Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations, Part 127

Author: Howell, George Rogers, 1833-1899; Tenney, Jonathan, 1817-1888
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1452

USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations > Part 127

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Mr. Appleton acquired a large amount of landed property, and, at the time of his death, was one of the largest real estate owners in Albany. He was a

member of the Boards of Trade of Albany and New York, and was connected as trustee and director with a number of banks and other corporations. He was a man of strong convictions and a decided individuality, which in no small degree contributed to his successful career. His life, though quiet and retiring, was full of good deeds. He was, in an unostentatious way, one of the most benevolent of men, and many poor people of Albany, to whom his death brought sadness, can testify to his kind- ness and liberality. Highly esteemed by all who knew him, he was one of the most welcome of friends and companions; and his extensive knowl- edge of a wide range of subjects made him very in- teresting in conversation. He was a model husband and father, and with his family he was exception- ally liberal and painstaking. His home was the place of all places where he loved to spend his time, and upon it he lavished care and expense without stint.

Mr. Appleton was married in 1844 to Miss Jerusha, daughter of Luther Frisbee. Eight chil- ren were the fruits of their marriage, five of whom have died. The remaining three are Mrs. Clem- ent H. Warren, Mrs. Clifford D. Gregory and William Appleton, Jr. The latter is since de- ceased.

Herewith is given as complete a list of brewers, maltsters, and distillers, with the year in which they commenced, as we are able to obtain.

(Abbreviations .- B., Brewer; M., Maltster; D., Distiller.)

1816 .- McLeish & Birrell, B., 38 North Pearl street; Henry G. Webb, M., Schenectady Turn- pike.

1817 .- Jacob Cole, B., 168 Washington street; Joseph Ketcham, B., 206 North Market street; Hathorn McCulloch, B. (partner of Robert Boyd), Ferry strect; William Wake, B., Schenectady Turn- pike; Abraham Slawson, M., 214 North Market street; Daniel Hale, Jr., D,, 82 North Market street; David Lent, D., 93 Washington street; Charles P. Poinier, cordial, 254 Washington street.

1825 .- Boyd & McCulloch, B. (1819 to 1825); Henry Birrell, B., North Market; Fiddler & Tay- lor, B., 51 Hamilton street; John Gardner, B .; Stephen Humphries, B., 236 North Market street; Peter Snyder, B., Schuyler street; Charles Fields, M .; Christopher Robertson, M., 85 Orange street; James Oliver, cordial distiller and rum coloring, South Market street.

1830 .- William Amsdell, B. (father of Amsdell Brothers), 14 Rose street; Patrick Connelly, B., 52 Church street; Robert Dunlap, B., 208 North Market street; John Gardner, B., Montgomery street; Reuben Pearl, B., Franklin street; Sinclair & Walsh, B., South Market and Hudson streets; John Taylor, B .; John & George Birdsall, M .; James Cahall, M., South Lansing street; T. Moun- sey, M., Washington and Western Turnpike; Adam Dows, D., Water street; J. Root, rectifier, 36 Dean street.

1840 .- Baker & Pruyn, B., 9 Dean street; How- ard & Ryckman, B., 210 South Market street;

Fred Ainda

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MANUFACTURING INTERESTS OF ALBANY.

Andrew Kirk, B., 17 North Market street; John Taylor, B., 81 Green streeet; Simpson Bayo, M., 417 State street; William Birley, M., 45 Van Woert; James Breeman, M., 66 Franklin street; James Buchanan, M., 41 Colonie street; George W. Knowlton & Co., rectifiers of whiskey, 198 South Market street; Michael O'Sullivan, cordials, North Market and Columbia streets.

1852 .- Boyd & Bro., B. and M., Franklin, cor- ner Arch; Eggleston & Mix, B., 9 and 11 Dean street; Appleton & Welsh, 309 Washington street; A. A. Dunlop, B. and M., 28 Quay; Andrew Kirk, B. and M., 904 Broadway; R. Kirkpatrick, M., 415 State street; William A. McCulloch, M .; John McKnight, B. and M., Hawk and Canal streets; Hiram Perry, M., 388 Washington street; John G. White, B. and M., Quay, corner Bleecker; John Taylor & Sons, M., Broadway, corner Arch; H. Classen, D., 840 Broadway; Cyrus Edson, D., II Hudson street; H. Knowlton, D., 197 Broadway; George Tweddle, M., State, corner Lark street; Uri Burt, B., Montgomery and Colonie streets; James Chester, small beer, South Pearl street; Sands & Pennie, B., 5 Steuben street; C. W. Schin- dler, lager beer, 43 Division street; Amsdell Brothers, B., Jay street.

1857 .- Cyrus Edson & Co., D .; A. A. Dunlop, D. (son of Robert Dunlop), 63 Quay street; J. Evers, D., Chapel street; J. Tracey, D .; J. William- son & Sons, rectifiers; Amsdell Brothers, B., Jay street.

1865 .- John H. Trowbridge, rectifier, 12 State street; Coolidge, Pratt & Co., B., Arch, corner Franklin street; John McKnight's Son, B., Hawk, corner Canal street; James P. Quinn, B., 24 North Ferry street; Henry Weber, B., 65 Bowery, weiss beer; D. S. Wood & Co., B., Swan, cor- ner West Ferry street; George W. Hoxsie, brewed Hoxsie bottled.

1870 .- Michael Aud, B., 130 Chestnut street; F. D. Coleman & Bro., B., 146 Chestnut street; Frederick Hinckel, B., Swan street, corner Park avenue; Quinn & Nolan, B., North Ferry street.

1875. - George Weber, weiss beer, 44 Third avenue; J. Tracey & Son, D .; Smyth & Walker, B., 904 Broadway; John G. Schneider, B., 133 Fourth avenue; McNamara & McLoughlin, B., 31 Central avenue; Marshall & Rapp, B., 65 Central avenue; Alexander Gregory, B., 70 Central avenue; J. F. Hedrick, B., 422 Central avenue; John Dobler, B., Swan and Myrtle avenues; Fred. Dietz, B.

Granger's Brewery, Fourth avenue, corner of Church street, is under the sole proprietorship of George F. Granger, formerly with the Albany Brewing Company, He manufactures Cream, Pale, India, Stock, and California Ales. He also brews a brand called the Burton Ales.

John S. Dobler conducts an ale-brewing estab- lishment at the corner of Swan street and Myrtle avenue.

For a number of years Jacob Kirchner conducted an ale brewery in Albany. He died a few years ago, since which the business has been conducted by his heirs.

Cook & Meutsch, 129 Fourth avenue, and Geo. Weber, 42, 44, and 46 Third avenue, brews weiss beer.

FREDERICK HINCKEL.

The record of a man's life is the most enduring memorial that can be erected to his memory. The story of his efforts to reach a place among the hon- ored and successful men of his time must always remain as a valuable and inspiring example, whose far-reaching influence and ennobling effect testify in strongest eloquence to the worth of well-directed energies. Especial stress may well be placed upon such a life history when the achievement has been effected from the humblest of beginnings; in short, when the man who accomplished such a work is, in the strongest sense, a self-made man.

Frederick Hinckel, one of Albany's honored German citizens, was such a man. He came of that sturdy, staunch, and honored class from whose members Albany has gained vastly in enterprise, industry, and good citizenship. He honored alike the race from which he sprang and the community with which his life labors were identified, and towards the development of whose prosperous in- terests his ambition was directed. He was born in Germany, October 29, 1832, and in his youth passed through a rugged experience which while bringing, mayhap, a volume of denials and strug- gling efforts, surely established the foundation of self-reliance and determined energy that worked out the successful purposes of his later life. He began the battle of existence a poor boy, but he set before his feet the resolve to waste no oppor- tunity that might help him along the pathway to success. German thrift and industrious applica- tion, joined with ambitious ardor, soon bore whole- some and abundant fruit. In 1857, Mr. Hinckel founded in a small way the business of beer brewing, and once with his ground sure beneath him, he pressed vigorously and confidently on- ward. He looked to become ultimately a prominent figure among the brewers of his time, and his determination naturally and necessarily wrought out that end. His progress and success were rapid. Integrity and diligence were the watch- words of his career, and by the light of their guid- ance and counsel he moved forward, winning not only prosperity as a manufacturer, but en- during and substantial worth as a citizen. He began in 1857 as a brewer, in a very humble capa- 'city; in 1881, when he died, he was the owner of one of the best equipped, as well as one of the costliest breweries in the country. His business had grown to such proportions that more than a hundred men were required to conduct it, while in far-reaching details it may be noted that his com- mercial transactions extended over the entire State of New York. Unhappily for him the last sum- mons came to him just as he had reached the culmination of his ambition, in the successful inau- guration of the great enterprise that still bears his name. He died October 29, 1881, and in that year the present Hinckel Brewery was completed.

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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

He saw, however, that he had won the triumph he had worked for, and that was to him a proud consolation. He passed away, if not full of years (for he was still in the strength of vigorous manhood), assuredly full of respect and esteem as a citizen. As an employer he was more of a friend to his people than a master, and thus it was that he held in their affections a warm place. Many of his servitors boasted with pardonable pride that they had remained with him during the entire period of his business career. Mr. Hinckel was fully abreast the age as a citizen of public spirit, and untiringly urged and assisted any project hav- ing for its object the promotion of the popular welfare. He was a member the community could ill spare, and one whose absence will continue to be felt for some time to come. His influence and example live, however, and they will to much worthy purpose albeit their author and builder has laid down the burden of life for ever.

THOMAS McCREDIE.

Thomas McCredie, one of the oldest, most suc- cessful and highly esteemed business men of Albany, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, No- vember 30, 1808. His father, Thomas McCredie, a wholesale wine and liquor merchant, and his mother, Sarah (Gamble) McCredie, both died when he was only four years old, leaving him to the care and guardianship of an uncle and an aunt, each possessing in full measure all the distinguishing traits of Scottish character. With them, his early youth was spent, in Ayrshire, not in idleness, but in attending school, and in learning to do and doing the innumerable things so useful and necessary on a farm. Then and there his faculties were exercised and sharpened, and by precept and example he was taught lessons of industry, economy, perseverance and self-re- liance which he never forgot. When Mr. Mc- Credie was young, parents thought it prudent that their sons should learn some useful trade, the better to qualify them, should circumstances re- quire it, to earn a living and render them less dependent upon others. Accordingly when he was fourteen years old, his uncle apprenticed him for three years and a half to a carpenter, to learn that honorable trade.

There he developed mechanical and construct- ive faculties which were of great service to him later in life. He saw, however, a larger and a better field open for him. Thinking of his father led him to consider the business in which he had been engaged, and then to gain all the knowl- edge concerning it, in its various branches and kindred subjects, that he could. The subject of malting early engaged his earnest attention, and he determined to learn it as soon as an opportunity should offer.

Mr. McCredie had heard and read much about America; its free institutions and the honors and the rewards that were there open to competition for all, and he determined to visit the United States to learn about it for himself. The 30th day

of October, 1838, he reached Albany. It was cold and gloomy; the ground was covered with three inches of snow; and his first impressions were quite unfavorable. Dear old Scotland seemed to him dearer than ever before, and he wished him- self back there. Soon, however, he made the acquaintance of Peter Ballantine, a brother Scotch- man, from near his own home, the famous maltster and brewer, and by his advice he at once began work in Howard & Ryckman's malt-house, where he remained during that season. His next three years were spent in the Kirk Malt-houses and Brewery, two of them as Superintendent. Then for six years he was the Superintendent of the malt houses in West Troy owned by Robert Dun- lop, another Scotchman, who, with all his pecu- liarities, was in his business far ahead of his day and generation. From West Troy Mr. McCredie went to Philadelphia to superintend Mr. Paul's large malt-house, and after remaining there one season he was offered an interest in the busi- ness; but a like offer having been made him by Robert Dunlop, he accepted the latter and re- turned to Albany. In 1848, he married Miss Eilen Dunlop, youngest daughter of his partner. She died two years later, an only daughter surviv- ing her for a short time. The partnership of Robert Dunlop and Mr. McCredie continued three years, when it was terminated by the death of the former, when Mr. McCredie and his brother- in-law, Archibald Dunlop, entered into a part- nership of short duration. In settling up the estate of his father-in-law, Mr. McCredie became the purchaser of the Dunlop Malt-house on Clinton avenue, which he has since owned and operated. About the time of this purchase, an arrangement was entered into whereby Mr. Mc- Credie obtained sole management of the large malt-house of John McKnight, at the corner of Hawk and Orange streets. Mr. McKnight died soon after, when that property passed into the hands of the Albany City Bank, but was sub- sequently purchased by Mr. McCredie, who still owns and manages it. More than thirty years ago Mr. McCredie had taken rank among the leading maltsters, not only in Albany but also in the United States, and although he kept increasing his malting facilities, so desirable was the quality of his malt that he could not fully supply the demand. He now owns and operates four large malt-houses in Albany, and another in Boston, Mass.

The career of Mr. McCredie justly entitles him to a high rank among the leading self-made men of our time, and should serve as an incentive and example. He comes of a family remarkable for many superior traits of character. He inherits a good constitution, a cheerful disposition and a warm and generous heart, and has developed an excellent judgment in all business affairs. His promptness, faithful attention to every detail, de- votion and complete mastery of his business in every department; his steadfast and unyielding de- termination to excel in whatever he undertook, as well as his inflexible integrity, fair dealing and un- sullied honor, has won and retained for him hosts

Thomas Moredie

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MANUFACTURING INTERESTS OF ALBANY.

of friends, and enabled him to accumulate a very large fortune and gain a widely extended and most enviable reputation.

Kind and considerate of the welfare of his em- ployees, he commands their respect and confidence, and strongly attaches them to himself and his in- terests. His hand is extended with cordiality to the humblest as readily as to the highest, and a cheering word, a God-speed, is given to all. For a great many years he has been an active and honored member of the First Reformed Church of Albany; the President of its Board of Trustees; and foremost among its liberal supporters. A hearty hater of all shams and hypocrisy, he re- gards good works rather than great professions of goodness. In church, as in business and every- where, he believes that God works by and through human as well as other agencies, and that suitable means must be used to attain the desired end. Practical beneficence, helping others to help them- felves, is a fundamental part of his religion. The needy and suffering testify to his sympathy and relief.

The Albany Hospital, than which no worthier in- titution exists in this city, is, and for many years has been, greatly indebted to Thomas McCredie, the oldest in service as well as in years of its Board of Governors, who has given so liberally not only to sustain it, but to increase its usefulness. In the Mechanics and Farmers' Bank and in the Mechanics and Farmers' Savings Bank, admirably managed and successful institutions, he has long been one of the most prudent of the Directors and Trustees. One of the oldest members of the Board of Trade of the City of Albany, he cherishes a warm interest in its prosperity and has received its highest honor. Repeatedly and earnestly has he been urged to accept the highest municipal offices in Albany, but always declined. Formerly a Whig he regards himself a Republican, but entirely free to vote for whomsoever he prefers and especially in the administration of city affairs. An American in its truest and best sense-ever willing and ready to discharge all the duties the land of his adoption imposes, and zealous for her prosperity and prog- ress, he is none the less a lover of the land of his nativity-the land of Wallace and Bruce, of Burns and Scott, whose chivalric deeds and whose un- surpassed imagery and glowing words ever animate and inspire him. Burns, his favorite poet, he knows by heart, and in apt illustration and quotation he liberally draws on him, and his drafts are always honored. Four times has he gone back to Scot- land, there relighting all the Scottish fires in him, and yet returned well content with and in the land where such signal success has crowned his efforts.

Neither an absence of forty-six years, nor a dis- tance of three thousand miles, has lessened his love for the national game of Scotland. He is a bonny good curler, right up to the Tee. For many years he has been the President and the in- spiration and life of the Albany City Curling Club. The St. Andrew's Society has no member more act- ive or honored than Thomas McCredie, formerly its President.

In 1854, Mr. McCredie married Miss Margaret Smith, daughter of Peter Smith, of Albany, and to them have been born two daughters and three " sons, all now living except the eldest daughter.

The 'sons are all actively engaged with him in his business, the elder two having an interest therein, and all promise to be worthy successors of their honored father.

DISTILLING.

In the early history of Albany quite a number of individuals were engaged in distilling whiskey on a small scale. In 1778, the attention of the Common Council was called to this subject, and the follow- ing resolution passed:

" Whereas, Divers Persons in this County pur- chase large quantities of Wheat for distilling into Whiskey, and sell the same at exhorbitant prices; and whereas the Legislature of this State, in pursu- ance of a recommendation by Congress, have now under consideration the Regulation of the prices of all Commodities, as. well as the necessaries of life; "therefore Resolved, That no Wheat or other Grain be distilled into Whiskey within this County until the Legislature shall have regulated the prices."

For many years after this date, distilling was carried on in and around Albany; but it was not until 1838, when John Tracy commenced the bus- iness, that it began to assume much proportion. Mr. Tracy carried it on for many years, and was an influential and respected citizen of Albany. He died a few years ago, and was succeeded by his son, Colonel Charles Tracy.

MILLING BUSINESS.

The small creeks which abound in the vicinity of Albany were early utilized in producing power for grinding wheat and other grain. Milling was among the first industries which engaged the atten- tion of the early settlers. The products of these mills were principally used for home consumption. The transportation of flour and meal did not form much of a factor in trade until the beginning of the present century. After that date it began to form quite an important part in the commercial affairs of Albany, and continued so until the rapid growth of the great West materially modified it. The bulk of the milling business of the country is now con- fined to the West, and in most of the Eastern cities, as in Albany, it is not carried on very extensively.

The Columbia Steam Mill and Elevator of Cap- ron & Woolverton was established by M. L. Crit- tenden & Co. in 1857. John D. Capron became associated with the business in 1870, and in 1882 the present firm was organized, C. B. Woolverton having been connected with the old firm for twelve years previously as book-keeper. The premises of the firm, located on the Pier, consist of a mill and elevator 180 by 50 feet in dimensions. The plant is equipped with five run of stones, power being furnished by a 250 horse-power engine. The ele-

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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

vator has a capacity for handling about 2,000 bush- els of grain per hour.

The leading specialties of the house are rye flour, corn meal and feed. Their trade extends through New York and New England, south as far as Wash- ington, and west as far as Cleveland. They own and employ four canal-boats in shipping their products.

The Albany Feed and Plaster Mills of Franklin D. Tower, consist of a four-story brick building, 90 by 180 feet in dimensions, equipped with a 40 horse-power engine, four run of stones and the usual complement of milling machinery. About six men are employed, including expert millers. A trade is transacted which extends throughout the North and Northwest. The products of the house are plaster for agricultural purposes, and feed for horses and cattle.

In 1878, Mr. Tower carried on the milling busi- ness in the old stone mill near the Manor House, North Broadway. This mill was erected by one of the Patroons over two hundred years ago, and was well known throughout the country as the Patroon's Mill. In 1880 it was destroyed by fire, after which Mr. Tower began the business in which he is now engaged. He is recognized as one of the leading flour and feed merchants of Albany. A more ex- tended notice of his career will be found in the bi- ographical sketch of him published in this volume.

The firm of John B. Cleminshaw & Son, manu- facturers of self-raising flour, No. 1 1 Hudson avenue, was organized in 1883. John B. Cleminshaw con- ducted the business for seventeen years previously. They are largely engaged in manufacturing self- raising flour for buckwheat and wheat cakes. Six men are employed at this factory, capable of pro- ducing 400 barrels of flour and meal per week.

The products of the water-mill of John M. Batterman, 344 Broadway and 22 Liberty street, have gained an excellent reputation for quality. Mr. Batterman has been engaged in the milling business in Guilderland many years. His mill is especially noted for its fine grade of Indian meal.

BAKERS.

No one subject was the cause of more legislation by the early municipal authorities than the regula- tion of the quality, size and price of bread. The size, weight and price per loaf was determined by city ordinances ; but infringement of these laws was frequent and occasioned much complaint and litigation. The size of the loaves was formerly much larger than at present. Up to 1847 they were required to weigh three pounds; after that date two pounds was the legal weight. The law requiring the latter weight was not repealed until 1855.

Probably the oldest living baker now engaged in business is Thomas Mayes, located at 171 Madison avenue. He came here in 1837 and became ap- prenticed to John Hodge on Market street. About this time Marcus Andrews, John Marshall, John Hodge, William Pester, Jonas C. Wellington, John S. Graves, J. Pallat, and Stephen Paddock were

engaged in the baking business. The firm of Adams & Sprang for many years conducted a bakery at 186 Washington avenue. They were the first to introduce machines for making crackers, and used to send teams out in the country with their produce, a novel thing in 1840. John Os- borne did quite an extensive business on South Market street many years ago. He sold out in 1845. John Clarke, the father of the extensive baker of the same name now located on Hudson avenue, was for many years engaged in business on the east side of Broad street.

Owen McCarthy began the bakery business on Van Voast street in 1842. In 1847 he moved to Water Street, and in 1852 removed to his present location, 70 Canal street.

John Imrie opened a bakery on the corner of Chestnut and Hawk streets in 1855. In 1864 he built a store on the corner of Jay & Hawk streets. He died in 1882, since which his wife has con- ducted the business.

John Younger established a bakery at 405 South Pearl street in 1865, which he has conducted ever since.

The bakery of Mrs. Amelia Moench was estab- lished in 1869 at 50 South Ferry street. In 1881 she bought her present property, 28 South Ferry street.

L. Ebert began to conduct a bakery in Albany, on Myrtle avenue, in 1875. He removed to his present quarters in 1876.

George Frank began business in 1878 on Madi- son avenue, where he remained for a year and a half. He opened his present place in 1882.

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Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations, Part 127

Author: Howell, George Rogers, 1833-1899; Tenney, Jonathan, 1817-1888 Publication date: 1886 Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co. Number of Pages: 1452

Author: Howell, George Rogers, 1833-1899; Tenney, Jonathan, 1817-1888
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1452