USA > New York > Nassau County > Oyster Bay > A documentary history of het (the) Nederdvytsche gemeente. Dutch congregation, of Oyster Bay, V. 10 > Part 3
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For getting, 5.
for Saving. 4
A motion was then made that A Committee be appointed to frame or revise Certain by laws for this society and that Samuel Sherman & Jacob Mott be that Committee, carryed unanimous. The meeting then adjourn'd unto the School house at Tappin town Monday 4th January and that Jacob Mott procure firewood, paper, Candles, and one gallon of Cyder for the same.
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A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
At a meeting held at the School House Tappin Town January 4th 1808 agreeable to adjournment the Committee appointed to draft certain by-laws made their reports and the same were unanimously adopted as the by-Laws of this society.
A Question was as follows
Does Theatrical performances have A good or an evil tend- ency and after some debate on the same was carryed, that it would have more of an evil than good, unanimously.
The Second Question was Hath the invention of Fire arms been of more advantage than disadvantage to Mankind or not, and after some debate on the same, was Carryed in the negative in manner following:
Advantage 2 Disadvantage. 7
A motion was then made for a half gallon of Sperrits and two pounds of Sugar at the next general Meeting and carryed in favour.
At a meeting at the school House at Tappin Town Jan. 11th 1808 agreeable to adjournment
The House after being called to order proceeded to the choice of officers in the manner prescrib'd by the constitution, it being the first general Meeting, and after A motion being made and seconded that James Hegeman Esq. do canvas the vote he proceeded to do the same and it appeared by said vote that Isaac R. Remsen is Elected President; Aron Van Nostrand Vice President;
Samuel Sherman Secretary; Rem B. Simonson Treasurer.
The new President then taking the Chair the following Ques- tion was proposed for Discussion:
Does the Earth produce herbs or plants without seed or not, and after a Lengthy Debate on the same was carryed in the affirmative in manner following:
Affirmative: 6 Negative: 1
A motion was then made and seconded for the President to draw an order on the treasurer for paying certain debts of the Society and Caryed in the affirmative the meeting then passed a resolve that this society do meet on Monday in each Week successively and then adjourn'd accordingly.
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A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
At a meeting at the School House Tappin Town Monday Evening January 17th 1808, A Question was Introduced, whether Medicine or Temperance was the most conducive to health, after a lengthy Debate on the Subject it was Carried that Temperance was the most Conducive to Health in the following manner:
For Temperance 6 For Medicine. 3
The Second Question Proposed for Discusion in this meeting was, which operates the Strongest on mankind, Ambition or the Love of Women. After Considerable Debate on the Ques- tion it was carri'd in favor of the Love of Women.
For the Love of women, 6. For Ambition. 3 It was then reported by a member that James McQueen Desired to become a Member of this Society.
At a meeting at the School House Tappen Town, January 25th, 1808.
James McQueen who was Proposed as member at the Last meeting was Excepted as Such. A Question was then Intro- duced, whether Bank Notes or Paper medium was an advantage or Disadvantage to the Public, after Some Debate on the Question, it was Carried that Bank Notes or Paper medium was the most advantage, unanimously.
The Second Question was, which kind of grain is the most Profit for the farmer to Raise or Cultivate in the County of Queens, wheat or barley, after a Lengthy Debate on the Subject it was unanimously Carried in favour of the Cultivation of wheat.
Jacob Laton, John Nostrand and Samuel Titus are Proposed as desirous of becoming members of this Society.
At a meeting at the School House, Tappen Town February Ist, 1808. The three Persons who were Proposed at the Last meeting were unanimously Excepted as members of this Society. A Question was, whether Spiritous, Liquors hath been of more advantage than Disadvantage to mankind. After some Debate on the Subject it was Carried that Spiritous Liquors is a Dis- advantage to mankind in the following manner:
against Spiritous Liquors: II.
In favor. 3.
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A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
The Second Question was-Is the borrowing of money when we know we are unable to Pay, as Bad a Crime as Forgery or not. After some Debate on the Same, it was Carried that forgery was the worst Crime, in manner following:
For Forgery 13 For Borrowing I
William Weekes, Tunis Hoagland and William Crooker are Proposed as Desirous of becoming members of this Society.
Previous to an adjournment, on motion of James Hegeman, Esq., it was unanimously Resolved as the oppinion of this meeting that it will be useful to Read or Deliver from Memory a Short Passage Selected from any author or of our own Com- posure before this Society. Provided the Same Shall be decent.
Resolved, Further-that every member in his turn under the Regulation of the President, Shall be Permitted to Read or Deliver from memory a Short Pasage Selected from any author or of his own Composure at any time after the Discussion and Decision of one Question has taken Place or at such other time as the Society may from time to time think Proper.
At a meeting at the School House Tappen Town on February 8th, 1808 Aaron V. Nostrand was appointed to Canvas the votes by which it appeared that William Weekes, Tunis Hoag- land and William Crooker were Unanimously excepted as mem- bers of this Society-the first Question admitted for Discussion this evening was, which is the most useful, Land or Water Carriage. After Some Debate on the Question, it was Carried in favour of Land Carriage.
For Land Carriage 9 For Water Carriage. 8.
The Second Question was-Did Columbus benefit the human Race by the discovery of America or not? After a Lengthy debate on the Subject it was Unanimously Carri'd that Columbus Benefited the human Race by the Discovery of America.
At a meeting at the School House Tappen Town February 15th, 1808, the President being absent, the Vice President taking the Chair after which the Question was Introduced, whether Flesh or fish was the most wholesome diet taken in
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A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
its variety. After Considerable Contention on the Question it was Decided in favour of flesh in the following manner.
For flesh 8 for Fish 7
The Second Question, this evening was: Which is the happiest, the master or the apprentice? After a Lengthy Debate on the Subject it was Decided in favour of the apprentice in the fol- lowing manner:
for the master, 4 for the apprentice : I I
At a Meeting at the School House at Tappen Town February the 22nd 1808. the Secretary being absent Aaron V. Nostrand was chosen Secretary for the Evening after which the Question was Introduced-Which are the most useful, the Learned or the Mechanics. After a considerable debate it was decided as follows:
For the Mechanicks: 13 For Learned: I
The Second Question was read: Which is used to the greatest Excess Distilled Liquors or Tobacco: After a considerable Debate it was decided as follows:
Distilled Spirits: II Tobacco: 3
At a Meeting at the School House at Tappen Town, February 29th, 1808, the following Question was laid before the Society: Which is the greatest character Columbus or Franklin? After Considerable Debate on the Question a motion was made to Defer the decision of the above Question til Next meeting which was agreed to:
The Second Question admitted, hath the India trade been of more advantage then Disadvantage to America. After some Debate it was Decided against India Trade
For India Trade, 3 against India Trade. 10.
At a meeting at the School house, Tappen Town March 7, 1 808, The following Question was read for discussion:
Which was the greatest character Columbus or Franklin: after a considerable debate on the same was decided in favour of Franklin unanimous.
The Second Question Read was, are the operation of Love strongest on the Male or Female Sex and after being for
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A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
some time debated was decided in favour of the Male in manner following :
for the Male 10.
for the female: 3.
At a meeting at the School house Tappen Town March 11th 1808. The following Question was Read:
Which is the most happy the Civilized Man or the Savage: After Considerable Debate Was Decided as follows:
Civalized, 5. Savage: 3.
The Second Question Read, Is it right to force A Man to that which is for his own Good or Not:
Not right to force him, 6 Right to force him 3.
At a meeting at the School house Tappen Town March the 2 Ist, 1808 the following Question was Read for Discussion:
Which is the most happy, the officer or the soldier.
After considerable debate was decided as follows:
For the Officer 5. for the Soldier 5.
There being an Equality of Votes as Appears the President Gave the Casting Vote In favour of the Officer.
After an Adjournment of 5 Minutes the following Question Was Introduced, Which is the most sought after Wealth or Knowledge? After some Debate was decided as follows:
for Wealth 7 for Knowledge: 3
At a meeting at the School House on March 28th 1808, the following Question was Introduced; Which makes the greatest figure in the world, Politeness or Dress. After some Debate it was Decided in favor of Dress in the following manner:
For Dress: 4 For Politeness: 3
After an adjournment of Five minutes a Question was ad- mitted to the following import, which has the greatest influence on man, Wealth or talents. After considerable Debate on the Question it Decided in favor of wealth in manner following: For Wealth, 4 For Tallents. 3.
A motion was then made to appoint a Committee to make the necessary arrangements for the General meeting which was agreed to, and Isaac R. Remsen and Henry Monfoort are ap-
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A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
pointed for that purpose in case a House should not be made out at the meeting preceeding the General Meeting.
At a Meeting at the School House Tappen Town April 4th, 1808 The following Question was Discussed: Which ought to be esteemed the most, the Industrious or the Skilfull? After a Lengthy Debate it was Decided in favor of Skill in manner following :
In favor of Skill 6 In favor of Industry. 3.
The present meeting being Large a motion was made and carried that the old Committee be Done away and a New Com- mittee appointed to make the necessary arrangements for the ensuing General meeting, Elbert Hegeman and Jacob Titus are therefore appointed a Committee to Procure three Quarts of Rum, 2 lb. sugar and 2 shillings worth of Eggs for that Purpose.
At a Meeting at the School House Tappen Town on April 18th 1808 The Secretary being absent William Crooker was ap- pointed to officiate. The following Question was then Intro- duced.
Which is the most pleasant, a city or a country life. After considerable debate was decided as follows:
For City Life, 2 For Country Life 4
Agreeable to a vote taken by the society an oration was delivered the Society, then adjourned.
At a meeting at the School House in Cedarswamp 30th November, 1811 for the purpose of forming a Society, Mr. George Monfort in the Chair. Resolved that we the Subscribers do hereby form ourselves into a Society under the Constitution adopted at this place 12th January 1801. We do likewise adopt the bye-laws as they now stand amended in pursu- ance of the abovesaid constitution. Provided however that we reserve the right to appoint a committee to revise and alter said bye-laws as a majority of the Society may think proper. George Monfoort John Monfoort Joseph Hegeman
James Hegeman Edward Youngs An. Simonson
Micajah Townsend Geo. D. Coles Adrian Luister
Jeromus V. Nostrand Thomas Underhill Aaron V. Nostrand
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A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
George Luister Stephen W. Titus William Crooker J. V. D. B. Hegeman Andrew McQueen Thos. M. Weeks
Leonard Frost.
Resolved unanimously that the Society meet on the 14th December next for the purpose of choosing officers and to proceed to business.
At a meeting at the School House in Cedarswamp the 14th December 1811, James Hegeman was appointed Chairman. The Society then proceeded to the electing of officers
Joseph Hegeman was elected President ;
George Monfoort Vice President ;
Aron. Simonson, Secretary; Jeromus Van Nostrand, Treasurer.
The question were then brought forward Would it be to the Public Utility for waggons to run wider than their present width on Long Island?
After some debate in which James Hegeman supported the affirmative and Geo. Monfort, Jeromas Von Nostrand and Andrew McQueen the negative it was decided that it would not be to the Public Utility as follows :-
Affirmative, 2 Negative. 6
Resolved that some person be appointed to furnish 1 1b. of candles, I Quire of Paper, } load nut wood for the Society and that a draft be made on the Treasurer for that purpose.
Resolved that the Society meet once a fortnight from this date, until some other time be agreed upon.
The following question was proposed for the next meeting viz: Which operates strongest on mankind. Ambition or the love of women?
At a meeting at the School House Cedarswamp on Saturday evening, Dec. 28th, 1811.
The question proposed at the last meeting was brought forward, Which operates strongest on mankind, Ambition or the Love of Women?
After some debate it was decided that ambition operates strongest 6 to 2 as follows:
For Ambition, 6.
Love of Women, 2
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A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
Disputants Messrs. Monfort, McQueen and Jas. Hegeman. An adjournment of three minutes took place during which the follow- ing question was proposed by James Hegeman and agreed upon.
Which is the cheapest provision, Beef or Pork? After a short debate it was decided that Pork was the cheapest provision as follows:
For Pork, 5. For Beef: 3.
The following Question was then proposed for the next meeting, viz: Hath the Invention of Fire Arms been an ad- vantage to mankind or hath it not?
At a meeting of the Cedarswamp Debating Society held at the Schoolhouse January 11th, 1812.
The President being absent the Vice President took the Chair.
The Question proposed: Hath the Invention of Fire Arms been of advantage to mankind or hath it not?
The question after debate was decided that Fire Arms had been of advantage as follows:
Advantage, 7. Disadvantage. I
The following question was then proposed for the next meet- ing, Which is the most advantageous way of travelling, walk- ing or riding?
Proceedings at a Meeting held 25th Jan. 1812. Mr. John Monfoort was admitted as a member of the Society.
The Question proposed at the last Meeting was brought for- ward. Which is the most advantageous way of travelling- Walking or Riding? After a short but spirited debate it was decided as follows:
for Walking, 3. Riding, 5.
The following questions were then proposed by the President for the next meeting,
Which is the most pernicious to health, excess of eating or excess of Drinking.
Which class of citizens are the most useful to a nation the merchants or the mechanics.
Proceedings at a meeting the 8th February 1812 at Cedar- swamp:
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A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
The Society proceeded to the discussion of the Question pro- posed at the last meeting,
Which is the most pernicious to health, excess of eating or excess of drinking?
Which after debate was decided as follows;
Excess of Eating, I. Excess of drinking. 7
The 2nd question proposed was,
Which class of citizens is the most useful to a nation the merchants or the mechanics?
After a short but spirited debate it was decided as follows: For the merchants, 4 for the mechanics. 4
The Society being equally divided the President decided the Question in favor of the merchants:
The following question was proposed for the next meeting,
Which feels the most contented in mind, the man who puts out a sum of money to interest, or the man who borrows the same sum?
Mr. Edward Youngs was proposed as desirous of becoming a member of the Society.
Proceedings of a meeting the 22nd February 1812.
Mr. Aaron V. Nostrand and Mr. Edward Youngs were admitted as members of the Society. The Society then proceeded to the discussion of the following Question:
Which feels the most contented in mind the man who puts out a sum of money to interest or the person who borrows the same sum? Which after debate was decided in favor of the borrower.
For putting to Interest 5. in favor of the Borrower. 7
The following question was then brought forward for dis- cussion, Which is the most useful to a nation, wealth or knowledge:
In favor of Wealth, 5. of Knowledge. 6.
The following questions were then proposed by the president, for the next meeting, Would it be of any advantage to Long Island to erect a bridge across Brooklyn Ferry? Would it be of any advantage to the United States to have a navy of fifty sail of the line or not as at present?
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A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
Proceedings of the Meeting held 7th March 1812.
The questions proposed at the last meeting was agreed to be postponed until the next and the following was brought forward for discussion,
Which is the most profit to raise, Geese or Turkies,
In favor of Geese, 6 of Turkies: 3
Questions for the next meetings were those proposed at the last meeting.
Proceedings of a meeting held 21st of March 1812. The questions formerly proposed were postponed and the following agreed upon for discussion,
Which is the most advantageous way of cutting down timber to cut it all clear or by thining it out, which after debate was decided in favor of cutting clear as follows :-
For Clearing : 9. For thining it out, I.
The 2nd question brought forward for discussion was as follows:
Which enjoys the most comfort the Idle or the Industrious man, After discussion, the Question was put for decision when it appeared that the Society were equally divided.
That the Idle enjoys most comfort, 5. The Industrious 5. Decided by the President in favor of the Industrious.
Question proposed for the next meeting,
Which would be the most profitable to the Town of Oyster- bay To billet their poor or keep them in the present mode?
Is it more profitable to buy cattle than to raise them?
Proceedings at a meeting held 4th April 1812
The following question brought forward
Is it more profit to buy cattle than to raise them? Which after debate was decided in favor of buying as follows:
most profit to buy : 4. to raise them. 4
The Society being equally divided the President decided in favor of buying them.
Question for the next meeting, Which is the most profitable Stock, Cattle or horses?
Proceedings at a meeting held 13th April, 1812.
The Present being a general meeting, the Society proceeded
872
A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
to the appointing of officers and on canvassing the votes it ap- peared that the following Persons were unanimously elected, Mr. Joseph Hegeman, President. George Monfoort, Vice President. John Monfoort, Treasurer. Aaron Simonson, Secty.
The Question proposed for the present meeting was post- poned for the next meeting.
Proceedings at a meeting held 18th April, 1812.
The following Question was then introduced,
Which is the most profitable stock cattle or horses, which after debate was decided in favor of cattle as appears by the votes,
In favor of Cattle, 6 for Horses, 3
A motion was made and carried That the Treasurer be author- ized to purchase a Ticket in Union College Lottery No. which is at present about to commence drawing in the City of New York. A motion was made and carried that the Society adjourn till the last monday evening in September next
Adj'd till 28th September, 1812.
Proceedings of a meeting at the School House on Monday evening September 28th. The Society after conversing on various subjects agreed to meet on the Second Monday Evening in October next, Being the time appointed by the Constitution for A General meeting.
An. Simonson, Secretary.
At a meeting held October 10th 1812. The Society proceeded to appointing officers for the ensuing three months and in counting the votes it appeared that the old officers were unan- imously re-elected.
The following question was then brought forward:
Is language natural, or is it acquired by education? Which was decided to be natural by a majority of the Society as follows:
Natural. 4 Education, 2
Question agreed upon for Discussion at the next meeting, Does Wealth and Knowledge add to a man's happiness.
873
A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
Proceedings at a meeting held October 24, 1812.
The following question was brought forward. Which is the most extreme the heat in summer or the cold in winter.
The Question was decided as follows; The heat in Summer 4. The Cold in Winter. 2
The Second question was as follows: Which is the most real value to man Silver or Steel.
Which after debate was decided as follows:
For steel, 4. for Silver 2.
Proceedings at a meeting held 7th November, 1812.
The Society then proceeded to ballot for a Treasurer in the room of Mr. John Monfort resigned. And a motion being made that George Luister canvass the votes it appeared that Aaron Van Nostrand was unanimously elected Treasurer of this Society to serve till the next general meeting.
After which the following Question was brought forward: Which is the most Despicable character the miser or the Prodigal.
The Question after debate was then decided.
Miser most despicable. 4 Prodigal most Despicable. 4.
It appearing that the Society being equally divided on the Question, The President finally decided the Question that the Prodigal was the most despicable character.
Question for the next meeting:
Does Wealth and knowledge add to a man's happiness?
An. Simonson, Secty.
Proceedings at a meeting held 21st November 1812.
The following question was for discussion, viz: Does wealth and knowledge add to a man's happiness?
In debating this question it was contended on the one side that wealth and knowledge were more or less necessary to procure food and raiment for man and did therefore add to his happiness. On the other side it was maintained that by the terms of wealth and knowledge more was meant than what was absolutely nec- essary to procure the common necessaries of life. And that an excess of riches or knowledge tended more to make man unhappy
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A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
than happy. Under these impressions the Society unanimously decided that Wealth and knowledge did not add to a man's happiness.
The Second Question brought forward this Evening was as follows: Which is the most profitable to the farmer to gather his corn as it stands in the field, or to cut it up and carry the same together.
This question was decided as follows:
to gather it in the field, 4 to cut it up. 2.
Proceedings at the General Meeting on Monday evening the IIth of January 1813. George Coles was unanimously elected member of the Society and then proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing three Months when the following persons were elected Unanimous.
Joseph Hegeman, President. George Monfort, Jr., V. President. James Hegeman, Treasurer. Aaron V. Nostrand, Secretary.
The following Question was then brought forward: Does the civilized Man in General feel as happy as the Savage, after considerable Debate it was decided by Yeas and Nays follows:
for Civilized Man, 3. Savage, 3
Decided by the President in favor of the civilized man. The second Question brought forward was as follows: Is a standing army of any benefit to a free country or not? After some debate had thereon it was decided unanimously that a standing Army was no Benefit to a free Country. Micah Weeks and James Frost were proposed as being desirous of becoming Members of the Society. The Question was then proposed for the next Meeting: Whether Avarice is a good or bad principle. i.
Proceedings on Saturday the 16th January 1813. Micah Weeks and James Frost were unanimously elected members of the Society.
This question for Discussion was " Wether avarice is good or bad principle.
Avarice a good principle. 2 A bad principle. 4
Proceedings at Cedarswamp 13th February, 1813.
The following Question was then brought forward,
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A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
Would the possession of Canada be of advantage to the United States? Which after debate was unanimously decided that it would be of advantage.
The 2nd Question brought forward was as follows: "Suppose a man had had £500 to lay out in a building, which would be the most advantage to build, a two story house or a single story for a farm house? Which after debate was decided as follows: For a two story house. 6. Single story. 3.
Questions for the next meeting are as follows, Who has been the greatest military character recorded in ancient or modern history?
Which is the happiest situation, the married or single state ?
Proceedings the 13th of March 1813,
The following Question was for discussion,
Who has been the greatest Military character recorded in ancient or modern History.
Bonaparte. 8. Vespacian : 2.
The 2nd Question Brought forward was as follows: Which is the happiest situation the married or the single state ?
The Married State. 5. The Single State, 5.
The Society being equally divided the president decided in favour of the Marriage State.
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