkill Valley. | 1908—The Hudson River. |
| 1900—Beautiful Landscape Views. | |
| 1901—The Wallkill Valley at Gettysburg, Orange County Agricultural Society, Mountain Drives of Mohonk. | |
| 1902—Through the Valley of the Wallkill, profusely illustrated. | |
| 1903—Companion Volume of 1902. |
| President. | Vice-President. | Secretary. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1889 | W. C. Weller, Chairman. | W. C. Hart. | |
| 1890 | W. C. Weller. | J. K. Brown. | " " |
| 1891 | " " | " " | " " |
| 1892 | " " | " " | W. H. Gillespie |
| 1893 | " " | R. B. Crowell | W. C. Hart |
| 1894 | J. B. Hadden. | G. W. Folsom. | " " |
| 1895 | " " | J. D. Mould. | " " |
| 1896 | " " | J. P. Covert. | " " |
| 1897 | " " | H. N. Smith. | " " |
| 1898 | " " | " " | " " |
| 1899 | " " | " " | " " |
| 1900 | I. W. Decker. | " " | " " |
| 1901 | " " | " " | " " |
| 1902 | F. B. Walker. | W. H. Dunn. | " " |
| 1903 | L. M. Borden. | J. W. Decker. | " " |
| 1904 | I. W. Decker. | A. Wiley. | " " |
| 1905 | " " | J. K. Brown. | " " |
| 1906 | " " | " " | " " |
| 1907 | " " | " " | " " |
| Treasurer. | Superintendent. | |
|---|---|---|
| 1889 | N. J. Fowler. | I. W. Decker. |
| 1890 | " " | " " |
| 1891 | " " | " " |
| 1892 | " " | " " |
| 1893 | " " | " " |
| 1894 | " " | " " |
| 1895 | " " | " " |
| 1896 | C. R. Fowler | " " |
| 1897 | A. S. Embler | " " |
| 1898 | A. J. Fowler | " " |
| 1899 | " " | S. H. Knapp |
| 1900 | " " | " " |
| 1901 | " " | " " |
| 1902 | " " | " " |
| 1903 | " " | " " |
| 1904 | " " | " " |
| 1905 | " " | A. Wiley |
| 1906 | " " | " " |
THE GRANGE IN ORANGE COUNTY.
This modern organization in the rural districts of New York State is strongly represented in this county. There are twenty-two subordinate Granges with a total membership of 2,470 in the county, as reported by delegate John Y. Gerow at the last annual session of the State Grange, and all are in a most prosperous condition. A Pomona Grange, which is the link between the subordinate granges and the State organization, was formed at Washingtonville, April 18, 1903, with 118 members. This has now about 600 members. Mr. Gerow was the chairman for three years and was presented with a gold badge at his resignation. Albert Manning is now the master. Five of the subordinate granges in the county own their halls, three own buildings and conduct cooperative stores successfully.
The first Grange organized in the county was at Unionville, June 27, 1901, with thirty-four charter members. It is known as the Minisink No. 907. W. A. Lain was the first master. The membership has increased to 168. Alva Case is the present master. The Monroe Grange was the second in order of date, beginning December 12, 1901. It is No. 911; there were only eighteen charter members, which was increased lo 147. George S. Bull was the first master and James Seaman is now at the head. Grange No. 912 started at Washingtonville, with John W. Gerow as master. This Grange now operates a general store. Little Britain, Grange No. 913 was next started with twenty members, Charles E. Knapp being the first master. This has now 115 members and William D. Moores is the present master. The Brookside Grange No. 936, began November 18, 1902, with a membership of twenty-two, which has been increased to 173. Clarence O. Warford is the present master. The Mountainville Grange, No. 946, was started December 12, 1902, with twenty-two members. C. E. Hand is now the master. The Warwick Grange, No. 948, was organized January 6, 1903 with twenty-nine members, which has since been increased to ninety-six. C. M. Houston is the master, and a general feed, coal and farmers' supply store is operated. The Hamptonburgh Grange, No. 950, began January 7, 1903, with thirty-nine members, which has been increased to 115, with S. P. Watkins as master. The Stony Ford Grange, No. 951, was organized with twenty-one members, January 8, 1903, Ebenezer Bull having been the master from the first, the present membership being forty-five. The Goshen Grange, No. 975, began March 25, 1903, with nineteen members, which has been increased to 137. William Hughes is the master, and a general store is operated with an extensive trade. The Cronomer Valley Grange, No. 982, built a large meeting hall in 1907; Nat C. Barnes is the master. This Grange was organized, June 20, 1903, with twenty charter members. Mr. Dewitt C. Osborn was the first master. There are now 151 members. Grange No. 916 was organized at Montgomery, February 11, 1902, with thirteen charter members. George Van Alst was the first master. The present membership is 148, and Harry Tweddle is master. The following additional Granges in the county were organized in the order indicated by the number of each:
| Present Master | ||
|---|---|---|
| 983 | G. L. Sayer, | Middletown. |
| 984 | A. C. Bull, | Chester. |
| 1001 | J. R. Feagles, | Pine Island. |
| 1002 | W. E. Weller, | Bloomingburgh. |
| 1003 | Frank Remey, | Slate Hill. |
| 1004 | H. T. Baker, | Thompson's. |
| 1014 | W. H. Burger, | Pine Bush. |
| 1018 | J. W. Eaton, | Westtown. |
| 1020 | J. G. Fuller, | Otisville. |
| 1053 | J. O. Goble, | Florida. |
The Patrons' Fire Insurance Company of Orange and Ulster counties, has issued policies to the amount of $3,600,000, and it is said to have saved the policy holders $250,000 in the past four years.
FIRST APPEARANCE.
From the accessible records it seems that the "art preservative" entered Orange County by way of Goshen in 1788. It appeared next in Newburgh in 1895, {sic} at New Windsor in 1799, at Montgomery in 1806, New Vernon in 1833, Slate Hill in 1834, Middletown, in 1840, Port Jervis in 1850, Warwick in 1845, Pine Bush in 1868, Walden in 1869, Cornwall 1871, Monroe 1882, Cornwall-on-Hudson in 1888, Chester 1888, Highland Falls 1891, Washingtonville 1899.
At first thought it appears more probable that Newburgh was the first port of entry, from the fact that the latter early felt the contact of the civilization advancing up the Hudson—practically the only highway into the great unknown interior prior to, during and immediately following the American Revolution; and also as, during the Revolution, Samuel Louden followed the retreating footsteps of the American forces from New York City to Fishkill, printing or issuing, at convenient times, the New York Packet. This was issued, it appears, at Fishkill. Why not in Newburgh, where so many great events in connection with the Revolutionary period occurred?
However, Goshen seems to have been a hamlet or village as early as 1714, while Newburgh's first settlement was about 1719, and the records accord to the old county seat the honor of housing the first printing office in Orange County.
In 1788 David Mandeville and David M. Wescott issued the Goshen Repository. That they were men of some literary ability is surmised from the fact that they were connected with the Goshen Academy—that ancient and honorable seat of learning—an institution of which, also, Goshen should feel a thrill of pride.
The office of the Repository was, in 1793, near the court house. The Repository was sold to John G. and William Heurtin, in 1800, at which time its name was changed to the Orange County Patriot. In 1801 Gabriel Denton secured the interest of William Heurtin, and in 1803 Denton sold his interest to William A. Carpenter, and the name of the paper was changed to that of The Friend of Truth. The year following it again changed owners and names, when Ward M. Gazlay became its publisher and it became the Orange Eagle. The next year (1805) the office was burned and Mr. Gazlay removed the remains to Newburgh, where the paper, in union with The Recorder of the Times, which Mr. Gazlay purchased, became the Political Index, and this lived until 1829.
According to the record the second journalistic venture in the county was in 1795, when the Newburgh Packet appeared, printed at Newburgh by Lucius Carey, and in 1797 it became The Mirror under David Denniston. Denniston had purchased the paper of Carey (1797), in which year it was announced that the paper was printed by Philip Van Home. In 1798 Joseph W. Barber was the printer, and he advertised, "also, Printing and Book Binding carried on by David Denniston." The Mirror was absorbed (1804) by the Rights of Man, and the latter by The Recorder of the Times in 1805.
In 1799 we hear of the New Windsor Gazette, through the removal of a paper of that name from New Windsor to Newburgh, by Jacob Schultz. How long it had existed at New Windsor is now purely conjectural, but as most of the newspapers of that early period were sort of birds of passage, it is assumed that the year 1799 witnessed the Gazette's hatching at New Windsor and its fledgling flight to Newburgh, where it became the Orange County Gazette. It became The Citizen when later purchased by David Denniston.
The year 1799 also brought forth at Newburgh another publication, The Rights of Man, with Dr. Elias Winfield as its sponsor, for whom it was "printed by Benoni H. Howell." David Denniston purchased this paper and merged in it the Orange County Gazette. We learn that the Mirror of 1797 was absorbed by The Rights of Man in 1804, and then the Packet, the Mirror, and the Gazette disappear. The Mirror and the Citizen espoused the patriotic political works and probably the religious doctrines of Thomas Paine, who wrote "The Crisis," "Common Sense," and "The Rights of Man," while the Gazette advocated opposite theories. The paper, The Rights of Man, which absorbed the Mirror and the Citizen, represented the Jeffersonian branch of the Republican party, while the Recorder of the Times, claiming to be Republican in politics, represented the Federalists and Burr, then a Federalist.
In 1803 appeared at Newburgh the Recorder of the Times, by Dennis Coles. Then at Goshen the same year, The Friend of Truth, under the management of Ward M. Gazlay, and in 1804 at Goshen the Orange County Gazette, conducted by Gabriel Denton. It will be seen there were, within five years, two Orange County Gazettes in the county—one at Newburgh, one at Goshen. As the former metamorphosed itself into the Public Index, the Orange Telegraph, the Newhurgh Telegraph and the Newburgh Register, with short pauses between, it may be that it had thrown off the first epidermis and was emerging in new form when its Goshen namesake burst into the sunlight.
Montgomery was looming up from its settlement in 1721, or soon thereafter, and in 1810 it was large enough, or felt important enough, to become incorporated as a village. But as early as 1806 the printer or publisher saw an "aching void" in the growing hamlet, to pervade which the Orange County Republican was called into existence that year. It was "published for the Proprietors by Cyrus Beach and Luther Pratt." Who the "Proprietors" were is not in evidence.
It is worthy of record right here that this Montgomery journalistic venture is the only one, up to that date, that lives to-day. Through migration and other changes this Orange County Republican ultimately became the Independent Republican, with a permanent abiding place in Goshen.
That venerable editor and historian, Edward M. Ruttenber, says the Orange County Republican was first published "at Ward's Bridge," the title of the first post-office in Montgomery, so called from the fact that it was located and kept at James Ward's gristmill, where he had thrown a bridge across the Wallkill, constituting it one of the most convenient locations for the delivery of mail matter.
The money to start the paper was advanced in equal shares by twenty-four "Patriotic citizens of this county, consisting chiefly of respectable farmers and mostly inhabitants of the town of Montgomery." This excerpt is from a statement in the paper itself of the issue of June 9, 1806. The paper "admitted there was some honesty among Federalists," but was bitterly opposed to Dewitt Clinton. January 18, 1812, Luther Pratt, the publisher then, changed its name to the Independent Republican as more clearly indicating its political policy and views. It was not until 1822 that it was removed to Goshen, four years after James A. Cheevey became its proprietor. He was a Frenchman and a practical printer.
In 1806 appeared another publication, the Political Index, at Newburgh, by Ward M. Gazlay. The latter's Orange Eagle plant at Goshen was burned in 1805, and he had removed the remnants to Newburgh, the Phoenix emerging from these ashes being the Political Index. The Index is credited with having, some years later, "apparently consolidated the interests of the Republican party." It gave a "hearty support to the administration of Jefferson and Madison, and to the war of 1812." It is further stated that "its political articles were mainly from the pen of Jonathan Fisk, one of the most able men of the period."
In 1829 the Index passed into the ownership of Charles M. Cushman, who changed its name to the Orange Telegraph, and later to the Newburgh Telegraph. In 1839 Mr. Cushman sold it to Henry H. Van Dyck, who, in 1840, sold it to Elias Pitts, who, in 1850, disposed of it to Edward M. Ruttenber. The latter sold it in 1857 to Joseph Lawson, repurchased it in 1859, resold it in 1861 to E. W. Gray, who sold it, in 1864, to George M. Warren, he to Isaac V. Montanye in the same year; he to E. M. Ruttenber in 1865; he to A. A. Bensel in 1867; he to J. J. McNally in 1869, who, in 1874, sold it to Dr. Cooper, of Warwick. In 1876 E. M. Ruttenber again became its owner, and changed its name to the Newburgh Register. February 24, 1908, the publication of the Register was suspended.
Here, then, appears the second paper to come down to us from that early period, though only after many ups and down and with kaleidoscopic changes of titles and owners. Mr. Ruttenber assures us that "The Telegraph, although Democratic at all times, opposed the Albany Regency—a fact which led to its purchase by H. H. Van Dyck, or rather the purchase for him. Mr. Pitts, who had been sent to take Mr. Van Dyck's place, very soon fell into the line of thought of his local supporters, and not only approved the Regency, but upheld the 'Free Soil' banner of 1848 with marked ability. In the subsequent changes and revolutions," adds Mr. Ruttenber, "in politics it has maintained the Democratic faith."
An ambitious effort appeared at Goshen in 1808 when Gabriel Denton launched the Orange County Patriot and Spirit of Seventy-six. In this publication we recognize the third journalistic venture with sufficient tenacity of life to come down to our own day, though it, too, had to change its title and character somewhat ere it became the present well-known Goshen Democrat.
From 1808 to 1820 there seems to be a hiatus. There does not appear a single new journalistic venture in that time, although it was in this period, in 1812-13, that the Orange County Republican became the Independent Republican, and in 1822 was removed from Montgomery to Goshen. The war of 1812, impending, progressing and ending, with war's all-demoralizing effects, may account for this cooling of the journalistic ardor for twelve long years.
At any rate, the next new publication to appear in the field—figuratively if not literally—was the Orange Farmer, in 1820, at Goshen. Its founders, Williams and Farrand, were graduates, Mr. Ruttenber says, of the Albany Plow-Boy publication. How long the Orange Farmer ploughed through the journalistic heather of Orange County is not now known, but we never hear of it again. Mr. Ruttenber records that "Samuel Williams, the associate of Mr. Farrand, died at Rondout, June 16, 1878, in his ninetieth year—the oldest printer in the State, and for forty years a member of the Baptist denomination."
In June, 1822, John D. Spaulding began, at Newburgh, the publication of the Newburgh Gazette. This passed through many owners' hands, appearing in 1856, under the management of Eugene W. Gray as the Daily News. Later it passed a somewhat checkered career in alliances with the Gazette, the Telegraph, the Daily Telegraph (1864), Daily Union, same year, the Press (1866), and the Register in 1876.
The Rev. J. R. Wilson began at Newburgh, in 1824, the publication of a religious monthly of forty-eight pages, under the title of the Evangelical Witness. It was devoted to the exposition of the doctrines of the Reformed Presbyterian church, and was continued four years, to be succeeded (1828) by the Christian Statesman, which gave up the ghost after one year's struggle in this cruel, cold world.
An anti-Jackson paper appeared in Newburgh during the campaign of 1828. It was called The Beacon. Its editor was Judge William B. Wright.
In 1829 the Orange Telegraph appeared at Newburgh. It was merely our old friend, the Political Index, in a new guise, under the tutelage of Charles M. Cushman, who subsequently named it the Newburgh Telegraph.
A monthly quarterly appeared next in Newburgh in May, 1832, as Tablets of Rural Economy. John W. Knevels was the editor. The people then, as too often now, had no use for rural or other economy, and the quarterly died after a few issues.
In 1832 appeared another publication—one that time has dealt with so kindly that we find it to-day brandishing, as of old, "The sword of the Lord and of Gideon." The Signs of the Times was started at Goshen in this year by Lebbeus L. Vail as an exponent or expounder of the Old School Baptist theology. The first numbers were printed at the office of the Independent Republican. Mr. Vail, though born a Congregationalist—his father, Isaiah Vail, being one of the founders of the present First Congregationalist church of Middletown—became an enthusiastic Old School Baptist through the influence of his wife, Sally, daughter of Wilmot Moore, and her father's family. Like most neophytes, Mr. Vail became very earnest, and gave freely of his purse, his time, and his energies, and the Signs of the Times soon became a recognized factor in Old School Baptist work. This publication was only one of the forms of his contributions to the cause, with no hope of material reward. Two years later Mr. Vail became county clerk. Recognizing in a young enthusiast in the Old School Baptist faith an Elijah in the cause and fit to wear the mantle, he was forced by civic duties to lay aside, he turned over to Elder Gilbert Beebe the entire plant and good will of the Signs of the Times. Mr. Beebe removed the office to New Vernon, then a somewhat thriving hamlet with a well-appointed Old School Baptist church, with store, post-office, hotel, blacksmith shop, and the accessories of a live community. The place is on the Shawangunk Kill, on the Orange and Sullivan County line, about four miles northwest of Middletown. Mr. Beebe removed the plant again, this time to Alexandria, Va., whence he returned with it to New Vernon, and in 1847 or 1848 removed it to Middletown, where it still oscillates, as of old, the sword of Gideon. Elder Beebe preached to congregations in Middletown, Brookfield (Slate Hill), Bloomingburg, Van Burenville or Wallkill, and New Vernon. He was an energetic, tireless worker, and built up an immense circulation for the Signs of the Times. It became a power in Old School Baptist faith throughout the United States, and was for years—and is yet—the leading publication in this faith. In the sixties Elder Beebe reprinted sermons and Old School Baptist verses in book form, taken from files of the Signs. Two volumes were printed and they had great sale. The Signs of the Times, first published as a monthly, became a semi-monthly, which it is now, with thirty pages and covers. It is one of the remarkable and quaint publications in this country to-day. Its contents are a study for the historian, whether of religious or secular subjects. Whatever its other merits, its very quaintness should preserve it from the vandalism of time, the sacrilege of events, and the blasphemy of environment. It stands as a monument to the enterprise, the religious feelings, enthusiasm, aims and forces of a period and a propagandism that seem slowly but surely fading into the twilight of the ages. It is now "Published the first and fifteenth of each month by J. E. Beebe & Co., Middletown, N. Y.," with Elder F. A. Chick, Hopewell, N. J., and Elder H. C. Ker, Middletown, as editors.
The Newburgh Daily Journal was started in 1833 or 1834 by John D. Spalding, which he continued until 1843, when he changed the name to the Highland Courier. After his death, August 22, 1853, Mrs. Spalding, his widow, published it until 1855, when she sold it to William E. Smiley. Edward Nixon became its proprietor in 1858, and Rufus A. Reed in 1859, who changed its name to the Highland Chieftain.
The name was afterwards changed to the Newburgh Daily Journal, which it retains to the present day. On June 1, 1861, Cyrus B. Martin became the owner and its whole character at once radically changed for the better. Mr. Martin was peculiarly fitted for editorial duties and under his able management the paper soon attained a large circulation and eventually gained that high standing and wide sphere of influence, which under the wise control of his successors it has ever since retained.
Mr. Martin remained the owner of the Journal until 1877, when he sold out to the Messrs. Samuel Ritchie, Lawrence C. Bodine and Frank S. Hull. Before the year was up, Mr. Bodine disposed of his interests to his partners, and those two gentlemen have managed the paper ever since, although their interests are merged in the corporation known as the Newburgh Journal Company.
The Journal is housed in a building owned by itself, a handsome, spacious structure, located on the corner of Smith and Third streets, where it maintains one of the most complete printing establishments and book bindery plants to be found in the county.
The Republican Banner existed in Montgomery in 1833 or 1834. or in both those years, with Calvin F. S. Thomas as its publisher, but that is all that seems to be known about it.
In 1834 a handsomely printed weekly appeared in the thriving locality of Brookfield or Slate Hill, known as the Republican Sentinel, or "the Farmers' Protests Against Political Speculation and Dictation."
The writer has a few copies of the Sentinel, which show it to have been a highly creditable publication, in its make-up, its typographical appearance, and in its literary features. The issue for April 12, 1834, was No. 6, of Vol. I, and it was "Printed by Tho's P. Evans for the Publisher." May 17 the issue was No. 10, and announced that "The Republican Sentinel is printed every Saturday by D. Yokum for the Proprietor." The issue for June 28 was No. 16, and contained the same announcement as to the printer, but in no issue does it appear who the editor or publisher was. The Sentinel was a five-column folio, improving typographically with each issue, and printed from clean-faced brevier or possibly minion type. When it ceased to exist no one now living seems to know.
In 1834, in Newburgh, Wallace T. Sweet issued the National Advertiser, which was merged into the Newburgh Telegraph, though in what year is not stated.
The Reformed Presbyterian appeared in Newburgh March 1, 1836, with Rev. Moses Roney as editor. It was a monthly of thirty-two pages. In 1849 he removed it to Pittsburgh, Pa.
In 1840 A. A. Bensel began the publication of Middletown's first recorded newspaper venture. He called it the Middletown Courier. It was a weekly paper, democratic in politics. In April, 1846, he removed the entire plant to Kingston, N. Y., where he started the Ulster Democrat.
In 1845, in Newburgh, the Rev. David L. Proudfit began issuing the Christian Instructor, a monthly of thirty-two pages. Two years later he sold it to the Rev. J. B. Dales, who removed it to Philadelphia.
So far as records can be found the first publication to appear in Warwick was an Old School Baptist journal, the Doctrinal Advocate and Monitor. This was in 1845 or 1846, possibly earlier. It was published and probably edited by Elder Jewett. In 1846 it was merged with Elder Gilbert Beebe's Signs of the Times.
Middletown was without a paper from April to July, in 1846. At the latter date John S. Brown began there the publication of the Orange County News. It was neutral in politics, and Mr. Ruttenber says it was hardly deserving the name of a newspaper. It died in 1849, the material being purchased by Gilbert J. Beebe for his new paper.
![Frederick W. Wilson]](images/fredwilson.jpg)
In August, 1848, Gilbert J. Beebe started in Middletown the publication of the Banner of Liberty. It was issued monthly as a conservative journal—opposing all the modern ideas of reform in politics, in religion, in laws and in temperance. In 1856 it became a weekly, and espoused the cause of the democratic party. In 1856 Mr. Beebe issued the Campaign Banner—a sort of auxiliary to the Banner of Liberty. Both were more or less pro-slavery in all their utterances; the particular limb of the democracy to which they clung being known as "Hunkerism" prior to the Civil War, as "Copperheadish" during and after the Civil War. In ante-bellum days both papers attained a big circulation for those times—"fully 27,000 copies," Mr. Ruttenber says. The Banner of Liberty was taken everywhere in the South and Southwest, and below Mason and Dixon's line it was all-powerful. And even north of that line there were many who swore by the Great Horn Spoon and the Banner of Liberty. The income was great, and had Mr. Beebe been as astute a business man as he was aggressive in polemics, he would have been numbered with the exclusive few of that day known as millionaires. But Gilbert Judson Beebe was a different type of man. Like his venerable father, he had a principle—right or wrong, but right as he saw it—and pelf was powerless against his adamantine purposes.
His father, Elder Gilbert Beebe, was in position to "roll in wealth." He had a great income from his Signs of the Times, and from his writings and books; he had the machinery of his church to manipulate for his own aggrandizement, if he so willed; he was almost an idol wherever the Old School Baptists had an abiding place in this country; but he disdained all sordid allurements, and, armed with his own peculiar interpretation of the Scriptures, he lived frugally and pounded his theorems and theological dogmas for three and four straight hours every Sunday in one of his pulpits, and during the fortnight in the columns of his Signs.
The writer of this knew him well; set type a long time in his office in Orchard street, Middletown; fed his presses; helped get out one of his book of songs and sermons, and always held the venerable editor-preacher in respect if not in absolute awe. Looking back at those days from the year 1908, the writer understands better the magnetism which gave Elder Beebe his great power among the people.
This peculiar personality was not lost in his children. In Gilbert Judson Beebe—who made the Banner of Liberty the most powerful pro-slavery journal for years in ante-bellum days—individuality, aggressiveness, polemics, even the most violent dogmatism, were constantly in evidence. Not only did he wield a most trenchant, bitter pen, ever dipped in the wormwood of invective and the gall of expletives—he was an orator as well; and could work his hearers up to a pitch of frenzy or tears. The writer, yet in his teens, was employed on the Banner of Liberty as a "compositor" for a considerable time, and had much opportunity for learning the characteristics of the man.
The Banner of Liberty lost much of its power when the Civil War boomed its terrors over the land. Its circulation fell off daily, but the editor every week just as religiously sailed into the "Lincoln hirelings" with a venom that came near landing him in Fort Lafayette. The writer was one of those "hirelings," and, while "sticking type" in his office had many doubtless indiscreet arguments with the aggressive editor on the issues of the day. Mr. Beebe seemed rather pleased, not to say amused, at the temerity of the boy-printer, and gave him opportunity to expound his "abolition heresies."
As the Civil War went on, the paper continually lost prestige, and when the venerable editor—broken-hearted in the lost cause—died in 1872, the Banner of Liberty became homeless. It was bought by the Benedict brothers, Thomas E. and Gilbert H., and was removed to Ellenville. The writer's recollection is that it was later transferred to Brooklyn, L. I., where it ceased to exist. On this point, however, he may err; however, it did not long survive its talented founder.
Gilbert J. Beebe also, in 1848, started another paper—the Middletown Mercury. This paper was less virulent than his Banner of Liberty, and being devoted to local news, attained a considerable circulation. In 1860 Mr. Beebe sold the Mercury to James H. Norton, who had been conducting the Tri-States Union at Port Jervis. Mr. Norton associated with him in this purchase a young printer and ready writer, Isaac F. Guiwits. The two were thoroughly practical men, and soon made their personality and their good taste vividly apparent in their work. The Mercury was enlarged, new type and machinery were installed, and it was not many months before the paper began to grow in circulation and in power. It got better and neater with each issue; its managers seemed to vie with each other in this work. Within five years the Middletown Mercury became famous for being the handsomest newspaper in the United States. For those days, it was a model of beauty. What is more, it became a leading newspaper; its local news was gotten up the best, much attention being paid to this feature—practically an innovation in journalism, strange as this statement may appear to newspaper men and readers to-day. Mr. Norton was a democrat of the pro-slavery type, and his editorial utterances during the war were often vitriolic, notwithstanding which the paper flourished, many paid-up republican subscribers contributing to its success, admiring its journalistic features while cursing its politics. In 1867 Isaac V. Montanye purchased an interest in the paper, and in 1868 became sole proprietor. In 1869 S. M. Boyd became its owner. In 1873 the Middletown Mail was merged in the Mercury, when Dr. Joseph D. Friend and George H. Thompson became its editors and owners. Dr. Friend retired in 1874. In 1878 the Weekly Argus consolidated with the Mercury, which became the Mercury and Argus. In 1876 Cornelius Macardell and George H. Thompson became proprietors, with Mr. Thompson as editor, who continued thus until his death in May, 1904. The Mercury and Argus plant remains in the Macardell family, known as the Argus and Mercury Publishing Company, with Cornelius Macardell, president; A. B. Macardell, vice-president and secretary; A. E. Nickinson, treasurer and general manager; A. B. Macardell, editor; Henry P. Powers and Horace A. MacGowan, city editors.
In 1849 Thomas George began in Newburgh the publication of the Newburgh Excelsior. E. M. Ruttenber purchased this paper in May, 1851, and merged it with his Telegraph.
In January, 1850, appeared the first newspaper in Port Jervis, the Port Jervis Express. This journalistic venture deserves especial notice from the fact that it was started by a colored man. P. H. Miller—the first publication of such distinction in Orange County, and possibly in the State. The Express was well printed, and ably edited. But it died in October the same year.
The Middletown Advertiser was started in Middletown in 1850 by G. J. Beebe. It was a monthly advertising sheet, and lived two years.
In November, 1850, Colonel Samuel Fowler—a leading citizen—started the Tri-States Union in Port Jervis. It was a democratic paper, with John I. Mumford as editor. Lucius F. Barnes, a rising young lawyer of Milford, Pa., purchased the paper and edited it until August 10, 1854, when he sold it to James H. Norton. The latter sold the paper in 1861, to G. W. Allen, of Honesdale, Pa., and Wallace W. Farnum, a deaf mute, of Port Jervis. The latter was a practical printer, and remained in the office many years. It was under Allen and Farnum that the politics of the paper changed from democratic to republican. In 1862 Allen's interest in the paper was purchased by Daniel Holbrook, a recent graduate of Harvard College and fresh from the position of principal of the school at the House of Refuge, Randall's Island, N. Y. Mr. Holbrook made it a lively republican paper, ably maintaining the Union cause during the Civil War then waging. September 27, 1869, Mr. Holbrook sold the paper to Foster & Mitchell, of Chambersburg, Pa. In 1871 the paper was purchased by Charles St. John, Jr., William T. Doty, and Alfred E. Spooner. In 1872 Mr. Spooner's interest was purchased by Erwin G. Fowler. All through this year the Union was one of the foremost supporters of the liberal republican movement that led to the nomination at Cincinnati of the lamented Horace Greeley for President. Soon after Greeley's nomination the Union's proprietors issued The Wood-Chopper, a campaign paper which was full of fire and enthusiasm, but died with the ambitions of its martyred presidential candidate. In January, 1873, Mr. Doty retired from the firm to take charge of the Gazette. Mr. Fowler retired from the paper later in the same year. In April, 1877, Fred R. Salmon, Mr. St. John's brother-in-law, young and fresh from a commercial school, entered the office as bookkeeper. He displayed aptitude and business qualities from the start—points Mr. St. John quickly recognized—and in 1884 he was made a member of the firm, which became St. John & Salmon, and thus remained until 1894, when the same members became the Tri-States Printing Co. In May, 1895, the firm was incorporated as the Tri-States Publishing Co., which it remains, though on October 1, 1907, Mr. Salmon purchased Mr. St. John's interest and became sole owner.
In 1878 the Tri-States Union was changed from a weekly to semi-weekly issue, but within a year or two was changed back to the weekly issue, which it continues. In 1871 it was changed from a folio to a quarto, which it remains.
In January, 1873, Mr. St. John started the Port Jervis Daily Union. It was issued as a morning paper for a year or two, since which time it has been an afternoon paper. It has been edited successively by Ed. H. Mott, E. A. Brown, Henry A. Van Fredenberg, E. G. Fowler, Fred R. Salmon, Charles O. Young, James Bennet, Charles A. Starr, Merritt C. Speidel, and at present by W. T. Doty.
On November 26, 1851, John W. Hasbrouck issued at Middletown the first number of the weekly Whig Press. In March, 1868, Mr. Hasbrouck sold the plant to Moses D. Stivers. In 1870 Albert Kessinger bought a half interest in the paper, and the firm was Stivers & Kessinger until August, 1872, when the junior member died. In October, 1872, Mr. Stivers sold the plant to F. Stanhope Hill, who sold an interest to John W. Slauson, and the firm became Hill & Slauson. Mr. Hill sold his interest to Mr. Stivers July 1, 1873, and the firm became Stivers & Slauson. In 1880 Mr. Stivers sold his interest to Mr. Slauson, and Charles J. Boyd entered the firm under the firm name of Slauson & Boyd. This continued until February, 1906, when the whole plant was sold to the Middletown Times Publishing Co., and the familiar old Press lost its identity in the Times-Press. It seemed lamentable to see this staunch old paper die. It was the pet of that venerable and conscientious laborer in the literary field, John W. Hasbrouck, and his estimable wife, Dr. Lydia Sayer Hasbrouck. Both labored for years, literally side by side, in the editorial room and in the work-shop of the establishment, and they had built up a fine property. Under its successive changes, in the hands of Messrs. Stivers, Slauson and Boyd the Press had become one of the best country newspapers in the State. Its plant was very valuable, with the most improved machinery, and the whole establishment was shrewdly managed, the paper ably edited, and nothing but the menace of a distinguished rival could ever have induced Messrs. Slauson and Boyd to consent to the disposal of so valuable a plant.
The temperance agitation evidently struck Port Jervis heavily early in the fifties, for in June, 1852, J. L. Barlow and John Dow began the publication of the Mirror of Temperance. This lived about eighteen months.
In 1853 another temperance paper appeared in Port Jervis, when John Williams issued The Sentinel. It died in 1855. Mr. Williams was a pugnacious Englishman, and while his Sentinel was still on guard, he issued another temperance paper, in the fall of 1854, which he called The Precursor of Temperance.
With the demise of the latter publication and the Sentinel, in 1855, the starting of temperance papers in Port Jervis ceased entirely. Whether this was due to the complete and perpetual reclamation of the place by the army of temperance agitators that swooped down upon it in the fifties, or to the belief that the warfare was utterly hopeless, is not certain. Any way, the vanquished (or conquering?) John Williams shook the dust of the town from his heels and tarried long enough in Middletown to start the Hardwareman's Newspaper, later the Iron Age, in the office of the Whig Press.
In 1855 the Newburgh American was issued by R. P. L. Shafer. It had a life of only three or four weeks.
In 1855, at the office of the Whig Press in Middletown, John Williams, who had wrestled with the liquor question in Port Jervis for a few years, started out in a new line. He had Mr. and Mrs. Hasbrouck print for him a trade journal—one of the earliest ventures of this kind in the country. He called it the Hardwareman's Newspaper, and published it monthly. After three years its name was changed to the Iron Age, and it is published yet in New York by David Williams, son of its founder, and is one of the leading trade journals.
A monthly of forty-eight pages was started in Newburgh in 1855 by R. B. Denton. It was called the Literary Scrapbook. Its life was short.
If the temperance workers had abandoned the western end of the county as wholly reclaimed or as irreclaimable, they had an eye or two on the eastern end of the district, and in March, 1856, Royal B. Hancock, "as agent for an association of gentlemen," started in Newburgh a temperance paper which he called the Newburgh Times. It passed into the hands of R. Bloomer & Son, who sold it to Alexander Wilson, he to Charles Blanchard, and the latter, in 1867, turned it into the Newburgh Daily Democrat. The latter failed in a few months.
In 1856 in the Middletown Whig Press office Mr. and Mrs. Hasbrouck began the publication of The Sybil, a fortnightly quarto. It was edited by Mrs. Hasbrouck, and was a particularly bright, able, fearless publication. It was continued eight years.
An association of students in Domanski's school in Newburgh, in 1857 started The Acorn, a small but pretentious monthly of a literary character. It lived about one year.
In the early part of the winter of 1864 Eugene W. Gray began printing the Daily Union at Newburgh. It was really the Daily Telegraph, which had been suspended for a short time. In 1866 the title of both the weekly and daily was changed to the Press. In 1869 the title of Telegraph was restored, and in 1876 it became the Register, which continued until February 24, 1908, when it suspended under financial difficulties, and, as one paper expressed it, "Too much anti-Bryanism."
January 27, 1866, Elder Leonard Cox, a practical printer, began printing Warwick's second paper, which he called the Warwick Advertiser. It was a five or six-column folio, neatly printed, well edited and newsy. To-day it is one of the best edited weekly newspapers in the county. It is republican in politics—in fact, has practically always been so. January, 1869, Elder Cox sold the paper to John L. Servin, and moved to Virginia. April, 1874, it was purchased by Daniel F. Welling. He sold it to Stewart & Wilson (August 5, 1876), who sold it to Stewart & Demerest. The office was burned out January 24, 1879, after which it was published by Stewart & Co. Samuel J. Stewart was its editor until Hiram Tate came into possession of the property. Mr. Tate was a practical printer, and was fresh from the office of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Hasbrouck's Whig Press, and had good ideas of what a neat, live newspaper should be—as generally had the graduates of Mr. and Mrs. Hasbrouck's school of practical journalism. It is still in Mr. Tate's possession.
Though short-lived, a bright little specimen of ambitious young journalism appeared in Middletown in September, 1866. It was called The Rising Sun, and was the first venture in this field by Stephen H. Sayer, a recent apprentice in the Whig Press office. The Rising Sun was a literary effort—it might almost be claimed as one of the earliest of the amateur publications, except that its ambitious young editor had higher and more mature aims when, out of the environing nebulae he called into existence his little star of hope. It was a four-column folio, printed from long primer and nonpareil type—the two tolerable extremes—and was listed at fifty cents a year. It was printed in Coe Finch's job printing office at Franklin square in the third floor of the building now occupied by the Middletown Savings Bank. Mr. Sayer announced that "The Rising Sun is not a local paper, but will circulate throughout Maine, Kansas, Iowa, etc., with as much profit to subscribers there as in the State of New York." The writer set type on the first issue of The Rising Sun, and had a sort of god-fatherly interest in this promising luminary, and regrets that one of the too common cataclysms in the journalistic empyrean over whelmed the bright little orb ere its rays had scintillated a single scintillation on either rock-ribbed Maine or bleeding Kansas.
But Mr. Sayer was not extinguished, even if the light of his little Rising Sun was dimmed forever. He was ambitious, and, what is more, determined. When he emerged from this celestial crash, he cast his optics over the universe, and discovered Montgomery, and forthwith hied him hither, and in April, 1868, issued the first number of the Wallkill Valley Times, a seven or eight-column folio, of good appearance, newsy, and well edited. In 1869 he issued the Dollar Weekly. Both publications passed into the hands of Lester Winfield in 1871.
In 1869 Mr. Sayer also started the Walden Recorder, at Walden. Chauncey B. Reed took it in 1870, and issued it as the Walden Recorder-Herald. Later he dropped the Recorder, and the paper has since appeared as the Walden Herald.
From these ventures Mr. Sayer went to Deckertown (now Sussex), N. J., and started the Sussex Independent, which has always been one of the brightest newspapers in New Jersey. After retiring from the Independent, Mr. Sayer joined the Texas colony of the seventies, and spent some years in the Lone Star State, farming, writing, editing, and making himself generally useful to the inhabitants of the far-away empire of the southwest. He and his estimable family returned to the north in the eighties, and he is now living in well-earned retirement on the old farm, near New Vernon, surrounded by his amiable wife and remarkably bright children—the latter now grown to maturity as useful and honored members of the community.
One of the marvels of success, for a few years, was Wood's Household Advocate, a monthly magazine, started in Newburgh by S. S. Wood in 1867. Later the name was changed to Household Magazine, and it attained a circulation of 60,000 copies. It died in 1874.
Lester Winfield started a paper at Galesville Mills, Ulster County, in May, 1864, which he removed to Pine Bush in September, 1868, under the name of the Pine Bush Weekly Casket. The same month (September, 1868), he continued the journey to Montgomery, and called the paper the Montgomery Republican. Mr. Winfield succeeded in uniting his Casket, his Republican and Mr. Smith's Standard into one publication, May 1, 1869, which he called the Republican and Standard, which is continued to this day, as the Montgomery Standard and Reporter.
Early in 1869 A. A. Bensel started at Newburgh the Home, Farm and Orchard, an eight-page weekly. It was a bright, useful journal, devoted to farm topics, and deserved the widest circulation, but it died in the spring of 1876.
April 22, 1869, James H. Norton, of Middletown late of the Mercury, and William H. Nearpass, of Port Jervis, began the publication in Port Jervis of the first tri-weekly paper in this county. It was called The Evening Gazette. It was a five-column folio, printed from new bourgeois type. It was newsy, bright, chatty, and entertaining from the start. Within a few weeks The Family Gazette appeared from the same office, and was issued weekly. Within a year the latter was enlarged and became the Port Jervis Weekly Gazette. The Evening and the Weekly Gazette soon attained big circulations, and have since continued to reach a large class of readers. Both were neutral in politics for years. Mr. Norton retired from the concern in 1871. Ed. H. Mott, of Honesdale, becoming associated with Mr. Nearpass in the publishing and editing of the paper. October 1, 1872, George A. Clement, a young New York lawyer, purchased the establishment, and turned it into a Republican organ, supporting General Grant in his second presidential campaign. July 1, 1873, William T. Doty, of Port Jervis, and William R. Waller, of Monticello, leased the plant. Mr. Doty becoming editor and business manager, and Mr. Waller taking charge of the mechanical department. In 1874, Mr. Clement sold the plant to Jesse M. Connor, a Port Jervis merchant, who, in turn, disposed of it to Hon. Charles St. John, ex-congressman from this district. Soon afterward Mr. St. John sold the plant to Ezra J. Horton, of Peekskill, and William T. Doty, and the paper became democratic. In 1875 the co-partnership between Mr. Horton and Mr. Doty ended, Mr. Horton retiring, and in October, 1876, Mr. St. John again became owner of the plant for two issues, when he disposed of it to William H. Nearpass. The paper has since been democratic. W. T. Doty continued as editor for several years, being succeeded by James J. Shier, of Middletown, and since his death, by Mr. Nearpass as editor. Associated with Mr. Nearpass in the management and ownership of the paper was Abram Shinier, A. M. May, James J. Shier, and since the eighties the paper has been conducted by the Gazette Publishing Co., with W. H. Nearpass as president and editor, Evi Shinier as secretary and treasurer and business manager, with Mark V. Richards as associate editor, and James Skellenger as city editor. The tri-weekly edition was changed to an afternoon daily issue (except Sunday), and to an eight-column folio, January 17, 1881.
In January, 1869, Isaac F. Guiwits started the first daily newspaper in Middletown. It was issued at four o'clock every afternoon, except Sunday, and was printed at the office of the Middletown Mercury, then located over what is now Hanford & Horton's news store on North street. It was a five-column folio, printed from brevier type, and was a model of neatness, sprightliness, and paid much attention to local news. Mr. Guiwits was an elegant writer, brimful of wit—a thorough all-round printer and "newspaper man," an apt pupil of the master journalistic mind, James H. Norton, and he made the Daily Mail a bright paper. But it didn't pay, as a daily, and April 28, 1869, Mr. Guiwits issued the Middletown Mail, a weekly publication of six columns (folio), this succeeding the Daily Mail. Some months later Mr. Guiwits sold the Mail plant to Evander B. Willis, a printer, stenographer, and reporter. A year or two later Dr. Joseph D. Friend became the owner of the Mail. In 1873 he made an arrangement by which the Mail was consolidated with the Mercury, when Dr. Friend and George H. Thompson became the proprietors of the combined publication. The Mail was a local newspaper, with democratic tendencies, but it never cut much of a figure in the newspaper life in the county, after it ceased to be a daily, though Mr. Guiwits and Dr. Friend were both fine writers, and Mr. Willis was popular. Dr. Friend, the genial, the easy-going, the friend, has long since passed away, but his memory is ever green with the few who yet linger—aye few—who associated with him in journalism in those early days. Mr. Guiwits went to Kansas City, and Mr. Willis to California.
The second experiment of publishing a tri-weekly paper in Orange County began in the office of the Orange County Press when Stivers & Kessinger (Moses D. Stivers and Albert Kessinger), on May 24, 1870, issued the first number of the Middletown Evening Press. October 26, 1872, the tri-weekly became a daily under the name of the Middletown Daily Press, and continued until merged with the Middletown Times in February, 1906, under the name of the Middletown Times-Press.
The first journal to be issued at Cornwall, or Cornwall-on-the-Hudson was called The Cornwall Paper, a Local Record of Things New and Old. It was published by P. P. Hazen, of Cornwall, in conjunction with A. A. Bensel, of Newburgh, issue No. 1 appearing April 15, 1871. So far as known no other issue of the paper ever appeared.
May 24, 1875, Miss S. J. A. Hussey started the Cornwall Times, which, lived six years.
In 1875 Isaac V. Montanye started the Middletown Argus, a weekly paper. It was merged with the Mercury in 1876, and January 27, 1876, the Daily Argus came forth and still does valiant service. The Daily Argus was started by Cornelius Macardell, Sr., who had money as well as brains, and he made the Argus and the Mercury live democratic papers. George H. Thompson, who soon after leaving college became connected with the concern, and his ready pen and many other good newspaper qualities, soon won the attention of Mr. Macardell, who installed him as editor, which position he retained to his death. The present editor is A. B. Macardell.
An association of printers in Newburgh in October, 1875, started the Daily Penny Post, as a representative of labor and union interests. While the Post was struggling for existence the Daily Mail was started by a rival organization, in 1876. In June of the latter year the Post was discontinued, and having evidently accomplished its purpose, the Mail merged, in 1877, with the Register.
It was in 1876 that the Newburgh Register came into existence, with many vicissitudes and owners, as previously explained, but finally emerging from the Telegraph under the able management of the lamented Edward M. Ruttenber. The Register later passed into the hands of Herbert P. Kimber & Co., who made of it a bright, newsy, democratic paper. Succeeding Mr. Kimber as editor were John A. Mason, Francis Willard and A. L. Moffatt, the latter of whom fought the Bryan element of the democratic party so vigorously that his retirement from the paper in 1907 was a matter of much rejoicing in the ranks of the reigning element of the party in Orange County. The recent editor of the Register was John V. Tucker, whose utterances were evidently more in harmony with the views of the democratic county committee. But the Register suspended publication February 24, 1908.
In 1877 the Cornwall Reflector was started by John Lee. Later H. H. Snelling became editor. The paper lived until the latter part of 1888.
In 1879 James C. Merritt started the Cornwall Mirror at Highland Falls. In 1895 it was merged with the Cornwall Local.
On April 4, 1880, appeared in Port Jervis the first number of the Sunday Morning Call. It was a five-column quarto, neatly printed, ably edited, and destined, as its first number indicated, to make a stir in local social, political and religious circles. It was published by Erwin G. Fowler and A. L. Moffatt, with Mr. Fowler as editor. The latter was bright, witty, ready and fearless, and he girded on his editorial armor and leaped into the arena of local polemics with an ardor and a fearlessness that, for a time, set the town in a furor. He attacked the validity of the bond issue for the Monticello railroad, and came near having the bonds repudiated by the people in accordance with court decisions in similar cases. His iconoclasm aroused the frenzy of those most exposed to his vitriolic assaults, and they sought to muzzle his Call, with the result that the last issue of his fearless paper appeared in December of the same year.
April 23, 1881, appeared in Middletown the Liberal Sentinel, an independent weekly quarto, with John W. and Mrs. Lydia Hasbrouck as editors. The paper was never profitable to them, but it enabled these two benevolent people to again take up, for a time, the battle for human rights—a struggle in which they had practically sacrificed the bloom of their youth and the fruition of years. Mr. Hasbrouck has gone to his reward, after a life of struggle, in his own quiet, unassuming way, with the adverse forces of environment for the betterment of humanity. His noble, self-sacrificing companion through years, yet lives, a martyr to conventionality, a lover of the good, the pure, the true. May her declining days be as peaceful and as beautiful as the summer flowers that shed their fragrance and their luster around her own beautiful habitation on Linden avenue's fair lawn.
On the eighth of September, 1881, was issued at Port Jervis in the office of the Tri-States Publishing Co., the first number of the Orange County Farmer. It was a six-column quarto, and, as its name indicates, was devoted to the interests of the farmer, dairyman, and pomologist. The idea was one of the many conceptions of the fertile brain of Charles St. John, Jr., then the head of the Tri-States Publishing Co., a former supervisor of the town of Deer Park, a son of former Congressman Hon. Charles St. John, a young man who, ere he was out of his teens, was a leader in all the athletic sports of his native village, Port Jervis, active, energetic in business, and brimful of plans and ideas. He was one of the leaders in the county in the liberal republican movement that, in 1872, led to the nomination of Horace Greeley for President, and made the Tri-States Union and the campaign publication, The Woodchopper, red-hot champions of the Sage of Chappaqua. In starting the Orange County Farmer Mr. St. John built far better than he knew, as subsequent events proved. The first number was, editorially, the joint production of himself and his brother-in-law, Fred R. Salmon, then a bookkeeper in the office of the Tri-States Union. Mr. Salmon had been active in the business department, but developed talent in connection with reportorial and editorial lines, and did some clever agricultural work for the first and for many succeeding issues of the Farmer. He was for some time known as managing editor of The Farmer, though after the first issue Erwin G. Fowler, late of the Sunday Call, and a former editor of the Daily Union and of the Middletown Press, and a lover of horticultural matters, became the active editor of The Farmer, with Mr. Salmon as the business manager. Under this joint control, with more or less supervision of Mr. St. John, The Farmer rapidly grew in popularity, in circulation, and in influence. In 1890 Mr. Fowler and John J. Dillon, then connected with the office and now manager of the Rural New Yorker, purchased The Husbandman, an agricultural paper at Elmira, and both retired from The Farmer. Mr. Fowler's successor was William T. Doty, and Mr. Dillon's successor in the business department was William F. Wade, now of the Rural New Yorker. In 1894 Mr. Fowler was again on The Farmer's editorial staff and remained until 1897, when declining health forced his retirement—and his death in 1904 deprived the literary and agricultural world of one of its brightest workers, the social world of one of the most amiable, lovable, benevolent members, and Orange County's musical set an able leader.
Mr. Fowler's successor on The Farmer was Henry A. Van Fredenberg, for years editor of the Milling World and the Lumber World, both of Buffalo. Mr. Van Fredenberg was born in Montague, N. J., was educated in the schools of Port Jervis, early became a school teacher, and had charge of the schools at Sussex (then Deckertown), N. J., when he entered the editorial harness on the Sussex Independent, and developed rare talent, which quickly secured his recognition as a writer, a paragrapher, reporter, and editor. When he was called to the editorial chair of the Orange County Farmer he had years of editorial experience, was a botanical scholar, a marvelous linguist, a proficient mathematician, had a rare knowledge of chemistry, geology and pomology, and was a careful student in dairy and agricultural matters generally. That The Farmer has prospered beyond all expectations under his wise and able editorial management is not saying too much. Started as a county agricultural paper, it steadily grew out of its local bounds into State reputation, and then into national and now into international importance, with a circulation now (March, 1908), quoted at 25,000, with subscribers in almost every civilized country in the world, besides going into every State in the Union. It is quoted everywhere, its editorial utterances and contributions are transferred to other tongues, and it is recognized as one of the leading dairy journals of the world. This marvelous growth and influence outside its own county led its managers to change its title in 1897, when it became The New York Farmer, as more expressive of its character and the scope of its work and operations. At this time (March, 1908), Mr. Van Fredenberg is still the editor, and The Farmer is now a seven-column quarto, issued on Wednesday of each week.
In 1882 James J. McNally, the veteran newspaper man of Orange County, started at Monroe a weekly seven-column folio, the Monroe Herald. In 1888 he started at Goshen the Goshen News, and printed both papers at Goshen until the spring of 1892, when he died, and both publications ceased.
In 1883 The News was started in Middletown as a Sunday paper by that veteran journalist, James H. Norton. Associated with him was Charles H. Conkling, a practical printer, and later W. T. Doty, whom Mr. Norton induced to take a hand in the editorial work. The News took an active interest in exploiting the farmer's interests during the famous "milk war" which waged in that year, when milk was spilled copiously in the Middletown streets and elsewhere, when encountered in surreptitious transfer to some unpopular dealer. The News was an eight-column folio, nicely printed, and attained a considerable circulation. Mr. Norton, and later Mr. Doty, retired from the concern, and the material was sold to Mrs. Hasbrouck, later to Lawyer Reid, who issued a few copies of The Jeffersonian, then to Isaac V. Montanye, who issued a few numbers of a labor paper, and finally the material was purchased by James J. McNally, to be merged with the Monroe Herald and the Goshen News.
In 1885 St. John & Salmon issued at Port Jervis The Farm Guide, a monthly of eight, twelve and sixteen pages. It did not live long.
In June, 1885, George F. Ketchum started at Warwick the Warwick Valley Dispatch. It was an eight-column folio at first, and was afterward enlarged to a nine-column folio which it is at present. In 1889 a half interest in the paper was sold to I. W. Litchfield, Mr. Ketchum retaining control of the editorial policy. In 1894 Mr. Litchfield engaged in other business, Mr. Ketchum taking over his interest, which he still retains as sole controller of the paper and its policy. The Dispatch has always been democratic in its politics, and for some years has been the leading—in fact, the main or only—exponent of the aggressive democracy represented by the Bryan forces in that party. Mr. Ketchum has been for several years chairman of the democratic county committee, and that he has proven himself an able editor and sagacious, fearless leader is evidenced by the growth in popularity of his paper, and the endorsement in growing aggressiveness of his course as leader of the democracy of the county and chairman of the county committee.
The Daily News was started in Newburgh as a penny daily, in 1885, by William H. Keefe, who had been for many years the city editor of the Newburgh Daily Journal. The paper had its inception amid modest surroundings, but what its founder lacked in material resources, however, he made up for in aggressiveness, enterprise and versatility. The vigorous style of the newcomer in the journalistic field caught the public fancy at the very start, and the paper soon attained a large circulation and became a financial success.
William H. Keefe died in February, 1901, and the business was carried on by the Newburgh News Printing and Publishing Co., which had been organized several years prior to his death. Mr. F. W. Wilson is its present able editor.
The News soon outgrew the meager mechanical facilities and restricted surroundings amid which it first saw the light, and in 1902 the plant was moved to its present home in the handsome building at 40 and 42 Grand street, which it purchased and remodeled for its own purpose. The installation of a still more modern and up-to-date equipment marked the beginning of a new era in the history of the paper, and successful as it had been up to that time, it has been still more so since.
The Newburgh Daily News of to-day is concededly one of the leading newspapers of the Hudson River valley, not only in circulation, but also in influence. It is splendidly equipped, and is not surpassed by any newspaper in a city of equal size anywhere. Its plant represents a large investment of capital and it carries on its pay-roll upwards of fifty employees.
The handsome building, the modernly equipped plant, the large circulation and volume of advertising all indicate that the News enjoys the support and large patronage of the community in which it is published and to which it is a distinct credit.
The Daily Evening Press was established in Newburgh in 1888, as a democratic organ, by James G. Dunphy. Mr. Dunphy was born in Newburgh, August 21, 1842, and learned his trade under the late E. M. Ruttenber. For many years he conducted the Press with an ability which brought success and secured it a great influence throughout the county. After a considerable period of prosperity, however, a blight seemed to fall upon the printing plant, and although for some time Mr. Dunphy struggled bravely against ever-increasing obstacles, he was finally obliged to give up the losing fight, and the Press joined the large company of other Orange County organs which had flourished for a season and then passed silently from the scene.
In 1887 St. John & Salmon started in Port Jervis a small quarto called Sunbeams. It was a semi-humorous publication, but the quality or quantity of its revelry failed somehow to attack the risibles of a sufficient clientèle of the American public, and its weary publishers concluded to let the prosaic citizens plod on in their own dull, flat, Boeotian way.
In 1888 N. E. Conkling & Co. started at Chester the Orange County News, a weekly, six-column folio, with N. E. Conkling as editor. It was an independent paper, giving much attention to local news. At times the paper published editions for Unionville and Pine Bush. In February, 1908, the plant was sold to J. B. Gregory, and removed to Monroe, where the latter started the Ramapo Valley Gazette, March, 1908.
In April, 1888, the Cornwall Local appeared at Cornwall-on-Hudson, under the management of H. A. Gates. In September, 1889, he disposed of the plant to C. P. Brate, of Albany, who installed his brother-in-law, Thomas Pendall, a practical printer and bright writer, as editor and publisher. In June, 1892, the Local came under the management of Lynn G. Goodenough, by whom it is still conducted. The paper was classed as independent politically until it came into Mr. Goodenough's possession. In 1896 he made the Local a republican paper, and as such it became a useful and influential member of Orange County republican newspaperdom. Recently the name of the paper became the Local-Press, as more significant of a newspaper than the name Local. In 1895 Mr. Goodenough purchased Mr. Merritt's right, title and good will in the Cornwall Mirror, and consolidated that publication with the Local.
In 1887 the Walden Citizen came into existence. It is a six-column quarto, republican in politics, well edited by J. H. Reed, and is a newsy and meritorious publication.
A valuable monthly publication was begun in Port Jervis in 1888, when Church Life was issued. It was printed under the auspices of the Reformed church of that place. It usually appeared in eight pages, with two and three broad columns to a page. Its work was largely that of gathering up local historical matters, and one of its most valuable contributors was William H. Nearpass, whose penchant in that direction enabled him to furnish much valuable historical information that otherwise might have been lost to all generations. Another contributor was the Rev. S. W. Mills, D.D., for many years pastor of the Reformed Church of Deer Park. The paper was issued for about fifteen years, but why it was allowed to cease no one connected with the church seems to know. It was printed at the Gazette office.
The Orange County Dairyman was started at Middletown in the office of the Mercury and Argus, in December, 1888. The publishers were Macardell, Thompson and Barrett (Cornelius Macardell, Sr., George H. Thompson, and Leon Barrett, the artist.) Its editor was W. C. Cairns, of Rockland, Sullivan County, better known as "Rusticus." The Dairyman was a five or six-column quarto. It never became profitable, and went out of existence in January, 1890.
The only Sunday paper of the four or more started in this county that seemed to have vitality enough to come down to our day was the Telegram of Newburgh. It was started in 1889 by Edward M. Ruttenber, the venerable and learned printer, editor, author and historian, who lately passed to his great reward, mourned by all, and beloved and revered by those who knew him best. The Telegram is now published by J. W. F. Ruttenber, son of its founder. Though started as a Sunday paper, it is now issued on Saturday, and is known as The Newburgh Telegram. It is ably conducted, as it always has been. A free lance in principle, it is fearless in its assaults, and sometimes makes things very interesting for residents of the Hillside city and its purlieus.
One of the publications that made a sensation at its starting, and during its entire career was a subject of wide interest, was called The Conglomerate. It was started June 15, 1890, by patients in the State Homeopathic Hospital at Middletown. The first number was a four-column folio, but it soon grew to a quarto, and its circulation increased until, at its zenith, over 3,000 copies were issued. It circulated in all parts of America, had subscribers in New Zealand, and in fact in nearly every country, and its articles were copied everywhere. The Conglomerate stood for reform in lunacy matters, and for this reason, and because of its too outspoken policy against the State's lunacy commission, the authorities caused its suspension. It was gotten out entirely at the State Hospital, where a fully-equipped newspaper and job-printing office was established by the patients under whose tutelage it was called into existence. Its pages were full of bright things. Not only were its editorials able, but its contributions were from brilliant minds, the names of whose writers, for obvious reasons, are withheld. It ceased publication in 1897, after a brilliant career, during which it was eagerly sought, read with avidity, and was a force for good throughout its whole brief career.
On the afternoon of April 29, 1881, appeared in Middletown one of the county's—aye, one of the State's—marvels of journalistic success under the title of the Middletown Daily Times. The first numbers were issued from the Hasbrouck printing office in the Hasbrouck block, corner of North and Depot streets, and was a seven-column folio. While it announced that Lewis S. Stivers and John D. Stivers were editors and proprietors, it was understood that ex-Congressman the Hon. Moses Dunning Stivers, their father, stood sponsor for the publication, and this able writer and shrewd politician soon made his personality evident in every issue of the Times. Rapidly did the paper gain in circulation, in influence, and in popular confidence. Congressman Stivers was a man of pronounced personality, had a way of winning friends and retaining them, and with the recent expiration of a successful term in Congress he was in position to build up a powerful country newspaper plant. And that is just what he did. In this work he was most ably assisted by his two sons, whose names appeared at the head of the editorial columns. Lewis S. Stivers was a practical printer, a pressman, and a thorough, all-round mechanical expert; young, with a love for the trade—credited by all printers as being not only practical but one of the most capable men in the State. His brother, John D. Stivers, had been his father's private secretary all through his congressional career, had acquitted himself with entire credit, and having been "brought up" in a printing office, was well qualified to enter the editorial department of the establishment. As a reporter, as one ready and quick to grasp the importance of legitimate news, he proved his fitness for the position by keeping the Times in the lead in its local and general news departments. It was under such auspicious conditions that The Middletown Daily News presented itself to the public every afternoon in the week, except Sunday, and its rapid growth in favor was the fulfillment of the auguries of those who best knew its esteemed sponsor and its managers. Within a short time the establishment was removed to the first floor on the James and Henry street corner of the Casino block. Here it remained until it was removed to its present quarters at the corner of King and Center streets, in the handsome four-story brick building of its own, and known as the Times building or Stivers block. Here are fast presses, three Mergenthaler Linotype machines and all the necessary accouterments to enable the management to issue one of the best daily newspapers in this country, outside of the larger cities. Its circulation is now daily considerably over 5,000 copies. The death of the Hon. M. D. Stivers and later of his son, Louis S. Stivers, removed two of the brightest members of the Orange County newspaperdom, and necessitated reorganization of the Times Publishing Co., which is now known as the Stivers Printing Company, with John D. Stivers as president and Dr. M. A. Stivers as secretary and treasurer. On February 11, 1906, the Middletown Daily Press merged with the Times and the combination has since issued as the Middletown Times-Press. The editorial writer on the Times and Times-Press since November 1, 1905, has been A. W. Russell, whose bright, well-put comments are one of the features that commend this widely-read journal.
The News of Highlands was started at Highland Falls in 1891. It is published on Saturdays by F. F. & A. G. Tripp, and is politically independent or neutral.
In February, 1892, appeared in Port Jervis the Port Jervis Morning Index, the second attempt in that place to establish a morning daily. It was started by Isaac V. Montanye, of Goshen, and Sherwood Rightmyer, his nephew; was an eight-column folio, independent, or rather neutral, in politics, Mr. Montanye being a democrat and Mr. Rightmyer a republican. The Index was newsy, and well edited, but ceased publication in August of the same year.
Middletown seems to have been the theatre of the sensational in Orange County journalism. The Banner of Liberty, the Whig Press (whose editor was once caned in the streets for a bit of facetiousness); the Sybil, the Mercury, the Mail, the Standard, the News, the Liberal Sentinel, the Labor Advocate, the Conglomerate—each had its day of riotous jest or caustic invective that set the town "by the ears" for a time.
The latest one to enter this field of humor, sarcasm and expletive was The Forum, the first number of which was issued February 28, 1897, by W. T. Doty and H. W. Corey, and which, within a few weeks, expanded into the Middletown Sunday Forum. The first few numbers were printed in New York for the publishers by one of the "patent inside" concerns, and the warmth of its reception was such that its proprietors felt justified in putting in a plant of their own. The office at first was in the business office of the Casino building, in the second floor, but was later transferred to the first floor of the rear of the same building on Henry street. From the unique "greeting" in the first issue, the following excerpt is made as characteristic of the purposes, course and whole conduct of the publication:
"There are a number of reasons why we have concluded to publish The Forum. First, we want to publish it. Second, there are a number of people who don't want us to publish it. Third, there seems need of a publication in this city that will call a spade a spade. Fourth, we can stop it when we want to. Being able to stop publishing it, if we want to, encouraged us in the idea of starting."
And so it was started, and with a pace that took the whole county by storm. It was exultant, exuberant, jocular, sarcastic, hilarious, but never whining, simpering, brawling or lachrymose. It had features such as no other paper in the county had, and all these peculiarities brought it into wider and wider notoriety, and the editions printed almost invariably fell short of supplying the demand. A leading feature was the "sermons" of "Pastor" Corey. There was a vein of the keenest irony in them, generally of more or less local application, and the demand for these lively satires extended to all classes of citizens—those the severest hit as well as those who, from a safe "coign of vantage," liked to watch the unique assaults. Another of its peculiar features was the holding up to ridicule of the driveling "items" and personals sent in by so many cross-roads correspondents of country papers, and which were generally the clever work of "Deacon" Peter F. Kaufman, a local real estate man who always looked on the "funny side" of all events. The unfortunate and severe illness of Mr. Corey necessitated the abandonment of the "sermons." The concern was sold (December, 1897), to Frank L. Blanchard, of New York, and later (1898) to W. T. Doty and Thomas Pendell, of Cornwall. The latter two ran out a daily, The Morning Forum, for some months, in 1898. Then Mr. Pendall purchased the outfit, and transferred it to Massena, N. Y. During the two or three years in which The Forum lived in Middletown it "cut a wide swath," and kept the whole surrounding country wondering "what next?" and, had it continued as it began, would have landed its proprietors—who were getting a pile of fun out of the proceeding—in the ranks of the multi-millionaires or in the penitentiary. A unique financial feature of the experiment was the fact that the paper more than paid its own way from the very first issue.
In October, 1898, S. T. Morehouse started at Cornwall-on-Hudson the Cornwall Courier. This was conducted by various parties, including Mr. Morehouse and his son, Claude, by the well-known writer Creswell McLaughlin, Bernard Call, Clark J. Brown, Clayton Brown, and William Clark, and in 1906, ceased to exist.
The Orange County Record was started at Washingtonville, May 17, 1899, by the Hon. Isaac V. Montanye (since deceased, December 26, 1906) and his nephew, Montanye Rightmyer. Since the death of Mr. Montanye, Mr. Rightmyer is the editor and publisher. The paper is devoted to local news.
In March, 1908, J. B. Gregory started at Monroe the Ramapo Valley Gazette. The plant was that of the Orange County News at Chester, the paper started in 1888 by N. E. Conkling.
MISCELLANEOUS.
In addition to the above-mentioned so-called "regular publications," there have been numerous amateur, church, society, labor, semi-literary, and other more or less sporadic productions throughout the county from the time of the introduction of printing into the county at Goshen in 1788 to the present time.
An enterprise of importance that may be classed under this heading was that of the Franklin Printing Company, starting in Middletown, in 1879. At the head of the concern were James H. Norton, Isaac F. Guiwits, of Middletown and William H. Nearpass, of Port Jervis. A considerable building was erected on Mill street, Middletown, next to the residence of Mr. Norton, and several presses and a finely equipped printing establishment was installed, to print "patent insides." A big business was there built up, and continued until the purchase and absorption of the plant by the New York Newspaper Union, and the transfer of the same to that city.
From 1884 to 1886 the United States Official Postal Guide for New York City was printed by W. H. Nearpass at the Port Jervis Gazette office. Anthony M. May & Co. had the contract for this work.
About 1886-7 lawyer T. A. Reid, of Middletown, amused himself for a few months with a paper he called The Jeffersonian.
Soon after, the Rev. Charles M. Winchester, a Free Methodist, came to Middletown, probably in 1879, he started a daily paper which he called The Standard or The Standard-Bearer. It was published in the interests of the temperance cause, and made a considerable excitement during the eight or ten months of its existence.
The Pine Bush Herald is a lateral production of the Walden Herald, and dates from 1904, with George W. Jamison as editor.
Town Life was a weekly issued in Middletown from June, 1904, to January, 1905, by Nelson W. Dix. It was a humorous publication with illustrations by the young publisher, who has a taste and a remarkable aptitude for drawing and cartoon work.
The Orange County Magazine was started in Newburgh in 1906, and in the same year the Goshen Independent Republican issued a side edition called the Chester Independent Republican, with George W. Ball as editor.
The first number of the St. Paul's Herald was issued in August, 1892, and each month thereafter for about one year. It contained eight pages, 9 by 12 inches to a page, and a cover. The Herald was issued in the interest of St. Paul's M. E. Church, and Middletown Methodism. The editor and proprietor was Henry P. Powers, the present City Editor of the Middletown Argus, and it was printed at the Times office.
The Worker's Advocate was started in Middletown about 1903, and conducted several years by W. H. McCarter, as an independent weekly paper.
The Church Helper was issued under auspices of Drew M. E. Church in Port Jervis, for about one year. The first number appeared in June, 1889. It was a monthly, devoted almost exclusively to church and temperance work.
The Parish Monthly has been issued since 1906 by sanction of the Rev. John J. Morris, pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Port Jervis. It is a two-column folio, printed by P. J. Gaudy, Port Jervis, for the dissemination of local church news.
The Golden Rod is a monthly issued by Frederick Arthur Gates, M.A., pastor of the Ridgebury Presbyterian church, and printed at the office of the Middletown Times-Press. The Associate Editor is Mary C. Clark, with a corps of correspondents. It contains 10 pages and a cover, with two columns to a page, and with a subscription price of 25 cents a year. It has some local news and advertisements, but is devoted mainly to church and temperance work. It was started in January, 1907.
AMATEUR PUBLICATIONS.
The county has seen the birth and death of many amateur publications. The first in the county, so far as now known, and believed to be one of the first in the whole country, was issued in Port Jervis in 1862. It was called The Tiger. It was a diminutive production of four small pages, and was printed on one of the Adams Amateur presses, one of the first made, and the type, furnished by the same concern, was set by the energetic young publisher, William Henry Nearpass. The Tiger was issued semi-occasionally, to suit the whim or convenience of the publisher, for two or three years. Mr. Nearpass was then a clerk in the grocery and dry goods store of Charles St. John, at the corner of Pike and West Main streets. Mr. Nearpass was then about twenty-two years of age.
Newburgh has had many of these amateur prints, beginning in 1875. Among them may be mentioned the following: Union Jack, American Eagle, The Comet, The Index, The Collector, The Packet, The Laurel, The Amateur Herald.
In 1877 Port Jervis had the Amateur Guide, and in 1880 The Cricket.
Academy Miscellany was started by the Port Jervis high school students in March, 1889, and was discontinued in May, 1895. It was a monthly publication, of eight pages, with two broad columns to a page, was devoted to school matters almost exclusively, and was a bright publication.
The Owl is a bright twenty-page monthly issued by the Middletown high school students, and printed at the office of the Times-Press. It has been issued for several years, and is a particularly commendable school publication, both for the neatness with which it is gotten out, the literary character of its contents, and the business-like character of the publication. The present editor is James A. Rorty, the business manager, E. C. Faulkner.
During 1897 The Union School Journal was published by Merritt C. Speidel, now of the Tri-States Publishing Co., Port Jervis, and Hugh M. Cox, now a practicing physician in New York City, who were the editors and managers. It had 12 pages of 10 by 12 inches, three columns to a page, and had a circulation of 500. The publication was devoted to the interests of the schools and to matters of a general educational nature. The paper had the official sanction of the school authorities, and many prominent Orange County writers contributed to it.
The Publications of the County.
IN ANCIENT GOSHEN.
The Goshen Repository was issued in 1788, by David Mandeville and David M. Westcott, at the Goshen Academy. The nature of the publication seems now unknown; nor is the size of the publication, or its character. In 1793 its office was near the court house. In 1800 it was sold to John G. and William Heurtin, thus showing a life of twelve years—a much better showing than that made by many of its successors there and elsewhere. Messrs. Heurtin changed its name to the Orange County Patriot, and in 1801 William Heurtin sold his interest to William A. Carpenter, when the name was changed to The Friend of Truth. In 1804 it passed to the ownership of Ward M. Gazlay or Gazley, and again its name was changed. This time it became the Orange Eagle. A fire in 1805 in the office singed the Eagle's feathers, but it was enabled to move about, and took its flight to Newburgh, where it became the Political Index.
Taking its name from an extinct Newburgh paper, Gabriel Denton, in 1804, issued the Orange County Gazette. Edward M. Ruttenber traces its history to Elliott Hopkins in 1807, to Elliott Hopkins & Co. in 1811, to Elliott Hopkins in 1812. to F. J. & A. D. Houghton in 1813, and to 1818, when it was "printed and published for the proprietor." How long after this it lasted is not known.
In 1808 Gabriel Denton started the Orange County Patriot and Spirit of Seventy-six. It was doubtless a patriotic publication, probably a jingo organ firing the American heart for another struggle with Great Britain, which came in 1812. In 1811 it was removed to Newburgh by Lewis & Crowell, where it was published as a "new series." T. B. Crowell became its publisher, and announced that its columns were "open to all parties" but were "influenced by none." In 1822 Mr. Crowell moved the paper back to Goshen, and sold it to R. C. S. Hendrie, who, February 22, 1834, sold it to F. T. Parson, who changed its name to the Goshen Democrat. In 1842 Charles Mead associated with Mr. Parson. Nathaniel Webb secured Mr. Parson's interest, and the firm became Mead & Webb, and later Charles Mead & Son, after the death of Mr. Webb. In 1843 R. C. S. Hendrie started the True Whig, two years later selling it to Charles Mead, who merged it with his paper under the title of The Goshen Democrat and Whig. Later the name Whig was dropped, and the paper remains to this day the Goshen Democrat. The firm of Mead & Son came into existence January 1, 1865, and continued until January 1, 1892, when the elder Mead sold his interest to Edwin L. Roys. William W. Mead and Edwin L. conducted the establishment under the firm name of Mead & Roys until September 1, 1902, on which date they sold the concern to J. R. Colburn, of Washington, D. C. Two months later (November 1, 1902), John F. Barringer, of Walden, bought the plant and, two months later (January 1, 1903), sold it to John B. Scott and George V. Gregg, who conducted the same under the firm name of Scott & Gregg, until September 1, 1905. on which date Mr. Scott sold his interest to George F. Gregg, who has since been its proprietor.
In 1820 Williams & Farrand started the Orange Farmer. Mr. Ruttenber speaks of this as the Orange County Farmer, but as the copies now in existence bear the title Orange Farmer, the writer is inclined to believe the word "County" is a slip of the usually very accurate pen of Mr. Ruttenber. Its founders were graduates of the Albany Plow-Boy, and aimed to make the Farmer an agricultural publication. How long it lasted is not known. A well-preserved copy of this Farmer is now in possession of Dr. James J. Mills, of Port Jervis. It is volume IV, No. 195, dated November 17, 1823.
About 1822 there moved into Goshen a lusty young pioneer, sixteen years of age, under the patronymic of The Independent Republican. This stripling was born at Montgomery, May 6, 1806, and there christened the Orange County Republican. Under the tutelage of Luther Pratt in 1812, in its sixth year, its name was changed to that of the Independent Republican, and in 1818 James A. Cheevey became its sponsor, and removed it to Goshen about 1822. In 1832 the Independent Republican plant was sold to Henry H. Van Dyck, who sold it in 1836 when he became State Senator, to Victor M. Drake, then a young printer twenty-seven years of age, who had for some time been employed in the office, as apprentice and journeyman printer. In 1841 Mr. Drake sold the establishment to Moses Swezey, who came to Goshen from Long Island in 1834 as a violinist and dancing master. He was a fine penman, a good bookkeeper, and an excellent accountant, and became the head clerk for County Clerk Lebbeus L. Vail. As editor of the Independent Republican he wielded a powerful and caustic pen, and became a power in Orange County politics. He was the father of the present Surrogate, John B. Swezey.
In 1846 Mr. Swezey sold the plant to Clark & Montanye. It continued, as it long had been, the local organ of the "Hunker" faction of the Democracy. Late in the '50's Mr. Clark went to Iowa and started a Republican paper. James J. McNally purchased the plant in 1853, and sold it to Isaac V. Montanye in 1857, only to repurchase it, selling it again in 1869 to Edward M. Ruttenber and H. P. Kimber. Mr. Ruttenber retired, and in 1874 Mr. Kimber sold it to Thomas P. McElrath, an ambitious New Yorker, who had some fond illusions which he hoped to engraft into Orange County journalism. He made friends and foes fast and furious—particularly the foes—and in 1876 retired to New York, utterly disgusted with journalism in Orange County.
Then Hon. I. V. Montanye and his son, Lucien, secured the paper. In 1883 the former retired, and Frank Drake secured an interest in the concern, under the firm name of Montanye & Drake. In March, 1892, Mr. Drake became sole owner, and remains such to-day (March, 1908).
The present proprietor of the Independent Republican, Frank Drake, is a son of that veteran Orange County journalist, Victor M. Drake, and is a "chip of the old block," a good newspaper man. He is making the paper newsy, keen, merry and bright. He changed it from a weekly to a semi-weekly edition, issued on Tuesdays and Fridays. It is a five-column quarto.
The Independent Republican has not always had things its own way in Goshen Democratic politics. In 1843 Hector Vail, son of County Clerk Lebbeus L. Vail, and T. W. Donovan started the Democratic Standard under the firm name of Vail & Donovan. The Standard represented the "Barn-Burners" or Free Soil element in the Democratic party, and in antagonism to the interests represented the "Hunkers" and the Independent Republican. In 1844 Mr. Donovan retired, and Hector Vail changed its name to the Goshen Clarion. The Democratic factional fight became stronger, and the Clarion had such backers as Lebbeus L. Vail, Asa D. Jansen, James H. Jansen, John B. Booth of Goshen; Merritt H. Cash, Minisink, and Francis Tuthill of Chester. On the death of Lebbeus Vail, the Clarion, in 1879 was discontinued, the subscription list going to the Independent Republican and the material to Milford, Pa., having been purchased by John M. Heller or James J. McNally, or both, and where it became the Pike County Democrat and later the Milford Herald.
One paper devoted exclusively to theological subjects had its origin in Goshen, and lives to-day to tell the tale. In 1832 the Signs of the Times was started, by Lebbeus L. Vail, a convert from Congregationalism to the Old School Baptist tenets. Between politics and theology Mr. Vail was kept pretty busy. He was a candidate for county clerk on the Democratic ticket, and in 1834 was elected. About this time an earnest young expounder of Mr. Vail's new-grounded faith appeared on the scene. Mr. Vail could not very well run a religious journal and the county clerk's office at the same time, so he turned the Signs of the Times over, body and soul, to the youthful preacher, and Elder Gilbert Beebe took his prize in a wagon, and landed it in New Vernon, near Middletown. Thence he moved it to Alexandria, Va., whence it came to Middletown, where it is domiciled to-day.
During the fight in the Democratic party between the "Hard-Shell" faction, representing the pro-slavery element, and the "Soft-Shell," representing the Douglas, Squatter-Sovereignty, or Anti-Nebraska element in the party, in 1854, the Democratic Recorder was started by A. G. Tucker. The Recorder had a short life, and the subscription list and materials were purchased by James J. McNally and absorbed by his Independent Republican.
The next and last paper to appear in Goshen was the Goshen News, in 1888, under James J. McNally, which, as already told, passed into that ever-open haven of refuge, the portals of the Independent Republican, on the death of Mr. McNally, in 1892.
NEWBURGH AND NEW WINDSOR.
When New Windsor leaps into the arena of contest with a journal of uncertain antiquity, but clearly at the daybreak of journalistic chronology in Orange County, she has grounds for contesting the concession that Newburgh was second, or Goshen even first, in the honors due to pioneerism in the printing art.
E. M. Ruttenber says: "In 1799 Jacob Schultz removed to Newburgh the New Windsor Gazette, the name of which he changed to Orange County Gazette." It is not in evidence when this New Windsor paper began and it may have been immediately or long prior to its removal to Newburgh.
But Mr. Ruttenber says the first paper published in Newburgh was the Newburgh Packet in 1795. The proprietor was Lucius Carey, son-in-law of Rev. John Close, Presbyterian minister at Newburgh and New Windsor. Carey sold the paper to David Denniston in 1797, who changed its name to The Mirror, Philip Van Home (1797) and Joseph W. Barber (1798) appearing as proprietors.
In 1796 a pamphlet entitled, "An Apology for the Bible," was printed in Newburgh, by David Denniston. It was written by R. Watson, D.D., F.R.S. It is said it was creditably printed and bound.
When the Orange County Gazette emerged from the New Windsor Gazette in 1799, Newburgh had two printing shops where books as well as papers were printed, and the legend is that the Gazette became The Citizen, though Mr. Ruttenber questions this, as none of the issues are to be found. As Mr. Denniston was, about this time, connected with the American Citizen, of New York City, this fact may have given rise to the belief that a local Citizen had existed.
The Rights of Man was started in 1799 by Dr. Elias Winfield. Mr. Denniston also purchased this paper, evidently merging it with his Orange County Gazette.
The Recorder of the Times was started by Dennis Cole, in 1803. The Mirror was absorbed by the Rights of Man in 1804, and the latter by The Times, in 1805. Ward M. Gazlay, this year, drove into town with the remnants of his Orange Eagle, whose office had been burned in Goshen, purchased the Recorder of the Times, in 1806, and changed the name to the Political Index, and it lived until 1829, when it became the Orange Telegraph and the Newburgh Telegraph under Charles M. Cushman. Under many changes it lived to become, under E. M. Ruttenber, in 1876, the Newburgh Register.
In June, 1822, John D. Spaulding started the Newburgh Gazette. Through a succession of owners it came, in 1856, to Eugene W. Gray, who, in connection with the Gazette, began the publication of a political paper which he called the Daily News. In 1864 the name of the News was dropped and Daily Telegraph substituted, and later in the same year it became the Daily Union, in 1866 all the previous titles were dropped and that of The Press substituted, in 1869 the title of Telegraph restored, and in 1876 that of Register.
The Newburgh Journal, started in 1833-4 by John D. Spaulding, became the Highland Courier in 1843, and in 1859, under Rufus A. Reed, it became the Highland Chieftain. The establishment came into the possession of Cyrus B. Martin, who resumed the name of Newburgh Journal, and in 1863 began the publication of the Daily Journal, which is continued to-day by Ritchie & Hull.
The Beacon, an anti-Jackson paper, was commenced in 1828 by Judge William B. Wright. Wallace & Sweet, in 1834, published the National Advertiser, and later merged it in the Gazette. In 1849 Thomas George issued the Newburgh Excelsior, which was purchased by E. M. Ruttenber (May, 1851), who merged it in the Telegraph. For three or four weeks in 1855 R. P. L. Shafer published the Newburgh American. The Newburgh Times, a temperance paper, was started in March, 1856, by Royal B. Hancock, "as agent for an association of gentlemen." After passing into the ownership of R. Bloomer & Son, Alexander Wilson and Charles Blanchard, it became, under the latter, the Newburgh Daily Democrat, and lived thus only a few months.
An association of printers, in October, 1875, started the Daily Penny Post, and in 1876 a rival association started the Daily Mail. The Post died in 1876, and in 1877 the Mail was absorbed by the Register.
Newburgh's theological serial publications began in 1824, when the Rev. J. R. Wilson started the Evangelical Witness, a religious monthly of forty-eight pages, devoted to the interests of the Reformed Presbyterian church. In four years (1828), it was succeeded by the Christian Statesman, which lived one year. Authorized by the Synod of the same church, the Rev. Moses Roney, March 1, 1836, began the publication of the Reformed Presbyterian, a monthly of thirty-two pages. In 1849 Mr. Roney removed the magazine to Pittsburgh, Pa., where he died in 1854, and his widow continued its publication until succeeded by the Rev. Thomas Sproul. For one year the Family Visitor lived, a monthly quarto, conducted by the Rev. David L. Proudfit. Beginning in 1845 he published the Christian Instructor, a thirty-two page monthly. Two years later the Rev. J. B. Dales bought it and removed it to Philadelphia. The Catholic Library Magazine was begun in 1856 by the Catholic Library Association, with John Ashhurst as editor. It was published monthly, and lived until August, 1860.
Newburgh has been a fertile field for the production of newspapers and periodicals of all sorts, as seen above, the religious as well as the secular press felt the popular pulse, and then passed away.
There were also literary ventures more or less pretentious, each budding, blossoming and fading in a short season.
Tables of Rural Economy was issued in May, 1832, by John Knevels. It was a monthly quarto and lived less than a year. The Literary Scrap-Book was a monthly of forty-eight pages, started in 1855 by R. B. Denton. Its life was short. In 1857 Domaski's School began the publication of The Acorn, which lived until 1859. Some time afterward the title was rescued in a publication by the students of the Newburgh Institute under charge of Mr. Siglar, and again it died.
One of the most profitable of all these literary ventures in Newburgh was that of the Household Advocate, by S. S. Wood, begun in 1867. It was an eight-page monthly and soon secured a large circulation. Mr. Wood later changed its name to the Household Magazine. It attained a circulation of 60,000, and the writer is one of the many who read its pages with eagerness until it failed in 1874.
Another publication which the writer remembers reading with much pleasure was Home, Farm and Orchard, an eight-page weekly started in 1869 by A. A. Bensel. It lived until the spring of 1876.
During the years of 1872 and 1873 Demorest & Burr issued the Musical Bulletin, a monthly quarto.
In amateur papers there were several. Among them: The Union Jack, by Master A. Ludlow Case (1865 to 1873); the American Eagle, by Frank S. Hull, aged twelve years (1865); The Comet, by Henri Gerard (1871); The Index, by J. Walker F. Ruttenber (1871); The Collector, by D. W. Jagger (1871); The Packet, by W. H. Wood and D. W. Corwin (1872); The Laurel, by a Milligan (1872); the Amateur Herald, by T. R. Balf (1872).
AT MONTGOMERY.
Montgomery seems to have come forth into the journalistic arena.
The Orange County Republican was printed there from 1806 to 1818. It was begun May 6, 1806, and was printed by Cyrus Beach and Luther Pratt. This publication, as already shown in the Goshen notes, was removed to Goshen and became the Independent Republican.
In 1833-1834 the Republican Banner was printed there by Calvin F. S. Thomas. In June, 1859, William H. Smith started the Montgomery Standard. The Montgomery Republican was issued in September, 1868, by Lester Winfield, being a continuation of a publication he started at Galeville Mills, Ulster County, in May, 1864, and which he removed to Pine Bush and called the Pine Bush Weekly Casket, in November, 1867. May 1, 1869, the Standard and the Republican united their forces and became the Republican and Standard, under Lester Winfield. In 1896 Lyman H. Taft started the Reporter. Later the Reporter and the Republican and Standard united, and became the Montgomery Standard and Reporter, which it is now (March, 1908), with Lyman H. Taft as editor and proprietor, and Charles M. Miller, associate editor. It is a large nine-column folio, republican in politics, with a decided tendency to be independent.
In April, 1868, Stephen H. Sayer started the Wallkill Valley Times, a large seven-column folio. It was neatly printed, and the office well-equipped, with a cylinder press—a rare acquisition in those days. In 1869 Mr. Sayer issued the Dollar Weekly. In 1871 Lester Winfield purchased the Times and the Weekly outfit, and remained in Montgomery until his death a few years ago.
AT SLATE HILL.
Reference has already been made to a well-printed paper issued in Slate Hill or Brookfield, in 1834, the Republican Sentinel. The writer has several well-preserved copies of this neat publication, but when it passed out of existence is not now known. The name of the editor does not appear, nor of the publisher.
Slate Hill in that day was a thriving settlement, and doubtless would have continued to grow had not the Erie railroad come to Goshen in 1842 and to Middletown two or three years later.
IN MIDDLETOWN.
It was in 1840 that the first printing outfit landed in Middletown. In that year A. A. Bensel started the Middletown Courier, a democratic weekly, which he continued until April, 1846, when, apparently scared by the entrance of the Erie railroad, he "pulled up stakes" and never stopped until his outfit was landed in Kingston, N. Y., where he started the Ulster Democrat.
The Orange County News was the second venture in Middletown. This was started in July, 1846, by John S. Brown, and it lived until 1849. It was neutral in politics and evidently in almost everything else, and, it is said, hardly deserved the name of a newspaper.
About 1847 Elder Gilbert Beebe came into town with his Old School Baptist Signs of the Times, which he removed from Alexandria, Va., as already explained. This publication continues, changed somewhat in form but not in method or substance, and remains a monument to the peculiar tenets of the faithful band of adherents of a sturdy theological doctrine. For many years it was printed in the "meeting house" on Orchard street, where the Denton residence now stands, and directly opposite the residence of Elder Beebe. A few years ago, and some time after the death of Elder Beebe, the plant was removed to the upper floor of the brick building at the west corner of East Main and Roberts streets, and the "meeting-house," a plain brick structure, stands on the corner of Roberts and Cottage streets. The Signs is published by J. E. Beebe & Co., and is edited by Elder F. A. Chick, of Hopewell, N. J., and Elder H. C. Kerr, of Middletown.
In 1848 Gilbert Judson Beebe started the Banner of Liberty. It was at first published monthly, eight pages with four columns to a page. After 1856 it became a weekly publication, the same size. It was a rank pro-slavery paper, and opposed and assaulted all lines of modern thought or suggestion of innovation or iconoclasm. This style of polemics met a hearty response in the South and Southwest, and the paper attained a circulation of 27,000 copies. For years it was printed in the old frame structure then known as the Pinkus Building on East Main street, next to the Holding House. When the Civil War broke out its circulation and income were greatly cut down by the interruption of mail communication between the North and the South, and the death of the talented but obdurate and intractable editor, after the war, left nothing for the Banner of Liberty to do but to go somewhere and expire. It did. It went to Ellenville, and shortly was heard of no more.
In 1856 Mr. Beebe published a Campaign Banner.
Gilbert J. Beebe also started in 1848, and in this case may fairly be said to have "established" the Middletown Mercury which as elsewhere stated, became one of the brightest country newspapers in the United States under James H. Norton and Isaac F. Guiwits.
Mr. Beebe printed another paper in his early and more ambitious days. From 1850 to 1852 he ran out an advertising monthly for gratuitous circulation. It was called the Middletown Advertiser.
The next paper to appear in Middletown was The Whig Press. It was started November 26, 1851, by John Whitbeck Hasbrouck, a young man from Ulster County. In 1866 he changed its name to the Orange County Press. This concern, always prosperous and influential, but which finally merged with the Times and became a part of the Times-Press (February 1, 1906), had an eventful career, which is best summed up in the following brevities taken from the last issue of the Daily Press, February 28, 1906:
Established November 26, 1851, by John W. Hasbrouck, and conducted by him for about seventeen years.
April 9, 1868, purchased by Moses D. Stivers and conducted by him for twenty months.
December 3, 1869, firm of Stivers & Kessinger formed, the junior member being Albert Kessinger, who died in the summer of 1872.
May 24, 1870, a tri-weekly edition was started, issued Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
October 15, 1872, F. Stanhope Hill and John Whiting Slauson bought the paper under the firm name of Hill & Slauson.
October 26, 1872. this firm discontinued the tri-weekly known as the Evening Press, and started in its place the Middletown Daily Press, issued afternoons.
July 1, 1873, M. D. Stivers bought Mr. Hill's interest, and the firm of Stivers & Slauson was formed and continued seven and one-half years.
December 14, 1880, Mr. Stivers sold his interest to Charles J. Boyd, and the firm of Slauson & Boyd was formed.
July 24, 1883, Slauson & Boyd issued the first number of the Orange County Semi-Weekly Press—the first semi-weekly local paper in this section, and a pronounced success from the start.
August 1, 1883, M. D. Stivers again became part owner of the Press, and the firm became Stivers, Slauson & Boyd, continuing for about seven and one-half years.
March 1, 1891, Mr. Stivers sold his interest to his partners, and the firm of Slauson & Boyd for the second time came into existence.
February 1, 1906, merged into the Times-Press, after an honored and prosperous record of more than fifty-four years.
The term of service with the Press of each proprietor in round numbers is: John W. Hasbrouck, seventeen years; Moses D. Stivers, nineteen years; John W. Slauson, thirty-three years; Charles J. Boyd, twenty-five years; Albert Kessinger, three years; F. Stanhope Hill, one year.
Reference has already been made to The Hardwareman's Newspaper (1855), The Sybil (1856), The Iron Age (1858), The Rising Sun (1866), The Mail, daily and weekly (1869), The Standard (1874?), The Argus, weekly (1875), daily (1876), The Liberal Sentinel (1881), The News (1883), The Jeffersonian (1886?), The Forum (1897), and the Worker's Advocate (1899?).
THE PRESS IN PORT JERVIS.
Printing was introduced into Port Jervis by a colored man, P. H. Miller. Of his personality the writer is unable, at this day, to learn a thing—whence he came or whither he departed. He began the printing here of an independent Whig paper, which he called the Port Jervis Express, early in 1850. It was neatly printed, a five or six-column folio, and reflected credit on its founder. It was printed in an office on West Main street, on the west side of the canal. That section was then about all there was of Port Jervis, though the Erie had arrived, and started a station near the Delaware River which it called Delaware. The people of "the Port" objected to this name, and for a long time strife was keen between the residents and the Erie company over the name, the advocates of "the Port" finally winning.
The Express saw the tail end of this fight, before its life of nine months drew to a close.
In November of the year (1850) when the Express passed away, the Tri-States Union was started. Its founder was Col. Sam Fowler, a Jersey-man who had acquired considerable land in the village, all within the boundaries of the present city. He was ambitious, had money, vim and a purpose. He built a palatial home on the banks of the Neversink, erected the Fowler House, and was proceeding to make Port Jervis the booming town of the east, when financial disaster overtook him, and, to the great loss of the town, he left it never to return, his vast interests involved in hopeless encumbrances.
But before he left he started the Tri-States Union, and it lives to-day. It was a Democratic newspaper, with John I. Mumford editor. The Union has had a number of owners, and had its ups and downs, but it always managed to appear on schedule time, and in usual form, though at times during the Civil War it was sorely pressed to imitate many of its exchanges—when it was almost impossible to buy, beg or steal white paper—and appear in wrapping paper, or in "any old thing." It is now a six-column quarto, with a large circulation, has an afternoon edition of the Port Jervis Daily Union, seven-column folio, has two of the latest Mergenthaler Linotype machines, and is of the concern that issues one of the leading agricultural papers of the country, The New York Farmer.
The Tri-States Union was first issued in a small building somewhere near where the Hubbard Building now stands, opposite the Fowler House and the present Erie depot (1908). Later it was removed to the old frame building Nos. 55-57 Pike street, now the four-story brick structure built by George Lea and occupied by Mason & Son, druggists. The early 60's found it located on Pike street, over the Union store, in the second floor of the two-story frame structure at No. 100 Pike street now (March, 1908) occupied as the Central or Northrup's meat market. Thence it was removed by Foster & Mitchell (1870) to the Creegan Block, No. 76 Pike street, over what is now Laidley's drug store. Next (1872) it was removed to the rear of St. John & Malven's, now the Gordon Company foundry building, on Sussex street. In 1873 it was removed to No. 81 Pike street, now Collin's news and confectionery store, and in 1882 to its present location No. 112 Pike street, in the Farnum Block.
Port Jervis has survived many severe temperance agitations. The most acute stage seems to have been in the extreme youth of the place—when impressions ought to be most lasting and beneficial. Between 1852 and 1855, it had three papers devoted to the cause of temperance. The first was the Mirror of Temperance started in June, 1852, by J. L. Barlow and John Dow. This Mirror reflected its surroundings for about eighteen months, and then faded away. It was a handsome paper, well printed and ably edited.
In 1853 an Englishman, John Williams, took up the fight where the Mirror dropped it, and started The Sentinel. With the proverbial pugnacity of a "Johnny Bull," Mr. Williams thought he needed more paper weapons with which to fight the "drink evil," and so, in the autumn of 1854 he issued a campaign paper which he called The Precursor of Temperance, and which died with the fall campaign. The Sentinel lived until 1855, in which year Mr. Williams went to Middletown and in the Whig Press office began issuing the Hardwareman's Newspaper, the precursor of the Iron Age, the leading organ to-day of the iron industry in this country, and which is now—-or was recently—published by his son, David Williams, in New York City.
April 22, 1869, James Henry Norton and William Henry Nearpass began the publication of the Evening Gazette. It was a five-column folio, set in bourgeois type, was published tri-weekly, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Soon afterward appeared the weekly edition, The Family Gazette, afterward changed to The Port Jervis Weekly Gazette. It was started on the third floor of the brick building then just built by Cook & Burrell as an umbrella factory at No. 92 Pike street, now (March, 1908), occupied by Johnson & Stoll's furniture store. Thence it moved to Westbrook's Hall, the third floor of the building now occupied by the J. W. Dalley Co., Nos. 66-68 Pike street; thence to its present quarters in the Mondon Building, 90 Pike street, corner of Pike and Ball streets. The tri-weekly became a daily afternoon issue, January 17, 1881. It is now a well-equipped office, has a Mergenthaler Linotype machine, and all the accessories of a good country newspaper.
E. G. Fowler's Morning Call appeared on Sunday morning, April 4, 1880. It was printed in the Masterson Building, No. 10 Ball street. The Morning Index appeared in an upper floor of the Hornbeck Building, now the Swift Beef House on Jersey avenue. The Sunbeams and Farm Guide were issued from The Union office, and Church Life and Academy Miscellany from The Gazette office. The Bulletin is the name of a two-column folio that is issued occasionally in political and exciting local campaigns, from the press of printer P. J. Gaudy, on Ball street. It doesn't appear very often, but when it does it makes a sensation.
AT WARWICK.
The beautiful village of Warwick, the "Queen Village" of New York State, has two well-established, ably-edited, well-printed and influential weekly newspapers, reflecting with no exaggeration the sentiment and conditions of the Warwick valley—a land rich in nature's bounties, lavishly endowed with all the charms of rural romanticism and pastoral fervency.
The first paper published in Warwick, so far as present records are obtainable, was the Doctrinal Advocate and Monitor. It was probably started as early as 1845—possibly earlier—and was edited or conducted by Elder Jewett as an exponent of the Old School Baptist doctrine. In 1846 this Monitor was merged with Elder Gilbert Beebe's Signs of the Times, and for a while the latter paper was published under both titles.
The second paper started there was the Warwick Advertiser, the first number of which made its appearance January 27, 1866. It was a well-printed, neat, newsy, and bright paper from the first, and age not only does not dim its luster, but seems to add to its sprightliness. Its first editor and proprietor was Leonard Cox, who was an elder in the Old School Baptist church of Warwick for a few years. It was independent, or rather neutral, in politics, but catered to the religious and moral sentiment as well as the local interests of the community, from its inception, and has never ceased to act as a propagandist theological, political, social and formal. Within three years Elder Cox sold the plant to John L. Servin, a local lawyer and farmer, a man of high standing and education. In 1873 Mr. Servin transferred the business to his associate editor, Daniel F. Welling, a practical printer, but took back the concern within the year and soon afterward sold the same to Samuel J. Stewart and Joshua C. Wilson. A few years later Mr. Wilson sold his interest to Dewitt C. Demorest, a workman in the office, who, after a year or two, transferred his share back to Mr. Stewart, who remained sole proprietor until April 1, 1882, when the plant was purchased by its present owner and able editor, Hiram Tate. Under Mr. Tate's management the Advertiser became an advocate of the politics of the republican party, of which it has since remained a staunch and fearless supporter. The Advertiser has been a factor of no little importance in the growth and general well-being of the village and Warwick valley. After a careful campaign of education on that special subject, it was largely instrumental in bringing about the now very popular and certainly sensible style of fenceless dooryards and lawns, so prevalent in Warwick as to excite the admiration of all tasteful visitors, and one of the distinguishing factors in earning for the place the well-merited title of the "Queen Village." It was also largely through the efforts of the Advertiser that a teacher in music and elocution has been added to the Warwick schools. Other betterments in local affairs have been brought about by this paper's efforts, and the Advertiser is certainly a paper of high tone and a credit to the Warwick valley.
The third newspaper to make its appearance in Warwick was the Warwick Valley Dispatch, which has been a success from its start. It was established in June, 1885, by George F. Ketchum, who has since been its fearless editor and publisher. The Dispatch has prospered under Mr. Ketchum's continuous and wise management of nearly twenty-three years, and has been a potent factor in shaping the progressive development of the village and town of Warwick. Its columns have been especially devoted to school improvement, the Dispatch and its editor taking a leading part in the movement for two modern brick school houses—primary and high school—during the twelve years that Mr. Ketchum served as a member of the Warwick board of education, he being president of the board when the high school was built. It is generally acknowledged that the successful outcome of this agitation was largely due to the influence of the Dispatch and its editor. The paper has been a leader in all efforts to secure improvements for the village and the valley, especially for increased water supply, fine streets, and roads, and the development of Warwick as a summer resort. The paper also heartily advanced the formation of the Warwick Valley Telephone Company, the Warwick Realty Company and the Warwick Knife Company. Politically the Dispatch is democratic, and is recognized as the most influential exponent of democracy in this section of the State. For a dozen years its editor has been chairman of the democratic county committee, during which time the influence of the Dispatch has been markedly shown in shaping the policy of the party in Orange County, and in the favorable results achieved for its candidates at the polls, although the county has a normal republican majority. The paper has gained a large local circulation because of its newsy features, and is respected for its fairness and fearlessness in controversy. The Dispatch was started as a nine-column four-page newspaper, and was first printed in a small frame building on Main street, adjoining the Warwick Valley Hotel. Since 1889 it has been comfortably housed in a brick structure known as "The Dispatch Building," which was erected on Main street by Thomas Burd, and is equipped with modern presses and a Simplex typesetting machine. Although Mr. Ketchum has always personally controlled the editorial policy of the Dispatch, Isaac W. Litchfield was a partner with him in its business from 1889 to 1894, and much of the reputation of the Dispatch is due to his bright humor and facile pen.
CORNWALL PAPERS.
Cornwall, or rather Cornwall-on-Hudson, has had its full share of journalistic ups and downs. Through the courtesy of L. G. Goodenough, editor and proprietor of the Local-Press of that place, the writer learns that the first paper, probably, issued in that interesting old town appeared April 15, 1871. It was called The Cornwall Paper: "A Local Record of Things New and Old." It was published by P. P. Hazen, of Cornwall, in conjunction with A. A. Bensel, Ferry Building, Newburgh. It was stipulated, in the editorial announcement, that unless the necessary support in the way of subscriptions, etc., was received, the project would have to be abandoned. Mr. Goodenough has a copy of Volume 1, No. 1, of The Cornwall Paper, and as no other number seems to be in existence, it is assumed the requisite "support" never materialized, and that the paper practically "died aborning."
To a woman belongs the credit of having started the first regularly issued paper in this village. The Cornwall Times appeared May 24, 1875, with Miss S. J. A. Hussey, a highly educated woman, as editor and proprietor. The Times was continued for at least six years, and with credit to herself and to Cornwall. Miss Hussey died February 21, 1898, aged seventy-nine years. Her declining days were passed practically as a recluse in a cabin on Round Top Mountain, which she owned, and where she seemed to be happiest, efforts of relatives to persuade her to live with them proving unavailing.
The Cornwall Reflector was started about 1877 by John Lee, and later was edited by H. H. Snelling, an elderly gentleman of ability and a forceful writer. He continued as editor for ten years, and until failing eyesight forced him to retire, and he went to a St. Louis home for the blind, where he died in the early nineties, after having become totally blind.
In 1879 appeared the Cornwall Mirror. It was published at Highland Falls by James C. Merritt, and was represented in Cornwall by various persons at different times.
In April, 1888, the Cornwall Local appeared, under the management of H. A. Gates, and was an excellent paper. In September, 1889, he disposed of the Local plant to C. P. Brate, of Albany, who induced his brother-in-law, Thomas Pendell, to become its editor and publisher. In June, 1892, the paper came under the present efficient management of L. G. Goodenough. Mr. Pendell became connected with the New York Herald, later with the Middletown Sunday Forum, which he removed to Massena, N. Y., whence he went to Peekskill and then to Poughkeepsie. For the past fifteen years the Local has been conducted by L. G. Goodenough, and is a particularly handsome, bright and ably-edited local journal. Practically the paper's former politics was classed as "independent." In 1896 Mr. Goodenough made it distinctly and avowedly republican, and, as such, it has become an influential member of the county's republican press. In 1859 Mr. Goodenough purchased Mr. Merritt's Cornwall Mirror, merging it with the Local. Recently the name Local-Press was adopted as more significant of a newspaper than the name Local. The Local-Press is an eight-page weekly, issued Thursdays at $1.50 a year, and with an average circulation for the year 1907 of 1,225 copies.
In October, 1898, S. T. Morehouse started a paper known as the Cornwall Courier. It was conducted by Mr. Morehouse, by his son Claude, by the well-known writer Creswell MacLaughlin, Bernard Call, Clark J. Brown, Clayton Brown, and William Clark. It lived until 1906.
WALDEN NEWSPAPERS.
Walden has two good, newsy weekly papers. So far as the writer can ascertain the first paper started there was by Stephen H. Sayer, who, at Middletown, in 1866, started the Rising Sun, and at Montgomery the Wallkill Valley Times (1868), and the Dollar Weekly (1869). Mr. Sayer started at Walden in 1869 the Walden Recorder, but suffered it to go down. In 1870 Chauncey B. Reed resumed its publication and called it the Walden Recorder and Herald, but subsequently dropped the Recorder, and it has since appeared as the Walden Herald. It is now edited by Ward Winfield. It is a well-printed seven-column folio, and devoted entirely to local and general news.
The Walden Citizen was established in 1887 by Jacob Sears, and had its first home over John Simpson's cigar store. The outfit consisted of a Washington hand press and a small quantity of type. After struggling a year, the ownership passed into the hands of a Mr. Scudder, and the plant was removed to the top floor of what is now the Fowler building. Soon afterward Eugen Abel, a practical printer, and Prof. D. C. Dominick, principal of the high school, purchased the concern, enlarged the paper and plant, and were getting the business on a profitable basis when, in 1898, a fire swept everything away. The paper was revived, however, and soon afterward Whitfield Gibbs became owner of the plant and speedily put the paper on solid footing and made it a leading republican paper. John Barringer succeeded Mr. Gibbs, and since March, 1903, the Rev. J. H. Reid has been editor and publisher. The paper is republican in politics, and Mr. Reid makes it a lively publication.
MISCELLANEOUS.
It is not generally known that for two years (1884-1886) the United States Official Postal Guide for New York City was printed in Orange County. A. M. May & Co. had the contract and the printing was done by William H. Nearpass at the Port Jervis Gazette office.
Of the papers at Pine Bush, Monroe, Washingtonville and Chester, mention has already been made.
In the number of publications Newburgh leads with about forty publications or changes from one to another; Middletown comes next with 22, Port Jervis with 15, Goshen with 13, and Montgomery with 7.
Bloomingburg is in Sullivan County. So is New Vernon. But each is on the south slope of the Shawangunk range and on the Shawangunk Kill, which divides the counties of Orange and Sullivan. In each place there was once a paper that practically was an Orange County production, and depended to a greater or less extent on this county for its support. The first was the Signs of the Times in about 1883. The other was the Sullivan Whig at Bloomingburg, in 1846. The former was Elder Beebe's Old School Baptist organ; the latter John W. Hasbrouck found at Bloomingburg in 1846, where he began to learn the printing trade.
INCIDENTS.
As an auxiliary incident of Orange County journalism, it may not be entirely out of place to record some facts regarding journalism in Pike County, Pa., opposite Port Jervis. In 1846 or 1847 James J. McNally removed the material of the Goshen Sentinel to Milford, in Pike County, and started the Pike County Democrat, July 14, 1849. It was a seven-column folio. In 1852 he changed its name to the Milford Herald. Some time afterward John M. Heller purchased the plant, and put in charge John B. Adams and Harry Heller, the son of J. M. Heller. It passed to several owners, and when O. H. Mott took it, in January 1, 1878, he for some unknown reason changed its name to the Milford Dispatch, which it remains, and now, 1908, it is edited by Josiah F. Terwilliger.
But the first paper in Milford was The Eagle of the North, in 1827, with T. A. Wells, printer. In 1828 it became The Northern Eagle and Milford Monitor, under Benjamin A. Bidwell. Somewhere between 1831 and 1840 the paper disappeared. A second Northern Eagle appeared February 6, 1864, started by Dr. Edward Halliday. It was a red-hot republican journal, and, as might be inferred, had a small constituency in that land of 991 democratic and only a few republican voters, and it died January 1, 1866.
MORE OR LESS PERSONAL.
Orange County's pioneer journalists have been gathered to their fathers. Of the second generation there remains one—as if to link the memories of the first with the fast-reclining activities of the third generation of newspaper workers. And that one relic of the dead past is a woman, now in the sunset of life. Dr. Lydia Saver Hasbrouck is with us yet; a landmark in Orange County journalism—honored by those who know her best, beloved by kindred, respected by all. The twilight of her years is closing pleasantly at her beautiful home on Linden avenue, Middletown.
Of the third generation but few remain of printers, reporters, editors, publishers. The frosts of many winters have silvered their heads, but the "strength of years" finds a few of them still struggling with the insatiable demand of modern type-setting appliances for "copy" and the bustle and rush of daily newspaper life.
At this point it is interesting to take a look at the individuals, the characters—the men and women who have been on the scene of action, and who are there now. We have examined their work—the news and other papers and publications they have produced; we have scanned them in the best light afforded, refracted and reflected, and to know somewhat of those who, in their own and often crude way wrought these paper tablets of thought, let us again look over the field.
MANDEVILLE AND WESTCOTT—The first names to appear—the first characters to attract our attention—are those of David Mandeville and David M. Westcott as publishers of the Goshen Repository (1788), "at the Academy." What relations they had with the old Goshen Academy, or why the Repository was started "at the Academy" is not apparent. Victor M. Drake wrote from his recollections that David M. Westcott "was a practical printer and editor, who served a portion of his time in Benjamin Franklin's old printing office in Philadelphia, though, of course, not under Franklin's mastership. He was born in Cornwall of humble parentage, and in early life was apprenticed to a farmer, and afterward learned the printer's trade. His wife was the daughter of Coe Gale, one of the early settlers of Goshen, by whom he had five daughters and three sons, Mandeville, Nathan, and William. Nathan was clerk of Orange County from 1844 to 1855. David M. Prescott," continues Mr. Drake's recollections, "was not only a good practical printer, but a good merchant and farmer, an able editor, and a trustworthy public servant; he was county clerk in 1815 and 1821, member of assembly in 1828, state senator in 1831-34, and filled many other stations of honor and trust. He acted as editor of the Independent Republican for a long time after Mr. Cheevey was struck down with paralysis. I have repeatedly called him from his labors on the farm to write editorials for the Republican," says Mr. Drake, "for such was the high state of party feeling that its public would trust no other man than 'little Dave Westcott' with the responsibility of editing that paper in critical election times." Such, then, was the character and standing of the first editor in Orange County. That he was a man whose character, whose personality, and whose extraordinary abilities stand clearly silhouetted against Time's somber background, is apparent to the reader and the student of history.
CAREY, LUCIUS—The name of Lucius Carey appears next as the printer of the Newburgh Packet in 1795. Beyond the announcement that he was the son-in-law of the Rev. John Close, he cuts no illustrious figure.
DENNISTON, DAVID—David Denniston appears on the scene in 1797 as the purchaser of the Packet from Carey, and as changing the name to that of The Mirror. He was early in the field as a printer, having a shop in Newburgh in 1796, when he got out a bound pamphlet or book for the Rev. R. Watson, entitled "An Apology for the Bible." Mr. Ruttenber says he was of the New Windsor stock of Dennistons. Mr. Denniston was certainly a busy man, and a thinker. He died in Newburgh, December 13, 1803, of malignant fever, having up to that time been connected, at different times, from 1796 or earlier, to 1803, with the American Citizen and Watch-Tower, of New York City, and The Mirror, The Citizen, and the Rights of Man, in Newburgh.
SCHULTZ, JACOB—A local contemporary of Mr. Denniston was Jacob Schultz, also of New Windsor, where he was born April 23, 1776, and February 14, 1799, married Anna, daughter of John Denniston, of that town. He first appears in the journalistic field as editor and proprietor of the New Windsor Gazette. When this paper came into existence is not known, though it was as early as, and probably some time prior to, 1799, for in that year he moved the paper and plant to Newburgh. In 1818 he retired to a small farm in the town of New Windsor, where he erected a substantial stone house, and where, in rural pursuits and pleasures, he passed the remainder of his days, and was gathered to his fathers in 1859, aged eighty-three years.
WINFIELD, DR. ELIAS—Next on the scene is Dr. Elias Winfield, who, in 1799, started the Rights of Man, and later removed to Kingston, and was lost to subsequent Orange County history.
HEURTIN, JOHN G. AND WILLIAM—John G. and William Heurtin are heard of in 1800 as purchasers of the Goshen Repository, the name of which they changed to that of the Orange County Patriot. They seem to have retired from public view after 1803, when the Patriot passed into the hands of Gabriel Denton and William A. Carpenter, and became The Friend of Truth.
DENTON, GABRIEL—Gabriel Denton appears in 1801 as purchaser of the interest of William Heurtin in the Orange County Patriot. In 1803 Mr. Denton sold his interest to William A. Carpenter. In 1804 Mr. Denton began the publication of the Orange County Gazette at Goshen. In 1808 he started in Goshen the Orange County Patriot and Spirit of Seventy-six. Mr. Denton seems to have been industrious as a founder of newspapers, but others must have reaped the reward, for his last days were passed in the Orange County poorhouse.
COLES, DENNIS—The name of Dennis Coles appears in 1803 as starting the Recorder of the Times, in Newburgh.
GAZLAY, WARD M—In 1804 Ward M. Gazlay appears on the scene for the first time. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and became engaged in the printing business at Goshen as the purchaser of the Friend of Truth, the successor of the Repository and the Patriot. He changed its name to that of the Orange Eagle. His office was destroyed by fire in 1805, and with the remnants he drove into Newburgh, purchased the Recorder of the Times, of Dennis Coles, and changed its name to the Political Index, under which name it continued until 1829. The Recorder claimed to be Republican in politics, but was generally regarded as representing the Federalists and Burrites. When Mr. Gazlay merged the Times with his Goshen paper, and evolved therefrom, at Newburgh the Political Index, the interests of the Republican party were apparently consolidated. It supported Jefferson and Madison, and the War of 1812. Jonathan Fisk wrote the editorials for the Index, and with the inspiration of this able man's articles, the Index cared little for its only contemporary, the Orange County Patriot, a Federalist paper, and the latter retired to Goshen, whence it came, to become the Goshen Democrat. He sold his Index to Charles M. Cushman, in 1829. Mr. Gazlay served as a magistrate in the village of Newburgh for some years, and died there in April, 1836, aged fifty-four years. His wife was Bridget, daughter of Jonathan and Bridget Carter, by whom he had three sons.
BEACH, CYRUS; PRATT, LUTHER—At Montgomery, May 6, 1806, appeared the names of Cyrus Beach and Luther Pratt, as printers, or rather publishers, "for the proprietors," of the Orange County Republican. The proprietors were twenty-four "patriotic citizens of the county." Pratt's name remained connected with the paper until 1818, when it became the Independent Republican, with James A. Cheevey as its proprietor.
HENDRIE, R. C. S—The name of R. C. S. Hendrie appears in Goshen between 1822 and 1834, through coming into proprietorship of the Patriot. He sold it to F. T. Parsons, who changed its name to the Goshen Democrat, February 22, 1834. In 1843 Mr. Hendrie started the rue Whig, and two years later sold it to Mead & Son, who united it with the Democrat under the name of the Democrat and Whig.
CROWELL, T. B—T. B. Crowell appeared in 1812 as the publisher of the Patriot, and in 1822 as its proprietor. Then he passed from the scene.
VANDYCK, HENRY H.—In 1832 the name of Henry H. Vandyck appears, in connection with the purchase of the Independent Republican at Goshen. In 1836 he was elected to the State Senate. In October, 1839, he became proprietor of the Newburgh Telegraph. His course in favoring the building of the Erie Railroad—a terrible commercial blow to Newburgh—was so displeasing to the people of Newburgh that he disposed of the paper to Elias Pitts, and left. He went to Albany, and became editor of the Albany Atlas, and was later elected Comptroller of the State. He was a Democrat of the Jackson school.
VAIL, LEBBEUS L.—Lebbeus Lothrop Vail was born at Middletown, in 1793. His father was Squire Izaiah Vail, a farmer and miller, and his mother, Azuba Horton. Mr. Vail, after engaging in various occupations, finally started at Goshen the Signs of the Times in 1832. In 1843 Vail and Denton started the Democratic Standard, which afterwards came into the possession of his son Hector, who changed its name to the Goshen Clarion.
Mr. Vail was a highly popular citizen, and was elected county clerk for two terms by handsome majorities. He died in 1849, and was buried in Middletown, but the remains were afterwards transferred to Goshen. Mr. Vail was married to Sally Moon, who lived until 1876.
CUSHMAN, CHARLES M.—Charles M. Cushman in 1829 purchased Gazlay's Political Index at Newburgh. He changed it to the Orange Telegraph and later to the Newburgh Telegraph. Mr. Ruttenber says of him that he was a descendant of Robert Cushman, one of the original company of Pilgrims who sailed for the New World August 5, 1620 (O. S.) He was born in Washington County, N. Y., March 20, 1802, served as an apprentice in Rutland, Vt., and subsequently in Boston; and retired from printing in 1839. He was one of the founders of the Newburgh public libraries, and also helped to establish the Quassaic Bank, and also the Newburgh Savings Bank. In 1853 he was chosen to represent the first assembly district of Orange County in the legislature. In June, 1832, he married Mary, fourth daughter of Captain John Birdsall. He died without issue at Rhinebeck, June 1, 1859.
SPALDING, JOHN D.—A contemporary of Mr. Cushman was John D. Spalding or Spaulding. He was born in Salem, Mass., January, 1800, and came to Newburgh in 1815 with his father, the Rev. Joshua Spaulding, of the Presbyterian Church. He served an apprenticeship as "devil" with Ward M. Gazlay, was subsequently connected with the Newburgh Gazette and the Journal, for about thirty-eight years. He married Elizabeth L., daughter of Rev. John Johnston, D.D., of Newburgh, and died August 22, 1853, in his fifty-fourth year. He was survived by several children.
PITTS, ELIAS—Elias Pitts practically succeeded Mr. Cushman in Newburgh journalism. He was born in Columbia County, N. Y., in 1810, graduated at the Kinderhook Academy, served an apprenticeship in the Kinderhook Sentinel, and became interested in the paper. Later he was in the editorial department of the Rochester Advertiser, and succeeded Mr. VanDyck on the Newburgh Telegraph in the winter of 1840, which continued until 1850. He was next heard of at Poughkeepsie as editor of the Poughkeepsie American. Soon after 1853 he received an appointment to a clerkship in the State Department at Washington, which continued until his death at Washington, July 21, 1854. His first wife was Elizabeth, daughter of John Jamieson, of Newburgh. His second wife was Margaret, daughter of John Whited.
It is practically at this point that we come to the parting of the ways—the passing of the real pioneers in Orange County journalism. The generation has come and gone, so far as activity is concerned, and we find coming on the stage new actors. They were, however, evidently of the same mould of character, infusing into their work their personality, and stamping on their productions the ineffable marks of strong individuality.
SECOND GENERATION JOURNALISTS.
DRAKE, VICTOR M.—First and clearly foremost in the second generation of early journalists was Victor M. Drake. He was born at Milford, Pa., March 20, 1813. His father was Rufus J., a son of Francis Drake, of Blooming Grove, Orange County, N. Y. From the seventeenth century the family had lived in Orange County, in the towns of Goshen and Chester. His great-grandfather, Joseph Drake, was said to be a lineal descendant of Sir Francis Drake, of England, who died in 1794. The mother of V. M. Drake was Rhoda Pierson, a daughter of Rachel Bull, whose mother was a sister of Mary DeWitt, the mother of DeWitt Clinton. At the age of eleven years, Victor M. Drake entered the office of the Goshen Independent Republican, where he served as apprentice, journeyman, editor and proprietor of the paper, and in 1846 he became connected with the New Jersey Herald, at Newton, as reporter, editor and proprietor, remaining there until 1871. Mr. Drake lived an abstemious, careful, circumspect life, and died in Goshen in 1894, and his remains repose in the cemetery at that place.
Frank M. Drake, the present able and dignified editor and proprietor of the Goshen Independent Republican, is a son of this venerable and respected journalist, who infused a high standard in local journalism, and left a name that should ever be revered in Orange County newspaper circles.
BEEBE, ELDER GILBERT—Elder Gilbert Beebe, the editor of the old-school Baptist publication, the Signs of the Times, of Middletown, for nearly half a century, was the son of David Beebe and Eunice Case. He was born at Norwich, Conn., November 25, 1800, and died May 2, 1881 at his home in Middletown, N. Y. He was of the old-school Baptist faith and was licensed to preach in 1818. In 1823 he married at New York City, Miss Phoebe A. Cunningham, and the same year he was ordained pastor of the Baptist Church at Ramapo, N. Y. After serving pastorates in this church and the Baptist Church at New Vernon, he moved to Middletown, N. Y., in 1847, which place henceforth became his home, where the remainder of his life was passed in editorial work on the Signs, which he moved there in 1848, and in expounding the Baptist faith as stated supply for several nearby churches.
When Elder Gilbert Beebe became editor of the Signs of the Times, a David had entered the theological field, armed with the slings of regeneration, the rocks of inspiration, and the strength of devoutness—backed by a printing press and waiting shrines. He was a worker, and became a power in the land. When Elder Beebe passed away the old-school Baptist creed lost its leader, and no one seems to have risen to take his place; the stage of Orange County journalism lost one of its most picturesque figures, the field one of its unique landmarks—a type of preacher and editor that has already passed, never to return.
MEAD, CHARLES—A contemporary of Victor M. Drake was Charles Mead, though born six years later, November 19, 1819, at Newburgh. His father was Xenophon Mead, and his mother was Abigail, daughter of Moses Burr, a relative of Aaron Burr. Charles Mead was educated under the then well-known Goshen teacher, Nathaniel Webb. At the age of fifteen years he was apprenticed in the office of the Orange County Patriot, under William B. Wright, who afterward became judge of the supreme court of New York State. He went to Carbondale, Pa., in 1839, and remained one year as editor of the Carbondale Journal. In 1841-42 he was employed on Graham's Magazine, in Philadelphia. May 9, 1842, he married Caroline A., daughter of Daniel Worden, of Goshen, who died November 11, 1880. Shortly after his marriage he purchased the Goshen Democrat of the heirs of Frederick T. Parsons. In 1865 he associated with him his son, William B. Mead, and January 1, 1892, sold his interest to Edwin L. Roys. His second wife was Miss Fannie Jackson, of Goshen. Mr. Mead lived a quiet, unobtrusive life, and made his paper a handsomely printed, model conservative Republican journal. He died April 22, 1893, and his remains repose in St. John's cemetery, Goshen.
McNALLY, JAMES J.—One of the men who left their impress on the printing art in Orange County, as well as in Sussex and Pike Counties, was the venerable James J. McNally. He learned the printing trade in the office of the Signs of the Times at New Vernon. Thence he went to Newton, N. J., and worked on the New Jersey Herald. From there he went to Milford, Pa., where, it is believed, he started the Pike County Democrat, which became the Milford Herald, now the Dispatch. In the spring of 1852 he went to Goshen and bought the Independent Republican, which, seven years later, he sold to Isaac V. Montanye. In the spring of 1859 he again went to Newton, N. J., this time as the editor and proprietor of the New Jersey Herald. This paper he finally sold and returned to Goshen, and again became owner of the Independent Republican. In 1869 he sold the same to Edward M. Ruttenber. The same year he became owner of the Newburgh Telegraph, daily and weekly, purchasing the same of A. A. Bensel. In 1874 he sold it to Dr. Cooper, of Warwick. For a short time he conducted a grocery store in Middletown, then became connected with the Carmel Courier. In 1882 he went to Monroe and started the Monroe Herald. In 1888 he started at Goshen the Goshen News, and for a time conducted both of these publications, printing them at Goshen. This he continued until the spring of 1892, when he died, and both publications ceased. Mr. McNally was a good printer, a sharp, witty writer, and an energetic worker. His son, William C. McNally, is the owner and editor of the Ellenville (Ulster County) Press.
RUTTENBER, EDWARD M.—Edward M. Ruttenber was born in Bennington, Vt., July 17, 1824, entered the office of the Vermont Gazette in 1837, as a "printer's devil," came to Newburgh in 1838, as an apprentice to Charles M. Cushman, an old friend of his father, on the Newburgh Telegraph. Three years later he entered the office of the Newburgh Gazette, where he remained until 1845, when he became foreman of the Telegraph, then owned by Elias Pitts. In May, 1850, he purchased the Newburgh Telegraph, and successfully conducted the same until 1857. It was a weekly, printed on a hand-press. To Mr. Ruttenber belongs the honor of bringing to Orange County the first steam-power press, on which the Telegraph was printed in 1853. In 1851 the Telegraph absorbed the Newburgh Excelsior, and the Gazette in 1857. Early in 1857 Mr. Ruttenber and E. W. Gray began issuing the Daily News from the office of the Telegraph. Mr. Ruttenber sold the plant late in 1857, repurchased it in 1859, sold it in 1861, repurchased it in 1866, and in 1867 sold it to A. A. Bensel. In 1869 he and James J. McNally became owners of the plant. In the autumn of that year Mr. Ruttenber retired, to become part owner of the Goshen Independent Republican, which in 1870, he sold to H. P. Kimber. After leaving that paper he and a younger son started a job printing office in Newburgh. From July, 1863, to January, 1865, when he resigned, Mr. Ruttenber was engaged in the Bureau of Military Records at Albany. Added to his other accomplishments Mr. Ruttenber delved deeply and learnedly into historical lore, and became the first authority on Indian nomenclature and the author of four or five valuable historical works. The first was a "History of Newburgh" (1859); the next was a work entitled "Obstructions to Navigation of Hudson's River": next "A History of the Flags of the Volunteer Regiments of the State of New York." A "History of the Indian Tribes of Hudson's River" followed, and is a work that is now in great demand. In 1875 he began in serial form a "History of Orange County." His last work was "Footprints of the Red Men," containing Indian geographical names in the valleys of the Hudson, Mohawk and Delaware, their location and probable meaning. This was issued in 1906, and was published under the auspices of the New York State Historical Association. In addition to his journalistic and historical work, Mr. Ruttenber found time to work in local educational matters, and in 1870 had served twelve years as a member of the Newburgh board of education. In 1846 Mr. Ruttenber married Matilda A., daughter of Mark McIntyre, of Newburgh, to whom two sons were born: Charles B., who became a musician of considerable repute, and Walker F., associated with his father in the printing business, and editor and publisher of the Newburgh Telegram. Edward M. Ruttenber died in December, 1907, aged eighty-three years, deeply loved by his family and those who knew him best, and respected and honored by all. He was a man of genial temperament, companionable, and the evening of life found him amiable, courteous, warm-hearted, lovable. Orange County was greatly enriched by his coming, and impoverished by his going. His grave on the banks of the historic Hudson, in the hillside city of his adoption, should ever be kept green.
HASBROUCK, JOHN W.—John Whitbeck Hasbrouck, the son of Richard Hasbrouck and Mary Johnson, was born at Woodstock, Ulster County, N. Y., November 20, 1821. In 1834 the parents of John W. Hasbrouck removed from Woodstock to Kingston, where the subject of this sketch completed his education at the famous Kingston Academy, and began his journalistic career in 1845 with the Kingston Journal. In the spring of 1846 Mr. Hasbrouck purchased the Sullivan Whig at Bloomingburg, Sullivan County, but disposed of it in 1851, and the same year went to Middletown, where he started the Whig Press, which later became the Orange County Press, merging finally into the Times-Press in 1906. Mr. Hasbrouck retired both from his paper and active journalism in 1868, though his graceful pen was never entirely idle until stilled by the Great Destroyer in 1907.
Mr. Hasbrouck married Miss Lydia Sayer, M.D., of Warwick, N. Y., July 27, 1856, who still survives him. He found in this cultured lady a true help meet, one with ready brain and brawn, and together, hand in hand, they traveled down life's pathway, with a harmony seldom paralleled, and the parting of the ways found them with silvered heads and the harvest of autumn goldened by the rays of life's declining sun.
HASBROUCK, DR. LYDIA SAYER, was born December 20, 1827, in the town of Warwick, N. Y. She early determined to fit herself for a professional life, and graduated at the Hygiea Therapeutic College in New York, with the degree of doctor of medicine. Mrs. Hasbrouck's life-work has been chiefly that of an educator, lecturer and physician, and her connection with Orange County journalism was of brief duration. For eight years she was editor of her husband's paper, the Sybil, a semi-monthly reform paper, and she started a paper called the Liberal Sentinel.
MONTANYE, ISAAC V.—Isaac V. Montanye was born May 3, 1825, on the eastern slope of the Shawangunk Mountain near New Vernon, and died December 26, 1906, in the eighty-second year of his age. He entered the office of the Goshen Independent Republican in the early forties, as an apprentice under Victor M. Drake. In 1846 Mr. Montanye and John S. Clark purchased the Independent of the late Moses B. Swezey, who had succeeded V. M. Drake. Later Mr. Montanye purchased Mr. Clark's interest, and, in 1853, sold the paper to James J. McNally, and in 1875 became, for the second time, the owner of the Independent Republican. A few years later he again sold the plant to James J. McNally. In 1876 he became owner of the plant for the third time, having this time purchased it of T. P. McElrath. In 1883 he disposed of his interest to his son Lucien Montanye, and Frank Drake. He had been connected with the State Journal in Madison, Wis., the Mercury at Middletown, the Telegraph at Newburgh, the Index at Port Jervis, and the Record at Washingtonville. He started the latter two papers, and was connected with the Record when he died. Mr. Montanye installed the first cylinder press, turned by hand, in Orange County, which he set up in the office of the Independent Republican in 1850, replacing the old hand-press. He also installed the first newspaper folding machine in the Middletown Mercury. In 1870 Mr. Montanye was elected member of assembly from the second district of Orange County, and later secured an appointment in the New York custom-house. In 1899 he resigned this position, and, with his grandson, Montanye Rightmyer, established the Orange County Record at Washingtonville.
MARTIN, CYRUS B.—Cyrus B. Martin appeared in the field in 1861, when he became the purchaser of the Highland Chieftain, and changed its name to the Newburgh Daily Journal, which it retains to this day.
Mr. Martin was born in Argyle, Washington County, N. Y., September 6, 1830, and having early learned the printer's trade, was employed as a compositor on the Albany Journal, where he remained from 1850 to 1855, when he became one of the editors of the Chenango Telegraph, published at Norwich, N. Y. He continued on this paper until he purchased the present Newburgh Daily Journal in 1861. Upon severing his connection with the latter publication in 1877, he returned to Norwich, where various interests demanded his care and attention. He became president of that great industry known as the David Maydole Hammer Company, and also president of the Chenango County Bank. He departed this life some years ago while still actively engaged in business duties.
RITCHIE, SAMUEL—Samuel Ritchie, who as editor and part proprietor of the Newburgh Daily Journal, and president of the Newburgh Journal Company, has been connected with that paper for over thirty-one years, was born at Larne, Ireland, July 3, 1836. He was the son of Robert L. and Sarah E. Ritchie, and came to Newburgh in 1839, where, with the exception of one year, he has resided ever since. He was for many years connected with the Newburgh Daily Journal in a reportorial capacity and as city editor, and on March 1, 1877, with Messrs. Hull and Rodine, he purchased that paper from Cyrus B. Martin, and became its editor, remaining such to the present time.
Mr. Ritchie has long been recognized as an able editorial writer, and being possessed of a keen wit, he wields a trenchant pen. His kindly nature, however, has ever rendered him cautious against wantonly injuring the feelings of others, and now, in the evening of life, he reaps the reward of his upright conduct, in the regard and esteem of his fellow-men.
HULL, FRANK S—Frank S. Hull, for many years part proprietor of the Newburgh Daily Journal, and at present the vice-president and treasurer of the Newburgh Journal Company, was born in Newburgh, June 6, 1853. He became while a boy highly interested in printing and successfully carried on several amateur periodicals. Upon the retirement of Cyrus B. Martin, in 1877, from the management of the Newburgh Daily Journal, he was one of the three gentlemen who purchased the former's interest, and has remained connected with that paper ever since.
TUCKER, JOHN F.—John F. Tucker was born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., on July 3, 1850, and after leaving school became connected with the Poughkeepsie Eagle. He left that paper in 1872 to take charge of the Government printing office at West Point, where he remained for twelve years, resigning in 1884 to become city editor of the Newburgh Register. With that paper he remained connected as city editor, part proprietor and sole editor, until its suspension in February, 1908. Mr. Tucker has been one of the hardest workers among newspaper men, and ever noted for the conscientious manner in which he discharged the various duties allotted to him. For many years he has been the secretary of the Newburgh Board of Trade, and to his efficiency in office, and active interest in every movement likely to benefit his city, is due a great part of the success attained by the Board of Trade.
THIRD GENERATION JOURNALISTS.
The most recent of the old school of second generation journalists to pass away was the Hon. Isaac V. Montanye, of the Orange County Record, at Washingtonville, who died December 6, 1906, and in December, 1907, Edward Ruttenber of Newburgh.
There now remains on the stage of life only Mrs. Hasbrouck of the second generation; and of the third generation, Gilbert Van Sciver, Middletown; Isaac F. Guiwits, Kansas City; Samuel Ritchie, Newburgh; William H. Nearpass, Port Jervis; William T. Doty, Port Jervis; Evander B. Willis, California. These are named in the order of their appearance in the journalistic field of Orange County, rather than with reference to their ages.
VAN SCIVER, GILBERT—Probably the oldest male printer in the county to-day is Gilbert Van Sciver, of Middletown. He has been almost continuously "in the harness" since 1852 until two years ago (1906), when the Press and Times of that city united. He became an apprentice in the office of John W. Hasbrouck's Whig Press in 1852, when the office was located in the building on North and Depot streets, opposite the carpet-bag factory. In 1857 he went to New York and was there employed as a journeyman for eight years. In 1865 he returned to Middletown, and was re-employed in the Press office, and there remained until the paper lost its identity and merged with the Times.
NORTON, JAMES H.—August 10, 1854, the name of James H. Norton first appeared in Orange County journalism. On that date Mr. Norton purchased the Tri-States Union of Port Jervis, of Lucius F. Barnes, and there then entered Orange County a journalistic genius—a talent that was destined to cut a most important figure in the newspaper life of the county and far beyond its boundaries. James Henry Norton was born at Goshen, Connecticut, in May, 1823, and after a common school education in his native town, he was admitted to the bar before he was twenty-one years old, and was appointed District Attorney of Wayne County, Pa. He finally decided to abandon the law for journalism, and purchased and edited the Wayne County Herald at Honesdale, and some years later sold the plant and went to Boonville, Oneida County, N. Y., where he started the Boonville Ledger in partnership with H. B. Beardsley. From Boonville he came to Port Jervis in 1854 and purchased the Tri-States Union, which he edited until 1861. In 1862 he removed to Middletown and purchased G. J. Beebe's Middletown Mercury, which he and Isaac F. Guiwits made the brightest country newspaper in the United States. In 1867 he disposed of his interest in the Mercury to Isaac V. Montanye, and April 22, 1869, he and William H. Nearpass started the Evening Gazette, tri-weekly, at Port Jervis. A few years later, in company with W. H. Nearpass and I. F. Guiwits, he organized a concern known as the Franklin Printing Company, for printing "patent insides" for country newspapers, and in 1882-3 started The News at Middletown, which he sold to Charles Conkling. His later work was as correspondent for the Sun, Herald and Times. In 1847 he married Miss Elizabeth Monson at Bethany, Pa. He died January 20, 1894, at his home in Middletown, and his remains rest in Hillside Cemetery.
GUIWITS, ISAAC F.—Shortly after Mr. Norton came to Orange County, he induced a bright young printer from "up State" to join him in Port Jervis as a journeyman, and Isaac F. Guiwits came, then a mere boy. But he had talents, and Mr. Norton knew it. Young Guiwits accompanied Mr. Norton to Middletown, and the two made the Middletown Mercury the great country newspaper that it became in the '60's. In 1869 Mr. Guiwits started the first daily newspaper in Middletown, the Daily Mail. Later he was connected with the Franklin Printing Company, and when that merged with the New York Newspaper Union, and became the Union Printing Company, Mr. Guiwits still retained an interest and a position, and he was sent to St. Louis and later to Kansas City to manage a branch of the concern. His wife, who was a Miss Mackey, of Middletown, died four years ago, since which time Mr. Guiwits's health has steadily declined. Three years ago he went to Los Angeles, California, where he died at the age of sixty-nine, March 25, 1908. Mr. Guiwits was one of the most graceful writers that ever adorned the Orange County press.
FRIEND, DR. JOSEPH D.—One of the able editorial writers on the Democratic papers in Middletown from about 1860 to his death in the '80's, was Dr. Joseph D. Friend. He was a regular medical practitioner, but preferred newspaper work, and many of the stirring editorials in the Mercury, the Mail and the Argus were from his trenchant pen. For a time he owned the Mail, and when it was merged with the Mercury, he became a partner with George H. Thompson, from which he retired in 1874. Dr. Friend was a genial, whole-souled man, and the writer remembers him as one who gave him encouragement, kind words, and good advice at a time when such were needed and did the most good.
NEARPASS, WILLIAM H.—William Henry Nearpass was born in Montague township, Sussex County, N. J., May 9, 1840, being the son of Michael Nearpass and Charlotte E. Stewart. He removed with his parents to Port Jervis in 1856, and attended the schools there until he was nineteen, when he embarked in mercantile pursuits which he successfully pursued until he retired from business to devote himself to journalism. With Evi Shinier he became the proprietor of the Gazette, and has retained his interest in that successful publication ever since.
Mr. Nearpass has always been an active Democrat and very influential in his party's counsels, having held various village offices, and elected supervisor of the county nineteen times.
Mr. Nearpass has always enjoyed the highest esteem of his fellow citizens, for his character has ever been above reproach, while every public duty has been faithfully and ably discharged. During the many years he has been the editor of the Gazette, he has never used its columns for the gratification of private spite or the furtherance of selfish interests, but has always hewed close to the Golden Rule in all his walks of life; and now the afternoon of his career finds him with a blameless life, a clear conscience, a love for his fellow mortals that no faults of others, injuries, assaults or misconceptions have ever chilled.
Mr. Nearpass was twice married, his first wife being Miss Anna W. Newman, of Brooklyn, L. I., who died in 1879. On September 8, 1881, he married Miss Josephine Westfall near Port Jervis.
DOTY, WILLIAM T.—Mr. Doty was born at Crabtree's Corner, Sussex County, N. J., March 11, 1847. His parents were Jonathan Fisk Doty and Phoebe Jane Van Wert Doty. Mr. Doty is a descendant of Edward Doten or Doty, who came over in the Mayflower and settled at Plymouth, Mass., in 1620. His mother was one of the Van Wert or Van Wart family, one of whom assisted in the capture of Major Andre. Mr. Doty received a good education in the public and best private schools of that day.
Mr. Doty's first connection with Orange County journalism was at the early age of sixteen, when he became attached to the Tri-States Union at Port Jervis, in which latter city he is yet. He afterwards became connected with the Middletown Mercury, the Banner of Liberty, the Whig Press, the Signs of the Times, and in Col. Finch's job printing office on Franklin Square when in 1866 S. H. Sayer's Rising Sun flickered above the horizon a few times and disappeared. The Mercury and the Banner of Liberty each had offices in the frame building (now a brick block) next to the Holding House, on East Main street. When Isaac F. Guiwits started his Daily Mail in 1869, Mr. Doty set type on it. He was employed on the Whig Press in 1866, when John W. and Mrs. Lydia Hasbrouck changed its name to the Orange County Press. He was also on the Press, though not continuously, when, in 1868, it was purchased by Moses D. and Jesse Lewis Stivers. In the meantime he was employed for several months on the Warwick Advertiser while it was yet conducted by Elder Leonard Cox. It was not until April, 1869, that he returned to Port Jervis, this time to become foreman of the Evening Gazette, at the time James H. Norton and William H. Nearpass started that paper. Except for short intervals in Port Jervis and a few months in Warwick, he was continuously employed in the various Middletown offices from 1865 to 1869. His personal recollections of the older inhabitants of that place, and particularly of the newspaper men and women—John W. and Dr. Lydia Sayer Hasbrouck, Elder Gilbert Beebe and his sons, G. J. and Benton Beebe, James H. Norton, Isaac F. Guiwits, Hon. Moses D. Stivers, Dr. Joseph D. Friend, Hon. Isaac V. Montanye, Evander B. Willis, Gilbert Van Sciver, Elder Cox of Warwick, Coe Finch, E. Malcolm Norton, "Doxy," Charles Coleman and others, is pleasant to recall after half a century's flight of changing years. Leaving the Gazette, Mr. Doty was a compositor on the New York Tribune soon after the present structure replaced the squatty old home of the office on Printing House Square, and when the composing-room was in the wonderful "Tall Tower" overlooking City Hall Park—which structure used to amuse the Sun so much that it never tired of being facetious over the Tribune's "Tall Tower." He was also a compositor on the Times and the World in those days. In 1871 he, in company with Charles St. John, Jr., and Alfred E. Spooner, bought the Tri-States Union, of Port Jervis, of Foster & Mitchell. They made many changes in the Union, and in politics they heartily supported Horace Greeley in his candidacy for the Presidency. They also issued as a campaign paper The Woodchopper. In 1873 he associated with William H. Waller, of Monticello, in leasing the Gazette of George A. Clement. Some years later he again went to New York City, this time as printer in charge of the issuing of a little Liberal or Free Thought paper called Man, published at 744 Broadway by Thaddeus B. Wakeman and Thoron C. Leland. Later he became reporter on the New York Star, then the Tammany organ, and printed at North William street just off of Chatham street (now Park Row). In the latter part of the '80's he was employed as editor of the Port Jervis Daily Union until 1888, when in obedience to a telegraphic offer from Morris Koch, manager of William A. Clark's Daily Miner, he was called to Butte City, Montana, to become editor of that paper in the interests of the Montana Democrats. He went there in June of that year, and in the fall moved his family there. In the fall of 1889 he went to the Pacific Coast, with the intention of going into business in Seattle. He was accompanied by his son Vernon, and they spent some time in Portland, Salem, Tacoma, and Seattle, the lad attending school in this latter city. Unfortunately Seattle was then a city of tents, a great fire having, late in that summer, devastated the whole lower and business section of the city. In the winter of 1890 Mr. Doty returned East with his family, and became editor of the Middletown Daily Press under Stivers, Slauson & Boyd. The following year he became editor of the Orange County Farmer of Port Jervis, and remained in that position until 1897, when he returned to Middletown, and associated with Horace W. Corey in the publishing of the Sunday Forum. When that paper was sold to Thomas Pendell, Mr. Doty returned to Port Jervis as editor of the Daily Union, which position he occupies at this time (March, 1908).
William T. Doty and Catharine Elizabeth, the daughter of Andrew W. Dickert, of Youngsville, Warren County, Pa., were married October 6, 1875. Three children bless that union: Gwendolen, the wife of John S. Hatch, Jr., of near Scotchtown, this county; Vernon Dickert Doty, train dispatcher on the Panama R. R. at Colon; Louaine, wife of Charles A. Miller, of Midland Lake, near Middletown. A fourth child, Wentworth Doty, died in Port Jervis, March 12, 1888, aged thirteen months. There are four grandchildren: Helen and Louaine Miller, and Naomi and Llewellyn Hatch. Mr. Doty's home is at Circleville, this county, where he has a "little farm well tilled" that affords him more comfort and pleasure than all that the cities or town can offer. During his many years of residence in Port Jervis, and where his children were born, he was for twelve years a more or less active fireman and a member of Delaware Engine, and later, Hose Company No. 2, which he joined in 1863, and of which he was foreman two years. Later he was first assistant chief engineer two years, acting as chief one year, after the removal of Leopold Fuerth, the chief, to Honesdale. He is a member of Port Jervis Lodge No. 328, F. A. M., and Neversink Chapter 186, R. A. M., of which he joined the former in 1871 and the latter in 1872. He is also a member of Delaware Commandery No. 44, Knights Templar, and of Mecca Temple A. A. O. N. M. S., of New York City; past grand of Utsayantha Lodge of Odd Fellows and past chief patron of Deerpark Encampment, I. O. O. F., and was the first chancellor commander of Mount William Lodge 105, K. of P.; is a member of Orange Chapter No. 33, O. E. S., and of Port Jervis Lodge No. 645, B. P. O. Elks.
COX, ELDER LEONARD—Elder Leonard Cox came to Warwick early in the '60's as an Old School Baptist preacher and started the Warwick Advertiser. The Advertiser not only lives, but after 42 years of useful existence is to-day a monument to the preacher-editor's judgment, force of character and early craftsmanship. In 1868 or 1869 Mr. Cox returned to Virginia, where he is still living and editing, in connection with his son, the Charlotte Gazette, at Charlotte Court-House, Va., and still active at the age of ninety years. The writer has very pleasant personal recollections of this venerable worker, having for a time been employed in his office in Warwick as a journeyman printer.
STIVERS, HON. MOSES D.—The name of Moses Dunning Stivers deserves an important niche in the county's journalistic gallery, for, after he began to take part in newspaper work, he was an active, energetic, progressive and leading factor. He was an able writer—incisive and wonderfully effective. He was well educated, ever affable and courteous, a clean-cut gentleman. He first appeared in active connection with journalism in March, 1868, when he purchased of John W. Hasbrouck the Orange County Press in association with his brother, Lieutenant Jesse L. Stivers. The latter was a practical printer, had twice enlisted in the army in the Civil War, and died in New York City, April 30, 1871, aged thirty years. Hon. M. D. Stivers was with the Press when the Evening Press (tri-weekly) was started, and later when the tri-weekly became a daily edition. He was instrumental in making it one of the leading country Republican papers of the State. Associated with him, at different times, in the business and editorial departments of the Press, were John W. Slauson, Charles J. Boyd, Albert Kessinger, and F. Stanhope Hill. In December, 1880, Mr. Stivers sold his interest in the concern to John W. Slauson, and retired.
In 1891, in conjunction with his two sons, Lewis S. and John D. Stivers, Mr. Stivers started the Middletown Times. From the first this paper was a success, and the popularity it attained at its inception has never waned, but continued after the death of their father in February, 1895. Moses D. Stivers was born near Bennerville, Sussex County, N. J., December 30, 1828, and was the son of John Stivers and Margaret Dunning, his wife. In 1845 the family purchased and removed to the Deacon Hallock farm at Ridgebury in this county. Mr. Stivers attended both the public and private schools, finishing his education at the Ridgebury Academy, after leaving which, for several years, he taught school winters and worked his fathers farm summers.
On September 26, 1855, he married Mary Elizabeth Stewart, of Wawayanda, and then for two years kept a store at Ridgebury, and in 1859 engaged in the mercantile business in Middletown, first under the firm name of Evans & Stivers, and then under that of Stivers & Wallace. In 1864 Mr. Stivers was elected county clerk, and in 1868 he became connected with journalism by the purchase of the Orange County Press.
Mr. Stivers held several political offices besides that of county clerk, being postmaster at Ridgebury under President Pierce, was appointed collector of internal revenue in 1868 for this district, and was elected to Congress. Mr. Stivers was also active in civic affairs, being a director of the Unionville and Water Gap Railroad, a trustee of the Middletown Asylum for the Insane, and of the Hillside Cemetery; also a trustee of the Middletown Savings Bank. He also took a keen interest in firemanic affairs, and filled the highest offices in the lodges of the Free Masons and Odd Fellows.
Mr. Stivers was a man of strong personality, indomitable will-power, and diplomatic and statesmanlike qualities, which made him a commanding figure in Orange County politics and journalism.
ST. JOHN, CHARLES.—When he was in the work there was no more enthusiastic or energetic newspaper man in Orange County than Charles St. John, Jr., the founder of the Port Jervis Daily Union (1873), and the New York Farmer (1881). He entered the journalistic field in 1871 in company with W. T. Doty and A. E. Spooner, when the three purchased the Tri-States Union at Port Jervis. For years he was more or less active in the work, and retained an interest in the Union and the Farmer, until October, 1907, when his partner and brother-in-law, Fred R. Salmon, purchased his entire interest in the two papers. While Mr. St. John could write energetically and with much effect, it was as an organizer, solicitor and business hustler that he shone brightest. Mr. St. John was a graduate of the famous old Mt. Retirement Seminary in Sussex County, N. J., near Deckertown, and of the Eastman Business College at Poughkeepsie. He was born in Port Jervis, August 30, 1849, a son of Hon. Charles St. John, of Port Jervis, and Ellen S. Thompson, of near Marlboro, Ulster County. The St. Johns were an old family, that early came from Connecticut to New York State, and nearly a century ago Stephen St. John came to Port Jervis and purchased nearly all the land where Port Jervis now stands. In 1870 Charles St. John, Jr., married Miss Mary Salmon at Honesdale, Pa., a daughter of Conductor Charles M. Salmon and Jeannette Russell.
FOWLER, ERWIN GALLATIN.—Erwin Gallatin Fowler, who started the Sunday Call in Port Jervis, and for several years edited the Daily Union and the Orange County Farmer, was born at Walden, N. Y., November 28, 1837, and died April 3, 1904. His parents were Charles Fowler and Millie Ann Lehman. He attended the schools at Walden, became a teacher, enlisted in the Duryea Zouaves, went to the front in the Civil War and became first lieutenant. After the war he was employed in Newburgh for a while, part of the time on the Journal. In 1870 he removed to Huguenot, and in 1872 became connected with the Port Jervis Union. Later he started the Sunday Call, and was called hence to Middletown to edit the Daily Press. September 8, 1881, he became editor of the Orange County Farmer, just started, and remained with this paper until he and John J. Dillon bought the Elmira Husbandman, going thence to the Rural New-Yorker and later to the American Agriculturist. The last work that he did in the editorial line was as editor of the Orange County Farmer, when fatal illness stilled forever his able pen. During the World's Fair at Chicago in 1893 he had charge of the New York horticultural exhibit. Mr. Fowler, in addition to his editorial work, interested himself considerably in musical matters, and was president of the Orange County Musical Union. As a writer Mr. Fowler was able, ready, and facile. His homilies were not long-drawn-out, but were wonderfully effective, and his descriptive powers were fine. He had an extensive knowledge of agricultural matters, and when in charge of the Orange County Farmer put that paper on a high plane, and made it popular and its circulation grew to large proportions. Personally, Mr. Fowler was genial, the soul of good-nature, philanthropic and benevolent to the last degree. Mr. Fowler and Miss Fannie F. Dunning were married March 19, 1862.
MOTT, ED. H.—Though not directly connected with Orange County journalism, Ed. H. Mott, the well-known writer and correspondent of the New York Sun, was for a time, in 1871, editor of the Gazette, and after that the Daily Union at Port Jervis. Mr. Mott was too restless to be tied down to the drudgery of the daily grind on a newspaper, and in time he found himself in the regular employ of the New York Sun, with a desk in that office, grinding out Pike County tale's and character delineations that brought him notoriety and shekels galore. He is at present located in Goshen, and yet writing for the New York Sun. He also wrote a history of the Erie Railroad, which is valuable and a high-priced production. Mr. Mott is a gifted writer. His witticisms, character sketches, and stories generally are original, unique, and clever.
VAN FREDENBERG, HENRY ABSALOM—One of the ablest writers in the State to-day; one who has such command of words that they are as playthings to a child; a remarkable linguist; mathematician, botanist, chemist, geologist, and all-round naturalist, with abilities which his own modesty and lack of self-appreciation prevent him from fully recognizing—is the genius who is doing editorial work on an Orange County paper to-day. The writer of these lines has for many years known the gentleman, worked side by side with him, tried to fathom the depth and height, the breadth and length of his marvelous mentality. While it is a pleasure to make record of these facts, it is done with hesitation for fear of misconception, misconstruction, and misinterpretation. Henry Absalom Van Fredenberg was born in the town of Montague, Sussex County, N. J., December 30, 1849. His parents were the late Aaron Van Fredenberg and Marie De Witt Van Fredenberg. His parents, in 1850, moved from Montague, N. J., to Sparrowbush, N. Y., where his youth was passed. He was educated in the public schools and in Professor A. B. Wilbur's seminary in Port Jervis, and at an early age became a school teacher. He taught in Sparrowbush, Sanfordville, Mount Hope, Otisville, Slate Hill, and Deckertown (now Sussex), N. J. In Deckertown he became interested in journalism and edited the Sussex Independent for several years. He edited the Port Jervis Daily Union, the Washington (N. J.) Star, and the Mauch Chunk (Pa.) Coal Gazette and Daily Times in succession. In 1885 he went to Buffalo, N. Y., where he served as editor-in-chief of the Lumber World, Milling World, The American Tanner, the Iron Industry Gazette, the American Woodworker, and the Factory and Dealers' Supply World. In that city he served as associate editor of The Magazine of Poetry, now merged with Poet Lore, of Boston, Mass. In 1898 he returned to Orange County, making his home in Sparrowbush. Mr. Van Fredenberg succeeded the late Erwin G. Fowler as editor of the Orange County Farmer in 1899 (now the New York Farmer), and is in that position at this date (March, 1908), making the New York Farmer an authority on all dairy matters, and quoted extensively wherever dairy interests have an intelligent force.
STIVERS, LEWIS STEWART—Lewis Stewart Stivers was born in the town of Wawayanda, Orange County, April 20, 1859, the oldest son of Hon. Moses D. and Mary Elizabeth Stewart Stivers. After his parents removed to Middletown he attended the public schools in that city and the Wallkill Academy, and then entered Peekskill Military Academy, from which he graduated in 1876. On concluding his studies, he entered the office of the Middletown Press, of which his father was then editor and part owner and in 1891 he and his brother, John D. Stivers, began the publication of the Middletown Daily Times and the Orange County Times, the latter a semi-weekly issue. He was united in marriage, in Middletown, with Miss Cora D. Mackey, daughter of John Mackey, who, for many years, was connected with the Orange County Foundry Company. Mr. Stivers died October 30, 1905, deeply lamented by everyone who knew him, for he was the soul of honor, the friend of all; courteous, amiable, generous.
SLAUSON, JOHN WHITING—Many bright minds have been engaged in the field of Orange County journalism. It is not vaunting to say that one of the keenest of these was he who made his entrance into active newspaper life October 15, 1872, by the purchase of the Orange County Press of Stivers & Kessinger at Middletown, and under him the Press, already influential and highly respected, became one of the leading Republican journals of the State. Mr. Slauson remained with the Press thirty-three years, associating in its management with F. Stanhope Hill one year, the Hon. Moses D. Stivers seven years, and Charles J. Boyd twenty-five years, retiring from the printing business in 1906. In all these years the Press property became very valuable, owning one of the finest locations in Middletown, and conducted in such a manner that it was a positive pleasure to be employed therein. Mr. Slauson is a writer of ability, using the choicest language in diction, structure in phrasing, and style enriched with the higher graces of composition. John Whiting Slauson was born September 18, 1846, in the town of Greenville, this county. His father was David Slauson, and his mother was Antoinette, daughter of John Whiting, a member of a prominent Connecticut family. Mr. Slauson attended the Westtown Academy and the Dolbear School for Young Men in New York City, and at the age of twenty began teaching in the public schools of the county, and after filling an unexpired term as school commissioner of the Second District of Orange County, he purchased an interest in the Press and thenceforth devoted himself to journalism. In 1875 Mr. Slauson married Miss Olivia, daughter of Horatio R. Wilcox, of Middletown. For over twenty-five years Mr. Slauson has been a member of the New York State Press Association, was one of its vice-presidents in 1894, and is still an active member of the Republican Editorial Association of this State.
Mr. Slauson's reputation for fair dealing and steady adherence to the principles of the Golden Rule in all relations of life, have earned for him the merited esteem of his townsmen generally, and the highest regard of those who know him best—a pleasure falling to the writer many years ago, and he cherishes the friendship thus formed as one of the pleasantest incidents in his life.
MACARDELL, CORNELIUS—An important factor in Orange County journalism entered when Cornelius Macardell came, and a distinct loss when he passed away. He founded the Daily Argus in 1876 at Middletown and in 1878 consolidated the Argus and Mercury. In 1896 he turned the control of the paper over to his son, Cornelius, and his official connection with journalism ceased from that date.
Cornelius Macardell was born at Darien, Georgia, October 24, 1837, the son of Cornelius and Rebecca Campbell Macardell, and returned with his family to New York in 1841. He was educated in the public schools of Brooklyn, and then, after a few years of reporting for the city papers, became interested in a newspaper venture in New Orleans. In 1861 he came North, entered Wall street, New York, and in 1866 became a member of the Stock Exchange. A few years later he retired from the street and bought a farm near Mount Hope in Orange County. In 1877 be again became active in Wall street, but he sold out his seat in the Stock Exchange a number of years ago. For years Mr. Macardell was interested in banking in Middletown, and was elected president of the First National Bank in 1891. He was also interested in many ways with other business institutions in Middletown, and his business life was full of activities. In 1860 Mr. Macardell married Esther, daughter of Oliver and Penelope Crawford, of near Middletown. Mr. Macardell died April 9. 1904, lamented by everyone who knew the genial, kindly old gentleman.
THOMPSON, GEORGE H.—An able journalist of the fourth generation in Orange County was George H. Thompson, whose work began on the Middletown Mercury about 1873. He was educated at Williams College, had a good style in writing, and was one of the brightest and most satirical writers in the county. He also made a good editor and until his death, a few years ago, kept the columns of the Argus and the Mercury alive with his bright sayings and well-rounded sentences. Mr. Thompson was at one time president of the Board of Education of Middletown, and for a short time was postmaster under President Cleveland. His wife was a daughter of Colonel D. C. Dusenberry, but both have passed away, leaving one daughter, Maysie Thompson.
WINCHESTER, REV. CHARLES M.—About 1874 the Rev. Charles M. Winchester, who came to Middletown from one of the New England States to preach temperance and the Gospel according to the Free Christian Church, started the Standard, an afternoon paper, and forthwith engaged in newspaper work of the most lively character. To say that affairs grew hot in Middletown for a year or two, is to state facts very moderately. Mr. Winchester was bubbling over with his ideas of theology, temperance and morals, and his powers of invective seemed unlimited. He preached Sundays and through the week in tents and other places, and hurled his javelins of wit, of satire, of denunciation, of imprecation, and execration orally from the pulpit, and daily through his paper. The Standard was finally purchased by the Mercury people, and Mr. Winchester went to New York, where he died a year or two ago.
SALMON, FRED R.—Fred R. Salmon, the present business manager of the New York Farmer and the Port Jervis Daily Union and Tri-States Union plants, was born at Susquehanna, Pa., January 18, 1858. His parents were Charles M. and Jeannette Russell Salmon. The family removed to Port Jervis and then to Honesdale, in both of which places Mr. Salmon attended schools, graduating from the Honesdale High School. He entered the office of the Port Jervis Union in April, 1877, as bookkeeper for his brother-in-law, Charles St. John. In 1884 he entered into partnership with Mr. St. John under the firm name of St. John & Salmon. In 1895 they organized the Tri-States Publishing Company, as its sole owners. This concern continued until October 1, 1907, when Mr. Salmon purchased Mr. St. John's interest, and became the sole owner of the stock. October 6, 1889, Mr. Salmon married Miss Flora Dunning, daughter of Joseph and Clara Owen Dunning, of near Middletown. For several years Mr. Salmon was secretary of the Republican County Committee and prominent in the councils of his party. He is now a member of the Civil Service Commission of the new city of Port Jervis; is a member of the Board of Education; is trustee of the First Presbyterian Church, and a trustee of the Port Jervis Board of Trade.
DRAKE, FRANK M.—The present editor of the Goshen Independent Republican is Frank Drake, who became connected therewith as part owner January 1, 1883, and sole owner in March, 1892. Mr. Drake is a practical printer, an able writer, and is a "worthy son of a worthy sire." His father was Victor M. Drake, one of the Nestors of Orange County journalism, and the son is giving in the semi-weekly issues of his Independent Republican evidence that the "journalistic instincts" of the father have descended to the son. He is a Democrat of the conservative type; is sprightly in his treatment of all subjects, and deftly sprinkles a bit of attic salt in much of the palatable literary provender that he sets before his readers. Mr. Drake was born at Newton, N. J., in 1855, and after his school days he entered the office of the Independent Republican, after his parents removed to Goshen, and became an apprentice in 1874, at the age of nineteen years. He never found it necessary or advisable to migrate, and it is fitting that he should find his life work in the very office in which the genius of his gifted father for so many long years was exercised for the public good. Mr. Drake is unmarried.
KETCHUM, GEORGE F.—With the establishment at Warwick in 1885 of the Warwick Valley Dispatch there entered the arena of Orange County journalism a champion who has proven his right to become a leader. George F. Ketchum, who founded the Dispatch, is the son of the late George W. Ketchum and Elizabeth Strang Wright. George F. Ketchum has made his Dispatch the leading Democratic paper in the county, by reason of his unquestioned honesty of purpose, his fearless but always fair and courteous advocacy of principles which he believed conducive to the public weal, his persistent, aggressive efforts, and his fair treatment of all opponents. Mr. Ketchum has been for more than a decade the chairman of the Democratic County Committee—a position that he has not held through mere favoritism, but by reason of the force of character and the indomitable energy that has characterized his whole public career.
BOYD, CHARLES J.—About 1880 Charles J. Boyd became interested in newspaper work through partnership with John W. Slauson, under the the name of Slauson & Boyd, as publishers of the Middletown Press. Mr. Boyd remained with the Press until it was merged with the Times in 1906, when he retired from the work, to engage in insurance and real estate business. Mr. Boyd was a first-class newspaper man in every particular. He wrote a good article, had neat descriptive powers, good judgment, clear discernment and discrimination, and his work was ever in evidence on the Press. It would seem that one so clever, so well endowed by nature for newspaper work, should have remained in the field. Mr. Boyd was supervisor of his ward for a number of years, and made one of the most efficient members of the county legislature. He was also by appointment one of the Prison Commissioners of the State.
STIVERS, JOHN D.—In 1891 John D. Stivers entered actively into journalistic duties, though he had been connected therewith more or less all his life. In that year the Middletown Times came into existence, and he became its normal editor. Since the lamented death of his father, the Hon. Moses D. Stivers, in February, 1895, John D. Stivers has been the real head and front of the establishment. Mr. Stivers is a young man who deservedly stands well with his party and the public. Through its well-written editorials, its daily supply of the local and general news served in the most concise and acceptable manner, the Times is a power in politics and in general thought that needs to be reckoned with by politicians and caterers to the public in any form whatever. John Dunning Stivers was born August 30, 1861, at Middletown, N. Y., the second son of the Hon. Moses D. and Mary Elizabeth Stewart Stivers. He attended the public schools of Middletown and Wallkill Academy, where the rudiments of his education were obtained, and later Peekskill Military Academy, from which institution he was graduated in 1878, at the age of seventeen years. He then began his journalistic career, entering the office of the Middletown Press as bookkeeper and later filling the position of city editor. Resigning from the Press, Mr. Stivers became private secretary to his father, the Hon. Moses D. Stivers, during his term as Member of Congress from this district. Upon the latter's retirement from office, John D. Stivers returned to Middletown, and, with his brother, Lewis S. Stivers, established the Middletown Times. After the death of his father, he was elected to take the latter's place as trustee of the Orange County Trust Company. Mr. Stivers was appointed a member of the Board of Managers of the Middletown State Hospital by Governor Morton, and was secretary of the Board for several years, and until the reorganization of the asylum management throughout the State by Governor Odell.
NICKINSON, ALBERT E.—Albert E. Nickinson, the present treasurer and general business manager of the Middletown Argus and Mercury, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 8, 1863. He was a son of John Nickinson and Elizabeth J. Phillips. Albert E. was educated in the public schools of Indianapolis, Philadelphia, and Suffern, N. Y. He entered the employ of the Argus and Mercury in 1888, remained until 1901, and returned to the office upon its reorganization as a new company in 1906. Mr. Nickinson is a good business man, and when necessary can wield a descriptive pen. On November 28, 1889, Mr. Nickinson and Miss Penelope Macardell were married.
SPEIDEL, MERRITT C.—The present efficient associate business manager of the Port Jervis Daily Union, Tri-States Union and New York Farmer is Merritt C. Speidel. He was born May 19, 1879, in Port Jervis, son of Martin and Hannah M. Patterson Speidel, members of well-known Deerpark families. During his student days he frequently wrote for the local newspapers, and on October 25, 1897, he became employed in the business department of the Tri-States Publishing Company, and several months later became reporter for the Port Jervis Daily Union, and then successively city editor, associate editor, and editor. January 1, 1904, he became associate business manager of the Tri-States Publishing Co., and in January, 1908, became secretary and a director of the company. Mr. Speidel, though a young man, has been much identified with local public affairs and is now serving his seventh year as secretary of the Port Jervis Board of Trade; is one of the Health Commissioners; is president of the Deerpark organization of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle.
POWERS, HENRY P.—Henry P. Powers, city editor and desk man of the Middletown Daily Argus and semi-weekly Mercury, was born at Groton, Tompkins County, N. Y., June 30, 1857, a son of Jacob B. Powers and Nancy G. Bouton. He early developed a love for the printing trade and entered the office of the Groton Journal, when a lad, as apprentice, serving there seven years, and about eighteen years ago he came into Orange County and located at Middletown. For a year and a half he was employed as city editor of the Middletown Daily Press. In January, 1903, he became reporter for and then city editor of the Daily Argus. Mr. Powers is a thoroughly good newspaper man; active, reliable, a ready writer, of good discrimination, and he is a valuable addition to Orange County journalism. Mr. Powers was twice married. His first wife died at Groton twenty-two years ago. His second wife was Miss Minnie L. Hill, daughter of John W. Hill, of Middletown.
GREGG, GEORGE F.—In January, 1903, George F. Gregg, in company with John B. Scott, became part owner of the Goshen Democrat, and September 1, 1905, he became sole owner of the same. To say that he has made the Democrat a bright, newsy, weekly paper is to express the fact mildly but justly. He is a vigorous writer, with a fervor and animation that is born of the intensity of earnestness and zeal, and he is surely making the Democrat read by friends and political foes. In 1906 Mr. Gregg was elected supervisor of the town of Goshen, and again in 1907, and brings to this public office the same earnestness, push and capacity that characterizes his work as an editor. Mr. Gregg is yet a young man, and he is in a fair way to be one of the leaders of thought and action in Orange County. George F. Gregg was born at Walden, N. Y., April 30, 1875. His parents were Edgar M. Gregg, of Walden, and Rose L. Faron, of Corning, N. Y. His education was at the public schools. He passed several years in Chenango County, this State. For a short time he was connected with the advertising department of the New York Times. He was also in the Ordnance Department of the United States Navy, in the naval magazine at Fort Lafayette. Mr. Gregg seemed to have an "intuitive leaning" to journalistic work, for in addition to his service on the New York Times, we find he was fifteen years in newspaper work, several of which were in the office of the "now esteemed contemporary," the Independent Republican. For two years he was city editor of the Middletown Argus, immediately prior to purchasing an interest in the Goshen Democrat. The good work he is doing in the columns of that old paper, and the esteem in which he is held by the people of Goshen, as shown by his being twice chosen as supervisor of the town, is evidence that he has found his life's work and its field. Mr. Gregg and Miss Jane A. Brundage, of Newark, N. J., were married July 11, 1900.
TAFT, LYMAN H.—One of the most thoroughly independent editors in the county is Lyman H. Taft, of the Montgomery Standard-Reporter, who was born December 5, 1865, at Oneida Valley, Madison County, N. Y. His father was Thomas J. Taft, and his mother was Jane Baum, whose father, Rev. John Baum, was a Methodist minister at Mendenville, N. Y. The parents went to the Pennsylvania oil country, when Lyman was but three months old, and settled at Warren, Pa. He attended the Warren high school, leaving the same to enter the office of the Warren Ledger (1877), where he served an apprenticeship of three years, and then traveled over the country, working as a journeyman printer, and visited forty States of the Union. September 1, 1888, he arrived at Montgomery, purchased the Recorder and in 1898 the Standard, and consolidated the two papers under the title of the Standard and Reporter.
MacGOWAN, HORACE A.—Horace A. MacGowan, city editor of the Middletown Daily Argus, was born January 7, 1877, near Circleville, this county, a son of John Nelson and Julia Woodruff MacGowan, and of Scotch ancestry. His parents removed to Middletown when Horace was but four years of age, and he attended the schools until thirteen years of age, when (July, 1891) he entered the employ of the Middletown Daily Press, where he remained fifteen years. When the Press was merged with the Times, Mr. MacGowan, February 1, 1906, became city editor of the Middletown Daily Argus, which position he still holds. Mr. MacGowan has time and again proven his capability as a good writer and newspaper man by work of recognized merit. April 23, 1903, he married Miss Elizabeth Tappan, daughter of Mrs. Catherine Tappan, of Middletown.
MACARDELL, CORNELIUS, JR.—Cornelius Macardell was educated in the public schools of Middletown, and entered the office of the Argus in 1891, becoming publisher of the Argus and Mercury in 1896, and continuing in that capacity until the formation of the corporation in March, 1906. He is president of the Argus and Mercury Company.
RICHARDS, MARK V.—The city editor of the Port Jervis Gazette since 1905 is Mark V. Richards, an industrious, alert reporter, a descriptive writer, and a conscientious, painstaking worker. Mr. Richards was born in Port Jervis, February 24, 1880, the son of David S. and Martha Isadore Bunting Richards. Mark V. Richards graduated from the Port Jervis High School, June 24, 1898. He began newspaper work, January 2, 1897, as a paper carrier for the Gazette. In the year and a half thus employed he was constantly picking up bits of news for the Gazette, often writing them out in such readable form that he attracted the attention of Editors Nearpass and Bennet, with the result that at the first opportunity he was engaged as reporter for the Gazette. This work he began in September, 1898, and continued until 1905, when he became city editor. July 7, 1903, he married Miss Bertha E. Lobb, of Honesdale, Pa.
SHIMER, EVI—The present business manager of the Port Jervis Gazette is Evi Shimer. He has held that position since April 1, 1886. Mr. Shimer was born December 8, 1860, on the old Shimer homestead in Montague, Sussex County, N. J. His parents were Abram and Adaline Cuddeback Shimer. When Evi was about seven years of age, the family moved to Port Jervis, where he attended the public schools. Later he graduated from the Binghamton Business College. After that he was ten years in the wholesale hardware business in New York City. April 1, 1886, he returned to Port Jervis and became business manager of the Gazette establishment, which position he still holds. Mr. Shimer was for four years one of the trustees of the village of Port Jervis. In November, 1888, Mr. Shimer and Miss Susan A. Donaldson were married.
BROWN, MELVIN H.—The present city editor of the Middletown Times-Press is Melvin Halstead Brown, an alert worker and ready writer. He was born at Otisville, N. Y., December 25, 1867, a son of Orville and Emeline Ketcham Brown. Melvin H. attended the public schools at Paterson, N. J., and later in Middletown and the Wallkill Academy. He learned the printer's trade in the Argus office, beginning at the age of fifteen years. When the Middletown Times was started he became a compositor thereon, later foreman of the composing room, and twelve years ago became a reporter, which position, and that of city editor, he has since filled. His wife was Miss Anaina, daughter of Alderman and Mrs. George Miller.
RUSSELL, ALEXANDER W.—One of the ablest editorial writers on the country press of to-day is the young man who is on the staff of the Middletown Times-Press, Alexander W. Russell. He is alert to events of local as well as of State, national and international importance, and treats them in a most able manner, in language that is choice, pleasing and expressive. Mr. Russell was born at New Berlin, Chenango County, N. Y., April 14, 1865. His parents were Edward and Elinor Tillinghast Russell. He learned the trade of a printer in the office of the Brookfield Courier, at Brookfield, Madison County, N. Y. Later, he attended Hobart College at Geneva, N. Y., leaving there in 1886, to become city editor of the Oneida Union, Oneida, N. Y., which position he filled for ten years, at the end of which time he became city editor of the Brockton, Mass., Gazette, where he remained two years. Soon after this he came to Middletown, N. Y., where he has since remained, and has been on the Times-Press editorial staff since 1906.
MACARDELL, ABRAM B.—Abram Bennet Macardell, the editor of the Argus and Mercury, and vice-president and secretary of the Argus and Mercury Publishing Company, was born at Mount Hope, this county, a son of Cornelius and Esther Crawford Macardell. In January, 1886, the family removed to Middletown, and he was educated in the public schools there and graduated from Wallkill Academy in 1897, a member of the last class to graduate from that time-honored and historic institution, which, after that year, became the Middletown High School. He entered Hamilton College and graduated in 1901. In November, 1902, he entered the Argus office and succeeded George H. Thompson as editor at his death in May, 1904. He was active in the formation of the Argus and Mercury Company in March, 1906. Mr. Macardell is an easy, graceful writer, and, while "young in the harness," is doing good editorial work.
STAGE, ALBERT L.—The present city editor of the Port Jervis Daily Union is Albert Louis Stage. He was born in the town of Lumberland, Sullivan County, N. Y., June 8, 1876. His parents were Albert and Caroline Cowen Stage. He attended the public schools at Barryville, N. Y., and Equinunk, Pa., qualified himself for teaching, and for several years was thus engaged in the public schools at Blooming Grove, Greeley, Mast Hope, and Flagstone, Pa. Later, for a time, he was a salesman for Rand, McNally & Co., educational and book publishers, of New York City. During 1904 he was employed in the wholesale house of E. P. & E. Kinney, spices, coffees, teas and groceries, in Binghamton, N. Y. In March, 1905, he became city editor of the Port Jervis Union, which position he has since most acceptably filled.
STIVERS, DR. MOSES A.—Moses Asby Stivers was born in Middletown, November 14, 1872, the youngest son of the Hon. Moses D. and Mary Elizabeth Stewart Stivers. He graduated in the Middletown schools, and became bookkeeper in the Middletown Times when it was first started. Later he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City in 1894. Dr. Stivers is a practicing physician in Middletown, is connected with Thrall Hospital, and is now secretary and treasurer of the Stivers Printing Company, of which his brother, John D. Stivers, is president, printing the Daily Times-Press. He is a young man of superior mental qualities and ever amiable and courteous.
CALLED ELSEWHERE.
Among the newspaper men, aside from those already mentioned, who have come and gone—some to their final reward, others to new or different fields of labor—who were more or less important actors on this stage of life's industry, were some who were peculiarly adapted to journalistic work and had rendered highly satisfactory service in their day. Among such were:
HOLBROOK, DANIEL—Daniel Holbrook, who, in 1862, bought the Tri-States Union in Port Jervis—a college graduate, a linguist, scholar, and able writer, a native of Boston. After less than a decade of newspaper work, he sold the plant, and has since been engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Port Jervis, and is now justice of the peace and police justice in the city of Port Jervis.
SLAWSON, WILLIAM G.—William G. Slawson was, in the '70's, one of the liveliest reporters that ever labored in Middletown, and he kept the columns of the Press teeming with his clever work. He has been for several years in other work, lately at Cleveland, Ohio.
SHIER, JAMES J.—James J. Shier, a graduate of the Middletown Mercury and Argus, was city editor there some time, and in the '80's went to Port Jervis and secured an interest in the Gazette, where he remained until he died, June 2, 1893.
HELLER, BURRELL—An old Milford and Port Jervis printer and a good writer and reporter was Burrell Heller, who died late in the '80's. He was employed in various capacities on the Port Jervis papers, latterly as reporter on the Port Jervis Gazette.
YOUNG, CHARLES O.—Charles O. Young, of Port Jervis, admitted to the bar as a lawyer in the '80's, son of the late Oliver Young (a prominent lawyer of Port Jervis), edited the Port Jervis Daily Union several years. He is a most accomplished writer, highly educated, a scholar, a linguist, and a man of high literary tastes. He prefers literature to law, and the Port Jervis papers are occasionally favored with emanations from his gifted pen.
WILLIS, EVANDER B.—Evander B. Willis appeared in Middletown early in the '60's, and learned the printer's trade, later becoming an expert stenographer, then reporter and editor, and for a time conducted the Middletown Mail. He was born at Unionville. Early in the '70's he went to California and became court stenographer.
BENNET, JAMES—One of the men who figured prominently in the western end of orange County newspaper circles for about a quarter of a century was James Bennet, of Port Jervis. He was a good newspaper man and had a knack for seeing the droll side of events and for putting the same into print, and some of his "yarns" were extremely witty. Mr. Bennet is the youngest son of James and Sarah Westfall Bennet, and he was born at Carpenter's Point (now Tri-States, and a part of the Fourth Ward of the city of Port Jervis). James Bennet graduated at the famous old Mount Retirement Seminary in Sussex County, N. J., near Deckertown (now Sussex), in 1863. He studied medicine two years, and abandoned the same to go into the flour and feed business in Port Jervis. In 1886 he accepted a position in the business and editorial department of the Port Jervis Gazette, and became associate editor. In 1889 he went with the Union, remaining there fifteen months, and then returned to his former position with the Gazette, where he remained until 1906, when he resigned to go into the insurance business—the retreat of so many old newspaper men. His wife was Alice Stiles, daughter of the late Edward A. Stiles, for so many useful years the principal and proprietor of the Mount Retirement Seminary.
BARRET, LEON—One of the brightest cartoonists of the metropolis, Leon Barret, began his work in Orange County, having come to Middletown in the '70's, where he conducted a book and stationery store at the corner of James and King streets. He soon developed a talent for drawing that attracted the notice of newspaper men, and Messrs. Macardell and Thompson found a place for him on the Argus and Mercury, and eventually took him into partnership. His artistic ability so rapidly improved, however, as to receive recognition from the New York press, and severing his connection with the Argus he went to the metropolis, where a wider field was afforded for the exercise of his remarkable talents, and where he has won fame and standing.
WHEAT, WALLACE B.—Wallace B. Wheat, for the past twenty-five or thirty years, has been connected with the Port Jervis Gazette as typesetter and reporter, and for many years has been the local representative of the New York World.
BENNET, JAMES EDWARD—James Edward Bennet was the son of James Bennet, and for four years was a reporter for and city editor of the Port Jervis Gazette, and is now a practicing lawyer in New York City.
PINE, COL. CHARLES N.—Col. Charles N. Pine was an old Philadelphia journalist who, in the '90's, passed his last years on the Port Jervis Gazette, going there from Milford. He was brainy and brilliant. He died in Port Jervis, October 26, 1894.
BAILEY, WILLIAM P.—William F. Bailey through the '90's was one of the most alert reporters that Middletown ever had. He was a graduate of the Press office, and his work was always in the lead. He is now in the insurance business in New York City.
GIBBS, WHITFIELD—Whitfield Gibbs was, for a short time, in Orange County journalism, having been the owner of the Walden Citizen late in the '90's. Mr. Gibbs now resides at Hackettstown, N. J. He is an able writer, and a good newspaper man.
CRANE, STEPHEN—Stephen Crane, the gifted author of "The Red Badge of Courage" and other tales, and magazine and newspaper articles, began his literary career in Port Jervis, and did reporting a short time on the Daily Union. His father was a resident of that city, pastor of Drew M. E. Church, and died in that city.
COREY, HORACE W.—Though connected with journalism only briefly and through his interest in the Middletown Sunday Forum (1897-99), Horace W. Corey gave evidence of unique ability in that work which, pursued, would have brought reward and fame. His "sermons" and other satires were features that "pointed morals" where much needed.
PENDELL, THOMAS—Thomas Pendell came into Orange County through Cornwall (1889) and to Middletown in 1898-99 on the Forum; later on the Argus, and again on the Forum, which he removed to Massena, N. Y. He is a ready writer, a rapid worker, a practical printer, and one of the best all-round newspaper men that have ever tarried in Orange County. He is now publishing a paper at Peekskill.
BLANCHARD, FRANK L.—Frank L. Blanchard, of New York, was connected with the Middletown Forum from December, 1907, to March or April, 1908. He is a good writer.
IN THE HARNESS.
Connected with the newspapers at the present time one finds an array of rising talent, the fourth generation of workers since journalism gained a foothold in Orange County.
WILSON, FREDERICK WILLIAM—In Newburgh the Newburgh Daily News has as editor Frederick William Wilson. To the energy and ability of Frederick W. Wilson, editor of the Newburgh Daily News and president and treasurer of the Newburgh News Printing and Publishing Co., is due in great measure the success that newspaper has achieved as a business proposition, and also its recognized standing among the leading newspapers of the State.
Mr. Wilson's connection with the News dates almost from its inception, when as a lad in his teens he entered the business office of the paper in its second year of publication as bookkeeper. The founder of the News, the late William H. Keefe, was not slow to recognize the aptitude of the young man for the business, and in his twentieth year he practically had the entire business management of the then very modest News establishment in his hands, Mr. Keefe confining himself principally to the editorial conduct of the young and rapidly growing paper.
Mr. Wilson was born October 8, 1869, near Brighton, the renowned watering-place in the south of England. His father, Henry Wilson, was a surgeon in the British navy and saw service in the Crimean War. He died when the subject of this biography was but ten years old. After his death his widow, Sarah Jane Cleaver, daughter of a prominent woolen goods manufacturer and former mayor of Northampton, came to Newburgh, where an older son, Dr. Henry Wilson, was established in the practice of medicine. Other relatives lived in New York and the New England States. She died here in 1894, leaving, besides the two sons mentioned, two daughters, Kathryn and Maude, both of whom are married and live in New York City.
Young Wilson evinced an early aptitude for literary work, and having completed his education, frequently contributed to the News, which about that time was started by its founder.
In 1896 a company was organized to conduct the News. Mr. Wilson was one of the incorporators and directors, and at the meeting of the board of directors was chosen secretary and treasurer. Mr. Keefe was elected president. On the latter's death, in 1901, Mr. Wilson succeeded to the presidency of the company. He immediately set on foot plans for the enlargement of the paper and the betterment of its mechanical equipment. One of these was the introduction of typesetting machines. Next the large double brick building, Nos. 40 and 42 Grand street, was purchased and remodeled into an up-to-date newspaper and printing plant at an outlay for alterations alone exceeding $15,000. A perfecting press (the first in the city) was installed therein, and the building was equipped with every known contrivance to facilitate the work of production of a modern newspaper. The plant and equipment to-day represent an investment of over $100,000, and the home of the News is regarded as one of the most complete and handsome newspaper establishments in the State. Simultaneously with the removal of the News to its new home (in the spring of 1902), Mr. Wilson changed the appearance of the paper by discarding the old-fashioned nine-column "blanket" sheet for the modern seven-column folio form—an innovation at that time for small city dailies, but now generally in vogue. The history of the paper under his direction has been one of evolution, progress and marked success.
Besides being a fluent and forceful writer, Mr. Wilson possesses rare business tact and executive ability—a combination seldom found in newspaper men.
He is a moving spirit in all that makes for the welfare and growth of Newburgh and is an earnest advocate both through his paper and orally, of progress and enterprise in municipal matters. He is actively identified with the work of the Business Men's Association for a "greater Newburgh," and is the chairman of the committee which has in hand the arrangements for Newburgh's part in the celebration of the tercentenary of the discovery of the Hudson River and the centennial of the navigation of its waters by Robert Fulton's Clermont, to be held in September, 1909.
Mr. Wilson early displayed a liking for politics, his first inclination in that direction finding vent in the organization of a juvenile "Tippecanoe Club," which participated in the local parades of the Harrison campaign of 1888. Later he took part in the organization of a club of young voters known as the Union League Club. The one hundred and fifty members unanimously elected him president.
He has always been an admirer and earnest supporter of former Governor Odell. He was a delegate to the State convention at Saratoga in 1900, when Mr. Odell was first nominated for the governorship, and again in 1902, when he was renominated. He was also a delegate to the convention of 1904, which nominated Higgins, and to that of 1906, when Governor Hughes was nominated. He has himself never desired or held public office, but has been a factor in putting many of his friends in elective and appointive positions of trust.
Mr. Wilson enlisted in the Tenth Separate Company at the age of eighteen and served six years. He volunteered to return to the ranks at the outbreak of the Spanish-American War and was offered a commission, but the company was not ordered to the front.
He is active in social as well as business life, being a member of the Powelton Club, City Club and Newburgh Wheelmen, the Old Orchard Club of Middletown, and the Press Club and Republican Club of New York. He is a past exalted ruler of Newburgh Lodge of Elks; a member of Continental Lodge No. 287, F. and A. M.; Jerusalem Chapter No. 8, R. A. M.; Palestine Commandery No. 18, K. T.; New York Consistory, Scottish Rite, 32nd deg; Mecca Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; president of the Wilbur H. Weston Shriners' Association; president of the Newburgh Automobile Club, and a member of the New York State and American Automobile Associations.
Mr. Wilson resides in a handsome residence owned by him at 268 Liberty street, Newburgh.
RUTTENBER, J. W. F.—The editor of the Newburgh Telegram is J. W. F. Ruttenber, who was born at Newburgh, N. Y., December 14, 1857. After receiving a good education in the public schools of his native city, he became associated in business for several years with his father, E. M. Ruttenber. Subsequently he embarked in several newspaper ventures, and finally started the Newburgh Sunday Telegram in 1889. This is a non-partisan paper, and is especially devoted to local events and local characters, in the discussion of which a full opportunity is afforded the editor for the exercise of that wit and caustic humor, with which he is well equipped. The Telegram was a success financially from the start and has now developed into a very valuable newspaper plant.
In Middletown the Times-Press has as editor John D. Stivers; as editorial writer Alexander W. Russell, and as city editor Melvin W. Brown. On the Argus the editor is A. B. Macardell, ably assisted by Henry P. Powers and Horace A. MacGowan as city editors. The Signs of the Times is published by Gilbert Beebe's Son, with Elders F. A. Chick and H. C. Ker as editors.
On the Port Jervis Union is Fred R. Salmon, business manager; Merritt C. Speidel, assistant and formerly city editor; W. T. Doty as editor, and Albert L. Stage, city editor. On the Gazette is Evi Shimer, business manager; William H. Nearpass, editor; Mark V. Richards, city editor, and James Skellinger, assistant. The New York Farmer is edited by Henry A. Van Fredenberg.
In Goshen Frank Drake is editor and manager of the oldest newspaper in Orange County, the Independent Republican; and George F. Gregg, the editor and manager of the next oldest paper, the Goshen Democrat.
At Warwick the Advertiser's business manager and editor is Hiram Tate; while the Valley Dispatch has George F. Ketchum as editor and business manager.
At Montgomery the old Standard and Reporter has Lyman Taft as editor and proprietor, with Charles H. Miller as associate editor.
The Walden Herald's editor and proprietor is Ward Winfield; and the Citizen has a clergyman editor and publisher in the Rev. J. H. Reid.
At Cornwall-on-Hudson is the Local-Press, with L. G. Goodenough editor and proprietor.
The Pine Bush Herald's editor and proprietor is George W. Jamison, a former school teacher and an educated man and good writer.
Monroe has the Ramapo Valley Gazette (started March, 1908), with J. B. Gregory as publisher and proprietor.
The Orange County Record at Washingtonville has Montanye Rightmyer as editor and manager.
JUST A FEW REFLECTIONS.
Inspecting the field of Orange County journalism one sees the Glebe strewn with wrecks of ambitious effort, and sympathy goes out to the disappointed strugglers, they of tattered aims and ambitions; of immolated hopes and desires.
Looking at the files and samples of the papers of to-day and the relics of early journalism in Orange County, one's pride over progress in certain lines is mixed with humiliation. The old papers were printed with artistic ideals. The type was neat, the page was pleasing to the eye, and the printer showed evidence of intelligence. Words were divided at the ends of lines with some idea of method and reason; the break-lines were made neat. The old-time compositor who would have divided "campaign" on the "p" and run "aign" over, or worse yet, made a break-line of "ed," "ly," or a single or even two numerals, would have been laughed out of the office by his companions. The writer will never forget an incident in his own very early career at the "case," when he divided "Messrs," running the "srs." over into the next line. It was a long time before he heard the last of that break, and it was never repeated. To-day one sees all sorts of divisions—anywhere, everywhere; it matters not whether it is on the vowel or the syllable or between—it all goes. The outrage on neatness of a single numeral making a full break-line is no longer confined to the "blacksmith" who was aiming to gel a "phat line," but is seen in the work turned out from the marvelous Mergenthaler Linotype, the excuse being that it "takes too much time" to space and adjust the line neatly. This same excuse is given for a lot of other abominations—really intolerable and vexatious—that one sees in the machine-set newspaper. Really, if modern mechanical appliances are sweeping the "art preservative" back to the most crude and primitive specimens of workmanship, there is cause for deep regret. Neatness should go hand in hand with improved methods and aids.
The old-time newspaper was not a hand-bill. It was a model of taste and neatness. The idea of the average editor, publisher and printer today seems to be how he can make his paper the most hideous to the eye, and to the aesthetic senses. Big, black type for headlines, and glaring, sensational, spectacular, flaring "big heads" are the order of the day.
Compare these modern newspapers with almost any of those printed one hundred, fifty, forty, thirty years ago. The contrast is so markedly in favor of the papers printed under the old regime that one who really loves the art is disgusted with modern printers and printing as applied to newspapers.
This criticism, it should be borne in mind, is made with reference to newspapers, and not of "job work." The man who is getting out bill-heads, letter-heads, etc., is constantly striving for neatness, and his work is a great advance over that done by his predecessors in the "job department." This is as it should be.
The modern job printer is an artist; the modern newspaper printer a botch. The printer may blame the editor or publisher, but that does not excuse his vile distortions and caricatures on the art. The publisher or editor may blame the "popular demand" for his efforts to cater to the sensational and hideous; but that does not help the matter any, nor does it tend to elevate the art of newspaper printing.
Journalism, indeed, seems to have fallen, or wandered, into dangerous or demoralizing ways. This, also, is laid at the door of "popular demand," etc. The old-time editor had a personality, and this he infused into the columns of his paper. He was not always right, of course, but the general tendency of such journalism was to breed a spirit of independence, of character, of research. The consensus thus evolved by the masses was wholesome.
To-day the editor is a mere machine. His individuality is suppressed, and the effort is to keep him entirely under the thumb and rack-screw of the publisher, who manipulates the finances, the "business" end of the concern. This publisher generally gets his "cue" from his banker, who may be his backer, and, who, at any rate, sets the pace for editorials, news—and in fact the whole tone of the paper. In all this there is concert. From some great business center the word goes out, and the newspapers catch up the echo. In this way the individual, the great personality that once made the newspaper a power for good, is lost; instead, the press has become a mob—the most dangerous mob that ever existed, for it comes in the guise of instruction, of morals, of culture, of learning. Thus masquerading, journalism to-day is fast lapsing—or rather plunging—into a vortex that is positively appalling in its aspects. How and when the remedy will come is of grave concern. The mob may, in sheer desperation, rend itself, commit hari-kari; or it may go on until in frenzy, the long-deluded and outraged populace shall rise and revolutionize newspaperdom.
The earliest authentic record of masonry in New York, or in fact in the American colonies, is the deputation appointing Daniel Coxe, of New Jersey, to be provincial grand master of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, signed by the Duke of Norfolk, grand master of the grand lodge of England, and dated "this fifth day of June, 1730, and of Masonry 5730."
From that date and until 1781 there were five different masonic deputations granted to provincial grand masters for New York, by the grand lodge of England.
During this period there were two provincial grand lodges in the State of New York, organized at different periods by authority of rival grand lodges in England, which were termed the "Moderns" and "Ancients."
In 1813 these two grand bodies united into what is now the "United Grand Lodge of England."
The provincial grand lodge authorized by the Atholl warrant, dated September 5, 1781, existed from December 5, 1782, to September 19, 1783. when the British troops evacuated New York City, and as the grand lodge was essentially a royalist institution, and a majority of its officers and members were connected with the evacuating army, the brethren were in a quandary, the solution of which we find in the minutes of a grand lodge of emergency, held on the nineteenth of September, 1783, when "The propriety of leaving the grand warrant by which this lodge is established in the province of New York, being fully discussed, it was resolved, that the same should be left and remain in the care of such brethren as may hereafter be appointed to succeed the present grand officers, the most of whom being under the necessity of leaving New York upon the removal of his majesty's troops."
This necessitated the election of a complete new set of officers, which was immediately done.
The lodges throughout the State, which had received charters from the "Modern" provincial grand lodge, in the interim between the dissolution of that body and the organization of the "Ancient" Provincial grand lodge had pursued an independent existence and naturally under their existing conditions, were loath to surrender their warrants to the new body; therefore, it was a number of years before all the lodges were brought under the control of the new grand lodge.
This provincial grand lodge, so far as existing records show, made no returns to the parent grand body, and in all matters acted as an independent grand lodge.
This state of affairs caused some of the lodges to question the legality of its proceedings, and the propriety of paying grand lodge dues.
This question was settled for all time on the sixth of June, 1787, by the grand lodge adopting the report of a committee which reported: "Your committee appointed at the last quarterly communication, in consequence of certain resolutions of St. John's lodge, respecting the warrant under which the grand lodge is established, report their opinion as follows, viz.: That the grand lodge of this State is established, according to ancient and universal usages of masonry, upon a constitution formed by the representatives of the regular lodges, convened under a legal warrant from the grand lodge of England, dated the fifth day of September, in the year of masonry five thousand seven hundred and eighty-one, the most noble Prince John the Third, Duke of Atholl, being the then grand master, and your committee further beg leave to report that, in their opinion, nothing is necessary or essential in the future proceedings of the grand lodge upon the subject matter referred to them, but that a committee be appointed to prepare a draft of the style of warrant to be hereafter granted by the grand lodge, conformable to the said constitution. All of which is, nevertheless, most respectfully submitted to the wisdom of the most worshipful grand lodge." In this manner the grand lodge declared itself an independent grand body, supreme within its own jurisdiction. The date of transition of the grand lodge from a provincial to an independent State masonic organization might be a subject of difference of opinion, but the grand lodge, however, numbers its annual communications from the earlier date, viz., 1781, under the charter issued by the "Ancients."
The grand lodge of the State of New York, under this charter, guarantees certain rights and privileges to 775 masonic lodges having a membership (December 31, 1906), of 146,026 master masons.
At different times the grand lodge has been disrupted by internal strife and schisms which continued several years, but since June, 1858, peace and harmony have prevailed among the fraternity.
The severest trial that freemasonry has had to endure was the anti-masonic crusade that began in 1826, which assailed the fraternity throughout the land and resulted in many of the lodges having their charters forfeited.
A political party was founded at the time on prejudice and hatred. Politicians mounted the whirlwind, and rode into power on the storm. Fanatics in the forum, at the bar and in the pulpit inflamed the passions of men and aroused the bitterest enmity against freemasonry. Men of the highest social and masonic standing were threatened with political ostracism; to be a mason was to be an object of suspicion and often of persecution; the lodge rooms were deserted, charters were surrendered, and the craft became disheartened at the situation. Some members of the fraternity openly declared their withdrawal and were known as "seceding masons" in the community. After ten years of bitter feeling and hatred against the society of Free and Accepted Masons, the storm of persecution began to subside; the calmer and better judgment of men prevailed; the craft took courage and masonic lodges again opened their doors and resumed labor. In 1840 there was not a masonic lodge in Orange County.
It would appear from the meager information given in the proceedings of grand lodge or in the minutes of subordinate lodges in the early days that the brethren were imbued with the idea that the very existence of the fraternity depended upon shrouding with great secrecy their every act and surroundings, consequently very few details can be gathered concerning matters that would make history.
Steuben Lodge, No. 18.—The first mention of a masonic lodge in Orange County is found in the proceedings of grand lodge on the fourth of June, 1788, where we find this minute: "A petition from F. A. Morris and nine others praying for a warrant to hold a lodge at Newburgh, under the name of Steuben. Granted."
The charter was issued to Ebenezer Foote, master; Francis Anderson Morris, senior warden, and Peter Nestell, junior warden, and was dated September 27, 1788. It was signed by Robert R. Livingston, grand master; Richard Harrison, deputy grand master, and Jacob Morton, grand secretary. Baron de Steuben was an honorary member of the lodge. The minutes embrace the period between the thirteenth of November, 1788, and the twenty-seventh of December, 1792. Doubtless the charter was surrendered soon after 1800, as at the communication of grand lodge of that year report was made of the irregularities that prevailed in Steuben lodge. This lodge is among the number whose charter cannot be revived by resolution of grand lodge.
The charter and minute book of Steuben Lodge, No. 18, are in the keeping of Hudson River Lodge, No. 607, as custodian.
St. John's Lodge, No. 21.—Subsequent to the disbandment of the troops in the war of the Revolution the warrant of St. John's regimental lodge—the first military lodge warranted by New York or any provincial masonic power—was taken by some of its members to Clark's Town, in the county of Orange, and here it remained until interest was revived in masonry by some of its officers in 1784, who came at that time under the jurisdiction of the grand lodge.
Lodge meetings were held under this warrant at Warwick as well as at Clark's Town, when on the twenty-third of December, 1789, a petition signed by John Smith, David Miller and Thomas Wing, was made to grand lodge stating that they were the presiding officers of a lodge now held at Warwick, working under an old warrant and known by the name of St. John's Lodge, and formerly held at Clark's Town, and praying that, as the warrant properly belonged to the brethren at Clark's Town, "a new warrant be issued to them as officers of a lodge to be held in the county of Orange, on the west side of the mountain, by the name of St. John's Lodge." The petition was granted and the warrant dated the twenty-sixth March, 1790. On December 4, 1793, the proxy of St. John's Lodge stated to grand lodge the low condition of the funds and offered as a compromise for the amount due the grand lodge the sum of 10 pounds, which was accepted.
The lodge was represented by proxy in grand lodge as late as 1802, but does not appear thereafter until June 4, 1819, when "the numerical designation of St. John's Lodge, No. 19, held at Warwick, was changed to No. 18." On June 12, 1822, "all lodges in arrears for dues for three years and upwards were summoned to show cause why their warrants should not be surrendered," and among the number was St. John's, No. 18. The charter was declared forfeited on the eighth of June, 1832, by grand lodge.
Orange Lodge, No. 45.—At a meeting of grand lodge held on the second of March, 1796, petitions for warrants were read and among the number was one "for a lodge to be held in the town of Goshen, by the name of Orange Lodge." The warrant was dated April 12, 1796.
The lodge was represented by proxy in the grand lodge at the communication of January 2, 1799, but thereafter we find no mention of it except in the "list of lodges whose charters cannot be revived conformable to resolution of grand lodge adopted on the fourth of June, 1819."
James' Lodge, No. 65. On the 6th of September, 1797, a petition was presented to grand lodge "From Adam I. Doll and others, to hold a lodge in the town of Middletown, county of Ulster, by the name of James' Lodge, and the same was referred to the grand officers." At that time Middletown was embraced in the county of Ulster. The warrant was dated January 6th, 1798, No other information is obtainable concerning this lodge, but it appears as one of the lodges whose charters cannot be revived.
Montgomery Lodge, No. 71. The minutes of grand lodge of December 7th, 1796, read: "The petition of Brother John Schmidt and sundry other brethren, for a warrant to erect and hold a lodge in the town of Montgomery, county of Ulster, with some accompanying papers, were then severally read, and referred to the presiding officers of the grand lodge, with powers to order a warrant to be issued if they find the applicants deserving." The warrant was not issued, however, until the 6th of June, 1798, when the dispensation was returned to grand lodge. The lodge was represented by proxy in grand lodge up to the 4th of March, 1812. The warrant was doubtless forfeited some years later.
Olive Branch Lodge, No. 102. At the communication of grand lodge, held on the 7th of December, 1803, we find this minute: "A similar petition from sundry brethren residing in the town of Minisink, Orange County, praying a warrant for a lodge to be held in said town, to be known by the name of Olive Branch Lodge, was read and referred to the grand officers." The lodge was located in the village of West Town, and its meetings were held on the upper floor of the academy building. On December 4th, 1811, "Olive Branch Lodge, No. 102, prayed that the payment of their dues (to grand lodge) might be postponed until the next year on account of several losses sustained by the lodge the present year, which was granted." The lodge was reported as being in arrears for dues for two years and upwards in 1822. The charter was declared forfeited, June 8, 1832.
Hiram Lodge, No. 131. At the communication of grand lodge, held on the 19th of February, 1806, "A petition from sundry brethren to establish a lodge at Newburgh, by the name of Hiram Lodge, was read and the prayer thereof granted." The first officers of the lodge named in the charter were Jonathan Fisk, master; Charles Baker, senior warden; John R. Drake, junior warden.
General Lafayette was the guest of Hiram Lodge on the occasion of his visit to Newburgh on the 14th of September, 1824.
The charter was surrendered to grand lodge in 1835.
The anti-masonic furor having subsided, the brethren sought to reopen the lodge, and to that end presented a petition to grand lodge that the charter might be restored to them, which was granted in June, 1842, but the number of the lodge was changed to 92. The first officers under the revived charter were Peter F. Hunn, master; Minard Harris, senior warden; James Belknap, junior warden. The last record of the lodge is dated June 16. 1845, and we infer that the charter was soon thereafter surrendered to grand lodge. The charter of Hiram Lodge is now in the keeping of Hudson River Lodge, No. 607, as custodian.
Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 180. A petition was presented to grand lodge to establish: "A lodge in the town of Wallkill, its meetings to be holden at the house of Thomas Everson or others in the said town of Wallkill." A charter was granted under date of December 9th, 1809. Doubtless the lodge was held for some years in private dwellings as on the 2nd of December, 1812, at the communication of grand lodge: "A petition from Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 189, held at Wallkill, Orange County, praying for a remission of dues in consideration of its having built a commodious lodge room, for the expenses of which it was still in arrears, was presented and read, and the prayer of the petitioner refused." Doubtless the lodge at that time was held in the upper room of the school building in the village of Mount Hope, as at a later date masonic emblems, carved in wood, were to be seen in the room then used for school purposes.
Returns were made to grand lodge as from Wallkill, and also, "Return of Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 189, held at Mount Hope, Wallkill, county of Orange, and State of New York." The charter of this lodge was declared forfeited on the 4th of June, 1835.
Corner-Stone Lodge, No. 231. At the communication of grand lodge, held on the 2d of March, 1812, "A petition for a warrant to hold a lodge in the town of Monroe, in the county of Orange, to be called Cornerstone Lodge; recommended by Washington Lodge, No. 220, was read and granted." The warrant was dated May 26, 1814. This lodge is among the number in arrears for dues for two years and upwards on the 24th of June, 1822. The charter was declared forfeited on the 24th of June, 1832.
Jerusalem Temple Lodge, No. 247. At the communication of grand lodge, held on the 6th of September, 1815: "A petition from a number of the brethren to hold a lodge in the town of Cornwall, in the county of Orange, to be called Jerusalem Temple Lodge; recommended by Hiram Lodge, No. 131, was read and granted."
The lodge was constituted at the house of Ebenezer Crissey, in the village of Canterbury on the 5th of October of the same year; James B. Reynolds, master of Hiram Lodge, No. 131, performed the ceremony. The first officers named in the charter were Wyatt Carr, master; Abraham Mead, senior warden; Southerland Moore, junior warden. The charter was declared forfeited June 8th, 1832.
Washington Lodge, No. 220. This lodge was located at Blooming Grove. The charter was dated June 10th, 1813. No record of its work is extant, but it was one of those lodges that went down in the anti-masonic period, and its charter was declared forfeited by grand lodge on the 5th of June, 1834.
Lawrence Lodge, No. 230. On the 1st of December, 1812, the proceedings of grand lodge read: "A petition for a warrant to hold a lodge at Ward's Bridge, in the county of Orange, to be called Lawrence Lodge, recommended by Hiram Lodge, No. 131," was read and granted.
Ward's Bridge was afterwards known as Montgomery. The lodge was doubtless named in honor of the gallant Captain James Lawrence, who, being mortally wounded in the engagement with the Shannon, uttered: "Don't give up the ship!" which have become household words in this country. The lodge was reported as inoperative on the 4th of June, 1819.
Hoffman Lodge, No. 300. At the communication of grand lodge on the 4th of March, 1818, the grand secretary stated that a warrant had been issued "on the 3d of December, 1817, to John Kirby, Stacey Beecher and Isaac Otis, to hold a lodge at Wallkill, in the county of Orange, by the name of Hoffman Lodge, No. 300." The lodge held its meetings in the house of Isaac Otis, at Mechanicstown, which at that time was a more pretentious place than Middletown. The lodge was named in honor of Martin Hoffman who was grand master of the (city) grand lodge during 1823, 1824 and 1825. He presented the lodge with a copy of the Holy Bible which is still in use by Hoffman Lodge, No. 412. The charter of this lodge was declared forfeited by grand lodge on the 7th of June. 1833.
Union Lodge, No. 309. The minutes of grand lodge under date of July 9, 1828, read: "A dispensation granted by the Rt. Worshipful Richard Hatfield, late D. G. M., to hold a lodge in the town of Montgomery, county of Orange, by the name and style of Union Lodge, recommended by Hiram Lodge, No. 131, at Newburgh, was presented, whereupon the grand secretary was ordered to issue a warrant appointing William Williamson, the first master, Daniel Cozens, the first senior warden and Samuel Bookstaver, the first junior warden."
It is rather remarkable that in the midst of the anti-masonic excitement a new masonic lodge should have been established in that locality, but it did not long continue, as we note that the charter was declared forfeited on the 4th of June, 1835.
Mount William Lodge, No. 762. A charter was granted by grand lodge on the 4th of June, 1875. to hold a lodge at Port Jervis, to be known as Mount William Lodge, No. 762. From the report of the district deputy we find that the reason given for surrendering the charter was that the numerous societies in that village was a hindrance to increasing its membership. The warrant was surrendered to grand lodge on the 20th of June, 1882.
The lodges above enumerated have all ceased to exist, and their records, with few exceptions, have been lost. In some instances the charters have been given to lodges that have since been organized in the same locality and they are prized for the association connected with them.
The thirteenth masonic district, as now formed, embraces the counties of Orange and Rockland, and contains sixteen masonic lodges within its jurisdiction. The county of Orange has ten masonic lodges within its borders, and it is with these we now have to do.
Newburgh Lodge, No. 309.—This lodge is located at Newburgh. The charter is dated June 11th, 1853, and was issued to John Gray, master; Andrew Lawson, senior warden, and Henry O. Heustis, junior warden. The lodge held its communications in a building situated on the southwest corner of Front and Third streets, known as Crawford's Hall, from the 28th of July, 1853, at which date the hall was dedicated to masonic purposes. Here it continued until the 24th of June, 1863, when it was moved to the new building erected on the northwest corner of Colden street and Western avenue—afterwards known as Broadway. In this hall all the masonic bodies in Newburgh met for the succeeding twenty-five years. These quarters becoming inadequate for the membership, a lease of the two upper floors in the new Academy of Music, situated on the northwest corner of Broadway and Grand street, was secured. This hall was dedicated on the 11th of September, 1888. The membership of Newburgh Lodge on the 1st of June, 1907, was 370 master masons. The officers were Charles B. Gilchrist, master; Thomas George Courtney, senior warden; Peter Cantline, junior warden; James D. McGiffert, secretary.
Port Jervis Lodge, No. 328.—This lodge is located at Port Jervis. The charter is dated June 30th, 1854, and was issued to Alfred Barkley, master; John M. Heller, senior warden; and O. H. Mott, junior warden. William H. Stewart was the first secretary.
The membership of Port Jervis Lodge on the 1st of June, 1907, was 252 master masons. The officers were Jacob Miller, master; Fred Terwilliger, senior warden; L. C. Senger, Jr., junior warden; Emmet A. Browne, secretary.
Goshen Lodge, No. 365.—This lodge is located at Goshen. The charter is dated June 26th, 1855, and was issued to Alvin Pease, master; Charles Monell, senior warden; and Elias Peck, junior warden. Benjamin C. Jackson was the first secretary. The membership of Goshen Lodge on the 1st of June, 1907, was 107 master masons. The officers were John F. Halstead, master; William N. Hoffman, senior warden; Charles H. Thompson, junior warden; George Mullenix, secretary.
Hoffman Lodge, No. 412.—This lodge is located at Middletown. The charter is dated June 16th, 1857, and was issued to Alexander Wilson, master; Silas R. Martine, senior warden, and Daniel C. Dusenberry, junior warden. E. B. Graham was the first secretary. The membership of Hoffman Lodge on the 1st of June, 1907, was 487 master masons. The officers were Nathan D. Mills, master; John H. Galloway, senior warden; Burton L. LaMonte, junior warden; Isaac B. A. Taylor, secretary.
Warwick Lodge, No. 514.—This lodge is located at Warwick. The charter is dated July 19, 1864, and was issued to E. M. Smith, master; Benjamin Corwin, senior warden; Charles W. Douglass, junior warden. John N. Wood was the first secretary. The membership of Warwick Lodge on the 1st of June, 1907, was ninety-eight master masons. The officers were Calvin C. Crawford, master: Frank Holbert, senior warden; John Mullinbrink, junior warden; Harry Vail, secretary.
Hudson River Lodge, No. 607.—This lodge is located at Newburgh. The charter is dated July 12th, 1866, and was issued to David A. Scott, master; G. Frederick Wiltsie, senior warden; Samuel Stanton, junior warden. John Alsdorf was the first secretary. The membership of Hudson River Lodge on the 1st of June, 1907 was 415 master masons. The officers were Milton D. Seymour, master; Walter S. Carvey, senior warden; Cyrus J. Johnston, junior warden; Charles H. Halstead, secretary.
Wallkill Lodge, No. 627.—This lodge is located at Walden. The charter is dated June 24, 1867, and was issued to Hugh B. Bull, master; Constant W. Wadsworth, senior warden; and Robert Young, junior warden. W. J. Welsh was the first secretary. The lodge was instituted at Montgomery, but by permission of grand lodge, under date of June 7th, 1878, was moved to Walden. The membership of Wallkill Lodge on the 1st of June, 1907, was 159 master masons. The officers were George L. Sharp, master; Benjamin S. French, senior warden; Edgar C. Mullen, junior warden; Charles K. Holden, secretary.
Standard Lodge, No. 711.—This lodge is located at Monroe. The charter is dated July 27, 1871, and was issued to John F. Mackie, master; Nicholas Demerest, senior warden, and Thomas H. Bryan, junior warden. Ezra T. Jackson was the first secretary. The lodge was instituted at Chester, but held its meetings at East Chester. As many of the members resided in the vicinity of Monroe a petition was made to grand lodge that the lodge might be moved to that village, which was done by dispensation the 8th of February, 1884. The membership of Standard Lodge on the 1st of June, 1907, was 200 master masons. The officers were Edward D. Woodhull, master; Charles N. Walton, senior warden; Bernard W. Tench, junior warden; Stacy Gaunt, secretary.
Jerusalem Temple Lodge, No. 721.—This lodge is located at Cornwall-on-Hudson. The charter is dated June 14th, 1872, and was issued to Charles McClean, master; Gustavus H. Black, senior warden; and Henry Rodermond, junior warden. Charles C. Van Duzer was the first secretary. The lodge was instituted in the village of Canterbury, where meetings were held until September, 1883, when it was moved to Cornwall-on-Hudson. The membership of Jerusalem Temple Lodge on the 1st of June, 1907, was seventy master masons. The officers were Harvey A. Call, master; Arthur H. Walker, senior warden; Walter S. Babcock, junior warden; John M. Noe, secretary.
Lorillard Lodge, No. 858.—This lodge is located at Tuxedo. The charter was granted by grand lodge on the 9th of May, 1907. The lodge was instituted on the 4th of June, 1907. The membership of Lorillard Lodge on the 1st of June, 1907, was fifty master masons. The officers were Charles W. Cooley, master; Edwin C. Rushmore, senior warden; Newton D. Phillips, junior warden; John J. Strudwik, secretary.
The early history of the grand chapter of Royal Arch Masons in the State of New York is so obscure that but little information concerning its subordinates is obtainable.
It is a well established fact, however, that the Royal Arch degree was conferred in the State of New York under lodge charters prior to the formation of the grand chapter of New York in 1798. On the 14th of March, 1798, five chapters organized and established a deputy grand chapter subordinate to the grand chapter of the Northern States for the State of New York.
Companion DeWitt Clinton was elected deputy grand high priest. The prefix "deputy" was dropped in 1799, and thereafter they were designated "grand chapters." At one period mark lodges were a distinct organization yet subject to, and received authority from, the grand chapter. The degree of mark master is now conferred in a chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and the charters of mark lodges in this State have been surrendered to the grand chapter. But two mark lodges are known to have been organized in the county of Orange.
Orange Mark Lodge, No. 57.—This lodge was located at Goshen. A charter was granted on the 8th of February, 1809, to William Elliott, William A. Thompson and Edward Ely.
Hiram Mark Lodge, No. 7.—This lodge was located at Newburgh. A charter was granted on the 3d of February, 1813, to Sylvanus Jessup, James Williams, and George Gordon.
Orange Chapter, No. 33.—This chapter of Royal Arch Masons was located at Minisink. A charter was granted on the 6th of February, 1812, to Uriah Hulse, James D. Wadsworth and Malcomb Campbell.
Jerusalem Temple Chapter, No. 52.—At the annual convocation of grand chapter, held on the 6th of February, 1817, a charter was granted: "To Comps. James Reynolds, William Ross and William P. Lott, to hold a chapter at Newburgh, county of Orange, by the name of Jerusalem Temple Chapter, No. 52." The last written record of a convocation is dated May 1st, 1828. The seal, record book and ledger of Jerusalem Temple Chapter are now in possession of Highland Chapter, No. 52, Newburgh, N. Y.
The charters of these organizations have either been surrendered or forfeited, as they are no longer in existence.
There are but three chapters of Royal Arch Masons at present located in Orange County.
Highland Chapter, No. 52.—This chapter is located at Newburgh. At the annual convocation of grand chapter held on the 3d of February, 1864, "A warrant was granted to Comp. John P. Stanbrough, high priest; Comp. Joseph H. H. Chapman, king; Comp. George C. Pennell, scribe, and others, to hold a chapter at Newburgh, to be known as Highland Chapter, No. 52." In the application for a warrant the request was made that the old number affixed to Jerusalem Temple Chapter, "52," be assigned to the new chapter, and the request was granted. The membership of Highland Chapter on the 1st of June, 1907, was 340 Royal Arch Masons. The officers were James D. McGiffert, high priest; William D. Traphagen, king; John T. Swann, scribe: Charles H. Halstead, secretary.
Neversink Chapter. No. 186.—This chapter is located at Port Jervis. The officers named in the charter, dated February 8th, 1865, were Philip Lee, high priest; Charles W. Douglas, king; Lewis L. Adams, scribe. The chapter was instituted on the 16th of March, 1865. The membership of Neversink Chapter on the 1st of June, 1907, was sixty-six Royal Arch Masons. The officers were S. G. McDonald, high priest; Jacob Miller, king; John Stoll, Jr., scribe; Herbert Senger, secretary.
Midland Chapter, No. 240.—This chapter is located at Middletown. The charter is dated February 3d, 1870, and was issued to Alexander Wilson, high priest; Elisha P. Wheeler, king; Moses D. Stivers, scribe. The first secretary was George H. Decker. The membership of Midland Chapter on the 1st of June, 1907, was 170 Royal Arch Masons. The officers were Charles V. Pedmore, high priest; William L. Mitchell, king; Frank H. Finn, scribe; John A. Wallace, secretary.
The commencement of the Templar Order in New York is involved in great obscurity; yet there were several bodies, having no authority whatever, which were organized at an early date. The grand encampment (commandery) of New York was formed on the 22d of January, 1814, by the sovereign grand consistory, which decreed the establishment of the grand encampment of Sir Knights Templars and appendant orders for the State of New York, and immediately proceeded to elect officers who were all members of said consistory. In 1816 a warrant was granted to Columbia Commandery in New York City; and a warrant on the same day was issued to a new commandery in New Orleans.
The numerous encampments of Knights Templar existing in the State at that time were self-created bodies, governed by their own private laws, acknowledging no superior authority, because, in fact, none heretofore existed.
The grand encampment of New York by its representatives assisted in forming the general grand encampment of the United States of America on the 11th of December, 1820.
There are but three commanderies of Knights Templar in the county of Orange.
Hudson River Commandery, No. 35.—This commandery is located at Newburgh. The charter is dated September 27, 1865, and was issued to Hugh McCutcheon, eminent commander; Lendon S. Straw, generalissimo; Isaac C. Chapman, captain general. The membership on the 1st of June, 1907, was 295 sir knights. The officers were Samuel F. Brown, eminent commander; Harry L. Barnum, generalissimo; Charles J. Stones, captain general; Sylvester W. Holdredge, recorder.
Delaware Commandery. No 44.—This commandery is located at Port Jervis. The charter is dated October 6th, 1869, and was issued to Charles B. Gray, eminent commander; Joseph W. Weed, generalissimo; Abraham Kirkman, captain general. Charles T. Branch was the first recorder. The membership on the 1st of June, 1907, was eighty-one sir knights. The officers were Theodore Mackrell, eminent commander; John Stoll, Jr., generalissimo; Harry J. Pippitt, captain general; Lewis C. Seager, recorder.
Cyprus Commandery, No. 67.—This commandery is located at Middletown. The charter is dated October 5th, 1904, and was issued to Charles Reeve Smith, eminent commander; Ira Lee Case, generalissimo; Frank Olin Tompkins, captain general. Isaac B. A. Taylor was the first recorder. The membership on the 1st of June, 1907, was 114 sir knights. The officers were Charles Chester Bogart, eminent commander; Charles Wesley Rodgers, generalissimo; Ames Everett Mclntyre, captain general; Isaac B. A. Taylor, recorder.
Cryptic Masonry has been recognized as a part of the American system of freemasonry in the State of New York since 1807, when a grand council of Royal and Select Masters was duly organized.
This branch of freemasonry has never been popular with the craft in this State, as the degrees, of which there are three, conferred in a council, have not been made prerequisite to admission to a commandery of Knights Templar, although several attempts have been made to that end.
King Solomon Council, No. 31.—This council is at this date located at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. On the 10th of December, 1867, a council of Royal and Select Masters was opened under dispensation at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., which was known as "Union Council." The first officers were E. H. Parker, T. I. M.; G. Fred Wiltsie, R. I. M.; A. B. Smith, P. C. W. At the annual assembly of the grand council, held on the 4th of February, 1868, a warrant was issued, and the name changed to King Solomon Council, No. 31, and the jurisdiction extended to include the city of Newburgh, N. Y. King Solomon Council held stated assemblies at Newburgh from the 18th of March, 1869, to the 8th of December, 1879, when it was deemed for the interest of the organization that it be removed to Poughkeepsie, where it holds assemblies at the call of the thrice illustrious master.
The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite was introduced in the State of New York in 1813, by the formation, in the city of New York, of a supreme council for the northern jurisdiction. For some time previous a lodge of perfection of this rite existed at Albany, N. Y.
Adouai Lodge of Perfection, located at Newburgh, N. Y., was granted a charter in September, 1873. The lodge conferred the degrees from the fourth to the fourteenth inclusive. In 1880 the lodge ceased to meet, but the charter was not surrendered, being held in abeyance subject to the action of the members in this locality.
What is known as the American Adoptive Rite, called the "Order of the Eastern Star," was created by Robert Morris, a distinguished Freemason. It sought to provide an organization that would be of benefit to the wives, mothers, sisters and daughters of master masons by introducing signs, grips and pass-word that would be recognized by the craft generally. For a time it was a popular institution, then came a season of depression, until finally the degrees were rewritten and the ritual made less complex. While this order has not been recognized in this State as a masonic body by the grand lodge, still it does receive recognition and support from a large number of the craft who feel that it is a valuable adjunct to freemasonry.
The grand chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star was organized thirty-eight years ago. There are at this date over 350 subordinate chapters in the State, embracing a membership of over 26,000. There are five chapters in Orange County.
Orange Chapter. No. 33, is located at Port Jervis; Queen Esther Chapter, No. 163, is located at Middletown; Hawthorne Chapter, No. 163, is located at Monroe; A. J. Moor Chapter, No. 398, is located at Goshen. At this date (June, 1907), these chapters are in a flourishing condition.
The lay of the land in Orange County, hills and valleys, with the farms divided in such a manner that each one has a proportion of high uplands, as well as low meadows, enables the breeder to tide over wet as well as dry seasons.
If the season is wet for the low meadows, the uplands make luxuriant growth, and in a season of drought the lowland pastures and meadows can be depended upon for a good supply. The writer has farmed forty-two years at his home farm and there has never been a season when grass has really failed for animals at pasture or for hay making.
In seeding land in Orange County, timothy, red-top and the clovers have been the principal seeds used in the past. In time these run out, giving way to grasses that appear natural to this section, viz., June grass, white clover and Seneca grass. These varieties start growing early and continue late, thus making the pasturing season a long one. Cut for hay, the quantity of the latter is not equal to that first mentioned, yet the quality is considered far superior.
Orange County being well watered in addition to its abundant supply of the best natural grasses, makes it an ideal horse-breeding section.
Imported Messenger appears to have been the fountain-head of the highest type of the American light harness horse.
Imp. Messenger was in service at Goshen in 1801. Jonas Seely, Sr., of Oxford, had a large strong mare of great endurance known as Black Jin, and this mare bred to Imp. Messenger produced Silver Tail.
In 1814, the son of Imp. Messenger, known as Hambletonian, made the season in Goshen, yet on certain days of each week was taken to Florida for service. Silver Tail was bred to Hambletonian and produced One Eye, the latter a grand animal and fast trotter for her day.
When Imp. Belfounder was in service at Washingtonville, the season of 1832, Josiah Jackson, of Oxford, owned One Eye, and bred her to that horse, producing a mare that was a high-class trotter, and is known as the Charles Kent mare.
The Charles Kent mare had passed through the hands of several owners to Jonas Seely, of Sugar Loaf. On June 5, 1848, he bred her to Abdallah and on May 5, 1849, a bay colt with a small star and white hind ankles, was born.
In the fall of that year the Charles Kent mare and her foal were purchased by Wm. M. Rysdyk, a farmer of Chester.
Mr. Rysdyk was born on a farm between Florida and Goshen. He frequently saw the son of Imp. Messenger (known later as Bishop's Hambletonian), pass his home on trips between the above villages, and, although very young, was so impressed by the rare qualities of the horse, that he chose his name for his own colt, now known as the "great progenitor of trotters," Rysdyk's Hambletonian.
It will be observed that this colt was by Abdallah, a grandson of Imp. Messenger. His grandam was by Bishop's Hambletonian, a son of Imp. Messenger and his great grandam a daughter of Imp. Messenger. The blood of this imported horse had given great results in the localities where he had been in service, and the same was true relative to his descendants, particularly so in the case of his son, Bishop's Hambletonian and his grandson, Abdallah.
Imp. Belfounder's individuality, his beautiful trotting action and strong-inclination to stick to that gait, commanded the admiration of horse lovers. His daughter, the Chas. Kent mare, produced Hambletonian, a daughter of his son, King's Belfounder, produced the race winning trotter Sir Walter, record 2.27, also by Abdallah. Another daughter produced to Cassius M. Clay, Jr., Harry Clay, record 2.29. the greatest of the Clay family as a brood mare sire.
Rysdyk's Hambletonian carried three crosses of Imp. Messenger blood, concentrated in the first four generations. It was this unparalleled wealth of Messenger blood, his rare temperament and individuality, and the fact that Mr. Rysdyk had driven him, the third time harnessed to a sulky, a mile in 2.48, on the Union Course, Long Island, the fall he was three years old, that gave his owner unbounded confidence in the colt's future. This, the breeding public must have shared, as at four years of age he served one hundred and one mares, producing seventy-eight colts at $25.00 each, thus earning for his owner $1,950.
In the late fall of that year two Virginia gentlemen, looking for a stock horse, visited Mr. Rysdyk's place, and after examining Hambletonian, stood ready to buy him at $10,000, yet Mr. Rysdyk would not sell.
How well this confidence in the horse's value was borne out in after years, for as soon as Hambletonian's colts had become two and three years old and were placed on exhibition at the fairs, their high quality, fine general characteristics, superb trotting action and being almost uniform in rich bay colors, won them nearly all the prizes.
At the Orange County Fair, Fall of 1853.
In Show Class.
At the Orange County Fair, September 21st, 22nd, 1858.
In Show Class for Aged Stallions.
| First prize was awarded to Edsall's Hambletonian (Alexander's Abdallah) by Hambletonian | J. S. Edsall |
| Second prize—Washington | J. D. Veruol |
| Third prize—Harry Clay by Cassius M. Clay | J. D. Sayer |
In the Speed Classes for 4 Yr. Old Mares.
| First prize—Lady Howard by Hambletonian. | J. W. Hoyt | Time, 3.02 |
| Second prize—Alida by Hambletonian. | M. F. Ten Eyck | " 3.03 |
Best 5 Yr. Olds.
| First prize—Lady Banker by Hambletonian. | R. Galloway | Time, 2.31 |
| Second prize—Frank Dickerson by Hambletonian. | Geo. Payne | " 2.53-1/2 |
| Third prize—Jenny Hawkins by American Star. | J. J. McNally | " 2.54 |
Best 3 Yr. Old Stallion.
| First prize—Guy Miller by Hambletonian. | R. F. Galloway | Time, 3.00 |
| Second prize—Young Abdallah. | Geo Payne | " 3.24 |
| Third prize—Index. | Seely C. Roe | " 3.26 |
Best 4 Yr. Old Stallion.
| First prize—Hambletonian 2nd (Volunteer) by Hambletonian | Joseph Hetzel | Time, 2.57 |
| Second prize—Abdallah by Hambletonian. | Wm. M. Rysdyk | " 3.04-1/2 |
| Third prize—Tom Thumb (Wild Warrior). | Robt. Carr | " 3.10 |
Best 5 Yr. Old Stallion.
| First prize—Harry Clay by Cassius M. Clay. | J. P. Sayer | Time. 2.56 |
| Second prize—C. M. Clay | C. J. Brown | " 3.14 |
Stallions Free for All.
| First prize—American Star. | Edmund Seely | Time, 2.50 |
| Second prize—Harry Clay by Cassius M. Clay. | J. P. Sayer | " 2.53 |
| Third prize—Edsall's Hambletonian (Alexander's Abdallah) by Hambletonian. | J. S. Edsall | " 2.54 |
Mares Free for All.
| First prize—Mary Hoyt by American Star | J. W. Hoyt | Time, 2.36-1/2 |
| Second prize—Goshen Maid by American Star | Edmund Seely | " 2.44-1/2 |
| Third prize—Lyd by Bolivar. | Amos Ryerson | " 2.52 |
The above summaries show that in every speed class for colts, the get of Hambletonian were the winners and one of the very first of that horse's get, Edsall's Hambletonian (Alexander's Abdallah) in stallion class for show, was awarded first prize.
It is of interest to note that in the class for mares of all ages, Mary Hoyt's record of 2.36-1/2 was the first record performance better than 2.40 on the Goshen track and she was in the hands of the best horseman of his time, J. W. Hoyt. This performance shows the real value of the colt records, they having no track education and no modern appliances such as boots, etc.
Mr. Joseph Hetzel, a farmer near Florida, related to the writer years later, that he had no idea of competing in the speed class with his colt Hambletonian 2nd (Volunteer), and so informed inquirers at Goshen, yet when it was confided to him that it had been said "he dare not," "his Dutch was aroused," he borrowed a skeleton wagon and harness and at his request the judges permitted him to start behind the other entries. Mr. Hetzel made no attempt for the lead until passing the stand the second time when he gave his colt his head, soon obtaining a commanding lead and finishing more than seven seconds ahead of his nearest competitor. Such an ovation as this church deacon and his colt received from an enthusiastic and admiring assemblage is seldom witnessed.
Mr. Hetzel sold his colt soon after to Sheriff Underhill, of Brooklyn, for $2,500. The writer sold his colt, the afternoon of his winning performance at a handsome price. Lady Howard passed to Governor Amsa Sprague, of Rhode Island. In fact, everyone of these colts by Hambletonian was soon sold at good prices, yet none were from trotting-bred mares and but one (Alexander's Abdallah) from a fast trotting mare.
It is particularly interesting to note the summary of the trotting stallions, as American Star and Harry Clay produced the dams of the record breakers of later years.
As illustrative of Hambletonian's great worth (earning capacity), the writer will mention an over-night visit at Mr. Rysdyk's home as early as 1865, the latter part of June. The next morning Mr. Rysdyk drove home behind Lady McClellan to a farm that he had recently purchased for the overflow of stock from his home farm. The new purchase was made from an up-to-date painstaking man, and good buildings and fencings, also fertile fields were in evidence; brood mares and foals and young stock were distributed about in the pastures. Mr. Rysdyk's son, William, had already commenced the hay making of the season's crop. Starting on the drive homeward Mr. Rysdyk inquired, "How do you like the Seely farm, my new purchase?" The writer could only reply in laudatory terms. "Well," said Mr. Rysdyk, "That farm cost me nearly twenty-two thousand dollars and Hambletonian earned the purchase price in three months." The record on file in the county clerk's office in Goshen, gives the seller as Charles B. Seely to Wm. M. Rysdyk. The deed calls for 218 98/100 acres, consideration $21,048, dated April 1, 1865. No world's records had been won by the get of Hambletonian at this time.
George Wilkes, under the name of Robert Eillingham, started in his first race on Long Island, August 1, 1861. He made a record of 2.22 at Providence in a race that he won October 18, 1868, making him the champion trotting stallion of the world. Jay Gould reduced this world's champion stallion record at Buffalo August 7, 1872, to 2.21-1/2. Dexter began trotting May 4, 1864 and at Buffalo, N. Y., on August 14, 1867, became the world's champion by trotting to a record of 2.17-1/4. George Wilkes, Jay Gould and Dexter were sons of Hambletonian, the last two from daughters of American Star.
Added to the marvelous performances of Hambletonian's immediate progeny, those of his sons began to come forward. The daughter of Edsall's Hambletonian (Alexander's Abdallah) Goldsmith Maid, began trotting September 7, 1865, at Goshen, N. Y., and at Mystic Park, Boston, September 2, 1874, reduced the world's record to 2.14.
St. Julian by Volunteer made a world's record of 2.11-1/4 at Hartford, Conn.
These performers attracted great attention and made a demand for the products of the breeding farms at remunerative prices, stock being purchased and taken to almost every section of the United States.
Therow Felter was keeping a summer resort at Greenwood Lake and bred a brown mare to Hambletonian April 22, 1855, the product being George Wilkes, who after his career on the turf, was placed in the stud in Kentucky.
Charles Backman established a breeding farm at Stony Ford about 1865. At this time the blood of American Star and Cassius M. Clay, Jr., particularly that of his son, Harry Clay, was very popular and Mr. Backman stocked his farm with many mares by these great sires. He sold to the Hon. Chas. Stanford, of California, Electioneer, a son of Hambletonian, whose dam was Green Mountain Maid, by Harry Clay; also a small band of brood mares. George Wilkes and Electioneer became great sires and in considering the relative merits of the two families, it is a debatable question which should be placed first. Mr. Backman's farm, Stony Ford, in the matter of brood acres and splendid equipment was unrivaled. The farm turned out race winning and record-breaking youngsters, splendid roadsters, horses celebrated as sires, also brood mares of a high order. Many of the first men of the country, including General U. S. Grant, enjoyed Mr. Backman's hospitality. Stony Ford Stock Farm passed to the ownership of Mr. J. Howard Ford, who, with Austral (winner of the blue ribbon in Madison Square Garden), a progenitor of beauty and extreme speed at the head of a band of choice brood mares, is breeding colts of rare quality.
Samuel Hill, in this locality, followed by his son, Ed. Hill, bred horses in fashionable lines of blood. Jonas Hawkins began breeding to Hambletonian when he bred the McKinstry mare May 16, 1853, producing Shark, record 2.30-1/2, to saddle 2.27-3/4, a winner at one, two and three miles on Long Island tracks. The McKinstry mare produced by American Star, Clara, and on May 8, 1857, Mr. Hawkins bred Clara to Hambletonian, producing the renowned Dexter, record 2.17-1/4. The breeding was continued by Mr. Hawkins's son, Jonathan, who bred Dictator, a wonderful sire and several sisters, also Kearsarge by Volunteer. This family is truly great judged by the recognized test of greatness, extreme speed and race winning qualities.
Alden Goldsmith's Walnut Grove Farm near Washingtonville, became famous as the home of Volunteer, a horse that attained great prominence in the stud. Mr. Goldsmith, with his sons, James and John, showed rare judgment and skill in the selection and development of great turf performers and as professional drivers the sons were at the very top. During the many years that Alden Goldsmith campaigned a stable of trotters on the Grand Circuit, his horses were the grandest in existence and his success was brilliant. In this vicinity were the Brooks, the Moffatts, the Hulses, the Hallocks, the Thompsons, who bred fine horses and profited thereby.
The Mills family of Bullville had been patrons of American Star and when the superiority of the Hambletonian American Star cross was made evident by the performances of Dexter, they were enabled to breed in this fashionable line. Harrison Mills, from Hambletonian and his American Star mare, Emma Mills, produced Independent and Sweepstakes. The former a fine animal that sired speed. The latter a beautifully shaded bay, individually most perfect in action, really a grand horse. Sweepstakes, considering his opportunities was an excellent sire. James M. Mills bred Chosroes, Imperial and Fisk's Hambletonian, all by Hambletonian, the latter from Lady Irwin by American Star. Fisk's Hambletonian became quite noted as a sire in Michigan.
At Middletown, John E. Wood bred many fine horses, the most prominent being Knickerbocker, son of Hambletonian, and Lady Patchen by George M. PatcheN. J. D. Willis, with Harry Clay, 2.29, at the height of his stud career, other fine stallions, and a band of choice brood mares, bred, developed and trained youngsters evidently with pleasure and satisfaction.
At Florida, Jefferson Post bred Middletown by Hambletonian from a mare whose sire, Vivian Grey, was a grandson of the great American Eclipse. Nearby, Joseph Hetzel bred the great Volunteer and his two full brothers. Nathaniel Roe, also of Florida, bred Florida, son of Hambletonian and a daughter of Volunteer, a most excellent sire. Mr. Roe purchased in Kentucky colts, at least three, by famous sons of George Wilkes, and kept them for service at his farm. William Roe, a son, inherited his father's estate and is following the paternal footsteps in horse-breeding.
About Warwick were the Wellings, the Sanfords, the Wisners, and just over the county line in New Jersey were the De Kays and Givens. All breeders of fine horses. At Bellvale was W. H. Wisner, breeder of Woeful.
The Sayer families at Westtown, bred fine horses, Decater Sayer's farm being the center of attraction when that grand individual and phenomenally gaited horse Harry Clay was broken to harness at four years of age and was owned and kept for public service till sold, to Harry Dater and removed to Long Island, May 8, 1862.
At Monroe works, Mr. Peter Townsend, who with his brothers owned the vast Sterling tract with its two blast furnaces (where the great chain that spanned the Hudson River, during the war of the Revolution, was made at his grandfather's Sterling Iron Works), had near his house a farm, "The Old Fields," which was mainly used to breed horses for the pleasure and use of his family. He first had a daughter of American Eclipse, a daughter of Young Engineer (sire of the dam of Gideon). From the latter he bred a pair by Abdallah, also a pair by Hambletonian. Mr. Townsend purchased of Lieutenant General Manry (while Professor of Tactics at West Point), Saline, a thoroughbred mare brought from the latter's home in Virginia, that, bred to Hambletonian, produced Jas. H. Coleman, quite a trotter for his day; and Lord Sterling, that had the thoroughbred finish yet beautiful trotting action; also Young Selene by Guy Miller, that by Iron Duke produced Monroe, 2.27-1/2. A sister, Miss Monroe, was the dam of Fergus McGregor. Young Selene produced by Volunteer, St. Patrick, 2.14-1/2.
In the early morning shadows of Schunnemunk Mountains is "Glen Lea," the charming home of Mr. William Crawford. Here may be found Alto McKinney, by that great sire of race horses of extreme speed, McKinney, 2.11-1/4, dam Cresida, 2.18-1/4 at three years, by Palo Alto, 2.08-1/4, champion trotting stallion of 1901.
At Turner, Thos. Lewis bred Dandy, a daughter of Young Engineer, to Hambletonian, producing Gideon, that sired the dam of the great performer Nelson, also from Dandy and Iron Duke, Silver Duke, 2.28-1/4.
The late Mr. Pierre Lorillard (the only American who has attained the distinction of winning the classic event of the world, the English Derby, with a horse of his own breeding), was a patron of Hambletonian—the youngsters being raised on one of his Tuxedo farms. R. F. Galloway near Turner was a breeder to Abdallah and Hambletonian. Guy Wilkes cost him $500 at three years, at seven years he dealt this horse to E. W. Teakle, receiving the famous Princess, 2.30 and $3,500. Princess had been bred to Hambletonian and the next spring (1863), gave birth to Happy Medium, 2.32-1/2, that in February of 1871, was sold to Robert Steel of Philadelphia, Pa., for $25,000.
Near Newburgh, Mr. Jas. Hasbrouck bred horses, and on his half-mile track, Judge Fullerton, Mountain Boy, Music and others received their harness education and acquired great speed. Mr. Aymar Van Buren, always a horse lover, procured from Wm. M. Rysdyk, Molly, daughter of Long Island Black Hawk and Betsy by Imp. Belfounder, from Hambletonian and Molly, Mr. Van Buren bred Effie Deans, 2.25-1/2 and Lottie, 2.28, placing Molly in the great brood mare list. This was in the seventies and Mr. Van Buren is still breeding and finding pleasure with his horses. Mr. J. A. P. Ramsdell is breeding The Arab, that retains the beautiful type, great courage and endurance of his desert ancestry.
At Goshen in the early days of trotting horses were J. S. Edsall, owner of the famous Alexander's Abdallah, also breeder of Fleetwing (dam of Stamboul. 2.07-1/2). John Minchen, later owned a stock farm at Stony Ford with Young Woeful and Tom Mare for stud service. This John Minchen farm was later purchased by General Benjamin F. Tracy and called Marshland stud. It was stocked with trotters impotent blood: Advertiser, 2.15, sire of the world's fastest yearling trotter, Adbell, 2.23 and others; Lord of the Manor, by Mambrino King "handsomest horse in the world," and Kiosk, a son of Kremlin, champion trotting stallion of 1892. The brood mares were choice and it was a great loss to Orange County when General Tracy discontinued breeding at this farm.
Mr. Geo. S. Wisner bred Samson and other most excellent horses at his farm. Edmund Seely owned American Star, a horse that by his unique, open, stride, great courage, quality of endurance that served him through great hardship to the end of his days, without blemish, made the breeding on qualities of his progeny a wonderful contribution to our American trotters.
Parkway Farm, made one of the real beauty spots of Goshen by the late owner, Senator McCarty, takes the highest rank as a breeding establishment, with the great Joe Patchen (the iron horse), sire of the wonderful horse, Dan Patch and other performers. The form of Joe Patchen is such that his services are sought from every section in this country.
When Mr. E. H. Harriman paid $41,000 for Stamboul to place at the head of his Arden Farms Breeding establishment at Goshen, he became the owner of a champion, whether on the turf or in the show ring. When Elsie S. by Stamboul (bred by Mr. Harriman) defeated Mr. Marcus Daly's Limerick in the $5,000 match race at Goshen, 1898, the joy of Orange County breeders was complete.
Mr. Harriman's patronage has had a wonderful influence in uplifting and popularizing the sport of competition of the light harness horse in Orange County.
For some seventy-five years past the most important crops produced on the Orange County farm has been, and is to-day, milk. This alone exceeds the combined value of all else the farmer produces. All other crops are gathered once a year only, but a new crop of milk is in evidence every day, Sundays and holidays included. Under existing conditions the producer has no difficulty in disposing of all he can make at a market so close at hand that it can be delivered within an hour from the time it is drawn from the cow. Thus it is a continual source of ready and regular revenue.
Prior to 1842 the total, and for many years later a large majority, of the output was turned into butter right at the farmer's home. As a rule the farmer's wife personally attended to churning, working and packing the butter into the tub, all ready to be sent to market.
Orange County butter was a trademark that achieved a wide reputation as denoting an article of superior quality, and the yellow bills issued by the Bank of Orange County were known far and wide as "butter money."
But the Orange County farmer no longer makes such disposition of his milk. To both himself and his wife, butter-making is a lost art. Besides he is no longer a farmer but a "dairyman"' or "milk producer," for his principal business is to supply the market with milk, What farming he does is merely a side issue.
The beginning of these changed conditions dates back to 1842, when the Erie railroad, then hardly out of its swaddling clothes, carried to New York the first consignment of milk that ever reached that city by way of a transportation line.
In 1842 the city of New York contained, approximately, a population of 315,000 and used about 30,000 gallons (3,000 cans, forty quarts each), of milk daily. A large proportion of this was produced within the city limits, very much (probably a large majority) of which was the output of cows kept in stables connected with and fed on the refuse of distilleries and breweries. Very aptly this was termed "swill milk," for it was all that the name implies. The balance was brought in by wagons from the surrounding farms.
Early in the summer of 1842 Philo Gregorv, a milk producer at Chester, N. Y., was induced to try the experiment of shipping milk to the New York market. At this time the road was in operation as far west as Goshen, with its eastern rail terminus at Piermont, on the Hudson River, twenty-four miles from New York and forty-one miles from Chester. At this point all passengers and freight were transferred and reached the city by boat. There were many doubting Thomases who contended that it was impossible to carry milk this distance and deliver it in good condition. But the experiment was a success from the start, so much so that there was a continual call for more dairies and a gradual increase in the number of shippers. Orange County milk soon gained as favorable a reputation in the New York market as Orange County butter had previously achieved. More or less sour milk was in evidence from time to time, enough at least to give excuse for the aforementioned doubters to exclaim: "I told you so." Comparatively little trouble arose from this source, however, as nearly all shipments were in merchantable condition when received. If otherwise this was not due to the distance hauled, but the lack of proper care.
In the first few shipments wooden churns were used, these being the most convenient vessels at hand. But tin cans soon came into use. These were of five sizes, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty and sixty quarts each. Although milk was shipped twice a day, morning and evening, it was not considered safe to send what was left over from any one milking. For this reason every shipper provided himself with all these sizes as a means of cleaning out as closely as possible. At this time an ice house was an institution unknown to the farm. To the milk producer of to-day an ice house is regarded as almost as much of a necessity as the milk can or the cow. But in 1842 and for some years later, natural facilities for keeping milk from day to day could be found on nearly every farm. Flowing springs, the temperature of which never rose above about fifty degrees, were then plentiful in Orange County, much more common than now. It was some time after Mr. Gregory made his first shipment that farmers learned to use these springs, and discontinue the morning shipment. It was later still when the majority ceased yarding their cows early in the afternoon and shipping this milking the same evening. Since these early days much has been learned about how to keep milk in good condition for a long time. But even now the great possibilities in this direction are not suspected by the average producer.
In 1843 the road was operated as far west as Middletown, in 1846 to Otisville, and in 1848 to Port Jervis. The only portion of the territory thus traversed that was well adapted to the production of milk lay between Otisville and Greenwood (now Arden) a distance of thirty-one miles. The total amount of milk shipped in 1842 averaged about forty-five; in 1843, 275 cans, and in 1844 some 420 cans daily.
The first regular milk train was run on the 3d day of May, 1847. It ran morning and evening, leaving Otisville at 6.30 A. M. and 4.15 P. M., scheduled to reach New York at 11.30 A. M. and 9.15 P. M. Otisville continued to be the western terminus for the run of the milk train until 1868, when it was extended to Port Jervis. Not until 1884 was any attempt made to develop any of the extensive and excellent milk territory lying west of Port Jervis. All efforts in the direction of securing increased supplies were centered on the eastern (now New York) division. Here, by its branches and connecting lines, it made practically every can of milk produced in Orange County available to the New York market. Prior to twenty-five years ago nearly every producer shipped his milk direct to the dealer. While these conditions prevailed the milk manifest at any station where a large amount of milk was loaded contained so many names of shippers and consignees that it resembled the poll list of an election district. At these same stations now, although loading more milk than formerly, it is unusual to find more than two or three shippers. While the list of consignees has not decreased to the same extent, still it is very short as compared with the former period. The one time shippers are now patrons of the local creamery, from one to three of which may be found at every station.
The first butter and cheese factory, or creamery, started in the State of New York was located near what is now the Crystal Run Station of the Ontario and Western Railway. This was about 1856. It was cooperative, owned and operated by the farmers of the neighborhood. The object was to lessen the labor at the household and also make a more uniform quality of butter than was possible when churned at each individual home. The cream was made into butter, the skimmed milk into cheese and the whey mixed with grain turned into pork. Thus nothing was wasted and the venture proved successful. Other similar factories were started in different sections and inside of ten years Orange County was dotted over with such establishments.
Generally they were operated as co-operative concerns, and quite as generally, due to lack of proper management, were unsuccessful. As a consequence they were either abandoned or passed into the possession of private parties and were no longer used exclusively for manufacturing. More money could be realized by shipping milk. Only such as could not be disposed of in this way was turned into butter and cheese.
This Crystal Run factory was the progenitor of the present day shipping stations from which the New York market now receives approximately ninety-eight per cent, of its milk supply and practically all its cream.
Prior to the foundation of the New York milk exchange, in October, 1887, the price paid for milk delivered at these factories, or shipping stations, was determined by the highest market price of butter. Stockholders in the co-operative factory were paid whatever might be earned, but when milk was purchased outright the producer received the price of one pound of butter for every twelve (or 12-1/2 as might be agreed) quarts of milk delivered.
When the milk exchange began to announce prices (which prevail until otherwise announced) the stations accepted these as a basis and bought at a discount that ranged from ten to twenty cents per can of forty quarts. Later these discounts were lowered from time to time and now range from ten cents to nothing.
Nearly all of these stations are now operated by dealers who use them as a source of supply for their city trade, the balance conducted by parties who have no interest in the city business, but supply such dealers as do not care to operate a place in the country.
In the county of Orange are (including its three condenseries) seventy milk shipping stations, every township being represented by from one to twelve. Mount Hope has the one, Warwick the twelve.
In addition are two cheese and one butter and cheese factory, the latter the celebrated Neufchatel cheese factory of William E. Lawrence & Son, at Chester. In 1906 this establishment turned out 7,000 pounds of butter, 600,000 pounds of Neufchatel and 273,000 pounds of square cream cheese.
From January 1st to December 31st, 1907, the daily average output of milk in the county approximated 9,400 cans of forty quarts each. This was disposed of about as follows:
| Shipped to the New York market | 6,000 cans, | 40 quarts each. |
| Consumed in the county | 1,850 " | " " " |
| Condensed | 750 " | " " " |
| Turned into butter and cheese | 400 " | " " " |
| Skimmed or cream | 400 " | " " " |
| ______ | ||
| Daily average production | 9,400 cans, | 40 quarts each. |
For milk shipped from 1842 to 1854 or 1855 producers received the following prices:
| Months. | Cents per Quart. | |
|---|---|---|
| May, June, July and August | 2 | |
| March, April, September and October | 3 | |
| November, December, January and February | 4 | |
| ___ | ||
| Yearly average | 3 |
In 1854 or 1855 the Milk Dealers' Union was organized for the avowed purpose of determining future prices. This body proposed to (and did) meet on the tenth day of every month and "make a price" for the preceding month. Thus, the producer did not know how much he would receive for his milk until ten days after it had been shipped, distributed and consumed.
This was so palpably unjust and one-sided that producers were indignant and since then have formed many counter organizations and combinations for the purpose of taking the price-making power out of the hands of dealers. All these were failures.
The present system of fixing prices, in vogue since 1882, is more equitable. It is the producer's own fault that it is not the best that could be devised. The Consolidated Milk Exchange, an incorporated stock company, announces prices in advance of delivery. This is merely an offer to pay a specified price until otherwise announced. This constitutes a legal price, inasmuch as no one is under any obligation to deliver any milk, provided the offer is not satisfactory.
With one added feature it would be a perfect way of satisfactorily settling the matter of price, a problem that has for fifty years puzzled the brains of the wisest milk producers in Orange County. That this feature is lacking, milk producers alone are responsible.
When the milk exchange was incorporated and before organization was completed, producers were invited, urged and pleaded with, both by dealers and the more progressive, level-headed producers, to subscribe for half of the capital stock and thus be entitled to equal representation on the price committee. But this they refused. Had the offer been accepted producers would have a voice in deciding prices, a conceded right which for fifty years they have been striving to secure but voluntarily surrendered, when once within their grasp.
Of all the movements for gaining control of prices, the action of March, 1883, was the most notable. Very few members of the numerous associations organized for this purpose were willing to admit that supply and demand had, or should have, any influence in determining the market price of milk. Nevertheless, the keystone of every effort to advance prices was by curtailing the supply. This was to be accomplished by persuading producers to withdraw part or all of their shipments until dealers were brought to terms.
But it was difficult to find anybody willing to keep his milk home and thereby realize two cents a quart, while his neighbors continued to ship and were paid three cents. For this reason every scheme of this kind was doomed to failure.
Early in March, 1883, the managers of the Milk Producers' Association of Orange County, reinforced by their brethren of Sussex County, N. J., notified the dealers that the market price of milk for that month would be three and one-half cents a quart. This brought about a conference of the opposing forces. Dealers offered three cents for the first and three and one-half cents for the last half of the month. Neither party would recede from its position and both resolved to fight it out on these lines.
Producers proposed to withhold all shipments, commencing about the 15th, until dealers were starved into submission. Experience had shown that something more powerful than moral suasion would be required to induce producers to discontinue shipping.
Hence the leaders in this movement determined to use force where persuasion failed. For this purpose a "spilling committee" was appointed for each station and instructed to be where it could do the most good about the time a milk train was due. The orders were not to allow a can of milk to pass into the possession of the railway company. This was to be done peaceably, if possible—forcibly, if necessary.
Pursuant to these instructions, would-be shippers were halted on the highway and ordered to take their milk back home. Some protested mildly, but finally obeyed orders. Some objected strongly and their milk was poured into the street.
But there were still others who were determined to ship or fight. They gave the "spillers" to understand that they would not tamely submit to highway robbery, that they intended to ship their milk, and that an undertaker would be needed to care for any one who attempted to prevent it.
Many drove to cross-roads between stations where by previous arrangement the train would stop and load the milk. It was useless to appeal to local authorities for protection from the "spillers," as they were either afraid or too indifferent to take action.
It was reported that the Governor had been appealed to, and was about to issue orders to the sheriff of Orange County to quell the rebellion, but the blockade was voluntarily raised after a three-days' struggle.
Shipments of dairy milk in Orange and Sussex Counties fell off about twenty per cent., but creameries shipped more than usual, presumably enough to reduce the net falling off to about fifteen per cent. Fortunately no blood was shed in this war, but much milk fell by the wayside. It was not a victory for producers, as bills were settled on the terms originally offered by dealers, three cents for the first and three and one-half cents for the last half of March.
LEWIS D. ADAMS was born at Sussex, New Jersey, June 15, 1839. Mr. Adams' early education was limited, but he attended the district school at Florida, and Middletown, N. Y., for a short period. He worked on the farm for his father until he was eighteen years old. He then took up the tinner's trade and worked at that business until 1862, when he enlisted in the 124th Regiment, Co. F, New York Volunteer Infantry, and served as one of the color guards six months and as left general guide two and one-half years. When the war was over he resumed his business at Warwick. Six years later he came to Florida, this county, and purchased the hardware store which he continued to operate until he retired in 1898. Mr. Adams married Miss Marietta Ackerman, of Warwick, September 28, 1870. In politics he is a republican, and served the town as collector one year. Mr. Adams wife died December 24, 1900. Our subject is an honorary member of Warwick Lodge No. 544, F. & A. M.; Cummings Post, G. A. R., and is an honorary member of Highland Fire and Hose Company, which he organized in the '70s.
THOMAS J. ADERTON, merchant, postmaster, and farmer at Savilton, in the town of Newburgh, was born at the homestead in 1847. His grandfather, Thomas Aderton, a seafaring man, settled here from New York City in 1828. Our subject is a son of Captain John L. and Isabella (Swain) Aderton, who engaged in farming here, after following the sea ten years. Thomas J. was educated at the district schools and Monticello Academy. In 1891 he purchased his store and was appointed postmaster. Mr. Aderton has served as town clerk nine years, and excise commissioner twelve years. He married Mary Lockwood and two children have been born to them. One son, A. L. Aderton, is general delivery clerk in the Newburgh post-office.
JOSEPH H. ADOLPH, who has been engaged in the meat business at Highland Falls since 1886, is numbered among the representative and progressive citizens of that village, where he was born in 1857. His opportunities for schooling were limited, and at the age of eleven years he entered the employ of a grocer, with whom he remained ten years. He then Spent two years in Milwaukee and six years in Connecticut, when he returned to his native village and engaged in business for himself, in which he has been unusually successful. Socially Mr. Adolph is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Holy Name Society. In 1885 he married Miss Mary Campion, of Hartford, Conn. They have three children, two sons and one daughter.
GEO. B. ALEXANDER is the son of Harvey and Amanda (Kernaghan) Alexander, and was born in the village of Cornwall, Orange County, N. Y., November 5, 1843. His parents removed to Little Britain in the spring of 1844. At an early age he learned the carpenter's trade, with his father, living at home until the fall of 1886, when he went to California, where he was employed on the Raymond Hotel, which was then in course of erection at Pasadena. On his return home he took up his trade and again visited California in 1891. On his return home he was appointed under sheriff of Orange County, having charge of the Newburgh Court House. His brother, Joseph K. Alexander was sheriff at that time. In 1895 he married Elvira S. Scott, daughter of William J. and Maria (Newkirk) Scott, and niece of David A. Scott. Their son, Harvey, now ten years old, resides at home. Mr. Alexander is a member of Hudson River Lodge No. 607, F. and A. M., of Newburgh, N. Y. In the spring of 1895 he moved to Campbell Hall, where he is associated with his brother, Joseph K. Alexander, in a general store. He was supervisor of the town of Hamptonburgh for two terms, having previously served three terms as town clerk. He is postmaster of Campbell Hall, which office he has held for ten years.
SAMUEL ANDREWS, who has been general superintendent of the Walden Knife Works for twenty-five years and secretary of the company since 1904, was born in England in 1858, a son of William and Sarah (Harrison) Andrews. He came to America with his parents in infancy and in 1872 entered the employ of the Walden Knife Company to learn the cutlery trade. In 1881 he became a director of the company and has been closely identified with the growth and progress of that important industry. Mr. Andrews is a director of the Wallkill Valley Cemetery Association and a member of the Order of Foresters. He has been twice married; his first wife was Miss Clara Ashbury. Two daughters, Ethel and Alice, were born to them. For his second wife Mr. Andrews chose Miss Alfa Mussey.
WALTER CASE ANTHONY, attorney, of Newburgh, was born in Fishkill, N. Y., August 24, 1842. A son of Theodore Van Wyck and Mary H. (Case) Anthony. He was educated at Fishkill Academy and Union College, where he graduated with the degree of A.B. in 1864. He read law at Goshen, N. Y., in the office of David F. Gedney, and later with Stephen W. Fullerton, and was admitted to the bar in 1865.
Mr. Anthony was elected district attorney in 1877, and re-elected in 1880. In 1898 he was appointed referee in bankruptcy for Orange County. Mr. Anthony is a director and counsel of the Columbus Trust Co. of Newburgh. He is vice-president of the Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands.
CHARLES W. ARKILLS was born in Fallsburgh, Sullivan County, October 4, 1867. He was educated in the District School and Liberty Academy. At an early age he learned the trade of decorator and painter, and became so proficient that he was foreman for the Ontario & Western Railroad in Newburgh three years, and afterward assistant foreman in the Kilmes Wire Works at Newburgh. He is a democrat, and has several times been chosen a delegate to democratic county conventions. He married Julietta Rose, of Grahamsville, Sullivan County, June 20, 1888, and their children are Laura, Lelia, Sadie L., Viola K., and John I. C. He is a member of the Reformed Dutch Church at Grahamsville, and was superintendent of its Sunday-school for four years. His home is now on a farm near Campbell Hall, with his father. The latter, Darwin Arkills, was born in Scotchtown, Orange County, and married Minerva Gray, of Thompsonville. Their children's names are Laura N., Fred J., and Charles W.
SAMUEL ARMSTRONG was born at Thompson's Ridge, Orange County, N.Y., May 14, 1878. After his district schooling at Thompson's Ridge and Pine Bush he attended the preparatory school of the Misses Porter at Middletown and the Albany College of Pharmacy, from which he graduated in 1902. He removed to Warwick and clerked for S. S. Van Saun, after which he purchased the Warwick Drug Store, which he now owns. He has been deputy town clerk about three years, and is a member of the following societies: Warwick Lodge No. 544, F. & A. M.; Highland Chapter No. 240, R. A. M., and Cypress Commandery No. 67 of Middletown. He married Emma Faith McNeal, of Montgomery, Orange County. His father and mother were natives of the town of Crawford, Orange County, N. Y. His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth J. Shafer. The father was a practical farmer, fond of his home, and devoted to the interests of his church and the republican party.
DR. MAURICE CAVILEER ASHLEY, the present superintendent of the Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital, has occupied that position since July, 1902, succeeding Dr. Selden H. Talcott, who died June 15, 1902.
Dr. Ashley was born in Port Republic, New Jersey, July 3, 1863. He received his education in the public schools of that town, and in 1884 began his work with the insane, by taking a position as attendant in the asylum in Trenton, N. J., where he remained for two years, then came to Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital in the same capacity. In a year's time he was appointed as assistant supervisor in the Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital, and later was promoted to the position of pharmacist.
In 1889 he entered the Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia, and graduated in April, 1892. In August, 1892, he was appointed junior assistant physician in the Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital.
His course has steadily advanced since that time: Third assistant physician, 1895; second assistant physician, May, 1898; first assistant physician, April, 1900; acting superintendent, June 15, 1902, and superintendent since July, 1902, when he received the appointment to the position left vacant by his predecessor's death.
Dr. Ashley was married August 30, 1888, to Miss Harriet Meade, of Johnson, Orange County, N. Y. He has two daughters in their early 'teens.
Dr. Ashley was a member of the National Guard, serving in the medical department for nearly twenty years. He resigned his position as captain and assistant surgeon of the 1st New York Regiment in 1907, receiving full and honorable discharge.
In May, 1898, Dr. Ashley, then second assistant physician in the Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital, was granted a leave of absence by the Civil Service Commission' and Superintendent Talcott, and was commissioned by Governor Frank S. Black as captain and assistant surgeon of the 1st New York Volunteer Infantry, and accompanied the regiment to Hawaii.
He is a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy, of the American Medico-Psychological Association, and the New York Psychiatric Society, of the Hoffman Lodge No. 412, Midland Chapter No. 240, Cyprus Commandery No. 67, and Mecca Temple, New York City, the University Club of Middletown, and various other medical and social organizations. He has contributed many medical papers from time to time to the various medical publications.
CHARLES P. AU, son of the late Charles and Ellen (McGrisken) Au, was born in 1877 on the farm of J. Pierpont Morgan in the town of Highland, where his father was engaged as a carpenter. After finishing his schooling he learned the barber's trade, in which business he has met with much success. In 1898 he received the appointment as barber in the United States Cadet Barracks at West Point and has retained the position continuously to the present time. He also conducted a shop at Highland Falls for a period of five years. Mr. Au is active in the support of the republican party. In 1906 he was nominated for supervisor and in an unusual election was defeated by the close margin of twenty-four votes. Mr. Au is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the A. O. H. He married Miss Katherine Powers and they are the parents of two boys and one girl.
CLARENCE AYRES was born in the town and village of Mount Hope, November 27, 1875, and was educated in the district school and public school of Middletown, where his parents moved when he was nine years old. He learned the printer's trade, at which he worked three years. When he was seventeen he became lineman in telephone construction, and worked at it in Middletown six years and in Newburgh two years. In 1904 he went to Warwick, became connected with the Warwick Valley Telephone Company, and is now manager of general construction in the mechanical department. He married Anna Collonton, of Goshen, and they have one child, Francis, born in December, 1889. Mr. Ayres is a member of the Congregational Church, and adheres to the democratic party. His father was a sailor on a whaling vessel eight years, and circumnavigated the earth four times. He also served as sailor during the civil war.
FRED BAILEY, a merchant of Otisville, N. Y., was born June 4, 1854. His early education was acquired at Ellicottville, Cattaraugus County, N. Y., at the district school. He was identified with the American Express Company at Ellicottville for a period of nine years. In December, 1892, he came to Orange County and located at Otisville. Removing to Newburgh in 1894, he was engaged in the wholesale grocery business for one year, after which he returned to Otisville and purchased the grocery store of A. J. Craig, which he conducted eight years. He then conducted a store in partnership with George Smith until the fall of 1906, when he purchased Mr. Smith's interest in the store and real estate, and has since conducted it alone.
Mr. Bailey was united in marriage, September 4, 1876, to Miss Chloe Mary Vaughan, of Ellicottville, N. Y. One child died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey are members of the Otisville Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a republican. Mr. Bailey was for five years a member of the Tenth Separate Company, National Guard, State of New York.
THE BAIRD FAMILY—Among the earliest settlers of the town of Warwick there came Francis Baird, prior to 1766. He was of Scotch or Scotch-Irish ancestry, and according to a tradition of the family he, or his father before him, sailed from Bally Castle, County Antrim, in the north of Ireland. This was a shipping port in that early date, and is just across from Scotland. A recent writer has said: "Francis Baird (never Beard) may have been Irish by nativity, but not by ancestry. The Bairds of Avondale were an ancient and powerful Berg Scots clan, and as long ago as the wild days of the struggles between Robert Bruce and John Baliol for the Scottish crown (1309), gave brave account of themselves on the side of the Lord of Lome against the finally victorious Bruce. The name, originally (Norman-French) Bayard, was shortened into Baird by neighbors after the family passed into Scotland from France at a very early date. Francis was an offshoot and clansman of this stock."
He built the stone house on Main street in 1766.
Mr. Baird was a man of intelligence and comparative wealth. He was a signer of the non-importation pledge of 1775, and lived and died in Warwick in warm esteem.
He died in the latter part of 1799 or the first part of 1800, and left a will disposing of his property. His children were William Eagles, Samuel, John, Abia Francis, Anna and Margaret (wife of Joseph Walling).
The last named are the ancestors of the Walling family in this town.
William Eagles Baird married Sarah De Kay, a daughter of Thomas De Kay, and from this marriage were the following: Nathaniel Wheeler, Abia Francis, Fanny (married Blain), Mary (or Polly, married Thomas Hathorn Burt), Jane, Sally (married Nathaniel Pelton), Christine (married David Barclay).
The descendants of Nathaniel Wheeler Baird, who married Abigail Denton, reside principally in this town. They are: John Baird (married Mary De Kay), Julia (married Thomas E. De Kay), Samuel Denton (married Sarah Parks), Mary (married Ogden Howell), Frances Amelia (married George W. Sanford, 1847), Sarah (married Thomas J. Taylor), William Henry (married Mary ____), Charles Roe (married Anna M. Jayne).
In 1819, William Eagles Baird, oldest son of Francis, built the stone house between Warwick and New Milford, which is still in excellent preservation and is owned by a descendant, William Parks Baird, a son of Samuel Denton Baird, deceased, who resides there with his mother, Sarah. The other descendants of Samuel D., who were also born here, are Samuel D., Jr., Nathaniel Wheeler, Susan (married Pierre Demerest), Fred J. and George M.
FRED BAKER, who since 1883 has been manager of the Newburgh branch of Swift & Company, is one of Orange County's popular citizens. He was born in Germany in 1834, and came to America in 1853. He was engaged for many years with his father in the conduct of a slaughter house on the Plank road, and since his connection with Swift & Company has built up an extensive trade in Newburgh and vicinity. Fred, his eldest son, conducts a farm at Marlboro. His son William conducts a meat market at 52 Water street, and another at 127 Smith street, Newburgh, and John J. has a meat market on South Street. Mr. Baker is prominent in Masonic circles, a member of Hudson River Lodge, the Chapter, Commandery and Shrine.
GEORGE W. BALL was born May 13, 1868, in Monroe, Orange County. He was educated in the public school and Chester Academy. Then he was clerk for David Roe at Bellvale, N. Y., and for Frank Hall, of Greenwood Lake. In 1888 he became station agent at Allamuchy, N. J., and Buttsville, N. J., for the Lehigh & Hudson Railroad, and was transferred to Greycourt, N. Y. In 1891 he became clerk in the Erie Railroad office at Bergen, N. J., and went from there back to Greycourt to be station agent for the Erie. He left the employment of this road July 15, 1904, and started a real estate and insurance business at Chester. He also started and still publishes a weekly paper, the Independent.
Mr. Ball has been village trustee four years, justice of the peace four years, and village clerk two years. He has been a member of the Chester Band twenty years, and is at present its leader. He was chief of the Chester fire department from 1894 to 1896. He is a charter member of the Chester K. of P. Lodge No. 363, and a member of the Standard Lodge No. 711, F. & A. M. His wife was Anna M. Smith, and a daughter of the late C. P. Smith, of Chester. Their children are Mae T., Susan R., Katheryn M. and Caroline P.
PETER MOIR BARCLAY, M.D.—Of the physicians and surgeons in Orange County who built up an extensive practice, special mention should be made of the late Dr. Barclay, of Newburgh. He was a son of Dr. Alexander and Mary J. Fraser (Watt) Barclay, and was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, April 20, 1834. His parents came to America in 1835, settling in Newburgh. Here Peter M. received his preliminary education, graduating from the Academy in 1848. In 1850 he began the study of medicine under his father, and graduated from the University of New York in 1854. July 9, 1866, Governor Fenton appointed him surgeon to the 19th Infantry of New York, with the rank of captain. Dr. Barclay was a nonresident member of the Medico-Legal Society of New York, and was prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity, including the Knights Templar.
He was united in marriage, June 19, 1872, with Miss Harriet E., daughter of Captain C. B. Armstrong. They had one daughter, Maude, now the wife of Mr. John B. Rose, a leading brick manufacturer and representative citizen of Newburgh.
Of Dr. Barclay's skill in his profession it is unnecessary to speak, as his talents were known and appreciated for nearly half a century in this city and adjoining portions of the State. He was also recognized as a leading citizen, performing in a plain and courteous manner the various social duties that devolved upon him. His death occurred in Newburgh, February 10, 1901.
ARTHUR BARNES, senior member of the firm of Barnes & Atkins, is a son of Edgar C. Barnes, and was born and educated in Newburgh. They occupy one of the oldest business houses of its kind in the city; established in 1874 by Matthews & Barnes; succeeded in 1883 by Barnes & Mapes; and in 1890 by E. C. Barnes, and again in 1898 by Barnes & Monell. The present firm purchased the business in 1905. They are smokers and packers of B. & M. Newburgh meats and give employment to twelve men. They are extensive dealers in butter, eggs and cheese.
EDGAR C. BARNES was born in Orange County, N. Y., July 16, 1834. His parents removed to New York City when he was seven years of age, and he received his education in the schools of that city. From 1851 to 1854 Mr. Barnes was employed in the store of A. R. & O. Taylor at Pine Bush, Orange County. He then came to Newburgh and entered the employ of William K. Mailler & Co. as shipping clerk on the barge Newburgh. He filled various positions in the office of the barge until 1874, becoming familiar with the produce commission business. In 1874 he formed a partnership with James H. Mathews under the firm name of Mathews & Barnes, wholesale provision and produce merchants. In 1883 Mr. Mathews retired from the firm and Mr. Albert W. Mapes was admitted thereto, under the firm name of Barnes & Mapes, and so continued until December, 1890. Mr. Barnes continued the business alone until 1898, but removed to a substantial brick building he had erected at 42 South Water street, specially adapted to cold storage. In March of 1898 Mr. Barnes retired from active business life. He is vice-president of the Highland National Bank of Newburgh. Mr. Barnes has not sought prominence in public life, but rather has devoted himself to his business, in which he was eminently successful, and to the work of the church and Sunday-school with which he is connected. He has been twice married, his first wife being M. Theresa Pack, of New York, who died, leaving four children, three of whom are living. Anna, Minnie, and Arthur, his business successor. In 1870 he married Sophie H. Parsons, of Newburgh, N. Y.
GEORGE T. BARNES, son of Gordon and Esther A. (Tate) Barnes, was born in Montgomery, Orange County. He attended school but a short period and in 1881 began his apprenticeship as a tinsmith and plumber, serving seven years. He was employed several years at Middletown by the late George A. Swalm and has resided in Newburgh since 1889. In 1892 he established his present business as a contractor for plumbing, ventilating, steam and hot water heating. Mr. Barnes has given a great deal of study to the most improved and economical systems of heating and ventilating large buildings and his plans have been accepted and installed in many of the palatial homes in the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and Rhode Island. Among the important plants he has equipped may be mentioned those of the Light, Heat and Power Companies of Newburgh and Poughkeepsie, the Chatham, Coxsackie and Rhinebeck electrical stations, and he now has the contract for heating the United States Government buildings at West Point, N. Y. Mr. Barnes' success may be attributed to his close attention to business and fulfilling his contracts to the letter. From a humble beginning he has built up a business in the space of fifteen years, exceeding all others in his line in Orange County. His show rooms at 107 Broadway will compare favorably with any in New York State. In 1895 he married Miss Cory, of Rhode Island, and one daughter has been born to them.
J. MILTON BARNES, flour and grain merchant, of Central Valley, was born in Cornwall, Orange County, in 1844, a son of Matthew and Mary (Van Duser) Barnes. As a young man he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1876, when he located in Central Valley and engaged in the mercantile business with Alfred Cooper. This partnership continued eight years and was succeeded by Barnes & Thorn, Barnes & Duran, and J. M. Barnes & Co. Mr. Barnes was appointed postmaster of the village in 1885 and again in 1892. Politically he has always been a democrat. In 1884 Mr. Barnes married Miss Hannah, daughter of the late Hon. Morgan Shuit.
ROBERT HIRAM BARNETT, of Newburgh, N. Y., was born in the City of Gloversville, Fulton County, N. Y., on June 13, 1870, being the son of Alfred A. and Bessie Rowell Barnett. His father was born in London, England, and came to this country in the early sixties. The Barnett family is descended from English ancestors who commanded in the battle of Barnett. Through his mother, Mr. Barnett is a Mayflower descendant and is connected with the Fields and Morses, Warren Rowell, the New York inventor, being his maternal great-uncle. Mr. Barnett received his education in the city of Johnstown, N. Y., and graduated from the Johnstown High School and the Johnstown Academy, which was founded by Sir William Johnson. Owing to ill-health he was unable to enter college, but continued his studies for three years under a tutor and read law with Andrew J. Nellis, of Johnstown, N. Y., and acted as his managing clerk for several years and thereafter went to New York City and entered the New York Law School as a student thereof. While pursuing his course at the New York Law School he was connected with ex-Deputy Attorney General Colonel Dennison, of the firm of Dennison & Hartridge, of New York City. Mr. Barnett graduated from the New York Law School in 1895, with the degree of bachelor of laws, and was admitted to the bar at Albany in December, 1895.
He practiced law in the city of Johnstown for a short time and then removed to Mechanicsville, N. Y., where he remained for about three years, and while there was corporation counsel of the village and acted as attorney and counsel for the boards of health and water commissioners. From Mechanicsville Mr. Barnett removed to the city of New York and engaged in the practice of his profession, but owing to ill-health and inability to become acclimated to the salt air he removed to the city of Newburgh in 1901, where he has since continuously followed his profession, having largely confined his efforts to the practice of negligence law.
DANIEL D. BARNS, the third son of Nathaniel and Effie (Dusenberre) Barns, previously referred to, was born in Middle Hope in 1833. He now lives in retirement on his valuable fruit farm, adjoining his birthplace. In 1857 he married Miss Hester D., daughter of Captain L. S. Carpenter, of Marlboro. They became the parents of three daughters and one son, Nathaniel C., who continues the management of the farm cultivated so many years by his father. Mr. Daniel D. Barns always manifested a great interest in public affairs of Orange County, and was well known as a breeder of fast trotting horses for which Orange County is noted.
Nathaniel C. Barns was born in Middle Hope in 1863. Since completing his studies in the Newburgh schools he has been largely engaged in fruit growing with much success. He has served as justice of the peace, and is the present master of Cronomer Valley Grange No. 982.
In 1888 he married Miss Mary E., daughter of Dr. Kidd, of Newburgh; she died in 1889, leaving one daughter, Natalie C.
NATHANIEL BARNS—Among the representative agriculturalists and fruit growers of Orange County, Mr. Nathaniel Barns, of the town of Newburgh, is worthy of special notice. Born in Middle Hope, February 20, 1831, he has been for nearly half a century actively engaged in the cultivation of a large and valuable farm, mostly devoted to fruit. He is the second son and namesake of the late Nathaniel and Effie (Dusenberre) Barns, previously mentioned.
Mr. Barns attended a select school at Marlboro, and subsequently taught school one winter. When twenty-three years of age he married Miss Martha Waring, and four sons and one daughter were born to them, of whom James and Charles are living—the former a dry goods merchant of Newburgh, and the latter in the produce business in New York. Mr. Barns has been actively identified with public affairs of his native town. He was elected assessor for a period of nine years, excise commissioner for two years, and from 1865 to 1870 held the office of supervisor and chairman of the board in 1870. Mr. Barns was the first supervisor from the present town of Newburgh and is the only surviving member of that honorable body of 1866. Mr. Barns was recognized as a leader and placed on important committees. He is at present one of the trustees of Cedar Hill Cemetery, and member of Cronomer Valley Grange.
WILLIAM D. BARNS, widely known for many years as one of the most prominent and successful agriculturists, fruit growers and horticulturists in the State of New York, pursued his vocation at Middle Hope, Orange County, where he was born October 16, 1828. He was the descendant of an old and honored New England family. His father, Nathaniel Barns, was born in Litchfield, Conn., in 1782, and settled in Middle Hope shortly after his marriage to Miss Effie Dusenberre in 1828. Four children were born to them, namely, William D., Nathaniel, Daniel D., and Mary E.
Nathaniel Barns became a prosperous farmer, and at the time of his death in 1879 was the owner of 300 acres of the choicest farm land in Orange County. These farms became the property of the sons above mentioned. William D. continued the homestead farm, and for thirty-five years previous to his death devoted his attention largely to the cultivation of fruit. He was vice-president of the Orange County Agricultural Society from 1888 to 1897, and superintendent of the fruit department at the annual fairs of this organization. He was a member and exhibitor at the Newburgh Bay Horticultural Society. He was connected with the Eastern New York Horticultural Society since its organization, and a member of the Western New York Horticultural Society. In 1893 he was appointed by Governor Flower a member of the board of control of the New York State Experiment Station at Geneva. He was also appointed by Governor Odell a State delegate to the National Farmers' Congress at Sioux Falls, S. D., in 1901. As a citizen of the town of Newburgh, he was the incumbent of many offices of trust and honor. As almshouse commissioner he was prominent in securing many improvements on the farm attached to that institution. He was largely instrumental in the establishment of the Children's Home, and the plans for its management have been conducted substantially as he advocated. Mr. Barnes' death occurred in October, 1904. In 1860 he married Miss Elizabeth A. Carpenter, and five children were born, of whom four are living, Edwin W., Mary, George D., John S., and Nathaniel H. (deceased).
The homestead farm is now conducted under the management and firm name of Edwin W. Barns & Son. Over seventy acres are devoted to the culture of fruit, and all specimens adapted to this section, from the earliest strawberry to the latest apples, are here grown.
CHARLES W. BARTRUM, general superintendent of the Newburgh plant of Sweet, Orr & Co., was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., and educated at the Rhinebeck Academy. He taught school for a time and was later associated with the clothing industry at Ossining, N. Y., for a period of nine years. In 1881 his services were secured by the above firm, first in the sales department and then in charge of the general office. In 1883 he was appointed superintendent.
Mr. Bartrum married Miss Hannah E. Willsea, of Tarrytown, and they are the parents of two children, Dr. William C. and Miss Nellie E.
WILLIAM R. BEAL, president of the Newburgh Light, Heat and Power Company, was born in Newark, N. J., in 1838. His father, Joseph Reynolds, a gentleman by birth and education, and his mother, Elizabeth Austen, came to this country from England about 1830.
Left an orphan at an early age, he first engaged in a fifteen hour a day business for nearly two years and then commenced his career with gas companies. His experience in the latter line of business was with the Newark, N. J., Gas Light Co. and then with the gas company at Elizabeth. In 1855 he became manager of the Yonkers Gas Light Co., leaving it in 1866 to take the same position in the territory now known as the Twenty-third Ward, New York City. In 1870 he organized the company and built the works now controlling the sale of gas in the Twenty-fourth Ward, New York City. In 1895, and as president of these companies, he sold them to the New Amsterdam Gas Company of New York City, now controlled by the Consolidated Gas Company, New York City.
While living in the Twenty-third Ward, he was actively identified in church and Sunday-schools and church construction and management, and for twelve years with the public school system of New York as trustee and chairman.
Mr. Beal was president of the American Gas Light Association in 1902, and is now a trustee and treasurer of its educational fund. In 1900 he became president of the Newburgh Light, Heat and Power Co., and a little later of the Poughkeepsie L., H. & P. Co. His policy throughout his career of more than half a century with gas enterprises has been to use the best manufacturing and distributing apparatus and to give the best possible service at equitable rates.
For many years Mr. Beal has been largely identified with real estate and building operations and in the organization and management of incorporated enterprises. He is a warden of Holy Trinity Church, New York, is an officer of Christian associations, a Free Mason and a Grand Army man, as well as a member of several clubs, church and benevolent institutions.
In 1863 Mr. Beal was united in marriage to Eleanor Louise Bell. Their living children, Reynolds and Gifford are artists, Thaddeus R. is manager of the Poughkeepsie L., H. & P. Co., Albert R. is manager of the gas department, Newburgh L., H. & P. Co., Mrs. Charles E. Acker and Miss Mary Reynolds Beal.
OSCAR W. BELCHER, who recently purchased the Lee farm in the town of Cornwall, has resided in Orange County nearly half a century. He was born in Passaic County, N. J., in 1844, where he remained until 1859. With the exception of two and a half years spent in Michigan, Mr. Belcher has been engaged in farming in what is now the town of Tuxedo. In 1907 he disposed of his property there and removed to his present home.
THE BELKNAP FAMILY—Abraham Belknap, from whom the Belknap family in this country trace their descent, emigrated from England and settled in Lynn, Mass., in 1637. Samuel Belknap, the immediate ancestor of the family in Orange County, was born in 1707, came to Newburgh in 1749, and died in 1771. His son Isaac, during the struggle for independence, was appointed a captain of a company of rangers, and later in the regular service as assistant deputy quartermaster-general. Another son, Abel, was chairman of the committee of safety for the Newburgh precinct during the Revolution. At the close of the war he engaged in the manufacture of soap. This became an important industry, and has extended from father to son for four generations as follows: Abel Belknap, 1783 to 1804; his sons, Abel and Moses Higby Belknap, 1804 to 1855; Moses Cook Belknap and Belknap & McCann, 1855 to 1892, and William Cook Belknap, 1892 to the present.
Moses Higby Belknap was born in Newburgh, N. Y., September 23, 1787, and died January 4, 1855. He was president of the village of Newburgh in 1832-33-34-38-39-41-43-44. He was one of the founders of the Newburgh High School.
Moses Cook Belknap was born in Newburgh, February 2, 1832, a son of Moses H. and Ruth P. (Cook) Belknap. In 1867 he was appointed cashier of the Highland National Bank and January 9, 1883, was elected its president, continuing in this office until he retired on account of ill health in 1892. He died at Newburgh, October 3, 1892. Upon the death of his father in 1855, Mr. Belknap formed a co-partnership with Thomas M. McCann to continue the soap manufacturing business of A. & M. H. Belknap, Mr. Belknap managing the finances of the concern. He served as clerk and treasurer of the board of trustees of the First Presbyterian Church from 1855 to the time of his death. He was one of the founders of the local Y. M. C. A. and was connected therewith after its reorganization. In 1877 he served as alderman from the Third Ward and in 1884 was elected a member of the Board of Education and re-elected in 1888. In 1887 he was chosen its president.
In 1857 Mr. Belknap married Mary H., daughter of William K. Mailler, who died May 31, 1858. In 1862 he married Marietta, daughter of David McCamly, of Warwick, N. Y. She died in 1873, leaving three sons and one daughter. In 1875 he married Evelina, daughter of Dr. Nathaniel Deyo, by whom he had a son and a daughter, now living.
WILLIAM COOK BELKNAP, son of Moses Cook and Marietta (McCamly) Belknap, was born at Newburgh, N. Y., July 15, 1864. He was educated in the private and public schools of that city and at Williston Seminary, East Hampton, Mass. He married Helen, daughter of the late George W. and Margaret (Brown) Kerr, December 15, 1890. Two children have been born to them, William Kerr, born December 10, 1897, and Helen Kerr, born April 8, 1899.
Mr. Belknap is engaged in the manufacture of soap under the firm name of Belknap & McCann, carrying on the business established by Abel Belknap about 1783. He is also engaged in other enterprises in Newburgh. Mr. Belknap has served as a member of the board of park commissioners of Newburgh since 1897. He is a member of the board of trustees of Washington's Headquarters (under appointment by Governor Higgins), corresponding secretary of the Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands, member of the board of trustees of St. Luke's Hospital, a trustee of the Cedar Hill Cemetery Association and a vestryman of St. George's Church.
THE BENEDICT FAMILY—The first of the Benedict family to come to Orange County was Elder James Benedict, a great grandson of Thomas Benedict, who came from England and settled on Long Island about 1638. Elder James Benedict came to Warwick in 1765 and made his home in a log house near Chonck's Hill—he had separated from the church in Ridgefield, Conn., because of unjust demands of the tithe-master and very soon after coming to Warwick lent his efforts toward establishing the First Baptist Church. The first house built for worship was one over which he was pastor and stood at the fork of the road nearly opposite the church burying ground—on an angle which still continues to be church property. He left Warwick in the year 1773, and moved to Wyoming, Pa., because of difficulty arising in the church through prejudice toward the Order of Free Masons, of which he was a member and which connection saved the lives of himself and family at the fearful Wyoming massacre when a secret signal from Brandt brought mercy and safe escort to peaceful territory, he returned to Warwick at once and died here, September 9, 1792, aged seventy-two years. He is buried beside his wife, Mary, near where the church stood. The stone house just east of Warwick village was built by his oldest son, James, in 1779, and has descended through succeeding generations to the present owners—the children of Captain Jas. W. Benedict.
JAMES D. BENEDICT was born in the stone house about one mile from Warwick, Orange County, September 2, 1834. His father, William Smith Benedict, purchased the Wickham farm about 1839 and continued to operate it for many years. He removed to Warwick in April, 1867, and remained there until his death, September 22, 1883. James attended the district school and the Florida Institute. He assisted his father on the farm during his younger days and has always made farming his occupation. He removed to Warwick in 1871. remaining there about nine years, when he again took up his residence on the Wickham farm, where he resided until his death, which occurred February 17, 1898. He was a member of the Grange, a prosperous farmer and a good citizen. Mrs. Benedict has presented the International Sunshine Society with a plot of land on her farm near Wisner, on which the society will erect a bungalow costing about $2,000. The plot is beautifully located, presenting a fine view of the surrounding country. On it is a spring that never freezes, supplying an abundance of pure water. The place is to be known as "The James D. Benedict Sunshine Rest Home."
JAMES H. BENEDICT was born on the Benedict homestead in the old stone house at Stone Bridge, February 13, 1854. and lived there with his father thirty-five years. November 14, 1888, he married Miss Ada Pitts, and they had two children—Laura, born in October, 1889, and W. Smith, born in December, 1890. He has a large dairy farm, is a member of the Grange, and a democrat.
JOHN VAN DUZER BENEDICT—The Benedict family in America dates back to A. D. 1638, when Thomas Benedict and his wife, Mary (Bridgum) Benedict, the first of the name to come to America, settled at the colony of Massachusetts Bay.
The subject of this sketch is in the eighth line of descent from Thomas, the first settler, and in the fifth line from Elder James Benedict, the first of the name in Orange County. Our subject was born in the town of Warwick, on January 1, 1837, in the stone house, now standing and for many years known as the "John Blain" house. His parents were Abner Benedict and Julia A. (Van Duzer) Benedict, who were each in equal lines of descent from both Thomas, the first settler, and from the "old Elder," as he was familiarly called. He first attended school in the old stone schoolhouse, at that time standing opposite the forks of the highway near Stonebridge, afterwards at the district school in the village of Edenville, entered the academy known as the "Warwick Institute," at Warwick, N. Y., on December 5, 1853, its opening day, and was also a student at the S. S. Seward Institute at Florida, N. Y., during the spring term in 1857, under the direction of Professor John W. Round, then principal of that institution. He entered the freshman class of Union College at Schenectady on the opening of the school year in September, 1857, and completing the full classical course, graduated on the 25th day of July, 1861. Returning home, he lived with his parents at their home near Edenville, Orange County, N. Y.
JOHN W. BENEDICT—His parents were Henry A. and Laura T. Benedict, and he was born on the homestead farm, August 16, 1855. After his school days he became a farmer, and has not changed his occupation. His dairy farm consists of 230 acres, and has belonged to the Benedicts since 1817. His father, born in 1818, died April 3, 1900, and his mother, born in 1826, is still living. They had ten children, eight of whom are living.
CHARLES F. BENNETT, of Middletown, N. Y., was born in the Bennett homestead near Middletown, October 15, 1869. His early life was spent principally on his father's farm. His father, John F. Bennett, removed to Bloomingburgh, Sullivan County, and engaged in the hotel and livery business. Charles Bennett is a member of numerous social and fraternal societies, including the Masons, Royal Arcanum, Elks and Eagles. For over two years he served as postmaster at Bloomingburgh. He engaged in the livery business at Middletown in 1900 and now has one of the largest livery establishments in the city. He recently purchased of his father the homestead farm at Springside, near Middletown. This farm has been in the possession of the family over one hundred years. Mr. Bennett was joined in marriage with Kittie Bertholf, daughter of Andrew T. Bertholf, of Howells, N. Y., January 25, 1892. They have one son, Mortimer W., a student at the Middletown High School.
JOHN BIGELOW—The following data taken from "Who's Who in America," covers in concise form the career of this distinguished citizen whose country seat is at Highland Falls, N. Y.:
"John Bigelow, author; born Maiden, Ulster County, N. Y., November 25, 1817. Graduated from Union College, 1835 (LL.D., Union and Racine Colleges, 1886; University of the City of New York, 1889); admitted to bar; inspector Sing Sing prison, 1845 to 1846; one of the editors New York Evening Post, 1849-61. Consul at Paris, France, 1861-64. United States Minister to France, 1864-67. Chairman of Governor Tilden's canal investigating committee, 1875. Secretary of State of New York, 1875-77. Executor and trustee of will of late Samuel J. Tilden. President board of trustees, New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden's foundations. Author: Molinos the Quietist; France and the Confederate Navy; Life of William Cullen Bryant; Life of Samuel J. Tilden (2 vols.). A life of Franklin (3 vols.) from his pen, and the complete writings of Franklin which he edited (10 vols.)."
JOHN W. BINGHAM, whose fruit farm of sixty acres is located in the town of Newburgh near the county line, was born in the town of Marlborough, Ulster County, in 1852. His education was obtained in the Marlborough schools and the public schools of New York City, and he then engaged with his father in the management of the farm, which was purchased in 1867. Mr. Bingham is an elder in the Marlborough Presbyterian Church and identified with the I. O. O. F. He married Miss Mary Bloomer and three children have been born to them. He is a son of Charles E. and Amelia (Holmes) Bingham, who were prominent in church and social circles of Marlborough.
JOHN JACOB BIPPUS, a successful merchant of Port Jervis, was born at Bearville, Pa. His parents removed to Port Jervis when he was a child, and in the schools of that place he received his education. He has been engaged in the grocery business since 1891, and is one of the leading merchants of Port Jervis. Mr. Bippus is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the K. of P., Elks, and is an officer in the Building and Loan Association. He is vice-president of the board of trade, has been town collector and was one of the first aldermen elected after Port Jervis received its charter as a city.
CALEB BIRCH—Among the representative merchants of Orange County is Mr. Birch, who has conducted a boot and shoe establishment in Walden for a period of thirty-three years. Mr. Birch is a native of the town of Plattekill, Ulster County, N. Y., and his younger days were spent in farming. In 1872 he opened his store in Walden and in 1875 erected the building he now occupies. Mr. Birch is a member of the American Mechanics and the Knights of Honor. He married Miss Abbie Gale and the following children have been born to them: Caleb, George, Marcus and Leuella. George, who is in business with his father, is clerk of the town of Montgomery, a member of the Masonic fraternity and one of Walden's progressive young citizens.
HILAND H. BLANCHARD was born in Acra, Greene County, N. Y., February 18, 1850. His father, Justus Blanchard, was for a time engaged in the hotel business, after which he settled on a farm. He died at the age of thirty-five years. His wife, Emeline, daughter of Miles Darby, was born in Greene County and survived her husband's death many years, passing away at the age of seventy. The only surviving member of the family is the subject of our sketch. He attained his early education at the district school and afterwards attended the Wallkill Academy. In the fall of 1868 he identified himself with Wheeler Madden & Clemson, saw manufacturers, of Middletown, N. Y., and for the past twenty years has filled the office of superintendent of that concern. Mr. Blanchard married Miss Sarah Biggin, of Middletown; four children were born to this union. He is a member of Hoffman Lodge No. 412, F. & A. M., of Middletown, and the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a democrat and has served on city and county committees, is a member of the board of water commissioners and president of the Old Orchard Club.
FRED P. BLIVEN was born February 22, 1871, at Michigan Corners, Orange County. His parents were Ulysses and Caroline Bliven. There were six children in the parents' family. Fred attained his early education at the district school, and at an early age worked on a farm, which occupation he has always followed. He married Nettie Clara, of Middletown, March 22, 1897. Their one child, Pearl, resides at home. His father died in 1888 and the mother in 1880.
JOSEPH BOARD, merchant, was born at Chester, N. Y., November 9, 1842, son of Peter Seeley and Madeline C. (Conklin) Board, grandson of General Charles Board, of Boardville, N. J., and great-grandson of Captain Joseph Board, of the Revolutionary Army. He was graduated from Amherst College as A.B., with Phi Beta Kappa honors in 1867. He has been a merchant, selling coal, feed and lumber since January 1, 1868, and is a member of the firm of Board & Bryan. He is a director of the Watertown Water, Light and Power Company of Watertown, South Dakota; director and secretary of the Chester (New York) Telephone Company, and director of the Chester National Bank (and secretary of the board). Since 1868 he has acted as executor or administrator of over twenty different estates of deceased persons. He was excise commissioner of the town of Chester, N. Y., in 1876; member of the board of supervisors of Orange County, New York, from 1878 to 1880, and 1883 and 1884; candidate for member of assembly, 1884, but defeated; and member of over twenty years and president five years of the Board of Education of Chester Village; clerk of village of Chester, from 1892 to 1894. He was superintendent of construction of the Chester Waterworks in 1892 and 1893, trustee of Chester Village one year, and he is trustee of the Chester Free Library of Chester, N. Y. He made summer tours of the Pacific Coast, in 1869, Texas, Mexico, New Mexico and Wyoming in 1883, British Isles and Continent of Europe in 1887. Arkansas and Missouri in 1904, Dakotas and Minnesota in 1905; also frequent summer journeys through New England. He is a republican in politics and a Presbyterian in religion (Liberal School). He is a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Society, Amherst College, Delta Kappa Epsilon Club of New York City, member of the Sons of the Revolution, also a member of the American Geographical Society. Mr. Board married twice, first, June 1, 1868, Josephine Bradbury Curry, and second, October 2, 1870, Hannah A. Curry (both of Tilton, N. H.), and they have three children: Joseph Orton, born in 1873; Anna Tebbetts, born in 1880, and Josephine Clough, born in 1885.
JAMES BONNYMAN was born September 1, 1854, in Batriphnie, Banffshire County, Scotland. He received a common school education in Scotland, and came to America in 1872. He located in Philadelphia and worked at his trade as florist nearly nine years. He moved to Warwick in 1880, and after working for J. E. Cropsey for some time, started for himself in floriculture. He is a large grower of roses and carnations, which are mostly sold in the home market. He is a member of the Reformed Dutch Church, has been one of its deacons eight years, and is a member of the Y. M. C. A. He is an earnest church worker, and active in public affairs. In politics he is a republican. He married Miss Catherine Amelia McPeek, daughter of Lewis and Sarah McPeek, September 16, 1883. They have four children living, one having died while young. Those living are: Alexander M., born May 17, 1885, a graduate of Columbia College of Pharmacy; Amy R., born May 31, 1887, a graduate of the Warwick Institute, and Douglass, born May 27, 1893.
FRED BOOTH, secretary and general manager of the Firth Carpet Company at Firthcliffe, Orange County, N. Y., is a native of Yorkshire, England, and came to America in 1884 to superintend the plant of this company, then located in Philadelphia. In March, 1886, they purchased the Broadhead Woolen Mills, transferred their machinery to the new location and continued the manufacture of worsted yarns, tapestry and Brussels carpet. The concern, of which Mr. Booth is the active head, is one of the leading industries in Orange County. The capital stock is $1,000,000 and employment is given to four hundred persons.
The officers of the company are: F. F. Firth, president; A. F. Firth, vice-president; B. H. Tobey, treasurer, and Fred Booth, secretary and general manager.
JESSE BOOTH was born at Campbell Hall, May 8, 1853. His father was Alfred Booth and mother Dolle Watkins (Reeve) Booth. His parents had a family of four children: Matilda Roe, wife of W. H. D. Blake, of New Paltz, N. Y., died October, 1904; Hanna Caroline, wife of George Slaughter, of Campbell Hall, N. Y.; Marianna, wife of Lewis H. Woolsey, of New Paltz, N. Y.; Sarah Reeve Booth, wife of Samuel B. Hepburn, of East Orange, N. J., and Jesse. Jesse's early education was obtained at the district school at Campbell Hall after attending the Claverack School near Hudson, N. Y. Mr. Booth has always been identified with agricultural pursuits. He married Keturah Crowell, of St. Andrews, N. Y., January 7, 1885. There were born to them five children: Anna Louise, born September 28, 1885, died at the age of sixteen months; Dollie Watkins, born October 26, 1888; Pierson, born January 12, 1890; Alfred, born October 22, 1893, and Wellington, born September 26, 1896. Mr. Booth is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Hamptonburgh. In politics he is a republican and he is a member of the Hamptonburgh Grange No. 950. The farm which he owns has been in the family for a period of two hundred years. At present Mr. Booth resides on Highland avenue, Middletown, N. Y.
JOHN GAIL BORDEN, the youngest son of the late Gail Borden, who was famous as an inventor and public benefactor, was born in Galveston, Texas, January 4, 1844. Coming North when but a lad of thirteen, he entered one of the Brooklyn public schools, and later attended the Winchester Academy in Winchester Center, Conn., where he remained for two years. From the time when he left the academy until he entered a business college, young Borden assisted his father in establishing the condensed milk business, then in its infancy.
The call for volunteers in 1861 interrupted the business college course, and Mr. Borden, then but nineteen years of age, enlisted at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., under Colonel (the late General) John Henry Ketcham, in the 150th N. Y. Volunteers, serving in his regiment for two years and a half, and attaining the rank of second lieutenant during that time. Just before his regiment started for the front, the young patriot presented himself for baptism and membership in the Armenia, N. Y., Baptist Church, and in the years following gave every evidence of a consistent Christian life.
His service in the "150th" was terminated by a serious illness, caused by the severe strain and exposure of army life, and Mr. Borden was compelled to return to his home for rest and recuperation. When sufficiently recovered, he was transferred to the 47th N. Y. Volunteers, and remained with that regiment until the close of the war. Returning to his home in Brewsters, N. Y., Mr. Borden became actively identified with the Borden Condensed Milk Co., and upon the death of his father, in 1874, succeeded him as its president.
During his connection with the company, he made many valuable improvements in the methods of manufacturing condensed milk, and otherwise firmly established the reputation of the Borden Condensed Milk Co.
Removing in 1881 from Brewsters to Wallkill, N. Y., he purchased the property known as the "John P. Andrews farm," comprising about two hundred acres, and by acquiring adjacent lands from time to time, the "Borden Home Farm" was made to cover an area of some fifteen hundred acres. Most, if not all, of this property was a part of an original grant of land deeded by Queen Anne, in 1709, to "her true and loving subjects." Here Mr. Borden built a large condensery for the Borden Condensed Milk Co., continuing the management of the business until 1884, when failing health compelled him to retire from an active business life. From that time until his death, Mr. Borden gave his whole attention to the improving and beautifying of his "Home Farm," trying, as he expressed it, to "make two blades of grass grow where but one grew before." With all the improvements made upon the farm, he did not indulge in what is known as "fancy farming," but aimed rather to make his improvements on a practical basis, furnishing object lessons which any energetic farmer might easily put into practice.
In politics Mr. Borden was a staunch Republican, firmly believing in every citizen taking an Active part in the politics of his town, and conscientiously performing his duty at the primaries and the polls.
Mr. Borden's patriotism increased with years, and he was one, if not the first, of the pioneers who labored to impress upon the minds of the children a strong love for country and "the Stars and Stripes," and each Decoration Day he presented to every child in the public schools in his vicinity, a small American flag; continuing this practice until his death. Among Mr. Borden's characteristics, none were stronger than his devotion to home and country. Courtesy and gentleness were also marked characteristics with him, and his hat was removed as quickly for a little girl as for a lady. He was a true disciple of the "gospel of labor," and one of his unwritten mottoes was, that "what was worth doing at all was worth doing well," which rule was followed out in all his undertakings. He worked incessantly and was old before his time. Mr. Borden died in October, 1891, at Ormond, Fla., where, as well as in the North, he left an enviable and lasting record of practical Christian living. He lived but forty-seven years—a short life, but one so filled with work for God and humanity, that its value cannot be estimated by the number of years alone.
CHARLES CLAYTON BOURNE, brick manufacturer, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1865 and has resided in Newburgh since 1889, when he began the manufacture of brick at Fishkill Landing, Dutchess County, shortly after completing his education at the University of the City of New York. Mr. Bourne is identified with the Masonic fraternity; member of the Powelton Club and a director of the City Club of Newburgh. He married Miss Anna, daughter of James Fullager. Their mansion overlooking the Hudson was erected by Mr. Bourne in 1905.
EDWARD C. BOYNTON, son of the late Major E. C. and Mary J. (Hubbard) Boynton, was born at West Point, N. Y., in 1864. Graduate Newburgh Academy, and Cornell University in 1887, with the degree of ME; was assistant in the laboratory of Thomas Edison two years; was then engaged as superintendent with various firms in the manufacture of electrical machinery. In 1895 was appointed chief electrical engineer of the N. Y., N. H. & H. Ry. Co., with whom he remained six years. In 1901 accepted position of mechanical engineer of Chicago & Great Western Railroad, with headquarters at St. Paul, Minn., remaining two years. From 1903 to September, 1906, he acted as consulting and testing engineer in New York City, when he was appointed manager of the Orange County Traction Co., where he remained one and a half years and is now consulting engineer in Newburgh. Member American Institute of Electrical Engineers; the National Geographic Society; New York Railroad Club; ex-member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers; contributes special articles to the street railway journals; author of "American Electrical Railway Practice."
THOMAS W. BRADLEY, Walden, was born April 6, 1844; was for fifty years in the employ of the New York Knife Co., serving the last twenty-five years as president and treasurer, during which time he made the plant of this company the largest and most successful of its kind in the United States; was for some time president of the Walden National Bank and has been for many years a director and vice-president thereof; was one of the original trustees of the Columbus Trust Co. of Newburgh; has been for many years a trustee of the Walden Savings Bank; was a member of the State Assembly in 1876, chairman of the committee on military affairs and assistant inspector general of the National Guard; was a delegate to the national republican conventions of 1892, 1896, 1900 and 1908; was elected to the national house of representatives for the 58th, 59th and 60th Congresses, and served with the committee on military affairs, and the committee on invalid pensions; was married in 1867 to Josephine Denniston, daughter of Colonel James Denniston, of Little Britain; entered the Union Army as a private soldier, September 5, 1862; was promoted through every intermediate grade, and became a captain in the 124th New York Infantry Volunteers, served as personal aid-de-camp to Major General Gershom Mott, 3d Division, 2d Army Corps, was brevetted major United States Volunteers "for meritorious service," and was awarded the congressional medal of honor for gallantry at Chancellorsville, where he "volunteered in response to a call, and alone, in the face of a heavy fire of musketry and canister, went out and procured ammunition for the use of his comrades;" was severely wounded in action at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863, was wounded in action at The Wilderness, May 6, 1864, and wounded in action at Boydton Plank Road, October 27, 1864; is a member of the Society of the Army of the Potomac, a companion of the first class in the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, and a member of the New York Chattanooga-Gettysburg Battle Fields Commission; is affiliated with Wallkill Lodge, F. and A. M., Highland Chapter and Hudson River Commandery; is a member of the City Club, Newburgh, and the Army and Navy Club, New York City; he has for many years been connected with the First Reformed Church of Walden; is a member of the Bradley Hose Co. of Walden, and of Enterprise Steamer Co., of which he was for some time the first foreman.
JOHN B. BRADNER, of Bellvale, Orange County, N. Y., was born in 1849. His early education was acquired at the district school in Bellvale. At the age of fourteen he began working on the farm. When eighteen years of age he clerked in a general store at Bellvale and after a period of seven years was taken into partnership, the firm being Burt & Bradner. This partnership continued for about three years, when Mr. Bradner withdrew and erected the first store at Greenwood Lake, where he continued in business for nine years. Mr. Bradner also owns a productive and valuable orange grove in St. Petersburg, Fla. He was united in marriage to Miss Clara R. Hunt in 1873. There were four children to bless this union, only two of whom are now living. In politics a democrat, Mr. Bradner has served as postmaster at Bellvale, was school trustee and has acted as trustee of the Warwick Savings Bank.
WILLIAM A. BRADNER is one of the six children of Jacob Howe Bradner and Sarah C. Vandervoort Bradner, four of whom are living. He was born on a farm near Warwick, May 23, 1867. The other living children are John H., of Olean, N. Y.; William A., of Warwick: Carrie, wife of S. D. Tilt, of Warwick, and Samuel Blain Dolson, of Bowie, Arizona. William A., after his schooling, which ended in Warwick Institute, assisted his father on the farm until his father's death in 1901. It is a dairy farm of one hundred acres, with one thousand peach trees, on which the Indians camped in pioneer days and near which Washington's army was camped for awhile. The house was built in 1810 of timber brought from Connecticut, and Mr. Bradner's grandfather bought the place of James Bell. Mr. Bradner is a skillful farmer, and in practical matters generally is up with the times.
GEORGE RICHARD BREWSTER, attorney, of Newburgh, was born in Newburgh, N. Y., November 17, 1873. He is a son of Eugene Augustus and Anna W. (Brown) Brewster. The family ancestry is traced through the Brewsters of Long Island and Connecticut, to Nathaniel Brewster, a member of the class graduated from Harvard (1642), whose father, Francis Brewster, came to America from London, England, and settled in New Haven, Conn. Mr. Brewster was educated at Siglar's Preparatory School, Newburgh, and Yale University, from which he graduated in 1894 with the degree of Ph.B. He read law in the office of his father, the late Hon. Eugene A. Brewster, and was admitted to the bar in 1896. He is a member of the Democratic Club of New York; Yale Club of New York; Transportation Club, New York; a director of the City and Powelton Clubs, Newburgh; director of the National Bank of Newburgh, and vestryman of St. George's Church; he is also a director of a number of local corporations.
Mr. Brewster was married January 18, 1899, to Margaret Conley Orr, daughter of the late James Orr, of Newburgh.
NATHANIAL R. BREWSTER, whose farm is situated at East Coldenham in the town of Newburgh, is a descendant of one of Orange County's old and prominent families. His ancestry dates back to William Brewster, who came over in the Mayflower and was the progenitor of the Brewsters in America. He is a son of William C. and a grandson of Nathaniel Brewster, who previously cultivated this property. Considerable interest is attached to this farm from the fact that Nathaniel Brewster near his home unearthed the skeleton of a mastodon, which was purchased by Dr. Warren, of Boston, and later sold to J. Pierpont Morgan, who presented it to the New York Museum of Natural History.
In 1896 Mr. Brewster established here a school for nervous and backward children, and the methods of training adopted have proved very successful.
WALTER H. BREWSTER, supervisor of the town of Blooming Grove, is a descendant of one of Orange County's old families. He is a son of Henry S. and Harriet (Halsey) Brewster and was born on his father's farm in Blooming Grove in 1869. He has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits, in which he has achieved much success. He was appointed a member of the board of supervisors to fill a vacancy in 1902 and in 1903 was elected to the office and re-elected in 1905 and 1907. Mr. Brewster married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. Warren Hathaway, and they have one son, Henry.
GEORGE E. BRINK, agent, L. & H. R. Ry., at East Chester Station, village of Chester, N. Y., son of Geo. E. Brink, of Franklin, N. J., and Lucretia Trusdell, of Vernon, N. J., was born December 7, 1879, at Franklin Furnace, N. J. His mother moved to Warwick, N. Y., when he was three years old. He got a common school education, and after working at odd jobs entered railway service as clerk in the general office, November 1, 1898. He also learned telegraphy, proved a good operator and has held various positions on different railroads in the capacity of agent, yard master, assistant train master, operator and train dispatcher. For the last two years and over he has been at East Chester, N. Y., where he has built up business in one year from $300 to $1,200 monthly. Mr. Brink has many friends in the vicinity and is well known by all as a thorough all-around railroad man.
LEANDER BRINK was born in the town of Shawangunk, Ulster County, N. Y., January 30, 1833. He is a son of James Brink, who was born in the town of Wallkill, Orange County, N. Y., in 1804. The family is of Dutch lineage. At the age of two years Mr. Brink's parents removed to Schuyler County, and his younger days were spent on the farm. In 1854 he came to Middletown and clerked for his uncle, Hiram Brink, a furniture dealer, with whom he remained until October, 1857. He was then taken in the firm as partner, the firm name becoming H. & L. Brink. In 1864 he went to Saginaw, Michigan, engaging in the manufacture of salt, Mr. Brink being superintendent of the works.
He continued in that business until 1867, when he returned to Middletown, retaining his interest in the salt works until 1876. In politics Mr. Brink is a republican and is a man of strong temperance sentiment. He was married to Miss Mary Horton in 1857, daughter of Hiram Horton, of Wallkill township.
T. HUNT BROCK, proprietor of the Hotel Erie at Port Jervis, was born at Scranton, Pa., in 1870, at which place he obtained his education. He first became identified with the hotel business in 1881 at the Hotel Windsor at Scranton, Pa., where he remained for a period of ten years. He removed to Port Jervis, N. Y., in 1901 and purchased the Erie Hotel, which he still conducts.
Mr. Brock is a member of the following social and fraternal organizations: F. and A. M. No. 291, of Scranton, Pa.; Neversink Chapter, Delaware Commandery, and Mecca Temple, Mystic Shrine of N. Y.; B. P. O. E. No. 645, of Port Jervis, and the Sons of Veterans, Camp No. 8.
CHAUNCY BROOKS, contractor and builder, of the village of Montgomery, N. Y., was born in 1842 at Eagle Valley in what was then the town of Monroe. His father traded Monroe Village, depot and all, for four hundred acres of land at what is now called Tuxedo. He still has a brother, Malcom Brooks, there, who is ex-supervisor of Tuxedo. As a young man he taught school for a while in his home district, and then learned to be an architect and builder. In 1867 he came to Montgomery, where he has achieved much prominence both as a contractor and in the affairs of the village. He was president of the board of water commissioners for six years during the time of its construction, and a member of the school board for nine years. In 1869 Mr. Brooks married Martha, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Mould) Wait, and three children have been born to them. Charles W., a civil engineer and graduate of Brown's University and also of Philadelphia University, resides at Washington and is in the employ of the government in the War and Navy Department. Alida W. is a graduate of the Emerson College of Boston and of the College of Albany, and is still attending the University of New York City and teaching at Bayonne, N. J. She is a teacher of elocution and physical culture. His youngest daughter, Minnie M., is a graduate of Montgomery High School, also of the Metropolitan College of Music. She resides at Montgomery, where she is giving instruction in music. Mr. Brooks has erected most of the substantial buildings in Montgomery and vicinity and gives employment regularly to a large force of men.
F. B. BROOKS, bookkeeper for C. T. Knight and assistant postmaster at Monroe, N. Y., was born in this village in 1872. He has been associated with Mr. Knight for the past eleven years and is actively identified with public affairs of his native place. He is president of the board of education and director and treasurer of the Fire Company. He is also director of the local building and loan association. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Brooks deals extensively in real estate and has effected the sales of many valuable farms and choice country seats in Orange County.
GEORGE H. BROOKS was born at Mountainville, and his education was in the district school. From his youth until nineteen years of age he assisted his father on the farm. In 1875 he went to Turners, N. Y., and worked at blacksmithing four years, came to Chester in 1879, and was with Joseph Gavin two years; then went to Sugar Loaf, Orange County, and opened a shop there, which he conducted ten years. In 1891 he came to Chester and purchased of S. Hadden the establishment in which he had been manufacturing buggies for thirty-five years. He enlarged it, added new and improved machinery, making of it one of the best appointed manufactories in the county. He is a Methodist in religion and a republican in politics. In September, 1885, he was married to Eliza Litchult. Their seven children's names are Dora L., Lena C, Elsie, Helen, Merry, Clarence and Phoebe J. Mr. Brooks' father is still living at the age of ninety at Little Britain in the town of New Windsor.
DAVID BROWN, who is engaged in the express business in New York City, maintains a country place in the town of Newburgh, situated on the State road, known as the Cochecton turnpike. Mr. Brown purchased this farm, which comprises forty acres, in 1903. Commencing in a small way, Mr. Brown by industry, enterprise and the wise counsel of his wife has built up a very prosperous business in the metropolis. He married Miss Mary J. Baxter and they have one daughter, Genevieve.
EBER L. BROWN, owner of a seven-hundred-acre farm in the town of Minisink, and much valuable real estate in the village of Unionville and the cities of Middletown and New York, was born in Sussex County, N. J., in 1828. As a boy he clerked for a number of years and subsequently became a member of the wholesale grocery firm of Stillwell, Brown & Co., of New York City, for five years. In 1848 he went to California and engaged in mining with much success. On his return East he was connected with a wholesale dry goods house in New York and a wholesale grocery house.
Business cares affected his health and he came to Unionville and settled on the farm where his father was born. There he made his home and supervised the farm for twenty years. He then opened a wholesale and retail feed store in Unionville, and here organized a silk manufacturing establishment, giving employment to fifty hands. The plant was destroyed by fire in 1894. Mr. Brown now devotes his time principally to his real estate holdings in Unionville and Middletown. He is one of the directors of the Sussex Bank and has served as supervisor of the town.
Mr. Brown was twice married, his first wife being Miss Sarah E. Lewis. His second wife was Miss Caroline M. Lain, and they became the parents of twelve children, of whom five are living.
EDWARD ALLEN BROWN, proprietor of the Brown Hotel at Middletown, is a native of Orange County, having been born in the town of Greenville on December 7, 1840. His residence in Middletown dates from 1888, when he purchased the Russell House and conducted it under that name until the spring of 1908, when the new brick building, erected on the site of the old structure, was completed. This hotel now known as the "Brown," is one of the largest and best equipped hostelries in eastern New York, and has a large patronage. Mr. Brown has owned and conducted hotels in New York City, New Orleans, La., Logansport, Ind., and Port Jervis, N. Y. For two years he held the office of under sheriff of Orange County; was sergeant-at-arms in the Assembly during a part of the Tilden administration; was assistant journal clerk the first year of Cleveland's administration, and was purchasing agent for the New York State Prison under Warden W. R. Brown.
R. T. BROWN, senior member of the firm of Brown & Whitten, merchants at Pine Bush, N. Y., is a native of New York City. The firm continued the business established by Taylor & Howell. Mr. Brown was associated for two years with Mr. Howell under the firm name of Howell & Brown. Mr. Brown then conducted the business alone five years, and in 1907 the present partnership was formed.
Socially Mr. Brown is a member of the Knights of Pythias, he married Miss Elizabeth Decker and they are the parents of three children.
U. GRANT BROWN is of Welsh descent, his ancestors coming from Wales to America in 1650, settled on Long Island at a place then called Oyster Bonds and now Glen Port. He was born July 28, 1863, at Burnside, Orange County, and farming has always been his occupation. His education was obtained at the district school of Burnside. His parents were Daniel T. and Lucretia Brown. Of their five children only two are living, U. Grant and Linus W. The latter resides in New Orleans, La. U. Grant was married to Anna Sinsabaugh, of Cornwall, N. Y., March 27, 1889, and three children have been born to them—Edna, Josephine and Helen.
WILLIAM WISNER BUCKBEE has the distinction of having been born at Wisner, Orange County, in the old stone house, which has been in the family one hundred and forty years. The date of his birth was July 12, 1861. He was educated in the district school, began active life as a farmer, and remained a farmer until his death, November 19, 1886. He also dealt in coal and feed at Wisner. He was postmaster there twenty years, was treasurer of Locust Hill Cemetery, and being a popular republican and good citizen, held several town offices at various times. He was a grandson of Captain John Wisner. He was married to H. Elizabeth Wisner, October 7, 1885, and their seven children are all living—Emma, Albert, Anna Buckbee, William, Francis, Henry and Louise.
AUSTIN C. BULL, who was born in the Governor Clinton homestead in the town of New Windsor in 1855, has always made his home at this historic spot, superintending his farm of three hundred and nine acres. He is a descendant of an old and honored Orange County family. William Bull, the first of that name in this county, was born at Wolverhampton, England, in 1689. He came to America in 1715 and a year later married Sarah Wells, of Goshen, which was the first marriage ceremony performed in the old town of Goshen. He died in 1755 and she died in 1796, aged one hundred and two years. In 1868 an appropriate monument was erected over the remains of the venerable couple near Hamptonburgh Church by their descendants. The father of Austin C. was John Springstead Bull, a son of Isaac and grandson of John Bull, a native of Hamptonburgh. J. S. Bull was born in the town of Monroe in 1809. When a boy he entered the employ of David H. Moffat, a merchant of Washingtonville, and in 1832 purchased the business. He married the daughter of Samuel and Bethiah (Reeder) Moffat, of the town of Blooming Grove. He purchased the Clinton property in 1840 and the couple resided there until their death, the former in 1876 and the latter in 1889. Mr. Austin C. Bull is a member of Blooming Grove Congregational Church and is identified with Washingtonville Grange.
CHARLES R. BULL, a prominent citizen of Orange County, residing near Oxford Depot, is a descendant in the fifth generation of William Bull and Sarah Wells, the pioneers who settled in this county in the middle of the eighteenth century, to whom frequent reference is made in this history.
Charles R. was born at the Blooming Grove homestead in 1838 and is a son of Jesse and Caroline (Board) Bull. After completing his studies at Chester Academy he attended a private school at Bloomfield, N. J., for three years. He then engaged in the management of his farms, which comprise four hundred and forty-eight acres. In public life Mr. Bull has served as supervisor four years. He was appointed by Governor Odell, during his second term, loan commissioner of Orange County and is the present incumbent of that office.
Mr. Bull is a director of the Chester National Bank, of which his father was one of the incorporators. He is also a director of the Columbus Trust Company, Newburgh, and vice-president of the Orange and Rockland Electric Company of Monroe.
Mr. Bull married Harriet, daughter of Jesse Roe, of Chester, and they are the parents of one son and two daughters: Jesse, who resides at home; Caroline, now the wife of Clarence S. Knight; Mary, the wife of S. B. Patterson.
EBENEZER BULL was born March 3, 1846, in the old stone house at Hamptonburgh, Orange County, erected in 1722, which is still standing. Mr. Bull is the fifth direct descendant who has resided in this house. After his schooling he returned home and assisted in farm work and has always been identified with farming. He married Anna, daughter of Byard Walling, of Middletown, N. Y., October 17, 1894. Mr. Bull's parents were Ebenezer and Jane Bull. There were thirteen children born by this union. He is a member of Hamptonburgh Grange No. 950 and largely identified in the dairy business. Tradition says the barn on Mr. Bull's farm is older than the stone house, but the date of erection cannot be verified. Purgatory swamp, near the Bull stone house, derived its name from a messenger of the revolutionary period, who was sent from the army of New Jersey with papers to Washington's headquarters at Newburgh. He had instructions to stop over night at this historic stone house of William Bull, became confused and stopped at William Bull's son's house opposite the swamp. In getting through at night he made the remark "out of Purgatory," and it has always maintained this name.
HARRY BULL—The parents of Harry Bull were William and Phoebe Bull, of Stony Ford, Orange County, and here he was born on the old Bull homestead, May 25, 1872. There were eight children, five of whom are living. He attended the district school at Franklin Square and Friends Academy at Locust Valley, and then took a three months' course in the Agricultural College at Cornell University, Ithaca, as a preparation for the farming to which he has always devoted himself. He is a republican, and has been justice of the peace for the past eight years. He is a member of Hamptonburgh Grange No. 950, of which he was one of the organizers, and of the Modern Woodmen of America.
Mr. Bull married Miss Lucille Pierson, of Hamptonburgh, daughter of W. H. and Elizabeth Pierson. They have two children, Keturah, aged seven, and Henry, aged six.
IRVING CRAWFORD BULL was born in Middletown, Orange County, N. Y., January 24, 1879. Father's name was Albert Bull and mother's name was Ella B. Crawford. Father was druggist for thirty years. Graduated from Middletown High School in 1898 and was president of his class. Graduated from the Sheffield Scientific School, Yale University, in 1901, receiving the degree of bachelor of philosophy. Graduated from Columbia University Post-Graduate, in 1902, receiving the degree of master of arts. Dividing the years of 1902-1903 was assistant to Professor Henry M. Howe, professor of metallurgy, Columbia University, assisting in the experimental works in connection with publications by Professor Howe, also giving frequent lectures at the University. In October, 1903, he formed a partnership with Alfred E. Roberts, of Hartford, Conn., under the firm name of Bull & Roberts, analytical and consulting chemists and metallurgists, with offices and laboratories at 100 Maiden Lane, New York City; also branch offices and laboratories at Middletown, N. Y. They are the consulting chemists and metallurgists for many transportation companies centering in New York, also for large contracting companies. He is also a member of the Yale Club, New York City; honorary member of the Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company, Middletown, N. Y.; member of the Society of Chemical Industry, American Chemical Society, American Leather Chemists' Association, America's Institute of Mining Engineers. He has been chemist to the board of water commissioners, Middletown, N. Y., for five years; he is also a Son of the Revolution, and a member of the University Club, Middletown, N. Y.
On April 20, 1904, he married Mabel Dorothy Horton, youngest daughter of the late James Horton, Middletown, N. Y., former president of the United States Leather Company. On July 7, 1905, a son was born, whose name is Irving Horton Bull.
RICHARD BULL, son of Daniel Harlow Bull and Mary Ann Board, was born in the homestead at Campbell Hall, the house being built previous to 1800; no record can be found of anyone having occupied it but the Bull family. Mr. Bull's late school education was at Farmer's Hall and Montgomery Academy, two years in each. He has always been identified with farming and is a member of Hamptonburgh Grange No. 950, and also a member of National Grange, and also of the New York Mill Exchange. He is one of the trustees of the Burial Hill Cemetery Association at Hamptonburgh. The Bull family have held an annual picnic for forty years on the one-hundred-acre tract granted to William Bull and Sarah Wells by Christopher Denn, who were the first settlers in Orange County. Mr. Bull was treasurer of the picnic for a number of years, and president for one term.
He married Annie Wells, of Newburgh, whose mother was the daughter of Mehetable Bull, and her father was Captain William Bull, who was an officer in the Revolutionary War. Their one child, Charles Wells Bull, is a wholesale jeweler in Maiden Lane, New York City. He is the sixth generation on his father's side from the first William, and seventh on his mother's.
STEPHEN M. BULL, wholesale grocer and representative citizen of Newburgh, N. Y., was born in the Clinton homestead. Little Britain, N. Y., July 14, 1844; he was educated at district schools and by a private tutor. In 1864 he located in Newburgh and was engaged successfully with Johnston & Alsdorf and Thomas H. Skidmore & Son as bookkeeper and salesman. In 1879 the wholesale grocery house of Skidmore, Bull & Co. was formed. Since 1891 Mr. Bull has been sole proprietor. Married May 26, 1869, Martha, daughter of Samuel Oakley. Two children have been born—Emily Grace and John Springstead. Mr. Bull is a direct descendant of William Bull, who was born in England, February, 1689, and came to America in 1715. The family occupied a prominent place in the early history of Orange County.
THE BULLS OF SOUTH CAROLINA—Stephen Bull and Barnaby Bull, sons of Josias Bull, of Kingshurst Hall, emigrated to South Carolina in 1670 in a ship named Carolina. They were uncles of William Bull, who emigrated in 1715, settling at Hamptonburgh, Orange County, N. Y.
From Mrs. Haxtum's Genealogical Column in the New York Mail and Express we read:
"The Bulls were among the very earliest settlers of South Carolina, and have always borne a high record in the public life and in social relation. Stephen Bull, the founder of the family, was deputy proprietor for Lord Ashley in 1674 to 1682. After that date he represented various other proprietors until 1699. He was almost continuously in the grand council, where his discreet judgment and high personal character were greatly esteemed. He held in turn and together many high offices, civil and military, and was an adventurous explorer and trader among the Indians. He was buried at his beautiful seat, Ashley Hall, still in its decadence, one of the chief attractions of the historic river. His son, the Hon. William Bull, saw service as an officer in both the early Indian wars, and in civil life was active in the commons and council. He assisted General Oglethorpe in laying out Savannah, and was lieutenant-governor, acting from 1738 to 1744. His home in Charleston was the old 'Hayne House,' now owned by Mr. Henry Picken. His son, Stephen Bull, was distinguished in military and civil public life, and was the father of General Stephen Bull, of the Revolution. His home was Sheldon, one of the old family estates. The Hon. William Bull, of Ashley Hall, was the first American to graduate in medicine, which he did at Leyden, in 1734. Returning, he served the province in various capacities, civil and military, until appointed lieutenant-governor in 1759. He administered the province with great vigor and ability at various intervals, acting five times as governor. Loyal to the crown, but without creating animosity, he left Charleston with the royal troops in 1782, dying in London in 1791, an exile for conscience sake from the land he loved and served so well."
A few miles beyond the Ashley River is the Bull dominion, where once stood Ashley Hall, the country home of Governor Bull, the last colonial governor of South Carolina. A large monument of marble appropriately inscribed and bearing the Bull coat-of-arms stands on the grounds, commemorative to his memory.
WILLIAM BULL was born July 25, 1830, on the homestead farm near Stony Ford, Orange County, N. Y. The present owner, William Bull, of this historic old house, which was built in 1791, is the fifth of that name to occupy the homestead. The third William Bull, who erected the house, was with Washington at Valley Forge and at the battle of Monmouth. Our subject acquired his education at Mount Pleasant Academy at Ossining. He entered Princeton College in 1847 and graduated in 1851. He returned to the farm and has always followed agricultural pursuits. He married Phoebe Bull, one of eight daughters of Ebenezer Bull, of Hamptonburgh, November 22, 1859. Their children are: Elizabeth Green; Sarah, wife of Charles F. Wells, of Newburgh, N. Y.; Ebenezer Henry, and Bartow W. In politics Mr. Bull is a republican and has served the town as justice of peace for fourteen years, has been post master at Stony Ford, and held other town offices. He is a member of the Zeta Psi college fraternity, Stony Ford Grange No. 951, and Pomona Grange. He attends the Presbyterian Church of Campbell Hall.
WILLIAM EDGAR BULL, of Charleston, S. C, is a son of Edmund Llewellyn and Mary Evelina (Bruen) Bull. Edmund Bull was born in Orange County in 1817, removed to Charleston in 1832, and died there in 1892. His marriage with Mary Evelina Bruen occurred in March, 1844, and fifteen children were born to them. The progenitor of this branch of the Bull family was William Bull, who emigrated from Kingshurst Hall, Wolverhampton, England, in 1715, settling at Hamptonburgh, Orange County. William was a nephew of Stephen and Barnaby Bull, who emigrated to America in 1670, and was the progenitor of the Bull family of South Carolina. Edmund Bull was a son of James D. Bull and Nancy Rogers. James D. was a son of Chrisie Bull and Elizabeth Case. Chrisie was a son of John Bull and Hannah Holley. John was a son of William Bull and Sarah Wells. The marriage of William Bull and Sarah Wells was the first ceremony performed in the old town of Goshen. They made their home in a log house from 1719 until 1722, when they built the stone house which is still standing. A view of this old house appears on another page in this volume.
ISAIAH BUNN was born at North Church, N. J., July 22, 1808, and is one of six children, all living, of Obadiah Bunn and Hanna I. Wilson Bunn. He attended the district school, mostly in the winters, until he was twenty-two years of age, when he operated a threshing machine for four years. He then went to New York City, worked there a year, and went from there to Hamburgh, N. J., where he engaged in the bottling business. He came to Warwick in 1887, and started a small bottling plant. The business was so successful that he now has one of the most up-to-date bottling plants in this section of the State. He is the owner of a well producing the purest water for carbonated drinks, and is manager of the Spring Lake Ice Company. His wife was Miss Minnie Vanderhoff, of Warwick, and their children are Minnie and Howard, who are living at home. He is a member of Deckertown Lodge No. 98, F. & A. M.
E. R. BURROUGHS, president and manager of the Abendroth & Root Manufacturing Company, has resided in Newburgh since 1901, when the plant was moved from Greenpoint, N. Y., to this city. The factory buildings are distributed over twelve acres of land and have a total floor space of four acres, modern in every way, and thoroughly equipped for the work produced. The property has a frontage of 800 feet on the Hudson River, with deep water docking facilities. A private switch from the West Shore Railroad bisects the plant, enabling connections with the New York Central, the Erie and N. Y., N. H. and H. Railroads. Machinery utilizing 600 horse-power of Root water tube boilers are in operation. Among the departments are a gray iron and brass foundry, forge shops, boiler erecting department, spiral pipe mill, sheet iron, plate metal and drum shop. The company has recently placed on the market the Frontenac touring car, which ranks among the foremost makes of automobiles in this country. Branches are maintained in New York, Pittsburgh and Chicago.
W. J. BURROWS, son of Alexander and Jennette (Todd) Burrows, was born in New York City in 1856. When he was two years of age his parents removed to the town of Newburgh, and it was here he received his schooling. He then engaged in farming with Fenton Cosman, where he remained eight years and then purchased his present fruit farm of twenty-two acres. Mr. Burrows has been trustee of the Marlborough Presbyterian Church fifteen years, elder two years and superintendent of the Sunday-school two years. He is a member of Cronomer Valley Grange and has served as its secretary. He married Miss Nancy E. Morrow and five children have been born to them.
GRINNELL BURT was born in Bellvale, Orange County, N. Y., on November 7, 1822. He was a grandson of James Burt, who for twenty years was a prominent legislator of the State. An orphan at fourteen, he was thrown on his own resources. With unusual ability for mechanical construction, and a mind that quickly grasped all opportunities for developing the resources of the country, he became interested in railroad projects. Meanwhile his love for the law prompted a course of reading and study which proved of great value when corporate interests were committed to his charge.
With others he organized, in 1859, the Warwick Valley Railroad. The growing needs of the valley called for various extensions of the line. Mr. Burt's pluck and rare executive ability served his constituents well. By the last consolidation the road was merged into and known as the Lehigh & Hudson River Railway Company. He was its continuous and only president forty-two years, dying in office. He was identified with various projects for bridging the Hudson. His was the vision to project the Orange County Railroad—"the missing link"—between the West and Southwest and New England, via the Poughkeepsie Bridge. This dream of his old age he pushed through with indomitable energy, enduring many anxious hours in its consummation, but which to-day justifies all his sagacious commercial foresight. The record of this Warwick railroad, while under his care, was that it never had a strike, never was in the hands of a receiver, never defaulted in the payment of the interest on its bonds, and no passenger lost his life during Mr. Burt's long administration. He selected his subordinates with rare judgment. At his death the new president retained to a man the entire corps that had served under Mr. Burt. No better choice could be made.
The other roads he served for varying terms as director, reorganizer, superintendent or president, were the Pittsburgh & Western; Cincinnati, Van Wert & Michigan (now the Cincinnati, Jackson & Mackinaw); New Jersey Midland (now the New York, Susquehanna & Western); Kanawha & Ohio; New York & Greenwood Lake; Middletown, Unionville & Water Gap, which he brought out of its chaotic condition and placed on a sound footing, and the Toledo & Ohio Central, generally conceded to be one of the most successful reorganizations of a bankrupt company ever effected.
In 1875 Governor Tilden appointed him one of three commissioners to remove obstructions from the Delaware River. The commission served without pay, and after their work was thoroughly done a balance was returned to the State treasury—a result so unusual in the expenditure of public money that it excited no little comment.
No public work was ever dearer to Mr. Burt than the establishment of the Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital. Serving as chairman of the building committee he saved the State much money by his watchful care. He was appointed by Governor Dix on the first board of trustees of this noble institution, and gave twenty-seven years of ungrudging service; acting first as vice-president, he eventually became president for the eleven successive years before his death. All this he did amid the stress and strain of conflicting business cares in behalf of suffering humanity.
In Warwick his name was coincident with its progress. He was one of the agitators for incorporating it under a special charter; an incorporator of Warwick Institute, serving thirty-two consecutive years on the board of education; one of the founders of Christ Church; on the committee of three to bond the town to pay volunteers in the late rebellion; on the first board of trustees of the Warwick Cemetery Association, active in building the reservoir and water-works; on the first board of directors of the First National Bank, where he served as vice-president for fifteen years.
The American Trossachs trip, which he inaugurated, was one of his many-schemes to bring our valley's beauties into a wider recognition. This excursion as planned by him would challenge comparison for varied interest and charm with any one day's excursion taken in any part of the world. Mr. Burt also did much for the development of Greenwood Lake. The artistic station and his own stately home, both built under his direction and out of our native McAfee limestone, are evidence that Grinnell Burt was a man of taste and culture as well. If you would see his monument, look about you in the little village he so loyally loved and served.
In 1849 he married Miss Jane S. Van Duzer, daughter of Isaac Van Duzer, of Warwick, by whom he had one son and four daughters: Frank Howard, who died in infancy; Kate V. D., who married Charles Caldwell, of Newburgh; Lily, wife of Frederick Halstead, of Brooklyn; Jane, who died in 1903, and Mary Herrick Burt, who resides in the old homestead. Mrs. Burt died in 1870. In 1886 he married Miss Louise Pierson, daughter of Samuel V. Pierson, of Middletown, N. Y. By this marriage he had twin sons, Grinnell, Jr., and Howard Pierson. Mr. Burt died August 3, 1901.
Surely a few words of tribute should be added in honor of this man whose unfaltering honesty, ability and enthusiasm called to his side noble helpers and the capital necessary to carry out these difficult public works. Personally he was possessed of most genial social traits—to see him in his home was to see him at his best. Here he dispensed the widest hospitality. He held high national ideals free from party lines. He was capable of long hours of unremitting physical and mental toil. He did not waste his energy talking about things he would like to do—he did them. He was acknowledged to be a winning and witty public speaker, and, when occasion demanded, a formidable antagonist, as he was absolutely fearless and not to be shaken from his convictions; and yet being[?] so fair withal that his warmest personal friends were among those with whom he differed on many occasions. In every walk of life he was a man.
When death came it seemed only a momentary interruption and to point back triumphantly to his long and honorable life of service.
THOMAS BURT, of Warwick, was born January 5, 1821. Both of his parents died when he was about fifteen years of age. He then lived with his uncle, Thomas M. Burt, in Albany, who sent him to an academy for one year. The next year he was employed in the printing office of Packer and Van Benthuysen. The next three years, he was employed in farming in central Ohio. In 1841 he returned to his native place, Bellvale, and soon after bought his father's farm and sawmill, which he operated until 1868, when he moved to his farm in Warwick, where he now lives. In 1846, he married Hannah Sayer, and lived a married life with her over fifty-four years. His surviving children are Elizabeth, Lydia, Annie, and Mrs. Vernon B. Carroll.
The next seven years he was in the lumber and coal business in the firm of Taylor, Burt and Pierson. In 1876 he organized the Warwick Savings Bank and has served as secretary and treasurer to the present time. As secretary and treasurer of the Warwick Cemetery Association he has had the care of its records and funds for twenty-six years. He was one of the commissioners who introduced public water into the village. He has served as trustee in the district school, academy, and Union Free School for many years, and as executor and administrator of estates and of trust funds.
He is independent in politics, has never held public office, has supported free soil, anti-slavery, and republican candidates, as well as Grover Cleveland.
FRANK V. BURTON—Among the many private residences which grace the banks of the Hudson River at Balmville, none is more imposing in appearance than "Woodbine," the beautiful summer home of Mr. Frank V. Burton, located on Big Hill on the river road. In 1850 Mr. Josiah H. Burton, who is now in his eighty-second year and father of the present owner, purchased a tract of land of about one hundred acres and resided in a handsome home nearer the river than the present mansion is situated. The property was afterward purchased by his son, Frank V., who in 1895 constructed his present ideal residence. The building is a three-story structure, 125 by 40 feet in dimensions and of Normandy style of architecture, with a covered piazza extending the whole length of the east side. The residence is surrounded by spacious lawns, filled with the choicest flowers and ornamental shrubs, while the river view from the house is one of the most magnificent to be found in the country, extending a distance of ten miles.
GILLMORE O. BUSH, who has held various public offices in what is now the town of Tuxedo, was born at Arden, Orange County, in 1863. After attending the district and parish schools he took a commercial course at the Paterson Business College. Mr. Bush then spent five years in Connecticut, and in 1886 came to Tuxedo Park and was appointed a member of the newly organized police force. After serving four years as patrolman he was promoted to chief of the department, which position he still retains. He has been deputy sheriff of the county of Orange since 1886. In 1899 Mr. Bush received the appointment of postmaster at Tuxedo Park and was reappointed in 1904. He has acted as assistant chief of the fire department since 1901. He is a charter member of Lorillard Lodge, F. and A. M.
Mr. Bush is a son of James S. and Eliza J. (Minerly) Bush, old residents of Orange County.
HORACE G. BUSH, son of Peter B. and Harriet (Ford) Bush, was born in the town of Monroe, Orange County, N. Y., March 13, 1863, on the farm where he has always resided. The Bush family have long been prominent in the affairs of Orange County and in 1905 Horace G. was elected a member of the board of supervisors. Socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity. He married Mary F. Smith, and two sons, Peter and Horace S., have been born to them.
The early representatives of the Bush family emigrated from Holland. Henry, the great-grandfather of Horace G., was a native of Orange County. He was the father of five sons, of whom Peter H., by his marriage to Abigail Smith, became the father of Peter B., referred to above.
CHARLES CALDWELL was born in the town of New Windsor, March 31, 1839, the son of John R. and Ruth Nicoll Caldwell, and grandson of Richard Caldwell, the Irish patriot.
After graduating from Albert Roe's School of Surveying and Civil Engineering at Cornwall, Mr. Caldwell opened an office in Newburgh, and in 1863 was appointed corporation surveyor, and later was annually appointed city surveyor, holding the office for nearly forty years. He was known to be a republican in politics, having no influence with democratic mayors or boards of aldermen.
Mr. Caldwell laid out all the streets of Newburgh opened since 1867, planned and superintended the building of twenty miles of sewers, laying the twenty-four-inch conduit from Washington Lake and building the large stone arch bridge spanning Quassaick Creek.
Mr. Caldwell's reputation as an expert surveyor and engineer was well known throughout the State, and his services in important and complicated surveys were always in demand, especially where suits were brought before the court for decision. He planned and superintended the building of the dams and water-works of Goshen and Warwick, building the large stone skew arch bridge at Wappingers Falls; was in 1876 engineer in charge of the work done by the State in removing obstructions from the Delaware River; did much careful work at the Hudson River, Matteawan and Long Island State Hospitals, did the grading and designed and constructed the water supply system for the State Camp Ground at Peekskill.
He was also for many years chief engineer of the Lehigh and Hudson River Railroad. He was a trustee of the Newburgh Savings Bank, vice-president of the Woodlawn Cemetery and Historical Society, and a vestryman of St. George's Church.
Mr. Caldwell was the generous promoter of every public and philanthropic work undertaken in his home city, a genial, lovable man who made friends wherever he traveled. Being himself absolutely incorruptible, he was intolerant of any dishonesty or unfaithfulness in others, particularly in the discharge of public trusts.
In 1874, Mr. Caldwell married Miss Kate Van Duzer Burt, daughter of Grinnell Burt, of Warwick, N. Y.
For twenty-eight years he was associated in business with Mr. Everett Garrison.
Mr. Caldwell died May 8, 1902.
DANIEL G. CAMERON, lumber merchant, Newburgh, N. Y., is a son of the late William T. Cameron, who for a quarter of a century was engaged in the lumber trade in that city under the firm name of Cameron & Sloat, established in 1866. Daniel G. entered the employ of his father's firm and upon the retirement of Mr. Sloat was entrusted with the management, becoming proprietor at his father's death in 1899.
Kenneth M. Cameron is associated with his father in this business.
FRANK H. CAMPBELL was a man of honored lineage; he was the only son of William and Grace Hamlinton Campbell, and was born in Vernon, N. J., February 9, 1850. He was educated at the Newton Collegiate Institute and a private military school in Poughkeepsie. He married Miss Emma Jayne, only daughter of Lewis Jayne, of Florida, Orange County. Mr. Campbell was one of the largest farmers of the county. He owned and controlled ten farms, aggregating twenty-five hundred acres, in the town of Warwick and northern New Jersey. He was long a buyer of cattle for dairy purposes, and was at times in the mercantile and feed business. More recently he was engaged in a wholesale milk business in New York, in which he received the products of eight creameries. He was a director of the First National Bank of Warwick, and the board paid him a high tribute as a citizen and business man after his death. He was an ardent sportsman, making hunting trips annually to the Adirondacks, or Maine woods. He was an active Mason, in politics a democrat, and in local improvements a zealous helper.
Mr. and Mrs. Campbell had three children—Lewis Jayne, Grace Hamlinton and Frances Edith. When Mr. Campbell died the son was in the Philippines, having enlisted in the United States Army.
PETER CANTLINE, a prominent young attorney of Newburgh, N. Y., was born in that city, November 8, 1882. After graduating from the Newburgh Academy in 1900, he entered the law office of Hon. A. H. F. Seeger, where he pursued his professional studies and was admitted to the bar in May, 1904.
Mr. Cantline served as special deputy county clerk in 1904 and 1905. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, St. George's Church and the Wheelmen's Club of Newburgh.
GEORGE WICKHAM CARPENTER was born January 15, 1847, and resides on the homestead farm, which has been in the possession of the family since 1764. His parents were Oliver R. and Phoebe J. Carpenter; of their seven children George Wickham was the eldest. He was educated in the Middletown High School and Academy, a private school and the Fort Edward Institute. He married Hattie Bennett, of Middletown, in 1882, and both are members of the First Congregational Church of Middletown. In politics Mr. Carpenter is a democrat, but never aspired to office.
GILBERT CARPENTER, a progressive citizen of Monroe, was born here in 1850. In 1867 he was a member of the grain, feed and coal firm of Carpenter, Webb & Company, which was later merged into the firm of Carpenter Brothers. Since the death of his brother William, in 1877, Mr. Carpenter has continued the business alone. He is a director of the National Bank of Monroe, trustee of the Dairy Association and trustee of the school board. Mr. Carpenter has always taken an active part in matters pertaining to the welfare and progress of his native place. His energy and foresight as president of the board of water commissioners during the construction of the plant has furnished to Monroe a water system that is un-excelled. He organized the first telephone system in the village and his son Louis erected the line. Mr. Carpenter married Irene, daughter of John K. Roe, and three sons and one daughter have been born to them, of whom Lewis R. is cashier of the Monroe Bank. He is a son of Dr. Ethan B. Carpenter, who served as member of Assembly in 1853.
SOLOMON CARPENTER—In 1714 Solomon Carpenter, one of the pioneers of Orange County, settled at Goshen on Main street, at the intersection of the Newburgh and Montgomery roads, which became known as Carpenter's Corners, and is now called Johnson's Corners. He was one of the company who bought the Minisink patent from England. He was made captain of the Goshen Colonial Militia in 1724 and was afterward made colonel. His royal commissions are still retained by his descendants. The old colonial house at Carpenter's Corners was built about 1724 and was remodeled by James Carpenter before the Revolutionary War. The property has remained in the family ever since. Jeromus Johnson, brother of General Jeremiah Johnson, of Long Island, married Mary Carpenter in 1802. The property has descended to its present owner, Mary E. Johnson, who married Seymour S. Peloubet, a law book publisher, of New York. The house contains some fine old mahogany furniture, which was brought from England in colonial times in sailing vessels owned by James Carpenter. These vessels sailed from Newburgh to all parts of the world, bringing wine and spices from Spain and the islands of the Mediterranean Sea; cloth, dishes and furniture from England, and molasses and sugar from the West Indies.
Nehemiah Carpenter, a son of Solomon, was quartermaster in the 5th Brigade, New York State, during the Revolutionary War. He was at the siege of Yorktown and his letters, written just before the battle, are now in possession of the family. After the war, because of ill-health, he went to the West Indies on one of his brother's ships and has left a very interesting diary of his journey.
James W. Carpenter, son of James Carpenter, was major in the War of 1812, and S. S. Peloubet, who now lives in the old home, was in the Civil War.
FRED C. CARY—Isaac Cary, the father of Fred C. was a descendant of John Cary, who came from Somerset, England, in 1634, and joined the Plymouth Colony, was born in Mendham, N. J., March 22, 1823, and died October 13, 1893. He was educated in the district school, the Fairchild Private School and later took a course in the Medical Department of Harvard College, from which he graduated. He practiced medicine in Brooklyn for some time, removing from there to Warwick, Orange County, in 1853, where he became one of its leading physicians and continued his professional practice until his death. He was a member of the Reformed Dutch Church, and in politics a democrat. He was a member of Warwick Lodge No. 544, F. & A. M. He married Harriet Roe, of Warwick, in 1854. Their children were a daughter, who died in infancy, and two sons—Frank W. and Fred C. The former is in the office of the N. Y. C. & H. R. Railroad in New York.
Fred C. Cary, the younger son of Dr. Isaac Cary, is a resident of Warwick, and prominent in its business and public affairs. He was educated in Warwick and a few weeks before the graduation of his class in Warwick Institute was offered a clerkship in the First National Bank of Warwick. This was in 1881, and he was then only sixteen years of age. His faithfulness and ability in the bank are attested by the facts that in 1890, at the age of twenty-five, he was made its cashier, and later one of its directors, which office he still holds to the satisfaction of business associates and bank patrons. The year that he was promoted to cashier he was also appointed clerk of the village and clerk of the water-works, and these positions he has continuously retained. He has been a member of Warwick's board of education several years and served as president two years, and is a director in the Warwick Valley Telephone Company and the Warwick, Monroe and Chester Building and Loan Association.
ADELBERT L. CASE—Plattsburgh, Erie County, N. Y., February 3, 1877, were the place and time of Mr. Case's birth. His parents were Dell and Sarah J. Case, and they had one other child, Pearl. A part of the son's education was obtained in the Franklin Institute in Delaware County. For some years he assisted his father in his hotel, and then engaged in the restaurant business in Greenville, Pa. He has been landlord of the Burnside Inn near Burnside, Orange County, since July 2, 1904. He is a zealous and active democrat, a member of the B. P. O. E. No. 145, of Greenville, Pa., and of No. 805 Chenango F. O. Eagles, of the same place. He is a lover of good horses and is owner of Fleetwood, No. 37,907, trial 2:30, when two years old, and of Baron Sturdy. Mr. Case is a Methodist and his wife an Episcopalian. He married, at East Sidney, Delaware County, February 28, 1903, Miss Jennie A. Floyd. Their son, Howard L., is two years of age.
WILLIAM F. CASSEDY, attorney, was born in Newburgh. N. Y.. October 4, 1862; he graduated from the Newburgh Academy in 1880; graduate of Cornell University in 1884; entered law office of A. S. Cassedy in the same year, and was admitted to the bar in 1886. January, 1887, he became a member of the firm of A. S. and W. F. Cassedy, which continued until the death of A. S. Cassedy, April 29, 1896. Formed partnership with Hon. Charles F. Brown, ex-justice Supreme Court, under firm name of Brown & Cassedy, January, 1897, which partnership is now existing. Mr. Cassedy is local counsel for the West Shore Division N. Y. C. &. H. R. R. Co. He is a director of the Quassaick National Bank of Newburgh; a trustee of the Newburgh Savings Bank; of Washington's Headquarters and Cedar Hill Cemetery Association; member of the Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands; member of vestry of St. George's Church; ex-president and now director and vice-president of the Powelton Club; director of Newburgh City Club; non-resident member of the University and Transportation Clubs, New York City. Mr. Cassedy married Miss Frances M., daughter of James A. Townsend. They have two children—J. Townsend and William F., Jr.
CHARLES E. CASTERLIN was born at Rockport, Sussex County, N. J., May 25, 1854, and received his schooling at Unionville, Orange County, where his parents lived many years. About 1875 he went to Middletown and worked two years in the dry goods store of B. C. Woodward & Co., removing to Little Falls, Passaic County, N. J., where he clerked in a grocery store, after which he conducted a grocery of his own until 1888, when he returned to Unionville and managed the Minisink Hotel two years. While in Little Falls he served as town clerk for five terms. He purchased the American House at High Bridge, N. J., remained there one and a half years, and in October, 1893, returned to Orange County and purchased the Aspell Hotel in Florida, which he still operates, and which is said to be the oldest hotel in Orange County. He is a member of Star Lodge No. 113, K. of P., of Clinton, N. J., and of Shabbekong Tribe No. 46, of Junction, N. J.
January 14, 1880, he married Mary E. Kellogg, of Little Falls. Of their three children one only is living—Harold M., born October 15, 1887.
Richard Casterlin, his father, was born at Rockport, N. J., August 10, 1828, conducted a large wagon shop at Unionville, N. Y., and in 1874 opened the Minisink Hotel, which he still conducts. His mother, whose maiden name was Mahala Rogers, was born in Rockport, June 7, 1830. They had five children, three of whom are dead. The father is living in Butler, N. J., with his other son, Fred, who conducts a hotel.
R. HARRY CATHCART, JR., president and treasurer of the Yuess Gardens Company, was born in Newburgh, N. Y., in 1884. After graduating from the Newburgh Academy he attended the Wilson Preparatory School and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1907 with the degree of B. S. C. Mr. Cathcart is a member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity and of the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Consistory and Mecca Temple of the Masonic Order; Lawson Hose Company No. 5; Company E, First Regiment; Atena Boat Club.
The greenhouses of the Yuess Gardens Company have a glass roofage of some 35,000 square feet and are the most pretentious in Orange County.
JOSEPH CHADWICK, manufacturer and bank president, Newburgh, N. Y., born Heywood, Lancashire, England, October 24, 1841; educated at Townhead, Rochdale, Lancashire. He acquired a practical knowledge of the present business in Manchester and at his father's cotton spinning mill at Rochdale. In 1865 he came to America and secured a position with the Boiling Spring Bleaching, Dyeing & Finishing Company, Rutherford, N. J., and soon afterward arranged for a lease of the concern and was in charge of the plant from 1868 to 1878. He was identified with educational, church and public affairs of the community. In 1871 the site of the Newburgh Bleachery was purchased by the Messrs. Chadwick and the present buildings successively appeared, which are among the largest and best equipped of the kind in the country, bleaching and finishing the finest cotton fabrics made. Mr. Chadwick is president of the company and head of the firm of Joseph Chadwick & Sons.
Mr. Chadwick has been a resident of Newburgh since 1878, occupying a prominent position in business and social circles; for many years a trustee and vice-president of the Newburgh Savings Bank. He was elected president of that institution in 1906. Member of the Merchants' Club of New York and the Powelton and Wheelmen's Club of Newburgh, and one of the incorporators of the Newburgh City Club. Mr. Chadwick married Margaret, daughter of William Smith, of Manchester, England, a prominent bleacher, dyer and finisher of cotton goods. Four sons and one daughter have been born to them.
GEORGE W. CHRISTIE was born on a farm near Unionville, October 17, 1836, and died at his home at Pine Island, April 19, 1907. His early education was obtained in district and private schools, and he assisted his father on the farm until he was twenty-eight, being one of eleven children born to Samuel and Jane Elston Christie. He conducted a summer hotel at Rutherford, N. J., and afterward became manager of creameries at Unionville, Slate Hill and New Milford. He continued in this service eight years when, his health becoming impaired, in 1885 he purchased a farm at Pine Island, where he lived the remaining twenty-three years of his life. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Amity. In politics he was a republican. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Kelly, of Port Jervis, November 15, 1865. Their two children are Sarah Adele, born August 19, 1872, and Samuel Hayne, born March 20, 1874. Samuel's education, after he left the district school, was obtained in the Peddie Institute, of Heightstown, N. J., Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, from which he graduated, and the New York Law School, where he studied two years. He was also in Judge John J. Beattie's office at Warwick one year. He was admitted to the bar in 1900, and practiced law in New York City two years.
CLARK BROTHERS, general merchants at Thompson's Ridge, town of Crawford, purchased in 1897 the business of J. Erskine Ward. In addition to a general store they are also dealers in coal and feed. The firm is composed of Theodore G. and George H. Clark, sons of Joseph H. and Mary (Hunter) Clark.
Joseph Clark was for many years actively identified with local affairs, holding the office of town clerk and justice of the peace. His father, Ira Clark, married Eliza Barkley. He taught school for a time at Searsville, and then purchased the farm which became the family homestead. For thirteen years he was superintendent of schools. He also held the office of town clerk and served as justice of the peace. Religiously he was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and for years was a trustee of the same. His death occurred in 1883, in his eighty-sixth year.
H. N. CLARK, who is a native of Cornwall and has been engaged in the retail drug trade in that village since 1877, is one of its most substantial and honored citizens. He purchased the business from Clark and Vail, who established the store in 1870. Mr. Clark has for many years been prominently identified with public affairs in Cornwall. He has served as treasurer of the village since 1885 and is also treasurer of the school board. He is one of the trustees of Cornwall Savings Bank. Socially he is connected with the Knights of Pythias.
HULET D. CLARK, for many years a progressive farmer and representative business man of the town of Minisink, was born in Sussex County, N. J., in 1835 and died April 2, 1897.
In 1860 he purchased a farm in Mount Hope, and six years later bought one hundred and fifteen acres in the town of Minisink, near Westtown, where he resided to the time of his death. In 1885 his son, Clarence, established a flour and feed store in the village of Johnson under the firm name of C. G. Clark & Co. The venture proved successful and branches were started at Unionville, Slate Hill and Westtown.
In 1867 Mr. Clark married Margaret, daughter of James G. Swartwout, of Port Jervis, a direct descendant of Roeloff Swartwout, who came from Holland and settled at Kingston, N. Y., in 1655. Five children were born, of whom Clarence G. was the third in order of birth. He resides in Westtown, conducting an extensive flour, feed and coal business, in addition to a three-hundred-acre farm. He married Mary, daughter of H. Reeves Horton. They are the parents of two children, Hulet D. and Julia K.
JAMES ALONZO CLARK was born March 26, 1845, at Middletown, Orange County. His early education was acquired at the public school and at the age of fifteen he began his business career by clerking for Alexander Wilson, of Middletown, remaining there two years. In June, 1862, he became clerk in the hardware store of Scott Brothers, remaining with this concern through various changes until he became a member of the firm in 1879. The firm at that period was Vail, Brink & Clark. In 1884 the senior member of the firm sold out and the firm then became Brink & Clark, which name it has since retained. He married Mrs. Emma (Cole) Dunning in 1887. One child was born to this union, Mildred Murray, born October 23, 1888. Mr. Clark is a member of Hoffman Lodge No. 412, F. & A. M.; Midland Chapter, R. A. M.; Cyprus Commandery No. 67, and the Knights of Pythias. He takes an interest in the Sons of the Revolution and is identified with the Middletown Savings Bank as trustee. Since 1865 he has been connected with the Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company, of Middletown.
ROBERT H. CLARK, supervisor of the town of Minisink, was born near Westtown. He is a son of Hon. William Harvey and Emily A. (Robertson) Clark. He has always engaged in the management of his farm of one hundred and sixty-seven acres. Politically he is a firm believer in the principles of the democratic party. His first public office was that of postmaster, during Cleveland's second term. He was elected supervisor in 1903, re-elected in 1905 and again in 1907. Socially Mr. Clark is a member of the Masonic fraternity and Minisink Grange.
William H. Clark, father of our subject, was born in 1829 and died in 1907. He represented the Second District of Orange County in the New York Legislature in 1881-82. He was supervisor of the town of Minisink a number of terms and chairman of the board in 1876. He was one of the incorporators of the Middletown, Unionville and Water Gap Railroad, and held the office of treasurer many years. He also served twelve years as trustee of the Middletown Asylum and was prominently identified with public and business affairs of his native town and county, enjoying the highest esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens.
WILLARD M. CLARK, supervisor of the town of Wallkill, was born at Salem, N. J., August 23, 1861. Shortly after his birth his father removed to Greenville, Orange County, and in the district schools of that town Willard received his early educational training. He later attended the Albany Normal College, from which he was graduated in 1884. Mr. Clark has taught school continuously since 1880, and served six years as school commissioner, following his election to that office in 1890. Mr. Clark also owns and conducts a farm on the state road near Middletown, to which he removed in 1890, coming from Greenville. He was elected a member of the county board of supervisors in the fall of 1907. He married Mamie Clark, of Greenville, and they have a daughter, Ethel. William L. Clark, the father of our subject, was prominent in the social and political life of Greenville. He served as county supervisor for fourteen years and for many years as town clerk.
HENRY P. CLAUSON, who for a quarter of a century has been prominently identified with public affairs in Orange County, was born in New Jersey in 1842. He came to Newburgh in 1868 and located on a farm a few miles northwest of that city, where he has achieved much success in dairying and fruit growing, his farm lands covering over three hundred and fifty acres.
Firmly believing in the principles of the democratic party, Mr. Clauson was elected supervisor of the town of Newburgh in 1878, and re-elected in 1879 and 1880. In 1885 he was elected to the office of sheriff, serving through the years 1886, 1887 and 1888. In the latter year he was a delegate to the national democratic convention at St. Louis, which nominated Grover Cleveland. In 1900 Mr. Clauson was again elected supervisor, serving continuously until 1906. In 1907 he received the democratic nomination for the office of county treasurer.
Mr. Clauson married Miss Mary E. Monell. They have three children living: John, Charlotte (now the wife of V. J. Kohl) and Harry.
ISAAC COCHRAN, son of Alexander and Margaret (Greery) Cochran, was born in the town of Newburgh, October 29, 1823. He was educated in the schools and academy of Newburgh. In 1839 he accompanied his parents to New York City and engaged with his father in a grocery and tea business on Broadway and Twenty-first street, where he remained until 1860. He then embarked in the manufacture of carriages in New York, where for a number of years he carried on a successful business. In 1866 he returned to Newburgh and settled on a farm adjoining the place of his birth. In 1887 he removed to his present home, corner of Powell avenue and North street, where he lives in comparative retirement. Mr. Cochran assisted in the organization of the Columbus Trust Company in 1892, of which he has since been a director. In 1850 Mr. Cochran married Miss Rachel Sommerville. She died in 1891. Seven children blessed this union. Mr. Cochran has been an elder in the Reformed Presbyterian Church since 1868 and has served as superintendent of the Sunday-school over thirty years.
CHARLES C. COCKS, senior member of the grocery firm of C. E. Cocks Sons, was born in Cornwall, N. Y., where he has always resided. He is a son of Charles E. and Margaret (Campbell) Cocks, natives of the town of Monroe, Orange County. The business was established by his father at Cornwall Landing in 1850, and our subject has been interested in it since 1870. In 1900 he and his brother, Isaac M., succeeded to the business. Mr. Cocks has served as trustee of the village and school boards and is a director of the Cornwall Savings Bank, of which his father was the president for many years. He is also vice-president of the Cornwall Realty and Improvement Company.
WILLIAM HENRY CODDINGTON was born in Ulsterville, Ulster County, N. Y., June 15, 1872, and was one of five children, whose parents were William Henry and Susan Coddington. After attending the district school he assisted his father on the farm and was engaged at blacksmithing for six months. In 1893 he became connected with the New York Condensed Milk Company, now known as the Borden Condensed Milk Company, and was gradually promoted from the position of helper to foreman, at Johnsons, N. Y. In 1905 he was transferred to the Burnside Creamery and is now its superintendent. In politics he is a democrat and is a member of the Jr. O. U. A. M., of Middletown. He married Miss Delia Louise Bennett, of South Centerville, June 26, 1901, and they have three children, Frank M., Florence Elizabeth, and Ralph B. Mrs. Coddington is a member of the Presbyterian Church, of South Centerville.
THOMAS COLDWELL, who at the time of his death in 1905 was the oldest manufacturer of Lawn Mowers in America, was born in Staleybridge, Lancashire, England, in 1838, and came to this country at a very early age. His first employment was with John and William Rothery, who operated a file shop in Matteawan, N. Y. He was later employed by H. W. Swift, who had a machine shop at Wiccapee, in the town of Fishkill, and who was experimenting in the manufacture of lawn mowers fashioned after Budding's grass cutters manufactured in England. Mr. Coldwell, who was endowed with genius for invention, actually made the first lawn mower produced by Mr. Swift. He became associated with Mr. George L. Chadborn, who was also in the employ of Mr. Swift, and in 1868 Mr. Coldwell, with the assistance of Mr. Chadborn, invented a new lawn mower, resulting in the formation of the Chadborn & Coldwell Mfg. Co., at Newburgh, N. Y., with Mr. Coldwell as president, which continued until 1891, when Mr. Coldwell organized the Coldwell Lawn Mower Co., mention of which appears elsewhere in this work. Suffice it to say that their daily output approximates seven hundred complete mowers for each working day in the year and it is the largest plant in the world devoted to the manufacture of these machines.
In this connection it is interesting to note briefly the history of lawn mowers. There is some doubt who was the original inventor. An old document has been found in the United States Patent Office, dated 1825, which shows that one James Ten Eyk, of Bridgewater, N. J., invented a mowing machine. It was simple, having a box like a wagon box, with the forward end open, furnished with two shafts, one at the front end, on which were placed the revolving cutters, and the other above the center of the box on which were the driving wheels, and on which the box was hung. The driving shaft had on it two drive pulleys corresponding with two smaller ones on the cutter shaft and the two were connected by means of two rope belts. It was a revolving-cutter field mower, and is the first revolving cutter of which any record can be found, but the inventor did not claim that it was a lawn mower. The next authentic record of a revolving-cutter mower was one invented by Edwin Budding, of Stroud, Gloucestershire, England. Budding was born near Stroud in 1796. He was evidently an inventor, draftsman and mechanic of considerable ability. He invented the Budding wrench and various machines for use in the manufacture of woolen cloth. He was superintendent for the late George Lister, a manufacturer of Dursley, England. P. A. Lister (son of George), who succeeded his father (and from whom many of these facts regarding Budding emanate), stated that there was no doubt but that Budding took the idea of the lawn mower from a cloth clipping machine. He was granted a patent for his new invention, dated October 25, 1830, and a circular owned by Mr. Budding's daughter, dated 1830, shows that he sold three sizes of lawn mowers, manufactured by John Farrabee near Stroud. These facts leave no doubt that to Budding belongs the credit of producing the first lawn mower.
Previous to 1855 probably all lawn mowers used in America were of English make. A few years prior to this Mr. H. W. Sargent, of Fishkill, received a mower from England and sent it to Mr. Swift to be repaired, and it was upon Mr. Sargent's suggestion that Mr. Swift began the manufacture of these machines. His circular, dated 1835, states that he made four sizes ranging in price from $30 to $80. For a number of years Mr. Swift had a monopoly of the lawn mower trade in this country.
About 1868 the Hills Lawn Mower Co. was started in Hartford, Conn. They made the Archimedian Mower. It was the first machine made with only two revolving cutter blades, and sold for $45. Other manufacturers were Graham, Emlen & Passmore, of Philadelphia, who produced the first side-wheel mower. In 1885 some patents on the best mowers expired and many small manufacturers sprang up in all parts of the country, who have contented themselves by making the cheaper grades. A few lawn mowers are made in Canada, Germany and France, but the United States produces four-fifths of all lawn mowers made in the world, and they are exported to every part of the globe.
The business established by Thomas Coldwell is now continued by his two sons, William H. and Harry T., both of whom were brought up in the lawn mower business by their father. He is also survived by a widow and daughter, the latter the wife of Mr. E. C. Ross, who is associated with the Coldwell Brothers in the lawn mower industry.
GALEN COLEMAN was born near Mount Hope, Orange County, N. Y., December 31, 1859. His parents were Alfred and Catherine Coleman. His education was obtained at Mount Hope, and at an early age he learned the trade of blacksmith, which he followed some time. He removed to Middletown, and learned the machinist trade, which business he has since followed. He married Mary Alice Coleman, of Wantage, N. J., who was born March 19, 1852. Their marriage occurred at Spartanburg, S. C., January 7, 1880. Their one child, Frank Edson, was born August 29, 1882. He married Eva M. Birtwistle, of Middletown, June 5, 1907. Father and son are independent in politics and members of Lodge No. 169, K. of P., of Middletown.
WILLIAM M. COLLARD was born in the town of Warwick, Orange County, N. Y., August 14, 1857. His father was Jerome and mother Mary E. (Hallock) Collard. The subject of this sketch attended the district school at Greenwood Lake, and afterward worked on his father's farm. He learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for ten years. He was married to Mary E. Robets, of Bull's Mills, in 1879. Socially, he is a member of Wallkill Grange, and Protective Home Circle. He was previously a member of the Maccabees. He is a democrat, taking an active interest in local politics. Mr. Collard has been in the grocery business for some years. He owns two hundred acres of land near Greenwood Lake, and recently there has been discovered a fine grade of mica on his farm, which has been leased to parties, who have commenced operating the mines.
EDWARD J. COLLINS, attorney of Newburgh, was born in Port Jervis, N. Y., 1876. He was educated at Port Jervis Academy and the law department of Cornell University, from which he graduated in 1898. Then he entered the law office of Hon. A. H. F. Seeger, and was admitted to the bar in 1899. In November, 1905, Mr. Collins was elected on the republican ticket member of the common council, of which he was later president. Mr. Collins is a member of various social and fraternal organizations, including the City and Powelton Clubs and New York State Bar Association.
H. D. COMFORT, manufacturer of ice cream at Newburgh, was born in the town of Crawford, Orange County, N. Y., and is a son of the late Daniel H. Comfort. Mr. Comfort was formerly engaged in the creamery and ice cream business in New York City, and in 1900 established his business in Newburgh, in which he has been very successful. His plant is located on an acre and a half of ground on South street near West street, and covers an area of 170 by 75 feet. Steam and electric power are utilized, and machines with a capacity of forty quarts of ice cream every six minutes are in operation. A plant on Robinson avenue is operated during the winter months. Mr. Comfort gives employment to ten men and his product finds a ready market throughout the Hudson Valley. Socially he is identified with the F. and A. M. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary Schaefer, daughter of Jacob Schaefer, of Montgomery, N. Y. Two boys and two girls have been born to them. J. Edmund is engaged in business with his father.
DANIEL G. COMINGS, of Middletown, was born May 17, 1850, in Sussex County, N. J. His parents were Gilman Taylor and Rhoda (Worthington) Comings. To this union were born six children, two of whom are living, Daniel G. and Mrs. Elvira La Forge, who resides at Metuchen, N. J. Daniel attended the district school, where he acquired his education. When he was thirteen years of age he commenced working on a farm until he was twenty-one years old. He then learned the millwright trade, which he followed for twenty-two years. In November, 1878, he removed to Orange County, locating at Middletown, and followed his trade, also engaging in the wholesale and retail ice business and retail coal business, which he has conducted for sixteen years. He married Louisa C. Smith, of Newark, N. J., July 9, 1884. Their four children are Mary Viola, Bertha L., Florence A. and William D. Bertha is a pupil at the Oswego Normal School; the others reside at home. In politics Mr. Comings is a prohibitionist and he and his wife are members of St. Paul's Methodist Church at Middletown, N. Y.
THOMAS CONDON, who for many years has been identified with the public affairs of Walden, was born in the town of Montgomery in 1865. He attended the schools of his native place and has been a resident of Walden thirty years, during which time he has served as assessor of the town of Montgomery seven years, assessor of the village three years, trustee six years, and president of the village in 1902, under the old charter by appointment of the board of trustees. He was elected to this office in 1906, and re-elected without opposition in 1907. He is a member of the Red Men, Foresters of America and Elks. Mr. Condon is regarded as a faithful official and public-spirited citizen.
GEORGE RENSSELAER CONKLIN, one of Orange County's representative citizens and merchants, residing at Monroe, N. Y., was born in this town in 1843, a son of Rensselaer C. and Mary E. (Howzer) Conklin. After finishing his studies Mr. Conklin went to New York in 1860, where he was engaged in business until 1865. He then spent two years in the Lake Superior iron district, and in 1868 returned to Monroe and has been engaged mainly in the coal and feed business. He is senior partner in the firms of Conklin & Roe, of Chester; Conklin & Cummins, of Goshen; Conklin & Strong, of Warwick; Paddleford & Co., of Monroe, and C. T. Nott, of Vernon, N. J. He is president of the Groves Product Company, of Jersey City; president of the Monroe Lake Realty Company, secretary of the Warwick, Monroe and Chester Building and Loan Association, and a director of the Highland Telephone Company. Mr. Conklin has served as a member of the Monroe board of education for some twenty years. Socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity. He has been twice married, his first wife being Miss Isabella Roberts, whom he married in 1869. In 1885 he chose for his second wife Miss Mary E., daughter of the late Chauncey B. Knight. By his enterprise and energy Mr. Conklin has achieved a large measure of financial success and, coupled with a genial disposition, he retains the highest esteem of his fellow-citizens.
MILTON C. CONNER, M.D., was born on a farm near Scotchtown, town of Wallkill, September 6, 1853. He attended the Wallkill Academy at Middletown, and then entered the Fort Edward Institute, and later was a student in the Caze-novia Seminary, spending two years in each institution. Meantime he taught school at Fort Ann, N. Y. Dr. Conner entered the Detroit Medical College, remaining there two years, after which he became a student in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York City, and graduated in 1883 with the degree of M.D. Shortly afterwards he opened an office in Middletown, N. Y., where he has since resided. He is a member of the State and County Medical Society and has been a member for the past eighteen years of the American Medical Association. He is a member of Hoffman Lodge No. 412, F. and A. M., of Middletown, and Midland Chapter No. 240, R. A. M. In politics he is a republican. Dr. Conner was united in marriage with Miss Frances Adelaide Cox, of Middletown.
MATHIEW GRANT COOPER was born February 4, 1865, at Glenwood, N. J., and, after his district school education, followed the occupation of farming six years, after which he engaged in the meat business for eight years. He then worked at Franklin Furnace, N. J., two years. He returned to Eden Station, Orange County, in 1900, and was engaged at the Empire State Dairy Company three years, and three years more for the Haynes Milk Company. The latter was absorbed by the Borden Company, when Mr. Cooper was appointed superintendent, and has continued in the position since. His wife's maiden name was Clara (Van Sickle) Slaughter, of Eden, and they were married December 14, 1904. Their one child is Gerald Frank, born June 29, 1905. Mr. Cooper is a member of Minisink Council No. 53, Jr. O. U. A. M.
PROFESSOR SANFORD A. CORTRIGHT, of Westtown, N. Y., was born in the town of Greenville, Orange County, in 1858. He is a son of Alfred and Margaret (Elston) Cortright. He attended the district schools of his native town, which was supplemented by four years of private tutoring. He graduated from the Albany Normal School and has been engaged in educational work twenty-four years. He has been principal of the Westtown school since 1890. Professor Cortright is a member of the Odd Fellows, the Junior Order of American Mechanics and the Minisink Grange. In 1893 he was united in marriage with Miss Emma, daughter of Rensselaer and Rachael (Weygant) McKelvey. One child, Alfred, has blessed this union.
JOHN B. CORWIN, attorney of Newburgh, was born at Middletown, N. Y., February 3, 1876, and removed from there to the Corwin homestead, Balmville, in 1884. He graduated from the Newburgh Academy in 1892, supplemented with a course at the Spencerian Business College. Mr. Corwin read law with the late L. W. Y. McCroskery for two years, and in 1896 entered the office of the late L. S. Sterrit. He was admitted to the bar in 1897. He has also been admitted to practice in the Federal Courts. Mr. Corwin was managing clerk for Mr. Sterrit ten years, and following the death of Mr. Sterrit in April, 1907, he succeeded to his practice.
JOHN ISAAC COTTER, M.D., although only twenty-six years of age, has an established and growing practice at Campbell Hall, where he resides, and is well known to the medical profession both within and outside of Orange County. He was born at Jackson's Corners, Dutchess County, August 22, 1881. When he left the district school at the age of twelve, he went to Poughkeepsie, and there attended the grammar and high schools, graduating from the latter in 1900. He took a course of four years in the Albany Medical College, from which he graduated in 1904, and then devoted one year to work in the Albany Hospital. After this thorough preparation he started professional practice at Campbell Hall in 1905. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus No. 304, Florentine Council, of Poughkeepsie, the Nu Sigma Nu Medical Fraternity, the Orange County Medical Society, the Newburgh Bay Medical Society, the Middletown Medical Society, the M. P. S. of Northern Dutchess and Southern Columbia Counties, the New York State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. Dr. Cotter is a lover of good horses, and owns several, among them Bessie H., whose trial mark is 2:201/2. His father, John H. Cotter, is a practicing physician in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and has another son Lawrence and daughter Mary, both of whom are attending the Poughkeepsie high school.
DANIEL J. COUTANT, of Newburgh, N. Y., bears the distinction of occupying a public office a greater length of time than any official in Orange County. He is a native of Newburgh and a son of Zachariah Coutant. After completing his studies at Claverack Institute, he became bookkeeper for the freight line of Alsdorf & Skidmore. In 1872 he was appointed city clerk by the common council, and regardless of party has been re-appointed by each succeeding mayor, covering a period of thirty-six years. Mr. Coutant is a member of Trinity M. E. Church. His father was of direct French Huguenot descent.
JOHN P. COVERT—When our Civil War came, early in 1861, John P. Covert, then a mere youth in the South, enlisted in the famous fighting regiment of "Louisiana Tigers," and fought with them. He saw the hardest service and was severely wounded in battle. When the war ended he went to Chicago, and became a successful manufacturer of tinware specialties, and after a few years retired. Soon afterward he moved to Orange County, bought the Quackenbos farm near Neelytown, now known as the Beaver Dam Farm, and proceeded to improve it so that it became one of the most attractive places in the state. The farm is rich and highly cultivated, the palatial home is surrounded by a fine grove of hundreds of sugar maples. Here Mr. Covert lived for thirty years, and became a famous breeder of the best Holstein-Friesian cattle. He sold the farm in 1901 to A. Von Kilch, and established a home in Goshen. He was a charter member of the Wallkill Farmers' Association, for several years was its vice-president and always one of its directors. Mr. Covert married Miss Jennie Ketcham, of New York City, a daughter of Enoch Ketcham, one of the leading tin and hardware dealers of the metropolis. There have been few more striking contrasts in separate periods of individual lives than that of Mr. Covert's severe service and sufferings in the bloody civil war with that of his peaceful and happy life in Orange County.
WILLIAM CRABTREE & SONS, manufacturers of worsted yarns, with factories at Montgomery and Newburgh, N. Y., is numbered among the leading industries of Orange County. The business is now conducted by Harry, Edmund, John A., William E. and Charles B., sons of the late William Crabtree, who established this business at Montgomery in 1880 in company with Mr. Arthur Patchett, under the firm name of Crabtree & Patchett. In 1897 the Newburgh plant was established. In 1902 the present firm name was adopted. Over one million pounds of wool are used annually resulting in a finished product of a half million pounds of yarn shipped to all parts of the United States. About 200 hands are given steady employment in the plants of this firm. Mr. William Crabtree was born in England in 1840 and died in England while on a visit to his old home, June, 1903. He came to America in 1864, locating at Philadelphia, where he remained until 1880. Mr. Crabtree was identified with the Masonic fraternity and member of the Reformed church. In 1867 he married Miss Harriet Patchett, daughter of Edmund and Elizabeth (Robertshaw) Patchett, all natives of England.
GEORGE W. CRIST was born February 22, 1875, on the homestead farm in the town of Hamptonburgh, and is a son of Theodore J. and Cecelia (Mapes) Crist. His early education was obtained at the Grove Street District School, and the Montgomery Academy. He has always been identified with farming. In politics Mr. Crist gives his hearty support to the democratic party and always takes an active interest in local affairs. He is at present supervisor of the town. He is past master of Goshen Lodge No. 365., F. and A. M., a member of the Midland Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Middletown, No. 240; honorary member of the Montgomery fire department, and past chief ranger of Wallkill Lodge No. 69, Foresters of America. His father Theodore was born on the same farm April 22, 1844. Five children were born in his father's family. Grant died in December, 1875; Clara L. resided at home; George, our subject; Abigail B., residing at home; Frank M. married Emily Mortimer, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and is a member of Goshen Lodge No. 365, F. and A. M. Mary Belle married Frank M. Cox, of Middletown, and died in July, 1898. The great grandfather of our subject was Nelson Crist, son of Philip Crist. Philip Crist was engaged in driving the stage coach between Goshen and Kingston in the early days.
CHARLES E. CROFTS, who has held the position as superintendent of the New York Knife Company, of Walden, since 1876, was born in Sheffield, England, where he learned the cutlery trade. In 1872 he came to America and located at Walden, where he has since devoted his time to the success of the knife works. Mr. Crofts has served as village trustee for a period of two years and as a member of the board of water and highway commissioners five years. He married Miss Emma Marsden, and twelve children have been born to them, of which three are now living. His son Arthur is engaged in business in New York City, and Emma L. is a student of the Northfield Seminary.
HARRY A. CRONK was born May 20, 1877, at Binghamton, N. Y. He attended the public schools and after his school days associated himself with H. H. Bishop, of Binghamton, in the milk business, during which time he learned the trades of cheese and butter making. He afterwards connected himself with the Standard Butter Co., of Oswego, N. Y., and was soon given charge of one of their largest factories, situated at Truxton, Cortland County, N. Y., and remained in their employ four years. He then took charge of a co-operative butter factory at Brisben, N. Y., for one year.
In 1902 he associated himself with Borden's Condensed Milk Co., and was soon promoted to the position of inspector and then to the position of superintendent of their Brisben branch; he afterwards was promoted to superintendent of the Florida branch, and is now traveling superintendent for a number of factories in Orange and Sussex counties. He married Miss Ora J. Whitlock, of Ithaca, N. Y., March 24, 1897. They have one child, Camilla Eleanor, four years old. Mr. Cronk is a member of Eastern Light Lodge No. 126, F. & A. M.
JAMES CRONON, a representative business man of Tuxedo Park, N. Y., was born and educated in New York City, and has resided in Orange County since 1876. He conducted a general store at Turners for a number of years, and was the pioneer merchant in Tuxedo village. In 1886 he established his present bakery and now carries on an extensive trade. Mr. Cronon has been clerk of the Tuxedo school district since 1891. During this period new and commodious school buildings have been erected, marking the progress of education in a modern community.
Mr. Cronon has served eighteen years as justice of the peace and one year as justice of sessions. He was collector of the old town of Monroe for two terms and also served as town clerk of that town several years. He is a charter member of Lorillard Lodge, F. and A. M.; a member of Highland Chapter and Hudson River Commandery.
It was with the aid of Josiah Patterson and his wife, Mr. Cronon had religious services held in the town hall on Sunday afternoons, the preaching being by the Methodist minister of the Sloatsburg church. This mission service finally culminated in the establishing of a Methodist congregation here.
WILLIAM L. CUDDEBACK, M.D., of Port Jervis, N. Y., is a descendant of the French-Huguenots of that name who settled in Deer Park in 1690, coming from Caudebec, on the Seine, in that part of France known in ancient days as Normandy.
Dr. Cuddeback was born in the town of Deer Park, April 26, 1854, and is the son of Elting and Ann Bevier (Elting) Cuddeback, who were the parents of six children. He received his primary education in the district schools, and later took a special two years' course in Cornell University. He took up the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Solomon Van Etten, of Port Jervis, after which he entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York, from which he was graduated in 1876. He served as intern in Bellevue Hospital for two years, and then opened his present office in Port Jervis. In 1892, with Dr. H. B. Swartwout, he purchased the hospital in Port Jervis, and together they have conducted it to the present time. This is a general hospital and is patronized largely by Erie Railroad patients.
Dr. Cuddeback was joined in marriage with Miss Alice D. Malven on October 16, 1880. She is a daughter of George and Philenda (St. John) Malven, of Port Jervis. To our subject and wife five children have been born: Frank E., Edgar C., Elizabeth M., Alice M. and Philenda. Dr. Cuddeback is a member of the Orange County Medical Society, the National Association of Railroad Surgeons, the New York State Medical Society, and has served as pension examiner. He was president of the Board of Education from 1887 to 1892, during which time the Main street school house was erected. He has been president of the Library Board since the establishment of the Free Public Library and has served as president of the National Bank of Port Jervis since 1900.
THOMAS P. CUSHING, clerk of the town of New Windsor, and postmaster at Vail's Gate, was born in New York City, December 31, 1863. His father, James Cushing, moved to Orange County in 1871 and shortly after established a general store at Vail's Gate. He served as justice of the peace for thirty years and as postmaster eight years. By his death, which occurred in 1903, Orange County lost a prominent and useful citizen. Thomas P., after finishing his schooling, was engaged by the Erie Railroad as agent and operator, where he remained fifteen years. He was deputy postmaster seven years under his father, and in 1905 erected the building in which he continues the business established by his father.
JOHN DALES, senior member of the real estate and insurance firm of John Dales & Co., Newburgh, N. Y., was born in Delaware County in 1820, a son of John and Sarah (Cavin) Dales. In 1839 Mr. Dales came to Newburgh and entered the employ of Crawford Mailler & Co. He was engaged in mercantile pursuits at Memphis, Tenn., New York City, and Jordan, N. Y., conducting a flour mill at the latter place fifteen years.
In 1865 Mr. Dales returned to Newburgh and in company with W. O. Mailler engaged in the wholesale grocery and freighting business for several years. Since 1870 his attention has been devoted largely to real estate. In 1884 Hon. Charles D. Robinson, mayor of Newburgh, 1906 to 1908, became his business partner and is now the active head of the firm, Mr. Dales having gradually withdrawn from arduous duties.
Mr. Dales was one of the original members of the Board of Trade, a director in Quassaick National Bank, secretary of Woodlawn Cemetery Association and secretary of the Newburgh & Midland Railway Company in former years. He has also served many years as elder, trustee and treasurer of Calvary Presbyterian Church. He is prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity, being a charter member of Hudson River Lodge No. 607, a Royal Arch Mason, and also belongs to Hudson River Commandery No. 35, K. T.
In 1845 Mr. Dales married Susan, daughter of Jacob Oakley. There were two children born of this marriage: William M. Dales, who died November 1, 1883, leaving a daughter, Helen M. Dales, and Mary Belknap Dales, who died January 14, 1900, leaving a daughter, Julia, from her marriage with Chas. D. Robinson.
Mrs. Susan Dales died November 24, 1890. Mr. Dales died March 26, 1908.
HERBERT S. DANA, agent for the Erie Railroad at Craigsville, N. Y., was born in Gardner, Maine, where he obtained his education at the public schools. Mr. Dana has resided in Orange County since 1893, being employed as telegraph operator in the office of the Pennsylvania Coal Company at Newburgh. He accepted his present position, January, 1907, and December of the same year was appointed postmaster. Mr. Dana is well informed on the subject of horses and has contributed news and comments to the Western Horseman for a quarter of a century, and to the Newburgh News and Goshen Independent and Republican for the past fifteen years.
Mr. Dana married Miss Nellie Robinson Wheaton, of Connecticut, and they are the parents of two sons, George Stephen and Frederick Wheaton.
HENRY D'ARCY, who was associated with his brother Thomas in conducting the United States Hotel in Newburgh for some years, is a native of the town of Highland and now conducts a real estate and fire insurance business in Highland Falls. Mr. D'Arcy was the first town clerk at the time the town of Highland was divided from Cornwall. He has served at various times as assessor and road commissioner and president of the Board of Education six years.
Mr. D'Arcy has been twice married. A son was born by his first wife and a son and daughter by his second wife.
THOMAS DARLINGTON was born at Salisbury Mills, Orange County, N. Y., August 29, 1826, the son of Peter and Maria Wilde Darlington. Through his mother many lines of colonial ancestry met in him. A descendant of Deputy Governor Bishop, of Connecticut, who was secretary of that colony from 1661 to 1665; of Daniel Rayneau, the first freeholder of the Huguenot colony of New Rochelle; of Richard Wilde, Esq., of Flushing, N. Y.; and from Edward Griffin, of the Virginia colony, on his father's side he was from the Darlingtons of Yorkshire, England, and Edinburgh, Scotland. His father, who was one of the first paper manufacturers in this country, died January 21, 1851, but his mother lived to be over one hundred years of age, until August 20, 1900. He acquired his education in the local schools near at hand, graduating with highest honors, and at seventeen, by his own choice, was principal of a school in a neighboring village. Resigning his school position he went to New York City and studied law in the office of Mr. Taggart, reciting at the same time in the evenings to private tutors in Latin and philosophy. He was of a very religious temperament, being a constant attendant at church and having a Sunday-school class, of which he was very fond.
Soon after becoming an attorney and counselor-at-law he started in business for himself, and achieved a most rapid success. The firm name was Darlington, Spring & Russell, and some most important cases were entrusted to their care. When Mr. Spring died, Mr. Russell went to Cornell University as dean, and a new firm was formed of Darlington, Irving & Hoffman.
His interest in all games and amusements was great, being the amateur editor of the chess column in a New York weekly paper for some years.
In politics he was a strong abolitionist, and took an active part in the anti-slavery movement. So pronounced was his position and so well known, that on July 13, 1863, during the draft riots in New York City, a mob broke into his law offices and smashed all the furniture. Mr. Darlington afterward sued the municipality for the damage wrought, and was the first to recover in an action of this sort, the case being referred to to-day as marking a new line of municipal responsibility. As the mob was killing returned Union soldiers and hanging colored people to the lamp-posts, at his own expense he sent down a whole colored family that had been pursued, to his country home in Kingston, N. J., and kept them there some months until the danger was over.
At the time of the renomination of General Grant for a second term as President, one of the general's friends offered Mr. Darlington the appointment of chief justice of the then territory of Colorado, but he was most devoted and adhered to his friend of many years, Horace Greeley, who was the nominee of the liberal republican and democratic parties, and so the appointment was not made. He resolutely and consistently declined to engage in politics, but blamed himself for over-leniency in the case of Guiteau, who afterward shot President Garfield. Having a criminal suit against Guiteau, he had him shut up in prison, but after being there some months Guiteau wrote a most pitiful letter, saying that longer confinement meant his death, and Mr. Darlington, thinking that he had been punished enough, signed a paper consenting to his discharge. It was only a month or two after his release that he murdered President Garfield, and Mr. Darlington appeared against him as a witness at his trial.
In his religious life Mr. Darlington always attended the Presbyterian Church, and was teacher of the Bible class in the Mulberry Street Mission of the South Park Church in Newark, N. J., for years.
On August 1, 1850, he married Hannah Anne Goodliffe, daughter of James Yarrow Goodliffe, and the issue was eight children; two, Alfred Ernest and Alice, deceased, and six, James, now Protestant Episcopal bishop of Harrisburg, Pa.; Thomas, J., now president of the board of health of New York City; Charles Francis, counselor-at-law; Gustavus C., a physician; Marion Goodliffe, and Mrs. Margaret Darlington-Wilde, living. His death came suddenly, on the 18th day of May, 1903, and he was buried from the same church in which he was married, the University Place Presbyterian Church, University place and Eleventh street, New York City, from which his wife was also buried about two years before.
THOMAS DARLINGTON, M.D., was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., September 24, 1858; son of Thomas Darlington and Hannah A. (Goodliffe) Darlington. His education began in the public schools of New York and Newark, N. J., followed by a three years' scientific and engineering course at the University of the City of New York. After his graduation, he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, from which he was graduated as M.D. in 1880. He engaged in the practice of medicine at Newark, N. J., for two years, holding several hospital appointments. In 1882 he located at Kingsbridge, N. Y., and practiced there until 1904, except for two years spent in Arizona, where he was surgeon to several mining companies. He was appointed commissioner of health for the city of New York in 1904, and was reappointed for the second term in 1906. His administration has been thoroughly efficient and has demonstrated the wisdom of the selection of a trained medical man as head of the department of health of a great metropolis like New York, where the sanitary problems are necessarily very complex, and their proper solution of vital importance. Dr. Darlington has been an extensive contributor to medical literature. He is ex-president of the American Climatological Society, a member of the American Medical Association, the New York State Medical Society, the New York County Medical Society, the Medico-Legal Society, Association of the Alumni of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, American Public Health Association, Harlem Medical Association, New York Physicians' Mutual Aid Association, Medical Society of the Borough of the Bronx, Medical Association of Greater New York, Yonkers Practitioners' Society, Society of Medical Jurisprudence and Academy of Medicine; and until his appointment as health commissioner of New York, he was visiting physician to several of the hospitals of the city and consulting physician to the French Hospital. He is also a member of the Archdeaconry of New York, the Church Club of New York, Chamber of Commerce, Chemists' Club, The Thomas Hunter Association of Grammar School No. 53, the Commission on the Prevention of Tuberculosis of the Charity Organization of the City of New York, Sons of the Revolution, Society of Colonial Wars, New York University Alumni Association, Kingsbridge Council No. 1082, Royal Arcanum; the Parish Club, Church Temperance Society, trustee of the Bronx Savings Bank, the Huguenot Society of America, Pilgrim Society, Fordham Club, North Side Board of Trade, the National Association for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis, New York Athletic Club, Seabury Society, Jefferson Tammany Hall, director Crippled Children's Driving Fund, and the National Geographic Society, Lotos Club, American Geographical Society and Society of Tropical Medicine. Address, 48 West 59th street. New York City.
GEORGE DART, general manager of the Tuxedo Stores Company at Tuxedo Park, N. Y., is a native of Ulster County, N. Y., and has resided at Tuxedo since 1886, when he established his pharmacy. Mr. Dart had previously been engaged in the drug business at 30th street and Broadway, New York City. He discontinued that store in 1888.
Mr. Dart was instrumental in the establishment of the Tuxedo Stores Company, and has been identified with various movements for the improvement and advancement of Tuxedo in material, moral and religious matters. He is president of the Board of Education, director of the Tuxedo Library and trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
THOMAS WESLEY DAVEY was born in the town of Greenville, N. Y., on January 6, 1850. Mr. Davey received his early education at the Chester Academy. His first work after leaving school was on a farm where he worked for three years. He was associated with various factories in Middletown and spent two years in the oil fields of Pennsylvania. Returning to his native State, Mr. Davey located in the metropolis and engaged in the milk business for two years. Since that time he was with the Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital for fourteen years as assistant engineer. Here in Middletown he has labored effectively for the past ten years as superintendent of the Middletown Water-Works. He married Miss Maria Wood, of Haverstraw, N. Y. Three children have been born to them, Irving W., Mina May and Lewis Jacob. Mr. Davey belongs to a number of societies, among them being Hoffman Lodge No. 412, F. & A. M.; Middletown Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 112; Orange Encampment, I. O. O. F., No. 93. He is a member of the American Water-Works Association and honorary member of Eagle Hose & Chemical Co. No. 2, of Middletown.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN DECKER was born at Newburgh, Orange County, January 16, 1865. His parents were John H. and Elsie (Fullerton) Decker. He attended the schools in Middletown until twelve years of age, when his father died and Mr. Decker went to work in a drug store at Paterson, N. J., where he remained six years. He was identified with the Times at Middletown as city editor for a period of twelve years. He enlisted in the 1st N. Y. Vol. Inf. in 1898 during the Spanish-American war, and accompanied his regiment to Honolulu as first lieutenant of Company I. He returned to Middletown and took up newspaper work on the Press, remaining until the Times and Press were merged. He was coroner for twelve years, and in 1907 was elected sheriff of Orange Comity. Mr. Decker was united in marriage to Miss Natalie Weygant, October 31, 1890. To this union two children were born, Richard Stivers, born 1892, and John Weygant, born 1896. Mr. Decker is a republican in politics. Socially he is a member of Hoffman Lodge No. 412, of Middletown. He is captain of Company I, 1st Inf. (24th Sep. Co.), National Guards of New York.
ISAIAH W. DECKER, president of the Wallkill Valley Farmers' Association is now retired from active agricultural pursuits and makes his home in Walden, N. Y. Mr. Decker's ancestors were of Dutch extraction and at an early period sought the rich lands of Orange and Ulster counties. He is a grandson of Levi Decker and a son of William D. and Ellen Jane (Crans) Decker and was born in the town of Montgomery, Orange County, N. Y. In his younger days he rented farms upon which he fully demonstrated that success could be won in this as well as in other pursuits. He later purchased a desirable farm near Walden which he provided with modern equipment.
Mr. Decker is identified with social and public affairs of his native town and has occupied different positions of trust and responsibility.
JOHN E. DECKER was born May 1, 1860, at Dwaarskill, Ulster County, N. Y. His parents were Ezekiel and Anna Decker. Our subject attained his education at the district school in his locality. He married Martha Jane, daughter of Abraham Vernooy, April 2, 1895. Their one son, Adrian Vernooy Decker, was born August 11, 1897. Mr. and Mrs. Decker are members of the First Congregational Church of Middletown, N. Y., and both are active members of Wallkill River Grange. Mr. Decker is a member of I. O. O. F., of Gardner, Ulster County, N. Y. He occupies the C. H. C. Beck's farm near Middletown, N. Y., and has always been an agriculturist.
SAMUEL DECKER was born March 12, 1851, on his father's farm near the village of Amity, Orange County, N. Y. His parents were John and Maria (Smith) Decker. John Decker was a descendant of a Holland Dutch emigrant who located and became a large land owner at what is now Glenwood, N. J., but who late in life removed to central New York, leaving a son at Glenwood. Maria Smith's father, Abram Smith, was a school teacher of Orange County for fifty years and her two grand sires were Revolutionary soldiers. Mr. Decker's school days were passed at Amity, and upon reaching his majority he removed to the town of Greenville, N. Y., and purchased a farm of one hundred and forty acres in the upper Shawangunk valley. He has since added an adjoining farm to his original purchase. For about ten years he conducted the farm and taught school. On October 16, 1878, he married Cornelia Sergeant, only daughter of Jeremiah Sergeant, a well-known cattle dealer and farmer at Gardenersville. Shortly after this he began dealing in cattle, which in connection with his farming he engaged in continuously for twenty years. Mr. Decker is a democrat and has held a number of public offices. At present he is filling his second term as justice of the peace. Their children number four: Margaret, wife of Frank Neail, of Mount Hope; Phebe, wife of Hiram Tyler, of New York City; Frank and Effa, at home. In spite of his many enterprises Mr. Decker has found time to devote several hours each day to reading and study, is a fine Shakespearian scholar and, having a phenomenal memory, is an authority on ancient and modern history and literature.
JOHN DEISSEROTH, supervisor of the Fifth Ward, Newburgh, N. Y., was born in that city, January 17, 1876. After finishing his studies at the public schools he learned the blacksmith and horseshoeing trade and has been engaged in business for himself for the past ten years.
A firm believer in the principles of the democratic party, Mr. Deisseroth was elected to the office of supervisor in 1907 by a majority of 96. Socially he is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees and Columbian Hose Company, and vestryman in the Church of the Good Shepherd.
FRANK H. DE KAY was born in the town of Warwick at New Milford, August 11, 1866. He is a son of Francis M. and Nellie (Sisson) De Kay. There were three children in his parents' family: One died in infancy; Lucille, wife of James H. Vealey, and Frank H. The subject of our sketch acquired his early education at the district school at New Milford and Warwick public school, later attending Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. At an early age he identified himself in the furniture and undertaking business with Mr. Burt, the firm being Burt and De Kay. In 1893 Mr. De Kay, taking over Mr. Burt's interest, continued the business until 1899. At this period James H. Vealey took an interest in the establishment, the firm being then known as De Kay & Vealey, which continued until 1903, when Mr. De Kay retired. He married Miss Marguerite Pelser, of Paterson, N. J., April 14, 1891. To them were born two children, Elwood Frank, born March 5, 1893, died July 10, 1902, and Doris Pelser, born June 5, 1896. He is an honorary member of Excelsior Hose Company No. 1 and treasurer of Christ Episcopal Church, of Warwick. In politics he is independent.
CORNELIUS HENRY DEMAREST was born in Warwick, June 25, 1820, and died December 10, 1889. He lived all his life on the farm he inherited from his father, Cornelius C. Demarest, which now belongs to his son, Henry Pelton Demarest. He was for thirty years presiding officer of the board which controlled the Warwick Academy and the public school. He was one of the original stockholders of the First National Bank of the village and its president from 1878 until his death. He was also a founder of the Warwick Valley Farmers' Milk Association and an officer of the Warwick Valley R. R., and of its successor, the Lehigh and Hudson River Road. He was a consistent Christian and for some years before his death was a member of the Consistory of the Reformed Church. In 1845 he married Elizabeth A. Pelton, daughter of Henry Pelton, of Warwick, and seven children survived him: Charles M., who was born February 5, 1848, and died January 8, 1905 (he married Annie E. Armstrong, daughter of Rensselaer Armstrong, of Warwick); DeWitt Clinton, born February 18, 1852, who married Hattie Hudson, of Denver, and lives at Passaic, N. J.; Mary Elizabeth, born April 29, 1854, who married Christie Romaine, of Hackensack, N. J.; Henry Pelton, born October 25, 1856, who married Ella J. Toland, of Florida, N. Y.; Julia, born May 29, 1858, unmarried, living at Warwick; David, born February 27, 1860, unmarried, and living in Boston, Mass.; Anna, born April 24, 1862, unmarried, and living at Warwick.
The Demarests are of Huguenot extraction. David Demarest, a native of Beauchamp, a little village of Picardy in France, with his wife, Marie Soheir, and five children sailed from Amsterdam, April 16, 1663, on the ship Bouchoc (Spotted Cow) for New Amsterdam. For two years he resided with the Huguenot colony on Staten Island; from there he moved to Harlem, where for twelve and a half years he was one of the first citizens of the place. He purchased of the Indians several thousand acres of land in New Jersey, in the vicinity of Hackensack. Just before and during the Revolution a number of Demarest families left New Jersey and went to Orange County, N. Y. Among these was Cornelius Demarest, the grandfather of Cornelius H. He settled on a ridge a few miles out of Warwick on the Florida road, but during his later years he purchased the farm now owned by his great-grandsons, Henry Pelton and Henry Pelton Demarest. Cornelius Demarest fought in the war of the Revolution under Col. John Hathorn in a company of Major Wisner's Scouts. He was one of the organizers of the Reformed Church of Warwick and a member of its first Consistory.
GEORGE HOUSTON DEMAREST, always a farmer, was born at the homestead about two miles from Wisner, June 26, 1873. He is of the seventh generation on this farm, which is now chiefly devoted to dairying. He is active in local matters, politically he is a republican and belongs to the Grange. His wife was Miss Edith May Stevens, of Sugar Loaf, and they were married November 2, 1898. They have had four children, only two of whom are living, namely, James Henry, six years old, and Agnes Wood, three months old.
HON. AUGUSTUS DENNISTON, president Orange County Agricultural Society, was born in the town of Blooming Grove, the youngest son of Robert and Mary Denniston. His farm of about two hundred and thirty acres has come down to him by inheritance from his great-grandfather, James Denniston, son of Alexander Denniston, who arrived in this country from Ireland in 1729 and settled on a farm in the town of New Windsor, about two miles north of Washingtonville. The grandfather of Augustus was James Denniston, who died in 1825, leaving several large farms, most of which was bequeathed to his son Robert, who died in 1867, and who was the owner of about six hundred acres of land, beside a large estate, all of which was managed by his son Augustus, for the benefit of his mother until her death in 1898. Augustus was educated at home by tutors in a private school. When his father was elected State comptroller in 1860, he went to Albany and served for two years as his confidential clerk. In 1862 he went to war, and was appointed by Col. Ellis quartermaster of the 124th Regiment, N. Y. S. Volunteers. After a few months' service he was taken sick, and after months of illness in hospital and at home he resigned. In 1893-94 he represented the First Assembly District of Orange County in the Legislature. Afterwards for two years he was State cattle commissioner, having been appointed by Governor Cornell. In 1893 he was elected a director of the Orange County Agricultural Society, and since that time has been continuously connected with it officially, four years as director, two as vice-president, and since 1899 its president. He has been a director of the Highland National Bank of Newburgh since 1873, and for seven years was its president. In 1901 he was appointed by Governor Odell one of the State Fair commissioners. He resides in the old home, which was built by his father in 1824, is engaged extensively in the milk business on his large farm and has been president of the Washingtonville Farmers' Creamery Association since its organization in 1876.
WALTER DENNISTON, supervisor of the town of New Windsor, is engaged in farming near Rocklet. He was born in this township in 1857, and is a son of George and Agnes (Stewart) Denniston. He has been identified with public affairs of the town and county since 1884, when he served as justice of the peace until 1892. With the exception of the 1896-1897 term he has been continuously elected a member of the Board of Supervisors since 1891. Mr. Denniston is a member of Little Britain Grange and takes an active interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of Orange County.
WILLIAM L. DICKERSON, attorney, of Montgomery, is a son of Jacob and John B. (Millspaugh) Dickerson. His ancestors settled in Orange County previous to the Revolutionary war. Mr. Dickerson attended Montgomery Academy and Cornell University, following which he read law in the office of Hon. A. S. Cassedy and was admitted to the bar in 1892. His legal studies were supplemented by a course of lectures at the University of Minnesota. He has enjoyed an extensive practice in Montgomery since 1895. Mr. Dickerson is secretary and a director of the Montgomery & Erie Railroad and secretary and a director of the Riverside Cemetery. He is a member of Walden Lodge, F. & A. M.; past assistant grand lecturer of the Thirteenth Masonic District; a member of Midland Chapter, R. A. M., of Middletown, and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Montgomery.
JAMES NATHANIEL DICKEY, bank cashier, Newburgh; son of William and Esther (James) Dickey. Born at Newburgh, July 12, 1840. After finishing his studies at Newburgh Academy entered office of Judge J. J. Monell as clerk, remaining two years. In 1856 accepted clerkship with Quassaick National Bank; was promoted to teller and in 1895 became cashier. Served as city treasurer of Newburgh for thirty years. First vice-president Newburgh Historical Society; member City Club and the Newburgh Canoe and Boating Association. He married Miss Eve Brown in 1866 and three daughters have been born to them.
EDWIN J. DIKEMAN, a successful pharmacist of Goshen, N. Y., was born in that place in 1876. After graduating from the Goshen High School he entered Columbia University and graduated from the Department of Pharmacy of that institution in 1897. He is a son of Edwin and Elizabeth (Jay) Dikeman. Edwin, the father, was a native of Goshen. He established the drug store now owned by Edwin J. in the early fifties and was one of the prominent business men of that place. He served the village as president for several years. His death occurred July 19, 1895.
Edwin J. married Henrietta Coleman, daughter of Hon. Roswell C. Coleman, of Newburgh, N. Y., and they have a son, Edwin J., Jr.
Mr. Dikeman is a member of Goshen Lodge No. 365, F. & A. M.; the Goshen Club, an honorary member of Cataract Engine and Hose Company No. 1, and a member of the New York State Pharmaceutical Association. He is also secretary of the Orange County Chapter, Sons of the Revolution.
BRICE L. DREW was born at Vernon, Sussex County, N. J., March 6, 1866. His parents were Gilbert and Elizabeth Drew, and they had five children. Mr. Drew is a practical farmer, and now conducts the Eden fruit and dairy farm of one hundred and forty-two acres. He is a member of Warwick Lodge No. 544, F. & A. M.; Wawayanda Lodge No. 34, I. O. O. F., and Junior O. U. A. M. No. 207. He is a member of the Glenwood Methodist Church. Politically he is independent. He married Miss Lillie Morehouse, of Amity, daughter of Linn and Emily Morehouse. Their three children are: Ernest, born June 24, 1892; Emily, born July 17, 1895, and Albert George, born May 1, 1902.
WILLIAM J. DUFFY, vice-president and a director of the First National Bank of Highland Falls, N. Y., was born in Providence, R. I., in 1867. He was educated in the city of Rochester, N. Y., and has been a resident of Orange County since 1897. Mr. Duffy is endowed with characteristic New England enterprise and his spirit has exerted a healthy influence in public affairs at Highland Falls, where he is president of the Village Improvement Society. He is superintendent of the U. S. Government Stables at West Point and is proprietor of the entire livery. He is district deputy of the Knights of Columbus. His wife was formerly Miss Fanny Au, of Highland Falls.
WALTER DUMVILLE, farmer and dairyman, was born in the town of Newburgh, May 9, 1843. His father, Benjamin Dumville, was a native of England and came to America in 1827, a few years later locating in Newburgh, where he married Miriam Harris. He was the first wholesale butcher in Newburgh. After Walter finished his education he engaged with his father in that business, and later conducted it alone successfully for many years. He at one time served as collector of the town of Newburgh. Mr. Dumville is a director of the Columbus Trust Co., also the Milk Producers' Association and the Horse Thief Detecting Society. July 16, 1873, he married Josephine, daughter of John and Catherine O'Brien, of New York City. Mr. and Mrs. Dumville are members of the Unitarian Church.
WILLIAM FULLERTON DUNNING, a member of the New York City Bar Association and for several years immediately preceding his death a member of its committee on admissions, died on April 1, 1907, after an illness lasting only a few days. He was born in the city of New York on May 29, 1856. His father was the late Benjamin F. Dunning, for many years the law partner of Charles O'Conor, and his mother was Ruth Seely, of Orange County, New York.
From his father Mr. Dunning inherited a predilection for the law, and doubtless his early association with his father's firm helped to develop in him his high ideals of professional ethics.
He was prepared for college in Dresden, Saxony, and was graduated from Princeton University in the class of 1877. He devoted himself with more than usual assiduity to his studies, and was particularly interested in the classics. He was graduated from the Columbia College Law School and admitted to the bar of this State in 1879. Upon his admission to the bar he entered the firm of Dunning, Edsall, Hart & Fowler, of which firm his father was senior partner. In 1883, upon the death of Mr. Hart, the firm of Dunning, Edsall & Fowler was organized, and in 1886, upon the retirement of Mr. Edsall, the firm became Dunning & Fowler. Of these three firms William Fullerton Dunning was a member. In 1900, upon the dissolution of the firm of Dunning & Fowler, Mr. Dunning joined the firm of Boardman, Platt & Soley; on Mr. Soley's retirement from the firm in 1906, the firm Boardman, Platt & Dunning was organized and continued until November, 1906, when Judge Morgan J. O'Brien became one of the members, the name being changed to O'Brien, Boardman, Platt & Dunning.
William Fullerton Dunning was a man of modest and retiring disposition. Although a learned and sound lawyer, he did not seek the contention and strife of the courts, but preferred office practice. His faithfulness and devotion to his clients' interests gained for him their confidence, and many of them became his warm friends. He had a cheerful, happy disposition. His relations with his professional brethren were always marked with great consideration, and while he jealously guarded the interests of his clients, an opposing attorney could never justly complain that Mr. Dunning had not shown to him the courtesy demanded by the most exacting professional etiquette. While not ambitious for position or office which would bring him prominently before the public, he was greatly interested in his professional work and desirous that it should be well done. His relations with the various partners with whom he was associated during his career have always been most cordial and friendly.
In 1883 he married Clara Frost, of New Orleans, La., and the years that followed were filled with domestic happiness. His wife and six daughters who survive him mourn the loss of a kind and loving husband and a wise and affectionate father. His life is a continuous record of high ideals and work well done. He died in the prime of life, respected by all who knew him, and loved by those who knew him best. In this age of excitement and greed, such a life as his should be an example and an inspiration.
THE DUNNING FAMILY—General Benj. Dunning (married Isabel Wilson); Benjamin Franklin Dunning, Esq. (married Ruth Seely); William Fullerton Dunning, Esq. (married Clara Frost).
These three Dunnings were descended from an old and well-known English family and were closely interested in Orange County.
General Dunning's children: Virgil, Benjamin Franklin, William T., Angeline.
Benjamin Franklin Dunning's children: Isabel (Mrs. Thos. P. Fowler), Frank, William Fullerton (dead), Frederick Clark (dead), Alice (Mrs. M. Allen Starr).
William Fullerton Dunning's children: Aline Frost (dead), Ruth Seely, Marceline Randolph, Clara Frost, Isabel Fowler, Elizabeth Belcher, Willielmine.
FRANK DURLAND was born in the Yelverton Inn in the old village of Chester, N. Y., on March 25, 1860. The family sprang from the emigrant Jan Garretse Dorlandt, who came from Holland to the New Netherlands in the year 1652, settling in Brooklyn, later, in the year 1657, removing to Bedford, of which village he was for many years a commissioner.
His father, Joseph Durland, is the great-grandson of Charles Durland, who came from Long Island and settled in Chester in the year 1754.
His mother, Nancy Kingsland Board, was a daughter of Major James J. Board, of Boardville, N. J., afterward residing in Sugar Loaf valley, Chester, N. Y.
He attended the Chester Academy until 1877, leaving school at the age of seventeen, he began life's activities in Durland's store. In the year 1885 he entered the firm of J. Durland & Son, and on February 1, 1908, he purchased the entire interest in the mercantile business of his father, Joseph Durland. with whom he had been associated for twenty-three years. He was married April 22, 1891, to Mary Burt Sanford, of Warwick, N. Y., daughter of William Moore Sanford and Sarah Burt, who was the daughter of James Burt, for many years president of the Chester National Bank. By her he has two children, William Sanford Durland, born July 13, 1892, now a student in Nazareth Hall Military Academy, Nazareth, Pa., and Nancy Board Durland, born March 29, 1898, now a student in Chester Academy.
Mr. and Mrs. Durland are both members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Durland is president of its board of trustees, president of the board of trade, director of the Chester Telephone Co., trustee of Walton Hose Co., treasurer of the Orange & Rockland Electric Co., member of Standard Lodge, No. 711, F. & A. M., of Monroe, N. Y.
JOSEPH DURLAND was born on the Durland homestead, now occupied by his brother, Samuel S. Durland, March 16, 1832. He received his education at Chester Academy and at Bloomfield, N. J. He began business life as a clerk in Masterson's store at West Chester when a young man. He was a partner with his stepfather, James Durland, at Chester Mills, for some time. On February 1, 1859, he purchased the interest of James J. Board in the old store conducted under the name, Board, Pierson & Co. This new firm of Pierson, Bell & Durland continued at the old store until February, 1862, when his brother, Samuel S. Durland, was admitted into partnership with him, the other members of the firm having sold to them their interest. For ten years this partnership of the brothers continued successfully and then S. S. Durland retired from the business and Joseph continued as sole proprietor until 1855, when Frank Durland, his son, purchased an interest in the business and the firm name became Durland & Son. This relation continued until February 1, 1908, when he sold his interest to Frank Durland, the present proprietor, having completed 49 years of business life in the old store.
During all his business career Joseph Durland has been a wise counselor for his fellow citizens in business and political matters. This has been possible through his knowledge gained by keen observation and opportunities for travel which have enabled him to visit and study business conditions in nearly every state in the Union. For a number of years he has served as trustee of the savings banks at Warwick and Goshen, and also as a director of the Durland Trust Co., of Norfolk, Nebraska. For twenty years he has served as a director of the Chester National Bank, and for two years was its president and is at present its vice-president. He was the first Republican supervisor for the town of Chester and served in 1867 and 1868. He was influential in establishing the present Union free school, and in 1869 was elected clerk of the first Board of Education of Chester, which position he held for seven years. He strongly urged the incorporation of the village of Chester in November, 1898, and was a member of its first board of trustees. When the question of water for the village arose he served on the board of water commissioners which introduced the present system of water supply. In offices of trust, he has served as executor and administrator of many estates. In 1855 he united with the Presbyterian Church, of which he and Mrs. Durland are still active members. He was elected to the office of deacon in this church in 1889, and since 1890 has continued to serve the church of his choice as an elder. He was married February 25, 1857, to Nancy Kingsland Board, daughter of Major James J. Board. The fiftieth anniversary of this happy event was fittingly celebrated. The children of this marriage now living are two sons, James Board, who married Sarah Andrews, and Frank, who married Mary B. Sanford, and two daughters, Amelia Vernon, and Nettie Eugenia, wife of William T. Moffatt of New York City. One daughter, Marion, died May 21, 1903.
J. SEELY DURLAND was born in New York City, March 15, 1856. He is a son of Oscar and Matilda C. Durland. Mr. Durland's father was engaged in the milk business in New York City, later removing to Chester, N. Y., purchasing the Marvin property, about two miles from Chester. Here he developed a natural love for the country and has remained a farmer. J. Seely Durland received his education at the district school and Chester Academy, he married Fannie R. Hunter, of Monroe, October 26, 1894, and two children have been born to them, Anna T., living, and Stanley, who died in 1895. Mr. Durland is a member of the Chester Grange, and in politics a Republican.
JOHN E. DURYEA, son of Samuel C. and Emily (Tuthill) Duryea, was born September 6, 1840, on the farm in the town of Crawford which his father had purchased in 1838. He assisted his father in the management of the farm until he removed to Pine Bush in November, 1905.
Mr. Duryea's paternal ancestors were French Huguenots. Joost Duryea, the founder of the family in America, came to Long Island from Holland in 1675, and from Jamaica, Queens County, Yost or George, our subject's great-great-grandfather, came to Orange County and settled in the town of Blooming Grove, of which he was a pioneer. He died in 1760 and was buried at Greycourt. His son, George, during the Revolution, was in active service in the cavalry department of the Colonial Army. He married Miss Hannah Hudson, of Goshen. Five sons and four daughters were born to them, of whom John, grandfather of our subject, married in 1800, Mary, daughter of Samuel and Jeannette (McCurdy) Crawford, of the town of Montgomery. They settled on a farm near Bloomingburg in the town of Wallkill. Six children were born, of whom Samuel C. was the youngest.
John E. Duryea married, in 1863, Miss Jane Frances Hunter, who died in 1883, leaving four daughters, Emily C., Mary F., Edna H., Anna Z. Politically Mr. Duryea is a Republican and has occupied a prominent place in public affairs. He was justice of the peace twelve years and justice of sessions four years. Socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity.
SAMUEL T. DUSENBERRY, assistant postmaster at Tuxedo Park, N. Y., was born at Stony Ford, Orange County, in 1873. He is a son of William B. and S. E. (Wallace) Dusenberry. He received his education at the schools of Goshen. In 1899 Mr. Dusenberry came to Tuxedo and accepted the appointment of assistant postmaster. Socially he is identified with Standard Lodge, No. 711, F. & A. M. He married Miss Leonor Clark, of Monroe. N. Y. They have one child, William Wallace.
JOHN L. D. EAGER, has been engaged in the hide and tallow business at Montgomery since 1875. He was born in Walden in 1850. A son of Isaac L. and Fannie M. (Bodine) Eager. At the age of twenty he entered the employ of Homer Ramsdell & Co., of Newburgh, where he remained eight years. On returning to Montgomery he engaged in the coal business, also conducting his hide and tallow establishment. Mr. Eager has served as police justice twenty years and justice of the peace sixteen years. He now has charge of the pumping station of the Montgomery Water Works. He married Miss Emma Decker in 1876 and three sons have been born to them, Leonard, Clarence and Ray. Leonard is now in charge of his father's hide and tallow plant. He had previously been employed as engineer at Randall's Island and engineer for the firm of Tiffany & Co., New York.
JOSEPH C. EAGER was born August 21, 1859, on a farm near Hamptonburgh, where he now resides. His father, Joseph Case Eager, died in 1903. He had been a town justice of the peace for thirty years, and from his dairy farm of 150 acres was one of the first shippers of milk to the New York market over the Erie Railroad. Besides Joseph there was a daughter, Caroline, who married Cornelius Zabriskie, of Newark, N. J. Joseph's education in the district school was supplemented by a course in the private boarding school of Prof. S. S. Hartwell, of Unionville, N. J. From this he returned to the farm, which has always been his home. Since 1890 he has been station agent at Hamptonburgh for the Lehigh and Hudson Railroad, and also conducted a feed business at the same station. He followed the political inclinations of his father and has been one of the active Democrats of his town.
WILLIAM CASE EAGER, the descendant of one of the first settlers of the county, was born December 9, 1865, in Warwick, and died suddenly as the result of an accident, February 11, 1904. His parents were William C. and Mary C. Eager, whose children were this one son and four daughters, Mary L., Jennie, Belle and Fannie. The father, William C. Eager, Sr., died in 1878, April 18th. The subject of our sketch acquired his early education in the Warwick school, remaining in school until 19 years of age. He then entered the general store which was managed and owned by his mother until he reached the age of 21, at which time he assumed control of the store and managed it successfully until his death. In 1899 he married Hattie J. Aldrich, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Still, of Warwick. He was one of the most popular young men of Warwick, having a warm heart, a sunny nature and much natural magnetism, seasoned with genial humor and entire honesty. It was said of him that he had not one enemy, and was esteemed by the people of all classes. He was fond of athletic sports and all lively diversions. He was pitcher in the champion baseball team, a leading official in the Warwick Athletic Association, an enthusiastic hunter and fisher and lover of wild nature, liked music and was at one time a player in the village band. He was so good and popular a fireman that he rose to be foreman of Excelsior Hose and then to be chief of the fire department, to which he was elected three times and refused to be reelected. He was once elected town collector, and once nominated for president of the village, but resolutely declined the nomination.
On the day of his funeral all the business places in the village were closed, the whole fire department and the members of the Warwick Club attended in a body, and one of the largest gatherings ever seen in the Reformed church listened to the funeral services.
His earliest ancestor in Orange County lived on a farm near what is now called Neelytown, and some of his ancestors still reside there. His great uncle was Samuel W. Eager, the first historian of the county.
THOMAS HORTON EASTON was born January 25, 1853, on the homestead farm near Otisville. He attended the district school, and assisted in the general store operated by his father at Otisville for many years. He engaged with the Erie Railroad as a brakeman and was promoted to conductor, serving from 1868 to 1882, after which he returned to the farm, where he has since remained. He was married to Miss Frances N., daughter of Dimmick and Sylvia A. (Cadwell) Wilkin, March 14, 1875. By this union there were three children born, all living: Harriet D., born February 11, 1877; Nellie W., born June 14, 1881; Sylvia E., born September 10, 1885. Harriet is the wife of Henry A. Holley, of Otisville, and they have three children, Henry E., born August 26, 1898; Elizabeth C, born April 30, 1901; James Easton, born September 20, 1905. Nellie W. is the wife of Joseph K. Corwin. They have two children, S. Gilbert, born July 19, 1905, and Francis Horton, born March 2, 1907. In politics Mr. Easton is a democrat, and has served as inspector of elections since 1884. His father, James Easton, was born January 15, 1824, at Milford, Pa. February 24, 1849, he married Hannah E. Corwin, of New Vernon, and three children were born to them, Nellie R., born November 21, 1849, married Schuyler D. Frazer, of Otisville; Ada, born February 23, 1855, died March, 1856. He was at Dunkirk, N. Y., in 1851, when the opening of the Erie Railroad occurred. In 1853 he returned to Howells and opened a general store, continuing there until 1861. In 1863 he went to Saginaw, Michigan, remaining there one year, returning to Orange County in 1864, opening a general store at Otisville, which in May, 1884, was destroyed by fire. He immediately rebuilt and continued until 1905, when he retired after a career of fifty years of active life.
ALVA WISNER EDSALL, a lifelong resident of the town of Warwick, was born at Edenville, N. Y., January 8, 1861, and after attending the public schools commenced the study of dentistry at the age of eighteen years, graduating from the Philadelphia Dental College. In 1883 took up the practice of his chosen profession in Warwick, N. Y., where he has since been actively engaged in business, forming a partnership with Dr. J. H. Wood in 1884, which partnership still exists. A son of Thomas S. and Phoebe Miller Edsall, he represents the seventh generation of a long line of English ancestry, who were among the early settlers of New Amsterdam (now New York City), in 1637, they being large owners of timber lands where Hackensack, N. J., is now located. They afterwards moved to Northern New Jersey about the time the De Kays settled there, and numerous branches of the family are now to be found in this locality. Dr. Edsall was married, in 1891, to Caroline Welling, of Warwick, having a daughter and son, Marian and Maurice, aged respectively twelve and five years. He is a member of the board of education and interested in Warwick's various business enterprises.
JOHN EGAN, retired dairyman, Newburgh, N. Y., was born in 1847 on a farm in West Newburgh. In 1876 he embarked in the milk and cream business and in 1883 his trade had assumed such proportions that he erected a creamery on First street, where the milk was received, which he equipped with modern appliances. He retired from the dairy business a few years ago and now devotes his attention to his extensive real estate holdings.
EDWARD R. ELLIOTT, M.D., of Montgomery, N. Y., was born in Dutchess County in 1854, a son of Rev. Jos. and Harriet (Andrews) Elliott. His education was obtained at Claverack Institute and Stamford Seminary. He graduated in medicine in 1874 from the University of New York and has enjoyed an extensive practice in Montgomery since 1878. Dr. Elliott is a member of the County and State Medical Societies and the Newburgh Bay Medical Society. He is also identified with the Masonic fraternity. He is a director of the Montgomery National Bank. Dr. Elliott married Miss Lydia Wright and a son, Clyde, has been born to them.
E. J. EMERSON, cashier of the Montgomery National Bank, has been a resident of Orange County for some twenty years. He is a native of Sullivan County and began life by entering the employ of Albert Bull, wholesale druggist of Middletown, where he remained twelve years. Mr. Emerson's banking experience covers a period of six years, four of which were spent with the First National and the Merchants National Bank of Middletown. He accepted his present position in 1905.
CHARLES A. EVANS—Soldier, newspaper man, ranch man and farmer successively the career of Charles A. Evans has been one of strenuous activity and varied experience. He was born September 11, 1845, in New York City, obtained his early education in New York schools, and when a mere boy, sixteen years old, enlisted in New York with the 12th Regular Infantry for service in the Civil War. This was in May, 1862. He could only be accepted as a drummer boy, but soon exchanged drum for musket, and carried it for three years. He was wounded and taken prisoner in the battle of Cedar Mountain, and was confined on Belle Island about two months. Communications which he wrote for Northern papers pleased the editor of the Chicago Times, and in the fall of 1865 the young soldier was invited to join the staff of that paper. He remained with it until 1878, and then getting the Western fever, went to a point in Southern Kansas, on the Walnut River, and established a ranch on which he and his family lived until 1883. Then, in order that his children might have opportunities for education, he returned to Chicago and resumed work on the Times, and after a little was appointed its New York correspondent. So he again became a resident of the metropolis, and was correspondent of the Chicago Times and St. Louis Republican five years, when trouble with his eyes caused him to quit newspaper work. In 1888 he came to Orange County and purchased the farm near Howells on which he lives. In 1900 he purchased at Mt. Vernon another farm, and now manages both. In 1895 he was supervisor for the town of Wallkill, and against much opposition pushed through the board the resolution offering a reward for the capture of Charles H. Rogers, the murderer of the Olney brothers and Alice Ingerick. In 1907 he was the Democratic candidate for member of assembly. Mr. Evans was married to Miss Jennie E. Morrill, of Brandon, Vt., in 1867. They have four children—a son living in Chicago, Mrs. F. L. Andrews, of Whitehall, Miss Frances, a graduate of Cornell University, and Austin, now a student in Cornell.
GEORGE W. EVANS, a prominent citizen of the town of Crawford, resides at Bullville and carries on an extensive trade in cattle and horses. He is a son of John A. and Marie (Walker) Evans, and was born at Walker Valley, Ulster County. Although but in his 'teens he went to the front during the Civil War, enlisting in the 56th Regiment. He was discharged in 1865 at Charlestown, S. C. On his return home he engaged with his father in the meat business at Bullville, in which he continued fourteen years, and then began trading in cattle.
Mr. Evans was united in marriage with Miss Anna L. Relyea, January 6, 1869, a daughter of Christopher and Sarah B. (Sprague) Relyea. Socially he is identified with Hoffman Lodge, No. 412, F. and A. M., of Middletown, N. Y.
WILLIAM EVANS, now living in retirement at Westtown, N. Y., has been prominently identified with the commercial and financial development of Middletown. He is a son of William and Rosetta (Corwin) Evans and was born at the homestead in the town of Minisink. His mercantile career began in 1849, when, under the firm name of Little & Evans, a dry goods store was started at Middletown. At the end of eight years Mr. Evans continued the business alone for four years, when Mr. M. D. Stivers became his partner as Evans & Stivers. In 1864 Mr. Evans sold out his interest and took up the organization of the First National Bank, of which he was elected president. After a period of eleven years he resigned the office, retaining his directorship. In 1866 he assisted in the organization of the Middletown, Unionville and Water Gap R. R., and at his suggestion the railroad was given that name. He was a director of the company and served as its treasurer a number of years. In 1874 he engaged for two years in the manufacture of horse clothing. He then went to New York and was engaged for four years in the real estate and insurance business. He then retired from active pursuits and traveled extensively in company with his daughter.
Mr. Evans married Miss Julia Denton, daughter of Theodore B. Denton, of Denton, N. Y. Two children were born. His daughter is now the wife of Mr. Albert H. Horton, of Johnson, N. Y., and his son, Sydney Denton, is engaged in business in Salt Lake City.
THE FABRIKOID COMPANY of Newburgh is among the most important industries of Orange County. It was established in 1902 and incorporated under the present title with the following officials: John Aspinwall, president; George H. May, secretary and treasurer; J. Kearney Rodgers, general sales manager. The product of the plant is chiefly an imitation leather called Fabrikoid, which finds a ready market all over the world. Bronze paint and lacquers are also manufactured. The growth of this business has been very rapid and the plant now covers twenty-five acres and consists of forty-nine buildings.
THE FANCHER FAMILY—Elias Fancher, who was born in Darien, Conn., January 19, 1793, came to Warwick in early boyhood with his father, who bought the Van Houghton farm with the stone house, which is still standing, was built in 1795. He married Miss Sarah Jones, who was born in Warwick September 10, 1795. They had eight children, only two of whom are living, Darius and Julia. The latter, born December 15, 1831, is the wife of Wisner Wood, of Paterson, N. J. Darius was born March 22, 1836, and has always been identified with agriculture since he left the district school. He married Sarah Catharine Sayer, of Warwick. The names of their live children are, Edwin, Sayer, Clinton W., Frank and Lillie. Edwin is a practicing physician in Middletown, N. Y., and Sayer is in a wholesale grocery in the same place. Clinton conducts a dry goods store and Frank is in the feed business in Goshen. Lillie is the wife of Wilham A. Bradner, of Warwick. Their father, Darius, remains the good farmer and esteemed citizen that he has been since his young manhood.
HENRY H. FARNUM, of Port Jervis, member of the board of supervisors, was born and educated in this city. He is a son of Peter E. and Mary R. (Conkling) Farnum, and conducts an extensive business in real estate and insurance. Following the incorporation of Port Jervis as a city in 1907. Mr. Farnum was nominated and elected on the Republican ticket a member of the board of supervisors. He takes an active interest in public affairs of Orange County, is a member of the Deer Park Club, of which he is a treasurer. Mr. Farnum married Ruth Smith, of Port Jervis, and they have one son, Henry H., Jr.
JACOB R. FEAGLES was born on the Feagles homestead March 31, 1863, and since his school days has been a farmer. His first wife's maiden name was Miss Belle Hyatt, of Warwick, and they were married December 5, 1889. His second marriage was to Mrs. Emma J. Vealy, of Amity, October 25, 1893. Five children have been the fruit of the second marriage—Jacob H., George W., Mary Elizabeth, Henry Barney and Emma. Mr. Feagles has been on his present farm twenty-one years, and is an extensive peach grower and a dairy farmer. He belongs to Amity Grange No. 1001.
DR. JAMES FRANCIS FERGUSON, founder of the widely known sanitarium "Falkirk," was born in New York City October 10, 1830, and died at his home near Central Valley, Orange County, N. Y., January 6, 1904. He graduated from the medical department of the University of New York in 1861 and from Bellevue Medical College in 1862.
Dr. Ferguson served with the Second New York Militia during the Civil War. At Blackburn's Ford, at the first battle of Bull Run, he was wounded and taken to Libby Prison, but was later released on parole through the efforts of his mother. As major and surgeon of the 165th New York Volunteers (Second Duryea Zouaves), he was again mustered into the service September 9, 1862, served with General Banks in Louisiana, was present at the battle of Pine Stores, and at the siege of Port Hudson was in charge of a field hospital. He was afterward provost surgeon in New Orleans and served in the campaigns in the Teche country, and was discharged at Franklin, La., in 1864. He was brevetted lieutenant-colonel of New York Volunteers.
The professional appointments of Dr. Ferguson were as follows: Attending surgeon, Bellevue, 1870-1871; visiting surgeon to Blackwell's Island Hospital, 1872-1892; visiting physician to the Hospital for Nervous Diseases, 1886-1892, and consulting physician of the Charity (now City) Hospital, from 1892 to the time of his death.
Dr. Ferguson was a member of the Bellevue Hospital Alumni, the Medical Society of the County of New York, the New York Academy of Medicine, New York Neurological Society, Military Order of the Loyal Legion, the Army and Navy Club, Lotus Club, Kane Lodge, No. 454, F. & A. M., Jerusalem Chapter, No. 8, R. A. M., Coeur de Lion Commandery, No. 23, K. T., and a thirty-third degree Scottish Rite Mason.
JOHN H. FLANAGAN, who for many years has been extensively engaged in the cultivation of choice vegetables for the New York market, has achieved much success in this line of business. He was born in Ireland in 1843, came to America in 1851, and seven years later engaged in truck farming. Mr. Flanagan is actively interested in business affairs at Newburgh. He was one of the promoters of the Columbus Trust Company and has been a member of the board of directors since the organization of this solid financial institution. He has also acquired much real estate in Newburgh and has served four years as a member of the board of public works.
Mr. Flanagan was united in marriage with Miss Shields and seven children were born to them.
CHARLES T. FORD—Among the citizens of Orange County who by their own efforts have achieved unusual success, Mr. Ford, of Central Valley, occupies a prominent place. He is a son of Charles T. and Martha (Weygant) Ford and was born at Southfield in 1844. He attended public and private schools, supplemented by a course at Claverack Institute and Poughkeepsie Business College. In 1867 he was manager of the iron works at Southfield and four years later was conducting a charcoal furnace in Michigan. Losing heavily in the panic of 1873 he returned to Orange County and was appointed station agent at Turners. In 1881 he began his career as a railroad contractor, his first work being for the West Shore Railroad, excavating and building the retaining wall through the city of Newburgh between North and South streets. From Newburgh he went to Albany, and thence to Rochester, building five miles of road. He received the contract for grading on the Port Jervis Railroad from Rhodesdale to Huguenot, and also laid the track and ballasted the entire line. His next work was building the North Dam of Tuxedo Park, after which he graded eleven miles of the Baltimore and Eastern Shore Railroad. Mr. Ford continued construction for many years for various railroads.
Since 1898 he has personally superintended the construction of all improvements for Mr. E. H. Harriman on his Arden property, including the erection of his mansion, not yet completed. During this time there were constructed a drainage canal three miles long and the course of the Ramapo straightened from Turners to Arden. Not the least of these improvements has been the Panchot system of forestry, the building of an incline railway 3,300 feet long from Arden to Mr. Harriman's house and twenty-five miles of roads for driving about the estate.
Mr. Ford has also built over one hundred miles of state roads in Orange County and has charge of maintaining of all the state roads in the county limited by yearly appropriations.
Mr. Ford is a director on the board of the Arden Farms Dairy Co., and as Mr. Harriman's confidential man here his duties are multitudinous. The Arden property comprises some 20,000 acres of land and there are 650 men employed thereon.
In 1868 Mr. Ford married Miss Josephine McKelvey. Three children were born, J. Barlow, Bertha and Harriet Louise.
Active in republican politics, Mr. Ford is a recognized leader in public affairs of his town and county.
HENRY T. FORD, merchant and postmaster at Central Valley, N. Y., was born in 1866, a son of Benjamin and Frances C. (Denniston) Ford. After finishing his schooling he conducted a store at Woodbury for six years, and in 1897 purchased the grocery business of George D. Wood at Central Valley, which he has continued with much success. Mr. Ford was appointed postmaster July 15, 1899.
WILLIAM FOSTER, retired manufacturer and prominent citizen of Newburgh, was born in England in 1841. He was engaged as a school teacher in his native country for a period of five years, and in 1867 came to America as selling agent for James Taylor, who was subsequently proprietor of the Newburgh Woolen Mills. He continued in this capacity until 1888, when upon the death of James Taylor, Mr. Foster and James S. Taylor purchased the plant and conducted the business with much success until 1902. The establishment was then incorporated as the Stroock Plush Company, Mr. Foster holding the office of vice-president. He was also vice-president of the Stroock Felt Company until 1906. He has been a director of the National Bank of Newburgh since 1895.
Mr. Foster takes an active part in promoting the welfare of Newburgh's charitable institutions. He is president of the Associated Charities, trustee of the home for the Friendless, and member of the board of managers of St. Luke's Hospital. In religious affiliations he is identified with the Church of the Good Shepherd, holding the office of warden.
Mr. Foster married Mary Ann Taylor and seven children were born to them, of whom four are living.
ANSON J. FOWLER, attorney of Walden and Newburgh, was born in Walden, N. Y., in 1878. He was educated at New Paltz Normal School and was engaged in the mercantile business at Walden, five years. He read law in Newburgh, and was admitted to the bar in 1905.
Mr. Fowler is president of the Electric Light Co., Walden, and a director of the Walden National Bank. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and I. O. O. F. He is a son of Nicholas J. and Elizabeth (Millspaugh) Fowler.
NICHOLAS JANSEN FOWLER, of English and Welsh descent, son of Peter Hill Fowler and Anna Jansen Fowler, was born on the ancestral homestead near the village of Montgomery, N. Y., May 9, 1847. He attended the famous Montgomery Academy, also the Monticello Academy. After graduating, he was associated with G. Fred Wiltsie, in business at Newburgh-on-Hudson. In 1868, Mr. Fowler located at Walden, N. Y., opening the first hardware store in the village, which he continued for thirty years.
He was the original organizer of the Wallkill Valley Electric Light and Power Company, of which for many years he was president; was one of the original incorporators of the National Bank of Walden and one of its officers until recent years. For many years he has been vice-president of the Walden Savings Bank; is connected with the First Reformed Church of Walden and Wallkill Lodge, F. and A. M., of which he was treasurer for over twenty years. He was a charter member of the Wallkill Valley Farmers' Association, serving many years as its treasurer and doing much to establish it.
Mr. Fowler married Miss Elizabeth Millspaugh, daughter of the late Joseph G. Millspaugh, of Walden, N. Y., May 29, 1872, Three sons were born to them. The eldest, Joseph M., of Kingston, an attorney of distinction, who has represented his district in the legislative hall at Albany; Anson J., an attorney having offices at Newburgh and Walden, who enjoys a large legal business; Fred, who has been highly successful in the electric light and telephone interests of Walden and adjacent villages. Mr. Fowler has been confined to his home for several years.
THOMAS POWELL FOWLER, president of the New York, Ontario and Western Railway Company, was born in Newburgh, October 26, 1851. His father, Isaac Sebring Fowler, was a descendant of Isaac Fowler, who settled near that city in 1747. His mother, Mary Ludlow Powell, was the daughter of Robert Ludlow Powell, who was the son of Thomas Powell, long prominent in the affairs of the Empire State, and one of the most successful men of his time.
Mr. Fowler's childhood was spent at Newburgh. He received his early education at Siglar's School, Newburgh, and College Hill, Poughkeepsie, after which he studied abroad for nearly two years, spending most of his time in Germany. Returning to New York, he entered the banking house of Morton, Bliss & Co., then Morton, Burns & Co, where he acquired a general knowledge of financial affairs. He studied law under Prof. Theo. D. Dwight, at the Columbia College law school, entering the junior class of that institution October 21, 1872. He graduated in May, 1874, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Laws.
In 1881 Mr. Fowler was elected director of the Chenango and Allegheny Railroad. In 1884 we find him a director of the West Pennsylvania and Chenango Connecting Railroads. On March 15 of the same year he was appointed receiver of the Chenango and Allegheny Railroad and the Mercer Coal and Iron Co. On March 31 following Mr. Fowler was elected director of the New York, Ontario and Western. In 1886 he was elected president. He has also served as director in the boards of the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia Railroad and other corporations.
Mr. Fowler occupies his country place in the village of Warwick during the summer months. In 1876 he married Isabelle, eldest daughter of Benjamin F. Dunning, an eminent New York lawyer and for many years a partner of Charles O'Conor.
WILLIAM J. FOWLER, a prominent and progressive fruit farmer of the town of Newburgh, resides at the homestead where his grandfather, Peter V. B. Fowler, was born in 1800. He is a son of Henry D. and Anna (Du Bois) Fowler, who for many years cultivated this valuable property and were prominent in church and social affairs. W. J. Fowler was born in 1862. He attended the schools of Middlehope and then took the English course at Tivoli Military School, from which he graduated. He spent two years at Newburgh in Eli Hasbrouck's dry goods establishment, and in 1881 purchased his farm of forty-two acres and undertook the cultivation of fruit, in which he has been uniformly successful. In 1905 he purchased his father's farm of fifty-six acres. Mr. Fowler was school trustee twelve years, highway commissioner eight years, and has served as town collector. He is treasurer of Cronomer Valley Grange.
JAMES FULLAGAR, contractor and builder, Newburgh, N. Y., was born in England in 1828, Attended the schools at Headcorn and learned the carpenter's trade there. He lived for a number of years in the West End of London, where he and his brother conducted an artists' lodging house. In 1850 he sailed for America, coming directly to Newburgh, where he engaged in his trade with his uncle, with whom he later formed a partnership which existed four years. He then engaged in real estate and building on his own account, and in the period from 1855 to 1902 erected for himself one hundred homes in Newburgh. He has since disposed of these with the exception of thirty houses. Mr. Fullagar is possessed of deep religious convictions and for forty years has devoted a portion of his time to preaching the gospel.
December 20, 1860, he married Miss Elizabeth Hoase, of New Windsor. Four children have been born to them, three of whom are still living.
NICHOLAS I. FURMAN was born at Spring Valley, town of Ramapo, Rockland County, N. Y., March 29, 1835, and died at Warwick, N. Y., April 3, 1908. He was in school and on the farm until eighteen years of age, when he engaged in the lumber business. His railroad career began as a switchman for the Erie Railroad at Suffern, N. Y., where he was soon promoted from track to train service. In 1860 he went to Port Jervis, N. Y., was in Newburgh a year, and in 1869 moved to Warwick, N. Y., continuing in train service until 1882. In that year he was assistant superintendent for a short time, and superintendent of the Lehigh & Hudson from 1882 to 1893. Mr. Furman has been an influential Republican. He was a member of the Republican county committee three years during the McKinley administration, and was a delegate to the state convention that nominated the late Governor Higgins. He was a member of Port Jervis Lodge, No. 328, F. & A. M., Warwick Chapter, No. 186, and Delaware Commandery, No. 44. He was president of the Warwick Cemetery Association, second vice-president of the Warwick Savings Bank, and, in general terms, a wide-awake, helpful and highly esteemed citizen. He attended the Reformed Dutch Church. Mr. Furman's first wife was Rachel A. Westervelt, who died in 1872. His second wife was Mary E. Hynard, of Warwick. He has had no children.
FRANCIS K. GAFFNEY was born in New York City in 1871. At the age of seventeen he became the youngest fireman, probably, on the New York & New Haven Railroad. After stoking over its rails for a year or more, he was placed in charge of a switch engine in the yard. He left the railroad and went at stationary engineering in New York City for three years. Then he accepted a position in Jacksonville, Fla., and set up two engines for the Street Railroad Co., thus driving out the old mule tramway from the city of Jacksonville. At the completion of this southern plant he returned to New York and assisted at the erection of the large Allis engines for the Lexington Avenue cable road. From there he was ordered to Detroit to assist at the building of the plant of the Detroit Citizens' Street Railway. He was then employed as engineer of the plant after it was completed, later as chief engineer in charge. This plant was at that time one of the largest in the West. After two years services here, in which time he was married, he resigned and came east, accepted a position with the Kingston Consolidated Traction Co. as chief engineer. He was in this position for five years, then accepted a position as chief engineer for the Queens Borough Gas & Electric Co., New York City, also in charge of the new construction at this plant. After the completion of this new work he went in the employ of the Floy Engineering Co., of New York, and took charge of the electrical end of the construction of a new hydro-electric plant on the Neversink River. At the completion of this work he went with the Public Service Corporation of New Jersey as chief of their Morristown Division. He was then employed as electrical construction expert for the New York & New Jersey Tile Co., and is now identified with the Orange County Lighting Co. Under his management the plant has largely improved.
WILLIAM T. GALLAWAY was born in the town of Newburgh, Orange County, N. Y., August 13, 1826. He attended the district school in Newburgh and at an early age went on the farm and has always been identified in agricultural pursuits. His father was Zachariah D. and mother Catherine (Thompson) Gallaway. Mr. Gallaway operated a hotel at Scotchtown and Circleville for several years, and also one in Minnesota.
He married Elizabeth Fondy, of Montgomery, who is still living. To this union were born four children. Albert died in infancy, William S., Abraham and Mary K., wife of James Hamm, of Brooklyn, N. Y., died in 1907. In politics Mr. Gallaway is a Democrat.
IRA M. GARDNER was born at Johnson, Orange County, December 20, 1883. His parents were Merit H. C. Gardner (deceased), and Belle (Howell) Gardner. He attended country schools at Stewarttown and Westtown during his early years; later, having removed to Middletown, he entered the public schools of that city, graduating with the class of 1903.
He studied law in the office of Henry W. and Russell Wiggins until October, 1904, when he entered the New York Law School, graduating in 1906, and being admitted to the bar in the same year.
He has spent one year in practice in New York City, connected with the Lawyers' Title Insurance Company.
SAMUEL H. GARISS, ex-president of the village of Port Jervis, was born in Sussex County, N. J., in 1849, and died at his home, December 10, 1907. At the age of nineteen he came to Tri-States and entered the employ of W. A. Drake as bookkeeper. During the twenty-two years that he occupied this position he was able to conduct a livery business in partnership with Hiram Marion, also operating a grist and saw mill in Flatbrookville. From 1884 to 1888 he was postmaster of Tri-States. In 1890 Mr. Gariss came to Germantown and established a grocery store. In 1901 he retired from this business and it became the property of his son, Samuel Emmet Gariss and S. G. Blackman.
Politically Mr. Gariss was a staunch Democrat; he served as trustee of Port Jervis village and in 1903 was elected village president and re-elected in 1905. He was elected a member of the board of supervisors in 1907 by a large majority and would have assumed his duties January 1, 1908. He was one of the elders of the Second Reformed Church since its organization.
In 1875 Mr. Gariss married Charity Estelle Cole, and they were the parents of two children, Samuel Emmet and Olive Zadie.
ASAHEL B. GARRISON, dealer in coal, feed, farm implements, etc., at Walden. N. Y., is numbered among the progressive young business men of Orange County. He is a son of Gerow and Elnora (Seymour) Garrison, residents of the town of Newburgh, where Asahel B. was born in 1884. His education was obtained at Claverack Institute and Hackettstown Seminary. The business to which Mr. Garrison succeeded was established by Taylor & Bateman early in the 70's. They were followed by Hasbrouck & Sloan, who disposed of their interests to Mr. Garrison January 1, 1907.
JOHN Y. GEROW, son of Justis Cooley and Phoebe H. (Young) Gerow, was born in 1856 in Ulster County. N. Y. When he was three years of age his parents removed to the Thomas Pope farm in the town of New Windsor, Orange County. It was here John Y. grew to manhood, aiding his father on the farm. He is now the owner of the Pope farm of 170 acres, the Barnet farm of 125 acres and the David Wright farm of 100 acres at Washingtonville, where he has resided since 1904. Mr. Gerow is senior member of the firm of Gerow & Felter, large cattle dealers. As past master of Pomona Grange Mr. Gerow enjoys a wide acquaintance throughout the state, and the flourishing condition of that organization in Orange County to-day is largely due to his untiring efforts as an organizer and promoter, demonstrating clearly to the farmer wherein he can better his condition. A review of the Grange in Orange County, which appears elsewhere in this work, was furnished by Mr. Gerow.
JOSEPH C. GEROW, a representative citizen of the town of Blooming Grove, was born in the town of Hamptonburgh, Orange County, in 1854. He is the youngest son of the late Elias and Sarah M. (Cooper) Gerow. The ancestors of the Gerow family settled in Plattekill, Ulster County, N. Y. Gilbert H. Gerow, grandfather of Joseph C, was the first of that name whose birth occurred in Orange County. His parents had located on what is known as the Crawford farm in the town of Blooming Grove. It was here that Gilbert H. grew to manhood and married Annie Cooley. Seven children were born to them, of whom Elias was the eldest. He was born in 1813 and lived to the advanced age of ninety-two years. He resided for a time in Hamptonburgh, but most of his life was spent in his native town, where he was successfully engaged in farming. Joseph C. Gerow, after finishing his studies at public and select schools, remained on the farm assisting his father. His farm of 150 acres is located in one of the best agricultural regions of Orange County. He deals extensively in agricultural implements, wind mills, etc. By appointment of the court he has charge of the George Washington Tuthill estate. He married Miss Jennie, daughter of Rev. Warren Hathaway, and they have eight children living. Their son, Percy, assists his father in the management of his business. As school trustee Mr. Gerow has been active in promoting educational interests in the town of Blooming Grove.
THOMAS B. GIBSON, who is serving his third term as postmaster of the village of Walden, was born in Newburgh, N. Y., in 1859; a son of Thomas and Sarah (Eager) Gibson. He learned the tailor's trade and in 1883 accepted the position of cutter for the firm of Wooster & Stoddard at Walden. In 1895 he was elected town clerk and re-elected in 1897, resigning to accept the postmaster-ship under President McKinley's administration. He has been twice reappointed by President Roosevelt. He is a member of the Republican County Committee and active in promoting the interest of his party. Socially Mr. Gibson is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Order of American Mechanics.
WILLIAM H. GILLESPIE, of Walden, is a descendant of one of Orange County's old families. He was born May 28, 1855, a son of Renwick and Caroline Augusta (Smith) Gillespie and is engaged in the cultivation of the farm which was a portion of the Gatehouse patent. This farm contains the trotting course and part of the land has been divided into building lots. Renwick Gillespie, who died in 1904 in his eightieth year, was one of Walden's most respected and influential citizens. He was born in the town of Montgomery, a son of Abram Gillespie and grandson of Samuel Gillespie, who with his father David came from Scotland and settled near Pine Bush, Orange County, previous to the Revolutionary war. David Smith, who was the first settler on the Gatehouse patent, was grandfather of Mr. Renwick Gillespie's wife, and in 1859 Renwick Gillespie purchased seventy-three acres of this land and erected a commodious home. He is survived by his wife and three children.
W. STANTON GLEASON, M.D., was born at Sag Harbor, L. I., July 24, 1860; academic education at Williston Seminary, East Hampton, Mass., and at Amherst College; graduate University of New York, 1866; he began practice, Newburgh, N. Y., 1887; member County, Newburgh Bay and State Medical Societies; American Medical Association and New York Academy of Medicine. Attending physician St. Luke's Hospital; consulting physician Highland Hospital; president Board Pension Examining Surgeons; member Masonic fraternity and Knights Templar; ex-member Newburgh Board of Education. He is a son of Rev. W. H. Gleason, D.D., for several years pastor of American Reformed Church, Newburgh. In 1888 Dr. Gleason married Grace, daughter of the late Senator J. W. Hoysradt, of Hudson, N. Y. He has one child, Charles B. Gleason, born June 22, 1900.
J. OGDEN GOBLE was born May 30, 1865, on the homestead farm, one mile from Florida. His father was William Timelo and mother Jane Miller. There was one child, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Coble's father died February 19, 1883, and his mother died October 3, 1905. J. Ogden attended the Washington Academy and Seward Institute, and at the age of eighteen, upon the death of his father, took charge of the home farm, which he has since conducted. He married Miss Carrie Stevens, of Florida, April 17, 1889. They had one child, who died in infancy. Mr. Goble has served as inspector of election for a period of twenty-three years. He was master of Florida Grange No. 1053 for two years and is now its secretary.
CHARLES T. GOODRICH, born Newburgh, N. Y., December 5, 1846; learned machinist's trade in Washington Iron Works, and engaged for a time with Erie Railroad in various positions. In 1865 was victim of railroad wreck, which physically disabled him for life. Studied telegraphy and was employed by the Western Union Co. in New York, Newburgh and elsewhere. Has acted as correspondent for New York dailies for many years and also connected with local papers. Since 1870 Mr. Goodrich has been engaged in real estate and fire insurance business, and interested in several local business institutions. He is prominently identified with Knights of Pythias. In 1881 he married Hattie F., daughter of Capt. Isaac Jenkinson.
HON. LOUIS F. GOODSELL, of Highland Falls, who was State senator from the Twenty-third New York District, 1898 to 1906, was born January 30, 1846. His education was obtained at Tracey's (now Holbrook's) Military Academy, at Sing Sing, N. Y. While at school and but seventeen years of age, Mr. Goodsell enlisted in Company F, Forty-seventh New York Volunteers, and went to war. He was mustered out with the regiment, August 30, 1865. He then re-entered school, and in May, 1867, graduated from the Poughkeepsie Business College.
After spending two years in Omaha, Neb., he was a resident of Newburgh from 1869 to 1878. He spent five years in Savannah, Ga., and in 1885 was engaged in the oil business in Chicago, and the lumber business in Ottumwa, Iowa. He disposed of his interests in both places in 1887 to his partners and returned to his native town.
Early in life Mr. Goodsell became a firm believer in the principles of the Republican party, and has always fought with the greatest enthusiasm for the party's success at the polls. His superior ability as a political leader soon became recognized. He was a member of the Board of Supervisors eighteen years, and in 1894 was elected a member of assembly from the First District of Orange County. He was re-elected to the Assembly in 1895, 1896 and 1897. In 1898 he was elected State senator from the Twenty-third District, and was re-elected to that office in 1900, 1902 and 1904.
Mr. Goodsell's career as a legislator was eminently successful. A tireless worker, he devoted his efforts to furthering the interests of this district. Since his retirement from political life, he has cheerfully extended a helping hand to republican aspirants for public office. Mr. Goodsell married Miss Frances A. Parry, and two children, Harry and Edith, were born, both residents of Highland Falls.
EDGAR M. GORDON, of the hardware firm of Malven & Gordon, of Port Jervis, N. Y., was born December 22, 1850, at Cuddebackville, Orange County, N. Y. He obtained his early education at the district school in his locality and at Port Clinton, N. Y. He started at an early age as clerk in the canal store at Neversink Locks, where he remained for three years. He then served two years at the same place as telegraph operator. September 1, 1869, he came to Port Jervis, and clerked for St. John & Malven. About 1875 he purchased a half interest in the hardware store of George Malven. Mr. Gordon was married to Miss Ann Amelia Malven, daughter of George Malven, in June, 1877. Three children were born to this union, George M., Wilbur and Samuel, all residing at home. Mr. Gordon is a republican and in 1900 was elected supervisor of census of his congressional district. He is a member of the Mt. William Lodge, K. of P., is identified with the Reformed Dutch Church and is superintendent of the Sunday-school.
REV. C. GORSE was born in the town of Fulton, Schoharie County, N. Y., June 4, 1815. He was the eldest of four children of Robert and Mary Gorse, who owned a large farm in that township. The father of Robert Gorse was Ephraim, who spelled the name Goss, being of English extraction, a descendant of Sir John Goss, and a soldier of the Revolution who, having been wounded, perished in the rigors of the encampment at Valley Forge. Having acquired a common school education, he taught school during the winters, laying the foundation of a rugged constitution by working for his father on the farm during the summers, until having attained the age of manhood, he went to the theological seminary at Albany, joining the New York Conference in 1840. He resided in Newburgh at the time of his death, May 31, 1892, at the ripe age of seventy-nine. He was married on August 31, 1836, to Eleanor Louise Ireland, a daughter of Rev. Thomas Ireland, a descendant of Sir John Ireland, the former being a pioneer in the Albany circuit and a resident of Ireland Corners, New Albany. Of this marriage there were born three children: Dr. C. A. Gorse, of Cornwall; Mrs. Conrad Russ, of Albany, and Miss Louisa Virginia, for fifteen years organist of the Church of the Corner Stone and music teacher of Newburgh during the residence of her parents there and subsequently of Poughkeepsie, and organist of the Reformed Church at New Paltz. Rev. and Mrs. Gorse celebrated their golden wedding in Newburgh in 1886, when there was a distinguished company of the clergy with friends and relatives present, who expressed their high esteem for his moral and religious, character.
DR. CHARLES ASBURY GORSE was born at Roxbury, Delaware County. N. Y., July 12, 1841. He was the only son of the Rev. Charles Gorse and Eleanor Louise Ireland, his wife. By this union there were also two sisters, Eleanor Victoria, wife of Conrad Russ, of Albany, N. Y., and Louisa Virginia, single, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. The doctor was educated at Poultney, Vermont, Charlotteville, Amenia, and Warnerville seminaries in this State, after which he taught schools at Stamford, Conn., Patchogue, L. I., Margaretville and Prattsville, N. Y., the last three being very successful private schools. He went from the latter place in 1861 to attend the Medical Department of the New York University, from which he graduated March 4, 1864. He practiced at Barngall, Dutchess County, Brooklyn, L. I., New Providence, N. J., Newark, N. J., about two years at each, prior to coming to Vail's Gate, N. Y., in 1872, where he remained until his marriage on June 12, 1878, to Sarah Elizabeth Brooks, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Brooks, of Bethlehem, where he has practiced his profession ever since. Of this union there were born three children, Charles Victor, Virginia Elizabeth and Robert Sylvester. The doctor has served as town physician for the towns of Cornwall and New Windsor for several years at various periods, and also as health officer for the latter town. One of his ancestors, Ephraim Goss, was a soldier of the Revolution. The doctor has always been a staunch republican, casting his first vote for Abraham Lincoln on his second election.
JOHN H. GRAHAM, who for many years was one of the representative farmers and dairymen of the town of Montgomery, was born there in 1822 and died in 1906. He was a son of William and Hannah (Houston) Graham, natives of Orange County. William Graham was an active democrat and served his town as assessor and supervisor. He was also a member of assembly and declined the nomination for State Senator. John H. Graham remained at home until the death of his father, when he inherited a part of the homestead and subsequently purchased the interest of the other heirs. He was a man well read and much interested in public affairs, always taking an active part in promoting the welfare of the democratic party. Though not an office-seeker, he was at one time nominated for member of assembly. In 1856 he was united in marriage to Miss Isabella Young, of Neelytown. The farm, which comprises one hundred and eighty acres, is now conducted by his nephew, Mr. Charles H. Graham, who is numbered among the progressive citizens of Orange County.
EDWARD DAVIS GREEN was born July 18, 1856, at Chester, N. Y. His parents were Edward and Elizabeth Davis. To this union were born four sons and four daughters, only two of whom are now living, Edward D. and Charles.
Our subject obtained his education at the Chester Academy and at Eastman's Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Mr. Green has always been identified with agricultural pursuits. He married Clara Hadden, of Chester, N. Y., November 20, 1877. Their one child died in infancy, and the wife died in 1888.
In politics Mr. Green is a republican and has served as road commissioner four years. He is a member of the Chester Grange and the Presbyterian Church.
GEORGE W. GREEN—Among the older business houses of Newburgh is the book and stationery store of George W. Green, which was established at 47 Water street by Mr. Green, November 1, 1869. May 1, 1886, he moved to his present quarters at 65 and 67 Water street. Mr. Green was born in Newburgh in 1840. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and trustee of the Newburgh Savings Bank.
ISRAEL Y. GREEN was born April 30, 1817, and died August 20, 1876. His early education was acquired at the district school. He was a democrat and served the town as supervisor for several years. Mr. Green was married to Mary Jane (McBride) Drake, of Minisink, widow of Joshua Drake, who died November 21, 1857. There were four children born to them: Sarah F., wife of John Fields, Jr., of Otisville; Myra, wife of Thomas F. Knapp, of Jersey City; Israel, who died at Staten Island in 1901, and one child, who died in infancy.
SAMUEL GREEN was born at Ringwood, Passaic County, N. J., December 18, 1840, being the second of six children of Henry and Mary Green. He attended the district school at Edenville, Orange County, and for three years attended the Seward Institute, Florida. He then learned the trade of blacksmithing in his father's shop. He was a village trustee from 1864 to 1879. He is now an active member of the Florida fire department, which he helped organize in 1885, and was one of the incorporators of the Florida water system, which cost $23,000.
He is a member of Warwick Lodge No. 544, F. and A. M., of which he was master two years; member of Midland Chapter No. 240, of Middletown, and Cypress Commandery No. 67.
Mr. Green's wife is Mary E. Miller, of Florida, to whom he was married September 6, 1866. They have had eight children, five of whom are living. Addie, wife of Fred Roe; Jeanette, wife of William Creeden; Elizabeth, wife of Frank Kortright; Edith, wife of William Boyd; and Fred, who resides at home.
WILLIAM H. GREEN, postmaster and merchant at Slate Hill, N. Y., is a native of the town of Warwick, N. Y., and established his present business in 1883. He was appointed postmaster under Cleveland in 1884; had charge of the post-office under Harrison, and was re-appointed postmaster in 1892, during Cleveland's second term. His present appointment dates from June 25, 1900. Mr. Green has served two terms as town collector, and one term as poor master. Green's Hall is utilized for the transaction of the affairs of the town of Wawayanda.
WILLIAM R. GREEN was born January 12, 1859, on the homestead farm between Chester and Florida. He attended school at the Somerville district school, Chester Academy and Eastman's College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He married Anna May Dill, of Burnside, N. Y., November 12, 1890. Their one child, Josephine, was born February 29, 1892. Mr. Green was twice married, his first wife having died May 27, 1894. He married for a second wife Clara B. Tuthill, of Goshen, June 1, 1898. To this union were born two children, Irene Tuthill, and William R., Jr. In politics Mr. Green is a republican. He is a member of the Grange and the Chester Presbyterian church.
OSCAR S. GREENLEAF, proprietor of the Greenleaf Hotel of Otisville, N. Y., was born July 16, 1876. He is a son of John E. Greenleaf, born September 15, 1852, and Sarah Jennie (Shaw) Greenleaf, born August 16, 1853. In 1884 John E. Greenleaf rented the hotel, then known as the Blizzard House, and conducted it two years, after which he purchased the Washington Hotel, which he continued until his death, April 22, 1894. His wife died March 25, 1905.
There were seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. John E. Greenleaf, Charles D., born September 28, 1874, superintendent of the Borden Creamery at Thompson, Pa.; Grace M., wife of Charles Hoyt, of Mount Hope, born March 15, 1878; Edwin H. born July 22, 1880, residing at Newburgh, N. Y., plant superintendent of the Hudson River Telephone Company; Lillian, born May 22, 1882, residing in New York City; Frank B., born August 8, 1884, assistant agent of Erie Railroad at Otisville, N. Y.; James Acker, born June 6, 1886, and Oscar S.
The primary education of our subject was obtained at the district school at Mapledale in the town of Wallkill, after which he assisted his father in the hotel until his death. He then assumed the management of the hotel. Mr. Greenleaf was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Craig, daughter of A. J. and Mary Etta Craig, of Otisville, N. Y., May 6, 1903. One child has blessed this union, Oscar B., born March 27, 1905. Socially Mr. Greenleaf is a member of Hoffman Lodge No. 412, F. and A. M., of Middletown, N. Y., and Midland Chapter No. 240, R. A. M. In politics he is a republican.
JOHN L. GREGORY, one of Middletown's representative and esteemed citizens, was born September 28, 1841, at Monroe, Orange County, N. Y. His father was John S. and mother Nancy R. (Strong) Gregory. Mr. Gregory attained his early education at the academy at Monroe. After his schooling he learned the harness trade with his father, who died in 1906 at the age of eighty-eight years. The son assumed control of the business, which he conducted successfully for twenty years. His mother died in 1905 at the age of sixty-five years. Mr. Gregory came to Middletown and erected a handsome flat building called the "Gregorian," and is largely identified in real estate interests in the city. He married Angeline Babcock, of Monroe, November 27, 1877. Five children have been born to this union, Anna Louise, born August 17, 1878; Ruth B., born July 31, 1880; C. Alice, born June 18, 1886; and Marguerite, born August 18, 1896. Mr. Gregory and his estimable wife are members of St. Paul's church. In politics he is a republican.
ANDREW J. GUMAER was born at Godeffroy, Orange County, N. Y., November 4, 1833. His parents were Peter E. Gumaer and Ester Cuddeback. Our subject obtained his education at the district school and the Goshen Academy. After his schooling he worked in a general store and on the farm at Godeffroy. In 1872 he removed to Guymard, this county, and opened a general store, which he has since continued.
He married for his first wife Anna E. Strong, October 8, 1862, daughter of Augustus and Mary (Comstock) Strong. They had one child, who died in infancy. Mr. Gumaer chose for his second wife Adelia P. Strong, January 4, 1868. To this union were born three children, William J., Andrew and Annie E. In politics Mr. Gumaer is independent. The family attend the Dutch Reformed Church.
CHAUNCEY I. GUMAER was born February 20, 1860, at Godeffroy, Orange County, N. Y. He attended the district school, after which he removed to Alma, Colorado, in 1879, engaging in the general mercantile business for a period of twenty-three years. He was also identified with mining at the same place. He returned to Orange County in 1902, and has since been engaged in mining at Guymard, for the Guymard Lead and Zinc Mining Company, of which Mr. Gumaer is president, he married Miss Bell Graham, of Westtown, for his first wife, and she died in Colorado. For his second wife he married Alma G. Petterson, of Alma, Colorado. Their three children are Lucile G.. Helen J. and Alma M. In politics Mr. Gumaer is independent. His father, Peter L. Gumaer, was born January 29, 1827, in the old stone house near Godeffroy, Orange County, N. Y. When he became fifteen years of age he engaged in the general merchandise business with his brother, which they conducted for a period of twenty years. He afterward removed to Guymard and opened a general store and conducted a summer hotel, which was destroyed by fire in 1892. He has been postmaster at Guymard since 1865. Mr. Gumaer married Sarah Jane Mulock, of Greenville, N. Y., in 1853, and she died November 30, 1907. There were six children born to them, Georgeina I., Laertes W., Chauncey I., Franklin P., George S. and Marie Louise. Mr. Gumaer was formerly a member of Hoffman Lodge, F. and A. M. Peter L. Gumaer with his brothers, built the road connecting the Neversink Valley road with the Newburgh, Goshen and Carpenter's Point turnpike. They also constructed the suspension bridge across the Neversink River. It was through this movement the lead and zinc mines at Guymard were discovered, which has produced twenty million tons of lead and zinc ore.
SAMUEL HADDEN, a well known citizen of Chester, N. Y., (a portrait of whom appears in another part of this volume), is of French Huguenot descent, and was born in Rockland County, March 19, 1828. His father died of cholera in 1832, and in 1835 his mother married Edward Bellamy. They removed to Florida, Orange County, in 1839, where Samuel attended school and also assisted on the farm. When eighteen years of age he learned the trade of carriage making at Vail's Gate, Orange County. On April 12, 1852, he accepted the position of foreman of James Hallock & Sons carriage manufactory at Sugar Loaf. March 8, 1854, he removed to Chester Depot and purchased the business of Henry Wood, which he conducted until 1888. He was president of the village of Chester two terms, has been town collector and supervisor five terms and for twenty-five years has served as inspector of election. He joined the Presbyterian Church March 17, 1849, and since that time has been a consistent and active member, serving as elder of the church for thirty years. He is a member of the local grange. He married Eliza Jane McGill, of Cornwall, May 7, 1851, and they have had three children, Alice J., Clara and Eugene. Clara died at the age of thirty years. Mr. Hadden's wife died March 10, 1903. His mother's children, two sons and two daughters by her first husband, and one son and a daughter by her second, are all dead, excepting Samuel and John. The mother died in her eighty-first year. Mr. Hadden's farm of one hundred acres is the farm on which the ancestors of Secretary Seward were born and raised. This locality was at that time called Sommerville. He exhibited vehicles at the state fair held in Elmira, N. Y., in 1855, and secured second premium. His exhibits at the Orange County fair have always taken first premium.
JESSE HALBERT was born on a farm near Lake, Orange County, August 20, 1842. He and a brother, Albert Ruggles, are the only two living of the six children of Ezra and Phila Ann Halbert. His mother died in 1844 and his father in 1873. Jesse acquired his education at the district school, after which he followed agricultural pursuits and has remained a farmer. He has a dairy farm of two hundred and sixteen acres and is a breeder of Holstein cattle. He married Miss Emily Bates, of Morristown, N. J., May 29, 1878, and their two living children are Ezra, horn May 5, 1879, and Clarence, born July 25, 1881. Another son, Alfred, born January 13, 1883, died January 11, 1900. Ezra and Clarence have three hundred and seventy acres. Ezra is a member of Warwick Grange, a Republican and an energetic and progressive farmer.
DR. CHARLES H. HALL, a practicing physician at Monroe, N. Y., was born in Warwick, Orange County, in 1861. He was educated at the State Normal School at Albany and received his medical training from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Baltimore. He graduated in 1891 and has since practiced at Monroe. In 1901 he was appointed surgeon to the Erie Railroad. Dr. Hall is a member of the county and state medical societies and enjoys an extensive practice. He married Miss Tillie J. Mitchell, of New York and three daughters have been born to them. Dr. Hall is a son of Alva and Dermeda (Hunter) Hall. His ancestors settled in Orange County previous to the Revolution and took an active part in the nation's struggle for liberty, his great-grandfather, John Hall, being a Revolutionary soldier, who, it is supposed, was a son of Lyman Hall, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
GEORGE E. HALLIDAY, of Newburgh, was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., in 1874. He has resided in Newburgh since infancy, and was educated at the schools of this city. In 1887 he associated himself in the shoe business with J. M. Stoutenburgh, with whom he remained five years; later with Sol. Cohen, and in 1905 the shoe firm of Halliday and Van Buren was organized, which continued two years, and in May of 1907 Mr. Halliday opened his present emporium.
Mr. Halliday is identified with the Masonic fraternity, a member of the Wheelmen's Club, the Canoe and Boating Association and the Orange Lake Yacht Club.
In 1907 he was united in marriage with Miss Marion, daughter of the late John Gail Borden, for many years president of the widely known Borden Condensed Milk Company.
CHARLES E. HAND, a prominent farmer, who resided for many years near Mountainville, Orange County, N Y., was born in the town of Cornwall in 1852, and died suddenly February 20, 1908. After finishing his education at the district and Newburgh schools, he learned the carpenter's trade. Following his marriage to Miss Emma C Smith, he purchased a farm in the town of Woodbury. This consisted originally of three hundred and fifty acres. A portion of this land he sold to the Erie Railroad for the construction of their new branch.
Politically Mr. Hand was a Republican and took a very active part in local public matters. He served as school trustee many years, and in 1904 was elected justice of the peace. He was master of the Mountainville Grange and past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias.
Our subject was a son of Edward S. and Charity (Mailler) Hand. He is survived by his wife and three children. One son is senior member of the firm of Hand & Brooks, real estate brokers, of Newburgh, N. Y.
WILLIAM HARER, who conducts a billiard, pool, bowling and cigar establishment in Highland Falls, purchased this business in 1906 from his uncle, Edward F. Farrell, continuing it with much success. His father, William Harer, and his mother, who was formerly Miss Farrell, were old residents of this locality. Our subject was born in this village in 1882, where he received his education at the public schools. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and enjoys an unusual degree of popularity among his fellow citizens.
JAMES HARRISON (deceased), senior member of the firm of Harrison & Gore, silk manufacturers, Newburgh, N. Y., born Yorkshire, England, 1840. At the age of six years he came with his parents to Newburgh. After finishing his studies, he engaged with his father in the manufacture of woolen goods. In 1877 he owned the business, operating two mills and continued therein until 1892, when he changed his product to silk and formed a partnership with his son-in-law, Mr. Gore, and his sons, F. J. Harrison and Jas. Harrison, Jr. Mr. Harrison was one of the original directors of the Y. M. C. A. and trustee of Grace M. E. Church. He was twice married; his first wife, who was Miss Lull, died in 1898. In 1899 he married Mrs. Caroline A. Foreman (nee Ely), principal of a New York school. Mr. Harrison was a son of Joshua and Mary A. (Emsley) Harrison, both natives of England. Mr. Harrison died June 13, 1907.
JOHN J. E. HARRISON, manufacturer, Newburgh, and ex-supervisor Sixth ward; born Rock City, Dutchess County, May 30, 1846; graduated from Eastman's Business College, Poughkeepsie; opened a general store in West Broadway, Newburgh, 1876, also dealing extensively in fleece wool. In 1897 he succeeded to the business of the Brown Lime Company, in which he is at present engaged. Mr. Harrison is a veteran of the Civil War, was wounded at Devoe's Neck in a skirmish; served in Company B, Fifty-sixth New York State Volunteers (Tenth Legion); member Fullerton Post, G. A. R.; identified with Masonic fraternity and I. O. O. F. In politics Republican. In 1907 he was chosen chairman of the board of supervisors of Orange County.
WILLIAM C. HART, a prominent agriculturist of East Walden, was born in the town of Montgomery, December 18, 1843; the only son of Henry C. and Hannah Jane (Overheiser) Hart. He has resided since childhood on the well-known farm "Sycamore Place."
November 18, 1869, he married Elizabeth Mould, daughter of the late Hamilton Morrison. Two sons, Henry Melvin and Robert Clarence, have been born to them.
Mr. Hart is a member of the First Reformed Church at Walden; a director of the Orange County Agricultural Society; one of the founders and secretary of the Wallkill Valley Farmers' Association. In 1894, Mr. Hart originated and has since published the Annual Souvenir of this organization—a publication of much artistic merit.
GENERAL HENRY C. HASBROUCK was born in Newburgh, N. Y., October 26, 1839, and is a son of William C. and Mary E. (Roe) Hasbrouck. He was appointed a cadet of the Military Academy, July 1, 1856; second lieutenant, Fourth Artillery, May 6, 1861; first lieutenant, May 14, 1861; captain, July 26, 1866; major, March 5, 1887; lieutenant-colonel, October 29, 1896; colonel, February 13, 1899. In 1898 he was appointed brigadier-general, U. S. V., commanding the second division of the Second Army Corps, and appointed brigadier-general of the regular army December 1, 1902. He retired January 5, 1903. General Hasbrouck was commandant of cadets United States Military Academy at West Point, N. Y., from 1882 to 1888. He was a member of the board in 1888 that prepared the infantry, cavalry and artillery drill regulations adopted by the War Department for use in the United States Army. General Hasbrouck married Miss Laetitia Viele Warren, October 26, 1882. They now reside in Newburgh.
General Hasbrouck is a direct descendant of Abraham Hasbrouck, one of the twelve New Paltz patentees. He married Mary Deyo; their son Joseph married Elsie Schoonmaker; their son Benjamin married Elidia Schoonmaker, and their son Cornelius married Janet Keho, who became the parents of William C. as noted above.
PHILLIP HASBROUCK, a retired citizen of Walden, N. Y., who has served Orange County as Superintendent of the Poor for a period of nine years, is a descendant of the old Ulster County family of Hasbroucks who settled in New Paltz previous to 1677. He is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Le Fever) Hasbrouck and was born in the village of New Paltz and educated at the schools of that place. His younger days were spent in farming, after which he conducted a lumber, coal and feed business with much success in Walden. He is now vice-president of the Schrade Cutlery Company. Politically, Mr. Hasbrouck is a Republican and has been very active in promoting the interests of his party. Mr. Hasbrouck married Miss Mary Matthews, daughter of the late George Matthews, who, up to the time of his death, was vice-president of the New York Knife Works.
WILLIAM GEORGE HASTINGS, son of James and Mary J. (Brown) Hastings, was born in Newburgh, N. Y., and died at Albany, June 28, 1907. Mr. Hastings was educated at the public schools of Newburgh and Siglar's Preparatory School.
From early manhood he was identified with the Republican party, and was an earnest worker for its success. He served as deputy postmaster under Joseph A. Sneed and was later private secretary to ex-Governor Odell while the latter was congressman.
In 1904 Mr. Hastings was elected member of assembly from the First District of Orange County, and re-elected in 1905 and again in 1906, and at each term of the legislature was appointed to important committees.
Mr. Hastings was prominent in Masonic circles; he was a veteran of the Tenth Separate Company; a member of the Odd Fellows, Ringgold Hose Company, Newburgh Wheelmen and Newburgh City Club.
In 1891 Mr. Hastings was united in marriage with Miss May E. Moore, of Newburgh. One daughter, Mildred, was born to them.
Few men of Orange County were so popular as Mr. Hastings, and much sorrow was felt by his fellow citizens when it became known that their brilliant genial representative at Albany had been called from earth.
REV. WARREN HATHAWAY, D. D., who has held the pastorate of the Blooming Grove Congregational Church for forty years, was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., in 1828, a son of Rev. Levi and Rhoda (Miller) Hathaway. His education was obtained at Oberlin College, Ohio, and it was there he began his clerical studies. He was ordained in Connecticut and his first charge was in the town of Lebanon, Conn., where he remained a year and a half. He was then transferred to Fall River for a period of six years, following which he held a pastorate at Medway, Greene County, N. Y., until 1866, when he came to Blooming Grove. By his first wife, who was Miss Cornelia Day, Dr. Hathaway had five children, three of whom are living. For his second wife he chose Miss Elizabeth H. Miller. Although nearly four score years of age. Dr. Hathaway is very active in the affairs of the church, with which he has been identified so many years.
IRA A. HAWKINS. The Hawkins family traces its origin far back into England's earliest history. The first to come to America were Robert Hawkins and his wife, Mary, who came over in the good ship "Elizabeth and Ann," Captain Cooper, master, in 1635, and settled in Charlestown, Mass.
Moses Hawkins was born October 8, 1763, and came to Orange County in 1790. He married Phebe Harlow, and settled in East Division, town of Goshen, on the farm now occupied by his great grandson, Frank T. Hawkins. They had three sons, Benjamin, Ira and Samuel, and one daughter, Mary, who married Joshua Howell.
Ira, born January 31, 1796, married May 17, 1821, Hannah, daughter of General Abram and Esther Rockwell Vail. They settled on a farm near Chester, where they lived fifty years. They had six children. Their eldest son, James, born June 3, 1822, married Adaline Green, daughter of John and Julia Roe Green, in 1844. In the following year they removed to Hamptonburgh, at which place he established his home, and remained on the same farm until his death in 1887. He was trustee and elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Hamptonburgh. Their children were William Green; James R. V. Iraeneus, who died in infancy; Adaline Green, married Alfred E. Ivers, of Allendale, N. J.; Charles Francis; M. Jennie, married James L. Price, of Hamptonburgh and Ira A.
Having become a widower in 1865, on October 28, 1868, he married Emily A., daughter of George W. and Hester A. (Sanford) Price, of Hamptonburgh. They had one son, George W. P., and one daughter, Emma Antoinette, married John Budd Gregory, who now occupy the homestead farm.
Ira A. Hawkins, born August 4, 1864, at the death of his father in 1887, came with his brother George into possession of the farm, where he resided until 1894, when he sold his interests in the place to his brother and purchased the C. L. Morehouse farm, near Warwick, on the Edenville road, where he now resides. Besides successfully carrying on his farm, he is also engaged in the insurance business. He is now serving as treasurer and elder of the Dutch Reformed Church of Warwick.
On October 24, 1888, he married Anna, daughter of Valentine and Hannah (Seaman) Seaman, of Blooming Grove, who were both lineal descendants of Captain John Seaman, who settled at Long Island in 1660.
Their children are: Valentine Seaman, born December 1, 1889, died September 7, 1893; Charles Francis, born March 9, 1892; Ira Alden, born December 30, 1894, and Harold James, born November 20, 1896.
IRWIN E. HAWKINS was born and reared on the homestead farm near Otisville. He acquired his early education at the district school, and at an early age identified himself with farming. When he attained the age of thirty-two years he engaged in the milk business at Middletown and Mount Vernon, Westchester County, N. Y. He has served as town collector for three years, school collector six years and commissioner of highways. In politics he is a republican. He followed the carpenter trade for two years and is now identified with the Otisville Sanatorium. He married Miss Harriet Smith, daughter of Frank and Hannah (Bell) Smith, October 19, 1892. Mr. Hawkins is a member of the Otisville Grange No. 1020. He and his wife are members of the Otisville Methodist Church and are liberal contributors to its support.
UZAL T. HAYES was born at Bloomfield, N. J., February 5, 1834. His early education was acquired at the Bloomfield Free School, which was the first in New Jersey, after which he attended the Seymour Institute. In 1856 he engaged in the leather business in Newark, N. J., and in December, 1865, became a partner in the firm of T. P. Howell & Co., which afterward took the name of Howell, Hinchman & Co. In 1880 the company was incorporated and Mr. Hayes was made its treasurer and general manager.
He married Miss Caroline A. Morris, of Bloomfield, N. J., in 1860. She died July 3, 1888. Their four children are Harry M., Thomas E., Caroline and Mabel. Mr. Hayes has served as a member of the board of education and president of the board of water commissioners. Socially he is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the I. O. O. F. of Newark, N. J. In politics he is a republican.
JOHN HAZEN was born at Greenwood Lake, Orange County, March 18, 1835; died December 19, 1907. As a democrat he was chosen tax collector for one term and a constable for two years. He was owner of the Hotel Boulevard at Greenwood Lake, and also proprietor of the Windemere Hotel, which accommodates seventy-five guests, and of the Brandon House. He owned many good horses, among them "Peaches," with a record of 2:12, and "Stately Dame," with a record of 2:27. His wife, who was Sarah A. Merritt, of Sloatsburg, died in 1906. Two of their four children are living, Mary, wife of John Van Ness, and Daisy, wife of William Wright.
Mr. Hazen became a guide for sportsmen who came to the Waterstone and Brandon Houses for their vacations, to fish and hunt, and without educational or financial advantages, took on the tastes and manners of associates who had them. The friends he made of business men whom he guided over mountains and lakes after game in his younger days remained his friends all their lives. Such attachments tell, probably better than anything else we might write, of the genial, modest and thoroughly reliable traits of the departed.
JOEL T. HEADLEY was born December 30, 1813, at Walton, Delaware County, N. Y., where his father was settled for many years as the Presbyterian clergyman. Mr. Headley early determined to make his father's vocation his own, and after graduating from Union College, in 1839, he took a course in theology 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 unceasing application and incessant study, was unable to stand the further strain imposed upon it, and he was reluctantly compelled to relinquish his chosen profession, and in 1842 went to Europe.
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 reception 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 New York Tribune. The confining duties necessarily connected with the duties of an editor soon became irksome 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" appeared, and was followed at various periods by "Washington and His Generals," "History of the War of 1812," "Life of Cromwell," "Life of Havelock," "Life of Scott and Jackson," "Sacred Mountains," "Sacred Scenes and Characters," "Sacred Heroes and Martyrs," "Headley's Miscellanys," "The Imperial Guard," "Chaplains and Clergy of the Revolution," "The Great Rebellion," "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 year's interruption when, in 1854, he 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 accorded him at the outset of his career never entirely left him, and all his books were remunerative.
Mr. Headley's passionate love for nature in all her various moods led him nearly forty years ago to seek those great solitudes which the Adirondacks had at that time kept concealed from all men save the trapper or woodsman. He was so enamored of that Switzerland of America that for over thirty years he made yearly pilgrimages 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 resided in Newburgh and vicinity, and always took 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 was 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 republic, he early conceived the idea of celebrating in some public manner those historic events which have made Newburgh famous in American 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 passed the allotted span of life, dying at Newburgh, December 30, 1897, in his eighty-fourth year.
JACOB L. HICKS, formerly supervisor of the town of Highland, was born in Orange County, N. Y., in 1874. From 1893 to 1896 he was stationed at West Point with the United States Army. When war was declared with Spain, in 1898, Mr. Hicks went to the front with the Seventy-first New York Regiment. After he was mustered out he established his present grocery store at Highland Falls, in which he has been very successful. Mr. Hicks, who is a staunch democrat, was elected supervisor November, 1905. In 1907 he was again a candidate for the office and was elected by four votes, which is now being contested in the Supreme Court.
Mr. Hicks is a member of the Army and Navy Union and of the Knights of Columbus. He married Miss Frances G. Hager, and three children have been born to them. He was instrumental in the establishment of the First National Bank of Highland Falls, and is connected with all movements pertaining to the advancement of the village.
HENRY C. HIGGINSON, president of the Higginson Manufacturing Co., of Newburgh, occupies an important position in the industrial life of the Hudson Valley. The company owns the Windsor Gypsum Company and Lenox Gypsum Company of Nova Scotia; also half owners of the Sing Sing Lime Company, Ossining, N. Y., operating a line of four freight steamers between Ossining and New York City.
Mr. Higginson was born in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1852, and came to Newburgh at the age of twelve years. After finishing his studies he engaged in his present business, then known as W. R. Brown & Co., manufacturers of Rosendale Cement. The business was established in 1865, and in 1872 was merged into the Newburgh Cement & Plaster Company. In 1875, Mr. Higginson became sole proprietor of the business, and in 1899 the firm name was changed to Higginson Manufacturing Company.
CHARLES HIGHAM. Nine months after Charles Higham's birth at Manchester, England, April 6, 1867, he was brought to America by his parents, who settled in Middletown in January, 1868. In Manchester his father had been a fancy silk weaver. Here he became proprietor of the Wallkill House, and conducted it until his death, in 1872. He was married twice, his second wife before marriage being Elizabeth Redfield, of Manchester. Charles was the youngest of their two children, and finished his school education at the Wallkill Academy. His mother assumed the responsibilities of the hotel management after her husband's death, and conducted the Wallkill House ten years, when, in 1882, she became proprietor of the Commercial Hotel. In April of that year her son Charles, although but fifteen years of age, became controlling manager, and is now the proprietor of this hotel. He is now chief for the eleventh time of the Middletown fire department, with which he has been actively identified twenty-five years. He is a member and treasurer of the Firemen's Relief and Benefit Association and president of the board of representatives of the Middletown fire department. The societies of which he is a member are Hoffman Lodge No. 412, F. and A. M.; Midland Chapter No. 240; Cypress Commandery, No. 67: Mecca Shrine of New York City; Wilbur H. Weston Shrine of Newburgh, and Port Jervis B. P. O. E., No. 645. He organized, maintains and is president of the Charles Higham fife and drum corps of twenty-five members.
GEORGE S. HILL, son of William and Ruth Augusta (Hovey) Hill, was born at Bullville, Orange County, N. Y., in 1854. In 1865, his father moved to the town of Newburgh and purchased the Henry Miller property, consisting of thirty-eight acres. George S. obtained his education at the district schools of this locality and finished his studies at the Claverack Institute. He has since been engaged in farming and is identified with the Little Britain Grange. He married Miss Sarah E. Waugh, and their home is pleasantly situated on the State road, near Coldenham.
REUBEN HILTON, attorney of Newburgh, is a son of William H. and Mary A. (Colwell) Hilton. He was born in Newburgh, 1877. Mr. Hilton graduated from the Andover preparatory school in 1896 and spent two and a half years at Yale University. He is a graduate from the New York Law School in 1901, and has since practiced in Newburgh, where he was appointed collector of the port, May, 1906. He is a member of the Andover Alumni Association and the Wheelmen's Club of Newburgh. He married Miss Minnie Dawes, of Washington, D. C.
WILLIAM T. HILTON, son of John and Anna L. (Turner) Hilton, was born in Newburgh, July 18, 1866. His education was obtained at the Newburgh Academy and Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, N. H. Since his father's death he has acted as executor and manager of the numerous properties which his father left. Mr. Hilton is treasurer of the Newburgh Brick Company and a member of the board of health.
The opportunities which Newburgh presents to men of intelligence and perseverance have a striking illustration in the career of John Hilton, who, commencing as a poor boy, amassed a large fortune solely through the channels of real estate, becoming one of the largest individual property owners in the city.
JOHN H. HINCHMAN, deceased, was born September 5, 1820, at Paterson, N. J. He conducted a livery business at Sussex, N. J., later removing to Orange County, and purchased the Quackenbush and Sherwood farms at Neelytown. Mr. Hinchman resided in Neelytown some time and finally sold the Quackenbush farm to John P. Covert and the Sherwood farm to R. J. Fisher. He then purchased the Orange Hotel, at Goshen, which he conducted six years. He was married to Eliza Hopper, of Paterson, N. J. He was a democrat and took an active interest in local affairs. John H. Hinchman, Jr., attained his early education at Waters' Academy and Miller's Business Institute, Paterson, N. J. He married Miss Maggie Gray, of Port Jervis, February, 1883. Their children are Catherine G., born January 29, 1884, and Florence M., born November 7, 1898. Mr. Hinchman is identified with the democratic party and attends the Episcopal Church.
FRANK HOLBERT, son of Albert Ruggles and Mary (Wisner) Holbert, was born at Lake, Warwick Township. His education was acquired at the district school and Warwick high school, from which he graduated. He was for a time employed in a restaurant in New York City, and in 1899 engaged in the business for himself in Park Place, New York, which was afterward destroyed by fire. He then opened a similar establishment at 12-14 Warren street, which he has since conducted. This is a large establishment, catering to the better class of people. Mr. Holbert married Miss Grace Pelton, December 17, 1890. She is the eldest daughter of William W. and Alemeda (Knapp) Pelton, of Warwick, N. Y. Three children have been born to this union: Resmem Wisner, born October 26, 1891; Albert Ruggles, born April 12, 1805, and Grace Pelton, born June 24, 1904. Mr. Holbert is a member of Warwick Lodge, No. 544, F. and A. M.
D. M. HOLLENBECK, a retired merchant of Turner, N. Y., was born in 1844 in Herkimer County. After finishing his schooling he occupied the position of wholesale agent in New York City five years. In 1873 he established a general store at Turners, which he conducted with much success for thirty-three years. He disposed of the business in 1906 and has since lived in retirement. Mr. Hollenbeck served as postmaster two terms during Cleveland's administrations. He also held the office of town clerk for four years. He has been twice married. His first wife was Matilda Bush, who left one son, Arthur O.
In 1881 he married Elizabeth Barnes. They have four children: Mary H., wife of Peter H. Bush, of Brewster, N. Y.; Cora, the wife of H. F. Pembleton, of Central Valley; Grace B. and Alan W., at home.
HENRY A. HOLLEY, of Otisville, N. Y., was born October 7, 1873. He married Harriet Easton, October 7, 1896, and three children were born to them: Henry B., born August 26, 1898; Elizabeth Corwin, born April 30, 1900, and J. Easton, born September 20, 1905. He is a member of Standard Lodge, No. 711, F. and A. M., of Monroe, N. Y.; past chancellor of Chester Lodge, No. 363, K. of P., and member of the Modern Woodmen of America, Otisville Lodge, No. 1083. In politics he is a republican, and was nominated on the republican ticket in the fall of 1907 for justice of the peace. His father, David A., was born in Ulster County, N. Y., February 2, 1850, and attended the district school, where he obtained his early education. At an early age he associated himself with his father, learning the wheelwright trade, which vocation he has always followed. He married Annie Arnoys, of Ellenville, N. Y., September 2, 1873. Three children were born to this union: Henry A.; Nellie B., born July 19, 1876, wife of Alexander Mitchell, of Hopewell, N. Y., and Emma G., born February 22, 1880, wife of James Hawkins, of Otisville, N. Y. In politics he is a republican, but was elected as overseer of the poor by both parties for a period of twelve years. His wife died October, 1893. He is a member of Hoffman Lodge, No. 412, F. and A. M.
CHARLES HORTON, deceased, was born at Colchester, Delaware County, N. Y., February 25, 1815. He engaged in the tanning business at Callicoon, Sullivan County, and ultimately became the leader in that industry, owning and operating more tanning establishments than any other one man in the country. He was also the first to engage in that business in Sullivan County.
He married Betsy Grant, daughter of Joseph Grant, of Sullivan County, and six children were born to them: Lucinda, Gordon B., Melvin, Francis E., Louise and Florence. Mr. Horton resided in Middletown for many years, and was one of its most progressive and useful citizens. The family attended Grace Episcopal Church.
WEBB HORTON who has been an active, progressive and extensive business man, is now eighty-two years old, having been born February 24, 1826, at Colchester, Delaware County. His parents, Isaac and Prudence Knapp Horton, were married in 1807, and had ten children. Mr. Horton's early education was in the district school, between which and his father's farm he divided his time, until he was fifteen years of age, when he learned the trade of wood turning and worked at it ten years. In 1854 he built the tannery at Narrowsburgh, N. Y., which he operated for ten years. In 1864 he went to Warren County, Pa., and engaged in tanning—a business with which he has since been connected until recent years. He married Miss Elizabeth A. Radeker, of the town of Montgomery, in 1855, and they have had three children: Junius, who died in 1879, while a cadet at the Bisbee Military Academy in Poughkeepsie; Eugene, associated with the United States Leather Company, of New York City, and Carrie, residing at home. Mr. Horton has been one of the representative men of Middletown and his comprehensive grasp of large business affairs is shown in the remarkable success he has achieved. He is now living retired in the enjoyment of a peaceful old age in one of the finest residences in the state, overlooking Middletown, which he recently built. His wife is a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, and both are highly esteemed by their neighbors and acquaintances.
CARLETON P. HOTALING, merchant, at Tuxedo Park, N. Y., was born and educated in Delaware County. He has resided in Orange County since 1890, and twelve years ago engaged in his present bicycle and photographic supply establishment.
Mr. Hotaling has served nine years as justice of the peace and six years as collector of Tuxedo town. He is prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity, including Highland Chapter, Hudson River Commandery and Mecca Temple.
JAMES EDWARD HOUSTON is of Scotch-Irish descent, and was born on the homestead three miles from Florida, Orange County, September 22, 1862, and was one of the six children cf William H. and Ann Houston. He attended the district school at Union Corners and the Seward Institute at Florida. After working on his father's farm several years he bought the Thomas Jackson farm of 130 acres, and has made farming his life occupation. His dairy cows are of Holstein breed, and his fruit specialty is peach growing. He is active in local matters and his family antecedents are of the best. He married Kissie Armstrong, of Florida, June 17, 1884.
JOEL W. HOUSTON was born March 28, 1856, on the old homestead, two and one-half miles from Florida. His father was William H. and mother Anna E. Wheeler. There were six children in parents' family. Joel W. was the fourth child. He attended the district school and assisted on the farm. Mr Houston has always been identified with agricultural pursuits. He married Anna Jessup, June 29, 1881. He is a republican, and one of the elders of the Presbyterian Church at Florida. He has been a director of the Orange County Agricultural Society for six years and superintendent of crates and tickets.
CAPTAIN JOHN W. HOUSTON was born March 20, 1842, on the homestead farm at Bellvale, Orange County, N. Y. When nineteen years of age he enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Regiment, New York Volunteers, and went forth to fight for the Union in the Civil War. He was made second lieutenant. In the battle of Chancellorsville, in 1863, he was severely wounded, and again at Spotsylvania, in May, 1864, which led to his honorable discharge. When the war ended he was brevetted captain. He married Miss Julia Baird, who died in 1880, leaving four sons and one daughter: Floyd, George, James, Frank and Clara. February 12, 1892, Captain Houston chose for his second wife Miss Margaret B. Neely, of Bellvale, N. Y., who survives him. He is also survived by a brother, Henry W., of Bellvale, and two sisters, Mrs. Mary Francisco, of Little Falls, N. J., and Mrs. J. H. Bertholf. Captain Houston was a member of Warwick Lodge, No. 544, F. and A. M., and of G. A. R. Post, No. 575. He died January 11, 1905.
SAMUEL B. HOUSTON was born December 5, 1845. He attended the district school and Warwick Institute. He conducted a retail boot and shoe business in Warwick for seven years, and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He married Salona S. Palmer, of Warwick, October 25, 1871. Three children were born to this union, two of whom are living: Charles B., who resides in Brooklyn and is engaged in the manufacturing business; Anna G., wife of J. Arthur Knapp, of Florida, this county, and Edna K., who died in 1898 in her twenty-third year. Mr. Houston has taken an active interest in public matters pertaining to his locality and served on the no-license commission of Warwick. In 1903 he was appointed to fill the vacancy of superintendent of poor of Orange County. He is a republican and a member of the Methodist Church at Edenville. Socially he is a member of Warwick Lodge, No. 544, F. and A. M.
CLARENCE J. HOWELL was born on the Howell homestead near Florida, Orange County, N. Y., December 30, 1868, and died March 30, 1905. He was a son of Asa Howell. Clarence rented his father's farm after his marriage and continued on the homestead until the death of his mother in 1897, when the farm was left to him. His father continued to make his home with his son until his death in 1900. Clarence obtained his education at the S. S. Seward Institute at Florida. He was united in marriage to Minnie Sinsabaugh, daughter of Daniel and Ellen A. Sinsabaugh, of Liberty Corners, Orange County, November 19, 1891. The children are Floyd Van Duzer, born October 19, 1892; Clara Adams, born February 4, 1894; William Sinsabaugh, born November 24, 1895; Thomas Wheeler, born December 3, 1898; Jennie Jessup, born May 27, 1904. The Howell homestead comprises one hundred and twenty-five acres and has been in the family since 1790. It is one of the best dairy farms in Orange County, and considerable of the low ground is devoted to onion growing.
DAVID H. HOWELL, clerk of the town of Crawford, Orange County, was born in this township in 1868. He is a son of Harvey and Emeline (Decker) Howell. After finishing his education at the public schools, he learned the tinsmith's trade and established his present hardware business at Bullville, in 1893, in which he has acquired much success.
Politically Mr. Howell is a democrat and was elected town clerk in 1905. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
D. BREWSTER HOWELL, a prominent farmer in the town of Newburgh, near East Coldenham, is a son of John C. and a grandson of Rensselaer Howell. It is ascertained that Silas Howell was born in Long Island, but moved to Orange County at an early day. He was a millwright by trade and became the owner of a large tract of land in the town of Newburgh. He was the father of four children, of whom Rensselaer bought one hundred and sixty acres adjoining the old homestead, and married Alice Belknap. They settled and built their home in what was then a forest, but what is now as fine and well cultivated a farm as can be found in the country. The following children were born: David B., Rensselaer, Jr., John Colvin and Mary F. Of these John C. continued the management of the farm, which is now conducted by D. Brewster Howell, who married Miss Katherine McCartney. They are the parents of two children: Elwood B. and Gertrude May.
JAMES T. HOWELL was born on the homestead farm about one mile from Howells station in the town of Mount Hope, Orange County, August 25, 1845. He was a son of Samuel C. and Sallie Jane (Beakes) Howell and attended the district school in the neighborhood; after his schooling he remained on the farm, and April 1, 1869, he purchased the farm of his father. He lived in New York City for twenty years, where he was identified with the milk business. Mr. Howell is extensively engaged in breeding and dealing in Holstein Friesian cattle.
He married Ester Caroline Harding, November 25, 1869. To this union were born three children, one dying in infancy. The others are Lucy J., wife of Maxwell R. Wright, of Jersey City, born September 16, 1876, and Charles A., born August 26, 1882, residing at home. In politics Mr. Howell is a republican. His son, Charles A., is a member of the Wallkill Grange, and of Hoffman Lodge No. 412, F. and A. M., of Middletown, N. Y.
JOHN T. HOWELL, M.D., Newburgh, born Middletown, N. Y., April 23, 1862, son of Abraham P. and Hannah (Smith) Howell. Educated Wallkill Academy; graduated medical department Columbia University, New York, 1884; appointed resident surgeon Bellevue Hospital, 1884-1886; since engaged in practice at Newburgh. In 1892, president Orange County Medical Society; member State Society, American Medical Association and New York Academy of Medicine. In 1889 married Miss Sarah T., daughter of Robert Steele. Three children have been born to them.
HON. NATHANIEL W. HOWELL, who has held the office of justice of the peace in his native town for half a century, is a son of Mathew H. Howell and Julia (Brewster) Howell and great grandson of Major Hezekiah Howell, an officer in the Continental Army and first sheriff of Orange County and supervisor of the town of Blooming Grove, and son of Hezekiah Howell, who came to Orange County in seventeen hundred and thirty-seven (1737) from South Hampton, L. I., and settled in Blagg's Clove, so-called from Blagg's patent, a tract of land of one thousand (1,000) acres, lying in the valley between Schunnemunk Mountain and Round Hill, which, in company with other early settlers, he purchased, and of his proportionate share made his farm, to which Major Hezekiah Howell and his son, Hezekiah, added, by purchase of lands adjoining, sufficient to make the whole seven hundred and fifty (750) acres. Nathaniel W. has lived upon and managed the estate since 1886, until 1908, when he sold the whole estate to Corydon S. Purdy, of Montclair, N. J., a descendant of Susan Howell, daughter of Major Hezekiah Howell.
Mr. Purdy is remodeling the whole estate, erecting extensive buildings and adding equipments, fitting it for a modern up-to-date sanitary dairy farm, also fruits and vegetables and also modernizing the dwelling erected by Major Hezekiah Howell in 1797. In the cemetery or family burying-ground, in the original purchase, are the remains of four (4) Hezekiah Howells, lineal descendants of Lieutenant Hezekiah Howell of South Hampton, L. I., who in succession owned and occupied the original estate. Nathaniel W. was graduated from Williams College in 1853 with the degree of A.B., and afterwards received the degree of A.M., read law in Chicago in the office of Grant Goodrich, and was admitted to the bar in 1857; was member of the legislature of New York in 1863-4, and supervisor of the town of Blooming Grove. He married Mary Halsey, daughter of Walter and Caroline (Marvin) Halsey, and has a daughter, Joanna B., and son, Hezekiah.
SAMUEL C. HOWELL was born in the town of Wallkill, May 21, 1807, being the only son of William A. and Elizabeth (Calander) Howell. The maternal grandfather of Samuel C. Howell was a Virginian by birth, and a lieutenant of the Light Horse Cavalry during the Revolutionary War. Our subject at the time of his marriage purchased a small farm in the town of Mount Hope, and to this he added, from time to time, until he owned four hundred acres of valuable land in this and Wallkill towns. When the Erie Railroad was constructed he built the depot and later constructed a hotel and other buildings, and thus the village of Howells was established in his honor. He was the railroad agent and postmaster at this place. He was a liberal contributor to the church and other enterprises. For a number of years he served as assessor, and took a prominent part in the local work of the republican party.
WILLIAM J. HUDSON, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Davis) Hudson, was born in 1861 on the farm where he now resides in the town of Blooming Grove. His great great grandfather, William Hudson, settled in this locality about two centuries ago, purchasing a tract of land some two miles in length. William J. is the fifth generation to occupy the ancestral homestead. He married Miss Grace A. Wright and they are the parents of five children: Ethel, David, Grace Alma, Clare and William Reeves. He is one of the representative farmers of his native town, a member of the grange and a director of the grange store at Washingtonville, also a director of the National Bank in Washingtonville.
JOSEPH B. HULETT, M.D., a prominent physician of Middletown, N. Y., is a surgeon who by his enlightened skill has secured a wide reputation, and won a place in the front rank of his profession. He was born August 4, 1858, at Barton, Tioga County, N. Y., a son of Cyrus B. and Ruth Emily (Slawson) Hulett. His education was obtained in the schools of New York City and Wallkill Academy. He began the study of medicine under Dr. Darwin Everett, of Middletown, and later had as his preceptors Drs. T. D. Mills, of Middletown, and Charles L. Wilkin, of New York. He entered Columbia University and graduated from the medical department of that institution May 12, 1887. He also took a post-graduate course in Manhattan Hospital. In 1888 he entered upon the practice of his profession at Middletown. Dr. Hulett is a member and ex-president of the Orange County Medical Society, a member of the New York State Medical Society, the American Medical Association, and is ex-vice-president of the International Association of Railway Engineers. He is attending surgeon for Thrall Hospital, of Middletown, and has been surgeon for the Twenty-fourth Separate Company for the past five years. He was secretary and one of the organizers of the State Association of Railway Surgeons, surgeon for the N. Y., O. & W. Railway, ex-military surgeon attached to Third Brigade, New York National Guard, and is an honorary member of the Association of Medical Officers of the Naval and Militia Association, State of New York. Socially he holds membership in the Knights of Pythias, of Middletown; Hoffman Lodge No. 412, F. & A. M.; Middletown Chapter, R. A. M.; Cypress Commandery, and the Mystic Shrine of New York City, and is an honorary member of Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company of Middletown. Dr. Hulett takes a deep interest in electrical matters, to which he has devoted much study. He is an honorary member of the Corliss Engineers' Association. He married Lottie B. Hulse, daughter of Hudson E. and Anna (Thompson) Hulse, of Wallkill, Orange County, on June 27, 1889, and they have one son, J. Leslie, born April 1, 1891. His father, Cyrus B. Hulett, was born in Waverly, N. Y., and died February 25, 1875. His mother was a native of Orange County, and died in November, 1889.
WILLIAM A. HULSE. The living children of John H. and Mary Hulse are: Mrs. Annie Thurston, of Stoneham, Mass.; William A., of Warwick, and Robert Emmett, of Middletown. William A. was born in Middletown, April 1, 1853, and after his education in the public schools worked for Wilson H. Provost in the first milk establishment to manufacture condensed cream for the army and the southern trade. He was quite young when he learned the plumbing trade in Keyport, N. J., where he remained four years, then in Newark several months, and from there came to Warwick, March 19, 1875. Here he was in the employ of Finch & Coldwell several years, and then opened a shop for himself in plumbing, heating and tin work, and is still in the business. He is a member of Wawayanda Lodge, No. 34, I. O. O. F., and of the Warwick Excelsior Hose Company. He was water commissioner and superintendent of the water works from 1887 to 1903. In politics he is independent. Mr. Hulse was married to Miss Clara, daughter of John L., and Julia Finch, of Warwick, January 12, 1882. They have five children: Elbert L., born September 5, 1882; Everett B., born September 12, 1884; Addie B., born September 21, 1886; William A., born October 9, 1888, and Janet P., born July 6, 1890.
ROBERT O. HUNT, manager of the Westtown plant of the Borden Condensed Milk Company, was born in the town of Minisink in 1866. He is a son of Robert and Catura (Osborn) Hunt. He attended the district schools, and after farming for a time went to Middletown and learned the machinists' trade. He has been associated with the Borden industries since 1892, and was appointed to his present position in 1904. He is a member of Hoffman Lodge, No. 412, F. and A. M., and of the I. O. O. F. In 1907 he was elected a member of the board of assessors of the town of Minisink.
Mr. Hunt married Miss Lydia Winters, and they are the parents of two sons and four daughters.
WILLIAM HUGH HYNDMAN, attorney and recorder of Newburgh, N. Y., was born in Newburgh, October 13, 1861, a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Gibb) Hyndman. He prepared for college at Newburgh Academy with the late Professor Hugh S. Banks, and graduated from Yale University in 1884 with the degree of A. B. Mr. Hyndman studied law in the office of Messrs. Scott and Hirschberg, and was admitted to the bar May 16, 1889. He was elected recorder of the city of Newburgh in 1865 on the republican ticket, and has been successively re-elected four times.
Recorder Hyndman married Miss Betsey Leighton Marden, of Newburgh.
The late Robert Hyndman was one of Newburgh's successful merchants, conducting a grocery store on Broadway for forty years.
JOHN E. ISEMAN was born in Württemburg, Germany, in 1835. He came to America in the spring of 1853, locating in New York City, where he operated a bakery. He removed to Chester, N. Y., and engaged in business for a period of four years. In 1861 he located in Middletown, where he has since remained, conducting a bakery business at the same location since that period. He married Josephine Stoddard, daughter of Ira L. and Mary Jane Stoddard. Their five children are: Charles Wesley, engaged in business in New York; George H., of Middletown; Catherine, wife of W. D. McQueen, superintendent of the Scranton division of the New York, Ontario & Western Railroad; Christine, residing at home, a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music, of Boston, who taught two years at Holland, Va.; John E., a graduate of Annapolis Naval Academy, who has been assigned to the battleship Montana. In politics Mr. Iseman is a republican. He served as one of the first trustees of the village for four years and was Middletown's first mayor. He served continuously since 1891 as a member of the board of supervisors. He is a director of the Merchants' National Bank, trustee of the Middletown Savings Bank, vice-president of the Hillside Cemetery Association, and ex-president of the Phoenix Fire Company. He is a member and president of the board of trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F. of Middletown.
EZRA T. JACKSON was born August 23, 1843, at Chester, Orange County, N. Y., and was instructed at the Chester Academy. At the age of twenty-one he succeeded his father in the store at Chester, and on June 15, 1881, married Margaret Douglas Davidson, of Blooming Grove. Their only son, William Lewis, graduated from Lafayette College, at Easton, Pa., in the class of 1908, and is a member of the Fraternity Alpha Chi Rho. The subject of this sketch is a member of the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, became a member of Goshen Lodge, No. 365, F. and A. M., in 1868, and a charter member of Standard Lodge, No. 711, F. and A. M., of Monroe, in 1871. He is also a member of the Orange County Chapter, Sons of the Revolution, and was commissioned first lieutenant in the Nineteenth New York Infantry, March 25, 1866. He was supervisor of the town of Chester in 1882, and served on the board of education from 1902 to 1908. The store in Chester has been in the Jackson family for sixty-one years. His father's name was Thomas Jefferson Jackson. Ezra T. is a grandson of Captain John Jackson of the Revolutionary Army. He was commissioned February 28, 1776, and re-appointed February 26, 1778. In the proceedings of the provincial congress, April 25, 1776, in the report on the state of the companies of the New York regiments, Captain Jackson reported with a full company at the fortifications of the Highlands, and on April 27, 1776, he was appointed to Colonel Clinton's regiment. A return of the officers and men in garrison at Fort Montgomery, January 18, 1777, shows that Captain Jackson's Second New York regiment reported with twenty-nine men. Captain Jackson was with his regiment at the battles of Harlem Heights and White Plains. He resigned from the army March 12, 1783.
FRANK AIKENS JACOBSON, M. D.. born Hackensack, N. J., 1864: educated at Hackensack Academy and scientific department Columbia College; graduated New York Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, 1888; one year at Homeopathic Dispensary and Hospital, Brooklyn. He has practiced in Newburgh, N. Y., since 1890; is a member American Institute of Homeopathy, New York State Homeopathic Society, ex-member Newburgh board of health, Scottish Rite Mason and member of the Shriners.
GEORGE W. JAMISON, publisher of the Pine Bush Herald, is a native of the town of Crawford, and attended the schools here and at Montgomery Academy. He was engaged for a number of years as a school teacher and was for a time in the insurance business in Walden. The Herald, in 1904, became the successor of the Pine Bush News, established in 1899. The paper is a clean, lively sheet of eight pages, independent in politics and devoted to local affairs. Mr. Jamison, the publisher, is also engaged in the real estate and fire insurance business.
Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity and a charter member of Walden Lodge, Knights of Pythias. He married Miss Julia N. Crist, of Montgomery, and they are the parents of one child, Hilda.
JOHN JAQUES, who founded what is now known as the Brotherhood Wine Company, at Washingtonville, came from New Jersey with his mother when a boy, locating in Washingtonville in 1812. He established the first grape vineyard in Orange County in 1839, and began the manufacture of pure wines. In 1858 his three sons, John, Orin and Charles, purchased the business from their father and continued it as partners until 1865, when John died. The two remaining brothers, conducted it until 1885, when Orin died, and a year later Charles disposed of it to Mr. Emerson, the present proprietor. Charles has since lived in retirement on the old homestead in the center of the village, and although in his eighty-fourth year, is actively interested in the affairs of the village. He has been an elder of the Presbyterian Church since 1878.
GEORGE FREDERICK JAYNE was born on the Jayne homestead, near Florida, called the "View Farm," February 23, 1854. His parents were Charles Marcus and Anna Eliza (Thompson) Jayne, and their children were Anna M., born July 25, 1843, wife of Charles R. Baird, of Warwick; Sarah Augusta, born July 10, 1848, wife of J. A. Seward, of Florida; Mary Caroline, who died December 25, 1875, was the wife of Nathaniel Seeley, of Hamburg, N. J., and Wells Thompson, born in January, 1852, of Brooklyn, N. Y.
George Frederick Jayne obtained his education in Washington Academy, S. S. Seward Institute and one term in Yorkville, Ill. He returned from school to the farm and assumed its management when only fifteen years old. It is a dairy farm of 180 acres, which has been in the Jayne family since 1730. Mr. Jayne is a democrat, and attends the Presbyterian Church in Florida. He married Julia E. Seward of Florida, February 14, 1877. They have six children: Fred Seward, born November 10, 1877; Belle Clayton, born December 2, 1878, wife of John K. Roe, of Florida; Lewis Marcus, born September 17, 1880, married Nellie Waite Smith, of Montgomery, December 18, 1907, and resides at Gardiner, Ulster County; Anna Mary, born December 3, 1883; Carrie Louise, born February 17, 1886, and George Vanderoef, born March 19, 1890.
CHARLES L. JESSUP was born May 25, 1843, on the homestead farm, two miles from Florida, and was educated in the district school at Union Corners and the S. S. Seward Institute. He was one of thirteen children. He worked on his father's farm, and at the outbreak of the Civil War enlisted in the Ninety-first Regiment, Company H. After his army experience he resumed farming. He has two hundred and sixteen acres of land, a large dairy and peach orchard, and is a breeder of Holstein cattle. He has been town assessor and is an elder and active member of the Florida Presbyterian Church. His parents were Samuel and Martha Jessup. His wife was Sarah Jane Duryea, of Craigsville, Orange County, a daughter of Alfred and Mary Duryea. They were married October 18, 1865, and have four children living. Alpheus, born August 26, 1886; Julia B., born March 12, 1868; Charles W., born June 10, 1871, and Helen, born February 14, 1886. Charles married Elizabeth Wheeler, of Florida; Julia married Alton J. Vail, of Middletown, and Alpheus married Sadie Durland, of Chester.
SENECA JESSUP was born June 11, 1817, in the town of Warwick, Orange County, and obtained his education in the Seward Institute, Florida. His parents were Samuel and Hannah (Steinmetz) Jessup. The Jessups, of Orange County, are descended from John Jessup, who emigrated from Broomhall, Yorkshire County, England, in 1630. He lived for a time in Boston, and afterward removed to Hartford, and from there to Southampton, Long Island, in 1640, helping to plant the first English settlement in the state of New York. The Jessup family in Orange County came from Long Island in 1784, and located at Florida, town of Warwick. Seneca Jessup married Jennie A. McCain in 1868. She was born July 27, 1850, and was a daughter of John Edsall and Abigail (McCamly) McCain, both being from pioneer families, prominent in Colonial and Revolutionary times. Mrs. Jessup's parents removed to Goshen in 1853 and purchased the farm where she now resides. She received her education in the young ladies' school in Goshen. Mr. and Mrs. Jessup are the parents of four children, only one of whom, John Seward Jessup, survives and he resided with them. Mrs. Seneca Jessup is descended from William McCain, a soldier in the Revolution, who came from the north of Ireland in 1728 and located in the town of Warwick.
WALTER WARE JOHONNOTT, D. O., born Burlington, Vermont, 1882; son of Fred and Harriet (Glover) Johonnott; Huguenot ancestry; classical education at University of Vermont and Amherst College. He graduated from the American School of Osteopathy, Kirksville, Mo., 1904; took post-graduate course Massachusetts College of Osteopathy, and engaged in practice in Newburgh, N. Y., 1905. Member of the American and New York State Osteopathic Societies, Newburgh City Club, Powelton Club and Church of Our Father (Unitarian).
L. A. JOHNSON, who conducts a general mercantile business at Sparrowbush, N. Y., also dealing extensively in mining supplies and lumber, is a native of Tompkins County, N. Y. He enjoyed the advantages of a liberal education and was graduated from Cornell University in 1890 with the degree of A. B.
Mr. Johnson married Lillian A., daughter of the late Henry F. West, of Sparrowbush, and they are the parents of three sons. Mr. West was for many years a prominent business man in this community. He built the store now occupied by Mr. Johnson and also carried on an extensive business in lumber, owning some twenty-eight hundred acres of timber land in Delaware County. In 1873 Mr. West married Miss Mary Stanton, of Forestburgh, N. Y.
ROBERT JOHNSTON, county treasurer, was born in Newburgh, Orange County, N. Y. He is the son of William C. Johnston, one of Newburgh's oldest business men. The subject of our sketch has climbed the ladder of business success, rising from a position as bookkeeper in the hardware store of the late Mayor Charles J. Lawson to the presidency of a new corporation, the Johnston Hardware and Iron Co., successor of Charles H. Daughty. Mr. Johnston's business attainments strongly commend him for the responsibilities of the county treasurership. He is forty years of age, and an enthusiastic worker for the republican party. For six years he served as a member of the board of public works.
WILLIAM C. JOHNSTON, who is numbered among the prominent merchants of Newburgh, has conducted a high-class harness and leather store in Water street for over half a century. Mr. Johnston was born and educated in Newburgh and learned the harness maker's trade with John R. Woolsey. He established his store January 1, 1857, at its present location. He married Miss Margaret L. Campbell, and they became the parents of ten children. Three sons are in business in Newburgh: Robert, the present county treasurer, is a hardware merchant; W. Charles, who has a carriage repository on Broadway, and Renwick, who is engaged in the livery business. In religious affiliations Mr. Johnston is a member of the Westminster Reformed Church.
EVAN E. JONES was born at Turin, Lewis County, N. Y., June 10, 1856. He attended the Union school at Turin, after which he engaged in farming, and continued until June, 1902, when he came to Orange County and conducted the Johnston Hotel at Newburgh. In April, 1906, he removed to Hamptonburgh, where he is now engaged in the hotel business.
He married Emma M. Peck, of Turin, N. Y., January 12, 1886. They have no children. In politics Mr. Jones is a republican.
ANDREW V. JOVA, M.D., Newburgh, N. Y., was born at Santa Clara, Cuba, March 23, 1859. He came to the United States in 1870, and entered St. John's College, New York, graduating in 1880 with the degree of A.B. In 1883 he graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, which was supplemented by a two years' hospital course in Paris, one year in Berlin and eight months at the clinics in Vienna. He then returned to America and was for eighteen months on the staff of the French Hospital, New York City. In 1891 he located in Newburgh, where he has built up an extensive practice. Dr. Jova is attending physician to St. Luke's Hospital, has been chairman of the medical board and is now a member of the board of managers of the same institution. He is a member of the various state and national medical societies.
ISAAC KELLS, who was one of the most successful farmers in the town of Montgomery, Orange County, was of Scotch-Irish descent. He was born in the North of Ireland in 1833 and died at his home, October 1, 1907. He resided in Montgomery for nearly thirty-five years, cultivating a valuable farm of one hundred and fifty acres. Mr. Kells was actively identified with the Goodwill church, in which he was an officer. He was twice married; by his first wife, who was Miss Elizabeth Ferguson, two daughters were born, Mrs. William Whigam and Mrs. Ella Hyndman, both residents of Montgomery. His second wife was Miss Delia Boyd, who died in 1905. Industrious and energetic the success of Mr. Kells was due entirely to his own efforts and he enjoyed in a high degree the esteem of his fellow-citizens.
GEORGE W. KERR, who for more than half a century was an officer of one of Orange County's strongest financial institutions, was born in Warren County, N. J., February 15, 1810. His ancestors were originally from Scotland, but Mr. Kerr's father was born at Freehold, N. J. His parents removed to Ithaca, N. Y., where he obtained a position in the branch of the Bank of Newburgh. In 1830, when the branch was withdrawn, and the Bank of Ithaca established, Mr. Kerr entered the new bank and remained there until October, 1831, 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 1836 Mr. Kerr was promoted to the position of cashier, and in 1854 he was elected president to fill the vacancy caused by the death of John Chambers. In 1864, when the old Bank of Newburgh was closed and the National Bank of Newburgh organized, Mr. Kerr was again honored with the presidency. He continued in that position till his death, having been cashier of the bank for eighteen years, and president for thirty-seven years. He died June 3, 1890.
Mr. Kerr was a trustee and vice-president of the village in 1856, and a member of the board of education in 1852-1854. 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 ability have been long recognized in financial circles, and his excellence in all the relations of life 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, where he has spent so many years of a long and useful life, a legacy better than earthly riches—a good name."
The 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 remember 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, Margaret T. L., daughter of the Rev. John Brown, D.D.
CHARLES KETCHAM, merchant and postmaster for many years at Mountainville, and representative citizen of the town of Cornwall, Orange County, is a son of Benjamin S. and Mercy (Brown) Ketcham, and was born on the homestead farm in 1847. He established his present store in 1871. Mr. Ketcham has for many years been prominently identified with the public affairs of Cornwall. He has served fourteen terms as supervisor, including a chairmanship of the board. He also held the office of justice of the peace twelve years. Mr. Ketcham was the opposing candidate of Judge Dickey, as a delegate to the constitutional convention. He was also the nominee of the democratic party for county clerk. He married Miss Ida, daughter of Captain Jacob Smith, of Cornwall. They are the parents of two sons and six daughters.
The Ketcham family is one of the oldest in the town of Cornwall. Long previous to the Revolution, Samuel Ketcham, the great-great-grandfather of Charles, located here and was engaged in farming and the operation of a grist mill. His descendants through several generations settled around him, and the place was known as Ketchamtown, until the opening of the railroad, when the post-office was changed to Mountainville.
THE KETCHAM FAMILY of the town of Mount Hope had for their progenitor the pioneer farmer and mechanic, John Ketcham, born at Huntington, L. I., January 24, 1716. A lineal descendant of Edward Ketcham, the progenitor, in America, of all bearing the name Ketcham or Ketchum—who settled at Ipswich, Mass., in 1635; Southold, L. I., in 1653. Edward died at Stratford, Conn., in 1655, leaving in all seven children. John Ketcham (sixth generation in America) married Miss Sarah Matthews, of Morristown, N. J., came to Orange County, N. Y., and settled for a time in Hamptonburgh and Goshen, respectively, removed in 1774 to the present town of Mount Hope. He was the founder of Ketcham's Mills, near Mount Hope village. Here John Ketcham died April 21, 1794, and Sarah, his widow, departed this life in 1802. The homestead passing to the son Joseph, has continuously (1774-1907) been occupied by a Ketcham, present occupant, Isaac Emmett Ketcham, being a great grandson of Joseph. Last surviving grandson of said Joseph, bearing the family name, was the late John L. Ketcham, son of Joseph, Jr. (farmer, mechanic and inventor), and like his ancestors also a mechanic of ability and prominence. Born February 22, 1820, he married November 14, 1844, Miss Harriette Writer, also of the town of Mount Hope. She died August 30, 1870. John L. died June 10, 1898, is survived by their only child, Electa J. Ketcham-Penney, at present residing near Finchville.
Less than a dozen families representative of this once large and widely influential family, are now living within their native town, Mount Hope.
JOHN EGBERT KIDD, a retired farmer residing near Walden, N. Y., is a descendant of an old Orange County family. Going back over a century and a half, it is ascertained that three brothers, Alexander, Robert and Andrew Kidd, came from the North of Ireland in 1736, and secured a large tract of land in the vicinity of the present village of Walden. Alexander, the direct ancestor of our subject, married Jane Calderwood. Robert, their eldest son, married Mary McGowan, and their son Andrew in 1802 married a Miss Margaret Kidd and became the parents of six children, of whom John, the eldest, was born October 26, 1803, at the parental homestead. He followed the occupation of a farmer and was prominent in public affairs of the town. He was highway commissioner a great many years, was a director of the Walden National Bank and held the office of railroad commissioner.
In 1826 he married Miss Cornelia, daughter of Charles Haines, of Montgomery. Six children were born, Andrew, Mirza, John, Egbert, David L., Margaret A. and Victor. During the Civil War, John Egbert Kidd enlisted with the "Orange Blossoms," the famous 124th Regiment, a review of which appears in the Military History in this volume.
John E. Kidd was twice married. His first wife was Alice Decker, and the following children were born: Cornelia (now the wife of George Wait), and one son John. Mr. Kidd's second wife was Maria Adeline Decker.
BENJAMIN B. KINNE, M.D., is a native of Kirkville, Onondaga County, N. Y., where he was born March 28, 1877. He was educated in the public schools of the state, including the high school at East Syracuse. He was a teacher in the county for four years, and studied for his profession in the American Medical Missionary College of Battle Creek, Mich., and Chicago. For nearly a year he was on the medical staff of the Pennsylvania Sanitarium at Philadelphia.
Dr. Kinne came to Middletown in 1905, and took the management of the Battle Creek Sanitarium Treatment Rooms on East Main street. Later these were removed to the Middletown Sanitarium on Benton avenue, where better facilities are offered for the accommodation of patients. The present building is large and pleasant, having all of the modern improvements, and is fully equipped with all the facilities for baths of various kinds, massage, electricity, x-ray, Swedish movements, and the care of surgical cases.
GEORGE A. KIPP was born July 31, 1871, at Goshen, Orange County, N. Y., and attended the public school at that place. At the age of fifteen he learned the carpenter's trade with his father, and has always continued the business. He was united in marriage to Clara Baker, of Middletown, N. Y., April 26, 1899. Four children were born to this union; two died in infancy. The living are Allerton, born June 9, 1905, and Dorothy, born August 27, 1907. In politics Mr. Kipp is a democrat. His parents were Richard A., born March 3, 1838, and Mary Ann (Dailey) Kipp. They had six children, one dying in infancy. Richard was also engaged in contracting and carpenter business in Goshen, and conducted a milk business in New York previous to the Civil War. About 1862 he returned to Goshen, taking up his trade. He erected many of the best residences in and around Goshen, and died July 26, 1897.
CHARLES ALBERT KNAPP occupies a farm of two hundred and seventy acres in the town of Goshen, which was first settled by William Knapp in 1749. Mr. Knapp's ancestry in this country is traced to Nicholas Knapp, who with his brothers, William and Roger, emigrated to America from Sussex, England, in 1630. His ancestors were prominent in military affairs during the colonial period. One, Isaac Knapp, was in the expedition to Canada under Sir William Phips in 1690. John Knapp, born 1664, died 1749 of Stamford, Conn., was captain of the train band in 1716. Nathaniel Knapp, of Newburgh, was in the second Louisburg expedition, 1758-1759. Samuel Knapp, born 1695, died 1751, had a son Samuel, born 1722, and his son William and wife Margaret came to Goshen, N. Y., in 1749. They had nine children, of whom James and Samuel were killed in the Battle of Minisink, July 22, 1779. James was forty-three years old and left a widow, whose maiden name was Hester Drake, and nine children, born between the years 1761-1779. Of these John Knapp (born August 24, 1765, died 1854), married Eunice Smith, of Goshen, and of their eleven children Virgil, the youngest, was the father of Charles Albert, who married Emma Linderman, and are the parents of three children, Jesse, Louis and Mabel. Jesse married Addie Crawford and Louis married Catherine Bull. The two sons are engaged in business in New York City.
JAMES W. KNAPP was born at Pine Island, Orange County, December 22, 1831, and died at the age of seventy-six. His wife was a daughter of Peter N. Ryerson, of Glenwood, N. J., and they were married October 21, 1855. Their six children are Mary, wife of F. E. Tither, of Florida, N. Y.; Nicholas, of Belmont, N. Y.; Charles, of Goshen, N. Y.; William, of Pine Island; J. Arthur, of Florida, N. Y., and Elizabeth, wife of Walter S. Seeley, of Middletown, N. Y.
Mr. Knapp's father, William Knapp, died at the age of eighty-five. Peter N. Ryerson was born at New Vernon, N. J., September 9, 1814. His grandfather, Nicholas Ryerson, emigrated from Amsterdam, Holland, in 1801, and settled on Long Island. Mr. Knapp was a member of the Presbyterian church of Amity, and for six years served as town assessor.
SAMUEL L. KNIFFIN, of Goshen, N. Y., was born at Chester in 1843. In 1863 he came to Goshen with his parents, and learned the tinsmith trade under the tuition of his father, who for many years had charge of the tinning department for J. W. Corwin & Co. Mr. Kniffin has remained in the same store, now owned by Kniffin & Hopkins, and for many years has served as foreman of the tin shop. He married Sarah, daughter of Gabriel Bennett, of Goshen, and they have a daughter Carrie, who married Charles B. Coleman, of Goshen. Mr. Kniffin is a democrat and has served as town clerk of Goshen and for many years has been village trustee.
WILLIAM KNIFFIN, hardware merchant, of Goshen, N. Y., was born in Chester, Orange County, in 1855. In 1863 his parents removed to Goshen, and his father, Samuel M., was tinner for J. W. Corwin & Co., there for many years. William secured employment in the same store in 1871, and in 1892 purchased a half interest in the business, the firm being known as Corwin & Kniffin. In 1902 Edward A. Hopkins purchased Mr. Corwin's interest and since that time the firm name has been Kniffin & Hopkins. In politics Mr. Kniffin is a democrat, and has served the town of Goshen as collector one term.
CHARLES T. KNIGHT, a prominent citizen of Monroe, was born here in 1847. He is a son of Chauncey B. and Mary (Thompson) Knight; the latter a daughter of Rev. J. J. Thompson, died in 1908. As a young man Mr. Knight engaged with his father in the feed, coal and lumber business, and was a member of the firm of C. B. Knight & Co., organized in 1868, continuing until 1877, when he was associated for two years with the provision house of James A. Townsend at Newburgh. In 1879 the firm of Knight & Conklin was formed and continued the flour and feed business until 1899. Mr. Knight is now engaged in the business alone. In 1897 he was appointed postmaster of the village which was then a fourth-class office. He was reappointed in 1900, when the office was placed in the third class, and was reappointed to the position in 1904 and 1908. Mr. Knight served one term as supervisor of the old town of Monroe and two terms of the new town.
GEORGE KOHL, son of Valentine and Mary Ann (Zeigler) Kohl, natives of Germany, was born at Middlehope in 1876. After finishing his studies at the Newburgh schools he entered the general store established in 1869 by his father at Middlehope. In 1898 he engaged in his present mercantile business and a year later was appointed postmaster of the village, holding the position continuously to the present time. Mr. Kohl was collector of the town of Newburgh in 1902 and 1903 and collector of the school district for seven years. He is accounted not only a thoroughly trustworthy official, but one of the best citizens of Middlehope. Socially he is identified with the Newburgh Wheelmen.
HENRY KOHL, corporation counsel of the city of Newburgh and member of the law firm of McClung & Kohl, was born in Middlehope in 1871, a son of Valentine and Mary A. (Ziegler) Kohl. After finishing his preliminary studies he read law in the office of Judge Seeger and was admitted to the bar in 1894. Mr. Kohl has built up a large clientage and has acquired especial success and prominence in criminal cases.
Politically Mr. Kohl is a democrat and an ardent worker for the success of his party, which has honored him with the nomination for state and county offices.
VALENTINE J. KOHL who is engaged in fruit farming at Middlehope, was born in the town of Newburgh in 1868, and was educated at the district schools. In 1897 he purchased his present farm of twenty acres, all of which is under cultivation, in connection with which he operates a cider mill, turning out 50,000 gallons annually. Mr. Kohl held the office of town clerk four years and also served as school trustee. He is a member of the Grange and the Masonic Lodge No. 309, Newburgh, and I. O. O. F. He married Charlotte P. Clauson and two children have been born to them. Valentine Kohl, father of our subject, was a prosperous merchant and farmer of Middlehope. He died in 1890.
VALENTINE KOHL, for many years a prosperous merchant of Middle Hope, N. Y., was born at St. Martens-on-the-Rhine, Germany, where he received his schooling and learned the shoemaker's trade. Shortly after his marriage he sailed for America; here he plied his trade for a few years, and then became interested in the mercantile business at Middlehope, remaining thus engaged until his death, which occurred in 1890, while he was serving as postmaster. He was appointed to this office by President Arthur and reappointed by President Harrison, his term of service in this capacity extending from 1883 until 1890. He was accounted not only a thoroughly trustworthy official, but one of the best citizens of Middlehope.
Mr. Kohl was reared in the Catholic faith, but in mature life became convinced of the truth of protestantism and inclined toward the Methodist Episcopal tenets, being a regular attendant at the services of this church. His wife, who was Miss Mary A. Ziegler, was also a native of Germany. They became the parents of seven children, of whom four sons are prominent citizens of Orange County, whose personal sketches are recorded in this history.
WILLIAM J. KOHL, president of the Newburgh city council and former alderman, of the Third ward, Newburgh, was born in Middlehope, Orange County, N. Y., May 17, 1874. He attended the public schools and graduated from the Spencerian Business College, Newburgh. He was employed for a time in the wholesale provision house of Coles, Marshall & Co., of that city, and in 1903 established his grocery store in South street, where he has met with much success. Mr. Kohl is identified with the Masonic fraternity, the Maccabees, Ringgold Hose Company, a member of the Newburgh Wheelmen and the Mannerchor. He has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the democratic party.
WILLIAM ALBERT KORTRIGHT was born at Phillipsburgh, Orange County, March 4, 1866, and educated at the Port Jervis and Campbell Hall schools. He left his father's farm and began learning the blacksmith trade in 1881, engaging in that business at Centerville in 1886, where he continued one year, and then started at Slate Hill, which he operated three years. In 1890 he started business in Florida, where he has since resided. He is a member of Wawayanda Lodge No. 34, I. O. O. F., the Florida Grange, and of the Methodist church.
Mr. Kortright married Alice Halstead, of South Centerville, and they have one child, Wardell, who is eighteen years of age.
W. FRANK LAIN—In the annals of the town of Minisink the name of Lain is a familiar one, as the various generations of this family have borne an honorable part in the town's development. The first member to locate in Orange County was William Lain, who came from Long Island in 1770 and settled in the town of Minisink. His wife was Keziah, daughter of Increase Mather. Among their children was David, born in 1791. He spent his entire life on the home farm and died in his seventy-ninth year.
Gideon Lain, father of W. Frank Lain, died in 1906. He married Mary Dunning and three sons and one daughter were born to them. W. F. Lain, who continues the homestead farm of one hundred and seventy acres near Westtown, was born here in 1859; he finished his studies at the high school in Cincinnati. He is a member of the Grange, the Masonic fraternity and republican committeeman from the town of Minisink.
ROBERT LAWRENCE was born in the city of Birmingham, England, in 1849, and he acquired his education at the public schools in Birmingham. His parents came to America in 1864 and settled in Middletown, Orange County. He was married to Amelia Thornton, of Spring Glenn, Ulster County, in 1872. They have three children living, Howard R., Cora B. and Ethel A. Mr. Lawrence has served the city in an efficient manner as alderman for several years and was president of the common council during the same period. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.; was elected mayor in November, 1906, and is still occupying that office. Mr. Lawrence is a member of St. Paul's church and was superintendent of the Sunday-school fourteen years.
WILLIAM S. LAYTON was born in Amity, Orange County, January 18, 1871. After completing his education he assisted on the farm, and has remained a farmer. His father was one of the first peach growers, for shipping in the town of Warwick, and his son William now has on his dairy and fruit farm of one hundred and fifty-seven acres, peach orchards containing four thousand trees of the best varieties. He is a republican, a school trustee, a member of Amity Grange No. 1001, of Warwick, Lodge No. 544, F. and A. M.. and Wawayanda Lodge No. 34, I. O. O. F. He married Gertrude H., daughter of James H. and Catherine Miller, of Florida. February 3, 1892. Their five children, all at home, are Lawrence, born June 6, 1893; Edgar, born January 3, 1895; Lillian, born October 3, 1896; Helen, born December 8, 1898; and William Gerald, born September 12, 1901. The father had one sister, Nettie E., wife of James A. Sammis, of Glenwood, N. J. She died in 1892.
WILBUR C. LAZEAR was born in 1854 on his father's farm three miles from Warwick, near New Milford. His father was Cornelius Jones Lazear, and his mother's maiden name was Elmira Ferrier. In 1867 his father removed to Warwick and became a partner of Walter Knapp, with the firm name of Knapp & Lazear, in the undertaking and furniture business. In 1872 he purchased Mr. Knapp's interest, and when his son Wilbur's schooling was finished, made him his partner. The father died January 10, 1892, and Wilbur has continued the business since. He married Miss Jennie Smith November 5, 1884. Their children are Cornelius S., Belle, and Ida May. Mr. Lazear is a member of Warwick Lodge No. 554, F. and A. M., and the Odd Fellows. Mrs. Lazear died February 11, 1906.
MARTIN E. LEE, a retired farmer, and leading citizen of Westtown, was born in the town of Minisink in 1846. He is a son of Lewis and Experience (Teasdale) Lee. His mother was a daughter of ex-Judge Teasdale, of Sussex, N. J. Of his paternal ancestors his grandfather, Daniel Lee, participated in the War of 1812, and his great grandfather, Paul Lee, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Mr. Lee's life was devoted to the cultivation of a farm of one hundred and forty acres, which he now rents. He has always taken an active part in public affairs and is a member of the republican committee of the town of Minisink. He married Miss Alice, daughter of Dr. A. A. Seymour. One daughter, Rose, was born to them. She is now the wife of Philip H. Du Bois, of New Paltz.
ANDREW WRIGHT LENT, attorney of Newburgh and Highland, N. Y., is a junior member of the law firm of A. D. and A. W. Lent. He is a native of Highland, N. Y., and was educated at Union College, from which he graduated in 1904 with the degree of Ph.B. He read law in the office of his father, Abraham D. Lent and at Albany Law School, was admitted to the bar in 1906, and has since practiced in Newburgh.
Abraham D. Lent was born at Clinton, Dutchess County in 1850, attended the Albany Law School, and was admitted to the bar in 1874. Mr. Lent practices at Highland, Ulster County, and has conducted a law office in Newburgh since 1903.
NELSON BURTON LENT, whose ancestors were among the earliest settlers of Westchester County, N. Y., author and publisher of the "History of the Lent Family in the United States, from 1638 to 1902," was born in the town of Courtlandt, Westchester County, N. Y., May 1, 1856, and educated in the public schools of his native town. His father was Nathaniel D. Lent, and his mother's maiden name was Rachel Lent.
Among the families of Westchester County there is none stronger or more widely distributed than the old Dutch family of Lents. Abraham De Ryck, who emigrated to the United States from Amsterdam, Holland, to the Island of Manhattan, in the year 1638, was the father of Ryck Abrahamson, who took the name of Van Lent. The name is supposed to have originated from a place called "Lent" in Holland.
Mr. N. B. Lent learned the trade of a compositor with the Highland Democrat in Peekskill, N. Y. He left Peekskill in 1880, and associated with his cousin, William C. Tunstall, established and edited The Providence Register, a weekly newspaper at Scranton, Pa. He later sold out his interest to Mr. Tunstall, and returned to Peekskill. He was soon afterward called by the life-long printer and historian, E. M. Ruttenber, Esq., to Newburgh, N. Y., and was employed by him in his job printing office. Since 1884 he has been connected with The Newburgh Journal.
Mr. Lent was instrumental in instituting the first Patriotic Order of the Sons of America in Newburgh, N. Y. He represented the order in the state and national conventions. He was a member of Acme Lodge of Odd Fellows of Newburgh, and its representative in the Grand Lodge in 1888. He was one of fourteen to organize Canton Woodward No. 32, Patriarchs Militant, and held the office of clerk, and was commissioned an aide-de-camp on the staff of General Otis Woodward, of the Division of Niagara, with rank of captain. He held all the offices of his lodge to district deputy grand master; has been for the past twenty-one years a member of Newburgh Lodge No. 309, F. and A. M.; the Historical Society of the Newburgh Bay and the Highlands; the Empire State Society, Sons of the American Revolution; and the American Institute of Civics.
Mr. Lent in politics is a republican. He was one of the United States Census Enumerators for the city of Newburgh in 1900, and clerk to the engrossing committee in the State Assembly at Albany, in 1901-1902.
He married Miss Viola Frances, daughter of Herman and Mary Stone, of Danbury, Conn., December 23, 1881. They have six children, Bertram Nelson, Winfred Foss, Roland Depew, Hobart Townsend, Sebring Round and Mildred Stone, all born at Newburgh, N. Y. Mr. Lent in religion is a Methodist, and a member of Trinity M. E. Church, Newburgh.
CHAUNCEY 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 sixteen years of age, receiving his education at the Newburgh Academy. In early manhood he became a member of the old volunteer fire department of New York while learning his trade of painter. 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 1848 he married Miss Hope Smith, a sister of his first wife, and had several children.
In 1850 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 1859, the firm of Ward & Leonard (Peter Ward and Chauncey M. Leonard) was formed. James J. Logan afterward being received into the partnership, the firm became Ward, Leonard & Co.
Mr. Leonard joined Ringgold Hose Company, No. 1, 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 prominence. 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 mayor of the city.
In 1873 he was a delegate to the democratic state convention, and was an honorary member of the National Association of Chief Engineers. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and well advanced in the degrees of the order. He died at his residence, 82 Ann street, Thursday, December 3, 1874.
JAMES J. LEONARD, son of the late Chauncey M. Leonard, was born in Newburgh, N. Y., October 16, 1872. After graduating from the academy he entered the office of the Newburgh Register as bookkeeper, and from 1888 to 1907 was connected with the wholesale grocery house of Stephen M. Bull, when he formed a partnership with W. E. Doyle, and under the firm name of Doyle & Leonard is engaged in the wholesale grocery trade, continuing the business of Mailler & Doyle. Mr. Leonard has always manifested an active interest in politics and in 1903 was elected to the office of county clerk, serving until 1906. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity, president and director of the Wheelmen's Club, member of the City Club and the Ringgold Hose and Veteran Association and Newburgh Volunteer Association. He married Mary T. McQuillan, of Newburgh. They have two children, Chauncey M. and Marion H.
EDWARD G. LITTELL was born in Elmira, N. Y., July 5, 1851. From his birthplace he went to Rahway, N. J., remained there several years, and then came to Greycourt, Orange County. He was a fireman on the Erie Railroad eleven years, had charge of the steam pumps twelve years, and later operated a sawmill and general store. His great grandfather was Captain Pratt Littell and he was in the first skirmish against the British in the War of the Revolution. He lived in New Jersey at a place called Short Hills.
Edward G. married Ida Bronk Hyte, of Greycourt. Their children are Elizabeth A., Edward D., of Los Angeles, Cal., William J., Harry M., Andrew H., Hattie L., Ida M. and Alfred K. The father is a member of Standard Lodge No. 711, F. and A. M.; K. of P. Lodge No. 363, of Chester, and the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. Mr. Littell has held the office of postmaster at Greycourt for nine years. He is a member of the Chester Horse Thief Association, and has served twice on the republican town board.
WILLIAM T. LODGE, who has conducted the Empire House at Montgomery, N. Y., for thirty-seven years, is one of the representative and highly respected citizens of Orange County. Mr. Lodge was born in Ireland, March 26, 1836, and came to America when a lad of fifteen. He was engaged in farming from 1849 to 1871, when he purchased his present hotel property. In politics Mr. Lodge is a democrat, and has for years exerted a great influence in the promotion of its interests.
Socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity, and is a director in the First National Bank of Montgomery. He was one of the organizers and is a supporter of the Episcopal Chapel, organized about six years ago in Montgomery. This chapel is a branch of the St. Andrew's Episcopal Church of Walden.
Mr. Lodge married Miss Catherine Doyle in 1863, and three sons and three daughters have been born to them—William T. Jr., manager of the Empire House; Martin D. conducts a gents' furnishing store, and James A., proprietor of a sales stable for horses and cattle, all residing in Montgomery.
WILLIAM LOEVEN was born at Honesdale, Pa., September 8, 1861. His early education was acquired at the public school. He removed to Orange County in March, 1891, and located at Middletown.
He engaged in business on Fulton street, after which he removed to Otisville, in January, 1906, and purchased the hotel known as the Writer Hotel, which he still continues. He married Frances Gehrer, of Honesdale, Pa., October 16, 1889. Their four children are William, Jr., Robert, Edward and Elizabeth, all residing at home. In politics Mr. Loeven is a democrat, and is a member of the F. O. E. Mr. and Mrs. Loeven are members of the Church of the Holy Name, of Otisville.
CHARLES W. LOOMIS was born at Otisville, Orange County, N. Y. He is a son of Ephraim Smith Loomis, who was born May 22, 1801, and died February 27, 1869. His mother died November 19, 1891. Charles W. attended the district school and assisted his father on the farm, which has been the Loomis homestead for over a century. He married Miss Phoebe A. Dunlap, daughter of Riley and Sarah E. Dunlap, November 28, 1886. Five children were born to this union, Iva Pamela, born February 17, 1887, died May 19, 1904; Antoinette Evelyn, born April 17, 1888; Ephraim Smith, born November 9, 1890; Frank Kaufmann, born October 2, 1894; and Sarah Irene, born February 14, 1898.
In politics Mr. Loomis is a republican. He has held several local offices, being supervisor of the town fourteen years and justice of the peace ten years. He is a member of the Otisville Presbyterian Church and active in religious duties. He is identified with Hoffman Lodge No. 412, of Middletown, as a member. Mr. Loomis has a good dairy farm and makes a specialty of truck gardening.
EPHRAIM BEEMER LOTT was born August 25, 1862, at Sussex, N. J. He attended the district school, after which he worked on a farm until 1887. He then identified himself with the Warwick Valley Milk Association, where he remained for sixteen years. He is now foreman of the Warwick branch of the Mutual Milk and Cream Co. He married Miss Emma Barrett, of Warwick, October 31, 1888. Two children were born by this union, Mary Lavina, living at home, and one who died in infancy. Mr. Lott is a member of Wawayanda Lodge No. 34, Odd Fellows, Independent Order of Red Men, Tuxedo Tribe, No. 322, and Orange Council No. 112, Jr. O. U. A. M. He is a member of the Methodist Church of Warwick. In politics he is a democrat. His father, John Hathorn Lott, died August 11, 1906, at the age of one hundred years eleven months and five days. There were ten children in his family by the first wife and nine by his second wife. He was a cooper by trade, and a great hunter of wild game.
IRVING K. LOUGHRAN, attorney of Walden, N. Y., has for many years been prominently identified with commercial and public affairs of Orange County. He is a native of New York and read law with Henry H. Hustis, of Fishkill-on-Hudson. Since his admission to the bar in 1882 he has practiced law continuously in Walden. Mr. Loughran has held all the judicial offices in the town of Montgomery and for fourteen years was justice of the peace. He served for twelve years on the board of supervisors and two terms as chairman of the board. He is secretary and director of the Wallkill Valley Electric Co., secretary of the Wallkill Valley Cemetery Association, secretary and director of the Schrade Cutlery Co. of Walden, and a member of the New York Bar Association. He has taken the various chairs in Masonry, including the Mystic Shrine, and is a member of the Newburgh Lodge of Elks and Walden Lodge, K. of P.
JAMES B. LOVE, who in 1906 purchased the Dr. Ormsbee farm on the State road midway between Newburgh and the village of Montgomery, was born in New York City, and engaged in business there for many years. He married Miss Maggie Urey and they have two sons, James B., Jr., born January, 1905, and John Robert, born March, 1908. Mr. Love and his family, like many retired New Yorkers, enjoy the freedom of rural life in Orange County.
HENRY C. LOVELAND was born October 13, 1853, at Chester, Pa. His father was William W. and mother, Lucinda M. (Atkins) Loveland. Twelve children were born to this union, nine boys and three girls. He obtained his early education at the district school at Chester, and later attended the public school at Napanoch. After his schooling he was employed in the rolling mills and in 1872 came to Middletown, learning the machinist trade. In 1878 he associated himself with the Wheeler, Madden and Clemson Mfg. Co., of Middletown, remaining with this firm until 1890, then with Clemson Bros. for a period of seventeen years, after which he has been connected with the National Saw Co. He was married to Josephine Decker, March 29, 1877. They have two children.
Stephen D., who married Nellie Clark, of Middletown, have two children, one son and one daughter, and Hattie, wife of George C. Brundage. Mr. Loveland is a member of Hoffman Lodge No. 412, F. and A. M.; Wallkill Council No. 92, Jr. O. U. A. M., and Olympia Council No. 14, D. of A. In politics he is a republican, and has served the city faithfully as councilman. The Loveland family are of English descent and dates back to 1635 in America.
WARREN LOWELL was born in Troy, N. Y., and educated in Albany and New York City. He was engaged in the milk business for a time and was later employed by the Union Pacific Railroad. About 1876 he returned to New York City and associated himself with the Orange County Milk Co., of which he is now a director, and holds the offices of secretary and superintendent. The plant at Goshen has facilities for handling four hundred cans of milk daily. The various creameries owned by this company have up-to-date machinery for the condensing of cream. This company was organized in 1860. Mr. Lowell is a member of Pyramid Lodge No. 490, F. and A. M.; Union Chapter No. 180, York Commandery No. 55, and the Consistory, all of New York City. Politically he is a republican. He married Matilda D. Senior, of New York, September 16, 1885.
OLIVER LOZIER, who is engaged in farming near Savilton, Orange County, was born in the town of Newburgh in 1837. He attended district school and the Newburgh Academy and engaged in farming until 1857, when he accepted a position as captain on the Newburgh ferry. In 1868 he removed to Savilton and purchased his farm of seventy-five acres. He has served as collector of the town one year and as supervisor six years. He married Elizabeth Hanmore and five children were born to them. His son, Frank E., is engaged in the management of the farm with his father. He married Miss May Palmer, of Ulster County; they have two children, one son, Elmore, and a daughter.
HARRY ROSS LYDECKER, attorney of Newburgh and Brooklyn, was born in Yonkers, N. Y., March 4, 1869. Son of Albert and Martha B. (Morrison) Lydecker; graduated 1887 from Mount St. Mary's Academy; read law in the office of Colonel William Dickey (now justice of the supreme court); admitted to the bar in 1893. He has served as counsel of the Newburgh Electric Railway Co.; corporation counsel of the town of New Windsor; town counsel of the town of Blooming Grove.
In 1906 Mr. Lydecker opened a law office in Brooklyn, N. Y. In January, 1907, the law firm of Lydecker and Smith was formed with offices in Newburgh. Mr. Lydecker is a member of the commandery and chapter, F. and A. M.; member of the Tenth Separate Company, the Canoe and Boating Association, the Royal Arcanum, Ringgold Hose and the Y. M. C. A. In 1891 he married Miss Minnie A. Brown, of Newburgh. Five children have been born to them.
JOHN McCARTY was born of Irish parentage in Westchester County, N. Y., and moved to Brooklyn when eighteen years of age. His early desires were for mercantile pursuits, but he eventually entered the service of the city of Brooklyn in the municipal board of health. He later became a clerk to Justice Walsh, which position he retained for some years, relinquishing this eventually to become alderman, serving on important committees while remaining in the board, and becoming also its presiding officer. He has dealt largely in Brooklyn real estate. He was nominated in 1891 to succeed John C. Jacobs, and was elected by over 16,000 plurality. Mr. McCarty was also a member of the committee on railroads, committee on insurance, manufactures, and was chairman of the committee on state prisons, and of the committee on public buildings. In politics he was a staunch democrat and represented the second senatorial district. He was a great admirer and owner of many fine horses, among them being Joe Patchen, which he purchased in 1889, since which time that noted horse has been kept at his stables at Goshen, N. Y. John McCarty was a son of Hugh McCarty, born in 1815 at County Down, Ireland, where he received a common school education. He came to America in February, 1834, and learned the mason trade at an early age. Returning to his native country he married Sarah Rogers, also of County Down, Ireland. He at once returned to America, settling in Westchester County, N. Y. He was largely identified with the building of High Bridge connecting New York and Harlem. Mr. McCarty was contractor for the masonry and personally laid the corner stone of the bridge. The trowel used in laying the cornerstone is now in possession of his daughter. Mr. McCarty owned his own quarries and the stone used in the High Bridge was transported on his own sloops for this as well as the Brooklyn navy yard and other contracts. He was a philanthropic man and gave large contributions to St. Mary's-on-the-Hudson at Cold Spring. There were five children born to the union, Ellen, John, Mary, Thomas and Sarah A. The latter now resides at their summer home in Goshen and in Brooklyn during the winter months. He married Marguerite I. Murphy, of New York City, and died October 20, 1905.
HON. BENJAMIN McCLUNG, mayor of the city of Newburgh, N. Y., and a prominent member of the Orange County Bar, was born in the town of New Windsor in 1867, a son of Samuel and Margaret (Upright) McClung. After finishing his preliminary education at the Newburgh Academy and Siglar's Preparatory School, he entered the law department of the University of New York, graduating in 1891 with the degree of LL.B. Mr. McClung practiced law in New York City for a short time, and in the same year, 1891, opened an office in Newburgh. He was for a time associated in practice with Hon. Russell Headley and in 1906 the law firm of McClung & Kohl was formed.
For many years Mr. McClung has been prominently identified with the affairs of the democratic party, which nominated him for member of assembly. In 1907 he was selected to head the democratic ticket in Newburgh, and November 5 was elected mayor by the substantial majority of 574 votes. Mayor McClung was inaugurated March, 1908, the first democrat to occupy that office in a period of eighteen years.
Socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity, the Elks, Foresters and the City Club.
JOHN D. McCOACH, chief of police of the city of Middletown, was born in Bethel, Sullivan County, N. Y., in 1876 and educated at the public schools in Bethel, where he graduated. He came to Middletown in June, 1896, in his twenty-first year, and after serving six years as driver of a mail wagon, which duty he faithfully performed, he was appointed patrolman on the Middletown police force. In 1907 he was appointed chief of the Middletown police, which position he now holds. Politically he is a republican. Socially he is a member of Hoffman Lodge No. 412, F. and A. M., and Midland Chapter No. 240, R. A. M. He married Miss Lucy Barber, of Monticello, Sullivan County, and of this union two children have been born, Elmer E., born June 21, 1904, and Mildred O., born October 10, 1905. As befits one in his position Mr. McCoach 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 and Masonic matters.
ROBERT WORKMAN McCREADY, a prominent contractor at Tuxedo Park, is a resident of Sloatsburg, Rockland County. Mr. McCready was born at Belfast, in the North of Ireland, in 1862, a son of James and Mary (McIlveen) McCready, of Scotch descent. He attended the schools of Belfast and in 1882 received his certificate from the Government School of Art. He then spent a year with Harland & Wolf, shipbuilders, obtaining his certificate as joiner. In 1884 he came to Fall River, Mass., where he was employed as a carpenter one year. After a visit to his native place he again came to America in 1886 and was employed by Mead & Taft at Tuxedo. Two years later he formed a co-partnership with William M. Finch to conduct a general contracting and building business under the firm name of McCready & Finch. Their business developed rapidly and employment given to from three to four hundred men, erecting many of the most substantial buildings in Tuxedo Park, including the homes of Ambrose Monell, W. B. Densmore, W. B. Garrison, J. Henry Smith, a private school in the Park costing $35,000, and the $30,000 school in the village. He also rebuilt the Episcopal church. In 1905 Mr. McCready purchased Mr. Finch's interest in the business and is now conducting it alone. Mr. McCready has now under contract to erect in Tuxedo Park a residence for C. W. Clinton, of the firm of Clinton & Russell, architects, of Nassau street, New York; a Methodist church at Sloatsburg, an extension to William M. V. Hoffman's house, and alterations to A. D. Julliard's house, Tuxedo Park.
Mr. McCready is a member of numerous fraternal organizations, including Scottish Rite Masons and the Mystic Shrine. In 1889 he married Mary, daughter of John Finch, of Sloatsburg. They have two children—Olive and Robert Halsey.
JOHN W. McCULLOUGH, who for many years was engaged in the tobacco business in Water street, was born in Newburgh in 1819 and died in 1892. After finishing his studies at the high school he learned the tobacconist trade and engaged in the wholesale and retail business for himself at 93 Front street, in 1845, where he continued until 1873, when he purchased the premises at 68 and 70 Water street, where the business was continued by his son, John R. McCullough, up to the time of his death, July 31, 1907. Mr. McCullough was for many years an elder in the First Reformed Presbyterian Church, and also performed the duties of treasurer. In his long business career in his native place Mr. McCullough's name was a synonym for integrity and honorable dealings. John R. McCullough was born July 15, 1846. He was engaged in the drug business for a few years on Broadway, previous to engaging in the tobacco business with his father. He was a director of Quassaick National Bank, and Woodlawn Cemetery Association. He was treasurer of Union Church, and president of the board of water commissioners. He married Miss Marion Muir, who died September 18, 1900. Four children were born to them. John W., Jr., died November 6, 1888. Frederick R. continues the tobacco business in Water street.
FRED S. McDOWELL, supervisor of the town of Newburgh, was born in Newburgh in 1865; a son of James and Agnes (Frew) McDowell. As a young man he was engaged in the butchering business with his father and then entered the employ of Armour & Co. for two years as salesman, following which he conducted a meat market on Broadway three years. Since 1893 he has been one of the proprietors of the Newburgh Rendering Co.
Mr. McDowell is prominent in fraternal organizations. He is past master of Newburgh Lodge, F. and A. M., a member of Highland Chapter, Hudson River Commandery and the Mecca Temple. He is also past grand of Acme Lodge, I. O. O. F., and in 1907 was chosen district deputy of Orange District No. 1 of the Odd Fellows. He married Miss Jennie Whitaker, of New Windsor.
RALPH L. McGEOCH, M.D., a successful physician, residing and practicing in Goshen, N. Y., was born at Shushan, Washington County, N. Y., December 1, 1867. He was educated at Cambridge Washington Academy and Fort Edward Collegiate Institute. He entered the New York Homeopathic College in 1891 and graduated May 3, 1894, after which he came to Goshen, where he has since practiced. Dr. McGeoch is a member of the New York State Homeopathic Medical Society, the Tri-County Homeopathic Medical Society, the Orange County Medical Society, the New York State Medical Association, and the New York Homeopathic Alumni Association. On June 9, 1897, he was joined in marriage with Sarah W. Coleman.
JAMES D. McGIFFERT, clerk of Orange County, N. Y., was born and educated in Newburgh. As a young man he was employed by the Oakley Soap Co., in Washington street. Since he became a voter he has manifested an active interest in politics, the first office to which he was elected being that of assessor from the First Ward. He served as city collector of Newburgh from 1897 to 1906. In his dealings with the public in this capacity he was uniformly courteous and considerate. He was for two years master of Newburgh Lodge No. 309, F. and A. M., and its secretary ten years. He is excellent high priest of Highland Chapter No. 52, R. A. M.; also a member of Hudson River Commandery No. 35, Knights Templar. He is prominently identified with the Odd Fellows and firemanic circles. He was elected to the office of county clerk November, 1906, running over a thousand votes ahead of his ticket.
HENRY JAMES McKINNEY, was born at the family homestead in the town of Crawford, Orange County, April 10, 1854, and died at his residence in Pine Bush, N. Y., September 24, 1907. He was the third son of Luther and Maria (Morrison) McKinney. Following the death of his father he bought the homestead and continued thereon until 1892, when he removed to Pine Bush. In 1895 he engaged in the lumber, feed and coal business, which he conducted with much success for nearly twelve years, his business career being marked by courtesy and sterling honesty. On September 7, 1892, he married Miss Kate Woodworth Kapelye, who with three daughters survive him.
Mr. McKinney always manifested an active interest in the moral and intellectual advancement of his community. His death entailed the loss of a public-spirited citizen and Christian gentleman.
JOHN L. McKINNEY, postmaster at Pine Bush, was born on the homestead farm in the town of Crawford, Orange County, March 6, 1856; a son of Luther and Maria (Morrison) McKinney. He attended the schools of his native town and two terms at Professor Bank's private school in Newburgh. He has been engaged in business at Pine Bush since 1886. His first venture there was in conducting the flour mill, in which he continued five years. In 1891 he became a member of the firm of Armstrong & McKinney, dealers in general merchandise and drugs, where he remained about eight years. He then formed a partnership with Mr. J. E. Ward in the conduct of a hardware store. In 1904 he purchased Mr. Ward's interest and continues the business alone. Mr. McKinney, who is prominent in republican politics, received the appointment of postmaster under President McKinley, June 28, 1897. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has served as elder for many years.
WILLIAM L. McKINNEY, a respected citizen of Montgomery, N. Y., has been identified with the affairs of that village for nearly half a century. He was born in the town of Montgomery in 1825, a son of Benjamin W. and Hannah (Hunt) McKinney. He has resided in the village since 1845 and in 1854 married Eliza Tindall, a member of one of Orange County's old families. One child, who died in infancy, was born to them. In 1860 Mr. McKinney was elected trustee of the village and in 1862 was appointed president of the corporation, holding that office three years, when he was appointed clerk of the village, which position he faithfully occupied for thirty-six years, resigning in 1901, since which time he has lived in retirement. His counsel is frequently sought in matters pertaining to the village. Mr. McKinney has been a member of the Presbyterian Church since 1867.
ROBERT J. McVOY, deceased, was one of the prominent agriculturists of Orange County. He was of Irish parentage. His father Hugh and mother Martha (Glascow) McVoy came from Ireland at an early period. Robert was born July 12, 1847, at Jackson's Corners, what was then Goshen. He attended the district and public school at Goshen, and assisted his father on the farm until the age of eighteen years. He rented farms at Bullville, Stony Ford, and Hamptonburgh successively for twenty-one years. He then purchased the late Theodore Jackson's farm, remaining there until his death, which occurred April 26, 1895. Mr. McVoy was united in marriage to Miss Alnetta Pierson Gillespie, of Montgomery, June 10, 1885. Two children were born by this union, Charles Felter, born August 21, 1886, and Sarah Maretta, born September 14, 1888, both residing at home. Mr. McVoy was a member of Wallkill Lodge, F. and A. M., and Court Wallkill, Foresters of America. He was a democrat and served as town collector several terms.
EDWARD MAIDMENT, of Warwick, was born at Shropshire, England, in 1840, and came to America with his parents when six years of age. The family located in Albany, where his father, Edward, established a bakery and confectionery business. He built up a large business and during the Civil War supplied the government with his goods.
Edward graduated from the Seward Institute as a civil engineer and for many years was in the engineering department of the N. Y. C. R. R. He later became manager for the Raritan Woolen Mills Co. and resided in Chicago. Since 1904 he has lived in retirement on his farm, the old Galloway homestead, in Warwick. He married Louisa Galloway and has three children, Alexander H. G., a lawyer of Hackensack, N. J.; Edward P., manager for Krause Milling Co., Milwaukee, Wis., for eastern New York and northern New Jersey, who resides at the homestead and also conducts a dairy business.
Alexander H. Galloway, Mrs. Maidment's father, was for many years one of Warwick's most important and progressive citizens, and promoted many financial institutions. He established the first creamery in Warwick, known as the Warwick Valley Milk Association. He was also interested in all social and religious projects. He died in 1884, survived by his wife, Hannah Louisa, who died March 9, 1907, aged ninety years.
W. H. MAILLER, senior member of the firm of W. H. & G. B. Mailler, was born in Cornwall in 1861. His father, Charles C. Mailler, was engaged in farming at Mountainville. After W. H. finished his schooling he spent two years in Brooklyn, and for a like period was in the employ of Samuel Ramsay. On April 1, 1886, he established his present meat market and in 1888 his brother George B. became a partner. Mr. W. H. Mailler married Miss Sophia J. Preston and three sons have been born to them. He has served as trustee of the village and school boards; also of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and the Order of American Mechanics. For twenty years he has been trustee of the local fire company. George B. Mailler is also actively identified with affairs of Cornwall village, and is a director of the Cornwall Savings Bank.
CHARLES E. MANCE, member of assembly from this district, was born in Ulster County, November 28, 1852, the place of his birth being then called Mance Settlement and now Cragsmoor. He came to Middletown with his parents when fourteen years of age, and has since that time made that city his home. After his district school education he attended the Middletown Public School. He served an apprenticeship in sign and ornamental painting, and later became a partner of H. J. Randall, with the firm name of Randall & Mance, which ended in 1878, when he was made assistant foreman in the painting department of the New York, Ontario & Western Railroad, and in June, 1883, was appointed master painter. His public service began with his election on the republican ticket as alderman from Middletown's Second ward in 1892. He was chosen president of the common council, and as such became acting mayor, after the death of Mayor Berry in 1897, for one year and four months. In 1900 he was elected mayor and served two terms. In 1906 the republicans elected him member of assembly and Speaker Wadsworth appointed him on the committees of agriculture, federal relations and fish and game. He is a member of Lancelot Lodge No. 169, K. of P., the Old Orchard Club, and an honorary member of Eagle Chemical Engine Co., of which he was foreman four years, and was first assistant chief of the Middletown Fire Department two years. He married Miss Augusta, daughter of Angus and Maria Taylor, May 28, 1874. They have two children, Frank A., who married Miss Belle Forrester, of Providence, R. I., and Mabel, wife of D. H. Ackerman, of Passaic, N. J. Charles E. is the only living of the seven children of John S. and Margaret Wilkinson Mance.
HIRAM G. MANN was born in 1839, July 11, at Florida, Orange County. His father was Hiram, and mother, Phoebe Cherry. They had eleven children. When Mr. Mann was ten years old his parents moved to Bellvale, Orange County, locating on a farm. Mr. Mann, in connection with farming, does pruning and rustic work, and his work may be seen at many of the finest places in Warwick and vicinity. He married Anna Royce, of Bellvale in 1863, March 18. Seven children have been born to this union and only one is living, Charles Mann, residing in New York, who follows civil engineering as a profession.
Mr. Mann takes an active part in local affairs and has been an ardent worker in politics. He is a republican, but never aspired to office. He served his country in the Civil War from September 10, 1861, to December 9, 1865. He is a member of the G. A. R.
ALBERT MANNING was born in the town of Greenville, Orange County, February 2, 1864. He attended the district school and graduated from the Port Jervis Academy in 1883. He taught school for three years, after which he was engaged in New York City for a period of six years in the manufacturing of bank and office fixtures. In 1897 he returned to the homestead, and assumed the management of the farm. Mr. Manning married Miss Hattie E. Green, daughter of Osmer B. Green and Harriet A. Thorn, of Otisville, N. Y., September 20, 1888. To this union one son, Frank LeRoy, was born, March 4, 1898.
Socially Mr. Manning is a member of Hoffman Lodge No. 412, F. and A. M., of Middletown, Concordia Council, Royal Arcanum and Modern Woodmen of America. He is master of Pomona Grange of Orange County. His father, Ephraim Manning, was born in the town of Greenville, this county, December 11, 1839, on the old homestead, which was purchased by Benjamin Manning, his grandfather, who was of English descent. After completing his studies in the common school Ephraim attended the academy at Mount Rose, Pa.
He married Miss Caroline A. Rundle, of Greenville, November 21, 1861. To this union were born two children, Albert and Eva K., wife of Abraham Wyekoff, residing in New Jersey.
HULET MANNING, a successful agriculturist residing in the town of Greenville, was born in that town August 2, 1843. He is a son of John and Mary Ann (Smith) Manning, and has always resided on the farm formerly owned by his father. Mr. Manning is a member of Shawangunk Grange of Greenville, and a director of the Patrons of Husbandry, Fire Relief Association of Orange and Ulster Counties. In politics he is a republican and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He married Elizabeth M., daughter of Alexander Remey, of Greenville, on December 23, 1864. Four children were born to this union, Hattie A., married Clement Van Etten, a farmer in Greenville; J. Edgar married Elsie Roberts, of Montclair, N. J., and is in business in New York; Mary A. married Bartow W. Bull, a farmer at Stony Ford, N. Y., and Clara D. married Theron Shute, a farmer in Greenville.
CHARLES WILLIS MANY, M.D., born May 10, 1868, at Goshen, Orange County, N. Y., is the son of Charles Matthews Many and Eliza Anna Francisco; grandson of John Vicary Many and Jane Howell Johnson, great grandson of Peter Johnson and Bethia Horton, and great-great-grandson of Thomas Horton and Susana Conklin. Thomas Horton acted as captain in Lieutenant-Colonel Marvin's regiment. Mr. Many is also great grandson of Barnabas Many and Mary Vicary and great-great-grandson of Annie Everet and Barnabas Many; the latter was a private soldier in the Revolutionary War. He assisted in signing articles of association in 1775 and served on the committee of safety and observation. When Mr. Many was one year old his family moved to Brooklyn, where he received his early training in the public schools and in Stafford private school. His mother died when he was sixteen, after which time he traveled extensively with his father. He began to read medicine very early in life and after leaving Brooklyn attended school at Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass. He also attended the Long Island College Hospital, from which he graduated in the year 1894. On his graduation from the medical college he received a special diploma in physical diagnosis. He began practice immediately. In 1888 he married Miss Wilhelmina Martin, of Liberty, N. Y., whose ancestors were among the first to settle in Sullivan County. They soon afterward took up their residence in Florida, N. Y., where they have since remained. His three children are Lillian Grace, Clinton Alpheus and Myrtle June Many. Dr. Many has become medical examiner for the leading life insurance companies and in 1905 was appointed town physician. He is a member of the State Medical Association and the Orange County Medical Society. He is also a member of the Empire State Society of the Sons of American Revolution. In 1889 Dr. Many joined the Warwick Masonic Lodge, serving as senior deacon in 1900, senior warden in 1901, master in 1902-1903, assistant grand lecturer in 1904, and district deputy grand master in 1905-1906. It was during the last-named period that initiative steps were taken for the establishment of Lorillard Lodge at Tuxedo Park, a matter in which he was greatly interested and for which he labored diligently. In 1903 he was admitted to membership in Highland Chapter No. 52, R. A. M., Newburgh, N. Y.
A. W. MAPES, secretary of the Coldwell Lawn Mower Co., of Newburgh, was born in the town of Blooming Grove, his father, the late Edward Mapes, removing to Newburgh in 1854. Mr. Mapes is a graduate of the Newburgh Academy, class of 1857. His business education was acquired in the Highland Bank of Newburgh. While so employed he married Sarah E., daughter of the late John Parsons. This was at the beginning of the Rebellion, and soon after marriage he entered the United States Navy as paymaster's clerk. His war record runs from March 10, 1862, until September 30, 1866. A portion of this time was spent at the Brooklyn Navy yard, to which he was detailed because of his thorough knowledge of accounts.
During the later years of the war, and for over a year after its close he was attached to the United States frigate "Susquehanna." Upon resigning from the Navy he engaged in the mercantile business in New York City until 1883, when he returned to Newburgh as a member of the firm of Barnes & Mapes, provision dealers, at 62 and 64 Water street.
Mr. Mapes's health having become impaired, this partnership was dissolved in December, 1890. After a year's rest, Mr. Mapes again entered business life by assisting in the organization of the Coldwell Lawn Mower Co., of Newburgh. From the beginning of this business he has been a director and has taken an active part in building up a large trade. He attends especially to the New England and foreign branches of the business, spending the autumn months traveling throughout the eastern states and about four months each winter and spring in Europe.
ELMER L. MAPES was born on the homestead farm near Middletown, October 27, 1885. He attended the public school at Middletown, after which he worked at the glass cutting trade for two years. In connection with A. M. Horton he purchased the retail cigar and tobacco business of G. W. Bross. This partnership continued until November, 1907, when Mr. Mapes purchased Mr. Horton's interest and has since conducted the business. He married Miss Grace M. Wells, of Elmira, N. Y., June 27, 1907. Their one child, Erdean Harriett, was born June 13, 1908. Mr. Mapes is a member of Wallkill Council No. 92, Jr. O. U. A. M., and the Wallkill River Grange. In politics he is independent.
NELSON B. MAPES, who for the past fifty years has held the position of station agent for the Erie Railroad at Howells, Orange County, was born in the town of Wallkill, March 19, 1829. His father was John V. and mother Mary (Reeves) Mapes. Of their children Jeannette married Stephen Mapes, of Mount Hope, N. Y.; Albert Mapes living in Middletown, N. Y.; Nelson B. married Lucinda Mapes in 1853. Mr. Mapes served as justice of the peace in District No. 2 in the town of Wallkill for thirty years. With the Congregational Church our subject holds membership and has been an active member of the Howells Church for sixty years. Mr. Mapes was born on the farm and owned a farm previous to entering the employ of the Erie Railroad.
His father was an agriculturist and belonged to the Whig party. During the Civil War Mr. Mapes read the papers and dispatches to the crowd that always congregated at the depot to receive news from the front.
ROBERT D. MAPES was born at Howells Depot, Orange County, N. Y., September 14, 1862. He was reared on the home farm where he remained until 1886. In 1877 he engaged in the milk business in Middletown with his father, which partnership continued until 1886. He then purchased the interest of his father and continued the business alone until 1901. He is now in the livery business which he established in 1900. He married Miss Margaret Isabella Axford, of Howells, in 1886. She died March 24, 1901. He was again married June 15, 1902, to Hannah Eleanor Thompson, of Akron, Ohio. In politics he is a republican and takes an interest in matters pertaining to the town. He has served at different times as inspector of election.
SAMUEL MAPES, SR., on the 14th day of February, 1735, came to this town and settled on a portion of a tract of land of six hundred and forty acres, a portion of which the railroad station at Howells is now located on. He descended from a family originally immigrants from Wales, and since his settlement here the different generations have been noted for the great longevity of the members of the various families. It was nothing unusual to hear that many of them lived beyond eighty years, and frequently beyond ninety, and Selah R. Corwin, of Middletown, whose mother was Priscilla Mapes, was born December 29, 1809, and is now active and can be seen upon the streets almost any clear day at this time.
The name carried with it the characteristics of sturdiness, honesty and piety, and not inclined to seek public office.
At one time the family was so numerous that a portion of the town of Mount Hope was called Mapestown, but that name long since disappeared; however, there are many of their descendants yet living in this vicinity, although a large number are engaged in business in various other states.
JESSE DURLAND MARS, a successful medical practitioner, and one of the youngest in this profession in the county, was born September 7, 1880, at Bellvale, Orange County, N. Y. His parents, when the boy was still at an early age, removed to Florida, N. Y., where they reside at the present time. He first attended school at the Florida Academy, later entering the S. S. Seward Institute, from which he graduated in 1898. The two years immediately following were spent in teaching in order to prepare himself financially for college. In the fall of 1900 the young man entered the medical department of the University of Michigan. He always maintained a high average in his medical course and at his graduation in June, 1904, stood among the first in a class of one hundred. He successfully competed for an internship in the University Hospital at Ann Arbor, Mich., and spent the year 1904-1905 in that capacity. In order to further round cut his medical knowledge and experience a six-months' course in the Metropolitan Hospital in New York City was entered upon. Later on he was resident physician in the Jamaica Hospital, at Jamaica, Long Island.
At the beginning of the year 1906 Dr. Mars returned to Florida, where he had spent his youth, and began the practice of his chosen profession. He soon identified himself with the Orange County Medical Society, the New York Medical Society, and the American Medical Association, in all of which he is actively interested.
His father, Stephen Mars, was born in Germany in 1843. When twenty-two years of age he came to America, located in Orange County, and engaged in farming. In 1872 he married Annie Mary DeGraw, a native of Orange County. Eight children were born to this couple, Jesse D., the subject of this sketch, being the fifth.
On December 10, 1907, Dr. Mars married Estelle Otis, the second youngest daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth W. Otis. The Otis family is among the earliest residents of Orange County, the ancestors of Mrs. Mars having come over in the Mayflower. Dr. and Mrs. Mars now occupy the property of the late James A. Boyd.
JAMES G. MARTIN, of Middletown, was born of Irish parentage in Dublin, Ireland, February 1, 1852. He is a son of John and Ann Martin. His father and also his grandfather were architects and builders in the old country. His father died in Australia about 1880. The subject of this sketch was educated at Clongeswood College in Dublin, Ireland. He came to America in 1869, settling in Middletown, Orange County. He identified himself with Howell Hinchman & Co., remaining there a brief period, and then worked as journeyman at the moulder's trade for four years. In 1891 he formed a partnership with Thomas H. Butler and under the firm name of Butler & Martin built the present commodious shops. After a year Mr. Martin purchased his partner's interest and has since continued the business alone. In November, 1871, he married Miss Mary A. Cunningham, of Middletown; her death occurred in October, 1886. Five children were born by this union. He chose for his second wife Mrs. Annie (Houston) Kilbride, of Middletown, and they are the parents of two children. In local politics Mr. Martin takes an active part. He is a democrat and has served as supervisor. He is a member of the Port Jervis B. P. O. E. No. 645, the Knights of Columbus, and is an active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Middletown.
CAPTAIN THOMAS S. MARVEL, head of the iron shipbuilding and engineering works which bears his name, was born in New York City, May 16, 1834. His father, who was a shipbuilder, came to Newburgh in 1836 and established a ship yard. Thomas S. was apprenticed to the trade of ship carpentry and at the age of twenty-one began business for himself. When the Civil War was declared he quited his business and raised a company which was mustered in October 28, 1861, as Company A, 56th New York Volunteers, with Captain Marvel in command. After serving fifteen months he resumed business in Newburgh, and with the exception of a few years spent in Staten Island has continued to make that city his home. In 1877 he engaged with Ward, Stanton & Co., to superintend the construction of their vessels. After the failure of this firm, Captain Marvel formed a partnership with John Delany to operate a ship yard. The business developed rapidly and has for years been one of the most important industries in Newburgh, giving employment to about two hundred and fifty men. The present officers of the company are: Thomas S. Marvel, president; Harry A. Marvel, vice-president and treasurer, and T. S. Marvel, Jr., secretary. The capital of the concern is $300,000.
Captain Marvel in 1861 married Hattie, daughter of John Burns, of Monroe, N. Y. They became the parents of two sons and two daughters.
HARRY A. MARVEL, superintendent of the T. S. Marvel Shipbuilding Co., a sketch of which appears elsewhere, was born in 1865 at Staten Island, and is a son of Captain Thomas S. and Hattie (Burns) Marvel. Since finishing his studies at the Newburgh Academy Harry has been associated with his father in the important industry of steel shipbuilding. Socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity of Newburgh. He married Miss Katherine Vought, of Cornwall, and two children have been born to them.
F. N. MASON, a prominent business man of Port Jervis, N. Y., has resided there since 1860. After finishing his studies at the public schools he engaged with Mr. George Lea in the drug business and in 1875 entered the New York College of Pharmacy. He was subsequently in the employ of Mr. Lea, until 1888, when he became his partner, and in 1891 bought Mr. Lea's interest and continued the business alone until 1902, when his son became his partner.
Mr. Mason is a director of the National Bank of Port Jervis; president of the Port Jervis Telephone Co., and director of the Port Jervis Real Estate and Loan Association. He served two terms as trustee of the village and is now alderman of the city. In fraternal circles he is identified with the Masons, Elks and Odd Fellows. Mr. Mason married Miss Phoebe C. Everett and their son Mariner H. is the only child.
MICHAEL MAYER, manufacturer of cut glass in Port Jervis, N. Y., was born in the French province of Alsace-Lorraine in 1849 and came to America in 1866, locating in Brooklyn, N. Y. He operated a cut glass factory in that city until 1895, when he moved his plant to Port Jervis, N. Y., in the building formerly occupied by the Orange County Flint Glass Works. This concern is now one of the most important industries in the county. In 1871 Mr. Mayer was joined in marriage with Madeline Miller, a native of the same province as himself. The ceremony was performed in Brooklyn. Mrs. Mayer died in 1900. He chose for his second wife Mrs. Eva Krell in 1904, who died in 1906. By his first wife Mr. Mayer had four children: George, of Brooklyn, N. Y.; Edward, associated with his father as manager of the factory; Madeline, wife of John W. Kelley, of Port Jervis, and Josephine, wife of Wm. P. Gregg, of Port Jervis. In politics Mr. Mayer is a republican and holds the office of supervisor of the First Ward. He is a member of Port Jervis Lodge No. 645, B. P. O. E., and a director of the Port Jervis B. & L. Association No. 1. The family attends the Church of the Sacred Heart of Port Jervis.
CHARLES L. MEAD, LL.B., was born August 27, 1851, in the town of Wawayanda, Orange County, N. Y. His father, William H. Mead, was also a native of the town. The subject of this sketch, the eldest of the family, remained at home until fourteen years of age, when he became a student at the Wallkill Academy. He took a course at Claverack College, Columbia County, N. Y., from which he graduated in 1873. He then entered Princeton with the class of '77, where he was a student for two years. He entered Columbia Law School in New York in 1875, graduating in 1877 with the degree of LL.B., after which he opened a law office at Goshen, N. Y. In 1892 he was elected county treasurer.
Mr. Mead married Miss Fannie Tuthill, of Middletown, N. Y., June 5, 1878. He is a member of the Sons of the Revolution and a republican. He has represented his party in various conventions and was councilman for several years.
WALTER J. MEAD, president of the Montgomery & Erie Railroad, was born in Montgomery, February 16, 1824, a son of Walter and Elsie (Monell) Mead. As a young man he engaged in the grist mill business with his father and continued in that industry for forty or fifty years. Mr. Mead has been closely identified with the Montgomery and Erie Railroad, holding the office of superintendent, secretary, vice-president and president. He has also been very active in promoting educational matters in the village and served many years as trustee of the village school board, and president of the village board of trustees. Mr. Mead has been twice married; by his first wife, who was Laura C. Benedict, he had three children. For his second wife he chose Mrs. Ketura M. Miller, daughter of Henry W. Thompson, a prominent citizen of Goshen.
ALEXANDER MERRITT, a well-known undertaker and embalmer of Middletown, was born in the town of Blooming Grove, June 30, 1847. When fourteen years of age he came to Middletown and learned the carpenters' trade, which he followed seven years. In 1874 he engaged with his father-in-law, W. H. Knapp, as an assistant in his undertaking establishment, remaining with him until 1881, when he embarked in the cabinet manufacturing business. On March 1, 1891, he entered into partnership with W. Nelson Knapp in the establishment of an undertaking business, and eleven years from that time purchased Mr. Knapp's interest, and has since conducted the business alone. He is a member of Hoffman Lodge No. 412, F. & A. M.; Middletown Lodge No. 112, I. O. O. F.; Concord Council No. 1077; Royal Arcanum and Launcelot Lodge No. 169, K. O. P.
Mr. Merritt married Miss May A. Knapp, September 3, 1873, and they have three children: Clarence N., married Ella Groo, and resides in Paterson, N. J.; Lulu May, married Robert Terhune, resides at East Orange, N. J., and Walter K., who married Frances H. Darbee, of Middletown. Walter assists his father in the management of the undertaking business.
THEODORE MERRITT represents the fifth generation of George Merritt and Glorianna Purday, who located in the town of Newburgh, 1747. Homestead at Middlehope, purchased by Humphry Merritt, 1758, now in possession of Daniel H. Merritt. Theodore in 1853 entered employ of John R. Gorham as druggist's clerk. In 1859 he purchased the business of John F. Van Nort and became his successor. In 1866 he purchased the property at 40 Water street, where the wholesale and retail drug business has since been conducted. In 1898 Mr. Merritt retired from active management and the firm of Theodore Merritt & Sons continued, composed of George H., Hiram and Theodore A. Merritt.
On July 17, 1907, George H. and Hiram purchased the interest of Theodore A. in the business, and now conduct it under the name of Theodore Merritt's Sons.
CHARLES S. MILES was born July 19, 1870, near Lake Station, Orange County. His father was William J., and his mother Elizabeth (Doty) Miles. Four children were born to this union: George E., born 1862; Edward D., born 1867; Charles S., and Mary E., born 1874, the wife of James Fintze, of Newark, Ohio. Mr. Miles acquired his education at the Warwick public school, after which he learned the printers' trade. He was identified with the county newspapers, also papers in New York and Brooklyn. He has been connected with the O. & W. Motive Power Department and the Road Department. He was married December 7, 1892, to Miss Minnie E. Shove, of Middletown, daughter of George and Julia Shove. Two children have blessed this union: Victor Edward, died at the age of thirteen months, and George W., born September 17, 1895. Socially he belongs to the O. & W. Shop Employees' Relief and Benefit Association, and is recording secretary of the Jr. O. U. A. M., Wallkill Council No. 92. He is a member and usher of the Methodist Church of Middletown. Mr. Miles was elected city treasurer in 1907.
Dr. JAMES J. MILLS is a native of Orange County, N. Y., and one of its leading professional men. He was born at Mount Hope, May 9, 1851. He is a son of Hon. Andrew J. Mills and Maria (Green) Mills and a descendant of Timothy Mills, an early settler of Long Island, whose son Ebenezer, born in 1757, was probably the first of the family to settle in Orange County. He is of Revolutionary ancestry. His maternal grandfather was related to Nathaniel Green, and his maternal grandmother was related to Nathan Hale, the patriot who was executed by the British as a spy, and whose statue adorns the City Hall Park, New York. At an early age Dr. Mills clerked in New York City for Alex. Hudnut, and in the Astor House drug store. He afterwards turned his attention to dentistry, and since April 8, 1878, has followed his profession in Port Jervis, N. Y. The doctor has been influential in promoting public improvements and establishing business enterprises. He was a member of the Board of Education, Board of Health, village trustee, town assessor, and held various other offices. In 1902-1904 he received the democratic nomination for member of assembly. Dr. Mills is a member of the New York State Dental Society, the Dental Society of the Ninth Assembly District, No. 328 F. and A. M. of Port Jervis, Chapter No. 86 and the Mecca Temple, Knights of Pythias, B. P. O. E., Minisink Valley Historical Society as an officer; served in Delaware Hose Company No. 2 of the Port Jervis fire department twenty years.
NATHAN D. MILLS, a manufacturer of Middletown, N. Y., was born at Circleville. Orange County, November 3, 1867. He acquired his education at the district school and Middletown Academy. During one year he was in New York City with Crawford & Valentine, contractors, who constructed the Brooklyn waterworks. After returning to Orange County he managed a farm for three years, and in 1895 purchased the wholesale and retail cigar business of Robert Sayer. In two years' time the volume of business was such that Mr. Mills found it necessary to erect a large factory building, 36 x 60 feet. The concern now gives employment to forty-five men. Mr. Mills was twice nominated for sheriff by the democrats of Orange County. In his first candidacy he carried Middletown by 861 majority and in his second by 415 majority. It was not expected that he would overcome the continuous republican majority in the county. He was master of Hoffman Lodge No. 412, F. & A. M., two years; is a member of Midland Chapter No. 240, Cypress Commandery No. 67, Mecca Temple of New York, Jr. O. U. A. M., and B. P. O. E. of Port Jervis. He is an honorary member of the Middletown Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company, worthy president of the Eagles of Middletown, and is identified with the Middletown Athletic Association, Old Orchard Club, Middletown Club, Newburgh City Club and Orange County Golf Club. He was married to Miss Mary Beakes, of Fair Oaks, N. Y., daughter of Howell and Anna J. Beakes, March 2, 1892. Their one child, Maurice, died when two and one-half years old. Mr. Mills' parents were Nathan J. and Julia Elizabeth Mills, and they had seven children, two of whom died in infancy and one at fourteen years of age. Those living are Anna M., wife of Charles E. Haight, of New York City; Lizzie J., wife of Virgil K. Carpenter, of Fair Oaks, N. Y., and Frank P. a resident of Bullville, Orange County. Mr. Mills is a descendant of an honored family and has achieved a success which ranks him with the solid financial men of his city and county.
SAMUEL CRAWFORD MILLS, for many years one of the leading business men of Newburgh, was born in Bloomingburg, Sullivan County, N. Y., March 9, 1839. He died at his home in Newburgh in 1904. Mr. Mills came to this city in 1857 and entered the dry-goods house of Stephen Hayt & Co. as a salesman, continuing with this house for nearly six years. In 1863 Mr. Mills formed a partnership with John Schoonmaker and A. Y. Weller to conduct a dry-goods establishment. The enterprise proved very successful, and Mr. Mills retired from the firm in 1885. For many years he was a director of the Quassaick National Bank and a trustee of the Newburgh Savings Bank.
Mr. Mills was twice married. His first wife, Miss Elizabeth Vail, died in 1868. For his second wife he chose Sarah, daughter of Hon. Stephen McDonald, of Elmira. Two children were born, Stephen McDonald and Mary Duryea. The latter is the only surviving member of this family. She is a member of Quassaick Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
In 1908 Miss Mills married Mr. Luther Winthrop Faulkner, of Lowell, Mass., where she now resides.
SAMUEL WICKHAM MILLS, D.D., was a native of Orange County, born in the town of Wallkill, April 5, 1820. The Mills family came to America from England. At the age of fifteen he entered Rutgers College at New Brunswick, N. J., where he graduated at the age of eighteen. In 1842 he graduated from the Theological Seminary at New Brunswick.
At Bloomingburg, Sullivan County, Dr. Mills began his pastoral work in 1843. At the end of fifteen years he located at Port Jervis, where he was engaged in preaching for fourteen years. He was married January 17, 1844, to Miss Amelia J. Bailey, daughter of Nathaniel Bailey, of Middletown, N. Y. She was born February 28, 1822, and died March 12, 1867. By this union there were six children. On the 29th of November, 1870, Rev. Dr. Mills was again married to Miss Amira St. John, of Port Jervis. He died November 27, 1902.
STOTT MILLS, postmaster at Warwick, N. Y., was born at Paterson, N. J., June 26, 1840. His parents were John and Sarah (Briarly) Mills, and both were of English extraction. The subject of this sketch acquired his education at the public school at Paterson. He was identified with the Rogers Locomotive Works for a period of four years. He enlisted in May, 1861, in Company A, Second Regiment, N. J. Vols., and was honorably discharged. He participated in all the important engagements in which his regiment was engaged, and became first lieutenant. After the close of the war he removed to Port Jervis, N. Y., and was connected with the Erie Railroad as foreman in the shops for a period of fourteen years. He went west for three years, after which he removed to Warwick, N. Y., and filled the position of master mechanic of the Lehigh and Hudson Railroad for sixteen years. In 1898 he was appointed postmaster at Warwick, which position he still holds. He was united in marriage to Melvina Jackson, of Amity, Orange County, May 17, 1865. To this union five children were born—Sarah, Anna, Isabel, John and Charles. In politics Mr. Mills is a republican. He is a member of Lincoln Post, G. A. R., of Newark, N. J., and attends the Episcopal Church of Warwick.
DR. THEODORE DENTON MILLS was born June 9, 1852, in Bloomingburgh, Sullivan County, N. Y., and is the son of Dr. Samuel Wickham and Almeda Jane (Bailey) Mills. The former, who was a clergyman, was descended in a direct line from George Mills, who was born about 1605, came from Yorkshire, England, in 1665, and died in Jamaica, Long Island, in 1694, at the age of eighty-nine. His son, Samuel, was born in 1631, and died in Jamaica, L. I., in 1726, at the age of ninety-five; he was the father of Jonathan, who was born in Jamaica, L. I., and had four sons, Timothy, Samuel, Isaac and Jonathan. Timothy, who was born at Jamaica in 1677, left that place and settled at Mills Pond, L. I., in 1693; he died March 30, 1751, aged seventy-four. His son Jonathan, who was born in 1710, at Mills Pond, L. I., and died in 1798, at the age of eighty-eight, was the father of Jacob, who was born in 1746 at Mills Pond, L. I. (near St. James); he moved to New Windsor, Orange County, N. Y., in 1768 or 1770, and soon after to the town of Wallkill, Orange County; he died in 1841, aged ninety-five years. His son Samuel, who was born in 1776 and died in 1860, at the age of eighty-four, was the father of the Rev. Samuel Wickham, mentioned above, who was born in 1820 and died in 1902, aged eighty-two. The maternal ancestors of Dr. Mills were old residents of Orange County, New York, his grandfather, Nathaniel Bailey, having been the son of Captain Daniel Bailey, a soldier in the Revolutionary army.
Dr. Mills was prepared for college at the private school of Professor A. B. Wilbur, of Port Jervis, N. Y., and in 1874 graduated as bachelor of arts from Rutgers College, New Brunswick, N. J., being junior orator and commencement orator, and receiving, in 1877, from the same institution, the degree of master of arts. He was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa and Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternities. He studied medicine with Dr. Henry R. Baldwin, of New Brunswick, N. J., and Dr. Henry Hardenbergh, of Port Jervis, N. Y. In 1876 he graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University with the degree of doctor of Medicine, and from April of that year to October, 1877, was house surgeon in the first surgical division of Bellevue Hospital. He practiced medicine at Port Jervis, N. Y., from October, 1877, to January, 1881, when he removed to Middletown, N. Y., where he has been located since. He is attending surgeon to the Thrall Hospital and surgeon to the New York, Ontario and Western Railroad Company. He has been a trustee of the Middletown Savings Bank and of the Orange County Trust and Safe Deposit Company, and was for six years president of the Orange County Telephone Company and is a director of the Stivers Printing Company. He is a member of the County and State Medical Societies, the American Medical Association, the New York and New England Association of Railroad Surgeons and the International Association of Railroad Surgeons. He is a member of the Middletown Club and in politics independent. He is also a member of the Sons of the Revolution.
Dr. Mills married Christina, daughter of Hon. M. D. Stivers, of Middletown, October 20, 1867. They are the parents of the following children: Theodore Denton, Jr., born November 10, 1888, died January 14, 1889; Samuel Wickham, born January 4, 1892, and Elizabeth Stivers, born August 29, 1893.
GEORGE HENRY MILLSPAUGH was born in Goshen, Orange County, October 9, 1872. He received his education at the public school at Goshen, where he has since resided. He engaged in the laundry business in 1897 and now has the only steam laundry in Goshen, it being fully equipped with every modern convenience. In politics he is a republican. He is a member of Goshen Lodge No. 365, F. & A. M.; Goshen Social and Athletic Association, Cataract Hose Company and the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Millspaugh is active in all matters relating to the highest interest of the town in which he lives.
HECTOR W. MILLSPAUGH was born January 29, 1866, at Wallkill, Ulster County, N. Y. He was a son of Henry and Mary E. Millspaugh, there being five children in his parents' family. He received his early education at the district school. At an early age he identified himself with the New York Knife Co., of Walden, N. Y., learning the business in detail. He worked diligently for the interest of the company, remaining there twenty-five years. He married Miss Rosina Stickles, of Walden, daughter of Steven and Hanna Stickles, March 11, 1886. Two children were born to this union: Charles, born September 21, 1892; Etta, born April 4, 1888, both at home. In politics Mr. Millspaugh is a republican. He is at present supervisor of the town of Montgomery. Socially a member of No. 170 I. O. O. F., Freeman Lodge No. 310, Mohonk Tribe, Improved Order of Red Men, Henry Gowdy Council, American Mechanics of Walden, Court Orange No. 8, Foresters of America. His wife is a member of the Methodist Church of Walden.
THERON L. MILLSPAUGH, who has been engaged in the furniture and undertaking business for fifty years, is an honored citizen of Walden, N. Y. His ancestry in America dates back to Philip Millspaugh, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Theron L. was born in 1838, a son of Gilbert S. and Jane (Clineman) Millspaugh. At the age of seventeen he began his apprenticeship as cabinetmaker and in 1858 purchased the business from the widow of his former employer. His floor space at present covers over 10,000 square feet and is one of the finest furniture houses in Orange County. In 1862 he married Miss Eleanor D., daughter of Hon. David H. Smith, of the town of Montgomery. Two children have been born to them, Hattie C., now the wife of Dr. J. E. Sadlier, of Poughkeepsie, and Gilbert S., in business with his father. Mr. Millspaugh has served as deacon and elder of the Reformed Church, also on the Board of Village Trustees.
JOHN CLINTON MINTURN, of Bellvale, was born in the town of Warwick in 1853. In 1876 he opened a general store at Bellvale, which he is still conducting as well as one at Greenwood Lake, which he established several years ago. On January 11, 1877, he married Mary Ellen Hunter, of Greenwood Lake, and three children have been born to them, two of whom are living, John C. and Mamie E. John C. is assistant in his father's store. Mr. Minturn has served as school trustee several years. His father, James Minturn, was a farmer and mason and a descendant of Captain John Minturn, of Revolutionary fame.
EDGAR O. MITCHELL, M.D., Newburgh, N. Y., was born in New York City in 1864. When five years of age his parents removed to Newburgh. He was educated at Siglar's Preparatory School, Phillips (Exeter) Academy and Harvard University. He graduated from Harvard Medical College in 1892 and has since practiced in Newburgh. He is a member of the City and Powelton Clubs. Dr. Mitchell is a son of John James Mitchell, M.D., who has been one of Newburgh's foremost physicians for nearly forty years, and ex-president of the Homeopathic Medical Society of New York State. The family is of Puritan ancestry and direct descendants of Thomas Mitchell, who settled in Block Island, R. I., and bought one-fourteenth of the original share of the Island in 1677.
GEORGE R. MITCHELL, of Newburgh, who carries on an extensive business as a plumber and tinsmith and dealer in stoves and tinware, was born in Islip, L. I., in 1859. He came to Newburgh in 1871 and learned his trade with J. D. Mabie. He started in business for himself in 1886, opening a shop in Smith street. His present commodious quarters are located at 73 Second street. Mr. Mitchell married Miss Anna E. Campbell, of Newburgh, and has one son. He is trustee of the Associate Reformed Church and a member of Hudson River Lodge, F. & A. M.
BENJAMIN MOFFATT was born in the town of Blooming Grove, Orange County, N. Y., a son of Nathaniel and grandson of Samuel Moffatt, the first of the name who came from County of Antrim, Ireland, and settled in Blagg's Clove, Orange County, where he died May, 1787, in his eighty-second year.
Benjamin Moffatt, who inherited the strong, sterling characteristics of his Scotch-Irish ancestors, moved in 1840 to the then far West, Milwaukee, Wis., accompanied by his wife, who was Elizabeth Hulse, and their two infant daughters. Later the family moved to Illinois, where they resided many years and where the bright, beneficent influence of Mr. Moffatt reflected on all around him. He was an upright, honest, conscientious man, and every act of his life manifested the religious teachings of his younger days. In his hospitable home were entertained many travelers passing through the then frontier line of our country.
Mr. Moffatt was a charter member of the First Congregational Church of Milwaukee, Wis., and of the Second Congregational Church of Rockford, Ill. He was influential in the establishment of Beloit College, Beloit, Wis., and Rockford College, Rockford, Ill. He died June 9, 1857, in his sixty-sixth year, leaving his wife and three children, Melissa, Josephine and Gilbert, and the memory of a life which had a moulding influence for good in the home of his adoption.
GEORGE E. MORAN, SR., superintendent of the paper mills owned by the Diamond Mills Paper Company, located at New Hampton, N. Y., has been engaged for fifty years in the manufacture of paper. The Diamond Mills occupy the site of an industrial landmark in this section and is the property of Col. G. W. Thompson, of New York City, who bought it from E. Rosencrans in 1875. The plant has been greatly improved and additions made from time to time, including a one-hundred-foot addition across the creek in 1900. Employment is given to thirty persons, and the product averages two tons of finished tissue paper daily. An artesian well is on the premises and the plant is equipped with large and modern machinery.
Mr. Moran, who is an expert in the manufacture of fine paper, entered the employ of Col. Thompson some forty years ago and by energy and industry acquired his present responsible position. He is assisted by his son, George E., in the management of the business.
ARTHUR S. MOORE was born in Bay City, Mich., March 7, 1879. He attended the public schools and graduated in that city, afterward graduating from the Medical Department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in 1901. He was surgical intern at Ann Arbor Hospital one year, following which he was assistant at the Criminal Insane Asylum at Ionia, Mich., removing to Middletown in October, 1903. He is now connected with the Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital. Dr. Moore was married to Martha McCartney, of Bay City, Mich. He is a member of Knights of Pythias of Ionia, Mich., and of Ann Arbor Lodge, F. & A. M.
JONATHAN OWEN MOORE, son of Alexander and Hannah (Owen) Moore, was born in Washingtonville, Christmas Day, 1833, at the Moore homestead. As a young man he accepted a position in the Bank of Albany, where he remained until his enlistment as a soldier in the Civil War. He had the distinction of being the first man from New York State to receive an army commission. He was promoted from time to time and at the close of the war returned as captain of his regiment, known as the Wide-Awakes. He then married Miss Helen, daughter of Van Rensselaer Wilbur, of Albany. Returning to Washingtonville, he engaged in the furniture business for a number of years, and was also elected to the office of justice of the peace. Mr. Moore, familiarly known as "Owenie" Moore, has been a life-long staunch republican, working enthusiastically for the election of party candidates. In later years he lived in retirement in New York City, devoting his time to the settlement of estates. His daughter, Bertha, now Mrs. O. B. Stillman, of New York, has her country place at what is known as the Goldsmith homestead, near Washingtonville. Mr. Moore died in New York City in 1908.
JOHN W. MORLEY, son of James and Anna (Vought) Morley, was born at Cornwall, Orange County, N. Y., in 1867. After finishing his studies at the schools of Newburgh, he learned the hatter's trade, in which he was engaged for twenty years. In 1904 he established a grocery store at Gardnertown, which he is conducting with much success. Mr. Morley takes an active interest in politics and in 1905 was elected commissioner of the City and Town Home.
Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Junior Order of American Mechanics and the International Hatters' Association. He was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Van Buren.
DAVID A. MORRISON, secretary of the Orange County Agricultural Society, 1858-1908, belongs to one of the old representative families of Orange County, where his entire life has been passed. He is of Scotch-Irish and Dutch ancestry. His paternal ancestors emigrated from Scotland to the north of Ireland during the seventeenth century. His great-great-grandfather, John Morrison, was born near Belfast, Ireland, in the year 1700, and came to this country prior to the Revolution. His son John, the founder of the family in America, had preceded him several years and settled on what is now known as the Morrison Homestead, in the town of Montgomery. He married Elizabeth Scott. They had nine children, one of whom was Hamilton, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, who inherited the home farm. He married Lydia Beemer, who was of Dutch descent, whose ancestors came from Beemersville, N. J., who lived to the advanced age of one hundred and three years. They had eight children, of whom Hamilton, the father of our subject, was the youngest but one.
Hamilton Morrison, the father of David A., was born August 24, 1804, at the Old Homestead which he inherited, and which has descended from father to son for five generations, or nearly one hundred and fifty years. He was one of the founders of the Orange County Agricultural Society, and continued to be one of its most devoted friends until his death in 1881. He filled at different times every office in the society except treasurer. He was elected a member of its executive committee eight times, was corresponding secretary from 1851 to 1857 inclusive, was vice-president twenty years, and president twice. He married Maria Mould, daughter of Jonathan Mould, of the town of Montgomery, and a lineal descendant of Christoffel Mould, one of the earliest Dutch settlers of the Wallkill Valley.
David A. Morrison is the second in a family of seven children. Jonathan M., of Montgomery, who was widely known and highly esteemed and who died in 1898; David A., George H. and John G., prominent and intelligent farmers who reside on the Homestead Farm, which contains nearly three hundred acres, and is now one of the best improved estates in the town of Montgomery; William H. H., a well-known, progressive and successful farmer on an adjoining farm; Mary J., who married Elijah C. Thayer, of Hamptonburgh, and died in February, 1901; and Elizabeth M., wife of William C. Hart, of Walden, N. Y.
Mr. Morrison was educated in public schools and the Montgomery Academy, and at the age of seventeen years became a teacher. He taught district schools in the towns of Montgomery, Hamptonburgh and Blooming Grove, and was principal of graded schools in the villages of Walden and Montgomery—in all about thirty terms.
In 1867 he was elected school commissioner for the First District of Orange County, serving until 1894—in all five terms, or fifteen years, a record that has never been paralleled in the State.
He has been secretary of the Orange County Agricultural Society for fifty years, and has attended every fair held by it since its organization in 1841. He is one of the mainstays of the society, and a man of education and ability.
In 1880 Mr. Morrison married Mary R. Lipsett, a daughter of the late Robert and Mary A. (Morrison) Lipsett, of the town of Montgomery, and granddaughter of Col. William Faulkner of Revolutionary fame.
In 1893 he removed to Newburgh, where he now resides.
He was nominated for Congress, against his earnest protests, in 1896, and, although running far ahead of his ticket, he shared the fate of his party, and was defeated by Benjamin B. Odell, Jr., since Governor of the State.
Mr. Morrison was county correspondent of the U. S. Department of Agriculture and Statistical Bureau of the Patent Office for forty years. He was one of the incorporators of the Columbus Trust Company of Newburgh, N. Y., and has been one of its directors and a member of its executive committee since its organization, and is now its vice-president.
He is president of the Board of Trustees of Union Presbyterian Church, Newburgh, N. Y.; vice-president of the Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands; a trustee of Washington's Headquarters, Newburgh, N. Y.; a member of the Empire State Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, and president of Newburgh Chapter, S. A. R.; and a life member of the New York State Agricultural Society.
HAMILTON MORRISON was born August 24, 1804, at the old homestead, which is now occupied by his sons, George H. and John G. This property has been handed down from father to son since long before the Revolution. It contains two hundred and sixty acres of land and is one of the best improved estates in the town of Montgomery.
His paternal family included eight children, of whom our subject was the youngest but one. His parents were Hamilton and Lydia (Beemer) Morrison. The former, a native of Ireland, crossed the Atlantic and landed on the American shore when a mere lad, accompanied by his father, John. The latter took up the land which is still in the Morrison family. Hamilton married January 10, 1827, Maria, daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth Mould; she died March 26, 1868. To our subject and his wife the following children were born: Jonathan M., married Margaret Windfield; David A., married Mary R. Lipsett; George H., unmarried; Mary J., married Elijah Carpenter Thayer; John G., unmarried; William H. H., married Agnes Horton.
Hamilton Morrison passed his entire life on this farm in the town of Montgomery. When a young man he taught school and after marriage gave his attention to cultivating his broad acres.
He was very successful in his undertakings. He was foremost in founding the Orange County Agricultural Society, of which he was president for many years. He died October 25, 1881.
The family is progressive and one of the most influential in the county. In politics it is democratic, as was also their father.
His son, George H. Morrison, has recently published a complete genealogical chart of the family in America.
GEORGE MOSHIER, retired contractor, was born in Newburgh, N. Y., April 19, 1838. He learned the carpenters' trade and from 1866 to 1907 was engaged in the contracting and building business, having erected many of the most substantial buildings in Newburgh and vicinity.
He was a member of the Board of Water Commissioners from 1884 to 1889. In 1899 he was elected a member of the Board of Supervisors, and has been successively re-elected for five terms, serving two terms as chairman. He is prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity and president of the Masonic Veterans' Association; member of the Newburgh Historical Society and an active member in Trinity Church.
In 1862 he married Miss Caroline Tilton. Their children are Anna, George, Jr., and Mabel. Mr. Moshier's ancestors resided in or near Newburgh many years previous to the Revolution. Two of them were soldiers in the Continental Army, serving with distinction.
EDWARD M. MURTFELDT, born Newburgh, 1853; entered employ of Peck & Van Dalfsen's furniture house in 1869. In 1879 he purchased Joseph H. Powell's undertaking and furniture establishment, which he conducted on the same site until 1895. At present engaged as funeral director at 77 Second street, Newburgh. In 1894 he assisted in organization and became president of the Highland Furniture Mfg. Co.; served a number of years as alderman and president of council and has served as acting mayor; also was a member of the Board of Public Works. He has taken all the chairs in Masonry and has been an officer in Highland Chapter No. 52 and commander of H. R. Commandery No. 35. Mr. Murtfeldt is of German descent; a son of Henry W. and Mary Frances (Worden) Murtfeldt. In 1872 he married Miss Anna A. McCord; six children have been born to them. He is at present the president of the Masonic Veterans' Association, of Newburgh, N. Y., and has held office in the Grand Commandery, State of New York. He is at present the district deputy of the Thirteenth District of the Grand Lodge, a Thirty-second Degree Mason and grand marshal of the Consistory of New York City. He has been regent of Newburgh Council of the Royal Arcanum and its treasurer for a number of years. Member of the City Club.
FRANK D. MYERS, M.D., of Slate Hill, N. Y., is a descendant of one of Orange County's oldest families. He was born in the town of Greenville, N. Y.. where he attended public school. This was supplemented by a course of private tutoring near Newburgh, after which he taught school two years in the town of Minisink. Dr. Myers graduated in medicine from the University of Michigan in 1887, and has since been engaged in practice at Slate Hill. He is a member of the County and State Medical Societies, and the American Medical Association.
He married Miss Margaret Hall, of Ridgebury, and a son, Frank D., was born to them in 1908.
Dr. Myers is a son of Samuel S. and Mary Elizabeth (Elston) Myers. His grandfather was Daniel C. Myers, his great-grandfather Daniel Van Auken Myers, and his great-great-grandfather Daniel, the first of that name in this locality, who participated in the battle of Minisink. The flint lock musket he carried is in the possession of Dr. Myers. The homestead upon which this man settled has remained in the possession of the family and is now owned and occupied by Floyd E. Myers, a brother of the doctor.
GEN. ALFRED NEAFIE—Alfred Neafie was born in Walden, Orange County, N. Y., January 8, 1832, being the son of Cornelius Neafie, a member of one of the old Knickerbocker families, who came to New York in 1637.
Cornelius Neafie built the first cotton mill in Orange County and the second in the State. As a boy Alfred Neafie, fond of hunting and fishing and of an adventurous turn of mind, it is not strange that he should at the age of nineteen, start for the newly discovered gold fields of California.
It was in 1851 that he left in a sailing vessel, the Grecian, for the six months' voyage "'round the Horn."
His first vote was cast in the canyons of the North Yuba in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. During his successful career in California he was a member of the celebrated Vigilance Committee and was one of those who helped to apprehend the famous outlaw "Yankee Sullivan," and was present at the trial and hanging of Juaquin Murat and "Three-Fingered Jack."
Returning home at the death of his father and starting in business in Ellenville, N. Y., yet at the outbreak of the war Mr. Neafie put aside personal interests and went to the front. He was offered the captaincy of the Walden Company of the 124th Regiment, but declined it, as he had already raised nearly two companies of what became the 156th Infantry.
His military record is to be found in brief in the Historical Register and Dictionary of the United States Army, Vol. 1, page 741, as follows:
"Neafie, Alfred, N. Y., N. Y. Capt. 156th N. Y. Inf., 13th Sept., 1862; Lt.-Col., 9th Jan., 1864; Lt.-Col. Vols., 13th March, 1865, for gal. and meritorious services at Battle of Winchester and Fisher Hill, Va., and Brig.-Gen. Vols., 13th March, 1865, for conspicuous gallantry at Winchester, Va., 19th Sept., 1864. Mustered out 23d Oct., 1865."
During the war Gen. Neafie was provost marshal of Alexandria, La., and Baton Rouge.
While at Savannah he held the offices of supervisor of trade, collector of military taxes, relief commissioner and assisted in the repatriation of the South, as by virtue of seniority of rank he was chief of staff of the department.
A few of the brilliant and picturesque events of his military career were:
After the capture at Washington, Ga., of the archives of the Confederacy, which included records of Generals Beauregard, Polk, Joseph E. Johnston and Albert Sidney Johnston, $300,000,000 of cotton bonds, $760,000 in gold and silver and thirty wagon loads of valuable jewelry and personal articles, General Neafie, with two federal officers and two treasury agents, inventoried and sent to their proper owners, scattered all through the Southern States, all private property, while all public property was turned over to the United States Government. This was done in about two months.
As General Grover's chief of staff, General Neafie received Jefferson Davis when he was captured and delivered him to Lieutenant-Commander (now admiral, retired) Luce, in command of the double-ender Pontiac, in Savannah River.
Jefferson Davis, Jr., a most lovable boy about ten years old, was a guest in the house in Savannah where General Neafie lived, they drove together daily and a great affection sprang up between the two.
His early death of yellow fever in Memphis was a sorrowful event for all who knew him.
General Neafie with General Grover was present at the solemn and thrilling raising of the flag at Fort Sumter, four years to a day from the time it was lowered by Sergeant Hart.
It was taken from the sealed mail bag, where it had been placed by Sergeant Hart, who now released it from its leathern prison, and once more raised to its place of honor.
When this was done it was seen that the flag was pierced by at least thirty shell fragments, and was ragged and torn; not a star had been shot away.
When that fact was disclosed to the men who had been fighting four years to keep the stars of our Union together, the emotion was too great for expression.
But from outside came the noisy welcome from the battered and indented ironclads and monitors, who had been circling around waiting to give tongue with their cannon throats.
Since the close of the war, General Neafie has led a business life of wide and varied interests, with homes in Ellenville and Goshen, N. Y.
MOSES F. NELSON, notary public, real estate and insurance broker of the town of Highlands, Orange County, N. Y., was born at Highland Falls in 1867, and for the past seventeen years has been identified with public affairs of his native place, serving as tax collector, clerk and member of the Board of Education and justice of the peace. He is a son of the late Cornelius Nelson, who for thirty years was postmaster at Highland Falls and who was also engaged in the fire insurance and real estate business, which was conducted under the firm name of Cornelius Nelson & Son, and to which he succeeded.
Socially Mr. Nelson is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He married Miss Mary Adolph in 1893; they have three daughters.
THE NICOLL FAMILY—Within the corporate limits of Washingtonville, N. Y., lies a farm of one hundred and forty-five acres which bears evidence of the supervision of an energetic and capable family. This place is known as the Nicoll homestead, and was occupied for over a quarter of a century by John Nicoll, who died in 1874. As the name indicates he was of Scotch descent. The progenitor of this family in America was Dr. John Nicoll, who emigrated to this country in 1711 and settled in New York. He became one of the leading men of the colony and acquired the ownership of a large amount of property, having among his possessions fourteen thousand, five hundred acres of land in the Minisink Patent. He died in 1743 at the age of sixty-four.
John Nicoll was born in Hackensack, N. J., in 1799, and in early life was engaged in the mercantile business in New York City, whence he removed to Orange County in 1844. By his first marriage to Juliana Thompson, one son, William, was born, who died at the age of twenty-six. The second wife of Mr. Nicoll bore the maiden name of Elizabeth H. White and was born in Blagg's Cove in 1808. She died in 1855. To this union eight children were born, of whom Charles and Elizabeth White (now the wife of Andrew S. Glover) reside in Washingtonville. Another son, Isaac, met death while leading his company in the battle of Gettysburg in 1863. On the soldiers' monument at Salisbury Mills is this inscription: "To the memory of Captain Isaac Nicoll, Company G, 124th N. Y. S. V., and the men of Blooming Grove who fought in the war for the unity of the Republic, 1861-1865."
REV. STANISLAUS J. NOWAK, rector of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Florida, N. Y. In the year 1893 our Polish neighbors at Florida, N. Y., after mature deliberation and consultation, concluded to have their own church, and the necessary steps were taken to secure the approval of the church authorities for their project. Having demonstrated the feasibility of the idea, and the necessary approval having been obtained, Messrs. John and Anton Dulski, Joseph Andryszak, Joseph Wozniak, Ignatius Brink and John Majorowski were appointed as collectors, and succeeded so well that within two years over two thousand dollars were subscribed.
On July 2, 1895, Rev. Stanislaus J. Nowak was appointed and entered on his work as rector of the new church. Father Nowak is a native of Posen—Germany-Poland—studied at Germany and at Rome and came to this country at the express wish of Archbishop M. A. Corrigan, and finished his theological studies and was ordained priest at the Provincial Seminary at Troy, N. Y., by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Tierney, of Hartford. After spending a short while at Shokan, Ulster County, Father Nowak was appointed as assistant to the Very Rev. Dean Sweeny, of St. Joseph's Church, Kingston, N. Y., and while there Father Nowak received his appointment as rector of the Polish Church. Since coming to Florida, N. Y., Father Nowak has been a successful as well as an indefatigable worker, and under his supervision the church was ready for the dedication in November.
With all the pomp and ceremonial of the Catholic ritual, the new church of the Polish congregation at Florida was dedicated on Sunday, November 10, 1895, by Archbishop Corrigan, to the service of God under the patronage of St. Joseph. The solemn high mass on that date was celebrated by the Very Rev. E. M. Sweeny, of Kingston, N. Y. (with whom Father Nowak lived as assistant before coming to Florida). Father McCorry, of Goshen, acted as deacon, and Father Nowak as sub-deacon, and Father Connolly, the archbishop's secretary, acted as master of ceremonies.
After the gospel had been chanted by the deacon, his grace, the archbishop ascended the steps of the altar and after a few very well chosen words of congratulation to the pastor and people on the happy culmination of their work in offering a church free of debt for the purposes of divine worship, preached an able and scholarly sermon on the holiness of the church, and during his remarks he was listened to with rapt attention, showing that his words had made a very deep impression. The Polish sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. M. Barabasz, of Baltimore, Md.
The rectory was built the same year and occupied in December. St. Joseph's congregation owns its own cemetery, which was blessed in October, 1896, and is located at Union Corner.
In July, 1892, Father Nowak was transferred to New York City, where he organized a new Polish congregation, and established St. Joseph's Home for the Polish Immigrants on Broad street.
Father Michael Slupek was in charge of St. Joseph's Church at Florida for nearly two years, and was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Kloss, who was pastor of St. Joseph's until October, 1902. At that time Father Nowak returned to St. Joseph's, and under his management the church is freed from debt again.
The church will be enlarged this year, as it is too small for the congregation. There are thirteen hundred Polish people in Florida and vicinity. The Poles of Florida are showing a desire and aptness to develop into a most industrious and desirable class of citizens.
ARTHUR E. O'CONNOR was born March 10, 1867, at Brooklyn, N. Y. He is a son of John S. and Hanna (Marrett) O'Connor. To this union seven children, one son and six daughters, were born. There are five living: Anna, wife of Timothy O'Connell, of Honesdale, Pa.; Mary, wife of Thomas Cusick, of Goshen, N. Y., and two daughters residing at home and two are dead. The subject of our sketch attended the public school at White Mills, Pa. His father was identified with C. Dorfinger for twenty-five years at White Mills, Pa., and operated a cut glass factory at Hawley, Pa. Arthur started the cut glass factory at Goshen in 1900, which has enjoyed a prosperous business since. Mr. O'Connor's father was the oldest practical cut glass man in the world, and was sergeant in the 69th Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, and his grandfather, Neal O'Connor, was a captain of the New Orleans Rangers in the Mexican War. Arthur married Catherine Langan, of Hawley, Pa., February 20, 1888, and to this union were born three sons and one daughter, Mary, who holds the position of bookkeeper at the Goshen factory. John graduated in 1907 at Hawley, Pa., and is now foreman at the Goshen factory. William and Arthur are attending school at Goshen. Mr. O'Connor employs forty men at his factory.
HON. BENJAMIN B. ODELL—In reviewing the life of this venerable and distinguished citizen of Newburgh, a few words regarding his ancestry will not be amiss. The family is of French and English descent, but has been represented in America for many generations. His grandfather, William Odell, was born in New York City, and there for some years he was proprietor of the Bull's Head Tavern. In 1835 he moved to Orleans County, N. Y., where he bought a tract of land and with the assistance of his two sons improved a valuable farm. His death occurred there at the age of more than ninety years.
Isaac Odell, the father of our subject, was born in Tarrytown, Westchester County, N. Y., and reared in New York City, whence, about 1820, he came to Orange County, settling on the DeWitt Clinton farm at Little Britain, where he remained until 1830, when he removed to Newburgh and was employed in the freighting business with the firm of Powell, Wardrop & Johnson, with whom he remained until his retirement from business. He died at the age of sixty-five. His wife, Mary A., was also a native of Westchester County. She died in New York City in her eighty-first year. Their family consisted of two sons and two daughters, of whom Benjamin B. was the second in order of birth. He was born in the Governor Clinton homestead, New Windsor town, September 10, 1825, and reared in Newburgh, where he attended the public schools. In 1843 he entered the employ of B. W. Van Nort, in the restaurant and hotel business where he remained until 1847, when he embarked in business for himself, opening a restaurant in Third street. Twenty years later he sold and abandoned the business permanently.
Mr. Odell foresaw a promising field in the ice business, and in 1863 purchased from James R. Dixon the ice property now known as Muchattoes Lake, and conducted the business personally until 1886, when he organized the Muchattoes Lake Ice Company, of which he has since remained president.
Mr. Odell was one of the organizers of the Columbus Trust Company in 1892, and was the first president, but resigned after one year in office. He is president of the Central-Hudson Steamboat Company and a director in the Orange County Traction Company.
For over sixty years Mr. Odell has been prominently identified with the administration of public affairs of Newburgh and Orange County. In 1863 he was trustee of the village; 1865, alderman from the Third ward; 1879, supervisor of the town of New Windsor; 1880 to 1883, sheriff of Orange County. In 1884 he was elected mayor of Newburgh, continuing in that office until 1890, when he refused to be a candidate for another term. In 1894, however, he was again nominated and reelected mayor, serving until 1900. During the twelve years of his administration the city witnessed the creation of many public improvements and an era of great progress and increase in population.
Amid the multiplicity of his public and private affairs, Mr. Odell has never allowed his religious duties to be neglected, in the American Reformed Church he has been an official, serving at different times as elder and deacon. In 1850 he married Miss Ophelia, daughter of Hiram Bookstaver, of the town of Montgomery. Eleven children were born to them, of whom four are living: Benjamin B., Jr., Governor of New York State (1900 to 1904); Hiram B., postmaster of Newburgh; Clara, who resides with her father, and George C. D., professor in Columbia University, New York City.
By his energy and resolute character, coupled with a genial disposition, Mr. Odell has not only advanced his own success, but has given an impetus to the growth and prosperity of Newburgh by his progressive spirit and enterprise.
HIRAM B. ODELL, postmaster, Newburgh, N. Y., is the son of Hon. Benjamin B. and Ophelia (Bookstaver) Odell, and was born August 21, 1856. After finishing his studies he engaged with his father in the conduct of a large ice business. In 1886 he was elected a director and superintendent of the Muchattoes Lake Ice Co. In 1891 he was appointed superintendent of the Newburgh Electric Light, Heat and Power Co. From 1880 to 1882 he was under sheriff of the county, in charge of the Goshen court-house, his father then being sheriff. He received his present appointment March 1, 1900, and was reappointed by President Roosevelt in 1904 and again in 1908. Mr. Odell married Miss Edith Booth, of Kingston.
JAMES ALSOP OGDEN, only son of William L. and Louise Baker Ogden, was born in the town of Mount Hope May 28, 1861. His entire home life has been in Warwick, to which his father moved when the boy was only nine months old. He died December 5, 1905.
Mr. Ogden was educated in Warwick Institute and at Hartwell's Private School in Unionville. He married Miss Virginia R. Geraghty, of Warwick, in 1889, and is survived by her and one daughter, Mary, who is a graduate of the Warwick high school; also by two sisters, Alveretta, wife of Maurice Pelton, and Mary, wife of Dr. S. E. Holly. In 1889 he and his brother-in-law, Mr. Pelton, succeeded his father in the hardware business with the firm name of Ogden & Pelton. His father died in 1902. James Ogden was a member of the Warwick band for many years. He was one of the founders of the Warwick Athletic Association, and a member of the Warwick Club, in which last he served as trustee and treasurer. He was one of the charter members of the Warwick Gun Club, and a director in the First National Bank.
JOSHUA OLDROYD was born in Yorkshire, England, January 29, 1838. His early education was acquired while working in the woolen mills of that place, attending school one-half day and working the other half. He also attended night school for several years. His trade was that of a hand loom weaver. When eighteen years of age he came to America, and was employed in the woolen mills at Mechanicstown, Orange County, from 1856 to 1858. The following four years he was in charge of the woolen mills at Millow, Wawayanda township. He was later employed in mills at Newtown, Connecticut, and afterward owned woolen mills at East Granby, Conn. In 1875 he removed to Newburgh and took charge of a horse blanket printing machine manufactory, remaining there only a few months, when he returned to Mechanicstown, and operated woolen mills there for five years. He then conducted a felt boot manufactory at Howells for a period of twenty-one years. He sold his business at Howells, and went to Philadelphia and took the management of the Watkinson Felt Boot Factory Co., remaining there two years. He was obliged to remove back to Middletown owing to ill health, where he has since resided in retirement. He married Miss Hanna Newsome, daughter of James Newsome, of Mechanicstown, March 6, 1861. One child was born to this union, who died in infancy. In the fall of 1905 his townsmen of the Third ward nominated him for alderman. He was victorious and has since held the office. He was a delegate to the Republican state convention eight years. He attends the Episcopal Church and is a member of Hoffman Lodge, No. 412, F. and A. M., of Middletown, N. Y.
WILLIAM H. O'NEAL was born at Goshen, Orange County, N. Y., March 3, 1836. He acquired his education at various district schools in the county. At the age of sixteen years Mr. O'Neal began learning the painting and decorating trade. He married Sarah E. Stone, of Denton, N. Y., December 31, 1855. They had three children, Sarah Louise, Henry Lincoln and Charles Francis. His wife died February 9, 1881. He afterward married Lydia F. Hall of Goshen, N. Y., July 27, 1882. She died March 1, 1892.
Mr. O'Neal worked at his trade in New York City twenty years, going there in 1856. He worked at the navy yard for eleven years. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of Goshen Lodge, No. 365, F. and A. M., and served as master of lodge two years. At the breaking out of the Civil War Mr. O'Neal enlisted in the 84th Regiment, entering as private and later being promoted to captain. He served in the defense of Washington and was honorably discharged. In 1863 he re-enlisted and served for some time in the Shenandoah Valley.
HON. JOHN ORR, former assemblyman from the first district of Orange County, was born in Cornwall, N. Y., March 5, 1859. He is a son of William and Margaret (Elliott) Orr, and is engaged in the flour and coal business at Orr's Mills, which is now one of the industrial landmarks of the town of Cornwall. Mr. Orr was educated at public and private schools, finishing with a three-year course at Leipsic, Germany. On his return home he became a member of the firm of William Orr & Sons, dealers in flour, feed and coal.
Politically Mr. Orr is a Republican, and has taken an active part in promoting the welfare of his party, not only in his native town but throughout the county. In addition to representing this district in the state legislature for four years, he was elected a member of the board of supervisors, where he served nine years. He has held public office in the town of Cornwall for a period of twenty years. Mr. Orr is particularly well posted on questions of taxation and parliamentary usage, and in close touch with the farming community, recognizing their needs and desires. He enjoys the reputation of being a pleasant after-dinner speaker.
Mr. Orr is prominently identified with various fraternal organizations, including Free Masonry. In August, 1900, he was elected great sachem of the Improved Order of Red Men, state of New York, and has also held the office of president of the Association of Tribes of the Hudson Valley.
In 1888 Mr. Orr was united in marriage with Miss Angelique Veith, of New York City. They are the parents of two children, Alice and Walter.
HERMAN OTTO was born in Saxon, Germany, February 22, 1848. He came to America in 1869 and married Emma Wolf, of New Britain, Conn. Nine children were born to this union: One daughter died at the age of seventeen years; Emma, wife of Ira Smith, of Monroe, N. Y.; Herman, who resides in New York City; Frank, of Windham, Ohio; Charles, of Monroe, N. Y.; Annie Mae, of New York City; Arlyne Elsie, Harry and Paul, residing at home.
Mr. Otto is a member of Luther Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Middletown, and of the Cigar Makers' Union of Middletown. His estate, comprising one hundred and eighteen acres, is under substantial improvement. Mr. Otto does not depend entirely on the products of his farm, for he has a well established cigar manufacturing business, which he has carried on successfully for many years. In politics he is a Republican and takes an active interest in local affairs.
GEORGE A. OWEN, dealer in general merchandise at Washingtonville, N. Y., was born in that village in 1842, a son of Hon. Albert G. and Phoebe M. (Breed) Owen. His father was also a merchant here, and actively identified with public affairs in Orange County. He was one of a committee of three to organize the famous 124th Regiment. He served several terms as supervisor of the town of Blooming Grove, and was elected a member of the state assembly in 1849-1850. In 1890 Mr. George Owen succeeded to a business that was established in 1812 by Samuel Moffatt. The firm name was subsequently known as Samuel Moffatt & Son, and David H. Moffatt, who disposed of it in 1832. Various merchants conducted the store previous to Mr. Owen, who has enlarged the original building and erected the adjoining post office. In 1905 his son, Walter D., became a partner. Mr. Owen is a trustee of the Moffatt Library and Presbyterian Church. He is also a charter member of the fire company. In 1876 he married Miss Isabelle Board and six children have been born to them.
OSCAR E. OWEN was born February 28, 1845, at Ridgebury, N. Y. His early education was acquired at the old Wallkill Academy. After finishing school he learned the monumental work and he was identified in that business until 1902, when he retired. He married Emily F. Mapledoram, of Monticello, Sullivan County, N. Y., July 28, 1868. One son was born of this union, Clifford A., born June 7, 1872. He is teller in the First National Bank of Middletown. Mr. Owen is a Republican and has served the city two terms as alderman. He is a member of the Universalist Church. His father, John C. Owen, was born in the town of Minisink, Orange County, N. Y. He was born July 16, 1806, and died at his daughter's home, Mrs. W. W. Hartford, in Middletown. He was a son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Carpenter) Owen, and was brought up on the farm. At the age of twenty-one he entered the mercantile business at Huguenot, removing to Smith's Corners after two years. He married Adeline, daughter of Moses Durland, February 16, 1833. In 1837 he moved to Ridgebury and ran a general store. In 1847 he moved to his farm left him by his uncle, Jesse Parshall, Remaining on the farm a few years, he removed to Ridgebury, where he started a marble yard, and he continued in that business until 1866 in Ridgebury and Middletown. Then he engaged in the grocery business in Middletown, which he continued for some years, finally selling out to his son-in-law, W. W. Hartford. He afterward purchased a residence at 177 North street and retired from active business, remaining in the home until the death of his wife, February 16, 1892, the fifty-ninth anniversary of their marriage. He took an active interest in church work and was a Republican in politics.
ZAEL PADDLEFORD, merchant, of Monroe, N. Y., was born in Broome County, N. Y., in 1866. He came to Monroe in 1891 as foreman of the creamery, occupying that position about four years. In 1894 he established his present store, and a year later formed a partnership with George R. Conklin, under the firm name of Paddleford & Company. Mr. Paddleford has served six years as supervisor of the town and is now president of the village. He is secretary of the Orange and Rockland Electric Company. Socially Mr. Paddleford is identified with the Masonic fraternity. He married Miss Isabella S. Kinney, of Iowa, and their son, Bruce K., is attending school in New York City.
THE PALATINE HOTEL, H. N. and F. N. Bain, proprietors. The appointments, accommodations and interior aspect of the Palatine are ideal. It is the largest hotel in Orange County and conveniently located in the heart of the city of Newburgh. The house contains one hundred and sixteen rooms, about one-half of which are so arranged that they may be used separately or en suite for families. The house, was established in 1893 and is under the personal supervision of Mr. F. N. Bain, who conducts it in accordance with the most modern methods.
WILLIAM A. PARSHALL is a scion of an old and distinguished Orange County family. Jonathan Parshall, his great great grandfather, moved to Little Britain in the town of New Windsor, from Long Island, in 1737. His son David fought for American freedom in the Revolutionary War. Mr. Parshall's father, Caleb Parshall, was born on the old homestead, but when he reached man's estate he moved to the farm in Walden, where William A. was born, December 9, 1865.
In 1870 the family moved to Port Jervis, and the boy was sent to the public schools, graduating from the high school in the class of 1883. The following year he entered Yale and was graduated in 1888. During his senior year he was awarded the medal by the Cohden Club of London, England, for work in political economy. Mr. Parshall went to the Albany Law School and completed the course in 1889. Returning to Port Jervis, he entered the law office of Hon. Lewis E. Carr and in May, 1890, was admitted to the bar. The following October, he entered into partnership with Hon. O. P. Howell and R. Ed. Schofield, and the firm was known as Howell, Parshall & Schofield. On September 1, 1893, he withdrew from the firm and has since been successfully engaged in the practice of law in an office of his own. He has been a director of the National Bank for fourteen years, is a director of the Port Jervis Telephone Company, the Co-Operative Loan and Savings Society, Orange County Building and Loan Association, No. 2, and is an auditor of Port Jervis Building and Loan Association. He has also taken an active interest in politics, and when a young lawyer served the town of Deer Park in the office of town clerk. At present he is the attorney for the city of Port Jervis, and for twelve terms was corporation counsel for the village of Port Jervis. In 1903 Mr. Parshall was elected a member of the board of education and since 1904 has been its president. For the past seventeen years he was a trustee of the Presbyterian Church. On June 1, 1903, Mr. Parshall was united in marriage with Miss Christine Senger, daughter of Lewis C. and Florence Corwin Senger. They have three children.
ARTHUR PATCHETT, who for over twenty years was prominently identified with business and social affairs of Orange County, was born in England in 1847 and died at Montgomery, N. Y.. November 30, 1901. Mr. Patchett came to America in 1872, locating at Philadelphia, where he followed the business of worsted manufacturer. In 1880 he removed to Montgomery and with the late William Crabtree established the yarn plant which soon became one of the important industries of the county. Mr. Patchett was a member of the board of water works commissioners and exerted a wide influence in the affairs of his adopted village. He was a member of Walden Lodge, F. and A. M., Royal Arch Masons, Knights Templar and Mecca Shrine. In 1874 he married Miss Alice M. Hayes, of Philadelphia. Two sons and a daughter were born to them: Emma M., who resides in Montgomery; Joseph E. and Arthur Allan are engaged in business at Kaiser, W. Va.
FRANK PATTERSON, supervisor of the town of Deer Park, who, with his brother, George H., conducts a farm of one hundred acres and a commodious summer boarding house known as "Eddy Farm," at Sparrowbush, was born there in 1865, a son of J. R. and Mary E. (Doty) Patterson. Since finishing his studies at the public schools he has been engaged in the cultivation of the homestead farm. Politically Mr. Patterson is a democrat and has always taken an active interest in the welfare of his party. He has served as highway commissioner and in 1907 was elected a member of the board of supervisors.
Mr. Patterson married Miss Sarah Chambers and they are the parents of three sons and two daughters: Ruth E., John R., Edward, Dudley and Frances.
WILLIAM M. PATTON (deceased) was born in the town of New Windsor, Orange County, N. Y., May 30, 1834. He was for many years engaged as a farmer and cattle dealer, in which he was very successful. In 1895 he took up his residence in Newburgh, the details of his cattle business being attended to by his only son, John R. Patton, who resides on the Patton homestead, near Washington Lake. Mr. Patten was for years a member of the board of directors of the Columbus Trust Co., and a member of its finance committee. He was a careful man in financial affairs and to him as one of its officers is due much of the prosperity of the company.
Mr. Patton's first wife was Miss Robinson; she was the mother of John R. Patton, who died many years ago. His second wife was formerly Miss Anna F. Johnston, a daughter of the late Beverly K. Johnston, a prominent business man of East Coldenham.
Mr. Patton died April 16, 1907, and is buried in the Wallkill Valley cemetery, Walden, N. Y.
ALBERT S. PEIRCE, manufacturer, Newburgh. Born Orange County, March, 1860. Graduated from Newburgh Academy and was then engaged in mercantile business in New York City for four years. In 1885 he returned to Newburgh and became associated with Coldwell, Wilcox & Co., iron founders and machinists. May, 1890, the firm was incorporated as Coldwell-Wilcox & Co., of which Mr. Peirce has since been treasurer. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the City Club. In 1885 he married Edith, daughter of the late Dr. Heard, ex-president of the board of health. The Peirce ancestry dates back to the Commander of the Mayflower.
HENRY PELTON came to Warwick from Darien, Conn., in 1805. He was a small boy at the time, and settled with his father on a farm just west of the village. He was always looked upon as one of the most public spirited citizens, foremost in every movement for the good of the community, and for the support of his church. Many writings of local historical interest, left by him, show him to have been possessed of a mind capable of clear thinking, and the ability to express himself in good English. He is remembered as having been one of the pioneers in the temperance movement in the middle of the last century. He died in 1873, at the age of eighty-two.
SAMUEL PELTON, son of Henry Pelton, spent his life as a farmer, residing for over fifty years on the farm now owned by his son, and dying in 1906, nearly eighty-eight years of age. Of quiet, gentle disposition, he never aspired to public prominence, yet was ever ready to help in any public-spirited undertaking. He served a term as president of Warwick Institute and was one of the founders and for many years a trustee of the Warwick Savings Bank.
HENRY PELTON, son of Samuel Pelton, resides on the farm formerly owned by his father. He devotes most of his time to land surveying and local engineering work. He succeeded the late G. W. Sayer as president of the Warwick Valley Farmers' Milk Association, and held that office until the sale and dissolution of the company in 1907. He is also one of the trustees of the Warwick Savings Bank and a director of the Warwick Building Association.
WILLIAM W. PELTON was born December 15, 1837, and died November 26, 1907, at his home near Warwick, N. Y. His early education was acquired at the district school, and the Warwick Institute, when it was a private school. He afterward became a teacher. He was a member of the board of education when the Warwick Institute was made a free school in 1867. He was engaged in business in Warwick and New York City for a time. In December, 1867, he married Almeda Knapp, daughter of the late John Knapp, of Sugar Loaf, Orange County, who survives him. To this union were born four children, John, Grace, wife of Frank Holbert of New York; Almeda, and Geraldine, wife of Selah Durland; also two grandsons and two granddaughters. Mr. Pelton was the last of his father's family. His brother, James, died in 1856, and Richard in 1898.
EDGAR PENNEY, vice-president and general manager of the Newburgh Ice Machine and Engine Co., is a native of Orange County, and has been identified with this company since 1895. Before purchasing the Newburgh plant he was for twelve years managing director and mechanical engineer for the Frick Company, Waynesboro, Pa., which built his ice machine, known as the "Frick"' or "Eclipse." Mr. Penney invented this machine and retains full privilege of manufacture and sale under his patents. Among the products of the present concern are the Corliss steam engines, steam boilers, iron and brass castings, etc. A force of two hundred and fifty men are employed. The main buildings are 200 by 400 feet in dimensions and were built in 1883. In 1907 a large addition was erected.
WILLIAM J. PENOYER began life in Columbia County, N. Y., and after leaving the district school at the age of fifteen, he entered a general store and remained there for ten years. When twenty-six years of age he went to Albany, N. Y., and engaged in the grain business, which he continued until appointed harbor master by Governor Hoffman. He was supervisor several years and a director of two banks. He was a leading spirit in many improvements in his native county. In politics he was a Democrat.
Mr. Penoyer in 1883 married Anna M. Roe, of Chester, Orange County, and they had one daughter, Fannie, born 1886. He died in January, 1904.
MILLS PEPPER, son of Elijah and Catura (Crowell) Pepper, is a prosperous farmer in the town of Montgomery. The farm, which comprises one hundred and forty acres, was purchased by his father, who conducted it over sixty years. Mills Pepper, who resides at the homestead with his sister, has conducted it ten years. He is a member of Little Britain Grange and takes an active interest in public affairs of this locality.
GEORGE W. PETERS (deceased), a prominent business man of Newburgh, was born in Poughkeepsie in 1826, a son of Charles and Phoebe (Dean) Peters. At the age of sixteen he engaged with his father in the meat business in New York City, and in 1847 became a member of the firm of Charles Peters & Son, which continued until 1863, when he sold the business and moved to Newburgh, where he engaged in farming for two and a half years. In 1869 he opened a meat market at 113 Water street, which he conducted with his sons until 1882, when he retired.
Mr. Peters was actively identified with public affairs in Newburgh. Under Mayor Doyle he was superintendent of streets for two terms. For many years he was president of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; also president of the Horse Thief Protective Society. He joined the Masonic fraternity in 1852, and was a member of the board of trustees of the Unitarian Church. He died in 1907.
ALBERT H. F. PHILLIPS was born at Oswego, N. Y., in 1866. His education was acquired at Oswego and the old Middletown Academy, graduating from the latter in 1880. His parents were John G. and Mary (Fisher) Phillips. Mr. Phillips has been identified with the New York, Ontario & Western Railroad as foreman for a period of fourteen years. In 1904 he assumed the position of master painter of the O. & W. shops, which position he still holds. He was married to Elizabeth Anna Heckroth, of Delaware County, N. Y., October 18, 1888. Their one child, Clara, was born April 8, 1893. In politics Mr. Phillips is a Republican. He has served as inspector of elections at various times and has been a delegate to assembly and city conventions. Socially he is a member of Hoffman Lodge, No. 412, F. and A. M., Lancelot Lodge, K. of P., and Wallkill Council, Jr. O. U. A. M., of Middletown. He is a member of the North Congregational Church and served as deacon and treasurer for the past seventeen years.
JOHN EVERTSON PHILLIPS, of Goshen, N. Y., son of William and Sarah E. Phillips, was born in Phillipsburgh, March 20, 1805. Graduated from Williams College in 1825. He studied law with Henry G. Wilner and after his admission to the bar in 1828 was associated with him in his profession until his death, December 17, 1841. He was married March 1, 1832, to Elizabeth T. Wisner, daughter of his partner, Henry G. Wisner. There were three daughters born of this union. Miss Harriet H. is still residing at the home which has been, occupied by the family since 1836.
JOHN F. PIERCE, supervisor of the town of Highlands, was born at Fishkill Landing, N. Y., March 7, 1844. He attended school at Wappingers Falls, and during the Civil War served on the schooner Norma, carrying ammunition to the various ports. He was subsequently at West Point eight years in the butcher business, and removed to Highland Falls in 1873, where he continued his meat market and in later years engaged in the livery business.
Politically Mr. Pierce is a Republican and has long been identified with public affairs of the town and village. In 1889 he was elected assessor, serving continuously until the fall of 1907, when he resigned to fill the office of supervisor. Mr. Pierce has also served about twelve years as school trustee.
GEORGE PIERSON, who has resided on his present estate for about sixty years, in the town of Hamptonburgh, is well known in Orange County. He came from one of the oldest and most respected families of the state. His great-grandfather, Silas Pierson, who came to this county from Long Island about 1750, and settled on the old Pierson farm in Hamptonburgh, was the great-grandson of John Pierson, who emigrated from England about 1650 and settled at South Hampton, Long Island, where he died in 1669.
George Pierson was born January 1, 1824, and is the son of Henry Pierson, also a native of the same place. His mother was Miss Mary Shaw, a native of Orange County, and four of her eight children grew to manhood and womanhood. Of these George was the eldest. Mr. Pierson's father died in 1866 and his mother in 1853. George Pierson obtained his early education at the district school and afterward became a student of the Amherst Academy, at Amherst, Mass. He married Miss Mary E. Thompson, daughter of Oliver Thompson, December 20, 1848. Their union resulted in the birth of four children. In 1849 Mr. Pierson moved to his present farm where he has resided over fifty years. He is interested in all public affairs and has held the office of justice of the peace since 1869, having served continuously with the exception of two years. He served as assessor from 1884 to 1899. He is a member of Goshen Lodge, No. 365, F. and A. M. He was a trustee of the Hamptonburgh Presbyterian Church for thirty-nine years. At the time of Henry Clay's nomination for president, in 1844, Mr. Pierson was not quite of age, but he attended the next town meeting and has been in attendance ever since with one exception, in 1888. which was the only time he failed, and has attended every general election since he was of age. He was a member of the old Campbell Hall Grange, now out of existence. Mr. Pierson has a well stocked dairy farm and is new retired.
JOHN PIERSON, of the town of Mount Hope, was born on the homestead farm, near Otisville, Orange County, N. Y., in 1834. His father was Silas G. and mother Salome B. (Cook) Pierson. Four children were born of this union. Two died in infancy. Harriet N., wife of Alsop W. Dodge, of Otisville, died July 20, 1897. John Pierson acquired his early education at the district school in his locality and at the public school at Middletown. He has resided on his present farm for a period of over seventy years. He is a Republican in politics and takes an active part in local affairs. He has been assessor for twenty years, has served as inspector of election for the town of Mount Hope about fifteen years, is a member of the Otisville Presbyterian Church and the Otisville Grange. His children are Silas G. and John M., of Denver, Colo.; Frank and Cora, at home; Helen G., wife of Ebenezer Bull; Saloma C., of Philadelphia, and Susan C, a teacher at Amityville, Long Island.
GEORGE A. POST, a successful contractor and builder, of Port Jervis, N. Y., was born at Saugerties, Ulster County, N. Y., and there learned his trade of carpenter. In 1889 he engaged in the contracting business at Port Jervis, and since that time has erected many of that city's prominent business blocks and residences. Mr. Post is a member of the Elks, and Confidence Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F., of Saugerties. He has served as trustee of the village and was one of the first aldermen when Port Jervis became a city. He married Hannah J. Bross, of Ten Mile River, Sullivan County, and they have four children: Fannie E., who married Charles Clark; George H., a mail carrier, married Tillie Headley; Minnie, residing at home, and Lillie, a school teacher at Westbrookville, this county.
A. E. POWERS, manager of the Port Jervis plant of Swift & Co., is a native of Charleston, N. H., and has occupied this responsible position for a period of eleven years. Mr. Powers is prominent in business and social circles and is identified with the Masonic fraternity, the Elks and Odd Fellows.
JAMES J. PROCTOR was born September 1, 1878, at Greycourt, Orange County, N. Y. He acquired his early education in the schools of Orange County and at an early age he became associated with his father, John R. Proctor, in the management of the hotel at Greycourt. His father was a charter member of the Walton Hose Company, of Chester, N. Y., and a respected and energetic business man. James was married June 12, 1906, to Mary Gardner, of Highland Falls, N. Y. Mr. Proctor has been first assistant foreman of the Walton Hose Company, of Chester, for over four years, and has been a member ten years. His brother, Henry J., was born May 27, 1875, and is identified with him in the hotel business at Greycourt. Their father died January 29, 1904.
CHARLES PURDY was born March 15, 1842, in Sullivan County, near New Vernon, N. Y. His parents were Ebenezer and Hettie (Warner) Purdy. There were nine children in the parents' family, of whom six are still living. Charles attended the district schools in Sullivan County, after which he worked at farming until 1864. He then engaged with the Erie Railroad as brakeman and later had charge of a construction and switch engine for some time.
He married Jessie A. Wardrop, of Goshen, N. Y., October 18, 1876. Mr. Purdy is now baggage master at the Erie and has served since 1883. His wife, who died December 22, 1905, was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Middletown.
JOHN H. QUAID, who conducts a wholesale and retail grocery store in Water street, Newburgh, succeeded to the business that was established in 1834 by his father, John Quaid, a native of Limerick County, Ireland, who came to Newburgh when a young man and began business in Oldtown at the junction of what is now Liberty street and Gidney avenue, where he remained until 1850, when he removed to the present location, 136 Water street. In 1857 his eldest son, William, became a partner and the firm was changed to John Quaid & Son. In 1871 John H. purchased his father's interest and the firm of William Quaid & Brother was formed, continuing until 1881, when William retired and John H. has since continued the business. Mr. Quaid has acquired much valuable real estate in Newburgh.
The parents of their mother, whose maiden name was McGathern, settled on a farm m the town of Blooming Grove in 1807. It is said of their grandmother that she was awarded the first premium for butter making for many years by the Agricultural Society.
Mr. John H. Quaid married Margaret Lord Fancher, daughter of Lewis Fancher, of Cornwall. She was a Daughter of the Revolution and at the time of her death in 1896 was president of St. Luke's Hospital, of which her husband was a trustee. Mr. Quaid is a member of the City Club, Newburgh Historical Society, and with his brother, William, a vestryman of St. Paul's Church.
WILLIAM B. RAMAGE was born in Branchville, Sussex County, N. J., January 16, 1858, and was educated in the Branchville and Morristown schools and the S. S. Seward Institute, of Florida, Orange County. In 1866 he learned the trade of carriage painting with Abraham Watts, of Florida, worked for him three years, and in 1871 engaged in business for himself in Florida, where he has continued during the thirty-six years intervening. Being a zealous Republican and an active political worker, he has held office for the past twelve years, and is now overseer of the poor and constable. He is a member of Wawayanda Lodge, No. 34, I. O. O. F., and of Warwick Lodge, No. 544, F. and A. M. He married May Jane Givens, of Florida, June 3, 1870. They have had ten children, only four of whom are living. Hattie, wife of Charles Hall, of Paterson, N. J.; Frank P., at home; Jessie, wife of M. Barry, of Florida, and Leon, at home. The mother is an earnest and active Methodist.
Mr. Ramage's father came to this country from England when he was ten years of age, went to Sussex County, N. J., and has resided there since. His wife's name was Elizabeth and they were the parents of fourteen children.
HOMER RAMSDELL, for a century the foremost citizen of Newburgh, N. Y., was born at Warren, Mass., August 12. 1810. His father was Joseph Ramsdell, the fourth of that name in descent from Joseph and Martha (Bowker) Ramsdell, who emigrated from England to Plymouth, Mass. in 1643. His mother was Ruth Stockbridge, of Hanover, Mass., a descendant of John Stockbridge, who came from England in 1638. They were married at Hanover February 3, 1800, and moved to Warren, where the following children were born: Joseph, Mary and Homer. In 1829 Homer went to New York City, where he was employed in dry goods houses. Three years later he began business there under the firm name of Ramsdell & Brown, dealers in silks and fancy white goods. He continued this mercantile career until 1840, when he took up his permanent residence in Newburgh, superintending the various interests of Mr. Thomas Powell, who was engaged in shipping and banking business here. In 1844 Mr. Ramsdell became a member of the firm of Thomas Powell & Co., and thenceforth until Mr. Powell's death in 1856 he was largely the administrator of Mr. Powell's affairs. By purchase and consolidation Mr. Ramsdell added other forwarding lines to his enterprises and soon stood at the head of the transportation business on the Hudson. Details of Mr. Ramsdell's connection with the Erie Railroad appear elsewhere. In 1845 he was elected a member of the board of directors of this corporation and in 1853 was chosen president of the company, resigning the office in July, 1857. He was intimately identified with the various local institutions of Newburgh and a prompt contributor to all progressive and elevating movements of his day.
Mr. Ramsdell was married June 16, 1835, to Frances E. L., daughter of Thomas Powell, of Newburgh, and the following children survive: Frances J., widow of Major George W. Rains; James A. P., H. Powell and Homer Stockbridge.
WILLIAM CHESTER RAMSDELL, the subject of this sketch, was born in the town of Greenville, Greene County, N. Y., December 29, 1858. His father was Luman S. Ramsdell, a nephew of Luman Ramsdell, of Norton Hill, who was connected with the State Agricultural Society and has had much to do with the agricultural interests of the state and also with the co-operative or mutual insurance companies, he having established practically the first mutual insurance company in the state of New York.
The mother of William C. Ramsdell was Laura Ann Gedney before her marriage, and a direct descendant from an officer of the Revolutionary army.
When about seven years old the parents of William C. Ramsdell moved to Albany County, where his life was spent upon a farm until after he was of age. He attended the country schools and the academy which was established at South Westerlo. Later he attended Starkey Seminary and after teaching in the country schools for a few years he took the three-year normal course at Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio, the institution made famous by Horace Mann, who was its first president. After teaching a year or two in the public schools a course was taken with the Albany Business College and a year spent as teacher of commercial subjects in the high school at Attica, Indiana, after which Mr. Ramsdell entered the regular business college work with the Goldev College at Wilmington, Delaware.
At the close of the year's work the subject of this sketch was married to Miss Elizabeth C. Van Trump, of Wilmington, Delaware. The next four years were spent with the Drake Business School at Jersey City, N. J.
In 1895 Mr. Ramsdell opened the Ramsdell School in Middletown, N. Y., and for the last twelve years has conducted the school on North street. The school has continued to grow and has attained an excellent reputation in Orange County and vicinity for thorough and efficient work.
JAMES RAZEY, who resides near Florida, Orange County, is one of the representative agriculturists of that section. He was born on a farm near Harnell, Chemung County, N. Y., February 16, 1851. His education was acquired at the district school and Alfred University. He removed to Elmira, where he was engaged in art work for a period of ten years. From Elmira he removed to Chester, N. Y., and purchased the "Broadview" farm, which he successfully conducted for ten years. He built the unique Razey cottage at Chester, which is one of the artistic houses in the county. His father died August 6, 1864, of yellow fever. His mother's name was Abigail Withey. There were four children in his parents' family. Our subject married Susan, daughter of David R. and Anna Feagles. Their three children are Ethel Denton, aged twenty-three years; Danforth, aged twenty years, and James Lester, aged seventeen years. Mr. Razey married for his second wife Mrs. Phoebe J. Smith, of Florida, October 16, 1906. He occupies a dairy farm of one hundred and sixty acres.
Mr. Razey is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Chester and in politics is a republican.
CHARLES IRA REDFIELD, M. D., was born in the town of Wallkill, Orange County, January 31, 1873. He is a son of Foster C., died February 6, 1875, and Sarah Louise (Fanning) Redfield, still living. The subject of this sketch attained his early education at the Wallkill Academy and graduated in 1891. He also attended the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania of 1891-4, graduating June 7, 1894. In the fall of 1894 he attended the Presbyterian Hospital outpatient department of Philadelphia, Pa., until February, 1895. In the spring of 1895 he opened an office in Middletown. He is now visiting physician of the Thrall Hospital. He has served as secretary of the New York State Medical Association 1904-5. Secretary Orange County Medical Association 1901-4, and was president Orange County Medical Society during 1905. He is a charter member of the B. C. Hirst Obstetrical Society of Philadelphia, Pa. He is a member of Hoffman Lodge, No. 412, F. and A. M.; Midland Chapter, R. A. M., No. 240, and Cypress Commandery, No. 67. He was one of the organizers of the physicians' club of Middletown; a member of Middletown University Club, National Geographic Society, American Society of Sanitary and Moral Prophylaxis, and a member of the board of education. He was health officer in 1898 and is a member and a trustee of the Second Presbyterian Church. Dr. Redfield married Miss Ira Anna Louise Barker, of Roxbury, Mass., October 20, 1897.
GEORGE W. REED was born July, 1842, at South Centreville, in what was then the town of Minisink, but now in the town of Wawayanda, Orange County. Born of Scotch parentage he was reared on the homestead farm and received a common school education. At the opening of the war he enlisted in the Union Army, October, 1861, as a member of Company C, First New York Mounted Rifles. He was sent with his company to Virginia, participating in the battle of Petersburg and other engagements of the war. He was mustered out at Albany as corporal in December, 1865, having served more than four years. After the war he returned to Middletown and worked at the carpenter's trade, and has been identified with building and contracting business there for many years. He is a charter member of Captain William A. Jackson Post, No. 301, G. A. R., and is its commander. He is a member of the First Congregational Church of Middletown, N. Y. He is a republican and has filled many local offices and is at present a member of the board of education.
HENRY WILSON REED was born at Middletown, Orange County, N. Y., November 3, 1875. His education was acquired at the old Wallkill Academy. After his schooling he became identified with Fort Wayne Electric Light Co. for a period of seven years. From 1889 to 1891 he was vice-president of the Enterprise Electric Co., of Middletown, N. Y. In 1896 he engaged in the electrical construction business, which business he still carries on. He has done the electrical work in the best homes and public buildings in Orange County, and is endorsed by the State Underwriters' Association. He married Helen K. Biddlebrook, only daughter of William H. Wood, of Chester, N. Y., April 9, 1901.
In politics Mr. Reed is a republican. He is a member of the Wallkill Engine Co. of Middletown and the National Electrical Contractors' Association of America. He is a member of the First Congregational Church of Middletown, N. Y.
MARK REEKS, president and treasurer of the John G. Wilkinson Company, Newburgh, N. Y., wholesale and retail dealers in carriages, harness, etc., was born in London in 1869. Came to America in 1888, and entered the employ of John G. Wilkinson as bookkeeper. Following the death of Mr. Wilkinson in 1905 Mr. Reeks became executor and manager of the estate and in 1906 purchased the Wilkinson interest and the present company was organized. The business of which Mr. Reeks is now the head was established in 1867 and the trade extends throughout New England, New Jersey and New York.
JOHN REILLY, assessor of the town of Highlands, Orange County, N. Y., has ably filled that office for the past twenty years. He is a native of County Mayo, Ireland, and sailed for America in 1863 on the old ship France. He was employed for a time at Poughkeepsie and Newburgh, and in 1870 came to West Point and joined the United States Cavalry, in which he served five years, including one year and a half in the ordnance department. In 1875 Mr. Reilly established his hotel and livery, which he has conducted with much success. He has always taken an active interest in politics and is a member of the Republican county committee. Socially he is a member of the Knights of Honor and the A. O. H. He married Miss Jane Cook, daughter of ex-Supervisor Cook. He was appointed postmaster of Highland Falls under President McKinley's administration, but declined the office.
A. SMITH RING, for many years prominent in financial and public affairs of Newburgh, was born in that city in 1838, a son of Thomas C. and Catherine (Speir) Ring. After graduating from the academy, he was employed by the Powell Bank until 1858, when he became connected with the Newburgh Savings Bank, of which his father was treasurer. The latter part of Mr. Ring's life was spent in retirement from active business pursuits, devoting his attention to the management of his large property interests.
A firm believer in the principles of the democratic party, he was elected city treasurer in 1875. He was appointed one of the trustees of Washington's headquarters and treasurer of the board. He was a member of the board of managers of the Associated Charities and took a deep and active interest in philanthropic work.
October 5, 1881, Mr. Ring was united in marriage with Miss Frances Ludlow, daughter of the late George W. Kerr. One child, Thomas Ludlow, was born to them.
In the death of Mr. Ring, which occurred July 8, 1893, Newburgh lost a citizen of more than ordinary ability, who occupied a high place in the regard of his associates.
SAMUEL D. ROBERSON, of Bullville, Orange County, N. Y., was born in the town of Crawford in 1849, a son of Samuel and Margaret (Martin) Roberson. His father was a native of Westchester County, and for many years was proprietor of the Bullville Hotel. Our subject was educated at the public schools and for three years managed the Bullville Hotel. He then built a creamery and was also engaged in a general mercantile business.
As a leader in democratic politics Mr. Roberson is widely known to the voters of Orange County. He was chosen chairman of the democratic county committee in 1896, and for twelve years was elected to the office of supervisor in Crawford town.
In 1870 Mr. Roberson married Miss Hannah Powles of Newburgh. Seven children were born to them, of whom four sons and one daughter are living.
HON. CHARLES DWIGHT ROBINSON was born in Auburn, Cayuga County, N. Y., February 6, 1860. He was educated in the public schools of his native city.
Mr. Robinson is a descendant of George Robinson, who settled in Rehoboth, in the State of Massachusetts, in 1645. His ancestry on both sides was very active in the trying times of the American Revolution. His father, William Philip Robinson, located in Auburn in 1844; his mother was Louise E., daughter of William Clark Smith and Amer Lewis. Mr. Smith was a grandson of Anning Smith, of Milton, Ulster County, N. Y.. an officer in the Revolutionary War. On the paternal side of Mr. Robinson, his ancestors, Zephaniah Robinson and Philip Robinson, served in Massachusetts regiments, Philip being a sergeant. William Robinson, a cousin of Philip, served in a Connecticut regiment, in the Revolution.
Mr. Robinson, since leaving school, has been active in many lines of usefulness, which he was well adapted for. Prior to 1883 he was cashier for the Chicago branch of D. M. Osborne & Co., of Auburn. He removed to Newburgh, N. Y., in November, 1883, and entered the firm of John Dales & Co., real estate and insurance, where he has since continued.
Mr. Robinson in politics is a republican. He has been identified with municipal affairs of Newburgh since 1894, first serving as alderman from his (Fourth) ward in 1894 and 1895; president of the common council from March, 1895, to March, 1900, and from March, 1904, to March, 1906. He became well informed as to the city's conditions and needs, and being a thorough, economical business man, he was chosen as its mayor in 1906-1907. He has been trustee of Washington's headquarters since 1893, having been appointed by Governor Roswell P. Flower, and reappointed by Governors Black, Odell and Hughes.
Mr. Robinson is a member of the Sons of the Revolution, the Historical Society of the Newburgh Bay and the Highlands, Hudson River Lodge, No. 52; Hudson River Commandery, No. 35, Knight Templar; the Robinson Genealogical Society, and the Newburgh City Club. He has been married twice. His first marriage was to Mary B. Dales, February 16, 1882. They had one daughter, Julia. Mrs. Robinson died January 14, 1900. His second marriage was to Anna B. Colwell, January 30, 1902. They have one son, Charles D., Jr.
JAMES ROBERTSON was born December 6, 1846, at Liberty, Sullivan County, N. Y. His parents were Bronson and Abigail (Stoddard) Robertson. Our subject acquired his education at the public school. At an early age he learned the carpenters' trade, which he followed for some years. He joined the navy in 1864 and was assigned the position as ship carpenter on the Sweet Briar, one of the boats that made up the South Atlantic blockading squadron. He served until 1866 and received an honorable discharge. After the war he resided in Chicago for three years, after which he returned to Monticello, Sullivan County, and followed his trade for a time. He was identified with the Erie R. R. at Port Jervis for ten years as foreman of the carpenters' department of the Delaware division. In 1902 he was appointed manager of the bottling department of the Deer Park Brewery, and in 1906 was made general manager, which position he still holds. Mr. Robertson married Mary E. Kinne, of Monticello, N. Y., March 2, 1871. Socially he is a member of the Port Jervis Lodge No. 328, F. & A. M., Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias.
FREDERICK O. ROCKAFELLOW, one of the leading funeral directors and embalmers of Middletown, N. Y., was born in that city May 14, 1864. After graduating from the Middletown High School and Wallkill Academy, he entered the undertaking establishment of his father, John D. Rockafellow, and acquainted himself with every detail of the business. Upon the death of his father, Frederick came into possession of the business, which he has since conducted successfully. This business was established by his father in 1861, and is the oldest establishment of the kind in Middletown. John D. Rockafellow was one of Middletown's most progressive and public spirited citizens, he was chief of the fire department for many years and always took a deep interest and lent ready aid in the furtherance of projects benefiting the community. Frederick O. Rockafellow married Marguerite R. Oliver, of Chicago, Ill., and to them have been born two sons: Frederick O., Jr., and John D. Mr. Rockafellow is a member of Lancelot Lodge, No. 169, K. of P.; an honorary member of the Excelsior hook and ladder company and a member of the Middletown Club. The family attend Westminster Church.
LEWIS N. L. ROCKWELL was born at Narrowsburg, Sullivan County, N. Y., May 12, 1875. He attained his education at the public school. He also attended the Albany business college. In 1896 he accepted a position as bookkeeper in New York City in a wholesale house. November 6, 1905, he removed to Otisville and purchased the general store of Joel Northrop, where he has since continued the business. He married Miss Irene Bloomberg, of Narrowsburg, January 10, 1900. In politics he is a democrat. Socially he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. There were thirteen children in his parents' family and there are still living four sons and two daughters. His brother, George W., has served two terms as county clerk of Sullivan County.
ALFRED B. ROE, of Chester, N. Y., was born at that place June 9, 1880. He graduated from Chester Academy and later attended Lafayette College, at Easton, Pa. Following his schooling he assisted his father on the home farm. He married Frances A. Decker, of Chester, April 3, 1902, and they have one son, Alfred Russell, born January 30, 1905.
Mr. Roe's parents were Alfred Booth and Martha (Durland) Roe. The homestead farm has been in the possession of the family for about one hundred and seventy-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Roe are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Chester.
D. HOWELL ROE, of Florida, Orange County, was born October 25, 1838. After he finished his district school education, at the age of eighteen, he became clerk in William Vail's grocery store and worked there several years, when he engaged in the livery business at Chester, near the Erie Railroad station. He sold out a few years later and opened a grocery and feed store in Chester, which he conducted until his death, November 29, 1880. He was town clerk and supervisor many years, holding the latter office until poor health obliged him to decline a re-nomination by the democratic party, to which he belonged. He went South, remained there a year, and afterward spent two winters there for his health. He was a member of the Standard Lodge of Chester and of the Methodist Church. He married Elizabeth Rysdyk, of Chester, June 7, 1854. Their two children died in infancy.
FRED ROGERS, manufacturer, of Middletown, N. Y., was born at Brewster, Putnam County, N. Y., July 12, 1859. His parents were both of English extraction, his father, Joseph, having been born near Oxford, and his mother, Penelope Wilkin, near Bristol, England. Joseph Rogers settled at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and engaged in the manufacture of drums and banjo heads, afterward removing to Bloomingburgh, Sullivan County, N. Y., where he learned his trade. Fred obtained his education at the district school at Bloomingburg and Snooks Academy at Monticello, N. Y. After leaving school he entered the drum head manufactory of his father at Bloomingburg, and continued with him until the death of the latter in 1901, when he succeeded to the business. His mother died in 1896. Mr. Rogers married Harriet Pellet Moore, of Middletown, N. Y., November 28, 1888, and four children were born to them: Penelope, Ruth Bradner, died November 25, 1907; Helen Hyde and Clara Elizabeth. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum and Knights of Pythias. His brother, Joseph, now conducts the factory established by his father at Bloomingburg. Mr. Rogers opened his present factory at Mechanicstown, near Middletown, in 1897.
WILLIAM H. ROGERS was born December 29, 1845, in Sullivan County, N. Y. He is a son of James and Elizabeth Rogers. In 1859 he moved to Middletown, where he acquired his education, attending the old Orchard street school and Wallkill Academy. He engaged in the drug business in 1868, and is at present senior member of the drug firm of McMonagle & Rogers, of Middletown. He married Miss Amelia Chattle, of Middletown, May 19, 1869. To this union three children were born: Fred S., Thomas C, district attorney of Orange County, and Elizabeth, wife of Wickham Wisner Young, of Middletown. Mr. Rogers supports the republican party. He is ex-president of the board of education, ex-member of the board of water commissioners, and president of the board of managers of Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital and ex-president of the New York State Pharmaceutical Association, charter member Monhagen hose company, member Royal Arcanum, Concordia Council, No. 1077, and Hoffman Lodge, No. 412, F. and A. M., of Middletown.
CHARLES W. ROSE was born September 9, 1836, at Canajoharie, N. Y. He attended the district school at Amsterdam. At an early age he learned the milling business, and has been identified with that for many years. He worked at the Tivoli Railroad Mills, at Albany, which was built previous to the Revolutionary War. In 1850 he operated the Garden City Mill, at Chicago, for two years. He was an engineer on the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad between Albany and Syracuse. He returned to Albany and ran the engine in the same mill for a period of four years after it was operated by steam. In 1863 he went to New York City, taking charge of the William Tildert & Nephew Varnish Works, which position he held for twelve years, after which he spent two years abroad. Mr. Rose then came to Burnside, Orange County, and purchased the saw and grist mill, which he operated for eight years in connection with a general store. He has been postmaster of Burnside for several years. In politics he is a republican and served one term as supervisor, and as justice of the peace several years.
He married Sophia Schweishelm, of Hanover, Germany. Three children were born to this union. One died, by accident, aged twenty-one years; Harry, with the Mead Morrison Manufacturing Company, of New York, and Frieda Dorothy, residing at home. Mr. and Mrs. Rose are members of the Presbyterian Church at Campbell Hall.
HENRY ELKANAH ROSE is one of nine children of Silas and Elmira Rose, and was born at Sugar Loaf, Orange County, February 15, 1850. He attended the district school and the Seward Institute at Florida, after which he assisted his father on the farm until he was eighteen, when he learned the wheelwright trade and, later, blacksmithing, and has since been an industrious man in these occupations and farming. He is a member of the Sugar Loaf Methodist Church and politically is a democrat. September 23, 1878, he married Mary Fitzgerald of Warwick, and they have three children: Nellie E., born April 11, 1880, wife of Henry Ames, of Stamford, N. Y.; Edith S., born March 10, 1883, wife of Fletcher A. Herrod, of Miami, Florida, and Floyd William Dudley, born September 2, 1884, living in Maxwell, Neb. The grandmother of Mrs. Rose was Mary Booth, a granddaughter of Sarah Wells, reputed to be the first white woman who came to Orange County.
JOSEPH H. ROSE, retired brick manufacturer, Newburgh N. Y.; born at Hamburg, N. Y., 1865; son of John C. and Phoebe (Myers) Rose; removed with his parents to Haverstraw, N. Y., where he attended the academy; has resided in Newburgh since 1883, when the Rose Brick Company was established at Roseton, Orange County, N. Y., with which Joseph H. was connected until 1902, when he retired from active business.
ELMER E. ROOSA, attorney, of Newburgh, N. Y., was born in New Paltz, Ulster County, N. Y., in 1861. He is of Holland ancestry and came to Newburgh with his parents in 1870. After graduating from the academy, he read law in the office of Messrs. Scott & Hirschberg, and was admitted to the bar in 1882. He continued in the office of his preceptors, and when Mr. Hirschberg was advanced to a judicial position, Mr. Roosa took up the extensive practice attending the office. Mr. Roosa is vice-president of the Newburgh Planing Mill and interested in various local enterprises. He is a member of the Hudson River Lodge, F. and A. M.; Highland Chapter and Hudson River Commandery.
EDWARD C. ROSS, treasurer of the Coldwell Lawn Mower Company, has been identified with this important industry since its incorporation. He is a native of Newburgh, a son of Henry and Jane (Cleland) Ross. After graduating from the Newburgh Academy and Eastman Business College he formed a partnership with his brother George H., to continue the flour and grist mill established by their father. He disposed of his interest in 1903 to devote his entire attention to the manufacture of lawn mowers. For two years he represented the company abroad, with headquarters in London, England. Mr. Ross was for many years a member of the Newburgh board of education. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity and a member of the City Club. He married Miss Jennie M. Coldwell, and two sons and a daughter have been born to them.
SEWARD U. ROUND, attorney, of Newburgh, was born in Florida, Orange County, N. Y., in 1856. He was educated at Seward Institute, attended Albany Law School, and was admitted to the bar in 1880. Formed partnership with Eugene A. Brewster, Jr., which was continued two years, when the firm of Round & Chatterton was organized and continued until the death of Mr. Chatterton.
Mr. Round is a member of the Chapter and Commandery in the Masonic order, and is affiliated with Trinity M. E. Church.
John Wesley Round, the father of Seward U. Round, was born July 22, 1822, at Richfield, Otsego County, N. Y., and died at Florida, N. Y., January 5, 1862, aged thirty-nine years.
John W. Round graduated from Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn., in the class of 1843, and after teaching at various points assumed the principalship of S. S. Seward Institute at Florida, N. Y., where he remained from 1851 to 1862, the date of his death. He was called to other higher institutions of learning, but at the request and desire of Wm. H. Seward, who was closely identified with the institute, he was prevailed upon to remain and conduct the Seward Institute, which was in a flourishing condition at his death. John W. Round was a linguist, mastering no less than seven languages and also a natural-born musician, playing several instruments skilfully. Socially the whole community and those who knew him will give constant testimony of his great success and attainments, and his scholastic ability can be attested by many men now in prominent public life.
JOSEPH W. ROWLAND, general superintendent of the New York Knife Company, mention of which appears elsewhere in this work, was born in Connecticut in 1849. He came with his father, Joseph Rowland, to Walden, in 1856, and learned the cutlery trade. In 1884, upon the death of his father, he was made general superintendent and ultimately succeeded him as vice-president of the company, continuing in that office until the reorganization of the company. Mr. Rowland is a director of the Walden Savings Bank and trustee of the Wallkill Valley Cemetery Association.
HENRY RUDOLPH, former supervisor of the Fifth ward, Newburgh, was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, in 1853, a son of Henry and Wilhelmina (Helfinch) Rudolph, who were natives of the same province. At the age of fifteen Mr. Rudolph was apprenticed to learn the baker's trade. In 1870 he sailed for New York, where he worked at his trade. He was for a time in business in Matteawan, N. Y., and in 1880 came to Newburgh, where he has built up an extensive wholesale and retail bakery business.
Politically Mr. Rudolph is a republican and has always taken an active part to advance the interests of his party. He has represented his ward in the common council, and in 1902 was elected a member of the board of supervisors and continuously re-elected to serve until December 31, 1907.
ARCHIBALD E. RUGGLES was born at Windsor, Vt. His parents were Edgar M. and Emma S. Ruggles. He acquired his early education at the public school in his home town. At an early age Mr. Ruggles identified himself with a clothing firm in Claremont, N. H., and was there seven years, after going to New Berlin, N. Y., where he took the management of a store. In April, 1902, he purchased the John E. Adams store in Middletown, which he still operates. He was married to Miss Minnie L. Ainsworth, of Claremont, N. H., October 18, 1899. In politics Mr. Ruggles is a republican. Socially he is a member of Phoebus Lodge, No. 82, F. and A. M., of New Berlin, N. Y., and of Concordia Council, No. 1077, Royal Arcanum, of Middletown. He was elected exalted ruler of the Elks' Lodge, No. 1097, of Middletown, N. Y., at the institution of the lodge, December 31, 1907.
GEORGE M. SANFORD was the third son of the late Deacon Ezra Sanford, and was born in the town of Warwick on November 5, 1821. His mother was the late Adeline Terry. His brothers were Pierson Ezra (and only survivor), Uriah Terry and William More. His sisters were Hester Ann Price, Mary Elizabeth, Julia A. Morehouse, Abigail Gabriel and Emily S. Tuttle. The two last named are still living. He married Frances Amelia, a daughter of the late Captain Nathaniel Wheeler Baird. They celebrated their golden wedding in 1897. Mr. Sanford died on January 6, 1900, and left surviving his widow and the following children: Lansing Haight (who died the same year), Ferdinand Van Derveer, George Alden, Mary Elizabeth, John Wheeler and Francis Baird. Lansing Haight left one child, Mrs. Edward W. Everitt, of Newark, N. J.
Mr. Sanford was one of Warwick's most un-ostentatious and sterling citizens. He was for many years prominent in business and associated with the substantial and conservative institutions of the valley. He was one of the organizers and directors of the First National Bank, a promoter and director of the Warwick Valley Railroad Company, succeeded by the present Lehigh and Hudson River Railway.
He was the first and continuous president of the Warwick Cemetery Association, a model for success and careful methods. He was a successful farmer and financier.
He was an ardent republican in politics and rarely missed voting. Without being an office seeker he was at one time the supervisor of the town. Being an ardent patriot and unable in the early sixties to qualify as a soldier and go to the front, he aided by recruiting between fifty and sixty men for service under his country's flag.
He had a most equable disposition; kindly and charitable. He took a great interest in young men and loved to help them, and not a few in the town owe much of success to the wise counsel and start in life he gave them.
A quiet vein of humor was always ready to manifest itself when that part of his nature was appealed to. He was also noted for his hospitable traits, and many, far and near, will testify to sharing the comforts and pleasantries of his attractive home.
JAMES EVERETT SANFORD was born at Sandfordville, near Warwick, January 21, 1859. His education was obtained at the public school at Warwick. After his schooling he was connected with the Demarest creamery near Warwick for nearly two years. He then clerked for A. J. Burt at Bellvale for two years, after which he took the management of the home farm. During the summer of 1887 Mr. Sanford traveled in Europe. In 1889 he became identified with R. C. Williams & Co., wholesale grocers, of New York, and continued with this firm nearly twelve years as traveling salesman. In the fall of 1901 he was elected county treasurer and served the county in an efficient manner for six years. Socially he is a member of Warwick Lodge No. 544, F. and A. M., Warwick Club and Sons of the Revolution. In politics he is a republican. He is treasurer and director of the Warwick Knife Co. and attends the Baptist Church of Warwick.
JOHN W. SANFORD. Among the leading business men of Warwick, none have done more for the up building and advancement of the town than the gentleman whose name heads this review. He was born May 13, 1864, at Warwick, Orange County, N. Y. His parents were George W. and Frances A. (Baird) Sanford. He obtained his early education at the public school, graduating in 1883, after which he took an agricultural course at Cornell. In 1889 he started in the insurance, real estate and brokerage business at Warwick. Mr. Sanford gives his personal attention to two farms, which are stocked with one hundred head of the finest cattle.
He married Miss Bertha M. Furman, of Warwick, October 6, 1897. They have two children: Frances Isabel, born February 11, 1900, and Bertha Elizabeth, born January 29, 1905. In politics he is a republican, and is identified with the Old Dutch Reformed Church of Warwick. He is a director of the First National Bank, president of Warwick Cemetery Association, director of Warwick Valley Telephone Company, director and treasurer Warwick Inn. Company, director and treasurer Unionville Water Works Company, director of the Florida Water Works Company and trustee Warwick Savings Bank.
WILLIAM MOORE SANFORD was born August 17, 1827. His parents were Ezra and Adaline (Terry) Sanford. He attended the district school in his locality, after which he attended a private school at Poultney, Vt., and college at Ann Arbor Mich. The subject of this sketch and his father were identified at Sandfordville, Orange County, in the tanning business until 1880, when William M. continued the business from that period until his death, which occurred August 17, 1887. He was reared on the Sanford homestead, about two miles from Warwick. He married Sarah Burt in October, 1856. They had seven children: Charles, engaged in business in Warwick; William, of New York; Everett, residing at home; Ezra, of New York; Mary, wife of Frank Durland, of Chester, N. Y.; Addie, wife of William R. Welling, of Warwick, and Emily, wife of A. M. Reynolds, of Newark, N. J. Mr. Sanford is survived by one brother and two sisters. In politics he was a republican and served as superintendent of the poor at the time of his death.
BENJAMIN B. SAYER was born March 11, 1859, on the homestead farm, near Warwick, N. Y., which has been in the family since 1768, and was purchased by Daniel Sayer, his great-grandfather, of Henry Wisner, who lived in the town of Goshen. He obtained his early education at the Warwick Institute and has always been identified with farming. He also operates a distillery on the farm, which was established in 1812. He married Miss Annie Wagoner, of Glenburnie, Ontario, Canada, March 15, 1893. Three children were born to this union: Helen Bennett, born December 18, 1893; Mary Eraser, born June 2, 1895, and Benjamin Wagoner, born December 9, 1896. In politics Mr. Sayer is independent. He is a member of Warwick Lodge, No. 544, F. and A. M., and the Warwick grange. The farm on which Mr. Sayer resides was the place first settled on by the Warwick pioneers.
GEORGE S. SAYER, for many years a leading business man and farmer of Westtown, N. Y., was born in 1812, and died in 1884. As a young man he taught school a few years, and in 1836 went to Indiana, where he remained ten years. In 1852 he resumed farming, near Westtown, and in 1872 built a store and home in the village. He married Emeline C. Evans and six children were born, Jonathan Sayer, now the postmaster at Westtown, being the second child. After finishing his schooling he assisted his father on the farm.
He married Miss Sarah Owen and two sons were born: George O., a lawyer in New York, and Robert E., who resides at Westtown. In 1902 Mr. Sayer was appointed postmaster, and the management of the farm, passed to his son, Robert E., who was born in 1876, and educated at the schools of Hackettstown. He chose for his wife Miss Frances Horton.
WILLIAM BENJAMIN SAYER. The Sayer family is of English extraction and is mentioned as living at Poddington, England, in 1309. This is the line from which the Thomas Sayer descended, who came from Bedfordshire, England, to Lynn, Mass., and from whom the Sayers in this country are descended. He built the old Sayer single house in 1648 at Southampton, Long Island, New York, said to be the oldest English house standing in New York State.
The Sayers came to Orange County in 1750. William Benjamin Sayer, a descendant of the above mentioned Sayers, now owns and occupies the stone house situated on Main street, Warwick, N. Y., which was built by Francis Baird in 1766. It was called the Stone Tavern and was used as one until 1830. The mechanics who built this house came from New York City, and when completed it was considered the model house in this section. The most of the timbers are hewed oak with wide pine plank floors. This house has been in the Sayer family since 1858. Among the distinguished persons who stopped at the house are General George Washington and wife, and the room on the northwest corner on the second story is said to have been the room where they slept. Here are kept a number of old time relics to show to friends. The present owner, W. B. Sayer, was born in this room, March 14, 1866, and has always lived in the house with his sister, Miss M. Eva Sayer.
Rev. James Manning, a Baptist minister, and his wife, from Providence, R. I., took dinner here Sunday, September 12, 1779. He said in his diary: "We had an elegant dinner and were treated very hospitably by Francis Baird."
Marquis De Chastelliux, major-general in the French army serving under Count Rochambeau, stayed all night here with his aides, December 6, 1781. He says: "I lodged at Warwick, at a very good inn kept by Mr. Smith, who rented of Francis Baird, and had every reason to be content with this establishment."
Henry Pelton, a prominent local historian and grandfather of our surveyor of that name, when he first came here, in 1805, stayed his first night in Warwick in this house. A picture of this house will be found in this volume.
THE SCHRADE CUTLERY COMPANY, of Walden, N. Y., is the youngest of the industries that have made that village the Sheffield of America. Established in a modest way April 19, 1904, by George and J. Louis Schrade, its growth has been very rapid and the value of their product now exceeds $100,000 worth annually. The plant which the company erected is a substantial frame structure, thirty by eighty-five feet, three stories in height, equipped with modern machinery and up-to-date methods of manufacture, employing about one hundred hands. One hundred different styles of pen and pocket knives are produced and the goods find a ready market all over the United States. The Schrade brothers are natives of Williamsport, Pa. George, the president of the company, has resided in Walden since 1894, and is the inventor, patentee and for ten years the sole manufacturer of the press button knife in connection with the Walden Knife Works. Mr. J. Louis Schrade came to Walden in 1904. He had previously been engaged in the manufacture of self-playing pianos in New York, Boston, London and Paris. Both brothers are members of the Masonic fraternity.
CHRISTIAN H. SCHARFF was born at Amsterdam, Holland, February 26, 1834. He came to America with his father, and the family settled in Newark, N. J. He was graduated from Princeton College in 1853, and studied law with Joseph P. Bradley (justice of supreme court). With James Buchanan, Henry formed the law partnership of Henry & Scharff, at No. 14 Wall street, New York City. Frances A. (Seward) Scharff was born at Florida, N. Y., April 16, 1836. She attended the Seward Institution at Florida and later the Grove Hall Seminary for young ladies at New Haven, Conn. She was united in marriage to Christian H. Scharff, January 27, 1859.
R. ED. SCHOFIELD was born at Port Jervis, N. Y., December 10, 1853. His parents were James H. and Marguerite Cole (Elston) Schofield. His early education was obtained at the public school and Port Jervis Academy. After his schooling he read law in the office of Judge O. P. Howell, and was admitted to the bar in 1885. October, 1890, he entered into partnership with Judge O. P. Howell and Mr. Parshall, the firm being Howell, Parshall & Schofield, which continued until September, 1893, when Mr. Parshall withdrew from the firm. Mr. Schofield continued with Judge Howell until January, 1896, and since that time has continued alone. He married Miss Mary J. Finn, of Port Jervis, N. Y., January 28, 1885. Their two children are James H. and Anna C., residing at home. In politics Mr. Schofield is a republican and has served the town in various offices. He has been clerk of the board of education for twenty-five years and is now president of the Co-Operative Loan and Savings Society. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.
D. DEWITT SCHOONMAKER was born at Middletown, Orange County, N. Y. His early education was acquired at the Wallkill Academy, where he graduated in 1878. For two years he was engaged as traveling salesman, and one year in the merchandise business in Goshen, N. Y. Mr. Schoonmaker has not sought prominence in life, but has devoted himself entirely to his business. In 1882 he associated himself with the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Co., holding the position of bookkeeper for three years and assistant superintendent for seventeen years. He has been identified with the Borden Condensed Milk Co. since 1902, and for the past three years has held the position of superintendent. April 21, 1897, he married Miss Mary J. McNish, of Middletown, N. Y. He is a member of Hoffman Lodge No. 412, F. and A. M., and served as foreman of Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company for three years.
JOHN SCHOONMAKER, for nearly half a century the foremost dry goods merchant in Orange County, was born in the town of Gardiner, Ulster County, N. Y., January 25, 1830, and died at his home in Newburgh, N. Y., January 1, 1904.
The Schoonmaker family is one of the oldest in this section of New York State. The progenitor of the family in America was Hendrick Jochemsen Schoonmaker, who came to America in 1654, in the military service of the Dutch West India Company. The records show he loaned money to Governor Stuyvesant "in time of need," and was active in the military duties made necessary by the troublous times. His grandson, Captain Frederick Schoonmaker, was one of the patriots and soldiers of the Revolution, who gave himself and his property to his country in its struggle for freedom from the British yoke.
John A. Schoonmaker, father of the subject of this sketch, was a son of Major Abraham Schoonmaker of Revolutionary fame (Fourth Regiment, Ulster County Militia). He married Rachel, eldest daughter of Gustavis and Maria (Terwilliger) Sammons. Ten children were born to them, of whom John was the tenth in order of birth. He was educated at Amenia Seminary, Dutchess County. He began work upon his father's farm and continued until he was twenty-two, teaching school at Gardiner for the last winter that he remained at home. In March, 1852, with his brother Jacob, he opened a general store at Tuttletown. Soon afterward his brother lost his life in the Henry Clay disaster on the Hudson, and in a short time the Tuttletown store was sold, Mr. Schoonmaker moving to Newburgh in the fall of 1853. His first employment was with Stephen Hayt, on Water street, for his board. In three months he took a clerkship with Isaac Wood, Jr., for three years, after which he had a position for a year with Mr. Parmalee, and again returned to the store of Isaac Wood, Jr., where, under Mr. Wood's guidance, he received and acquired experience that was invaluable to him in later years.
In 1863 Mr. Schoonmaker, with Samuel C. Mills and A. Y. Weiler, purchased the dry goods business of Colonel Wood, at the northeast corner of Water and Third streets. They conducted business under the firm name of Schoonmaker, Mills & Weiler. Half a dozen lines of boats between New York and Newburgh and market wagons from the surrounding country made Newburgh an active business center, where stores were open as early as five o'clock in the morning and frequently as late as eleven o'clock at night. In 1878 the firm occupied its newly completed building at Nos. 94 and 96 Water street. This was considered a notable improvement and the firm even then had the largest dry goods store in the city. Although at first only part of the building was occupied, in a few years increased business made it necessary to occupy the whole. Mr. Mills retired in 1885 and Mr. Weiler January 1, 1898. Mr. Schoonmaker's son, Samuel V., purchased Mr. Weller's interest and the firm became John Schoonmaker & Son.
Now the firm purchased the adjoining building on the north, still further increasing its capacity for business. Mr. Schoonmaker took an active interest in the affairs of the firm until his sudden illness in the latter part of 1902, and after a protracted period of hope and fear he died on January 1, 1904, at his home, 135 Grand street. He had thus been for many years the head of Newburgh's dry goods trade. His business acquaintance was very extensive and few men enjoyed such a reputation for honor, integrity and probity, his friends and acquaintances placing implicit confidence in him, which, throughout his career, was never violated. He was a public spirited citizen, always interested in the welfare and progress of Newburgh and contributed generously to projects which promised well for its advancement, yet he never sought public office or cared to appear prominently in public. His increasing business prevented him from entering politics, although he was a member of the board of health from 1885 to 1888, in which he rendered conscientious service. He was one of the organizers of the old Newburgh board of trade, and of its successor, the Newburgh Business Men's Association, of which his son was president. He earnestly aided by counsel and purse in the building of the Palatine Hotel. For thirty-seven years he was a trustee of the Newburgh Savings Bank and for a number of years its second vice-president. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, in which he was active and efficient, serving for many terms as trustee and elder. He was also deeply interested in Bethel Mission and chapel, serving as superintendent of the chapel while health permitted. He was a member of the Holland Society of New York from 1890 until the time of his death. He was married July 2, 1862, to Mary A. Vail. The children of this marriage, Samuel V. Schoonmaker, Mrs. W. Clement Scott and Miss Elizabeth M. Schoonmaker, are all residents of Newburgh.
THEODORE D. SCHOONMAKER was born in the town of Crawford, in the County of Orange, on the 28th day of December, 1836. He was the only son of Levi Schoonmaker and Julia Ann, his wife. Levi was a son of Edward Schoonmaker and Leah Rose, his wife, both of the town of Shawangunk, Ulster County, N. Y. Julia Ann was the daughter of Samuel Butler and Sarah, his wife, both of the town of Goshen, Orange County, N. Y.
The subject of this sketch received a common school and academic education, taught school in the counties of Chemung, Ulster and Orange for several years, was brought up a farmer, which occupation he followed till January 1, 1868, when he was appointed by the then surrogate, Honorable Gilbert O. Hulse, his brother-in-law, clerk of the surrogate's court of the county of Orange, which position he has occupied ever since continuously, being appointed by the successive surrogates to that office. He was stenographer to the surrogate's court from 1870 till the year 1903, and was also for several years assistant stenographer for the second judicial district of this state, and also served as county court stenographer under County Judges Honorables Stephen W. Fullerton and Charles F. Brown, and also stenographer to the Dutchess County court under Honorables Henry M. Taylor and B. Platt Carpenter. In 1889 he was elected one of the trustees of the village of Goshen, after a bitter and arduous campaign, to which office he has been reelected for six terms of two years each, without any opposition, and is now one of such trustees.
He has four children living, two having died in infancy: Anna Frances, wife of Thomas Mould, of the firm of Thompson & Mould; Theodore F., of Hartford, Conn., traveling salesman; Mary Adele, at home, and Charles B., civil and construction engineer.
ANDREW SCHRIVER, residing on a farm near Chester, N. Y., was born December 16, 1840, at Lagrange, Dutchess County, N. Y. His early education was obtained at the Unionville Seminary. He joined Company A, One Hundred and Forty-fourth New York Volunteers, and served in the Civil War for three years, after which he joined the New York conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church and actively followed the ministry for thirty-seven years, and for six years was presiding elder of the Newburgh district. Mr. Schriver is now retired and resides on the Oak Lane farm of one hundred and forty acres, near Chester, N. Y. He makes a specialty of breeding and exhibiting Hampshire sheep, Guernsey cattle and fancy poultry. He married Alida Wiltsie, of Albany County, April 24, 1877. Their five children are: Hiram W., Newman E., Paul R., Charlotte and Frank. Mr. Schriver is a republican and takes an active interest in politics. He is one of the managers of the Orange County Agricultural Society.
FRANK A. SCOTT, architect and builder, of Newburgh, was born here July 18, 1830, a son of John and Jane (Gedney) Scott. The Gedney family is of French-Huguenot origin. David Gedney came from France and located in Newburgh in 1754. Mr. Scott attended the old Glebe School, of which some years ago he made a very accurate drawing from memory. At the age of seventeen he went to New York City to learn the builders' trade and study architecture. In 1863 Mr. Scott went west and was engaged in business in Montana, Colorado and Missouri. Since 1872 he has made his home in his native city and has erected many buildings in the Hudson Valley. In 1852 he married Miss Mary Banks, of Ulster County. They have two daughters: Elsie Banks and Anna Gedney. In 1894 Mr. Scott received from Mayor Odell the appointment of excise commissioner and served as president of the board. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and trustee of the Unitarian Church.
W. CLEMENT SCOTT, secretary and treasurer of the Newburgh Planing Mill, was born in Newburgh in 1869, and is a son of the late Hon. David A. Scott. His education was obtained at Newburgh Academy and Yale College, from which he graduated with the degree of A.B. in 1893. He has been connected with the above firm since 1899 and is identified with local social organizations. In 1897 he married Miss Mary L., daughter of John Schoonmaker. Two children have been born to them: Elizabeth M. and William C., Jr.
FRANK H. SCUDDER, treasurer of Middletown, was born November 19, 1871, in Otisville, Orange County, and graduated from the Otisville public school. He learned telegraphy and was operator for the Erie Railroad from 1888 to 1892, and for the Ontario & Western Railroad from the last date to 1900. He was then transferred to the traffic department of the Ontario & Western as assistant to the traveling freight agent, which position he still holds. He was elected city treasurer of Middletown in 1904, and his third term in this office expired January 1, 1908. He is a member of the Concordia Council, Royal Arcanum, and also of the Monhagen Hose Company. Politically he is a republican. He married Miss Elizabeth E. Scott, of Jersey City, N. J., October 12, 1904, and both are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Middletown.
HENRY SEACORD, republican, who represents the first assembly district of Orange County in the assembly, was born September 19, 1829, at Lincolndale (formerly known as St. David's Corners, or Decker's Mills), and has resided there since. The Seacord family are direct descendants of the French Huguenots that fled from Rochel, France, in the year 1684, went to England, and from there to America in 1684, and Amroise Sicard, a French Protestant refugee, of La Rochelle, France, who fled to England in 1682, and from there came to America in 1684, locating at New Rochelle, Westchester County, and in the year 1692, on February 9, bought from William La Count land on which is now the city of New Rochelle. Mr. Seacord's father represented Orange County in the assembly in 1846, as a free soil democrat, but when the republican party was organized he came out as a republican and was made chairman of the mass meeting and appointed the committee which organized the party in the county.
At an early age Mr. Seacord entered his father's blacksmith shop, to learn the trade, which he followed until the year 1891, when he left the forge and engaged in the real estate and insurance business, which he still follows.
He was present and took part in the organization of the republican party in Orange County in the year 1855, and has taken an active part in its councils ever since. He has attended many of the state, county and district conventions, and was acquainted with Horace Greeley, Roscoe Conkling, President Arthur and many others of their time.
He was elected to represent his town in the board of supervisors in 1876, being the first republican supervisor elected from the town of Hamptonburgh. In the fall of 1876 the town gave a democratic majority of sixty-seven out of a total vote of two hundred and ninety-five.
He was elected to the assembly in 1907, receiving 5,625 votes, while his democratic opponent received 4,871.
Speaker Wadsworth, in 1908, appointed Mr. Seacord a member of the assembly committees on insurance and agriculture.
WILLIAM H. SEACORD was born at Lincolndale, Orange County. N. Y., formerly known as Decker's, July 17, 1860. After leaving the district school he learned blacksmithing, and when twenty-one years old engaged in business for himself.
He married Charlotte E. Crans, May 31, 1883. Their children are: Barbara A., Andrew W., H. Stanley, Charlotte C. and Ralph P. Barbara is a teacher in the Lincolndale school, and Andrew is taking a course in mechanical engineering at Cornell University. Mr. Seacord, besides his general blacksmithing business, conducts a carriage repository. He is a member of Hamptonburgh Grange No. 950.
BENJAMIN CHANDLER SEARS was born in Montgomery, February, 1836, where his father, Marcus Sears, M. D., then resided. His grandfather, Benjamin Sears, was appointed sheriff of Ulster County by Governor George Clinton, February, 1793. His mother was a daughter of Richard Caldwell, captain of the Twenty-fifth United States Infantry, who, on the march to the Canadian frontier, died from exposure, and was buried at Champlain, N. Y., in 1812. Dr. Sears soon removed to Blooming Grove, and Benjamin C. attended the public school there, Chester Academy and Montgomery Academy, under Joseph M. Wilkin. He entered the junior class of Rutgers College and graduated in 1857 with the Suydam prize for English composition, and the degree of A. B., receiving later the degree of A. M.; was a charter member of the Zeta Psi Club of New York and trustee of the chapter house of the Sigma Psi fraternity at Rutgers.
On graduating he came to the farm upon which he now resides, which was purchased by his great-grandfather, John Chandler, in 1793, containing about forty acres, which, by purchase, he has increased to four hundred acres. In carrying on the farm, he is associated with James B. Howell and his son, Marcus Caldwell Sears, who graduated from Rutgers in the class of '91 with first honor, taking also a special course in agriculture. The firm kept a dairy of one hundred or more cows, the milk from which is largely bottled on the farm, and until March, 1906, was delivered directly to consumers from the Blooming Grove Ayrshire Dairy, 445 West Nineteenth street, New York City, but now is distributed by others.
In 1866 he married Phoebe E., daughter of Edmund S. Howell, of Blooming Grove. In 1878 he was democratic candidate for state senator. A year later he was appointed on the commission to appraise damages to property in building the West Shore and Ontario & Western Railroads. For five years he was superintendent of the farm attached to Rutgers, the State Agricultural College of New Jersey, and associate lecturer on farming. For several years he was vice-president of the Ayrshire Breeders' Association. He was director of the Orange County Agricultural Society from 1877 to 1899, and vice-president from 1889 to 1901. He was an elder in the Second Presbyterian Church of Washingtonville, until it was dissolved, and since then has been deacon in the Blooming Grove Congregational Church.
HON. ALBERT H. F. SEEGER, county judge of Orange County, N. Y., was born in the city of Stuttgart, Württemberg, Germany, in 1859. His parents came to America in 1861, settling in Goshen, N. Y. In 1867 the family moved to Newburgh, and it was here the subject of this sketch obtained his education and has since resided. After graduating from the academy in 1875, he read law in the office of Judge Dickey, and was admitted to the bar in 1880.
Judge Seeger is a tireless worker and has built up a very extensive and lucrative practice. For a number of years he was assistant district attorney, and in 1903 was elected district attorney. In 1906 he was elected to the office of county judge.
GEORGE SEELY was born March 27, 1837. His parents were Edward and Julia Ann (Satterly) Seely. Mr. Seely attained his education at the district school and Old Chester Academy. He now occupies the homestead in which his grandfather and great-grandfather lived. The house is now over one hundred and fifty years old. George Seely was united in marriage to Miss Helen M. Butler, of Rochester, N. Y., September 17, 1868. Their one child, Gaylord B., was born March 3, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Seely are members of the Chester Presbyterian Church and Mr. Seely is a member of the Chester Grange No. 984. In politics he is a republican and has served the town in various offices. His wife is a member of the board of managers of the Home for Aged Women of Middletown, N. Y.
HOWARD DAVIS SEELY, who resides near Chester, was born January 27, 1878. He received his early education at the Chester Academy, afterward attending for two years the Military Academy at Cornwall-on-Hudson, graduating in 1898. His father, Fred B. Seely, died in July, 1891. He was a man of sterling worth in the community. Howard assumed control of the farm after his father's death, which is located about two miles from Chester. He is a large breeder of Holstein-Freisian cattle, has exhibited his stock on several occasions at the Orange County Fair at Middletown, and secured first premium. The foundation of this stock was purchased of H. D. Roe, of Augusta, N. J. Mr. Roe has raised more world's champion stock than any one breeder in this part of the country. Mr. Seely married Miss Carrie A. Mills, daughter of George Mills, of Goshen, N. Y. They have one child, Pauline Augusta. He is a member of the Chester Grange, a republican and takes a lively interest in all questions of the day.
JOHN LANSING SERVIN—Mr. Servin, who spent the last years of his life in Warwick, was born in Spring Valley, Rockland County, on September 6, 1835. After a course of study at Rutgers College, he was graduated from the University of the City of New York in 1858. He then commenced the study of law, and after obtaining his degree at the Albany Law School, and being connected for a time with the law firm of Hill, Cagger and Porter in Albany, removed to New York City, where he practiced his profession until 1865. He married Miss Sallie Ann Forshee, of Warwick, in 1864, and in 1865 removed to Warwick, where he purchased the Warwick Advertiser, which he conducted for some years, when ill health forced him to give up all active pursuits.
He was one of the founders of the Y. M. C. A. at Warwick and superintendent of the Sunday-school of the Reformed Dutch Church, and withal a liberal, well-educated and public-spirited citizen.
He died at Warwick, on October 8, 1881, and is survived by three children: Abraham Forshee, who is a practicing lawyer of Middletown, N. Y.; Sara, wife of Dr. Stephen W. Perry, of Belchertown, Mass.; and John Magie, of Warwick. A younger child, Walter Tinkey, died at an early age. His widow still resides at Warwick in the family home.
FREDERICK W. SEWARD, M.D., a worthy member of a greatly honored family, was born in Goshen, August 22, 1845. He prepared for college in the Seward Institute, founded and endowed by his grandfather, Judge S. S. Seward. He graduated at Union College, and studied medicine in Bellevue Medical College and the New York Homeopathic Medical College. He then settled in Middletown, where he had an extensive practice, but on account of failing health went to New Mexico in 1876. Returning in 1882, he made Goshen his home and engaged in general practice until 1899, when he became a specialist in nervous and mental diseases, and opened "Interpines," a sanatorium for the cure of these diseases. He has long been president of the Orange County Homeopathic Society, and is a member of the New York State Homeopathic Society and the American Institute of Homeopathy; also the Orange County and New York State Medical Societies and of the National Medical Association. He is president of the Goshen Board of Trade and for years was president of the Goshen Board of Education. He is also a Mason. He was married to Ella Armstrong, of Florida, Orange County, December 27, 1866. She died three years later, leaving two children. Dr. Seward again married in 1875, his second wife being Matie Corey, of Plainfield, N. J., by whom he has three children. His three daughters, Ella, Matie and Bertha, are at home. His eldest son, Edwin P., is a ranch man in New Mexico, and Frederick W., Jr., a graduate of the New York Medical College, is associated with his father at the "Interpines." Dr. Seward's father was Edwin Pollodore Seward, of Florida, and his uncle was William H. Seward, Lincoln's secretary of state, and before the war United States senator. Dr. Seward's great-great-grandfather was John Seward, a colonel in the New Jersey militia during the Revolutionary war.
JOHN L. SEYBOLT, of the town of Mt. Hope, was born July 28, 1854, on the homestead farm, about one-half mile from Otisville. He was reared on the home farm and acquired his early education at the district school, afterward attending the Otisville school. His principal business is dairying, having one hundred and seventy-one acres of land. His parents were Paul Lee, born August 18, 1830, died July 8, 1905, and Antoinette, born July 4, 1831, still living. To this union four children were born: John, the subject of this sketch; Horace G., of New York City, engaged in the milk business; Alva, a prominent attorney at Oneonta, Otsego County, N. Y., and Emma, wife of J. C. Jordon, of Middletown, N. Y. Mr. Seybolt married Miss Alice W. Riter, of Otisville, N. Y., December 18, 1878. She was born June 13, 1858. Two children were born to this union: Violet, wife of George Kaufman, of Middletown, and Falter Lee, attending school at Middletown. In politics Mr. Seybolt is a democrat and has served six years as road commissioner. As a farmer he is very successful and for many years has been a member of the Otisville Grange.
REV. JESSE F. SHAFER, an old and honored resident of Newburgh, was born at Montgomery, Orange County, October 12, 1828. He graduated from Montgomery Academy in 1848, read law with Hon. Hugh B. Bull and attended the State and National Law School at Ballston Spa, N. Y. He was admitted to the bar in 1852, and practiced in Goshen and Newburgh until 1857, when he formed a partnership with his brother, Joseph D., district attorney of Ulster County, with offices in Kingston. In 1861 he enlisted in the 56th New York Volunteer Infantry, was promoted to first lieutenant and regimental quartermaster, resigning in 1864. From 1869 to 1873 Mr. Shafer owned and operated the Youngblood farm. In 1874 he decided to prepare for the ministry, and was ordained in 1877. He was pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Audenried, Pa., five years. The failure of his voice caused his retirement. Mr. Shafer is chaplain of Ellis Post No. 52, G. A. R.; also of the 56th Regiment Veteran Association. In 1869 he married Miss Ann H. Crawford, of Thompson's Ridge, Orange County. She died June 10, 1891, leaving one daughter, Susie C., the wife of Walter Carvey.
WILLIAM H. SHANNON, prominent in business and public affairs at Newburgh, N. Y., was born in Richmond, North Hampton County, Penn., April 22, 1840. His parents, Charles Shannon, a carpenter, and Magdalen Gruver Shannon, were also natives of Richmond. He is a descendant from Nathaniel Shannon, who was born in Londonderry, Ireland, in 1655 of Scottish ancestry. Nathaniel came to America in 1687 as naval officer of the port of Boston, where he was a member of the historic Old South Church. He served as naval officer of the port for twenty-two years. From him sprang the various branches of the family. Some of his descendants became pioneers in the South; one accompanied the Lewis and Clarke Expedition. William H. Shannon's grandfather, Langdon Shannon, was a major in the War of 1812.
Mr. Shannon received his education in the little log schoolhouse of Richmond; that is, as much education as a lad can acquire up to the early age of thirteen, when he went to work. He came to Newburgh in 1862 to take charge of the slating of Vassar College for the late John Gait. He started in business the same year and in 1877 became associated with Mr. Gait, who was interested in the firm of Shannon & Co., until his death. Mr. Shannon then took his son, William H., Jr., into partnership. To the originally modest slate-roofing business new branches were added from time to time until to-day an extensive business is carried on—slate, tile and metal roofing mantels, fireplaces marble and tiling.
Mr. Shannon is a member of the Masonic Veterans' Association, having been raised in 1866. He is also a charter member of the Washington Heights Chemical Engine Co. He has been a painstaking and efficient member of the Water Board for fifteen years, three of which he served as president.
THE SHAW FAMILY—The Shaw family was among the early settlers in the northeastern part of the town, and until within a few years the original tract Of land settled upon them was in the name of some of the family. About 1750 William Shaw moved to the town and was agent for a large tract of land owned by New York parties, with instructions to take what he wanted, sell what he could and give some away. The descendants of some of his friends to whom he gave farms are living in Orange County. Soon after he came from Ireland and had made a clearing, he sent for his intended wife (Mary Waldron). She came from New York to New Windsor on a sloop and was met by him and taken to his home on horseback, for at that time it was the only way he could travel between the two points. They had children and many of their descendants are still in that vicinity, among them being Wickham T. Shaw, a great-grandson, practicing law at Middletown, N. Y. William Shaw, who married Rachel Schoonover, son of William and Mary W. Shaw, inherited the homestead and died there. Two of his sons, Aaron and Howard, became quite distinguished. The former was state attorney, judge of the Supreme Court and twice elected to Congress in Illinois. The latter (Howard), who married Abby M. Tryon, was a noted auctioneer, and Wickham T. Shaw, his son, who married Clara A. Mapes, is the last male descendant in that line living. He has three sons, Howard, Charles and H. James Aaron, and one daughter, Florence.
HARRY E. SHAW, of Newburgh, member of the Board of Supervisors, was born in this city in 1869. His father, the late Captain George W. Shaw, was for years a leading business man of Newburgh, a member of the widely known firm of Thomas Shaw's Sons. Harry E. was educated at the Newburgh Academy and Siglar's Preparatory School, after which he entered the planing mill business of his father. He subsequently engaged in the feed business, being senior member of the firm of Shaw Brothers.
Politically Mr. Shaw is a democrat and in 1907 was elected supervisor of the Second Ward. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Elks, Ringgold Hose Company and the City Club.
SAMUEL E. SHIPP, son of Colonel Samuel Shipp, was born in 1850 at Pleasant Ridge, Princess Ann County, Virginia. He was educated at Columbian College, Washington, D. C. Mr. Shipp was deputy state treasurer of Virginia several years, and for ten years connected with the post-office in Richmond and Norfolk. He came to Newburgh and organized the present real estate and insurance firm of Shipp & Osborn in 1888, associating himself with Mr. David A. Osborn. This business had been established in 1873 by E. S. Turner. Mr. Shipp is also president of the Shipp & Osborn Realty Company. In 1900 he was appointed by the governor of New York State a member of the Board of Managers of the Middletown State Hospital and served four years as president of the board. He was elected in 1898 a member of the Board of Education of Newburgh and has been president of the board six years. Mr. Shipp is prominent in club, social and business circles. He is a member of Hudson River Lodge, a Knight Templar and was one of the organizers of the Wilbur H. Weston Shriner Association and has been its vice-president and president. He is a charter member and director of the Newburgh City Club and for many years a member of the Powelton (Country) Club. Mr. Shipp has always taken an active part in all matters pertaining to the growth and prosperity of his home city.
HON. MORGAN SHUIT, who for more than a quarter of a century was a prominent figure in political and business affairs of Orange County, was born in Richfield, Conn., 1812, and died at Central Valley, July 29, 1884. Mr. Shuit was engaged in mercantile pursuits until 1864, when he purchased large tracts of land and devoted his time to the management of his farms. He was a leader in republican politics and for thirty-one years represented the old town of Monroe in the Board of Supervisors. He also filled the office of justice of the peace for thirty-three years. In 1879 he was elected a member of the state legislature and reelected in 1880. He was chosen executor for many estates because of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens. In 1846 Mr. Shuit married Mary A. Titus and seven children were born to them. Mrs. Shuit died and in 1870 he chose her sister, Phebe B. Titus, for his second wife.
CHARLES N. SKINNER, M.D., of Port Jervis, was born in that city, March 9, 1866. He obtained his education in the schools of that place and Wyoming Seminary, Kingston, Pa. When twenty-two years of age he took up the study of medicine in the office of Dr. W. L. Cuddeback and completed his medical studies by a course of lectures at Bellevue, New York, from which he was graduated in 1892. He at once began the practice of medicine in Port Jervis. He is a member of the Orange County Medical Society. Dr. Skinner married Mary B. Hiller, of Tunkhannock, Pa., June 9, 1892, and both he and Mrs. Skinner are consistent members of the Reformed Church of Port Jervis.
FRANK SLAUGHTER was born near Pine Island, N. Y., February 23, 1854, attended college at Elmira N. Y., and assisted his grandfather on the farm until he was thirty-two years old. He has since been a dairy farmer and an extensive fruit grower. He has a farm of eighty acres, and apart from this is engaged with the Empire Steel Company of Catasauqua, Penn., in the limestone business. He married Annie Louise Wilson, of Brooklyn, N. Y., December 16, 1885. Their six children are Charles B., born September 20, 1886; Clara Van Sickle, born April 6, 1888, wife of Grant Cooper, of Pine Island; Fannie Louise, born April 5, 1891, wife of Russell S. Ferguson, of New Milford; Jerry, born April 20, 1893; Lu Wilcox, born December 28, 1898, and Audrey Wilson, born January 1, 1902. Mr. Slaughter attends the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a republican.
NORMAN C. SLY was a New York City policeman more than twenty years, being appointed on the force May 8, 1882, and serving until September 16, 1902. He is now a practical farmer and good citizen who interests himself in the public welfare as well as his private interests. He was born June 22, 1858, and was one of the four children of Ross W. and Marguerite E. Wilcox Sly. His early education was in the district school.
CLARENCE J. SLOCUM, M.D., resident physician of Falkirk Sanitarium, near Central Valley, graduated from the Albany Medical College in 1897. The following three years he was connected with the City Hospital at Poughkeepsie and from 1900 to 1902 with the Utica State Hospital. His services were then secured by Dr. Carlos MacDonald as resident physician of his sanitarium, then located at Pleasantville. In 1906 the institution was removed to Orange County. Dr. Slocum is a member of the American Psychological Association and the Dutchess County Medical Society.
CHARLES H. SMITH was born at Howells, Orange County, N. Y., in 1861. After graduating from the Wallkill Academy he took up civil engineering and spent two years in practical work under Chief Engineer O. Chanute, of the Erie R. R. He then entered Lehigh University, and for two years was a student in the department of civil engineering. Later he was engineer on the Erie R. R. Mr. Smith married Miss Minnie A. Holland, of Hornell, N. Y., in 1890. In 1889 he was appointed assistant chief engineer of the New York, Ontario and Western R. R., with headquarters at Middletown, which position he filled for three years. He resigned in 1893 and devoted his attention entirely to civil engineering. The following year he opened an office in Middletown and was appointed city engineer, in which capacity he served ten years, at which time he was appointed county engineer, which position he is now holding. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and an honorary member of the Excelsior Hook and Ladder Co.
ELWOOD C. SMITH, attorney, of Newburgh, was born in Monroe, N. Y., February 12, 1882. He graduated from the Newburgh Academy in 1900 and from Columbia University in 1904 with the degree of LL.B. He practiced his profession three years in New York City, and in January, 1907, began the practice of law in Orange County, with offices in Newburgh and Monroe. Mr. Smith was elected justice of the peace of the latter town in 1906. He is a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity; Greenwood Council No. 140, Junior Order American Mechanics; Standard Lodge No. 711, F. & A. M.; Highland Chapter No. 52, R. A. M.; Hudson River Commandery No. 35, K. T., and Mecca Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.
GEORGE SMITH, one of the enterprising citizens of Otisville, was born in the town of Mt. Hope, February 8, 1835, being sixth in order of birth in his parents' family. He remained at home until he was sixteen, when he learned the carpenters' trade. He clerked in a general store at Otisville for a period of two years, when he embarked in business for himself, forming a partnership with Mr. Dunning. The firm was afterward Reed & Smith. Later Mr. Smith purchased his partner's interest and continued alone for five years, when he again sold to Mr. Reed a half interest. Mr. Smith is now living retired. He married Miss Cynthia Green, of Otisville. In politics he is a democrat and has served the town as supervisor for seventeen years and as town clerk eight years.
NATHAN S. SMITH—Among the old business landmarks in Water street, Newburgh, is the book and stationery store of Mr. Smith, which was established in 1830. It is the oldest bookstore in the Hudson Valley and was purchased by Mr. Daniel Smith in 1840. He was a native of Connecticut, and after locating in Newburgh was engaged for a time in the shoe business. Mr. N. S. Smith has been proprietor of this store since 1882. Mr. Smith was born in Newburgh and for many years has been prominent in the commercial and social circles of his native city.
WILLIAM J. SMITH, who is engaged in general farming and dairying on a historic tract of land in the town of Hamptonburgh, was born January 21, 1851, on the homestead farm about one mile from Neelytown. His father was Foster and his mother Sarah W. (Waite) Smith. He was married to Miss Lizzie Burns, of Newburgh, December 7, 1876. Two children were born by this union: Frank W., who married the daughter of John Maryhue, of Ulster County, N. Y., and Nellie, who resides at home. He is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church of Montgomery. In politics he is a democrat. The home in which Mr. Smith resides is historic from the fact that Washington stopped here on one occasion in crossing from the Delaware River to his headquarters at Newburgh. Recently it was necessary to make repairs in the old chimney and a brick with the date 1777 was taken from the fireplace.
JACOB B. STANABACK—His birthplace was Sparta, Sussex County, N. J., where he began life November 10, 1861, and attended the district school. He worked awhile in a creamery in Stanford, Delaware County, N. Y., and then was a clerk in Sparta and Ogdensburgh. All this was before he was of age. When he was twenty-one he went to Newfoundland, Morris County, N. J., and was there clerk in a general store. His next move was to Florida, Orange County, where he worked for H. B. Seeley, and his next to Newark, N. J., where in 1888 he went into business for himself. In 1897 he went to New Milford, Orange County, and worked for his cousin, Benjamin Scott, until he was burned out on March 22, 1900. Then Mr. Stanaback erected a store on the location of the old store and renewed business.
He was appointed postmaster in 1900 and still holds the office. He is now erecting a brick building for store and residence to have steam heat and other latest improvements. In connection with his general mercantile business he sells the Osborn farm implements. He belongs to Wawayanda Lodge No. 34, I. O. O. F., at Warwick and Encampment of Mt. Olive Lodge No. 65, of Newburgh, N. Y.
JOSEPH F. STEVENS, the efficient postmaster of Highland Falls, N. Y., received this appointment in 1901. He was born in this village in 1864, and educated at schools in Pennsylvania and Manhattan College, N. Y. Previous to his present office he was engaged in the hotel business at Highland Falls, which was established by his father, George Stephens, who built the hotel in 1864. He has held the office of school trustee six years.
Mr. Stevens married Miss Lucetta Faurot, daughter of Captain Theodore Faurot, a descendant of one of the oldest families in the town of Highland.
L. S. STERRIT, son of Thomas and Jane Sterrit, was of Scotch-English extraction. His parents emigrated to this country shortly after their marriage and established a home beside the old Presbyterian Church at Coldenham, where the subject of this sketch was born February 17, 1852.
His general education was gained at the Newburgh Academy and the Collegiate Institute at Newton, N. J. He commenced his legal studies at Newburgh in the office of George H. Clark, leaving this office to enter that of Judge James W. Taylor, April 3, 1873. He was admitted to the bar in 1876, and continued to occupy the position of managing clerk for Judge Taylor, and upon the latter's death in 1883 succeeded to his practice. At the time of his death, which occurred April 4, 1907, he had occupied the same suite of offices in the Savings Bank Building for a period of thirty-five consecutive years.
Mr. Sterrit's practice was almost exclusively confined to equity and probate work, in which he was an acknowledged expert. He conducted some of the most important equity cases of recent years, and was employed in the settlement of many large estates. His practice of his profession was marked by untiring industry and strict integrity. He was an eloquent speaker and a graceful writer, the productions of his pen relating chiefly to local historical subjects, on which he was an acknowledged authority.
Mr. Sterrit was past master of Hudson River Lodge, F. & A. M., and delivered the oration at the celebration of its twenty-fifth anniversary. For fifteen years he served as trustee and secretary of the Glebe, and was a trustee of the Woodlawn Cemetery Association for the same length of time. As a safe and trusted counselor he was honored by his fellow practitioners at the bar; as a generous, public spirited citizen he was held in high regard by those among whom he lived, but as a noble-hearted friend, void of selfishness and without guile, he was loved by those who knew him best. This, in his life, served to bring him his most cherished reward, and, in his death, will prove his most enduring monument.
DANIEL JACKSON STEWARD was the great-grandson of John Steward 1st, who settled in Goshen in 1744, and the son of John Steward 3rd, who, born in Goshen, subsequently moved to New York, where he was for forty years engaged in the business of a wholesale dry goods merchant, acquiring a fortune and distinguished by a reputation for unswerving integrity and uprightness of character.
Daniel Jackson Steward, the subject of this sketch, was the second son of John Steward 3rd, of Goshen, and was born in 1816. He was descended, through his maternal ancestor, Isaac Townsend, of Oyster Bay, L. I., from Capt. John Underbill, the famous fighter of Indians. Though born in New York, Mr. Steward always felt himself to be by inheritance and affection a son of Orange County.
He was a graduate of Princeton and a man of great mental powers and wide learning, equally interested in science and art, a combination of tastes rarely found in the same individual. He was never engaged in active business, but devoted the greater part of his life to scholarly pursuits. A fellow of the National Academy of Design, he was himself an artist of merit, and delighted in his sketches and paintings, to depict the scenery characteristic of Orange County, in his estimation, of unsurpassed beauty. Its graceful elms, giant oaks and chestnuts were his special study and admiration, and the reckless destruction of the county's forests and groves, which during his lifetime he was obliged to witness, occasioned him the deepest regret for economic and climatic reasons, even more than from the standpoint of the artist.
Mr. Steward was one of the incorporators and a patron of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, also of the American Museum of Natural History, being first vice-president of the latter for many years. To this museum he presented many fine fossils and Indian remains, some of which were found in Orange County, and also his collection of shells, he being a noted conchologist. This collection, though not the largest, was said to contain rarer and more beautiful specimens than any other private collection of shells in the world, and it can now be seen intact in the museum.
Mr. Steward was widely interested in philanthropic and charitable enterprises. It may be mentioned that he was instrumental in sending to Japan in 1858, and personally supported there for five years, the famous missionary, Dr. Verbeck, to whose influence with the emperor is largely attributed the awakening of Japan, hitherto closed to the world, and its opening to western civilization.
EDWIN F. STILL was born in Catskill, Greene County, N. Y., August 30, 1878, and educated in the public school. As a member of Company E, 2nd N. Y. V., he accompanied the regiment to Port Tampa, Fla., and remained in the service about seven months in the war with Spain. He came to Warwick in November, 1901, worked in Arnold's Photographic Studio, and purchased the business the next year. He is first assistant engineer of the Warwick Fire Department and is serving a second term as police justice. He was elected November, 1907, to the office of town clerk of Warwick. He is a member of the Christ Episcopal Church. He married Miss Matilda Carson, daughter of Thomas Carson, of Warwick.
MOSES A. STIVERS, M.D., was born in Middletown, Orange County, N. Y., November 14, 1872. He received his education at the Middletown High School and attended Columbia College, New York City. Dr. Stivers has been connected with the house staff of the New York Hospital and the New York Cancer Hospital. He served as master of Hoffman Lodge No. 412, is a member of the National Guard and holds the position of assistant surgeon at the present time. He was married to Lillian C. Hummell, of Port Jervis, and they have one child, Mary Van Etten. Dr. Stivers is at present attending physician at the Thrall Hospital, vice-president of the Orange County Medical Society, and secretary and treasurer of the Stivers Printing Co., of Middletown, N. Y.
GEORGE H. STRONG was born at Blooming Grove in August, 1867, was educated in the district school and Monroe Academy, and at the age of sixteen became associated in business with Knight & Conklin, and remained with them eight years. October 1, 1891, Conklin & Strong purchased the feed and grain business of H. K. Wood, of Warwick, and in 1897, the business of W. S. Board & Co., of Vernon, N. J. In 1898 they built a store in New Milford and in 1906 bought the lumber and coal business of B. S. Galloway, of Warwick. Mr. Strong is president of the Warwick Telephone Company, a director of the Building and Loan Association and Warwick Building Company, and a trustee of the village. He is also a member of Warwick Lodge No. 544, F. & A. M. He married Miss Emma, daughter of Henry Mapes, October 10, 1888. Stella, Harry and Julia are the names of their three children.
SELAH E. STRONG, ex-sheriff of Orange County, was born at the Strong homestead, "Maple Hurst," in the town of Blooming Grove in 1843, and it was here his death occurred, July, 1905. The ancestry of the Strongs in America dates back to John Strong, who came from England in 1629 and settled in eastern Massachusetts. Major Nathaniel Strong, who figured prominently in the early history of Orange County, was shot October 6, 1778, by Claudius Smith at the homestead door in Blooming Grove. He was the great-great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch. Mr. Strong was educated at the schools of his native place and engaged in farming as an occupation. At the age of twenty-one he was elected highway commissioner, occupying that position twelve years. In 1876 he was elected a member of the board of supervisors, holding the office six years. From 1878 to 1884 he was postmaster, receiving the appointment from President Hayes. In 1897 the people of Orange County, in recognition of his worth and ability, elected him to the office of sheriff, where he administered his duties in such a business-like and careful manner as to win hearty commendation from the citizens of Orange County. In 1873 Mr. Strong was united in marriage to Miss Stella K. Hetzel, of Florida, a descendant of an old Revolutionary family. Two children were born to them, H. Sherwood, who is engaged in business in New York City, and Edith, now Mrs. A. J. Norton, of Saugerties, N. Y. Mrs. Strong continues to reside at the homestead, which has sheltered seven generations of this sterling family.
INGHAM STUBLEY, clerk of the Board of Supervisors, was born in England in 1853, and has resided in Newburgh since 1868. For twelve years he was bookkeeper for the firm of Haigh & Mellor, woolen manufacturers. In 1880 he and his father, William Stubley, established the rag, iron and metal business at its present location, 129 Broadway. Mr. Stubley has been continuously elected clerk of the Board of Supervisors since 1892. He has been a member of Newburgh Lodge No. 309, F. & A. M., for thirty-four years and for ten years has served as its secretary. He has also passed through all the chairs in Acme Lodge No. 469, I. O. O. F.; is a member of Mount Olive Encampment No. 65 and Highland Chapter, R. A. M., of Newburgh. He married Nancy J. Dickerson, of Orange County, in 1875, and has two sons, William and Charles G., who are associated with him in business.
GEORGE C. STULL was born June 7, 1864, at Belvedere, N. J. His parents were Henry J. and Mary (Fine) Stull. Mr. Stull received his early education at Belvedere, N. J. When he was fifteen years of age he started in the milk business and continued for elven years, he removed to Goshen, Orange County, N. Y., in 1890, and engaged in the wholesale and retail candy and ice cream business, which business he now conducts. In politics he is a republican. He attends the Presbyterian Church of Goshen, N. Y. He is a member of the Cataract Hose Company of Goshen, and an ex-member of I. O. O. F. of New York City.
GEORGE W. STURR, of Florida, was born in Kerney, Hudson County, N. J., October 26, 1845. His parents, Daniel R. and Sarah Sturr, had five children, and George was the third son. When he was seven years old he left home and went to Brooklyn, where he lived until he was twenty-one, and was educated in the Brooklyn public schools. He then became a clerk for about three years in Danbury, Conn., when he embarked in business for himself and has been identified with several business enterprises. In 1881 he became associated for several years with the Metropolitan Manufacturing Company, of New York City. In 1894 he purchased a home in Florida, where he still resides.
Mr. Sturr married Mary Louise Gregory, of Ulster County, N. Y., in 1867, and they have had four children, two sons and two daughters. Both sons are dead. The daughters are Alberta L. and Ada Cressie. The wife and mother died April 25, 1906.
ALEXANDER C. SUTHERLAND, superintendent of the poor for Orange County, was born at Central Valley, N. Y., June 9, 1855. His education was obtained in the public school of that place, supplemented by a short course in the Mount Vernon Institute, New York City. Mr. Sutherland spent his early days on his father's farm and has since made farming his occupation. He has held the office of superintendent of the poor since January 1, 1896, and has during that time inaugurated many important improvements in the county's establishment. Previous to his election to that office he resided for a number of years on his farm near Turners, and for years was president of the Board of Education of that village, and also served as town assessor.
Socially he is affiliated with Standard Lodge No. 711, F. & A. M., of Monroe, of which he is past master; Midland Chapter, R. A. M., of Middletown; Cyprus Commandery No. 67, K. T.; Mecca Temple, Mystic Shrine of New York, and the Consistory. He has passed all chairs in Knights of Pythias Lodge, and is a member of the Goshen Club and the Old Orchard Club of Middletown.
He was joined in marriage on January 17, 1883, with Miss Elizabeth Cooper, of Central Valley, and their family consists of four children living: Harriet C., Martha C., Clara E. and Annie M.
Mr. Sutherland is one of the representative men of Orange County and makes an efficient and thorough county officer.
MORRIS SWACKHAMMER was born April 15, 1877, at Mount Rose, Susquehanna County, Pa. He has been identified with the Borden Creameries five years and with the New Milford Branch two years, where he is now the manager. This creamery has the best modern appliances for the hygienic handling and care of milk, of which it receives about 5,000 gallons annually. Mr. Swackhammer is a member of Mount Rose Chapter No. 151, I. O. O. F. His wife's maiden name was Miss Lottie Jones, of Mount Rose, Pa. Their only child is Roy, born January 16, 1904.
HENRY B. SWARTWOUT, M.D., of Port Jervis, is a member of one of the oldest families in America. He was born in Port Jervis, February 4, 1861, on the farm which is a part of the original tract of land settled by the Swartwouts in 1690. His parents are Peter P. and Hannah (Cuddeback) Swartwout. The family originated in Holland and were among the early Dutch settlers of New Amsterdam.
Dr. Swartwout is the youngest of a family of nine children, five of whom are living. He obtained his education at Port Jervis Academy, supplemented by a two-year course at Cornell University. He began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. W. L. Cuddeback, and later entered Bellevue Medical College of New York, from which he graduated in 1885. He remained one year, as intern, in the New York Chambers Street Hospital.
His marriage with Miss Carrie B. Peck, daughter of George V. Peck, of Port Jervis, occurred March 10, 1886, after which they spent six months abroad, during the time taking a post-graduate course in the Vienna Hospital. Upon his return home he took up the practice of medicine, and in 1892, with Dr. W. L. Cuddeback, purchased the Hunt Memorial Hospital, which they have since conducted.
Dr. Swartwout is a member of the Orange County, the State and the American Medical Associations, and the Erie Railway Surgeons' Association. He is also a member of the Deer Park Club and at the present time is mayor of Port Jervis.
To Doctor and Mrs. Swartwout have been born four children. Henry Lewis died at the age of one year. Those living are Florence, Charlotte and Herbert B.
CLAYTON E. SWEET, of the firm of Sweet, Orr & Co., was born at Wappingers Falls, N. Y., June 16, 1834, and after a large business experience in that town he moved to Newburgh in 1887, to which city the business offices of the company were changed that year. His father was for many years a merchant and manufacturer in Wappingers Falls, and for a period postmaster of the village. Mr. Sweet was educated at the public schools of his native place and at the Dutchess County Academy at Poughkeepsie. Then for three years he was in the employ of Levi Cook & Co., merchants on Broadway, New York. He returned to Wappingers Falls to enter his father's store, and ere long was made a partner.
For many years Mr. Sweet was one of the leading business men of the place and of great usefulness to the community. He was one of the first trustees of the Wappingers Savings Bank, and acted as its secretary and treasurer until it obtained a substantial footing; he was afterwards elected vice-president of the institution. For seven years he was postmaster of the village under President Grant. He was also a director of the Fallkill National Bank of Poughkeepsie, and a vestryman of the Zion Episcopal Church of Wappingers Falls. Since 1876 Mr. Sweet, as head of the firm of Sweet, Orr & Co., has given his whole attention to the manufacture of overalls. This firm are the pioneers in this business and their product the largest in the country. Mr. Sweet has served as a trustee of the Newburgh Savings Bank and vestryman of St. George's Episcopal Church. He is president of the Newburgh City Club and a director of the Newburgh National Bank. He married in 1860, Chattie Louise, daughter of Hon. James Manning, of Bethany, Pa., and a lineal descendant of Captain Bazaliel Tyler, a soldier of the Revolution, who was killed when leading the advance guard at the battle of Minisink.
LYMAN H. TAFT, editor and proprietor of the Montgomery Standard and Reporter, has resided in Orange County since 1888. Previously he made his home in Warren, Pa.
October 23, 1888, Mr. Taft bought the Montgomery Reporter, a four-page sheet, founded May 30, 1887, by George H. Young. January 1, 1899, Mr. Taft purchased the Montgomery Standard from the Winfield family, who had owned the paper since 1868. He consolidated it with the Reporter under the above title. It is a four-page blanket paper, republican in politics. Mr. Taft, the popular editor, is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Maccabees and the Foresters.
CAPTAIN THOMAS TAFT, senior member of the Taft-Howell Company, successor to the firm of Mead & Taft, contractors, builders and manufacturers, at Cornwall Landing, N. Y., is a lineal descendant of the colonist, Robert Taft, who came from England to Massachusetts in 1677. He is the oldest son of Daniel Taft, the sixth in line of descent from the colonist Robert and his wife Emeline Smith, descendant of a family of Pennsylvania Quakers who, escaping the massacre at Wyoming, settled near Woodbury Falls in Orange County.
Captain Taft was born in the town of Cornwall, September 28, 1840; was educated in the A. C. Roe Collegiate School at Cornwall, and at the outbreak of the Civil War was engaged in the building business with his father and brother-in-law, C. H. Mead. In response to Lincoln's appeal for three hundred thousand additional volunteers, he enlisted as a private in Company C, 124th Regiment, New York Volunteers, and in recognition of ability, fortitude and bravery displayed in camp, on the march and in battle, was promoted from grade to grade to the captaincy of his company.
In the desperate charge of the 124th at Devil's Den on the field of Gettysburg, in which Colonel Ellis, Major Cromwell and so many of his brave comrades were killed, he was disabled by wounds received at the most advanced point readied, and was captured by the enemy. Four months later he had been exchanged and was again on duty with his regiment. With the exception of these and the battle of Boydton Road, he was never absent from the 124th when it was under fire.
In 1866, the year after the close of the war, Captain Taft engaged in the building business with his brother-in-law, Charles H. Mead, under the firm name of Mead & Taft, employing from eighteen to twenty hands. In 1906 the company had in its employ over five hundred men, a majority of whom were skilled mechanics. Its plant at Cornwall Landing, on the west bank of the Hudson, is one of the most complete and extensive of its kind in the State. The building operations of the firm have extended from Northern New Hampshire to San Antonio, Texas. Since 1866 it has erected some eight hundred or nine hundred buildings, nearly all of which have been expensive structures. In the building up and successful management of this extensive business Captain Taft has been the leading factor.
In 1883 a movement looking to the incorporation of the village of Cornwall was defeated. Two years later the proposition was again brought before the people and carried, and Captain Taft was elected the first president of the newly incorporated village, and was retained in office until 1889. Immediately on assuming office he put in operation a system of road improvement which in less than two years gave to Cornwall the reputation of having the best streets of any village in the county. Under a changed administration the taxpayers soon became dissatisfied, Captain Taft was petitioned to again stand for president, and in 1891 was elected without opposition, serving until 1895.
Realizing that the natural beauties of the Highlands of the Hudson were at last awakening public interest, Captain Taft began several years ago, as opportunity offered, the purchase of lands in the Storm King region, where he now owns several rather extensive tracts, which it is believed will at no distant day be so improved as to enhance the attractiveness of his native town.
He was married in 1881 to Mary G., eldest daughter of Dr. James E. Knapp, of Marlborough, Ulster County, N. Y. They have two sons, Thomas Knapp Taft and Royal M. Taft.
WILLIAM G. TAGGART, for many years county clerk of Orange County, was born in Newburgh, N. Y., November 20, 1856. After graduating from the academy he engaged with his father, Archibald Taggart, in the meat business. In 1891 he resigned the postmastership of Newburgh to accept the office of clerk of Orange County, to which he had been elected, and was re-elected in 1894, 1897 and 1900. He is a member of several secret societies, including Newburgh Lodge, F. and A. M.; Highland Chapter, R. A. M., and Hudson River Commandery, K. T.
Mr. Taggart is secretary of the Orange County Traction Company.
H. R. TAYLOR, of Pine Bush, N. Y., who conducts an extensive trade in lumber, building materials, etc., established this business in 1895. His father, Archibald R. Taylor, was a native of Ulster County, and in 1849 located in Pine Bush, where he purchased a large tract of land, and began the erection of buildings. He was largely identified with the prosperity of this village and associated with its business interests. In 1856 he married Miss Mary, daughter of John Colwell Rainey, of Crawford. The following children were born: Archibald, Hamilton R., Emily, Anne and John C, now state senator.
GEORGE W. TEN EYCK was born in Rockland County, N. Y., May 8, 1824. His mother, Mary Youmans Ten Eyck, died December 4, 1884, in the ninetieth year of her age. David Ten Eyck, his father, was a cooper by trade, and a descendant of the early settlers by that name, who came from Holland, locating in Rockland County, some of them serving in the Revolutionary struggle. When George was a mere lad his father died, and the boy was bound out to service until he was twenty-one years old to a farmer near Sugar Loaf. He served his apprenticeship and in the course of a few years the thrifty young farmer had accumulated a fine farm of one hundred and thirty-two acres. It was on this farm (known as Maple Grove farm for years) that he reared his family, remaining there during the remainder of his life, nearly half a century, his demise occurring December 13, 1900. Mr. Ten Eyck was a self-made man, he secured an ordinary education, was noted for his integrity and just dealing, was engaged in various enterprises outside of his farm, and much of his means he lost by helping others, endorsing notes, etc. He was endowed with great muscular strength, having performed many lifting feats in his earlier life. He was always a staunch republican, working hard for the cause. He married Christien Peterson, of Warwick, January 11, 1850, a most estimable woman, who passed away on her seventieth birthday, February 7, 1897. Five children were the result of this union, Coe H., who owns the Valley House, Greenwood Lake; Hutson G., deceased at thirty-eight, was a noted architect for several years previous to his death at Newark, N. J.; George W., a carpenter and builder at Elizabeth, N. J.; Mary L., wife of Francis G. Knapp, and Andrew, both residing at their home, "The Anchorage," at Middletown.
FLOYD E. TETHER was born February 22, 1872, on a farm between Amity and Edenville, Orange County. He attended the Warwick Academy after leaving the district school, and then took a course in Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie. Soon afterward he became identified with the Clyde Steamship Company of New York City, with which he remained one year, and then clerked in a general store in Edenville two years. He entered into a mercantile partnership in 1894 with G. S. Everett at Florida, Orange County, where they conducted a general store. In the fall of 1896 C. M. Knapp, of Goshen, purchased Mr. Everett's interest and the firm became Tether & Knapp. This partnership continued until March, 1900, when Mr. Tether became the sole proprietor. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and of Warwick Lodge No. 544, F. and A. M. Mr. Tether was married to Mary A. Knapp, of Pine Island, Orange County, February 4, 1896. They have four children, James E., Clifford F., Russell K. and Beatrice M. Mr. Tether's parents were Edward J. and Sarah A. Tether. Their children are Floyd E., Eva J., who married Louis B. Williams, of Florida, and Harry L., who is a farmer on the homestead. A daughter, Hannah, died in her sixteenth year. The father died July 17, 1907. The mother is still living. They resided on the homestead over forty years.
REV. JOHN TETREAU is pastor of the Church of St. Mary, Washingtonville, N. Y. Previous to 1872 this parish was under the direction of Newburgh pastors, but in that year a small chapel was built and Father Keogh paid monthly visits. He was followed by Father Mackin, and then came Rev. William Ward, who was the real founder of the congregation and continued until 1887, when Rev. Henry J. Gordon, of Cornwall, was given charge of the mission until 1892. Fathers Carr, Hannigan and Ward, of Chester, were the next pastors until 1898. The parish was then re-annexed to Cornwall, and Father Currie given charge until May, 1901, to be followed by Father Fenton until October 4, 1902, when Rev. John Tetreau became resident pastor, and it is due to his energy and management that the parishioners now have a beautiful place of worship. During his first year he enlarged the home from one room to a commodious rectory. This was followed by the erection of modern sheds with accommodations for forty carriages. August 5, 1906, the cornerstone was laid by Father Sally, of Newburgh, for the enlargement of the church from 40 by 23 feet to 76 by 41 feet—the dedication ceremonies occurring July 16, 1907. This church is equipped with a fine pipe organ, comfortable pews and heated by steam. Father Tetreau was born and educated in Canada. Since 1889 his pastorates have been in the United States. For twelve years he was connected with St. Jean Baptiste Church in New York. He is much beloved by his parishioners, for whom he has accomplished such extensive improvements. He also has charge of the Maybrook mission.
WILLIAM THAYER was one of Newburgh's oldest and most successful merchants. He came there from Brooklyn, Conn., in 1809. His ancestors came from England in 1636 and settled in Massachusetts, where their descendants have been among the most prominent men of that State. As recorded in history this family dates back in England many centuries, and were people of wealth and influence, holding offices of trust, and having towns named in their honor.
John Thayer, William's brother, came with him to Newburgh. John never married. William married in 1812 Elizabeth Carpenter, daughter of Leonard and Bridget (Belknap) Carpenter, and grand-daughter of Captain Isaac Belknap. Their children were William L., unmarried; John S., married Catharine Stearns; Elijah Carpenter married Mary J. Morrison, daughter of Hamilton Morrison, of Montgomery, N. Y.; Charles F. married Anna F. Miller; Anna B. married Henry Dolson; Elizabeth C. married O. L. Sypher; George A. and Caroline M., unmarried.
In 1826 William Thayer built a house on the corner of Montgomery and Second streets, where he lived until 1837, when he retired from active business life and removed to his large estate of three hundred acres on the heights of Balmville. There he built a large stone mansion, one of the finest and most substantial homes in that section of the county; as it stood on a bluff it commanded a magnificent river view for miles. There he lived until his death in 1855.
John Thayer died in 1861. Both of these men, having been very fortunate in business, accumulated fortunes. They were progressive and very influential in their time and place, and were held in the highest esteem by all who knew them.
The descendants of William Thayer are his daughter, Mrs. O. L. Sypher, the only member of the family now living; his grandchildren are the children of John S., living in Los Angeles, Cal.; the children of Charles F., living in Washington, D. C.; the Thayer family at Burnside and Mrs. Elmer Tibbetts, of Newburgh; children of Elijah C. and Mrs. Marsh, daughter of Mrs. Sypher, of East Orange, N. J.
ALEXANDER THOMPSON, a prominent farmer in the town of Crawford, Orange County, was a son of Augustus and Catherine (Hunter) Thompson, was born on the homestead near Thompson Ridge in 1850, and died January 17, 1908. He was afforded the opportunity to secure a good education and in 1871 graduated from Williams College with the degree of A.B.
Mr. Thompson married Miss Abbie Beattie and they are the parents of seven children. He was for fifteen years an elder in the Hopewell Presbyterian Church. The family resides on the ancestral acres. Augustus Thompson, the father of our subject, was for many years identified with public affairs in Orange County. He filled the offices both of bank and railroad director and was one of the bonding commissioners of the town of Crawford, until his death in 1874. In 1849 and 1850 he was supervisor and in 1865 was elected justice of the peace.
CHARLES HUDSON THOMPSON was born November 11, 1877. His parents are Horace Decker and Sarah (Millspaugh) Thompson. He received his early education at a private school at Goshen, known as the Goshen Institute of Professor William Galdthwaite, the Middletown High School, and the University of Pennsylvania, graduating from the dental department of the latter institution in 1900. After graduating he returned to Goshen and was associated with Dr. Parker for three years. In 1903 he was interested in business in Brooklyn, N. Y., and returning to Goshen in 1904 opened a dental office. He is a member of Goshen Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 365; Midland Chapter No. 240; Cypress Commandery No. 67; and Ajamoore Chapter, Order Eastern Star. For three years he has been a member of the board of governors of Goshen Social Athletic Association, and is assistant foreman of the Cataract Fire Company; member of Second District Dental Society; also a charter member of the Ninth Judicial Dental Society. In politics Dr. Thompson is a republican.
JAMES RENWICK THOMPSON, JR., attorney of Newburgh, N. Y., was born in Newburgh, 1874. He is a graduate of the academy, and the law department of Cornell University, with the degree of LL.B., in 1896, and was admitted to the bar in 1897.
Mr. Thompson married Miss Julia, daughter of James Dickey, in 1906. He is a son of Rev. J. R. and Mary F. (Lawson) Thompson. Rev. Dr. Thompson has been pastor of Westminster Church, Newburgh, N. Y., since 1856.
WILLIAM M. THOMPSON was born in Hamptonburgh, September 20, 1865, on what was known as the Charles M. Thompson farm. He married Mary H. Corwin, daughter of W. S. and Cornelia Corwin, of New York City. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have had four children, one of whom died at the age of four. Those living are: Ruth, aged fourteen; William M., Jr., and Roland Harlon. Mr. Thompson is a democrat, and has been elected town collector three times. He is a member of Grange No. 950 of Hamptonburgh, trustee and clerk of the Presbyterian Church at Campbell Hall, and trustee, secretary and treasurer of the Hamptonburgh Cemetery Association. For ten years he has been energetic and useful in local and church work.
JOHN W. THORN was born in Mount Hope, February 17, 1864. After his education in the district and a private school, he engaged in the feed and coal trade, and in 1894 started a creamery near Middletown, which he recently sold, and is now conducting a creamery at Westtown, N. Y. He is a member of Hoffman Lodge No. 412, F. and A. M.; Midland Chapter No. 420, R. A. M.; Cypress Commandery No. 67, K. T.; and of the Commercial Travelers' Middletown Council. His father is A. D. Thorn, a Mount Hope farmer, and his mother's maiden name was Lucinda Moore.
HON. HOWARD THORNTON, attorney of Newburgh, N. Y., was born on Governors' Island, New York Harbor, on February 25, 1849, where his father, General William A. Thornton, was stationed at the time.
Mr. Thornton comes of old Revolutionary stock. His paternal grandfather was Major John Thornton, of the Continental and Revolutionary Army, and his paternal grandmother was a daughter of Colonel Samuel Clyde, of Cherry Valley. Matthew Thornton, one of the signers, was an uncle of his grandfather. On his mother's side his ancestors run back to the De Witts, who were prominent in the Revolutionary period in the Hudson Valley.
Mr. Thornton attended the public schools of New York City, and the College of the City of New York. Later he entered Union College, from which he graduated in 1872. He entered the office of Eugene A. Brewster, of Newburgh, as a law student in the year of his graduation, and subsequently the Albany Law School, from which he graduated in 1874. Returning to the office of Mr. Brewster he remained there until 1883, when he opened his present office.
A staunch republican, Mr. Thornton has long been identified with its affairs in this city. In 1891 he was elected a member of assembly from the first assembly district of Orange County, and re-elected in 1892 and 1893. During his third term he was chairman of the judiciary committee of the assembly.
He has been prominently connected with the Masonic organizations of Newburgh; is president of the board of trustees of Washington's Headquarters in Newburgh; a member of the board of education of that city, and vice-president of the National Bank of Newburgh.
SAMUEL V. TIDD was born February 1, 1842. His parents were John and Hulda Tidd. Five children were born to this union. Samuel acquired his education at the district school and in after years became a mechanic. He enlisted in the 124th Regiment, the famous "Orange Blossoms," September 2, 1862, and was engaged in many important battles. He was taken prisoner in 1864 and confined in the Andersonville prison for eleven months. He married Harriet Reeves, of Howells, N. Y., March 6, 1866; five children were born to this union, Addie L., born February 25, 1867; Harriet E., born August 26, 1868; Nettie W., born March 17, 1870; Elizabeth, born February 10, 1872; John S., born October 23, 1873. Nettie is the wife of Harry Miller, of Middletown, N. Y., and John married Julia McWhinnie, of New York City. Mr. Tidd is a republican, has been collector of the school district four terms and constable one term. He is a member of Lyon Post, G. A. R., No. 266, of Middletown, N. Y.
CHARLES E. TOWER, postmaster at Maybrook and member of the firm of Tower Brothers, general merchants, is a native of Oneida County, N. Y., where his brother Fred. W. was also born. Their father, Albert Tower, moved to Orange County in 1870, locating at Campbell Hall, where he was engaged in the milk business for twenty-five years. He established the store at Maybrook in 1889, where he served as postmaster fourteen years. He also held the office of justice of the peace for three years. His death occurred in 1904. Inheriting the industry and enterprise of their father the Tower brothers are numbered among the progressive business men of Orange County. They are members of the Order of United American Mechanics.
THOMAS POWELL TOWNSEND, son of Jacob P. and Mary Ann (Barrett) Townsend, was born at Milton, Ulster County, N. Y., November 26, 1836. His father was a prosperous merchant of Milton, and young Thomas remained in his employ acquiring the requisite training for a successful business career until 1860, when he located in Newburgh and engaged in wholesale merchandise and general freighting business until 1876, when with the exception of a period in 1881, in which he was interested in the wholesale grocery house of James A. Townsend & Co., he has lived in comparative retirement. Mr. Townsend has steadfastly declined to hold public office, directorships, membership in clubs and fraternal organizations, preferring to enjoy the seclusion and privacy of his home. He married Mary Augusta, daughter of Hon. George Clark. They have one daughter, now Mrs. Florence C., wife of Charles T. McKenzie, married October 22, 1890.
FRANK T. AND A. G. TRIPP, publishers of The News of the Highlands at Highland Falls, N. Y., established this bright weekly eight-page newspaper, March, 1891. A valuable feature of the paper is the chronicling of the news of West Point. A modern job printing plant is also conducted, and it has a large advertising patronage in Newburgh.
Messrs. Tripp are from the State of Ohio, and their progressive western spirit is apparent in the management of the enterprise in their adopted village.
JOHN TURL'S SONS—This company occupies the buildings in South Water street, Newburgh, formerly known as the Washington Iron Works. The business consists chiefly of general machine and boiler shop work. The company deals extensively in sugar machinery, railroad tracks, rails and industrial cars. They employ a force of one hundred men. The industry was founded in New York City in 1845 by John Turl and the works removed to Newburgh in 1905. The officers of the company are Joseph H. Turl, president; Charles H. Pratt, secretary; Harry C. Turl, treasurer.
HIRAM TUTHILL, born November 30, 1837, in Elmira, Chemung County, N. Y., attended school there until sixteen years old, when he moved to Chester, Orange County, and became clerk for Charles S. and J. B. Tuthill. This was in February, 1854, and in May, 1855, he changed to clerk in the Chester Bank, and remained there as bookkeeper and teller thirteen years. He then went to his birthplace, Elmira, and was in the dry goods business there a year, when he returned to Chester and purchased the dry goods and grocery business of Tuthill & Jackson, which he carried on from 1869 to 1900. In August of the latter year he was elected president of the Chester Bank, and still holds the responsible position. He married Miss Pauline W. Conklin, of Elmira, February 24, 1869, and their only son, Leddra W. C. Tuthill, is engaged in an advertising business in New York City. There was another son, who died in December, 1879, at the age of ten. Mrs. Tuthill died March 15, 1903. Mr. Tuthill has been active and energetic in local public affairs as well as his more private mercantile and banking pursuits.
HARRY TWEDDLE, son of John and Phoebe (Comfort) Tweddle, was born in the town of Montgomery, Orange County, N. Y., in 1868. He obtained his education at the schools of Montgomery, and is now engaged in the cultivation of a farm of two hundred acres.
Mr. Tweddle is master of the Montgomery Grange, and a director of the Patrons of Husbandry Fire Insurance Company of Ulster and Orange Counties. Mr. Tweddle married Miss Mary E. Burch and they are the parents of two children, John P. and Robert K.
GARRETT H. TYMESON, postmaster at Otisville, N. Y., was born February 22, 1847, at Wayne County, Pa. His parents were Truman and Elsie Tymeson. His father was one of the pioneer lumbermen locating in Pennsylvania when the lumber interests were at their best. He was identified many years with this business, retiring in 1866. Garrett attended the district school in his locality, after which he attended the academy at Monticello. His early life was spent in the lumber business, after which he entered the mercantile business. He was married May 2, 1871, to Miss Mary Carey, of Middletown, N. Y. Four children were born to this union, one still living. Howard, born September 6, 1872, married Miss Mary Dempsey, and now resides in Paterson, N. J.
Mr. Tymeson went west in the spring of 1877, settling at Frederick, Kans., remaining there twenty years. He served eight years as justice of the peace at that place. In 1897 he returned to New York State, locating at Otisville, Orange County, was appointed postmaster July 11, 1899, and still holds that position. In 1907 the Otisville post-office was made a third-class office. In politics he is a republican. He is a member of the Otisville Presbyterian Church. Socially, he is a member of Hoffman Lodge No. 412, F. and A. M., of Middletown, N. Y. His son Harry died in infancy; Arthur married Helen Clark, of Middletown, and died March 31, 1905; and Elsie, wife of Dr. L. A. Summers, of Wheaton, Kans., died August 2, 1902. Their one son Waller resides with Mr. Tymeson.
BENJAMIN F. VAIL, supervisor of the town of Warwick, N. Y., was born October 23, 1843, at Chester, Orange County. His early education was obtained at the district school and the Seward Institute at Florida, N. Y. He moved to Honesdale, Pa., where he remained for three years, engaging in the dry goods business. In 1868 he removed to Warwick, entering the grocery business, and later engaging in general merchandise. He was postmaster at Warwick during the Cleveland administration. In 1890 he purchased the business of R. and R. J. Wisner, dealers in lumber, paints, etc. This concern was established in 1884. Mr. Vail was married to Miss Jane C. Cline, December 31, 1868, of Warwick. Two children were born to this union, Cora C. and Pauline F. Mr. Vail takes an active interest in matters pertaining to Warwick. He is a member of Warwick Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 544.
HARRY VAIL was born at New Milford, Orange County, N. Y. He attended the district school there and at Amity, and then engaged in the meat business at Amity. He continued this two years, and bought a small farm of thirty-five acres at New Milford, and leased the Sutton farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he purchased in 1903. He is one of the most extensive peach growers in Orange County, having 9,000 trees. June 15, 1899, he married Miss Celia Utter, daughter of J. W. Utter, of Amity. Their children's names are Harry, Jr., Roy and Emily. Mr. Vail, in his specialty of fruit growing, has been successful, and therefore prosperous. He is secretary of Warwick Lodge No. 544, F. and A. M.
JOHN CARPENTER VAIL was born in Chester, Orange County, May 13, 1846, and educated in the Chester district school and academy. He was clerk for Dr. C. P. Smith about a year, and then at D. H. Roe's grocery two years. Next he was in the commission business in New York City two years, when he returned to Orange County, and in Warwick engaged in the occupation of breeding high-class hunting dogs, for which, he obtained a somewhat exclusive trade in the metropolis and elsewhere, his specialty being English setters.
Some of his dogs are shipped to Cuba, Halifax, California, Florida and other parts of the United States. He married Mary Reed Van Duzer, of Warwick, April 6, 1864. Their three children are Hazel Clark, Christine Reed and Robert Cornell.
WILLETT VAIL, of Florida, N. Y., was born at Hughsonville, Dutchess County, now known as Fishkill-on-Hudson, July 11, 1848. He obtained his early education at the district school, later attending a private school at Hughsonville. He learned the mason trade at Poughkeepsie, and later worked on the State Hospital at Middletown, N. Y. From Middletown he came to Florida, where he has since resided and for twenty years conducted his business. He married Georgiana Eliza Thompson, of Florida, when twenty-seven years of age. Four children have been born by this union; two died in infancy. Those surviving are: Hattie E., wife of LeRoy Davis, of New York City, and Ira V. K., now of New York City. Mr. Vail is a member of the American Society of Equity and was commissioner of highways of Warwick township one year. He erected the Vail opera house at Florida in 1895, and this, the only amusement place in Florida, enjoys a good business. Both his father and mother died of old age, each being nearly eighty years of age at their death. There are eight children in his parents' family still living. Mr. Vail has taken an active interest in matters pertaining to the welfare and betterment of the village of Florida.
AYMAR VAN BUREN, who has been a resident of New Windsor, Orange County, since 1851, was born in New York City, January 10, 1837. Mr. Van Buren, as his name indicates, is of Holland descent. His great-grandfather, his grandfather and his father, Colonel John D. Van Buren, were all natives of the American metropolis.
He was educated at public and private schools, and began business life in 1862, by purchasing a portion of the farm property of Edmund Morton, of the town of New Windsor. In 1863 he married Miss Margaret, daughter of Mr. Morton. They resided on this farm of ninety acres until 1882, when Mr. Van Buren sold out and became a resident of the old Morton homestead.
He is a firm believer in the principles of the Democratic party, and although not an office-seeker, he has for years been very active in the public affairs of the town. He has been trustee of School District No. 1 since 1871; has served as a member of the board of health, and for many years was road master. In religious matters he is a member of the Episcopal Church, serving as warden, vestryman and treasurer.
JOSEPH VAN CLEFT, merchant and banker, Newburgh, N. Y., was born in the town of New Windsor, Orange County, 1836. The Van Cleft family were early settlers in Minisink Valley. His mother was a member of the Cooper family of Blooming Grove. From 1855 to 1860 he was employed in the hardware trade in New York City, and for two years following pursued the same business in Kansas City, Mo. In 1863 he returned to Newburgh and established his present hardware and agricultural implement business. Upon the organization of the Columbus Trust Company in 1892 he was chosen vice-president, and since 1896 has served as president of that institution. He was one of the original members of the board of trade and for a number of years was member of the consistory of the American Reformed Church. In 1869 he married Edwina Storey Smith, grand-daughter of Judge Storey. She died April, 1891.
ISAAC VAN DUSER, the Pioneer of the Ramapo Pass, by Elizabeth Crissey Van Duzer—The beautiful country along the Ramapo River between Sloatsburg and Suffern, is well known to Orange County people. It is wild and beautiful still, though the mills have been running there more than a century, and the Erie trains through the valley for sixty-six years.
Nearly two hundred years, with their attendant changes, have passed over that region since Isaac Van Duser—the first white man to settle in the Ramapo Pass—came from Tappan and located with his family in the "Throat of the Cloff," as that narrow part of the valley was then called.
He bought four hundred acres that John Van Blarcum had recently purchased of the Indians, and there built his homestead. East and west rose the mountains densely wooded, and the narrow valley was filled with the music of the little river. Here, he lived in the midst of the forest, the Indians his only neighbors, and began his work of opening up the Pass, which proved to be the natural entrance to the Orange County of to-day.
His son, Isaac, Jr., and his wife, were living there in 1724. Isaac, Jr., afterward purchased the Van Gelder tract which joined the Van Duser land, and extended northward. When he came in possession of his father's land, he became owner of the whole valley from the Romopock line below Ramapo to Stony Brook, north of Sloatsburg.
He was living there with a large family just at the time the present Orange County was being settled, principally by people from Southern Orange County—now Rockland. As the young settlers came up through the Pass, Isaac Van Duser was able to supply each one with a wife until his ten daughters were all married. They were the maternal ancestors of many old Orange County families.
Wieberch married Benjamin Demarest. Agnes married Samuel Sidman, to whom Isaac Van Duzer deeded the original homestead—the Van Blarcum tract. The valley was called "Sidman's Pass" during the Revolution, and the fortifications there—"The Post at Sidman's."
Marietje married Steven Sloat, to whom Isaac transferred the Van Colder tract, upon which they founded Sloatsburg. Their son John was killed in the Revolution. His son, John Drake Sloat, was Rear Admiral of the United States Navy. He took possession of the territory now called California for the United States at the beginning of the Mexican War. His monument stands at Monterey.
Leah married a Galloway and located further up the Pass. Autie married Major Zachariah DuBois (Woodhull's Regiment). Mary was the wife of Lieutenant William Roe (same regiment). Martha married Mr. Rose; Elizabeth, a LaRoy; Catherine an exiled Polish nobleman named Zobrisky; and Jane married Mr. Williams.
Before 1748 Isaac Van Duser bought the Andrew Nicolls patent at Cornwall, and afterward moved there with his three sons, Isaac, Jr., Tjerck and Christopher. In 1772 he divided this land equally among the three. The whole family appear to have been living on the patent during the Revolution. Erskine's map, made for General Washington's use, shows the location of Van Duzer's house at Cornwall. His son, Isaac, Jr., had sons, Isaac 3rd, Adolphus and Benjamin. Alexander Van Duser, of Gardiner, N. Y., is a descendant of Isaac 3rd, and Letitia Mills. Adolphus moved to Sullivan County. Benjamin has descendants near Cornwall.
Tjerck had wife Catherine. His family has not been traced. Christopher was captain in Colonel Woodhull's Cornwall Regiment. He was commissioned September, 1775, and served all through the war. He was at Fort Montgomery at different times, served at Haverstraw, Ramapo and in the Jerseys, at New Windsor, Butter Hill, Nicolls Point and eight weeks at Fishkill. He was stationed at West Point immediately after Arnold's treason was discovered. He was described by his neighbors as "an ardent, zealous Whig." He married first Juliana Strong, who left one child, the wife of Jacob Mandeville. Their daughter married first Nathaniel DuBois Woodhull, second Joseph Young.
Captain Van Duzer married second Juliana Tusten, sister of Lieutenant-Colonel Tusten, who was killed at Minisink. In 1807 they moved to Warwick, having purchased the farm where the fourth generation of their descendants now live.
They had sons Isaac, Benjamin Tusten, William, John and Selah and six daughters, Elizabeth, Ann, Mary and Susan were the wives of Selah Reeve, Nathan Wescott, Ebenezer Crissey and John Dolson, respectively.
Christopher's son Isaac was prominent in business at Cornwall. Afterward located in Warwick, where his grand-daughter, Mary Burt, now lives. His daughter Juliette, married Colonel Wheeler. He had a son, Isaac Reve, a member of the Legislature, and a very gifted lawyer of Goshen. J. W. Gott, of that place, is his descendant. Benjamin has no descendants living. William moved to Chemung County and left a large family. John was a member of the Legislature. He had sons Joseph Benedict, of Bellvale; Charles Reeve, of Warwick, and James, whose descendants live in Illinois. Of John's seven daughters two died young. Lanor died unmarried. Harriet Fancher, Mary Lazear and Nancy Fish left descendants in Dundee, N. Y. Julia Ann married Abner Benedict, of Warwick.
Selah was a banker in New York. He left a large family. The late S. R. Van Duzer, of Newburgh, was one of his sons.
The farm of Captain Christopher Van Duzer at Warwick, descending from father to son, has been the home of Christopher, John, Charles Reeve and George Morehouse (the present owner), who Has a son, Christopher Tusten. At this old homestead on April 25, 1907, was celebrated the one hundredth anniversary of the founding of the Van Duzer family in Warwick.
Shadrack Van Duzer lived in Cornwall during the Revolution. His two sons, Isaac and Henry, served in Captain Van Duzer's company. Henry's grandson, 'Squire Henry Van Duzer, of Cornwall, still lives on a part of the land bought by Isaac Van Duzer in 1748, and has the original patent in his possession.
Shadrack is supposed to be a descendant of Isaac of Ramapo, though no proof can as yet be found. On the other hand, several grandchildren of his son Isaac, who married Martha Tusten and moved to Goshen, claim that Shadrack came from Holland when his son Isaac was twelve years of age, that is, 1767. This may be true, as no record of him in Cornwall or elsewhere has been found prior to that date, though I have searched for it during the past ten years and will now leave the question to his descendants, who are very numerous in Orange County, to determine for themselves.
Isaac Van Duzer, of Ramapo, was a grandson of Abraham Pietersen Van Deursen, the original ancestor of the Van Dusen and Van Duzer families in America. We find him mentioned first in a Holland document complaining of the English, which says: "They encroach westerly below Cape Cod, on the Dutch limits, absorbing Rhode Island and Martin's Vineyard, howbeit possession had been taken thereof for this Company in 1636 by Abraham Pietersen Van Deursen."
He was the miller of New Amsterdam in 1638, one of the "Twelve Men" in 1641, was afterward elected one of the "Eight Men," and was also a Burgher. In 1664 he took the oath of Allegiance to England.
HENRY VAN DUZER, justice of the peace of the town of Cornwall, resides on a farm near Cornwall Station. Mr. Van Duzer is a descendant of one of Orange County's old and prominent families. His great grandfather, Isaac Van Duzer, secured the patent to the homestead farm in Cornwall in 1735. This document is in the possession of Henry Van Duzer, who has been identified with public affairs in his native town for thirty-five years. He was born in 1835 and educated at public and private schools. His father, John S. Van Duzer, died in 1830 and Henry learned the trade of piano maker, which he followed for a number of years both in this section and in the west. He has served thirty years as justice of the peace; three years justice of sessions; thirteen years as U. S. loan commissioner, and one term as supervisor. In 1860 he married Miss Catherine Cox and three children were born to them; his son, Henry J., is agent for the Erie Railroad at Cornwall Station.
JAMES HARRY VAN DUZER, son of Isaac Van Duzer and Mary Case, was born in the town of Chester, N. Y., December 12, 1839. At the age of eighteen he entered as clerk in a general store with the firm of Woodhull and Vandervort at the corner store, Warwick, N. Y.; he became a member of that firm in 1864; he succeeded to the business in 1873, continuing until 1883; in 1884 he engaged in the wholesale hardware business at Newburgh, N. Y.; in 1895 William E. Sayer and F. Clinton Van Duzer (his son) became members of the firm, and it is known as J. H. Van Duzer & Co. He was married to Sarah A. Taylor December 20, 1865. daughter of Isaac Taylor and Margaret Smith, Warwick, N. Y. Their children are Ella T. (deceased), F. Clinton and Marie L., wife of Thomas Welling.
DR. SOLOMON VAN ETTEN, one of the most prominent physicians and surgeons in the county, was born in the town of Deer Park, Orange County, N. Y., July 30, 1829. He was the son of Levi Van Etten and Eleanor Carpenter.
The family was of Dutch descent and the doctor was of the eighth generation in the direct line, from Jacob Van Etten, who came from North Brabant, Holland, about 1656, and located at Wiltwyck, now Kingston, N. Y. He grew up on the farm, attended the district school, and later the Farmers' Hall Academy at Goshen, and was graduated from the Albany Medical College, June 12, 1855.
Locating in Port Jervis, he soon acquired a fine practice, but when the Civil War broke out the traditions of the family and the staunch loyalty and patriotism which had been its characteristic for generations would not permit him to stay at home.
His two grandfathers, Levi Van Etten and Benjamin Carpenter, served in the Third Orange County Regiment in the Revolution. His great-grandfather, Anthony Van Etten, was so active a patriot that he was killed by Tories in 1778. His great-grandfather, Johannes Decker, was the famous Major Decker who protected the frontier of the southern part of the State throughout the Revolution, and his grandmother, Margaret Decker, was one of the children at school in the old log schoolhouse, near the farm house where the doctor was born, on that July day when Brandt surprised them at their lessons and killed and scalped their teacher. He entered the service September 3, 1861, as surgeon of the Fifty-sixth Regiment of New York Volunteers. He rose step by step from regimental surgeon to the rank of division surgeon of the Third Division of the Eighteenth Army Corps. After the war he returned to Port Jervis.
On September 7, 1865, he was united in marriage with Maria, daughter of Nathan Bristol, of Waverly, N. Y.
Two children were born of this union, Dr. Nathan B. Van Etten, a practicing physician in New York City, and Eleanor B. Van Etten, who resides with her mother in Port Jervis.
Dr. Van Etten died suddenly at his home in Port Jervis, July 7, 1894, from concussion of the brain, the result of a fall.
CHARAC J. VAN INWEGAN was born April 14, 1851, in the town of Deer Park. He has always followed merchandising, succeeding to the business which his father established in Huguenot, which he still carries on. In 1880 he opened a store in Port Jervis in connection with his brother, John C., who took charge of the latter establishment. Charac J. has dealt extensively in wood and each season has shipped thousands of cords to New York. For a time he owned the Huguenot Springs Hotel, and he owns two store buildings in Port Jervis, N. Y. He has been twice married. His first wife was Catherine, daughter of Isaac and Catherine (Rose) Cuddeback, and after her death he married Ellen S., daughter of Peter P. Swartwout. By the first union one son was born, Willard. The children of the second marriage are Lyman C., Harold B., Allen J. and Ralph S. Mr. Van Inwegan is a member of the Masonic Lodge of Port Jervis. In politics he is a democrat and has served as postmaster at Huguenot for some years. His wife is a member of the Reformed Church.
HENRY NEWTON VAN KEUREN, son of Henry L. and Eleanor (Crawford) Van Keuren, was born in the town of Shawangunk, Ulster County, N. Y., in 1842. Mr. Van Keuren was educated at the district schools of his native place, and at the age of twenty-seven engaged in business in the town of Crawford, Orange County.
In 1869 Mr. Van Keuren married Helen, only daughter of John Hill, Jr. She died in 1870. In 1873 he married Miss Catherine Ronk, of the town of Crawford, who died in Newburgh in 1888. Mr. Van Keuren acquired a competency in business and lived for many years in retirement in Newburgh. He was fond of travel and visited all the countries of Europe, Egypt and the Holy Land, and made a tour around the world in 1897-1898. He died in Germany in 1907.
Mr. Van Keuren's ancestors came from Holland in 1864, and were among the early settlers of New York. The homestead in Ulster County, in which four generations were born, was a house of shelter and refuge in the days of contests with the Indians.
CLARENCE C. VAN NESS was born in Edenville, Orange County, March 28, 1869, and after finishing his schooling was in the meat business for six years, and then engaged in the milk business. He has become a breeder of fine horses. His father, John J. Van Ness, died in 1891, aged seventy-three, and his mother, whose maiden name was Anna A. Barrett, died in 1904, aged sixty-three. The father had been a hotel man in Edenville twenty-seven years. A daughter, Mamie E., is the wife of John F. Knapp, of Newark, N. J.
JOHN W. VAN NESS was born in Bellvale, Orange County, October 29, 1852; was educated in the district school, and then assisted his father, Peter Van Ness, who was a wheelwright until he died in 1884, when John continued the business. For eight years he was a partner of John Hazen in the Hotel Windemere at Greenwood Lake, and was postmaster four years by appointment of President Harrison. Hazen & Van Ness purchased George E. Reed's general store in Warwick and continued it four years. He then came to Warwick and leased the Demorest Stables, and after seven years, in 1900, bought the Campbell and Longwell Stables with five horses and is now running them with forty-five horses and at the same time interesting himself in agricultural pursuits. On December 9, 1880, he married Miss Mary A. Hazen, of Greenwood Lake. They have one child, Maud, born September 23, 1881, who is at home. Mr. Van Ness was collector of the town of Warwick one year.
WILLIAM VAN NESS was born April 26, 1836, at Pompton, N. J. His father was Peter S. and mother Eliza Jane (Brown) Van Ness. There were twelve children in his parents' family. William came with his parents to Warwick, this county, when three years of age. The father was a farmer and took an interest in matters pertaining to the democratic party. He acquired his early education at the district school and Warwick Academy. At an early age he learned the butchers' trade and followed the business for thirty-two years. He married Miss Jane Stidworthy, of Warwick. She was of English parentage and came to America with her parents when three years old. There were two children born to this union, Emma B., wife of Harry J. Bogart, of Passaic, N. J., and Sarah Ann, wife of Burt Edsall, of Goshen. In 1900 Mr. Van Ness sold his business and removed to Goshen, where he purchased the Orange Hotel, which he still conducts.
SAMUEL C. VAN VLIET, JR., was born in the town of Blooming Grove, December 29, 1833, and reared upon a farm until seventeen years of age. Subsequently he was a clerk and later was in business in a general store under the firm name of Seaman & Van Vliet, of Monroe. In March, 1861, he came to Oxford Depot and has been engaged in merchandising, being the principal business man of the vicinity. On December 29, 1858, Mr. Van Vliet married Miss Euphenia Jenkins, of Monroe, the youngest daughter of Ira and Millie (Smith) Jenkins. Two daughters have been born to them. Elsie J. is the wife of S. G. Lent and has one child, Helen Grace, now the wife of William H. Smith, of Chester. Effie is the wife of Fred L. Conklin, of Chester, N. Y. The Van Vliet family originated in Holland. Politically Mr. Van Vliet is a republican. For thirty years he was postmaster and is now agent for the Erie Railroad. From 1868 to 1872 he was a member of the board of supervisors of Orange County, and for twenty years an elder of the Presbyterian Church of Monroe.
DR. EDWIN R. VARCOE, one of the leading dentists of Orange County, located at Goshen, was born near Honesdale, Pa., November 4, 1850. His parents, Francis and Mary (Hocken) Varcoe, were natives of England and descendants of a long line of substantial English ancestry. Both were educated near Liskeard, in the county of Cornwall, where they grew to maturity and were married in 1846. They came to America on their wedding tour, settling in Honesdale, Pa. They engaged in farming pursuits, and remained there until their death, the father dying in 1895 and the mother in 1865. Both were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their eight children, three sons and five daughters, are all living.
The father of Francis Varcoe, Samuel Varcoe, was an English gentleman and a landed proprietor in the county of Cornwall. The maternal grandfather of Francis Varcoe was Rev. Charles Hicks, of the Church of England. One of Samuel's sons, Rev. R. Varcoe, came to this country and filled several important charges in the Methodist Episcopal Church in Pennsylvania, where he died. The father of Mrs. Varcoe was Rev. Edward Hocken, a minister of the Church of England, who for fifty years filled important pulpits in his native land. He reared a family of seven children, of whom Edward, Jr., became a clergyman under the celebrated John Wesley in the Methodist Church, during the pioneer era of that organization.
The great-grandfather of our subject on the maternal side was Rev. William Geake, of the Church of England. The children of Francis and Mary Varcoe are as follows: Lavenia, wife of Isaiah Scudder, of Middletown, N. Y., died May, 27, 1908; Sophia, widow of Ira S. Baxter, of Wallingford, Conn.; Edwin R.; Elizabeth, wife of Frank Sagendorph, of Jersey City, died February 22, 1896; Selina; Mrs. T. Edson Harding, of Howells, N. Y.; William F., a practicing physician in New York City; Carrie, who married Herman Groffell, of Jersey City; and Charles W., a dentist of Walden, N. Y.
In 1875 Francis Varcoe married for his second wife Mrs. Elizabeth (Onger) Glenn, and they had one daughter, Kittie, now the wife of Charles Webb., of Bethany, Pa. Politically Mr. Varcoe was a republican, and was a staunch Union man during the Civil War. He was identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died September 6, 1895, aged eighty years, near Honesdale, Pa.
The subject of this sketch, Dr. E. R. Varcoe, received his literary education in the schools of Wayne County and Wyoming Seminary at Kingston, Pa. At the age of twenty-one he began the study of his profession under Dr. J. W. Kesler, of Honesdale, Pa., with whom he remained for two years. He then practiced at different places in Orange County for five years. In 1880 he was graduated from the Philadelphia Dental College, carrying off the highest honors of his class and receiving the prize awarded, an S. S. White dental engine. In June, 1880, he established himself in practice in Goshen, where he has since remained.
The doctor is a trustee and member of the Presbyterian Church of Goshen. He is also an honorary member of the Second District Dental Association, the Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Encampment of Patriarchs. In politics he is a republican. He has made several trips to Europe, visiting Scotland, Ireland, England, France, Switzerland, Italy, Mexico, Cuba and Sandwich Islands, besides traveling in all the States and Territories in this country. For the benefit of the church and charitable interests he has frequently lectured on his travels.
HENRY O. VELTMAN, of the town of Mount Hope, was born December 31, 1847, in the town of Wallkill. His father Albert and mother Eunice (Howell) Veltman had ten children, seven girls and three boys. They are all living but one son. His father was a mason by trade. He attended the district school, where he acquired his education while assisting at home on the farm. He was in Jersey City, N. J., three years in the milk business and was engaged in teaming there for two years, when he returned to the farm. He married Miss Helen Kennedy, of Howells, Orange County. She is of Scotch descent and came to America when seventeen years of age. Mr. Veltman is a member of the Grange and a republican in politics; both he and his wife are members of the Otisville Methodist Church.
MONTGOMERY H. VERNON was born April 7, 1846, in the town of Monroe, Orange County, N. Y. His parents were Elvin and Catherine Vernon, and they had ten children. He was the ninth child, and he attended school at Satterleytown schoolhouse and Sugar Loaf, meanwhile working for his board. He worked on a farm until he was nineteen years of age, and then clerked for D. H. Roe, of Chester, one year, and Burchard & Smith nearly three years. He then engaged in the meat business at Washingtonville with W. H. Hallock. Mr. Vernon was united in marriage to Mary A. Goble, of Florida, December 20, 1870. To this union six children were born, two died in infancy. The other children are Russell M., attorney at Middletown, N. Y.; Emma A., wife of Robert W. Anderson; Sarah L., wife of Richard M. Ferries, an attorney of New York City, and George Herbert, residing at home. After Mr. Vernon's marriage he continued in the meat business and the manufacturing of brick for seventeen years, and in 1888 he disposed of the meat business. He is a large shipper of onions to all parts of the United States. Mrs. Vernon died April 27, 1906.
ANDREW K. WADE, of Walden, who conducts a stove and tinware establishment, was born at Montgomery in 1845, a son of Jabez P. and Susan (Millspaugh) Wade. This business was established by his brother, Joseph G. Wade, in 1857, who died in 1862. E. B. Tears continued the business until 1887, when our subject succeeded to it. Mr. Wade has served three terms as supervisor, and also justice of the peace and police justice. Politically he is a democrat, and a member of the Knights of Pythias. In 1879 he married Sarah Frances McVey. They have one daughter living, Frances Willard Wade.
CHARLES D. WAIT, a leading and very successful business man of Montgomery, N. Y., is a descendant of one of Orange County's old and respected families. He is a son of Thomas and Mary (Mould) Wait, and was born at the Wait homestead in the town of Montgomery. In 1887 he erected the buildings he now occupies for business purposes, dealing extensively in flour, feed, coal, lumber and cattle, his cattle trade exceeding ten carloads monthly, which he markets in New York, while his trade in hay averages eighty carloads annually. Mr. Wait is a director in the Montgomery National Bank, and an elder of the Dutch Reformed Church. In June, 1897, he married Miss Eliza Seymour, of Walden, daughter of James Seymour.
GEORGE W. WAIT, son of Thomas and Mary (Mould) Wait, was born at the homestead, where he has always resided, in 1853. This farm, which was the property of his grandfather, Samuel Wait, is situated some two miles east of Montgomery village and comprises two hundred acres of improved and valuable land. Mr. Wait has been engaged in its cultivation since finishing his studies at the Montgomery schools, and is one of the more prosperous and progressive agriculturists in the county. He is also an extensive dealer in cattle. He married Miss Cornelia, daughter of J. Egbert Kidd, a descendant of an old Orange County family. They have had two children, Charles D., Jr., who died at the age of five, and Helen Marguerite. Mr. Wait is a member of the Montgomery Grange.
DR. WESLEY WAIT, surgeon dentist of Newburgh, N. Y., was born in the Wait homestead near the village of Montgomery, Orange County, May 15, 1861. He is a son of Thomas and Mary (Mould) Wait, and a grandson of Samuel Wait, who came from Somersetshire, England, in 1821, and engaged in farming in Orange County. He married Miss Mary Welch before leaving his native land, and they became the parents of nine children, of whom Thomas was the fifth in order of birth.
Dr. Wait was educated at Montgomery Academy and a New York preparatory school, and in 1881 entered the New York College of Dentistry. Eight months later he was appointed first assistant to Professor J. B. Littig. He graduated a year ahead of his class, and has practiced continuously in Newburgh since 1885, becoming identified with a number of local enterprises.
From 1890 to 1893 Dr. Wait represented New York State in the National Association of Inventors and Manufacturers and in 1891 he represented this Congressional District at the Patent Centennial at Washington, D. C, being the inventor and owner of several valuable inventions.
In 1885 Dr. Wait married Emily S., daughter of General John A. Pawlins, chief of staff to General U. S. Grant, and ex-secretary of war. Mrs. Wait died March 25, 1897, leaving a daughter Lucille R., now the wife of Mr. John Springstead Bull. Mr. Wait chose in 1905 Miss Annie E. Knapp, daughter of Samuel T. Knapp, of New York City, for his second wife. Their mansion is located at Grand avenue and North street, overlooking the Hudson.
CHARLES N. WALTON, of Monroe, N. Y., who is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, is a native of Pennsylvania and has resided in this village since 1901, when he purchased the business from J. T. Horrick. This business was originally established by Charles Maples. Mr. Walton is identified with many fraternal organizations, including the Masons, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias. He married Miss Alice Bond, also of Pennsylvania, and three children have been born to them, Raymond, Minnie and Russell.
DR. GEORGE N. WARD, dentist of Walden, was born in the town of Crawford, Orange County, N. Y., a son of James and Elizabeth (Crans) Ward. He graduated from the Montgomery Academy in 1886 and acquired his dental education in the University of Maryland. He has practiced his profession in Walden since 1895. He married Miss Bradnack, of Middletown, and they have one daughter. Possessed of literary and historical inclinations, Dr. Ward has accumulated a valuable collection of books and has many relics of aboriginal and Revolutionary days. James Ward, Sr., his grandfather, was born in the town of Newburgh in 1797. In 1826 he purchased the farm in Crawford township, which has been the homestead for two generations.
J. ERSKINE WARD, supervisor of the town of Crawford, has for many years been prominently identified with business and public affairs in this part of Orange County. He was born in this township March 4, 1864, a son of James and Elizabeth (Crans) Ward. His education was obtained at the schools of his native place and Middletown. In 1888 Mr. Ward engaged in the feed business at Thompson's Ridge, which he continued successfully for a period of ten years, when he sold the business and property to Messrs. Clark Bros. In 1898 he engaged in the hardware business at Pine Bush, in partnership with Mr. J. L. McKinney, disposing of his interest to Mr. McKinney in 1904, and shortly thereafter established his present saw-mill, which gives employment to about fifteen men. In political belief Mr. Ward is a staunch democrat. In 1900 he was appointed supervisor of the town and elected to the office in 1901, and has been continuously re-elected to the present time. In January, 1908, he was chosen chairman of the board. Socially Mr. Ward is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Sons of the American Revolution, Knights of Pythias, Maccabees and Grangers.
CORNELIUS L. WARING was born at Balmville, a suburb of Newburgh, in 1852. He read law with Judge Hirschberg, and was admitted to the bar in 1873. Later he formed a partnership with ex-District Attorney Russel Headley, which continued until 1878, when Mr. Waring was elected recorder of the city of Newburgh. He was re-elected in 1882 and again in 1886, retiring from office December 31, 1890. He served as corporation counsel of the city of Newburgh continuously from 1892, resigning the office February, 1907.
Mr. Waring is a director and attorney for many of Orange County's leading corporations. He is a member of the City Club, Powelton Club and Republican Club of the city of New York. Mr. Waring is unmarried and resides at the Palatine Hotel.
WILLIAM SAYER WATKINS was born on the homestead farm in the town of Hamptonburgh, August 3, 1820, and the date of his death was November 7, 1884. He was an energetic farmer, and lived for his neighbors as well as himself, winning their respect and esteem by his kindly and thoughtful interest in their welfare. He married Miss Emma Monell, of Hamptonburgh, September 15, 1859, and their three children are all living. Juliana B. was born July 12, 1860, and is the wife of B. Seward Carr, of Chicago; William Sayer, born November 7, 1866, lives on the homestead; John Evans, born December 25, 1867, married Anna Eliza Blake, March 9, 1905, and they have two daughters, Elizabeth, who was born January 2, 1906, and Emma Adeline, born October 1, 1907. The house on the homestead was burned in 1886, and rebuilt in 1887.
J. N. WEED was born in the hamlet of Gardnertown, town of Newburgh, November 20, 1825. He has always resided in the town, except when away at school. On April 1, 1833, the family moved from Orange Lake to North Newburgh on the west bank of the Hudson River, three and one-half miles north of the village of Newburgh. It was found to be a beautiful location, back from a fine sandy beach just far enough to escape the highest tides, with a bay extending seven or eight miles in front bounded by the mountains of the Highlands. April 1, 1833, was one of the loveliest days imaginable and the house had been reached by a road coming down from a hill, five hundred feet high, in numerous zig-zags. Such hills were new to the life of our subject, as also was the river bay and the river craft and naturally made an impression.
This continued to be the home of Mr. Weed until May, 1845, when he came to the village as a clerk of the Highland Bank. He left that bank, of which he was then teller, in January, 1852, having been appointed cashier of the Quassaick Bank, then organizing. Mr. Weed was cashier of the latter bank during its entire history and of the Quassaick National Bank of Newburgh, into which it was converted May 1, 1865, until February 4, 1895, when he was elected president and now holds that position.
The principal business events of his life have been given heretofore in the local histories. There is, however, a side to the life of this man but little known, and we propose to say something about it.
As an amateur geologist he has thoroughly explored the territory about Newburgh, a region rich in glacial and drift phenomena.
Scattered over its surface are huge blue sandstone boulders, some of extraordinary size and sure to attract the attention of even the un-observing. They are generally, but not always, scattered in groups.
At the time of the publication of the Natural History of New York, in 1843, these and other boulders were supposed to have been transported from their source to their present place in icebergs, the glacial theory at that time being undreamed of. Now it can safely be declared established and readily explains many things involved in obscurity.
The glacial markings in the Hudson River valley are found from the present surface of the water up to the mountain tops and afford an index of some of the conditions existing on the earth at that time.
To illustrate: a surface now polished must have been a surface when the glacier did that work. There are glacial polishings very near Newburgh at the river surface and they also are found on the top of the Palisades, a trap rock thrown up from below in a molten state at some remote period of the earth's history. How long ago cannot be told, but this can be confidently said, the catastrophe of the Palisades antedated their being polished by the ice of the Great Glacier. The polished slate rocks at the surface of the present river show that the river valley then existed and that the Palisades were then, also, a geological feature of the region, as the footprints of the same artisan is left on both.
Our subject was attracted by the size and numbers of these blue stone boulders about Newburgh, and persevered in an attempt to ascertain from whence they came until success finally crowned his efforts with the sure conclusion that their source was the Marlborough Mountains, and that the explanation of their being found in groups was that they came from the precipitous cliffs of the mountains from which they were detached by the action of frost and gravity, and falling upon the ice were slowly transported by it until the ice melted and dropped its burden at the places where now found. The same natural forces continuing to act, at long intervals the falls from the cliffs would recur, the rocks take up their journey in the moving ice and find their resting place where the ice melted, and the direction and distance of these groups from the source would afford some clue to the movements of the glacier itself.
Some of these boulders are found as far south as Central Valley, and some high up on the slopes of the Cornwall Highlands, as high even as one thousand feet. Two professional geologists have gone over this ground with Mr. Weed and confirmed his conclusions. The basement walls of the Imperial Flats in South street and the stone wall built by B. Franklin Clark on the east side of the highway to Woodlawn Cemetery are of big boulder origin. Specimens of other drift rocks have been found near Newburgh and traced to their source as far north as fifty miles.
A more interesting subject, however, to Mr. Weed, is the Aurora Borealis. In the cold winter of 1837, a chum of his brother was visiting at the house and in the early part of the evening had started for home, but almost immediately came running back and in a terrified manner declared "Granny Theall's barn is on fire!" The entire household rushed to the door and confronted a scene that was indeed alarming. The landscape was covered with snow, the snow was as red as blood and the air filled with flames. The brother and his chum ran for half a mile toward Granny Theall's barn to find when it came into view that it was not the barn but the world that was on fire, at least that was the impression of most of the persons who saw this extraordinary display of the Aurora Borealis, the flames seemed so real and the danger so imminent. It made such an impression on Mr. Weed that ever since he has been a student and observer of the phenomenon.
During the sun spot maximum of 1868-1873 the Aurora occurred so frequently that in May, 1871, he resolved to keep a close nightly watch and record of his observations, and this he kept up for seven years.
In the first four months of observation forty-four Auroras were seen by Mr. Weed. The whole number of days on which Auroras were seen in the whole United States other than Newburgh was sixty-eight, and the largest number reported from any one place was twenty-five, from Duluth; followed by seventeen from Chicago, sixteen from Marquette, fifteen from Boston, fourteen from Grand Haven, fourteen from Oswego, twelve from Davenport, ten from Buffalo, ten from Burlington, nine from Detroit, eight from Rochester, nine from St. Paul, seven from Mount Washington, six from Cleveland, six from Milwaukee, six from Toledo, three from Indianapolis, New London and Portland, Me., each, two from New York, and one each from Cape May, Cheyenne, Escanala, Leavenworth, San Francisco, St. Louis, Washington, D. C, and Wilmington.
Special attention is called to the number reported at New York, only sixty miles south of Newburgh, due in part no doubt to the artificial lights of the great city.
One hundred years ago auroras were regarded as most abundant near the poles, and as very rare in our latitude, but we now know that they are most brilliant and probably most numerous in the medial zones between the poles and the equator, that is in the zones of the earth having the greatest diurnal range of temperature, say, in the temperate zones on their polar sides.
Mr. Weed has been led by his observations to believe that the phenomenon is purely meteorological. In support of this view he has witnessed many a time the aurora on the top of the clouds, and in one instance on the top of a detached rain-cloud going southeast, the existence of which was brought to his attention by the rain falling upon him. It was then noticed that the cloud was surmounted by a fine display of auroral streamers physically connected with it and directed toward the coronal point.
The three features, cloud, rain and streamers, kept on together to the horizon, affording the best possible conditions for establishing their physical connection. In connection with this there occurred another remarkable appearance and standing alone among his many cloud observations.
When the auroral rain-cloud reached the mountains, on the area where the rain fell the mountains were covered by an exceedingly brilliant white fog blanket, conforming to all the irregular forms of the slopes and passing when the cloud passed. During the same evening a little later heavy showers occurred, the clouds going in the same direction, and in the inter-cloud spaces auroral streamers were abundant, but the openings were not large enough to determine their physical connection with the clouds, but taken in connection with the preceding cloud there can hardly be a doubt but that the same relation existed between the rain, cloud and streamers.
On two different occasions a gleam of lightning appeared in the middle of the dark segment north, half way between the horizon and the crown of the segment, and in both cases, instantly, there rose from that identical spot a single fine auroral streamer. The apparent physical connection in these two cases is supported by the fact that the streamers usually have their origin in the arch of light surmounting the dark segment; that they do not ordinarily appear singly even there, and that in a long experience our observer does not remember ever having seen a single lonely streamer originate in the dark-segment. Quite frequently sheet lightning is seen in the south with an aurora in the north, and sometimes both are seen together in the north, but they never seemed physically connected, except in these two instances. The fact that both of these gleams had the same position in the dark-segment, and were both instantly followed by the rare eruption of a single streamer would seem to remove the phenomenon from the possibility of having been a coincidence.
On one occasion during a great aurora which lasted the whole night and out into the full twilight of the morning, another observation was made tending to show kinship of the aurora with meteorology.
First, let us mention that the crowning glory of the aurora and its highest point is regarded as the corona, a point just south of the zenith toward which all of the streamers converge when the aurora has passed further to the south. Several times the corona formed under the clouds during the night of this great exhibition, a singular feature of the phenomenon being the invisibility of the clouds except when illuminated by the light of the corona. The clouds were cirro-stratus going rapidly southeast. They were specially looked for at other times, but could not be seen. Does not this prove that the whole of a first-class aurora was within the cloud-bearing regions of the atmosphere? Its highest part was below the clouds, and therefore it was below the clouds in its entirety. It was a great aurora, as shown by the repeated formation of the corona. It was a great aurora also because it continued through the entire night into the morning twilight and it suggests a meteorological origin.
Another appearance occurring occasionally during an aurora is the "Luminous White Cloud Band" crossing the sky from east to west, cutting the horizon about east and some north of west, and when fully formed crossing the meridian near the coronal point. Our observer has seen this arch a number of times and regards it as one of the most instructive features of the aurora. Some observers have doubted its connection with the Aurora Borealis, but Mr. Weed does not share in this doubt, he having, on April 13, 1871, witnessed its entire formation, and having seen the most convincing evidence of its connection with the aurora. This is what he saw: At 10 P. M. a dark segment north by east crowned with the ordinary auroral arc of light and with streamers above this; in other words, an Aurora Borealis. Then another segment of seventy degrees altitude of the most fascinating, bright, attractive luminosity, bounded by a perfectly sharp outline. The sky was cloudless throughout, and south of this line, of normal hue. The perfection of the line of demarcation between the normal and auroral sky was a most extraordinary thing, and it teaches this, that the aurora had a clearly defined and definite border on its advancing side. Then, in this cloudless sky, streamers-like cloudlets began to form on the upper side of this line in the normal sky at both the east and west horizon, rapidly succeeded by others until they met on or near the meridian completing a white cloud band. The base of these cloud-streamers blended together on the curved line and were pointed above and directed toward the coronal point of the aurora. After the band was completed it was noticed that it was moving south and this motion continued until it came to rest at the star Delta Leonis in the region of the coronal point of the ordinary auroral exhibitions. As the cloud arch moved south from its initial point it brightened into an intense luminosity, was much agitated internally, and showed a motion to the west, as it always does, and, in dissolving, showed a wavelet structure and cloud-like aspect.
Half of the journey of the band was made before the line separating the base of the cloud-arch and the auroral sky was in the least disturbed.
That this cloud arch formed on and moved with the luminous auroral segment on its journey and rested at the coronal point proves it to be auroral, and the formation of this luminous cloud in contact with the aurora, in an otherwise cloudless sky, also proves the close relationship of the aurora and clouds and here bring in actual contact with cloud, that the aurora was in the cloud bearing region of the atmosphere, and again suggests a meteorological paternity for the Aurora Borealis.
BENJAMIN WELCH, of Little York, Orange County, was born October 11, 1832. His parents were Gabriel and Eliza Welch, and they had nine children, three of whom are living—Benjamin; Susan, wife of Martin V. B. Horton, of Warwick; and Mary, wife of Edsal Stage. Benjamin learned the carpenter's trade when he was twenty years of age, and followed that occupation several years. He was connected with the Brown & Bailey Creameries of Amity and Edenville five years. On March 1, 1871, he removed to Pleasant Valley and managed his father's farm until the death of the latter, when he became its owner. To this he added by purchase the Rynear Stage farm of one hundred and twenty-six acres, which increases his lands to two hundred and sixty acres. He has a large dairy, and is one of the extensive peach growers in Orange County.
July 9, 1863, he married Miss Mary E. Davenport, of Warwick. Their three children, all living, are George, born March 26, 1864; Olive, born October 8, 1865, and Daniel, born January 22, 1867. George was married to Mary F. Feagles, of Pine Island, December 31, 1904. The father was an Odd Fellow many years. His homestead farm has belonged to the family since 1844.
ALANSON Y. WELLER, president of the Newburgh Planing Mill Co., was born in the town of Crawford, Orange County, N. Y., in 1837. He was educated at Montgomery Academy, and in 1857 became a clerk in the store of the late A. K. Chandler, Newburgh, where he remained until 1863, when the dry goods firm of Schoonmaker, Mills & Weller was formed. In 1886 Mr. Mills retired from the firm and the two remaining members continued the business until January 1, 1898, when the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Weller retiring from a mercantile career which had proved very successful. In 1899 Mr. Weller succeeded to the planing mill business of Thomas Shaw's Sons, which was established in 1837, and which is among the important industries of the city. Mr. Weller is a director of the National Bank of Newburgh, trustee of the Newburgh Savings Bank, and interested in many local enterprises. Much of his time has been occupied in managing the estate of his deceased brother, Joseph H. Weller.
GEORGE S. WELLER, wholesale and retail coal dealer of Newburgh, was born in that city July, 1871, and is a son of A. Y. Weller. He graduated from the academy in 1888 and entered the employ of J. W. Matthews & Co., with whom he remained as shipping clerk until he started his present business in 1890. He is also president of the Highland Drug Co. Mr. Weller married Miss Constance, daughter of Rev. J. A. Farrar.
JOSEPH H. WELLER, a prominent merchant of New York City, was born in Montgomery, Orange County, in 1846, and died at his home in New York, November 14, 1886. At the age of fourteen he came to Newburgh to clerk in the dry goods firm of A. K. Chandler & Co. He went to New York in 1868 to become salesman for the firm of Wentz, Hartley & Co., afterward becoming a member of the firm of J. M. Wentz & Co. He remained a member of this firm until its dissolution. In 1879 he became member of the firm of Teffts, Griswold & Co., and three years later of the new firm of Tefft, Weller & Co., wholesale dry goods merchants of New York. In 1876 Mr. Weller married Miss Frances Cronkright, of Elizabeth, N. J., whose death occurred five weeks prior to that of her husband. The loss of his beloved wife prostrated Mr. Weller with grief and contributed largely to his death. Mr. Weller is buried in the family plot at Woodlawn Cemetery.
Mr. and Mrs. Weller left surviving four children, Lillian C. Weller, who is now the wife of Ralph S. Tompkins, of Fishkill-on-Hudson, N. Y.; Edith M. Weller, who is the wife of Mr. Leonard M. Hills, of New York City; Alfred E. Weller, who resides in Newburgh, N. Y.; and Joseph Francis Weller, who is a student at Yale University.
The New York Dry Goods Chronicle of November 20, 1886, paid the following tribute to the memory of Mr. Weller:
"His sudden death has created a profound feeling of grief and sorrow, not only throughout the dry goods trade in which he was so prominent, but to all commercial circles in this great commercial city. Seldom has a man so young been so universally mourned. He left his impress on the trade and commerce of the metropolis. He did this by the force of his ability, his energy and affability. He was a superior man in business and in the charm and gentleness of his manner. His judgment was sound, his executive ability rare, his energy wonderful, and his mastery of details complete. He possessed to an eminent degree the qualities of a great merchant. He was ambitious but not at the expense of others. He was helpful—never harmful. In his ascent to success and distinction he never crowded others from the path but rather encouraged them with sympathy and cheer. His crowning glory was his charity, his kindness. It shone in the family, in the social circle, at the store and elsewhere that business duties called him.
"In the brief career of Joseph H. Weller there is the history of a busy life. It was not length of days that gave him opportunity to rise, it was what he did and how he did it that gave him prominence. He acted nobly and well his part."
THEODORE A. WELLER, retired merchant of Middletown, N. Y., was born in the town of Wallkill, Orange County. He was educated at the district schools and Middletown Academy. His dry goods career in Middletown began with a clerkship for the firm of Hayt & Adams. At the end of six years he purchased Mr. Hayt's interest, and the firm of Adams & Weller was formed in 1876, which continued ten years. This was succeeded by Weller, Demarest & Swayze, and in 1888 the well-known store of Weller & Demarest was established, which continued until January, 1908, when Mr. Weller's health caused him to retire from active business.
Mr. Weller is prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity, including membership in Hoffman Lodge, Midland Chapter, Cypress Commandery and Mecca Temple of the Mystic Shrine.
FRANKLIN JOSEPH WELLES, an artist, for twenty-six years a resident of Greenwood Lake, has taken a deep interest in its legendary history. His wife Annie Estelle is a daughter of the late Professor Henri Appy, of Rochester, N. Y. the distinguished violinist and teacher, who at the age of twelve years graduated with the highest honors of any pupil from the Royal Conservatory of Amsterdam, Holland. He was given a laurel wreath decoration by William of Orange, grandfather of Wilhelmena, the present Queen of Holland. Some years after the death of Jean Appy, who conducted the King's Orchestra, his son Henri Appy succeeded to the position. He later came to America and played with Jenny Lind in concerts at Castle Garden, and the piano owned and used by her is now in the Welles home at Greenwood Lake. Professor Appy made many concert tours, conducted the orchestra at the old Niblo Garden in Newport, and taught at the Convent of the Sacred Heart. His wife was Annie Paine, a singer at Grace Church, N. Y. He later moved to Rochester, N. Y., to conduct the Philharmonic Society there. Two children survive him, Annie E. and Ernest Frederic, professor of music in the college at Xenia and Granville, the latter of Newark, Ohio. He is a musician and teacher of marked ability and has purchased land and expects to reside permanently at Greenwood Lake. Henri Appy died in Rochester, N. Y., November 16, 1903, at the age of seventy-nine.
THOMAS WELLING was born April 28, 1864, on the homestead farm at Warwick, N. Y., which has been in the family continuously for one hundred and fifty-four years. His early education was obtained at the Warwick High School and Polytechnic Institute at Brooklyn, N. Y. After his schooling he returned to Warwick and took the management of the farm where he has since resided. He married Marie L. Van Duzer, of Warwick, May 17, 1893, daughter of James Harvey and Sarah (Taylor) Van Duzer. Their one son, Thomas, Jr., was born April 3, 1896. Mr. Welling is a director of the First National Bank, second vice-president of the Warwick Savings Bank and is a trustee of the Warwick Cemetery Association. He is identified with the Grange and attends the Dutch Reformed Church of Warwick. His father, Thomas Welling, was one of Warwick's representative men. He took an active interest in matters pertaining to the town, was a director in the First National Bank and the Warwick Savings Bank and served as president of the Warwick Valley Milk Association. He died November 9, 1898.
JAMES EDWARD WELLS was born at Dingmans, Pa., in 1834, and died suddenly at his home in Goshen, May 6, 1907. He married Miss Francis E., daughter of William S. and Sarah T. (Wood) Conkling. He removed from the farm to the village of Goshen in 1901, and lived a retired life until his death. For years he was a director and superintendent of grounds of the Orange County Agricultural Society, and was one of the first members of the Goshen Grange. He was agent in New York and Jersey City for the Orange County Farmers' Milk Company, a director of the Milk Exchange, and a partner in the firm of Wells & Stage, milk commission merchants, with offices in New York. In religion he was a Presbyterian and in politics a republican. In 1894 he was elected supervisor of Goshen, and was afterward re-elected twelve times, which shows the confidence which his townsmen reposed in him. He was the descendant of William Wells, who emigrated to America in 1635, whose father was the Rev. William Wells, rector of St. Peter's Church at Norwich, England. His widow and two children survive him. The son is William A. Wells, of the Goshen National Bank, and the daughter Mrs. Cornelius Christie, of Watertown, N. Y. James Edward's father, Alfred, was a native of Goshen, and his mother, Lydia W. Nyce, was a Pennsylvanian.
FREDERICK WILLIAM WENZEL, assistant postmaster, Newburgh, N. Y., is a son of George C. and Elizabeth A. Wenzel, and was born in Newburgh, September 28, 1871. In 1890 he graduated with honors from the academy; and in 1895 succeeded his father in the manufacture of plain and fancy boxes. He was appointed to his present position March 1, 1900. Mr. Wenzel was master of Newburgh Lodge No. 309, F. and A. M., in 1899 and 1900; a trustee of Highland Chapter No. 52, R. A. M.; member of Ringgold Hose Company No. 1; a member of St. George's Church, and the Alumni of Newburgh Free Academy.
COLONEL CHARLES H. WEYGANT, ex-mayor of Newburgh, N. Y., was born in Cornwall, July 8, 1839, and educated at Ashland and Claverack Collegiate Institutes. In 1862 he was appointed senior captain of the 124th Regiment, N. Y. S. V., commanding Company A. He took active part in every general engagement of the Army of the Potomac. At the Battle of Gettysburg his superior officers were killed, leaving the regiment in command of Captain Weygant. He was shortly after commissioned major and July 2, 1863, was made lieutenant-colonel. In 1870 Colonel Weygant was elected sheriff of Orange County, and from 1878 to 1880 he served as mayor of the city of Newburgh. In 1886, in company with Henry T. McCoun, he purchased and developed the property now known as Washington Heights, Newburgh. He is trustee of Trinity M. E. Church; ex-commander of Ellis Post, G. A. R., and the author of the "History of the 124th Regiment, N. Y. S. V." Colonel Weygant married Miss Charlotte Sackett in 1868 and they have one daughter.
FRANK E. WEYGANT, formerly of the firm of R. F. Weygant's Sons, carriage manufacturers at Central Valley, N. Y., is a descendant of one of Orange County's old and prominent families. His father, Robert Francis Weygant, was the youngest child of Smith and Charity (Lamoreaux) Weygant. The original progenitor of the family in America was Michael, son of Rev. George Herman Weigand, a Lutheran minister of the Rhine Palatinate, who received a grant of land in 1708 from Queen Anne embraced in the territory now covered by the city of Newburgh. In 1745 Tobias, son of Michael, bought an extensive tract of land near the present village of Highland Mills. A number of his descendants made their homes in this locality.
Robert F. Weygant, who died September 3, 1902, established the carriage factory at Central Valley in 1867. This is now conducted by his sons, Fred and William. Frank E. Weygant is at present engaged in the automobile business at Ridgewood, N. J.
ANNIAS R. WHEELER was born August 31, 1846, in Craigville, town of Blooming Grove, and after his school education worked five years as a cotton spinner, then at farming, and then for the Erie Railroad. He tried to enlist six times as a soldier for the Civil War, the first time in 1861, and five times was rejected on account of his small size and light weight, but was finally mustered in August 22, 1864, in Company C, 56th N. Y. Infantry, when his weight was only ninety pounds. He served until wounded on December 29, 1864, at the crossing of the Tillafinny River, and was discharged in New York City, May 30, 1865. He then became a farmer until 1881, then was superintendent of the Middletown Ice Company five years, in 1887 was appointed a U. S. mail-carrier, and as such served the Government seven years, then was a traveling salesman two years, then commissioner of highways for the town of Wallkill two years, and has since been in the insurance and brokerage business and a pension attorney in Middletown. He married Miss Hanna Oldfield, of Amity, town of Warwick, May 30, 1869, and they have had twelve children, only two boys and three girls surviving—Joel B., president of the common council of Middletown; Harrison W., driver for the Middletown Phoenix Engine Company No. 4; Melissa, wife of D. H. Jones, of Rutherford, N. Y.; Emma E., wife of John E. T. Clegborn, of Wellsburg, N. Y.; and Francis E., who lives with Joel B. Mr. Wheeler's father William was born in 1815 in New York City, and was a contractor. His mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Braffett, was born in 1827, and died in 1896.
ISAAC V. WHEELER—The Wheeler family is of English lineage, and originally embraced eleven brothers and three sisters, all of whom were early residents of Long Island, and at a later period removed to Orange County and made purchases of land. One of these brothers, Joel by name, is the progenitor of the branch of the family from which Isaac V. is descended. Isaac V. Wheeler was a native of Warwick, and was born March 4, 1823. He was the son of Colonel William F. and Juliet (Van Duzer) Wheeler, who were the parents of seven children. On the death of his father he became the possessor of the ancestral estate. He married June 21, 1853, Miss Phoebe, daughter of Jesse Bull. He was the father of six children, Juliet V.; Caroline B.; William F.; Jesse C., who died October 7, 1881; Anna M., married William A. Hayward and died September 16, 1899 (two children survive her, Alice W. and William H.); Frank A. (died in infancy); and Alice. In politics Mr. Wheeler was a republican, having descended from whig ancestry. He was one of the original incorporators of the Warwick Valley Farmers' Milk Association, and of the Warwick Savings Bank. His death occurred April 9, 1876, in the fifty-third year of his age.
Shortly after the marriage of her son William F., Mrs. Wheeler with her four daughters left the farm and moved to the home in Warwick village, now known as "The Columns," which she purchased in 1883, and at her death bequeathed to her daughters, Juliet V. and Caroline B. Mrs. Wheeler died January 21, 1904, in the seventy-sixth year of her age. She was a devoted member of the Reformed Church. Her ancestor on the maternal side, Cornelius Board, came from Sussex, England, in 1730; on her father's side she was a descendant of the historic William Bull and Sarah Wells.
WILLIAM F. WHEELER was born May 22, 1859. He is the son of Isaac V. and Phebe (Bull) Wheeler. He married May 22, 1882, Miss Tillie A. Wisner, of Chester, Orange County, N. Y., and is the father of six children, all of whom are living: William F. Wheeler, Jr., Charles V., Jesse I., Mary A., Roe W., and Ralph. The loss of his father at the age of sixteen necessitated his leaving school at an early age and assuming the responsibilities of the farm, on which he now resides. Mr. Wheeler is an ardent republican. Five generations have lived upon the estate now owned by him, it having been in the name for over one hundred years. The property, consisting of two hundred and eighty-five acres, is at present known as Peach Grove Farm. The house in which he and his family reside was built by Colonel William F. Wheeler in 1850. The barn on this place was raised on the Fourth of July, 1776, and was built by Samuel Ketchum, a Revolutionary soldier, who took part in the battle of White Plains.
EDWARD WHITEHEAD, president of the Walden Knife Company, was born in Halifax, Yorkshire, England, a son of John and Sarah (Hill) Whitehead. His parents brought him to America when a child and at the age of fifteen years he learned the cutlery trade.
When the Walden Knife Company was organized in 1870 as a co-operative concern, Mr. Whitehead was one of the eighteen members, and held the position of superintendent. In 1874 the company was incorporated, at which time William G. Gowdy was elected president and Edward Whitehead secretary. In 1891 Mr. Whitehead was chosen president and the success of the industry since that time has been rapid. It is interesting to note that he is the only member of the original company now identified with this establishment, and his official connection with the cutlery industry stretches over a longer period than any other man connected with the business at the present time in this Sheffield of America.
Mr. Whitehead also occupies a prominent position in social and educational circles. In 1893 he was chosen school trustee and in 1896 president of the board of education, which position he held until his resignation in 1905. He is a director in the National Bank of Walden and of the Walden Savings Bank. Mr. Whitehead's success in life may, in brief, be attributed to perseverance, energy, keenness of judgment and constant devotion to an industry that has become one of the most important in Orange County.
HENRY L. WHITFORD, of Johnson, N. Y., who is prominently identified with the extensive creamery industries of Orange County, is a native of Connecticut. As a young man he learned the machinist's trade. For twenty-four years he has been connected with the Borden enterprises. He came to Orange County in 1891, and in 1895 was appointed superintendent of the plant at Johnson. He is now traveling superintendent, in charge of nine creameries.
Mr. Whitford married Miss Clara Root, and they are the parents of three sons and two daughters. Socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity.
JOEL WHITTEN, a highly respected citizen and retired merchant of Pine Bush, was born in the town of Crawford, October 8, 1818. A son of John and Mary (Moore) Whitten. He died at his residence in Pine Bush, April 29, 1904. Mr. Whitten remained on the home farm for a few years after his marriage to Miss M. Halstead Moore, of New York City, who died in 1872. He was for a time engaged in the mercantile business in New York City and also at Burlingham with his brother, Isaiah, until the establishment of the Pine Bush store, where he continued with Isaiah until his retirement from business in 1880. He served as postmaster of the village a number of years. Mr. Whitten was a man of keen discernment, sound judgment and sterling integrity. A firm believer in the principles of the Democratic party, he took an active interest in politics, but declined to hold public office. He united with the New Prospect Church in 1844 and organized the Sunday-school, in which he was active, either as a teacher or superintendent, for over forty years.
September 14, 1881, Mr. Whitten married Miss A. Emily McGowan, of Pine Bush, N. Y., daughter of Benjamin and Priscilla (Faulkner) McGowan, who survives him.
SAMUEL R. WHITTEN, son of Francis and Ophelia (Rainey) Whitten, was born in the town of Crawford in 1863. He was educated at the schools of Middletown and the Troy Polytechnic Institute. In addition to conducting a general store for eleven years, he was engaged in the lumber business and management of a farm. In 1907 Mr. Whitten formed a partnership with R. T. Brown, under the firm name of Brown & Whitten, dealers in general merchandise, carrying on an extensive trade at Pine Bush, N. Y.
GAVIN R. M. WILCOX, manufacturer, Newburgh, was born at Newtown Stewart, Whitonshire, Scotland, May 16, 1849. He is of English and Scotch ancestry, son of John and Jessie (McGregor) Wilcox, who came to America in 1866, settling in Newburgh. Here Gavin R. M. entered the employ of the Washington Iron Works, where he learned the trade of pattern maker and was later employed by the Severance Paper Machine Works; in 1871 he engaged with the Newburgh Steam Engine Works, holding the position of foreman until 1883, when the firm of Coldwell, Wilcox & Co. was organized, manufacturers of light machinery, steam heating apparatus, etc. In May, 1890, the business was incorporated as Coldwell-Wilcox Co., with a capital stock of $53,000, and Mr. Wilcox became secretary and general manager, which position he still occupies. He served three years as president of the Business Men's Association, and in 1902 was appointed by Mayor Wilson a member of the board of water commissioners, and at the following election was elected to that office and re-elected in 1905 to another five-year term. In 1872 he married Alice E., daughter of Henry O. Van Duzer. Five children have been born to them.
WALTER C. WILCOX was born at Wurtsboro, Sullivan County, N. Y. He is the son of Abraham and Marguerite (Lybolt) Wilcox, who had seven children. Mr. Wilcox obtained his early education at the district school at Wurtsboro and the high school at Monticello. After his schooling he moved to Middletown and identified himself with the Howell Hinchman Co., remaining with this firm about eight months. He afterward worked at the same business in Newark, N. J., for three years. In 1893 he removed to Middletown, and opened a grocery, which he has continued since. Mr. Wilcox was married to Miss Jennie Cameron, of Ellenville, N. Y., July 2, 1890. She is a direct descendant of the Cameron family of Scotland. To this union one child was born, Alonzo Potter Wilcox, born March 31, 1891, associated with his father in business. In politics Mr. Wilcox is a democrat. His brother Charles is a resident of Middletown, N. Y. Henry, of Port Jervis, is identified with the Erie Railroad; Anna is the wife of A. Dedrick, of Port Jervis; Ella, wife of Harry Miller, of Jersey City; Ada, wife of James Monagham, of Jersey City.
VICTOR AUDUBON WILDER, the only son of Mariner Ayers Wilder and Mary P. Smith, his wife, was born in Dennysville, Maine, on July 8, 1844, which was also the birthplace of his father. When but a few years old the son and his parents moved to Boston, Mass., where they lived until the outbreak of the Civil War.
The son enlisted in the 44th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, and served until the end of the war. During his absence, his parents moved to Brooklyn, N. Y., and on receiving his discharge from the service the son joined them there, where with the exception of about seven years, spent in the west engaged in mining operations, he lived until 1891, when he came to Warwick.
In 1875 he married Miss Lilian Macdonald. They have one child, Donald Wilder, born in 1888.
Mr. Wilder, in his early business experience, was engaged in New York in the foreign trade with South America and the West Indies, and later in railroad operations in Mexico and in the United States, and also in coal and timber lands in West Virginia.
In politics Mr. Wilder has always taken an active part. While a republican in his political convictions and affiliations, he has always been of an independent turn of mind. He was a candidate for state comptroller of New York on the Henry George ticket, and in 1904 for Congress on the Independence League ticket for the twentieth congressional district, being defeated by Colonel Thomas W. Bradley, of Walden.
He was the president of the McKinley Club of Warwick, and the Central Republican Club during the McKinley campaign. He was largely instrumental in electing a republican supervisor of the town, the first one in a generation. He is a member of the Reformed Church of Warwick.
SAMUEL WILKEN was born in Monahan, Ireland, February 4, 1844, and came to America with his mother and seven children, his father having died. They settled on Staten Island, and some of the family are still there. Samuel came to Chester, Orange County, May 11, 1866, and the next year married Anna S. Salisbury. Their children are Fred W., Albert E. and Melvin R. Mr. Wilken was a partner of Charles Christ sixteen years. When he disposed of his interest in the business he started a blacksmith shop, with a carriage repository and accessories. He has been a town officer several times, and is a member of Standard Lodge No. 711, of Chester, as are also his sons Fred and Albert, and Melvin R., the third son, is connected with the Standard Milling Company of New York.
JOSEPH M. WILKIN, who was elected special surrogate of Orange County in 1904 and re-elected in 1907, is a son of the late Joseph M. and Catherine (Copley) Wilkin. He was born in the town of Montgomery in 1878. After graduating from the Montgomery Academy he read law with his father for one year, and then entered the law office of Senator John C. R. Taylor, Middletown, N. Y., where he remained three years. He was admitted to the bar in 1899, and conducts his law office in Montgomery village. Detailed reference to his father appears in the chapter on the Bench and Bar in this history.
JONATHAN D. WILSON, JR., assistant district attorney of Orange County, is a son of ex-Mayor J. D. Wilson. He was born in Newburgh in 1875 and graduated from Columbia University with the degree of A.B., 1898. He attended the New York Law School, and was admitted to the bar in 1900. Mr. Wilson has since practiced in Newburgh. He has always taken an active interest in the welfare of the republican party and began the duties of his present office January, 1907. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and local social organizations, including the City Club. He married Miss Edith Van Buren, of this city
.WARD WINFIELD, editor and proprietor of the Walden Herald, was born in Montgomery in 1868 and educated at the Academy of his native place. He learned the printer's trade in the office of his father, Lester Winfield, who conducted the Montgomery Republican from 1864 to 1890. The paper then passed into the hands of Ward Winfield, who continued it until 1900, when he disposed of the plant and became manager of the Walden Herald for John F. Lousdale for a period of three years, purchasing the business January, 1904. He is a thorough newspaper man; his paper is widely read and exerts a wholesome influence in Walden and vicinity. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., the Knights of Pythias, the American Mechanics and the Patriotic Sons of America. During his residence in the village of Montgomery he served a term as town collector. He married Miss Catherine Condon, of Walden, and three children have been born to them. His son, Francis Lester, assists him in the publication of the Herald.
WINFIELD WRIGHT WINTER, who has for several years been identified with the business interests of Middletown, was born at Winterton, Sullivan County, N. Y., January 22, 1862. He was educated in the schools of that place and Walden Academy, after which he was for several years engaged in mercantile business in Winterton. In 1896 he established his present real estate and insurance business in partnership with his brother, Clarence G., who was with him one year, and has since conducted the business alone. In 1901 he disposed of his business interests in Winterton and removed to Middletown. Mr. Winter is a member of Hoffman Lodge No. 412, F. & A. M., and Concordia Council No. 1077, R. A. M. He was joined in marriage with Flora A. Harding, of Winterton, and four children have been born to them, two of whom are living: Harry, bookkeeper for the N. Y. O. & W. R. R. at Middletown, and Jay W., manager of the creamery at Winterton.
Mr. Winter resides a portion of the year at Winterton and has held the office of postmaster of that place since 1891, when he received the appointment from John Wanamaker under the Harrison administration.
THE WISNER FAMILY—One of the early pioneers in Orange County was Johannes Weasner, a native of Switzerland, who came to Long Island about the time that a special effort was being made to settle the Wawayanda Patent—Johannes purchased land near Mount Eve, the deed being granted June 23, 1714, making him one of the first settlers of the county. His son, Hendrick Weasner settled near Goshen.
Henry, the son of Hendrick, was born in 1720, and served in the New York Colonial Assembly, 1759-1769; was a member of the first Continental Congress, 1774; a delegate to the New York Provincial Convention, 1775-1777, and a delegate to the second Continental Congress, 1775-1777. He voted for the Declaration of Independence, but was called to New York before it was engrossed on parchment and was ready for signing. He took an active part in the manufacture of gunpowder, having mills in both Ulster and Orange Counties. He was also made a senator of the first legislature of New York State in 1777, serving until 1782. He died in September, 1790, and was buried in the family burying ground near Phillipsburgh, in the present town of Wallkill. He had two sons, Henry, Jr., and Gabriel. His son, Ensign Gabriel Wisner, was killed in the battle of Minisink, 1779. Henry G. Wisner, a prominent lawyer of Goshen, was a son of Ensign Gabriel Wisner and the ancestor of the Goshen branch of the family.
John, the second son of Hendrick Weasner, was a captain in the French and Indian War, and served as a scout in 1757. He was also a captain in the Revolutionary War under Colonel Nicoll, of Goshen. His early home was at Mount Eve, but later he established his home near Wickham's Pond, having received a grant of land, direct from the crown, consisting of more than a thousand acres, a portion of which included the present farm of Jesse Durland, which was the Wisner homestead for several generations. John Wisner was the ancestor of most of the Wisner families of Warwick.
His second son, Henry Wisner 3rd (sometimes written Jr.), was born July 11, 1742, and lived on the homestead farm. In the Revolutionary War he was made captain of the "Pond Company," under Colonel Hathorn, September 22, 1775, and later was made lieutenant-colonel, February 19, 1778. He was a member of the first State Assembly under the Constitution, serving from 1777-1778 and 1788-1789. He died May 29, 1812, and his remains now rest in the Warwick Cemetery by the side of his son, Jeffrey Wisner.
Jeffrey Wisner was a man of remarkable energy and great force of character. He represented the township as supervisor during 1812-1813 and 1819-1823, and for several years served as justice of the peace. His sons, Gabriel, James, Richard and Jeffrey Amherst, have done much toward building up the interests of Warwick, and his grandson, Clinton W. Wisner, is well known throughout the town and county.
CLINTON WHEELER WISNER was born at West Pittston, Pa., July 30, 1856, and died in the Adirondacks August 21, 1904. He was the son of Jeffrey Amherst and Mary Wheeler Wisner, both members of old and prominent families of the town of Warwick, where the first twelve and last twenty years of Mr. Wisner's life were spent.
Actively engaged for a time in mercantile business, and later in the management of large interests, he developed great talent for leadership and was to be found in the forefront of every progressive movement of his time. Endowed by nature with nobility of character, with an artistic love for beauty, educated in the school of life's activities by hard study and with the polish of extensive travel his was a versatile and attractive personality.
A patriot, he ever listened to the calls of his fellows to serve them as a public-spirited Christian citizen. For many years he was the president of his well-beloved Warwick village, which owes, in large measure, the present beauty of its homes, its churches, its Red Swan Inn, as well as its increasing popularity as a resort, to Mr. Wisner's interest and efforts. His favorite pastimes were shooting, sketching and driving.
Mr. Wisner married Martha, daughter of the late Thomas Welling and Caroline Van Duzer, in October, 1879, and he was survived by his widow and his children, Mrs. Burton J. Berry, John Welling Wisner, Jeffrey Amherst Wisner, Jr., Thomas Welling Wisner, Clinton W. Wisner, Jr., and Gladys Wisner. Besides his family and friends he made wherever he had been the whole community of Warwick mourned the demise of its foremost citizen and endorsed the tribute of a distinguished clergyman who had enjoyed the hospitality of Mr. Wisner's ideal home.
HENRY WISNER, who is a resident of Sharon, Barber County, Kansas, is a member of an old and honored family of the Empire State. The parents of our subject were William Roe and Eliza (Miller) Wisner. William Roe Wisner was born March 21, 1799, and died November 19, 1886; his estimable wife was born April 27, 1800, and died July 16, 1882. To this union were born ten children, John N., born February 15, 1820; David M., born November 27, 1821, died August 5, 1879; Henry, born August 20, 1824; Andrew D., born January 8, 1827, died May 24, 1828; Albert A., born April 29, 1829, died May 29, 1832; James T., born October 4, 1831; Francis L., born December 21, 1832; Albert, born November 26, 1835; Andrew H., born July 24, 1838, died June 19, 1854; Mary Ann, born May 21, 1841. The old Wisner homestead is located about one mile north of Bellvale, Orange County, and a picture of this historic house will be found on another page of this volume. It was built before the Revolutionary War by William Wisner, one of four sons of Captain John Wisner, Jr. William Wisner died in this house in 1803, and his son, William Roe Wisner, who succeeded to the ownership of the farm, and other property by inheritance, was born in this house and lived there continuously until his death at the age of eighty-seven years. Few men in Orange County were better known and none were more highly respected than Mr. Wisner. He was progressive and liberal-minded. His son, whose name heads this sketch, obtained his early education at the district school, two winters at the private school of the learned John K. Joline in Warwick, and at Chester Academy, of which William Bross was principal. He organized and taught a class in physiology, of which our subject was a member. This was probably the first teaching of physiology outside the medical profession.
In the spring of 1844 he entered the university at East Hampton, Mass., where he remained until the fall of 1845, when he commenced lecturing on anatomy, physiology, hygiene and phrenology in the New England States. He went to Ohio in 1846, and for five years lectured in the west on his favorite subjects, introducing physiology in schools. His then new subjects, his quaint and original style of presenting them, together with his marvelous faculty of delineating human character, drew immense audiences, crowning his efforts with great success, financially and otherwise, as the press of the day gave evidence. Quitting the business he had served, or which had served him so well, he engaged in other pursuits with varied success.
On March 1, 1875, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. (Rowe) Jackson, a graduate of Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago. In honor of her that college conferred on our subject the honorary degree of M.D. with two diplomas (having earned and received a diploma from the "Old School" while lecturing), he declined to practice the healing art. No children from this union.
He became interested in real estate in Iowa and Chicago. He later removed to Kansas, engaged in cattle raising and finally settled on one of the ranches (5,000 acres) in the State of Kansas, where he and his wife have lived twenty-five years in the enjoyment of health and prosperity.
In politics he is a republican, though not an office-seeker or holder. In sentiment he is anti-war, liberal, progressive and broad-minded.
By a former marriage he has two sons, Henry J., of Chicago, and Charles H., of Barber County, Kansas.
RALPH WISNER belongs to one of the oldest families in the town of Warwick. The first settler in this part of Orange County was Johannes Weasner, and family, who settled on a tract of land near Mount Eve. There his dust lies mingled with that of several generations of his descendants. Johannes Weasner was a soldier in the Sioux Contingent, in the days of Queen Anne. John Weasner was third in descent from Johannes Weasner, being the son of Hendrick Weasner. His brother Henry was a member of the Continental Congress, and voted for the Declaration of Independence, and then came home to make gunpowder. This was the most necessary thing to do, for without gunpowder the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, would have been of no effect. John Weasner was a captain in Colonel Dekay's Regiment of Orange County men in the French and Indian War of 1752. He and his son John were captains in Colonel Isaac Nichols's Regiment of Minute Men in 1776. The Wisner family was foremost in resisting the encroachment of the British crown upon the rights of the people. John Weasner died in 1778, his son John died in 1811, leaving a large family, among whom was another John, whose son, George T. Wisner, was the father of the subject of this sketch. Ralph Wisner was born at Big Island, town of Goshen, March 2, 1859. Mr. Wisner is engaged in farming. He is a resident of Florida.
He was married November 22, 1883, to Mary Greene, daughter of the late Henry Greene. They have one son, Roy Greene Wisner. The family are all members of the Presbyterian Church, William Wisner being assistant superintendent of the Sunday School. Mr. Wisner is identified with the best interests in the town. He has been a member of the school board for twenty-four years, and is a corresponding member of the Y. M. C. A. For one term he was assessor of the town of Warwick. It was through Mr. Wisner's efforts that the beautiful playground of the village was procured.
RICHARD WISNER was born on the homestead farm, in the town of Warwick, February 4, 1824, and died January 3, 1908. He conducted a farm in Warwick until 1883, when he purchased the beautiful residence near the village where he lived, retired until his death. He was one of the charter members of the First National Bank of Warwick and served continuously as one of its directors. He was trustee of the Warwick Savings Bank and for many years a director of the Lehigh and Hudson Railroad. He was also trustee of the Cemetery Association and at one time its treasurer. He was a member of the Sons of the Revolution, and held membership in the Reformed Church of Warwick. Mr. Wisner was a member of one of the oldest families in Orange County and a descendant of the first permanent settler of what is now Warwick township. He was a son of Jeffrey and Elizabeth (Armstrong) Wisner, a man of quiet temperament, possessed of indefatigable energy, with a genial spirit and lofty ideals. He was twice married; his first wife was Euphelia, daughter of Thomas Welling, to whom he was married December 20, 1853. She died in 1881. He was again married in June, 1883, to Sarah Van Duzer. His children, all by his first wife, are Charles E., Anne E. and Mary Euphelia, residing in Warwick.
WILLIAM R. WISNER, one of the prominent and honored men of Orange County, was born March 21, 1799, on the homestead farm near Wisner, this county. He had always been identified in agricultural pursuits. He married Eliza Miller, March 16, 1819, and resided until his death, November 19, 1886, in the stone house now occupied by his great-grandchildren. He was a grandson of Captain John Wisner. He was an upright man, a good citizen and a prosperous farmer. He was a whig and afterward a republican.
GRAHAM WITSCHIEF, attorney of Newburgh, was born in Port Jervis, N. Y., 1875. He is a son of Peter and Florence (Graham) Witschief. After graduating from the Port Jervis Academy in 1893, he attended the Albany Law School one year, and then read law two years in the office of Hon. O. P. Howell, former surrogate of Orange County. Mr. Witschief was admitted to the bar October 29, 1896. Politically he is a republican, and served one term as president of the common council of Newburgh. He is past master of Newburgh Lodge No. 309, F. and A. M. He married Miss Mary Farnum, of Port Jervis, N. Y. Mr. Witschief has conducted some of the most important litigations in Orange County, and is regarded as one of Newburgh's representative attorneys.
ANDREW WOOD, station agent at Stony Ford, N. Y., was born at Cornwell, Canada, June 7, 1850. His parents were William and Ann (Jardine) Wood. Andrew attended the common school, after which he assisted his father on the farm. He was connected with the Grand Trunk Railroad as telegraph operator for a period, after which he removed to New York State. In 1876 he served seven years at Willsboro, N. Y., with the D. & H. R. R., as station agent. August 4, 1884, he removed to Stony Ford, Orange County, and became identified with the
[Transcriber's Note: There appears to be some content omitted from the original by the printer at this point. (pp. 993-4)]
Kortright of Kortryk, Belgium, 1586. Casper Writer, with wife and five children removed to the present town of Mount Hope in 1784. Here he located and raised a family of eight children—three sons, Aaron, John Falter and Jasper, Jr., and five daughters. Eve, the wife died December 21, 1830; Casper's years overran the century mark. He died November 15, 1842. His sons Aaron and Jasper were lifelong residents of Mount Hope, where their descendants are perpetuating the family name.
BENJAMIN F. WRITER was born on the homestead farm in the town of Mount Hope, May 19, 1854. His parents were John F. and Phoebe (Rosencrants) Writer. His father died in 1892 and the mother is still living at the age of eighty years. Benjamin acquired his early education at the district school, after which he followed agricultural pursuits. He married Ella K. Dennis, of Sussex, N. J., November 8, 1882. Their four children are Coe, Frank, Elmo and Henry, who died at the age of four years. Frank is identified with the Borden Company at Otisville as assistant foreman, and is a member of Hoffman Lodge No. 412, F. and A. M., of Middletown; Elmo is connected with the Sanatorium at Otisville. The father is a member of Otisville Grange No. 1020.
THEODORE WRITER, M.D., of Otisville, N. Y., was born in the town of Mount Hope, Orange County, July 17, 1837. He acquired his early education at the public schools and the Seward Institute of Florida, Orange County. He later entered the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York, from which he graduated in March, 1866. He remained for one year in New York in the practice of his profession, then returned to Otisville, where he has since practiced. Dr. Writer married Miss Helen A. Green, of Mount Hope, November 3, 1869. To this union was born one son. Dr. Writer is a republican and has served the town of Mount Hope as supervisor. He is a member of Hoffman Lodge No. 412, F. and A. M., of Middletown.
JAMES A. WYLIE, manager of Katterman & Mitchell Co.'s silk mill at Port Jervis, was born at Morristown, N. J. Soon after leaving school he began work in a silk mill, and has learned the business thoroughly under the tuition of his father, H. A. Wylie, who was manager of the Port Jervis mill until his death in 1902.
This mill began operation in 1898, and is one of the important industries of Port Jervis. It gives employment to about one hundred skilled employees and produces over a quarter of a million yards of silk annually. An addition to the factory has recently been erected, making it possible to considerably enlarge the output.
FRANK N. YAGEL, who conducts a prosperous plumbing, roofing and tinsmith establishment in the village of Highland Falls, N. Y., was born in Germany in 1872. He came to America in 1883, and after four years' schooling in this country served his apprenticeship with his brothers, with whom he was later a partner for eight years. Since 1899 he has been engaged in business for himself. Mr. Yagel has served as state and county tax collector and is now village trustee. Socially he is identified with the I. O. O. F. He married Miss Francis Wolklin and they are the parents of three children.
ARTHUR YOUNGS was born in Kingston, Ulster County, N. Y., March 10, 1872. His father, Addison Youngs, was a native of Kingston, and his mother, Harriet E. Nestell, of Newburgh, N. Y. Mr. Youngs' family can trace its ancestry back to the early settlers of this country. His great-grandfather on both sides fought in the Revolutionary War and War of 1812. His great-grandfather on his mother's side was a member of the body guard to George Washington and a member of the Society of Cincinnati. He was also prominently identified with Masonic circles. When seventeen years of age he began working at brass finishing and the moulding trade under the late G. L. Monell; afterward he was identified with the Newburgh Ice Machine and Engine Co. Later he was in charge of the motor mower department of the Coldwell Lawn Mower Co., of Newburgh. Mr. Youngs is now secretary and manager of the Newburgh Auto Shop, a company organized in 1905, which sells, repairs and stores automobiles. Socially Mr. Youngs is identified with the Newburgh Lodge No. 309, F. and A. M.; Newburgh City Club, Business Men's Association, Newburgh Automobile Club, and the Newburgh Canoe and Boating Association. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church.
CHARLES C. YOUNG was born in Elizabeth, N. J., January 21, 1871, and was instructed in both public and private schools. He took a course in a business college and quickly became connected with the Singer Sewing Machine Co. at Elizabethport, N. J., starting as errand-boy and rising to assistant timekeeper, in the invoice department. Afterward he became identified with the Rising Sun Brewing Co. at Elizabeth, N. J., and after acting as manager for the Orange County Brewery for two years, purchased the business December 1, 1893. He is recognized as an exceptionally capable business man. He was married September 8, 1898, to Miss Wilhelmina Schauble, of Elizabeth, N. J., daughter of Philip and Marie Schauble. Their three children are Charles Paul, William Joseph and Marguerite Marie. Mr. Young is a member of Middletown's St. Joseph Church.
OLIVER YOUNG was born in the town of Mount Hope, Orange County, N. Y., October 7, 1811. His family were of English extraction and among the early settlers of the State of Connecticut in the seventeenth century. At the age of sixteen he became a teacher and later repaired to Milford, Pa., where, under the guidance of Richard Eldred, Esq., and Melanethan Dimmick, he pursued the study of law, being admitted to the bar of Pike County, Pa., in 1835, and soon after to that of New York State, where he settled in practice in the village of Port Jervis.
By application and fidelity to the trusts confided to him a large and lucrative practice was soon gained. He speedily attained the reputation of a safe and judicious counselor. He was especially distinguished for his learning and skill in the equity branch of law. He was also a proficient civil engineer and possessed an extended knowledge of the boundaries and titles of much of the land embraced in he western part of Orange County.
Mr. Young was a firm advocate of anti-slavery principles long before any organized political opposition was manifested thereto, and naturally affiliated with the republican party when it came into existence in 1856, pledged to resist the extension of slavery to the territories of the United States. Previous to that time his vote was given to the candidates of the liberty and free soil parties, of which he was the sole supporter in the town of Deer Park, his vote being the only one in that town recorded for those candidates.
Mr. Young was married January 19, 1848, in Port Jervis, to Mrs. Lydia Frances Wentworth, formerly Miss Sinclair, of Bartlett, N. H., and he had two sons, Frank Sinclair, who died in early life, and Charles Oliver. His death occurred October 3, 1871. The loss sustained by the bar of Orange County was expressed in a series of resolutions, commemorative of his career and marked abilities.
ROBERT YOUNG, one of the most prominent farmers of Orange County, was born in the town of Montgomery in 1818, and died September 21, 1895. He was a son of Johnson and Margaret (Barkley) Young, and for many years was identified with the affairs of his native town, holding the office of supervisor for eight consecutive years, 1879 to 1886, and again for one term in 1890. He was a candidate for the Assembly on two occasions, but the factions were against him. He was a charter member of the Masonic Lodge of Montgomery and the last captain of a company of state militia in this town under the old law.
In 1890 Mr. Young traveled abroad, visiting the home of his ancestors in the North of Ireland, who were Scotch-Irish. In June, 1862, he married Miss Emily Arnott, of Coldenham. Six children were born to them, one of whom, David A., conducts the homestead farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He was born in 1863 and educated at the schools of Montgomery. He is a member of the Grange and numbered among the most progressive citizens of the town.
FRANK J. ZINT, son of Daniel and Mary (Lorentz) Zint, was born in Highland Falls, N. Y., in 1862. After finishing his schooling he engaged with his father in the shoe and grocery business, also handling coal. Politically Mr. Zint is a staunch democrat and active in promoting the interest of that party. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the C. B. L and a director in the First National Bank of Highland Falls. In 1888 Mr. Zint was married to Miss Nellie N. Conway, of Newburgh and four children have been born to them. Daniel Zint, who died in 1892, was a native of Germany. He came to America when a young man and shortly after the Civil War established a boot and shoe store to which he soon added a stock of groceries. This was the nucleus of his son's present extensive business.