Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations, Part 135

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 135

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PETER KINNEAR.

One of the names most prominent in connection with the manufacturing and industrial interests of Albany, is that which heads this sketch. Peter Kinnear was born in Dundee, Scotland, April 24, 1826.

He was educated in his native town, and later served a six years' apprenticeship there to the machinist's trade. As he grew to manhood, the desire within him to seek a home in the New World, grew stronger and more irresistible. When scarcely more than a youth he bade farewell to kin and friends, and set out upon a perilous journey across the ocean. His love of his native land was strong, but his ambition to make a name and place for himself among men on the far-away shores of America was stronger still.

At the very outset he met with an accident which nearly cost him his life, but he was not daunted and, without repining or turning back, he pursued his way. It was in 1847 that he came to the United States.

He tried to obtain employment at his trade in New York, Rochester and Toronto successively, and finding it impossible to get such work to do as he wished, did that which every true man must see it his duty to do- did such work as came in his way, which in his case was cutting timber in a Canadian forest, during all of one winter. Returning to the States, he again sought employ- ment as a machinist at Buffalo, Rochester, Syra- cuse, Utica and Albany. He was again unsuccess- ful until he reached Albany, when he entered the employment of William Orr, at his foundry, 64 Beaver street.

This establishment was founded by Lewis Aspin- wall over half a century ago, and is therefore inti- mately connected with the industrial development of Albany. From Mr. Aspinwall its ownership passed to Mr. Orr. Mr. Orr was succeeded by the firm of Orr & Blair, of which he was himself a member. In 1872 Mr. Kinnear became the owner of Mr. Orr's share, and the firm of Blair & Kinnear was in existence till Mr. Kinnear became sole proprietor.

May, 1884, Mr. Kinnear purchased the lots at the corner of Beaver and Grand streets, known as No. 64 and 66 Beaver street. Here Mr. Kinnear made great improvements, so marked in their character as to entitle him to the credit of having beautified that portion of Beaver street in which his factory is located.

The great variety of goods embraced under the head of brass castings, and the varied application of this valuable composition metal to the manufac- ture of articles of mechanical and household use, present an interesting study. A house devoted to the manufacture of the innumerable pieces of brass, bronze and other soft metal castings, for the countless purposes to which these metals are now put, is a very important helper in promoting the general good of any manufacturing center. In Albany that of Mr. Kinnear is the most prominent one of its kind. This enterprise embraces the manu-

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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

facture of all kinds of brass, bronze, composition, nickel, white and other soft metal castings; steam- cocks and valves, plumber brass work, brass work for breweries, lager beer apparatus, steam-engine work, etc. Faithful attention is given to whatever may be desired in this line, and great care is taken in the selection of proper qualities of metal and in the delicate process of casting, especially where soundness and accuracy are required in the finished articles.

The premises occupied for the prosecution of this industry consist of a two-story brick building, 60 by 22 feet in dimensions, with an L of same size used for the molding-shop, which are sup- plied with all modern facilities, thoroughly equip- ed with all necessary tools, appliances and furnaces, and furnished with an engine of six-horse power. With an experience of so many years in the busi- ness, Mr. Kinnear may be rightly supposed to be eminently capacitated to carry on the enterprise with success and satisfaction to his trade. Nor does his identification with this community stop with his interest in this business, since he is also President of the Albany Billiard Ball Co., President of the Bonsilate Button Co., and a Director in both the Bonsilate Co. (limited) and the Newark Filter- ing Co.

With the history of the manufactory of billiard balls in Albany, Mr. Kinnear's name is prominently identified. The most unique industry in Albany, and, indeed, the only one of the kind in the world, is that of the Albany Billiard Ball Company. This Company was organized in 1875, and is the legiti- mate successor of the Hyatt Manufacturing Com- pany, organized in 1868, which was the pioneer in the attempt to make composition billiard balls. It is not our purpose to go into the details of the trials and failures of the original organization in its experiments to produce billiard balls of py- roxiline and later of celluloid that would take the place of ivory. Let it suffice to say that thousands of dollars were spent and much valuable time lost in experimenting with little or no practical re- sults, until the formation of the present Com- pany, since which time, by the use of perfected processes and machinery, the invention of J. W. Hyatt, the Company has succeeded in producing billiard balls that are more perfect than ivory balls, while at the same time they are far less expensive.

The management of the Company is in the hands of the following named officers : Peter Kinnear, President and Treasurer ; J. W. Hyatt, Vice-Presi- dent; Lewis Dietz, Secretary; and B. P. Wayne, Superintendent; all gentlemen closely identified with the industrial advancement of this city. Mr. Kinnear's identification with this enterprise dates from a time when failure and disaster had stripped it of the confidence of most of the capitalists of Al- bany. He had faith in the scheme, and unbounded faith in Mr. Hyatt, through the utilization of whose inventions he was certain success would be won for it.

At considerable personal trouble and no small temporary sacrifice, he invested in the enterprise,

taking risks which made some of his friends tremble for the results; and he induced others of Albany's progressive men to take stock in the Com- pany. The result has more than justified his most sanguine hopes. The enterprise is one of Albany's notable successes.

No man in the city has taken a greater interest in its industrial enterprises than Mr. Kinnear, and no one has worked more steadily and more earn- estly to advance them. He has ever been among the first to welcome new manufacturing industries, and one of those most ready to encourage and foster them by substantial aid to the extent of his ability. There are many who to-day admit that, had his judgment been respected and his advice taken relative to proposed enterprises which have been seated elsewhere, only after proper encourage- ment had been refused them in Albany, the city's material prosperity at this time would be much greater than it is, and its intelligent working pop- ulation much larger.

Born in the land of Wallace, and imbibing a love of freedom with the very air he breathed, Mr. Kinnear was a lover of American institutions even before, as a very young man, he had placed his feet on American soil. He believed in universal free- dom, and early placed himself in the ranks of those who ultimately united with others of more pro- nounced views to free the African slaves in the United States. A lover of freedom and a protec- tionist, a Whig originally, he was one of the earliest to array himself in the Republican ranks, and with the Republican party he has voted and labored ever since.

Mr. Kinnear was for two years a member of the Board of Supervisors of Albany County, and has several times been the nominee of his party for Alderman to represent his Ward, and it is only the greatly preponderating Democratic vote that has prevented his repeated election, for personally he is recognized as the most popular man in his Ward. With all of a Scotchman's love for Scotland and its history and traditions, Mr. Kinnear is at the same time a most thorough-going American, taking a deep and most intelligent interest in all questions of public moment, and exerting his influence, and freely using his means to promote American in- dustry and elevate that great class who are our best citizens either in peace or war-the honest me- chanics, of whom he is proud to number himself as one.

During his sojourn in Canada, previously referred to, Mr. Kinnear, in 1849, married Miss Annie Gil- christ, a native of Scotland. It was soon afterward that they came to Albany and Mr. Kinnear entered upon that career which has made him so widely known and respected. It has been a career of honest endeavor, of well-directed effort -whose rewards have not been bestowed with a stingy hand. Such a career as best illustrates the certainty that skill, industry, integrity, perseverance and whole- souled friendliness will win for their possessor that degree of success which ought to be the earthly ob- ject of every citizen, and which is often the envy of those who do not themselves deserve it.

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MANUFACTURING INTERESTS OF ALBANY.

BONSILATE.

The Bonsilate Company, corner Church and Pruyn streets, was organized in 1878. The fac- tory is of four stories, brick, where 20 workmen are employed. This Company produces bonsilate in bulk and in manufactured goods.

The officers are Robert C. Pruyn, President ; David M. Kinnear, Secretary and Treasurer; John W. Hyatt, Expert; and Charles S. Lockwood, Su- perintendent. The Directors are Messrs. Pruyn & Hyatt, S. W. Rosendale, Peter Kinnear, Theodore Townsend, Charles M. Hyatt, and David M. Kin- near.

Bonsilate is the discovery of John W. Hyatt, the inventor also of celluloid. It has been im- proved by Charles S. Lockwood. It is already used in making many articles of utility and orna- ment, for which its qualities of hardness, elas- ticity, susceptibility of taking any color and a high polish, render it very valuable. It is also a non- conductor of electricity, and incombustible. It is valuable as a substitute for ivory, amber, jet, coral, celluloid and all like substances.

FURNITURE AND OTHER HOUSE SUP- PLIES.

Most of the household furniture sold in Albany is manufactured in New England, Michigan and Ohio, where timber is now plenty and facilities for manufacture more abundant and cheap. It comes often in parts and is put together and finished in our city.

The B. W. Wooster Furniture Company, 51 and 53 North Pearl street, incorporated in 1884, with B. W. Wooster, President, succeeded the business of B. W. Wooster, which was established in 1843. This Company supplies for buildings the entire in- terior wood-work, such as staircases, floors, ceil- ings, wainscot, mantels; also paper-hangings, fur- niture, upholstering, curtains, frescoing, and stained glass. In short, as soon as the masons have com- pleted their work upon a residence, they complete it ready for occupancy.

Nelson Lyon has, during the past seven years, worked up and established a large furniture manu- factory on Central avenne, with still larger sales- rooms at 65 Hudson avenue. His trade has grown rapidly. Among other well-known makers and dealers in this important class of industry in this city within recent years may be named Butler, Senrick, Watson, Westcott; also Hertz, Hicks, Gloeckner, now in the business. Several large stores on North Pearl street deal in furniture ex- tensively.

The small cabinet makers of other days are no more. They did honest work and supplied the demand for substantial chairs, stands, tables, desks, bedsteads, and such like simple furniture for house- hold use in earlier days.

SCHOOL FURNITURE.

An eastern office of the Union School Furniture Company, of Battle Creek, Mich., was established

in this city, at 508 Broadway, in 1882. W. A. Choate, Manager.

Their specialty is the "Automatic," or rear-fold- ing school-seat. They also manufacture school- desks, seats, and all kinds of school furniture. Harlan P. French preceded Mr. Choate in this business, successfully pursuing it several years.

PLAIN AND DECORATIVE PAINTING.

Very little attention was given in Albany to decorative painting until a recent date. When paint was laid on wood-work at all, nothing was thought of but preservation from decay thereby. But within a few years great attention has been given to the art as an ornament pleasing to the eye.

John Palmer, painter and decorator, started in business at 25 Washington avenue, in 1866, and has occupied the premises since that time. He has had some of the best contracts in his art in and out of the city, including the State Capitol. Mr. Palmer is a charter member of Post 5, G. A. R., the first organized in the city. He has twice been Commander of the G. A. R., S. N. Y. and Senior Vice-Commander-in-Chief of the G. A. R., U. S., and is at present Trustee and Chair- man of the Executive Committee of the State Soldiers' Home, of which he, as an active member of the G. A. R., was one of the originators. Few men are more active and efficient, or better known in public affairs.

James Blocksidge, who came here from Eng- land some years ago, has acquired quite a reputa- tion as a well-informed, tasteful, faithful house- painter, including fresco and decorative work. He is doing some of the best work of the kind in Al- bany and vicinity.

Daniel P. Gladding has for many years been the successor of his father, one of the early painters in this city, in doing excellent work.

Robert Jefferson, 47 Beaver street, is justly rec- ognized as one of the best sign and banner paint- ers of the city.

The Bantham Brothers rank among our best patronized painters. John S. Hurdis can hardly be surpassed as a painter of signs and banners. The Mickels are superior artists in decoration, de- signing, and painting. William Prescott, from Massachusetts, has been a leading house and sign- painter for many years. John Cook is not only one of our most esteemed citizens, but best of house-painters.

TABLE AND ENAMELED OIL-CLOTHS.

The manufacture of enameled oil-cloths was first successfully accomplished in this country about a third of a century ago. In 1855, John Walters established a manufactory in Albany for this pur- pose, and has conducted it with success ever since. His plant is located at 334 to 344 Central avenue, and covers an area of several acres, upon which are erected five substantial brick buildings. A fifty horse-power engine furnishes the necessary

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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

motive power, and employment is afforded to about seventy operatives. The production of this establishment comprises table and enameled oil- cloths in all varieties, a specialty being made in superior styles in imitation of mahogany, rose- wood, oak, and marble. During the first years of the establishment of this factory the production was only 1 20 yards per day. At present the factory is turning out about 700 rolls per day, or a total of 8,400 yards per day. The products are sold in all parts of the United States and largely exported to foreign countries. The buildings have several times been severely damaged by fire, originating in the processes of manufacture, requiring so much heat in the application of the oil.

SHIP-BUILDING.

In the latter part of the preceding and the first quarter of the present century, the building of sloops and schooners formed an important indus- try at Albany. Much capital was invested and a large number of men employed. When steam- boats came generally in use, some of the earlier ones were built here. Probably the largest vessel ever constructed in Albany was the Victory, re- ferred to in another part of this volume. During late years this industry has almost become extinct, being confined principally to repairing, and the construction of small crafts. At present the prin- cipal ship-builders in Albany are John A. Davis & Sons, whose yard is located on the corner of Quay and Columbia streets. They began business in 1879. The sectional dock used by the firm was built twenty-eight years ago. The dock is in five sections, and is 130 feet long by 54 feet wide. Ten pumps on each side of the dock, operated by steam, are used for operating the dock. Thirty-five ship carpenters and calkers are employed.

GLOBE MANUFACTURER.

The first globe manufacturer in the United States was James Wilson, who was born in Londonderry, N. H., in the latter part of the eighteenth century, and died in Bradford, Vt., in extreme old age. He at first made his globes by hand. About 1820, his sons, John and Samuel Wilson, established a globe manufactory in Albany, the first of the kind in this country. It was claimed for them that they were the best globe-makers, not only in America, but in the world. So much did they improve the art of globe-making as to elicit the admission of English manufacturers, that their globes were geographic- ally and mechanically superior to their own. John Wilson died in 1833, and his brother Samuel near that date. After their death the business was dis- continued in Albany.

CORK WORKS.

Cork is the outer bark of a species of oak that grows in Southwestern Europe. The tree, when reaching its thirtieth year, is of marketable value. It is then deprived of its bark. From five to ten years thereafter the bark is again removed, and

in time another growth in its turn is taken off. The cork grows finer every cutting as long as the tree retains its vigor. After stripping, the bark is scraped to relieve it of adhering moss, and placed in a hot-water bath, kept at a high temperature. Then it is reduced to flat sheets by pressure. It is afterwards made up into bales of 150 pounds. each, ready for shipment. Spain and Portugal furnish all the raw material sent to this country, the pro- duction of France and Italy being consumed at home.

The application of machinery to the cutting of corks is of American origin. Thirty years ago all corks were cut by hand, by means of an instrument similar to a butcher's cleaver ; 1, 500 corks made in this way was a good day's work, while now, with machinery, a girl will turn out 20,000 daily ; and the machine-made, from their uniformity of size and finish, are superior to those done by hand.

The cork is purchased by the pound in the bale, and the manufactured article is sold by the gross. Besides its ordinary use as stoppers, it is used for net floats, for life preservers, and for shoe soles.

The only manufactory of corks in Albany is that of the Albany Cork Works, corner Maiden lane and James street, which was established in 1866, by Ira B. Sampson, on Pruyn street. He is still the manager.

PIANO MANUFACTURING.

Jonas Chickering, a native of New Ipswich, N. H., a cabinet-maker by trade, made the first American piano in America, and offered it for sale April 15, 1823. He pursued the piano-making business successfully in Boston for many years, and left his honored name and business as a rich legacy to his family.

The first manufacturer of pianos in Albany was James A. Gray, a sketch of whom appears else- where. He began this business in Albany as early as 1825. For a number of years he carried on the manufacture of pianos alone. In 1837 he became associated with William G. Boardman, under the firm name of Boardman & Gray. The factory was originally situated on the corner of Broadway and De Witt street, and was subsequently removed to the Old Elm Tree Corner, where the business was carried on for a number of years. They next established their factory at the corner of North Ferry and Broadway. In 1866 they removed to the three-story brick building, No. 239 North Pearl street, lately destroyed by the fire that caused the death of John A. Luby, D. Wheeler and F. J. Wallen. Here a large force of skilled workmen were em- ployed, the establishment turning out twenty com- plete instruments monthly. From 1840 to 1860 this firm was one of the leading piano-forte establish- ments in the country. In 1877, Mr. Gray's son, Wil- liam J. Gray, became a member of the firm. Mr. Boardman died in 1881, and the business was con- tinued by the Grays, father and son, under the old firm name of Boardman & Gray. This firm first introduced the dolce campana, which made their pianos famous throughout the musical world.

MANUFACTURING INTERESTS OF ALBANY.

601

JAMES A. GRAY.

In 1853, Messrs. Marshall & Traver began the manufacture of pianos in Albany on James street. They were succeeded two years later by Marshall, James & Traver. Thirteen years then ensued, when the proprietorship of the house underwent another change, the firm becoming Marshall & Wendell.

In April, 1882, the firm, under the title of the Marshall & Wendell Piano-forte Manufacturing Company, was incorporated as a limited liability company, with Henry Russell, President; J. V. Marshall, Superintendent; Harvey Wendell, Man- ager and Treasurer; and John Loughran, Secre- tary. Capital stock, $100,000. Manufactory and principal office, erected in 1872, 911 to 923 Broadway. This building is of brick, five stories high, 145 by 40 feet, with 40-feet wings. Sev- enty-five skilled workmen are employed. Annual output, over six hundred pianos. Ware-rooms and music store, 88 North Pearl street, under direction of C. E. Wendell & Co.

In connection with the piano-making industry, it is proper to mention the firm of R. W. Tanner & Son. Mr. Tanner has been in connection with the piano manufacturing business for nearly thirty years. One of the specialties of this firm is the manufacture of piano hardware. They employ about thirty workmen in their establishment at 858 Broadway. George E. Kemp makes piano plates and R. B. Russell supplies the piano action.

Many years ago, William McCammon, a ma- chinist by trade, began the manufacture of pianos, which enterprise he successfully continued until his decease a few years ago, since which it has been carried on by his son, Edward McCammon. George Johnson has made pianos many years.

Mrs. F. W. Tietz continues the piano making business begun in 1860.

Musical instruments of all kinds, and book and sheet music, have long been sold in this city, no- tably by Jason Collier, J. Hidley, Cluett & Sons, Haines Brothers, J. A. Reed, and W. C. Gomph.

JAMES A. GRAY.

It is probable that the first person to manufacture pianos in the City of Albany was John Osborn, an Englishman, about the year 1825, who continued for a short time on his own account. and then be- came associated with J. & H. Meacham, who was manufacturing other musical instruments, and had a music store at State street. About the year 1833, F. P. Burns, Wm. Ballentine & Co. commenced manufacturing for I. P. Cole, who furnished the capital and sold the instruments, he being en- gaged in teaching vocal music, and dealing in musical goods on State street. It seems that Wm. G. Boardman, a wholesale grocery merchant at the time, was Cole's indorser at the bank, and in 1836, during the depression in trade, Cole

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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

failed in business, and, to protect his indorsement, Mr. Boardman had to buy ont Cole's business, which carried the manufacturing of pianos with it; and Mr. Boardman found it necessary to abandon his grocery business and assume the manufacturing of pianos. Being an experienced business man, he found it necessary to change Cole's arrangement and organize anew, which he did by building a factory on the corner of Broadway and De Witt street, and being unacquainted practically with the making of pianos he employed a man by the name of H. Davis to superintend the factory for him, he attending to the music store in State street. In the reorganization of the business of manufacturing pianos, the services of James A. Gray, Hine, Hazel- ton (now of New York) and some other skilled workmen from New York, who filled important branches in the construction of the pianos. This was in the year 1837. In the year 1838 the Super- intendent (Davis) having committed some breach of trust, James A. Gray was appointed superinten- dent of the manufactory, and soon after .became a partner in the firm of Boardman & Gray.

The Meachams and F. P. Burns continued to manufacture up to about 1860, and, having died, their business ceased.

In 185- three young men who had been in the employ of Boardman & Gray commenced the man- ufacture of pianos in Albany. The firm was Mar- shall, James & Traver, which was continued for some time, James having retired in 1862, and Traver some years later selling out his interest to Harvey Wendell, the firm being in 1885 Marshall & Wendell.

In 1866, Mr. Boardman having engaged in other business, assigned all his interest in the manufac- ture of the Boardman & Gray piano to his former partner, James A. Gray, who, in partnership with his brother, William H. Gray, continued to make the Boardman & Gray piano until 1880, when he died, and William H. Gray, son of James A. Gray, became a partner in the firm.

In 1862, William McCammon & Co. commenced the manufacture of pianos on Broadway, and con- tinned until 1881, when on his death at that date his son Edward assumed the business.

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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 135

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