USA > New York > A geographical history of the state of New York: embracing its history, government, physical features, climate, geology, mineralogy, botany, zoology, education, internal improvements, &c., with a separate map of each county > Part 22
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STAPLE PRODUCTIONS. Butter, milk, pork, wool, corn and oats. SCHOOLS. There are in the county 180 district school-houses. The average length of the schools, in 1846, was nine months. 11,847 children received instruction, at a cost, for tuition, of $26,672. There were in the district libraries 27,629 volumes.
In addition to these, there were in the county seventy-two private schools, with 1335 scholars, eight academies, and one female seminary, with 528 pupils, and one military academy, with about 250 cadets.
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. Presbyterians, Methodists, Dutch Reformed, Baptists, Friends, Episcopalians, Roman Catholics and Congregationalists. There are ninety churches and ninety- five clergymen of all denominations.
HISTORY. It seems to be uncertain at what date the first set- tlements were made in this county ; but from the early date of the settlement at Esopus, (Kingston), in the adjacent county of Ulster, and the advantages afforded by the soil and surface of Orange, both to the agriculturalist and the trapper, it may be reasonably concluded, that the Dutch emigrants located them- selves in the county, at a very early period.
In 1659, the mineral wealth of the county had been so far ex- plored that mines of copper were extensively wrought, probably either in Deerpark or Minisink. The ore was exported to Hol- land, and with it a large quantity of iron pyrites, which the in- habitants of the county mistook for gold.
In 1669 a bloody battle was fought, in the town of Minisink, between the whites and Indians.
The county was organized in 1683, and then included Rock-
195
ORANGE COUNTY.
land. A delegate from the county sat in the colonial house of assembly, organized for the first time that year.
In 1689 the citizens embraced the cause of Leisler, and sent deputies to a convention called by him. Under the colonial government the delegates from Orange county were remarka- ble for their firm adherence to the principles of liberty. At the commencement of the revolution, a majority of the people em- barked with zeal in the cause of their country.
Early in the revolution, Forts Clinton and Montgomery were erected, by the Americans, in the southeast part of this county. They were separated from each other by a small stream, the boundary line between two towns ; Fort Clinton being in Mon- roe, and Fort Montgomery in Cornwall.
They were intended to prevent the British from ascending the river, and in addition to other obstructions in the river, an iron chain was extended from Fort Montgomery to a point on the opposite side, in the county of Putnam. These fortifications were under the command of Gen. Israel Putnam.
In October, 1777, Sir Henry Clinton, being determined to af- ford succor to General Burgoyne, ascended the river with a force of more than 3000 troops, attacked and carried by storm both these forts, after a brave and prolonged resistance on the part of the garrison (which consisted of only 600 men), and, breaking the chain, proceeded up the river. The British lost in this attack about 250 men, and the garrisons nearly the same number.
The ensuing year the fort and batteries at West point, (a much more eligible position) were erected,* and a larger chain stretched across the Hudson, from that fortress to Constitution Island, under the direction of Captain Machin.
The construction of the fort and batteries was entrusted, it is said, to French engineers, belonging to the army of Count Ro- chambeau. The work was superintended by Kosciusko, a Polish nobleman, of thorough military education, whose love of liberty had led him to espouse the cause of our country.
After the erection of this fortress, and the extension of the new chain across the river, the British never attempted to pass it. 'The possession of so important a post, was to them, how- ever, an object of great solicitude ; and, in 1780, they had well nigh accomplished it. The command of it had been assigned to
* The site of the fort at West Point was selected by General Putnam, and the first ground broken for the fortification in January, 1778, by General Par- sons, when the snow lay on the earth two feet deep. It was mainly by the strenuous exertions and great personal popularity of Gov. George Clinton, that the materials for its construction were obtained.
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STATE OF NEW YORK.
General Arnold, in the autumn of 1779, and it was here that his infamous treason was consummated. Suitable measures were taken, after the discovery of his treachery, to secure it.
In July, 1779, a party of Indians and tories, under Brant, made an attack on the village of Minisink, burning ten houses and several other buildings, and killing and capturing a number of the inhabitants. Those who were able to escape fled to Goshen ; where the militia of that and the adjacent towns soon collected, to pursue the enemy, and recapture the prisoners and spoils.
Aware of the subtle character of his foe, Colonel Tusten, their commander, opposed the pursuit, until a larger force should be collected ; but his prudent foresight was regarded as cow- ardice, and it was decided to proceed immediately. The wary Brant had expected pursuit ; and, when he ascertained that the militia were approaching, he stationed a part of his troops in am- buscade in such a position, as to enable him to surround them.
Thus hemmed in by a superior force, this unfortunate band fought bravely, but in vain ; death met them on every side; and of about 180 men, in the full vigor of life, who started upon that expedition, but thirty escaped from the tomahawks of the enemy. Most of these were from the principal families of the county. Goshen, in particular, suffered severely ; forty-four of her best citizens being slain. A monument was erected to their memory on the anniversary of the battle, July 22, 1822.
The American army, never well supplied, either with food or clothing, during the revolution, were, at its close, in a state of great destitution. They were paid in a depreciated and almost worthless currency, and the apathy of congress, in delaying to make suitable provisions to reward their toils and sacrifices, disposed them to revolt.
To prevent so dangerous an event, and at the same time to secure justice for his suffering troops, Washington remained with them in winter quarters at Newburgh, during the winter of 1782-3. The house which he occupied, as his head quarters, is yet standing, and is now the residence of the Hasbrouck family.
The officers of the army, early in the winter, addressed a memorial to congress, stating their necessities, and asking for just compensation. Early in March, 1783, a communication was received from their committee, informing them that their requests had not been granted.
On the 10th of March, an anonymous notice was circulated, calling a meeting of the officers on the following day, "to see what measures should be adopted to obtain that redress of grievances which they seem to have solicited in vain."
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ORANGE COUNTY.
The same day an anonymous paper, written with extraordi- nary ability, and admirably calculated to excite the passions and rouse the indignation of the officers, against the continental congress, was put in circulation.
The writer,-professing to be himself a sharer in their suffer- ings, depicted, in strong terms, their deplorable condition, and the shameful negligence of congress; and exhorted them "to suspect the man who would advise to more moderation and longer forbearance," to threaten the congress in the event of peace, with civil war-and, if' war continued, with an abandon- ment of their country to its fate.
This eloquent, but dangerous paper ( written, as was subse- quently ascertained, by Major John Armstrong, afterward secre- tary of war, at the instigation of General Gates, ) had well nigh produced the most serious consequences. It required all Wash- ington's prudence and firmness to check the rising spirit of rebel- lion incited by it.
To prevent the ill effects of a meeting, assembling under the influence of so much excitement, he issued a general order, dis- approving of the meeting on the 11th, and calling one on the 15th of March.
The anonymous writer seized on this incident, to address an- other letter to the officers,* insinuating that the commander-in- chief sympathized in their views, and was only restrained, by motives of delicacy, from openly expressing that sympathy.
This opinion Washington labored privately to remove, by conversation with the officers, and, at the meeting on the 15th, General Gates being in the chair, he openly canvassed the prop- ositions contained in the anonymous address, showed their folly and wickedness, and so far changed the current of popular opinion, that the officers voted unanimously, that "they viewed with abhorrence, and would reject with disdain, the infamous propositions" contained in that address. Thus narrowly did the country escape the horrible calamity of anarchy and civil war.
VILLAGES. NEWBURGH, the larger of the two shire villages of the county, was first settled by German emigrants, in 1701, and named by them from Newburgh, in Germany. The bank of the Hudson, on which it is situated, is quite steep, rising 300 feet in a short distance. When seen from the river, the village pre- sents a fine appearance.
It has many neat public and private buildings, and considera- ble trade; although a portion of that, which formerly centred here, now reaches New York by the New York and Erie rail- road, and the Delaware and Hudson canal. Two or three
' This and the preceding address are usually termed the " Newburgh letters."
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STATE OF NEW YORK.
steamboats, and several sloops and schooners, ply regularly be- tween the village and New York. It has a flourishing academy, a high school, and two female seminaries.
In the village and town, are eighteen or twenty manufacto- ries. The steam cotton mill, at the village, is said, in extent and perfection, to equal any single cotton mill in the United States. Population about 6000.
GOSHEN, the other half-shire village, is justly celebrated for the product of its dairies. The New York and Erie railroad passes through it. The Farmer's Hall academy is a flourishing chartered institution, and has a female seminary connected with it. Population about 1000.
Middletown, in the town of Wallkill, is a new and flourishing village, on the line of the railroad. It has a large iron foundry. Population about 1400.
West Point, in the town of Cornwall, is worthy of notice, not only for its important fortress, to which we have already ad- verted, but as the seat of the United States Military Academy, established here, in March, 1802. The object of this institution, is to prepare young men for officers in the army.
The course of instruction is very thorough, the discipline rigid, and the examinations severe. The months of July and August, in each year, are devoted solely to military exercises ; for which purpose, the cadets leave their barracks, and encamp in tents on the plain, under the regular police and discipline of an army, in time of war.
The course of study comprises, the Latin and French lan- guages, an extended course of mathematics, civil engineering, and the art of fortification. The term of study is four years; and so rigorous are the examinations and discipline, that only about one third of those who enter, complete the course of study, and graduate. The number of instructors is thirty-four ; of cadets, about 250. They are entirely supported by the United States government.
Three monuments have been erected here; one to the mem- ory of the Polish hero Kosciusko, whose garden is still shown on the premises ; another to Colonel Wood, an early graduate of the institution, who fell at the sortie of Fort Erie, in 1814; and a third, to the deceased officers and cadets of the academy. Population of the village, about 900.
Canterbury, in the town of Cornwall, and Montgomery, in the town of the same name, are thriving villages, and are engaged, to some extent, in manufactures.
Walden, in Montgomery, is a manufacturing village. Ches- ter, in the town of the same name, is a noted mart for the sale of live stock. Here, too, is an academy of some reputation.
XI. MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
Square Miles, 356.
Organized, 1772.
Popuation, 29,643. Valulation, 1845, $3,696,270.
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6
3 JJ
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9
4
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AA
5
8
2
TOWNS.
1. Canajoharie, 1788.
2. Charleston, 178S.
3. Palatine, 178S.
8. Root, 1823.
4. Amsterdam, 1793.
9. Mohawk, 1837.
5. Florida, 1793. 10. St. Johnsville, 1837.
Mountains. JJ. Au Sable Range. e. Anthony's Nose. f. Flint Hill. j. Otsquaga Hills.
Rivers and Creeks. F. Mohawk River. AA. Schoharie Creek. b. Cayaduta. c. Bowman's or Canajoharie. d. Otsquaga. h. East Canada. i. Garoga.
Battle Field. Stone Arabia.
Villages. FONDA. Amsterdam. Canajoharie. Fort Plain.
BOUNDARIES. North by Fulton ; East by Saratoga and Sche- nectady ; South by Schenectady, Schoharie and Otsego; and West by Herkimer, counties.
SURFACE. Hilly and somewhat mountainous. The valley of the Mohawk forms the central portion of the county, while on the north and south, the hills attain a considerable elevation. The Au Sable range enters the county from the north, and forms, on the banks of the Mohawk, the peak known as Antho- ny's Nose. Crossing the river, this range terminates in the town of Root.
Flint hill occupies the southeastern part, bordering on Sche-
6. Minden, 179S.
7. Glen, 1823.
F
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STATE OF NEW YORK.
nectady county. In the southwest are the Otsquaga hills. The valleys of the Mohawk, and some of its tributaries, spread out in fertile alluvial plains or flats.
RIVERS. The county is well watered. The Mohawk river, East Canada, Schoharie, Bowman's, Otsquaga, Garoga and Cayaduta creeks, are the principal streams.
CANALS AND RAILROADS. The Erie canal runs along the south side of the Mohawk, and the Utica and Schenectady rail- road upon the north.
The CLIMATE resembles that of the valley of the Mohawk generally. It is mild and healthful.
GEOLOGY AND MINERALS. The surface rocks of this county all belong to the transition formation. In the southern part, the Lorraine shales, and Hudson river group, (the Taconic sys- tem of Prof. Emmons,) are predominant. Along the Mohawk, the Utica slate prevails, and is accompanied by a narrow tract of the Trenton limestone. North of this, the Onondaga salt rocks are seen on the surface.
Pearl spar, calc spar, sulphate of barytes, calcareous tufa, brown spar, quartz crystals, agate, chalcedony, garnet, sulphurets of zinc and lead, and oxide of tita- nium, are the principal minerals. As yet, none of these have been obtained in sufficient quantities to be of any practical value. In the town of Root, is a large cavern, called Mitchell's cave, containing fourteen apartments, some of them 500 feet below the surface, and profusely adorned with stalactites and stalagmites.
SOIL AND VEGETABLE. PRODUCTIONS. The soil is generally productive, consisting of a gravelly or clayey loam, frequently mingled with disintegrated lime or slate. Grass and grains of all descriptions flourish. The forests are composed chiefly of oak, beech, ash, maple, and hemlock.
PURSUITS. Agriculture is the leading pursuit of the inhabi- tants. Considerable grain is raised, and much attention paid to the products of the dairy.
The manufactures of the county are limited, consisting mainly of flour, distilled liquors, leather, and woollen goods.
The commerce of the county is confined to the transportation of its produce upon the Erie canal, and the Utica and Schenec- tady railroad.
STAPLE PRODUCTIONS. Oats, corn, barley, potatoes, butter, cheese and wool.
SCHOOLS. In 1846, there were in the county 118 public schools, with 8604 scholars. The annual term of instruction in these schools averaged nine months, and the amount expended for tuition was $15,369. The district libraries contained 18,043 volumes.
There were also in the county, eleven select schools, with 135 pupils ; three academies, and one female seminary, with 214 students.
201
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. Dutch Reformed, Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists, Universalists, Episcopalians, Unitari- ans, and Friends. There are in the county forty-three churches, and forty-six clergymen of all denominations.
HISTORY. The English Episcopalians commenced missions among the Mohawks in this county as early as 1702. The first settlements were made in 1713, or about that time, by German emigrants, a portion of the same band who settled Schoharie county, and by other persons from Albany and Schenectady counties.
It had been the home of the Mohawks, whose three castles were all, it is believed, within the limits of this county. In Jan- uary, 1693, the French, whose hatred to the Iroquois was invet- erate, made a descent upon these castles, and captured them all.
The Indians at Schenectady sent to Albany for assistance to pursue the enemy. Colonel Peter Schuyler, the friend of the Indians, with a body of militia, started for the pursuit, overtook the French; and had a severe skirmish with them. The French lost fifty-nine in killed and wounded. It is related that the In- dians ate the bodies of the Frenchmen whom they killed.
Fort Hunter, a somewhat important military post in early times, was erected in 1710, at the junction of the Mohawk and Schoharie rivers, in the town of Florida, by Capt. John Scott. A chapel was erected near the fort which was endowed by Queen Anne, and hence called Queen Anne's chapel. A stone parsonage was also erected near it, to which was attached a glebe of 300 acres, the gift of the Indians.
The fort having become dilapidated at the time of the Revo- lution, the chapel was fortified, and called Fort Hunter. It was taken down about the year 1820, to make room for the Erie canal.
The first settlement in the town of Amsterdam was made in 1716, by the widow and children of Philip Groat of Rotterdam, who was drowned in the Mohawk, near Schenectady, on his way thither.
In 1722, colonies had been extended along the Mohawk as far as the German Flats, in the county of Herkimer ; but few of the settlers, however, had located far from the river.
The subsequent growth and prosperity of the present county of Montgomery, are due, in a great measure, to the enterprise of Sir William Johnson .*
* This extraordinary man was born in Ireland, in 1714, of highly respectable pa- rentage. His uncle, Admiral Warren, had acquired a title to a tract of some 15,000 acres, in the present town of Florida, and sent young Johnson over to act as his agent for the disposal of it, about the year 1735.
Soon after arriving in the colony, he was appointed by the British Government,
202
STATE OF NEW YORK.
During the Revolution, this county, (then called Tryon coun- ty, and embracing all that part of the state, lying east of a meri- dian, drawn through the centre of Schoharie county, ) suffered severely from the repeated incursions of the tories and Indians, led by Sir John Johnson, the bloodthirsty Walter Butler, and the Mohawk chieftain Brant.
Scarcely a settlement, on either side of the Mohawk, escaped partial or entire destruction; and few families, who had es- poused the cause of their country, but were called to mourn over friends and relatives, inhumanly butchered by these sav- age warriors. Neither age nor sex were spared; neither beauty, wealth, accomplishments, nor amiability of character, served to shield the unfortunate settlers from the tomahawk and the scalping knife.
The towns of Fort Plain, Canajoharie, Palatine, Glen, and Root suffered most severely ; many of those who escaped death, being carried into a long and distressing captivity.
At Stone Arabia, a severe and bloody conflict took place in October, 1780, between Sir John Johnson, and the garrison of Fort Paris, (a stockade fort in Stone Arabia.) General Robert Van Rensselaer, of Claverack, (Columbia county,) was in the rear of the enemy, with a force of nearly 1000 men, and ordered Colonel Brown, the commander of the fort, to attack them in front, while he pressed upon their rear.
agent for the Iroquois, or Six Nations. Having acquired their language, and adopt- ed to a considerable extent their dress and habits, he soon obtained great influ- ence over them, and was chosen one of their head sachems. This power he used in such a way as to secure their attachment to the British Government, and at the same time to advance his own personal interests.
During the French wars, he was active as an officer, and in 1757, the troops under his command, at Lake George, having repulsed and defeated the French force un- der Baron Dieskau, he was knighted by the King, and received a donation of £5000 sterling.
In 1759, General Prideaux being killed at the siege of Fort Niagara, Sir William, who was second in command, assumed the direction of the forces, and carried the fortress. In 1760, he led a body of 1000 Indians against Montreal, and was active in an eminent station at the surrender of Canada.
He was twice married. By his first wife, (a German woman.) he had one son and two daughters. His son succeeded to his title as Sir John Johnson. His daughters were married to Colonel Guy Johnson, (a distant relative of the bar- onet,) and to Colonel Daniel Claus. His second wife was Molly Brant, sister of the celebrated Mohawk chieftain, by whom he had several children.
His first residence was in the town of Amsterdam, about three miles west of the village. It is a massive stone edifice, and isto this day called Fort Johnson. About ten years before his death, he erected a building, which he named Johnson Hall, within the limits of Fulton county, where he resided the remainder of his life.
Fort Johnson, after this period, was occupied by his son, Sir John Johnson. He also erected houses for his sons-in-law, Colonel Guy Johnson and Colonel Claus, in the town of Amsterdam.
Sir William Johnson died very suddenly, in July, 1774, not without suspicion of suicide.
His son and successor, as well as his sons-in-law, and indeed his whole family, embraced the side of the British, in the Revolution. Sir John was the scourge of the Mohawk and Schoharie valleys, during that contest. After the Revolution, their estates were confiscated.
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
Sir John's force did not amount to more than 500 men, while that of Colonel Brown was about 200, and had General Van Rensselaer fulfilled his part of the duty, the whole British force might have been captured ; but through his negligence and cow- ardice, if not treachery, the brave troops of Colonel Brown were suffered to contend, single handed, with the enemy, till they were nearly all slaughtered, while General Van Rensse- laer's troops were within hearing of the action, but were not suffered by him, to afford aid to their suffering brethren, or to pursue the enemy, on their retreat, when, as was afterwards acknowledged by them, they would have surrendered, had they had the opportunity.
A relationship by marriage, which existed between General Van Rensselaer and Sir John Johnson, is supposed to have been the cause of this disgraceful conduct on the part of the former.
Montgomery county received its present name, (in honor of the brave hero of Quebec,) in 1784, soon after which, a large portion of its territory was formed into other counties, and this process of curtailment has continued, till from being the largest, it has become one of the smallest counties in the state.
VILLAGES. FONDA, the county seat, is a small but pleasant village, in the town of Mohawk, It has some manufactures. Population 400.
Amsterdam was incorporated in 1830. It is situated in the town of the same name, on the north bank of the Mohawk, and connected with the little village of Port Jackson, on the Erie canal, by a fine and substantial bridge. It has a flourishing academy, and female seminary, and several manufacturing es- tablishments. Population 1700.
Canajoharie is a thriving village, in the town of the same name, located on the south bank of the Mohawk. It was incor- porated in 1829, and has a well conducted academy. Here is an extensive quarry, from whence is obtained an excellent qual- ity of limestone, much used in the construction of locks on the Erie Canal. The village is the proposed terminus of the Cats- kill and Canajoharie railroad, which is partly finished. Popu- lation 1300.
Fort Plain, in the town of Minden, was incorporated in 1834, and is a place of considerable business. Here too, are extensive limestone quarries. Population 1400.
Caughnawaga, in the town of Mohawk, is principally worthy of notice for its stone church, now converted into an academy. This venerable building was erected in 1763, by voluntary con- tribution.
XII. WASHINGTON COUNTY.
Square miles, 807.
Organized, 1772.
Population, 40,554. Valuation, 1845, $5,991,847.
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TOWNS.
1. Argyle, 1788.
2. Cambridge, 1788.
3. Easton, 1788.
4. Fort Ann, 1788.
5. Granville, 1788.
6. Hampton, 1788.
7. Hebron, 1788.
8. Kingsbury, 1788.
9. Salem, 1788.
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