USA > New York > Kings County > A history of the town of New Lots, Kings County, N.Y. > Part 1
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Gc 974. 702 N414h 1751306
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01126 0012
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/historyoftownofn00hami
A HISTORY
OF THE
TOWN OF NEW LOTS.
KINGS COUNTY, N. Y.
BY
W. C. HAMILTON, Esq.
Reprinted from "The Illustrated History of Kings County." edited by Dr. H. R. Stiles, and published W. W. Munsell & Co.
BROOKLYN, N. Y. 1584.
8.40
1751306
HISTORY
1 OF THE
TOWN OF NEW LOTS.
Le Warran Hamilton BY
School Commissioner of Rural District, Kings County.
0 RGANIZATION .- New Lots was organized, as a town, on the 12th day of February, 1852. Prior to that date, the territory was included within the limits of the town of Flatbush, and was known as "The New Lots," in contradistinction to "The Old Lots," near the present village of Flatbush. In area, it is the smallest of the five eonnty towns, although the largest in population, numbering, according to the een- sns of 1880, 13,681. It contains only about six square miles. Its seniors in age, Flatbush and Flatlands, were early settled by the Dutch, the honest, hardy sons of toil, who have made Long Island what it is often rightly called, the "Market Garden of America." As years rolled over our ancestors of those neighboring town- ships ; and, as their available lands became tilled and their families increased, they turned their eyes toward the wilderness, that then lay between them and the cypress-crowned hills of the northeast. There they be- held arable lands in abundance, and thither went their sons to till the plains, where now stand thiekly popu- lated villages.
Early Settlers .- The names of some of the old settlers are still perpetuated by descendants, who now stand in the front rank of honorable citizens, increasing the prosperity and controlling the interests of New Lots. Among those who bear the names of the early settlers, and who in some instances ocenpy the old family mansions, are the Vanderveers, Van Siclens, Wyckoffs, Van Sinderens, Rapaljes, the Lotts and Scheneks.
villages, viz .: Eust New York, Cypress Hills and Brownsville.
East New York is the largest village in the town, both in population and area. Prior to the year 1:35, the residents of the territory now embraced within the limits of the town were farmers, and most of their dwellings were sitnated on the New Lots road. And, where East New York now stands, there were but three or four houses; one known as the " Half Way House," and kept for many years by the Howard family. The old tavern still stands at the junction of Broadway and the Jamaica turnpike. It has stood there for over one hundred years ; and, past its doors, marehed a part of the British army in the eventful battle of Long Island1. It was the favorite stopping-place for the farmers on their way to market, and many a merry tale has been spun within its walls, mute witnesses of the many changes in the several generations that have passed away. It is showing signs of decay and must soon give place to more modern improvements. [A view of this historic tavern-so intimately connected with the Battle of Brooklyn-will be found upon the map of that battle, opposite page 53 .- EDITOR]. Another old landmark was sitnated at the corner of Pennsylva- nia and Atlantic avemes. It was a three-story dwell- ing, built of stone, and known as the " Old Stone Build- ing." It was torn down a few years ago, and on the site were erected buildings of more modern structure. Such was the place in 1835, when the late John R. Pitkin, Esq., a wealthy merchant of Connecticut, passed through it. The land was level, with just enough in- clination to the Great South Bay to make the problem of sewerage easy of solution. Its nearness to the cities of New York and Brooklyn, and the general appear- ance of the place, impressed him so favorably, that he conceived the idea of founding a city to rival that of New York. He purchased the Linington, Wyckoff. Van Siden and Stoothoff farms, containing a tract abit two miles in length and about one mile. in width. HI-
The Old Village of New Lots is situated on the main road leading from the village of Flatbush, and familiarly known as the "Old New Lots Road." Ilere are stately mansions of reeent erection adorned with modern embellishments. Here, too, stands the Reformed Church, the oldest in the town, and a two- story frame school-honse. , The village is noted as a pre-eminently healthy place: nearly all its inhabitants being connected with families remarkable for their longevity. Besides this, the town includes three other I had the land laid out into streets and city lots. lle
3
BROWNSVILLE-CYPRESS HILLS-FIRST TOWN ELECTION
named the place EAST NEW YORK, because it was situ- 'ated east of New York City. Lots were sold varying from $10 to $25. The panie of 1837 proved disastrous to Mr. Pitkin's enterprise, and he was obliged to relin- quish all the property to its original owners, except that portion lying between Wyckoff and Alabama avennes, which still retained the name of East New York. In July, 1853, the late Horace A. Miller and James Butler purchased about fifty acres of land lying east of Wyck- off avenue, and commenced the erection of neat and comfortable dwellings, and sold them at reasonable rates and on easy terms: thus adding largely to the population and growth of the village, which contained, according to the census of 1880, about 8,000. There are six railroads terminating at East New York : two steam and four horse roads. The Brooklyn and Ja- maica steam road, running to Jamaica, connecting with the Long Island road from Hunter's Point to all parts of the island. Rapid-transit trains are run on this road from Flatbush avenue depot, at intervals of about twenty minutes, stopping at the Howard House and other stations in the village.
Brownsville .-- This village is situated at the ex- treme westerly portion of the town. It takes its name from its founder, Mr. Charles S. Brown, who purchased the original land title about eighteen years ago ; laid the land ont into city lots and sold them to the present owners. Its streets are well laid out at a uniform width of about fifty feet. There are about three hun- dred and fifty frame buildings in the village, most of them comfortable cottages, occupied by a worthy and industrious class of mechanies. The close contignity of the village to the city of Brooklyn will cause it to share largely in the rapidly increasing prosperity of the eity wards adjoining it. During the past two or three years, a number of fine stores have been erected, and its - business interests largely increased. Its present popu- lation is about 2,000.
Cypress Hills .- The village of Cypress Hills is situated in the north-easterly portion of the town. Fulton avenue is now extended, from East New York, throughout its entire length to the Queens County line. A horse-car road is in operation upon it, greatly facili- tating travel between the village and the City of Brooklyn. The nuelens of Cypress Hills was formed around the once famous hotel of Jolin I. Snediker, about forty years ago. The Jewish and Cypress Hills Cemeteries being soon after founded, extensive marble works followed, adding largely to the business of the place. The establishment of the Brooklyn Water- Works, buildings, pump-wells and machinery, near the village, also enhanced its material prosperity. The population of the village is about 3,000.
into japid communication with the East River Bridge shall be accomplished. Possessed of extra- ordinary natural advantages, it will inevitably lecoge. the home of manufacturing industries, the establi-t- ment of which is all that is now required to give i: rank among the foremost towns of the State.
Many of the residents of the town are engaged in business in the cities of New York and Brooklyn. There is, however, a large manufacturing interest in the town, which will be considerably increased on the introduction of public water, the works of which are rapidly approaching completion. Among the most important manufactories may be mentioned the Ches- coll.d Fire Works Company, which has a working force of 150, and whose paid-up capital is $35,000 ; Miles Brothers' Brush Factory, where nearly 200 met., boys and girls, are constantly employed ; Corrigan's Brush Factory, established in 1876, by its present owner and operator. It employs about fifty hands, turning ont about 10,000 dozen leather-back horse-brushes an- nually. Its annual consumption of leather is about 3,000 sides ; that of bristles and fibre, about three tons ; Nelson's Torpedo Factory, where paper explosive eaps are made, employs about 100 persons; the capital invested is $250,000; Davies && Sons' New Jersey Mils. Cummings & Sons' Moulding and Planing Mille. Rickitts' Pencil, Whip and Toy Factory, where thirty hands are constantly employed, capital invested $150,- 000; Mc Guigan's Shoe button-hole Factory employs about fifty girls, at average wages of about eight dol- lars per week. There is a vast business carried on in the manufacture of clothing at the houses of the poorer in- habitants. These industrious tailors are, for the me -: part, Germans, and are a noteworthy, honest, frugal al .! thrifty class of operatives.
A great obstacle to the growth of the town has been the want of a water supply, but that is about to be furnished by the Long Island Water Supply Company, organized under the provisions of the laws of this State. This company has entered into a contract with the authorities of the town, and is preparing to perform its obligation. The company will expend in the construc- tion of its system of water-works, half a million of dol- lars. A substantial reservoir is now in course of col .- struction, and about twenty miles of pipes laid. Two hundred fire-hydrants are to be placed in the streets. and the public buildings supplied with free drinking- hydrants. It is expected that the works will be coul- pleted before the close of the present year.
The First Town Election was held at the hote! of John I. Snediker, Cypress Hills, on the first Treslas in April, 1852, at 2 o'clock P. M. J. U. Forbell, I .. I .. Wyckoff and William H. Suydam were appointed Iv- speetors. Mr. Gilliam Schenck acting as Clerk.
The enviable location, enjoyed by the town of New Lots, is certain to bring to dwell within it a largely in- The following Town Officers were duly elected :- Supervisor, Ferdinand I. Wyckof; Turn ter . creased population, within a brief period ;- so soon, in fact, as one of the various projects on foot to bring it . Gilliam Schenck ; Tas Collector, Samuel E. Vander-
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4
-
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF NEW LOTS.
veer; Assessors, Peter Rapalje, William Simmons, Williamson Rapalje; Commissioners of Highways, John G. Williamson, James L. Williams, John Drew; Justices of the Peace, Stephen P. Stoodoff, George W. Seaman, Abrm. S. Eldert, William HI. Suydam; Town Supt. of Schools, J. Pascal Strong; Constables, Joseph H. Weeks, Thomas M. Burtis, John Duryea. Whole number of votes polled, 193.
1883, Present Town Officers .- Supervisor, Dit- mas Jewell; Town Clerk, Louis Bierderinan; Tux Col- lector; George W. Palmer; Justices of the Peace, Chas. Gertum, William Shirlock, Emil Schiellein, William Watson; Commissioners of Highways, Philip L. Jar- din, N. Livingston Duryea, Thomas F. Ryan; Assessors, George Forbell, William Stoodoff, Henry I. Eldert.
The town is divided into five election districts. The total number of votes polled in 1883, at the annual election for Supervisor, was 2,249.
Union Gas Light Company .- The site upon which the works of this company are built is about one aere in extent, lying almost in the centre of the town. The buildings front on Adams street, and are solid structures of brick.
The capacity of the works are ample to meet the re- quirements of East New York, and the territory sur- rounding it, for many years to come. The facilities are now adequate to a supply of 60,000 feet every twenty- four hours. At present only 12,000 feet of gas are ~ nightly being supphed throughout the town; but, in the winter season the demand averages about 25,000 feet.
The utmost credit is due to the Union Company for the liberal scale on which they have provided for the supply of an article so indispensable to the business in- terests and the home comforts of this community, as is the article of gas. That the company has aeted towards the people in an unselfish, and, it were not too much to say, a generous manner-is apparent from the fact that, save one dividend, they have appropriated all the earnings of the company to the improvement of the works.
The history of the Union Gas Works extends back to 1861, in which year they were built, at an original cost of $50,000. But, in the year 1872 it was found that the facilities were inadequate to an efficient supply, and the large gasometer, built by Thomas F. Rowland of Green- point, was purchased, new retorts erected and buildings added and stocked with new machinery, at a cost of about $70,000.
of East New York, in the sale of which Mr. Pitkin was largely interested. Its publication, however, was di -- continued after the first year.
In 1853, Mr. C. Warren Hamilton issued the first number of the " Kings County Advertiser and Vil. lage Guardian." The office of publication was also in the "old stone building." The Advertiser reached its third volume, when it passed into other hands, and under the name of the " Kings County Journal" was continued until about the year 1865. In 1866, Mr. Matthew Cooper, a practical printer, became a resident of East New York, and soon after commenced the pub- lication of the East New York Sentinel-an inde- pendent paper. It is published every Saturday, and has a large and increasing circulation.
In 1870, a stock company was organized under the name of the "New Lots Journal AAssociation," and about the first of September of the same year, issued the first number of the New Lots Journal, with the Rev. Joseph I. Elsegood as editor. The stock of the Journal was, soon after, sold to A. B. Proctor and C. Warren Hamilton. Its publication was continued by them, under the name of the Kings County Leader.
On the 3d of January, 1874, the stock and fixtures were sold to Messrs. A. H. W. Van Sielen and Richard Pickering, who conunenced the publication of the Long Island Record. About a year after, Mr. Van Siclen withdrew, and its publication was continued un- der the proprietorship of Mr. Pickering. The Record is an independent family and business journal; and, nn- der its present management is rapidly growing in public favor, as its increasing circulation gives ample proof. It is published every Saturday morning in the village of East New York.
The Eust New York Laterne, a weekly newspaper published in the German language, was established on the 10th of February, 1878, by the German Press As- sociation of the town of New Lots, " Limited." C. W. C. Drelier, by whose efforts the paper was started, be- came its responsible editor ; and, after the first six months, sole proprietor, he having bought out all the stockholders. The paper was then enlarged, and en- tered upon its era of success, maintaining among the German population of the town and neighborhood a conservative influence in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the people. Up to February 10th, 1853, it had firmly established itself, supplying a want which made itself felt among that nationality. In the spring of 1883, Mr. Philip Midas became Publisher, Elitor and sole Proprietor. The Laterne is published every Friday, and, as an advertising medium, it is not excell- ed by any other paper in the town.
Newspapers .- The newspaper enterprise of the town dates as far back as 1838, when the late John R. Pitkin, Esq., the pioneer of East New York, commeneed the publication of a monthly paper called " The Me- Police Department .- In 1870, the Metropolitan Police District was abolished, and the towns of Kings County were left without police protection. The Brooklyn Police Bill was accordingly amended, giving chanic." The office of publication was in what was then known as the " old stone building " at the corner of Atlantie and Pennsylvania avenues. The Mechanic was devoted to the interest of real estate in the village , authority, to the Town Boards of the several towns, to
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
apply to the Police Commissioners of the City of Brooklyn, under a requisition for the appointment of as many men as policemen as was deemed necessary. Under this authority, the Board of the town of New Lots, in 1871, applied for the appointment of three men ; who were duly appointed. In 1873, three more policemen were appointed. A building was rented, on Liberty avenue, for the use of the police as a station- house and lock-up. The building was, however, found to be entirely inadequate to meet the wants of the De- partment ; and, as a law had been passed, giving authority to the Town Board to bond the town in the sum of $10,000 for the purpose of erecting a Town House, in some central location, it was deemed best to procced at once, under the provisions of the Act, to erect a building for the use of the police.
Accordingly in June, 1873, a plot of ground, 50 by 100 feet, was purchased of Horace A. Miller, on Butler avenue, between Atlantie and Fulton avennes, for the sum of $1,400; and a substantial two-story and basement brick structure ereeted thereon. On the 11th day of December, 1873, the building was formally banded over to the town. A local paper, speaking of the com- pletion of the building, says : "The building committee, Judges Dowling, Hamilton and Wolfert deserve the thanks of the citizens for the manner in which they have watched over the interest of the tax-payers of the town. The Town House is a credit to the Town Board; to the architect, Wm. T. Smith, and to the contractors, Messrs. Sullivan and Seidler ; and we fully agree with the Supervisor of the town, in saying that the town has got a dollar's worth for every dollar expended."
In 1878, an Aet was passed, known as the "New Lots Police Bill," authorizing the Supervisor, President of the Excise Commission, and the Justice having the shortest term to serve, to appoint three Police Com- missioners to have full control of the police department. Accordingly, in June, 1878, the following commissioners were appointed: Peter Sutter, Jno. K. Powell and Henry L. Wyckoff. A veaney soon after occurring by the death of Mr. Wyckoff, the Supervisor, who was empow- ered to fill vacancies, appointed Mr. Richard Pickering.
The department consisted of the following members: Wm. F. Early, Coptain; Henry French, Sergeant; Peter J. Kennedy, Sergeant; Jolm Fisher, Roundsman; Patrick Brophy, Adam Busch, William E. Dupignac, Simeon Neiger and Edward Downing, Patrolmen.
The present organization of the department is as follows :
Peter Sutter, John K. Powell and Richard Picker- ing, Commissioners ; Benjamin Ronsch, Click: Heury French, Captain; Patrick Brophy, 1st Sergeant; Will- iam F. Early, 'd Sergeant; Christian Reimels, Jo Sip- geant; Jolm Ringshauser, Robert Kortwright. Rounds- men; John Fisher, Wm. E. Dupignac,* Thomas J. Herbert, Charles Nichols, * William Howard, Geo. So-
pers, John Brinsley, William Fosdick, Charles Suites Patrolmen; Sammel M. Palmer, Keeper of the Ink- !!
The department is well equipped with Ambaits horses, &c., and is under most excellent discipline.
Fire Department .- Ou the fifteenth day of Ang : -: 1860, as F. Oscar Doremus, Samuel W. Palmer, Fra :. A E. Rose and William B. Howard sat in the carporte: shop of Mr. Doremus, situated on the Southwe -. corner of Atlantic and Van Sielen avennes, reciting the many incidents connected with their experience as members of the Old Volunteer Fire Department of New York City, the subject of organizing a are- company in the town was suggested. The idea ta -: with a hearty response, and a meeting was hell :La. very evening, and a company organized under .; name of Americus Engine Co. No. 1, with the ?.... lowing officers: F. O. Doremus, Foreman; Santel W. Palmer, Assistant ; Charles H. Garbutt, S .7 .. tary; and Samuel Rose, Treasurer. A fire engine wa- purchased in Brooklyn. The company soon numbere .! thirty-four active members.
On the 5th day of February, 1861, the first fireman'. ball in the town was held at the Hotel of Henry Z.' - on the Jamaica Plank road. The ball was w -.: attended by the best citizens of the town. The late Henry Jefferson acted as floor manager. In the caris part of 1862 the engine company disbanded organized Union Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1, . Geo. R. Provost, Foreman ; Sanmel W. Pak Assistant; Charles II. Garbutt, Secretary; and Sad' L. Rose, Treasurer. A truck was purchased a. a. of 8150. The company numbered 30 members.
On the 15th of March, 1864, S. W. Palmer. W. B. Howard and others, from the Truck, organized 1 L company known as Empire Engine Co. No. 1. with . .. following officers : F. O. Doremns, Foreman; Sa_ Doremus, Secretary; and Samuel Palmer, Trener. Under the direction of Martin Bennett and 1 . estimable lady a fair was held for the benefit of :: . company. A handsome sum was realized. and _7 engine was purchased at a cost of $700.
Hope Hose, No. 1, was soon after organized. T .. . company is now known as Liberty Hose Co., V. 1.
The Department was duly chartered by an so .: the Legislature March 16th, 1865, with Samme! W. Palmer as President, W. B. Howard, as Via-Pei- dent, and Charles II. Garbutt, as Suertey. The first eleetion of officers was held on the first More. day in December, 1866. Samuel W. Palmer w .- elected Chief Engineer, Geo. R. Provost, Li .... Chief, and Charles H. Garbutt, Treasurer. Up to : time of the first election, the President acted as Chi .. Engineer. The Department at present consists of the following companies :
Union Hook and Ladder Co., No. 1. with the ing officers: John Weisbrod, For man; Angst It. . .. rich, Secretary. The company numbers forty merde ...
*Mounted.
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6
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF NEW LOTS.
Neptune Engine Co., LTD. 1, with the following officers : William Leihman, Foreman; James De Clue, Secretary-with a roll of twenty-eight members.
Alert Pump Co., No. 1, with the following officers : John Sonnen, Foreman; Martin Wernert, Sucre- tary. This company has had an average of forty mem- bers since its organization in 1875.
Liberty Hore Co., No. 1, with the following ofti- cers : Henry Distler, Foreman; William Sheriff, Secre- tary. This company numbers twenty-five members.
Independent Pump and Bucket Co., No. 2, with the following officers: John Kelley, Forman: Fred Weinhardt, Secretary. Number of members, thirty.
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Franklin Engine Co., No. 2, with the following officers : T. A. Cummings, Foreman, and Geo. MIc- Mannis, Secretary. This company numbers forty members.
The Department is under the direction of a board of trustees, consisting of four members from each com- pany. Geo. F. Browning is President of the Board and Charles H. Smith, Secretary. John J. Kennedy is the present Chief and Geo. N. Lenfestry, Assistant Chief of the Department. The town is divided into six fire districts, with fire alarm stations in each district, connected with the police station by telegraph, from which a general alarm is given.
Churches .- There is, perhaps, no town of its size in the State that contains so many church edifices, and contributes so liberally toward their support. as the town of New Lots. Nearly all religious denominations are represented. It may well be called "thetown of churches. "
The Reformed Church is located on the New Lots road. It was erected in 1823 ; and is the oldest church edifice in the town. It was dedicated in July, 1824, the Rev. John Alburtis officiating. During the following year this church united with that of Flat- lands, in calling upon the Rev. Wm. Crookshank, who in February, 1825, was ordained and installed pastor of the two churches. In April, 1835, he resigned his charge and removed to the village of Newburgh, N. Y. On the 22d of March, 1836, the Rev. J. Abeel Baldwin became pastor of these churches. He officiated among them with inneh acceptance for many years ; finally taking charge of the Flatlands church alone. The Rev. John Van Buren was called to the pastorate of the church at New Lots, and continued in charge for nearly twelve years. He was succeeded by the Rev. C. W. Woods ; who, after a successful pastorate of about six years, was followed by the Rev. N. W. Pierce, the present pastor. The Sunday-school connected with this church numbers about 150 scholars. Mr. David Hopkins, a long and zealows worker in the church, is the present Superintendent.
Reformed Church, East New York .- In 1938. a New Reformed Church was built, in the village of
East New York. It is situated on New Jersey avenne, near Fulton avenue. This church was dedica- ted in the Spring of 1839; Mr. Williamson Rapalje, Sen., one of the present elders, being one of the first elders elected. In May 1840, the Rev. Wm. H. Camp- bell was installed as pastor. He continued here until the Fall of 1841; when he removed to Albany, to take charge of the Third Reformed Church of that city. He was succeeded by the Rev. Martin V. Schoon- maker, whose pastorate continned for seven years. After an interim of about a year, the Rev. J. Pasea: Strong was called to the pastorate, and served fr about five years. In 1855, the present commodiv :- church edifice was erected, as the old building Lad become too small to accommodate the growing wants of the community. In June, 1856, the Rev. Anson F. Munn was called; and closed his pastorate in 1867. On the 6th of May, 1868, the Rev. C. R. Blauvelt, began his ministry in the church, continuing until 1875; when he was succeeded by the Rev. William J. Hill, who after a very successful ministry of seven years, was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. Daniel Van Pelt.
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