USA > New York > Nassau County > Oyster Bay > A documentary history of het (the) Nederdeutsche gemeente, Dutch congregation, of Oyster Bay, Queens County, Island of Nassau, now Long Island, V. 2 > Part 31
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The Question was then read, does the civilized man lead as. happy a life as the Savage? after a considerable debate on the
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Question it was decided in favour of the civilized man unani- mously.
At the General Meeting on Saturday Oct. the 11th, 1813. The Election of officers was the first Business attended to, and upon Counting the Ballots the old officers were unanimously ·elected, viz:
Joseph Hegeman, President. George Monfoort, V. President. James Hegeman, Treasurer, Aaron V. Nostrand, Secretary.
The question was then read: Which is the greatest curse to a Nation a Weak or Wicked Ruler after a considerable debate it was decided by the Casting Vote of the President that a Wicked Ruler was the greatest curse to a Nation.
At a Meeting on Saturday Evening, October 30th, 1813.
The Question was as follows: Is it always consistent with good wordly policy to act up to the strictest rules of honor and. Virtue. After some debate had on the Question it was decided that it was not consistent with good worldly policy to act up to the strictest rules of honor and virtue, six to one.
Questions for the next meeting were then proposed as follows: Does not careless and sloven people work harder than the neat and orderly ?
The Second Question was - Whether it would be of any ad- vantage to continue the Society any longer or not.
At a meeting on Saturday Evening the 11th of December, 1813,
The Question was then read: Which work the hardest the Careless or the Careful. After considerable debate had therein it was decided as follows, that the Careless worked the hardest by a Majority of one.
The Question for the next Meeting was as follows: Which is most respected by Mankind great talents or great Wealth.
The Proceedings of a Meeting on the 25th of December, 1813.
The President being Absent John Hegeman was chosen, Chairman for the Meeting. The following Question was pro- posed. Which is the most respected by mankind, great talent
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or great Wealth. After a considerable debate it was decided as follows by a Majority of 3 to 2.
For talents-3 For Wealth-2.
Questions for the next meeting-Has Ignorance and Vice or talents and Virtue been most rewarded by mankind?
Who has been the greatest Legislator recorded in ancient or Modern history.
At a Meeting the 8th of January, 1814,
The Question for discussion was Suppose ardent Spirits should rise fourfold in price from the Common Standard Would it be of advantage or Disadvantage to the community, after a Con- siderable debate it was decided by a Majority of one in favour of advantage and after settling with the Treasurer the Society adjourned.
At a General Meeting on Monday Evening, the Ioth of January 1814.
The Society then proceeding to the Election of officers when the following officers were unanimously chosen,
Joseph Hegeman, President. George Moofoort, V. President. James Hegeman, Treasurer. Aaron V. Nostrand, Secretary. The Question for discussion was as follows:
Hath the use of Tobacco been of advantage or disadvantage, after a considerable debate it was decided by a Majority of 5 to I for disadvantage.
At a Meeting the 29th of January, 1814,
The following Question was introduced :
Is the West India trade of advantage to the citizens of the United States?
After considerable debate in which James Hegeman sup- ported the affirmative and Messrs. William Crooker and Aaron V. Nostrand supported the Negative, the Question was decided as follows:
Affirmative, 5. Negative, 2.
Mr. Thomas M. Weeks was proposed as desirous of being admitted as member of the Society the following Question was appointed for the next meeting,
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From which do we derive the most satisfaction the pursuit of Literature or Wealth.
At a meeting the 5th of February, 1814.
Thomas M. Weeks was unanimously elected a member of the Society and the following Question was introduced:
From which do we derive the most Satisfaction the pursuit of Literature or Wealth.
After a considerable debate in which William Crooker and Aaron Simonson supported the pursuit of Literature as the most satisfactory and James Hegeman that of Wealth the Question was decided as follows, viz:
For Literature-2 for Wealth-5.
Mr. Leonard Frost was proposed as being desirous of being admitted as a member of the Society the following Question was appointed for the next meeting,
Is hope or fear the greatest stimulant to action. After which the Society Adjourn'd till the 26th of February, 1814.
The proceedings of the Meeting of the Society on the 26th of Feb. 1814.
Leonard Frost was unanimously Elected a member of the Society, the following Question was for discussion: Is hope or fear the greatest stimulus to action. After a Lengthy debate in which James Hegeman, A. Simonson and A. V. Nostrand supported that hope was the greatest stimulus to action. Leonard Frost and William Crooker supported that fear was the greatest stimulus to action, when it was decided as follows:
For hope, 6 For fear-2.
Question for the Next Meeting was, Which is the most pleasing the Anticipation of a pleasure or its reality.
At a Meeting on Saturday Evening the 5th of March 1814.
The following Question was introduced, Which is the most pleasing, the Anticipation of a pleasure or its reality. It was supported by James Hegeman that the Anticipation of a pleasure was the most pleasing, and by Aaron Simonson and Aaron
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V. Nostrand that its reality was the most pleasing. After a considerable debate it was decided as follows,
For anticipation-2 For it reality-4.
Mr. Stephen Titus & Thomas Underhill were proposed as being desirous of becoming members of the Society, after which the following Questions were proposed for discussion,
Is man always actuated by self Love or not?
Is Man Constituted Moral?
Does art or Nature forin the general Character of a man?
(The Meeting of Mch. 12 was held and a page left for the minutes, but no record madc.)
At a meeting the 26th of March, 1814.
The President being Absent Aaron V. Nostrand was unani- mously called to the chair. The Question for discussion was read: Is anger in any case justifiable, it was supported by Messrs. Simonson & Weeks in the affirmative and by Messrs. Crooker & Hegeman in the Negative, after a considerable debate was had thereon it was decided as follows,
Affirmative -- 2 Negative-3.
The Question for the next Meeting: Whether Mankind In General has been Benefited by the Discoveries of Columbus or not?
Proceedings of the Society held 28th May, 1814.
Mr. A. Van Nostrand was appointed Chairman and some ar- rangements made for purchasing a ticket in the Lottery, and that the Secretary notify cach member some time previous to said Meeting.
At a meeting at the School House in Cedarswamp the 27th of September 1823 for the purpose of forming a Debating Society, Mr. Aaron Van Nostrand was appointed Chairman and Aaron Simonson Secretary. It was unanimously resolved that we the Subscribers do hereby form ourselves into a society under the Constitution adopted at this place the 12th January 18c1, we do likewise adopt the bye-laws as they now stand amended in pursuance of the abovesaid Constitution, provided however,
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that we reserve the right to appoint a Committee to revise and alter said bye laws as a majority of the said Society may think proper.
Resolved that the Society adjourn to meet at this place on the 11th of October next.
William C. Titus
George Simonson
Peter Luister, Junior
Aaron Von Nostrand, Chairman
John Seaman
An. Simonson, Secty.
Willets Underhill
William Crooker
James Hegeman
Abraham Laton
William M. Willis
Joseph Smart.
At a meeting held pursuant to adjournment at the School House in Cedarswamp on the 11th of October, 1823, Mr. Van Nostrand in the chair, it was resolved that the Society be organ- ized by the election of officers to preside till the general meeting of January next. They were accordingly ballotted for and upon canvassing the votes it appeared that the following persons were unanimously chosen, viz:
Aaron Van Nostrand, President. John Seaman, Vice President. Aaron Simonson, Secretary. Peter Luister, Junr., Treasurer.
It was then resolved that we adjourn to meet at this place on. Saturday evening next the 18th instant. The following Ques- tions were proposed for the next meeting, Which is the most pernicious to society, Flattery or Slander? Does the civil- ized man live a Happier life than the Savage?
Proceedings held at Cedarswamp pursuant to adjournment on Saturday evening the 18th of October 1823. The President being absent the Vice president took the chair.
The following question was then adopted for discussion, Which is the most pernicious to Society, Flattery or Slander?
After considerable debate in which Messrs. Hegeman & Luister contended that Slander, and Messrs. Simonson & Seaman that flattery was most pernicious to Society, A motion was made for decision and decided as follows:
Flattery most pernicious I Slander most pernicious .5 After a short adjournment the following Question was adopted
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for discussion Which would be the most advantgeous to a farmer in expending a specific sum of money to build a one or two story house? ·
After discussion in which Messrs. Hegeman and Luister sup- ported the former and Messrs. Simonson, Underhill & Titus the latter the Question was decided as follows
One story most advantageous 3. Two story most advan- tageous 3
The Society being equally divided the President decided that a two story house was most advantageous.
The following Questions were agreed upon for the next meet- ing,
Which leads the happiest life the Civilized man or the Savage ?
Which is most conducive to happiness, a state of Celibacy or Matrimony?
It was resolved that the future meetings be held weekly on Saturday evenings till altered by the Society.
Proceedings held at Cedarswamp on the 25th of October 1823. The Secretary being absent Mr. Peter Luister Junr. was appointed Secretary for the evening. The following question was then adopted for discussion,
Which leads the happiest life, the Civilized man or the Savage? After debate it was decided as follows:
Civilized man, 2 Savage, 2
The Society being equally divided the president decided in favor of the Civilized Man.
Mr. George Simonson was proposed as desirous of becoming a member of the Society.
Question for the next meeting, Which is the most conducive to happiness, a State of Celibacy or Matrimony?
Proceedings at Cedarswamp on November Ist, 1823, the president being absent the vice president took the chair.
Mr. George Simonson who was proposed at the last meeting was ballotted for and upon canvassing the votes was declared to be unanimously clected a member of the Society.
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The following question was read: Which is the most con- ducive to happiness a state of Celibacy or Matrimony?
After an animated debate it was decided as follows,
In favor of Matrimony, 2; of Celibacy, 2. Decided by the President in favor of Matrimony.
Questions for next meeting-Which is the most despicabk character, the Miser or prodigal?
Which are the most useful to a nation the Merchants or Mechanics?
Proceedings at Cedarswamp on November 8th, 1823.
Mr. Joseph Smart who had been proposed at a previous meeting as desirous of becoming a member was Balloted for and upon canvassing the votes was unanimously elected a Member of this Society.
The following Question was then read: Which is the most despicable character the Miser or the prodigal?
After a lengthy and animated debate it was unanimously decided that the prodigal was the most despicable.
The following Questions were agreed upon for future discussion.
Which are the most useful to a nation, the Merchants or Mechanics?
Are Capital punishments justifiable?
Which enjoys the most comfort, The Idle or the Industrious?
It was then Resolved that the future meetings of the Society be held once in two weeks at this place on Saturday evenings
Previous to adjournment the President appointed the speakers on the Ist Question,
For the Merchants, Messrs. Luister, Jun. Smart, Titus.
For the Mechanics, Messrs. Seaman, A. Simonson, Underhill
Proceedings at Cedarswamp on the 22nd of November, 1823.
The following Question was then adopted for discussion,
Which are the most useful to a nation, the Merchants or Mechanics?
After a lengthy debate it was decided as follows: Merchants most useful. I. Mechanics. 6-
. Questions adopted for future discussion.
Are Capital punishments justifiable?
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Which enjoys the most comfort, the idle or the industrious?
Proceedings held at Cedarswamp on Saturday evening the 6th of December, 1823.
A motion was made and seconded that the Society meet at an hour after sundown and that the roll be called at half an hour after, which on being put was unanimously carried.
The following Question was then read: Are Capital punish- ments justifiable?
Affirmative, 4 Negative I
Question for the next meeting,
Do the pains of life overbalance its pleasures?
The Society then adj'd to the usual time.
Proceedings at Cedarswamp on the 20th of December, 1823. The President and Vice President being absent a motion was made and unanimously carried that Peter Luister, Jun. pre- side for the present meeting, who accordingly took the chair and called the meeting to order.
Agreeable to a resolution proposed at the last meeting the roll was then called.
The following question was then agreed upon for this evening's discussion,
For which do mankind make the greatest exertion, to procure riches or honor?
Which after debate was decided as follows:
To procure Riches. 2 Honour. 2
It was then decided by the casting vote of the president that man exerted himself most to procure riches.
Questions for the future discussion:
Do the pains of life overbalance its pleasures.
Which enjoy the most comfort, the idle or the industrious?
Proceedings at Cedarswamp on the 3rd of January, 1824.
The President being absent the Vice President took the chair. The following Question was introduced for discussion,
Do the pains of life over-balance its pleasures?"
After debate it was decided in the affirmative as follows:
Affirmative, 4 Negative I.
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A report from the treasurer was read by which it appeared that the receipts amounted to $2,873 cts. and the disburse- ments $1,47₺ cts. leaving a ballance of $1.40 cts. remaining in his hands. Question for the next meeting: Hath the in- vention of fire arms been of greater advantage than disadvantage to Mankind.
Proceedings of a General Meeting at the School House in Cedar Swamp on monday Evening the 12th of January, 1824.
The society proceeded to the election of officers for the En- suing three months and upon canvassing the votes the fol- lowing persons where unanimously chosen:
Aaron Van Nostrand, President. John Seaman, Vice President. William C. Titus, Secretary, Peter Luister, Jun., Treasurer.
The Society after paying in the Quarterly dues Proceeded to discuss the following question, Hath the Invention of fire arms been of greater advantage than Disadvantage to Mankind.
After an animated and Lengthy debate it was Decided as follows,
Advantage, 3. Disadvantage, 3
The President Decided that the invention had been of more advantage than Disadvantage.
Question for the Next Meeting, Which would be of the Most Utility to the Community, For a Man to have an Independent Fortune or a Liberal Education?
The Speakers were appointed on the Question:
Messrs. Hegeman and Simonson for Wealth.
Messrs. Crooker and Titus for Education.
Proceedings at Cedar Swamp School house on the 17th Jan. 1824.
The following Question was then read : Which would be of the most utility to the Community, for a Man to have an Independent Fortune or a Liberal Education. After a Lengthy Debate it was decided as follows:
Independent Fortune. 3 Education, 3.
It was Decided by the Casting Vote of the President That an Independent fortune was of the most utility to the Community.
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Question for future Discussion Is Language Natural to Mankind or is it acquired by Education ?
Is pleasure confined to any one part of the World more than another.
Proceedings at the Schoolhouse in Cedar swamp on the sIst of Jany. 1824.
The following Question was read: Is language Natural to Mankind or is it Acquired by Education ?
After a Debate it was decided as follows:
Natural, 3. Education. I
Question for next Meeting, Is pleasure confined to any one part of the World more than Another ?
At a meeting at the Schoolhouse in Cedarswamp on Feb. 28th, 1824, The President and Vice President Being Absent A Motion was made and unanimously Carried that Aron Simonson Pre- side for the Present Meeting who accordingly after having taken the Chair and the Meeting being called to order it was Resolved that the President draw upon the Treasury for the sum of two dollars, for the purchase of a ticket in the Lottery to be drawn in March next, and that the Members Present make up the deficiency and that those members absent By paying up all arrearages due the Society and paying their equal pro- portions for the purchase of the ticket at or before the next meeting of the Society, shall be entitled to their proportion of any prize which may be drawn by such ticket. After said Resolution being past the Proceedings of the last Meeting Being read the following question was rcad for discussion, is Pleasure confined to one part of the World more than another? Affirmative I Negative. 2
Question for the next meeting which Causes the greatest Exertions, Ambition or Love?
Mr. James Hegeman was Chosen to Purchase a Ticket in the Lottery But the price Being higher than that was Contemplated it was concluded not to Purchase the same. But to Purchase one in the Lottery to be Drawn in june next.
Proceedings at the Schoolhouse in Cedarswamp on Saturday
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evening Mar. 13th, 1824. The following Question was read: which causes the greatest exertions ambition or love. After a lengthy debate it was decided as follows,
Ambition 2 Love 4
Question for the Next Meeting, ought a Representative in all Cases to be governed By the voice of his Constituents?
Proceedings at the Schoolhouse at Cedarswamp on Mar. 27th 1824.
The following Question was read: ought a Representative in all Cases to he governed by the Voice of his Constituents? After a lengthy debate it was decided as follows,
Affirmative. 2 Negative. J
Question for the Next, Was the American Revolution more calculated to awake the admiration of the World than is the present Grecian Contest?
Proceedings of a General Meeting at the Schoolhouse in Cedar- swamp 12th of April, 1824.
The Society proceeded to the Election of Officers for the ensuing three months and upon canvassing the votes the fol- lowing Persons were unanimously elected,
Aaron Van Nostrand, President. William Crooker, Vice President. Peter Luister, Jun., Treasurer. William C. Titus, Secretary.
The Society after Paying in their Quarterly dues and a motion Being Made the Society Concludes to meet once a month from this Time at half past six. P. M.
A report from the Treasury was read by Which it appears there remains a Balance in the Treasury of $7.20 cts.
After havingg accomplished the aforesaid business the Society Proceeded to discuss the following: Was the Revolution of America more calculated to awaken the admiration of the World than the present Grecian Contest. After a debate it was decided as follows:
Affirmative, 2 Negative. 3
Question for the Next, Would the imposition of additional duties on foreign merchandise be beneficial to agricultural interest?
At a meeting at the Schoolhouse in Cedarswamp May 10,
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1824, The President being absent the Vice President took the - Chair. The following Question was read: Would the impo- sition of additional duties on foreign merchandise be Beneficial to the agricultural Interest? After a debate it was decided as follows:
Advantage, I Disadvantage. 2
Proceedings at the School House on 7th June 1824, Three members being present which agreeable to an amendment to the Bye-Laws the Roll was call'd the Treasurer reported Agree- able to what the Society had concluded upon at the previous Meeting that he had purchased a ticket in the Literature Lottery Seventh Class to be drawn the 15th of June next for which he had paid the sum of nine dollars the Combination of Numbers is as follows 18,43,60 and Register No. 22604.
Question-Is imprisonment for Debt justifiable? Adjourned to 8 Weekes from this Night.
At a meeting the 7th of August 1824 at the Schoolhouse in Cedarswamp. Three members of the Society being present the roll was called and it was concluded upon that the next meeting be held in this place on the Monday evening two weeks previous to the General Mecting which takes place on the Second Monday evening in October next.
Proceedings at the Schoolhouse in Cedarswamp on Sept. 27th, 1824. The Society proceeded to discuss the following: Is Imprisonment for debt justifiable?
After a lengthy and Animated debate it was decided as follows,@
Affirmative. 2 Negative. 2
It was decided by the Casting Vote of the President that Imprisonment for debt is justifiable.
Question for the Next, Which is the most Injurious to the United States the East or the West India Trade?
Proceedings at the Schoolhouse in Cedarswamp Nov. 27th, 1824 The President being absent the Vice President took the Chair. . The Society proceeded to discuss the following, which
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is the most injurious to the United States the East or West India Trade. After considerable debate it was decided as follows:
East India most. 2 West India most. I
Question for the Next, Which is the best Policy to Inflict Corporal Punishment or Imprisonment for Petty Larceny?
At a Meeting at the Schoolhouse in Cedarswamp Dec. 11, 1824. The Society Proceeded to Discuss the following: Which is the best Policy, to inflict Corporal Punishment or Imprison- ment for Pettit Larceny?
C. Punishment, 2. Imprisonment, 2
It was decided by the Casting vote of the President that C. Punishment was the Best Policy.
Question for the Next, is Capital Punishment Justifiable?
At a meeting at the Schoolhouse in Cedarswamp Dec. 25th, 1824. The Society proceeded to discuss the following: Is Capital Punishment justifiable.
Affirmative, 2 Negative, 2
It was decided by the Casting Vote of the President that it was justifiable.
Question for the Next Does Wealth and Knowledge add to a. man's happiness?
At a General Meeting held at the School House in Cedarswamp Jan. 22, 1824 The Society Proceeded to discuss the following question, does Wealth and Knowledge add to the happiness of Man ?. Which after considerable debate it was decided as follows,
Affirmative, I Negative, 2
Question for the next Does the Earth Produce herbs and plants Without Seed or Not?
At a Meeting held at the Schoolhouse in Cedarswamp Feb. 19th, 1824 The Society Proceeded to Discuss the following Question: Does the Earth Produce herbs and plants Without Seed or Not?
Affirmative, 3.
Negative, I.
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Question for the Next: For which do Mankind make the greatest exertion: For Knowledge or Conquest?
At a meeting at the School house in Cedarswamp Mar. 5th 1824 the President Being absent the Vice President took the Chair The Society Proceeded to Discuss the following Question, For which do Mankind make the greatest ex- ertion for Knowledge or Conquest? After considerable Debate it was decided as follows:
Knowledge, 2. Conquest, 2.
Question for the Next: Aught the rate of Interest to be regu- ated by law or not?
At a meeting at the house of T. T. Turrell's Cedarswamp on 25th day of December 1837, Aaron Simonson was called to the Chair for the purpose of forming a Debating Society, The Con- stitution and Bye-Laws as they stood in 1801 were adopted subject to such Revision or Revisions as the Society hereinafter shall decide by a majority of votes.
Peter H. Layton. Thos. D. Monfort. Doratia Nelson
An. Simonson. Isaac Mott. William Wright,Jun.
Wm. C. Titus. Wright Seamans. John M. Layton
Edmund Titus. Theophilus T. Turrell Townsend Bailys.
Edmund Sprague George Simonson.
HISTORY OF AN ACCOUNT BOOK.
In 1752 a School Teacher began keeping his accounts in it. He entered on the debit side the charges for teaching the children. Heading the page with the name of the parent. The teaching appears to have been in the vicinity of The Half Hollow Hills and Huntington, as these names are entered after the parents name. We can determine in a measure the character of the peoples' occupation by the articles that were sold to the teacher. Money was very scarce in those times and the teacher was obliged to trade out his bill. If he taught for a farmer, he bought grain, for a shoemaker he bought shoes or had mending done. .
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