USA > New York > Albany County > Watervliet > History of the city of Watervliet, N.Y., 1630 to 1910 > Part 1
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GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02222 4163
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/historyofcityofw00myer_0
The Record of some noted one Is oft in type displayed : Our ancestors, and their life work Are forgotten in a day.
DANIEL T. WANDELL, Pioneer 1789
History of the City of Watervliet, N. Y.
1630 to 1910
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Compiled by James T. Myers Watervliet, N. Y.
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PRESS OF HENRY STOWELL & SON TROY, N. Y.
WATERVLIET
Its First Inception, Early Advancement and Future Prospects.
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A yearning is felt within me to write (from history, family records and memory) the history of Gibbonsville (city of Water- vliet), and as it were, a word picture of scenes, business interests, military and social functions, and other items of interest (at least to many readers) from its settlement to its present position among the cities of the State, that may possibly recall to mind to some that peruse the same, or convey to those not familiar with its early history, the different phases of its growth, from infancy to man- hood, believing to those yet living and conversant with facts as stated, calling to mind those scenes and familiar faces of long ago, will create a heartfelt pleasure as they recognize the same, remember their connection therewith, visit (in memory) their old time acquaintances, and revel once more (in imagination) in the military, social and firemanic features as they existed in those jolly good days, and thereby generate anew a feeling of pride that they themselves were part and parcel of its foundation.
1630.
Killean Van Renssellear first owned the land that is designated on old maps as Port Schuyler, Washington, Gibbonsville, West Troy, and the present city of Watervliet. Phillip Petersie Schuy- ler built the Schuyler mansion now standing south of the city. There he entertained his guests, among them the hostile Indians, who often camped on the farm north of the residence, and through kind treatment became his friends. The east half of the original building was burned in 1771. The west wall (imported Holland brick two feet thick) was left intact. The new eastern half was rebuilt in 1772. The original door saved from the fire was replaced in the brick wall, opening into the western half. The front facing the east has in place the original two-part door, the old knocker, and original shutters also saved. The old river
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10.00 12-15.69 Inv. 11099 P.O 4802
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road ran to the eastward of the house. Early stages passed the house. Later the turnpike was built to the westward of the man- sion in 1828, after the canal was finished. Present Albany road, Third avenue.
Souvenirs, reminders of the early connection of the Schuyler family with the early settlement of Beverwyck (city of Albany and Albany county), adorn the walls. Conspicuous is the portrait of Peter Schuyler, first mayor of Albany, original painting by artist to Queen Anne, executed at the time Schuyler visited England, accompanied by a delegation of Indians. Courtesy de- mands acknowledgment to Mrs. Richard Schuyler for information.
1710.
Derrick Van De Heyden operated a ferry, landing on the west side of the Hudson on the Bleeker farm (near Sixteenth street). Troops crossed this ferry in 1777 on their way to take part in the battle of Bemis Heights and Stillwater.
Phillip, Peter, Jeremiah Schuyler and Peter Cluett were set- tlers at this date.
1758.
Johanneas Wandell and Jacobus Wandell (brothers) from Amsterdam, Holland, to Newburgh, in 1758, purchased 300 acres of land known as the Commons in Newburgh, and also 300 acres in Fishkill. Ship builders, rivermen, freighting to New York, and identified with army movements between West Point and New York.
Daniel T. Wandell, one of four sons of Johanneas, born in Newburgh in 1770, the only one to settle in Troy in 1789, and at that time owner and captain of sloop Elinor, plying between New York, Newburgh and Troy. Became owner and operated a ferry from near Division street, Troy, to the west side, landing on the Bleeker farm, Buffalo street (Fifteenth and Broadway) in 1804. One of the 200 to join Tammany Society in 1808 organized in Troy, branch of New York. Trustee of the First Ward of Troy in 1810. Sold the Rock House ferry in 1812 to Mathias Van De Heyden. Moved to Gibbonsville in 1816. Superintendent of both Van De Heyden ferries (upper and lower) from 1822 to 1834. Placed the first experimental steam ferry boat on upper ferry in 1832 (failure). President of village of Gibbonsville in 1829. Justice of the peace in 1837. Owner of lower ferry, Broadway and Fourteenth street, from 1835 to 1852. Placed the steam ferry boat Transit on the ferry in 1846, the horse boats being laid up. The brother of the writer was killed on one of them in 1847. Moved to Greenpoint, L. I., in 1852. Died in 1869, 99 years old. His wife, Elinor Wandell (nee Mack), born 1774, died in 1847, 73 years old.
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ABRAM MYERS 1820
S. S. Wandell, son of D. T. W., born in Troy in 1802. Frances Harriet Wandell (daughter of D. T. W.) born in Troy 1810. Elinor Wandell (daughter of D. T. W.) born in Troy 1812. S. S. Wandell married a Miss Esther Eaton of Troy. When he became of age became prominent in the affairs of the village of Gibbons- ville. Captain of the first fire engine, old Niagara No. 1, in 1829. Agent of the Gibbonsville estate, Alexander estate. Charter mem- ber of W. M. E. church in 1831. Weighmaster at this port, re- taining his prestige until his death, which occurred in 1885. His son, Martin Eaton Wandell, born in Gibbonsville in 1835, died in Tampa, Fla., 1898. Master's mate in the navy ; also on a whaling voyage with the writer in 1855.
1769.
Jonathan Myers, from Holland, settled in Fishkill in 1769. Miller ; built and operated same for some years. Identified with its early history up to the time of his death, occurring in 1836. Two sons, Abram Myers, born in Fishkill in 1802; Alfred, born in 1808. Mary Myers, daughter, born in 1805.
Abram Myers, son, came to Gibbonsville in 1818. Opened a clothing store on River street, became prominent as a merchant. Held the position of trustee of the village, collector, and other offices. Charter member of the first lodge of I. O. O. F. No. 20 and N. G., organized in the Learned building in 1836. Married Frances Harriet Wandell (daughter of D. T. W.). His death occurred in 1866. Wife died in 1867.
James T. Myers (son of Abram and Frances) born in Gibbons- ville in 1836, educated in village schools, Smith's Seminary, Troy, Jonesville Academy and Fort Edward Institute. Entered the clothing business with his father. Commercial traveler for promi- nent firms for years, bookkeeper, justice of the peace from 1900 to 1909. Elected in 1909 for three years. Member and fore- man of H. and L. Co. Hercules, member of Rip Van Winkle Co. No. 1, also captain James Roy Steamer Company No. 1 and chief engineer of the fire department in 1872. Married Marietta, daughter of Joseph Wemett, of Troy, N. Y.
Isaac Chapman Myers (son of Abram and Frances) born in West Troy in 1838. Educated in same schools. Member of Rip Van Winkle Engine No. 1 and treasurer some years. Went west. Secretary of the proprietor of the St. Louis Rural World. Re- signed position. Went to California. Returned to Ogden, Utah. Died in 1898.
Oliver Duncan Myers (son of J. T. M.) educated in the village schools and business college, went to Buffalo. Connected with the grain elevators. For seven years manager as head weigher, and for the Great Northern when. first put in operation. Later with
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the Edison Company, New York city. Married Miss Eufaula Fuller, daughter of Eugene A. Fuller. Many years foreman for R. V. Wilson & Co., Troy. Enlisted in 1861 in N. Y. Vols., 3d Army Corps. Died in 1887.
Alfred Myers (son of Jonathan) to Gibbonsville in 1822. Mem- ber of No. 1 Engine Co. Captain of same. Connected with the ferries as collector. Died in 1854. Married a Miss Levina Taft of Vermont.
Emma Putman (nee Myers), daughter of Alfred and Levina Myers. Married a George Putman of Green Island, who died in California. Their daughter, Jennie Putman, married Robert Church of Troy, N. Y., and who has been connected for years with the N. Y. C. & H. R. R. Co. at Grand Central station, N. Y.
Henry Fitchett, born in Fishkill 1806, came to Gibbonsville in 1826. Married Mary Myers, sister of Abram Myers. Carpenter and builder.
John Fitchett (son) born 1835. Educated in village. Book- keeper and accountant. Clerk of the village in 1854-5. Moved to Omaha. Died there. Buried in Rural.
Learned Haight, member of the Haight family of Troy. To Gibbonsville in 1825. Leather dealer. Married Elinor Wandell (daughter of D. T. W.). Moved to Troy. In business on Ferry street. Later of the firm of I. & L. Haight, dealers in leather and findings. Also tannery at head of Ferry street. Later in New York. Contract for the government manufacturing mail bags.
Both branches are connected with the early settlement of New- burgh, Fishkill, village of Troy, Washington, Gibbonsville, West Troy, and therefore identified with the erection of the cities of Troy and Watervliet.
Jonas Yearsley and George Yearsley settled in the old town of Watervliet in the seventeenth century. Jonas built the first hotel at what is known at this date as Latham's Corners in 1845. Died in 1860.
George J. Yearsley (son of George). To West Troy in 1830. Served an apprenticeship with William Tucker in 1832. Estab- lished the business later, continuing same until his death in 1902.
William T. E. Yearsley (son), born and educated in the village, continuing the same line of business (harness), identifying him- self with the commercial interests of his birthplace, sacrificing per- sonal interests and home associations in support of the country's honor, and as a veteran, his services (like many others) are appre- ciated by all loyal citizens, and his membership in General John E. Wool Post, G. A. R., is the memorial tablet whereon is in- scribed the deeds of valor credited to its members.
Advertisements often appeared in newspapers in past years that were very appropriate to the season.
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John Glass has received a large consignment of lemon colored kerosene that he offers at $1.25 per gallon.
J. D. Lobdell, January 15, 1845, offers the choice from a con- signment of straw hats at the low figure of seventy-five cents each.
C. Hovey, February 10, 1832. Patrons will please call on or before March first and settle. It will enable me to keep up the appearance of a gentleman.
1786.
Mathias D. Y. Van De Heyden, in 1786, owned and operated the ferry foot of Canal street (now Sixteenth) ; the first stage over the River road to Troy and Lansingburgh, crossed this ferry, and in 1790, Malon Taylor owned and commenced operating the second ferry, at the foot of Ferry street (now Fourteenth). The land from a creek called Croom Kill (Crooked creek) south of the Schuyler homestead, to a stream north, called, Stein Hoeck Kill (Stone Point creek ) known as Dry river was owned by Philip S. Schuyler.
In 1793 part of this plat commencing at what is now Fifth street extending north to what is now known as Eighth street was surveyed by Mr. Schuyler and laid out into lots and called Washington. The farm above this extending to Stein Hoeck (Stone Point) Rock House, was owned by Bastian De Winter. John S. Schuyler purchased it in 1786.
In 1795 two stages passed over this route, owned by Annanias Platt.
In 1796 twenty stages were running over the different post routes, Stein Hoeck Kill (Dry river), draining the northwestern part of what was once all Albany county, running through the town of Colonie, entering the city just above Twelfth avenue, run- ning zigzag through it, south, passing through the United States grounds, entering the Hudson. In early days this stream fur- nished fishing grounds for years. The waters clear, clean and gave no trouble to those living on its banks even at times of freshets spring and fall, to-day it is a bone of contention, cause why ?
John Bleeker owned the farm, north from Buffalo street (Broad- way and Fifteenth street), to the intersection of the Oothout farm near Twenty-fifth street. This section later became the village of West Troy.
1790.
Frederick Y. Waterman, whose ancestors served in the War of the Revolution was born in 1790 at Hudson, N. Y. Served in the War of 1812. Became sheriff of Columbia county. Changed his residence, and later became postmaster at Cohoes, Albany county, N. Y. A very prominent and active citizen in his day. His demise, occurring in 1834, deprived the nation of a patriot, the State of an honored official, leaving a void in his immediate family that none could fill.
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Samuel H. Waterman and Smith A. Waterman, twins (sons of F. Y.), born in 1823 in Columbia county. Smith A. Waterman, after settling in West Troy, became interested in politics, was superintendent of first section of Erie canal, county clerk of the county of Albany, captain of the Light Guards, one of the most prominent of the organizations of the old village; whole-souled, generous and respected citizen. Born in 1823. Died in 1865.
Samuel H. Waterman, brother, born in 1823. In early life clerk for Andrew Meneely. Later in the grocery and dry goods business firm of Crowner & Waterman, in the Wiswall building, later first firm to locate in the building known as Union Place Hall in 1852. Later in the lumber business, firm Saxe & Waterman. Mr. Saxe withdrew, Mr. Waterman continuing until his death on November 10, 1902.
S. A. Waterman (son), born in 1858. At 17 years old clerk for John I. Thompson, six years. In 1881, with his father, clerk in the lumber trade, succeeding to the business on his death. The yards are situated on Second avenue, Lots 1801 to 1817 inclusive. It is the only firm in existence in the city that represents the lumber trade that flourished in days gone by, established by such firms as Freeman & Co., Cameron, Conant & Co., Saxe. & Co., Silliman & Haswell, Alfred Mosher and others long since de- parted. Mr. Waterman is connected with the Watson family of Saratoga county, the Collins and Viles family of Albany county, and on his mother's side with the Fay family whose father was a congressman from this district years gone by.
John L. Caulkins. To West Troy in 1825. Contractor. One of the substantial citizens of the times. His death caused a va- cancy in business circles in which he had been largely identified many years. George L. Caulkins (son), born in 1859. His maternal grandfather, Edward Learned, was first president of the village. Lumber inspector at one time. Later became an under- taker and embalmer. The family were very prominent in social and church matters in days gone by.
Daniel Day. One of the old grocery merchants, and well known.
Michael J. Day (son), educated here and La Salle Institute. Clerk and cashier for William H. Frear 12 years. Engaged in the coal business in 1882 under the firm name Crummy & Day. Last president of the village, and first mayor of city of Water- vliet. The firm's new office is located corner of Broadway and Thirteenth street.
Stephen V. Sturtevant (son of G. A. Sturtevant, one of the pioneer settlers of Gibbonsville), born in 1844. In the lumber business, firm of Andrews & Sturtevant, fire commissioner 15 years, member of Oswald Hose Company, one of the few young men whose friendship was eagerly sought, and highly esteemed. His death was sincerely regretted by many.
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Elisha Mors. Operator in timber and real estate. To West Troy in 1863. One of the wealthiest men of the village. Died in 1875. Joshua Mors (son), of the firm of E. Mors & Son, office 106 Sixteenth street. On his father's death succeeded to the busi- ness. Iron, stone and steel being in demand for building pur- poses, the sale of timber decreasing, he closed the concern and moved to New York where he died in 1908.
John C. Schuyler, born in the old homestead in 1801. Died in 1882. Officially related to the South Dutch Church. Represented the town as supervisor from 1837 to 1853. Assembly in 1836.
Stephen Schuyler, born in 1851. The family history is well known by those well up in history of the county.
1795.
Andrew Meneely. From north of Ireland to the early settle- ment called Washington, in 1795, and identified as one of the first settlers of the locality.
Andrew Meneely, Sr., known as establishing the first bell foundry in Gibbonsville in 1826, was born in Washington in 1801. Died 1851. Learned the trade of mathematical instrument making with Julius Hanks, entering his employ when 17 years old in 1808.
George Meneely (son). Formerly connected with the Meneely bell foundry. Withdrew in 1876. Established the business of the manufacture of car journal bearings. Foundry located in 1874 on the site of the old Chollar, Sage & Dunham foundry.
The family have been connected with the business interests of this locality over a century. Identified with both North and South Reformed churches. Andrew, senior, one of the original members of the first church in 1814.
The firm this date is George R. Meneely & Son, he being ad- mitted in 1888, succeeding C. H. Getman, Jr., partner of G. M.
Margaret Meneely, aunt of George, married Capt. James Hitch- cock. Nancy Meneely married Capt. Isaac Hitchcock. Eleanor Meneely also married.
Andrew Meneely was president of the village in 1839 and again in 1843. George R. Meneely president of same in 1860. A life- long interest in the business, social, religious and political history of this old town marks them as one of the most progressive families that settled within its borders. Scions of noble stock.
1800.
John Robinson, from England to Troy, N. Y., in 1800; occupa- tion, miller; built mill back of Troy. The family consisted of wife and four sons, William T. Robinson, located in Ohio, farmer ; died in 1840; Richard Robinson went to Chicago, died in 1876;
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Joseph Robinson, died in 1878. After their father's death, occur- ing in 1822, Robert Robinson settled in Gibbonsville in 1823, where he immediately identified himself with the business interest of the village, became captain and owner of several river crafts freighting lumber to New York, and was one of the pioneers in the ownership and the employment of steam tug boats, that de- veloped later as the Robinson Towing Company, used in towing their large fleet of barges and also the canal boats from the west with cargoes of lumber staves, oil and other freight consigned to ports further down the river.
Mr. Robinson following his line of business from its infancy, enabled him to master all the details connected therewith, qualify- ing him as an expert pilot, to weather many of the financial storms that wrecked other crafts of like tonnage, by trimming his sails (fore, aft and mizzen). Prudence, energy and integrity, his ever watchful eye soon raised the beacon light that enabled him to steer clear of the shoals of adversity, and anchor in a harbor of safety. He had the respect and confidence of his competitors, and at the time of his death, which occurred in 1874 he left a record for probity none could question.
John Robinson (son), born in West Troy, educated in the schools of the village, popular with his associates, a member of Oswald Hose Company for years, and at one time had charge of the family's interest in the Robinson estate, but his health fail- ing, he retired from active duty, and his death which occurred in 1895 released him from the cares and disappointments of this life, and as we believe, to find joy, happiness and peace beyond.
Clinton Robinson (son), born and received his education in West Troy, entered the services of the Robinson Company and re- mained engaged therein until the family closed out the business ; of a quiet disposition whose friendship once acquired is lasting.
Mary J. Robinson (daughter), to know her, is to respect, honor and love her for the even disposition and many loveable traits of character that are so plainly and indelibly marked, as she journeys on through this selfish world, that the casual observer immediately realizes their presence, and at once recognizes the fact that there are conditions of mind, that (under any and all circumstances) make life worth living. A life-long member of the North Re- formed Dutch Church and interested in all movements that tend toward the uplifting of humanity, and a cordial greeting awaits her at all times.
1805.
James Gibbons purchased the farm commencing at North street (Eighth), of the Schuylers in 1805, extending to Buffalo street (Fifteenth), and the great black rock (Rock house) and named it Gibbonsville.
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Julius Hanks erected the first bell foundry in 1808, on Water street (Broadway), between Fourteenth and Fifteenth streets, 1810; Parkers and Beals, stages to Lansingburg.
1813.
In 1813 the United States government purchased from James Gibbons, twelve acres of land in Gibbonsville, commencing at a stream now known as Dry river; in 1828, the government made the second purchase of thirty acres; later another purchase from S. S. Wandell and others, extending the grounds on Broadway to its present limit.
Isaac Chapman who came to Gibbonsville in 1813, was the first master mechanic of the post; became prominent in the business affairs of the village. President of same in 1835; chief of fire department in 1830; built the brick building, No. 1415 as his residence, and 1417 (Hilton's store in 1823), where the Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows' then located in the Learned building as No. 20, moved to it in 1840, with number changed to 38. Died in 1856 holding the office of assessor.
1814.
The Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, of Washington and Gibbonsville, organized in a schoolhouse on the west side of Second avenue March 19, 1814, on rear of lot now owned by the Forsyth family. Chairman, Peter S. Schuyler; clerk, Volkert Oothout; Robert Dunlop and L. Blackman. Philip Bronk, pastor. In 1815 commenced building church on then River street above north- west side (now Broadway and Eighth street). Dedicated in 1816, the first pastor continuing until 1834. Phillip S. Schuyler, An- drew Meneely, elders; Samuel Phillips and Stephen Conger, dea- cons ; Dr. N. L. Hungerford, S. C. Dermott. Humphrey Oothout, contractor, who built the old White Church. It stood on River street, on the west side of Broadway, now No. 959 Broadway, residence now occupied by G. L. Schuyler; on lot north stood the parsonage; on the lot south of the site of the church stood the Sunday school, and in the rear of the present building stands part of the building used as the original infant school in 1818. Hav- ing been repaired it is in first class condition, a relic of the past.
1816.
The first post-office located in 1816, corner of River and Ferry streets (Broadway and Fourteenth) ; Abijah Wheeler, post master ; it was named the Watervliet post-office.
At this time Jonathan Hart's law office was in Washington, River street, south of the present lower locks.
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FIRST CHURCH BUILDING IN WEST TROY, N. Y. Dedicated July 10, 1816, and first site of the South Reformed Church, occupied by them for thirty years, abandoned 1874 View shows also first Chapel and Parsonage.
1817.
The building of the Erie canal commenced July 4, 1817.
1822.
William Andrews, Sr., school teacher in town of Watervliet, in 1822, came to Gibbonsville in 1824. Kept grocery corner Water and Ferry streets (Broadway and Fourteenth), manufacturer in 1847 of soda, root and lemon beer, prominent in the affairs of the village in its infancy.
William Andrews, Jr., (son), born in 1830; from boyhood to date he has been identified with the history, growth and business interests of his home city; an old time fireman, identified with old Rip Van Winkle; served in office as captain; identified with the lumber trade, also in financial and banking institutions, in- terested in a very large degree in real estate, having erected on land once occupied by lumber, a settlement of ninety cottages, known as Andersonville, where a tenant can lease a home at a reasonable rent with no other tenant to interfere with their freedom.
John Andrews (brother), went to California with John Learned and others from the old Second ward in 1849, and never returned.
Joseph Andrews, learned the trade of mathematical instruments serving an apprenticeship with Andrew Meneely; member of Rip Van Winkle; observing the fire at the Quiggin Mill, at Troy, in 1854 from the upper floor of the foundry and by giving the alarm he enabled the members of old Rip to drag the engine to the ferry and landed it on the dock; laid hose at the same time that Wash- ington Volunteers did. His death occurred in 1879.
Robert Andrews (brother), formerly in the grocery business, later employed by the State at the weigh-lock; his death occurred on October 24, 1908.
James Andrews, bookkeeper at Watervliet National Bank ; many years in their employ; son-in-law to Francis E. Varney, who came to West Troy in 1851, millwright, a member of the Dutch Reformed Church, First avenue, and a zealous worker in the interest of religion and ready at all times to assist in any good work that tends to advance the interest of the city.
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