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 159
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There are a State and National Order of this Association, the State Association numbering 3,000 members, and the National 7,000. C. C. Shanklin is President of the National Association.
Meetings of the Albany Association are held quarterly, at 480 Broadway. The present officers are Angus McD. Shoemaker, President; Lewis H. Stremple, Secretary; and C. Schurr, Treasurer.
THE 7TH REGIMENT HEAVY ARTILLERY ASSOCIA- TION was organized in 1881, and is composed of the surviving members of the 7th Regiment, N. Y.S. V., which participated in most of the great battles of the Rebellion, and was largely composed of Albany County soldiers. It numbers about 200 members. Meetings are held annually, the main object being social intercourse. The present offi- cers are George H. Treadwell, President; David Caswell, Secretary; and Angus McD. Shoemaker, Treasurer.
SONS OF VETERANS .- The Order of the Sons of Veterans is composed of the sons of the soldiers, sailors and marines who aided in suppressing the Rebellion. The object is to keep alive and per- petuate the memory of the defenders of the Union, and to preserve a spirit of loyalty and allegiance to the United States.
There are 39 Posts in different parts of this State, and of these, Frederick Townsend Post No. I, of this city, is the largest in membership, and takes high rank for efficiency of organization. It has 140 members, fully uniformed, a drum and fife corps of 20, and a glee club of 10 members.
The present officers are James F. McCabe, Commander; Joseph C. McClellan, Adjutant; and Edward Fay, Quartermaster.
Besides Frederick Townsend Post, there are two others, James M. Warner Post No. 30, and Wm. H. Russell, Jr., Post No. 25, the former being commanded by D. S. Harrigan, and the latter by R. S. Cunningham,
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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.
INDEPENDENT COMPANIES.
From the very earliest period of the settlement of Beverwyck to the present time, the citizens of Albany have had many causes to kindle their mili- tary spirit, and to keep alive an excusable pride in their military organizations. In the history of the early wars this has been shown.
From the untrained, uncouth and burlesque soldiers who maneuvered on the old Washington Parade Ground, in a later period came many a patriot who subsequently served his country with fidelity and distinction, during the War with Mexico, under Worth, Scott and Taylor, and later still, on the stubbornly fought fields of the Civil War. The un-uniformed militia of half a century ago did much to encourage the organization of regularly enlisted bodies of citizen soldiery.
Independent companies offered a field wherein martial ambition could be gratified. To this state of feeling the Burgesses Corps, Washington Conti- nentals, and a few other military companies may be said to owe their origin. Into such, young men have flocked to learn the arts of war.
But the present excellent condition of the inde- pendent companies which now exist, in this city more especially, can be attributed to the state of feeling which existed at the close of the Civil War. Then an immense army of trained soldiers, who, on their discharge, returned to their homes to re- sume their peaceful occupations, still kept the fire of patriotism burning in their breasts. They had become educated in the life of a soldier on the tented field, and almost irresistibly their thoughts reverted to scenes of camp life, its trials and its pleasures, whenever they saw a parade or heard the strains of martial music. They natur- ally drifted in the military organizations which then existed or have since been organized. It was chiefly the infusion of this new influence which has raised to such a high standard of excellence the present military organizations of Albany.
ALBANY BURGESSES CORPS .- The Albany Bur- gesses Corps was organized on October 8, 1833, at No. 28 Maiden lane, and derives its name Bur- gesses -- i.e., Citizens-in honor of the original gov- ernors of Albany.
The first military officers were: Captain, John O. Cole; First Lieutenant, Thomas Bayeux; Sec- ond Lieutenant, John Shorts; Third Lieutenant, George Vance, Jr .; Ensign, Henry C. Southwick; Orderly, John Osborne. The first civic officers were: President, Parker Sargent; Vice-President, Wynant Crannell; Secretary, George Trumbull; Treasurer, Joseph Chatterson.
The first parade was made July 4, 1834, with 45 muskets and 5 officers. On July 25, 1834, the Corps assisted in the torchlight obsequies of Gen- eral Lafayette. The pall-bearers were the revolu- tionary companions of General Lafayette, being Gregory, Van Rensselaer, Van Alstyne, Hilton Winne, Rockman, Russell and Slichl. The Yorktown ordnance, 12 pounders, captured by Lafayette, was in the procession. The first anni- versary of the corps was celebrated by an excur-
sion to the United States Arsenal at Watervliet and Troy. Subsequently, on the spur of the moment, the Lafayette Guards of New York were received and escorted to Cook's Garden, on State street, where they encamped and were entertained, leav- ing the next day for Saratoga, this interchange of military courtesy being the first time in which the Corps had an opportunity to show its hospitality. It was chartered by the Legislature of the State of New York, Chapter 304, Laws of 1834.
On the 22d of July, 1835, the Philadelphia Na- tional Grays and Tompkins' Blues, of New York, were received, and, with the Corps, were reviewed by Vice-President Martin Van Buren. On the 14 th of September the Monroe Blues, of New York, visited Albany, and were received and entertained by the Corps.
On the 22d of February, 1836, the Corps gave its first ball in Stanwix Hall, which had just been erected, and continued at the same place on each recurring anniversary of the birth of Washington until 1848; afterwards at Knickerbocker, Van Vechten and Bleecker Halls, the Delavan House and Tweddle and Martin Halls.
In the latter part of 1836 the Corps made its first extended trip, consuming ten days of time, and visited New York, Brooklyn and Philadelphia, and were all along the line received with free-hearted and bountiful hospitalities. In 1837, the Corps escorted Governor Marcy to Schodack Centre, on the occasion of the presentation of a flag; and the same year, in conjunction with the Troy Citizens' Corps, visited Catskill on an excursion.
On July 4, 1838, the First Company of Phila- delphia State Fencibles were the guests of the Corps. A grand public dinner was tendered them, of which 500 partook. A reception to the Utica Citizens' Corps was another event during the same year.
In 1839, the Troy Citizens' Corps were enter- tained and a target excursion to Bethlehem took place; and later, the Corps, with five other com- panies from Albany and three from Troy marched to the Helderberg mountains, under command of Major Bloodgood, to quell the anti-rent riots, which was quickly done, without bloodshed, the formidable appearance of the troops intimidating the rioters.
In 1840, a target excursion was made to Sara- toga Springs, and later the Corps camped at Cox- sackie, Governor William H. Seward and staff be- ing the guests of the company on this occasion.
In 1841 the uniform was changed from blue to scarlet after a long and lively debate. The New York Light Guard were received and entertained. The same year the Corps visited New York as the guests of the Tompkins' Blues; also participated in the second Helderberg War, and were received upon their return by Governor Seward.
In 1842 the Poughkeepsie Guards were received; also escorted and banqueted Eagle Engine Com- pany No. 7.
In 1843, the Corps visited Boston, and took part in the celebration; attended the exercises upon the completion of the Bunker Hill Monument, and
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MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS.
were highly spoken of by the Boston papers; also made an excursion to Schenectady. During 1844 the Washington Phalanx, of Boston, and the New- ark City Guards were received ; a target excursion was made to Pittsfield, Mass .; acted as escort at dedication of Albany Rural Cemetery; participated in the Columbia Anti-rent War; and buried Captain Thomas Bayeux, and afterwards erected a hand- some monument to his memory. In 1845, the Seventh Regiment of New York was escorted to Camp Schuyler on the Troy road. Encamped at the Catskill Mountain House in 1846. During 1847 escorted the remains of the Mexican War veterans-Fields and Williams-to Buffalo. In 1848 the Corps' armory was burned; received and entertained Company H First New York Volun- teers and the Boston City Guards. Saratoga was visited in 1849; In 1850, New York, Boston, Providence, Fall River, Lowell and Springfield, consuming ten days. Guests of Boston City Guard and Providence Light Infantry. In 1851, recep- tion of President Millard Fillmore; and visited Springfield and met Boston City Guards. In 1852, attended funeral of General Solomon Van Rensse- laer; also accompanied remains of Henry Clay to Syracuse ; escorted Kossuth; also Major-General Winfield Scott; received the Paterson (N. J.) Blues. In 1853, received the Providence Artillery. In 1854, grand banquet at Capitol-twenty-first anniversary; at funeral of Adjutant-General Tem- ple: also on guard under Sheriff. In 1855, first meeting in Museum Building Armory; received Company D, of Buffalo; on guard under Sheriff; also visited Lansingburgh. In 1856, paraded as escort at dedication of Dudley Observatory. In 1857, escort at Inaugural of Governor King; at- tended inauguration of President Buchanan at Washington; also Guard of Honor and escort at funeral obsequies of Governor William L. Marcy; also visited Waterford. In 1858, visited Sara- toga; by invitation of Corps, a joint parade was made in Albany of Utica Citizens Corps, Troy Citizens Corps and A B C's, in honor of defeat of attempt to disband independent organizations; re- viewed by Governor King and staff; also visited Hudson; also, paraded at night on completion of laying the Atlantic Cable. In 1859 the monu- ment to Captain Thomas Bayeux was dedicated; also guests of Governor Morgan on July 4th; also received Fifth Company Seventh Regiment, N. Y. S. M .; also, target excursion to Saratoga Springs; also escorted Perseverance Hose Company of Phil- adelphia ; paraded at Troy at funeral of Captain Edward D. Blanchard, of Troy Citizens Corps.
In 1860, escort to the Prince of Wales; also received Ellsworth Zouaves, of Chicago, and Provi- dence Light Infantry; also encamped with Troy Citizens Corps at Camp Morgan, Saratoga Springs, and reviewed by Governor Morgan; also on guard under Sheriff. In 1861, escort to President Abra- ham Lincoln; also escort to Governor Morgan at in- auguration. The Company, 84 rank and file, under Captain Hale Kingsley, fully equipped, at its own expense, left for the seat of war, April 30th, in res- ponse to first call for troops; dedication of Fort
Albany on Arlington Heights, Va .; also paraded at funeral of W. A. Jackson, of A B C's, 18th N. Y. V. In 1862 paraded at funeral of Colonel Edward Frisby and Harman Visscher, of the A B C's, and Colonel Pratt. Armory removed to Bleecker Hall; also escort to Fire Department. In 1863 paraded at funerals of Colonel M. K. Bryan and Captain Douglas Lodge. In 1864, pa- raded at funerals of Colonels John Wilson and James D. Visscher, and Captain Robert Bell, all of A B C's; also presented a battle flag to Colonel Wilson's 43d N. Y. V. In 1865, escort to re- mains of President Abraham Lincoln; also received and entertained at armory the 43d Regiment, N. Y. V., on its return from the war. In 1866, reception and Guard of Honor to President John- son; also grand banquet at Congress Hall. In 1867, grand charity ball, gross receipts $2,740; also excursion to Newburgh. In 1868, Utica Citizens' Corps, our guests; received Company B. on its return from New Haven; also ball and con- cert at Tweddle Hall. In 1869, at Washington, at inauguration of President U. S. Grant; also an excursion to Binghamton, presenting Fire De- partment with silver trumpet; also funeral of Ma- jor-General John E. Wool; also reception of 7th N. Y. Regiment. Old Guard of A B C was or- ganized September 20th. In 1870, excursion to Elmira; grand ball at opening of Martin Hall; also paraded at funeral of General George H. Thomas, U. S. A., at Troy. In 1871, at laying of corner-stone of New Capitol ; also received Fountain Hose Company No. 4, of Binghamton; also subscribed $1,000 and sent 300 blankets to the relief of the Chicago sufferers. In 1872, ex- cursion to Poughkeepsie; also presented with a silk flag by the Binghamton Fire Department. In 1873, escort at inauguration of Governor John A. Dix; also at Washington at second inauguration of President U. S. Grant; also funeral escort of Captain William H. Taylor. In 1874, excursion to Syracuse; also grand charity ball at Martin Hall; net proceeds $2,683. In 1875, excursion to Hudson; also, a parade at Schenectady. In 1876, the Nation's Centennial; made a midnight parade. In 1877, excursion to Rochester, Buffalo and Ni- agara Falls; guests of Buffalo City Guard ; also served six days in July railroad riots; also escorted Worcester Continentals. In 1878, excursion to Utica; guests of Utica Citizens' Corps; also at Saratoga with Old Guard of A B C; also at fu- neral of John O. Cole, the first Captain of Corps; also the Charter of Corps confirmed by the New York Legislature. In 1879, escort at National G. A. R. and Army of the Potomac celebrations at Albany, during which time the Old Guard of New York and the Utica Citizens' Corps were our guests; also escorted Post 2, G. A. R., of Phila- delphia, and Post 1, G. A. R., of Baltimore; also went on an excursion to Pittsfield; also on guard under Sheriff; also a grand ball in Martin Hall, in adjunct to the opening of the New Capitol. In 1880, gave a reception to its own Old Guard; also escorted the Albany Fire Department; also at funeral of S. S. H. Parsons, for twenty-five years
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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.
President of Corps. In 1881, grand ten-day ex- cursion to Binghamton, Chicago, St. Louis, Cin- cinnati and Cleveland, in a great special train of Pullman cars; also funeral escort of Hale Kingsley, ex-Captain of Corps; also a midnight reception to Utica Citizens' Corps while on its way to Wash- ington.
In 1882 it made an excursion to North Adams, through Hoosac Tunnel and to Williamstown. In 1883, funeral escort to ex-Captain William J. Thomas; also celebrated its "Semi-Centennial," October 8th and 9th, by parades, banquets, ball, etc., with Governor Grover Cleveland and Staff as guests; also at celebration of Centennial of Evac- uation of New York, in New York City. In 1884
visited Slingerlands on target excursion; also escort at laying of corner-stone of All Saints Cathedral. In 1885, participated in funeral ceremonies and as Guard of Honor to General U. S. Grant, at Al- bany, August 4th and 5th; also excursion to Bos- ton, Providence and Worcester.
For twenty-five years the Corps commemorated Washington's Birthday by a ball; and has not failed, in fifty-two years, pursuant to the requirements of its constitution, to parade upon the day of the Celebration of the Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States; and since 1841 it has acted as escort to the Mayor, Alder- men and Commonalty of the City of Albany on that day.
The Commandants of the Corps since October 8, 1833, have been John O. Cole, Thomas Bayeux, John Osborn, B. R. Spelman, Rufus King, Franklin Townsend, James W. Blanchard, George Hum- phrey, William J. Thomas, Hale Kingsley, James C. Cook, Michael H. Donovan, William H. Tay- lor, Walter Dickson, Henry B. Beecher, Frank W. Vosburgh, and Oscar Smith.
The following are the present officers of the Corps 1884-85. Military: Oscar Smith, Commandant; Wm. M. Hussey, First Lieutenant; James Mc- Intyre, Second Lieutenant, James A. Shattuck, Third Lieutenant, Charles E. Wolf, First Sergeant. Staff: Graham Martin, Adjutant; Frank J. Childs, Inspector; Henry C. Haskell, Engineer; Jacob C. Cuyler, Judge Advocate; H. E. Mereness, M. D. Surgeon; Chas. E. Jenkins, Sr., Ordnance Officer; William J. Sherman, Quartermaster; Morton Ha- vens, Assistant Quartermaster; A. H. Ackerman, Paymaster; Charles E. Leland, Commissary; George L. Thomas, Inspector Rifle Practice; Galen R. Hitt, Signal Officer; A. F. Brown, Aide-de- Camp; Civic: Galen R. Hitt, President; Henry C. Haskell, Vice-President; Charles E. Wolf, Re- cording Secretary; J. J. Van Schoonhoven, Finan- cial Secretary; H. E. Mereness, M. D., Treasurer.
WASHINGTON RIFLE COMPANY .- This military or- ganization was formed February 22, 1844, with only 26 members. Formerly it was composed entirely of Germans, and now is composed largely of that element. Its first captain was Henry Fakle. During its first year it was presented by ladies of Albany with a beautiful flag, costing $600, upon which was a portrait of General Washington. This the company still retains. In 1845 it went to
Hudson with 40 men, against the anti-renters. In 1861, with about 40 men, it joined the State Militia as a part of the 25th Regiment, and went with it to Washington. After it returned to Albany, it assisted in guarding the Albany barracks. In 1866 it joined the 25th Regiment as Company K, remaining as the State Militia until the disbandment of the regi- ment in 1881.
In 1881 it was reincorporated as an independent military association, with the right of wearing and bearing arms, holding property and paying benefits. At present it is a military organization, finely drilled and handsomely uniformed, containing 46 regular members, 3 line and 10 staff officers, 2 color bear- ers, and a company of 25 members, constituting the Old Guard. This company has always taken much pride in its uniforms. In 1866 it spent over $4,000 for that purpose, and while in the State Militia it retained its own uniform.
George Krank, now Captain of the Washington Rifle Company, has always taken much interest in this organization from its start. He served with it in the Rebel War, and after its return from service, entered the 44th Ellsworth Zouaves. Afterward he was made Brevet-Captain in the 7th Heavy Artillery. In the National Guards he was made Major of the 25th Regiment, afterward Lieutenant-Colonel, hav- ing command of the regiment when it was mustered out in 1881.
Since the organization of the Washington Rifle Company, besides those already mentioned, the fol- lowing have been Captains in the order named : Christopher Triger, J. J. Huber, W. P. Paff, John Zimmerman, Frederick Wenderfer, Frederick Kreen- dler, August Widdman, and Mathias Keiser.
ALBANY JACKSON CORPS. - For many years previous to the year 1868, there existed in this city a Young Men's Democratic Association, which was large in numbers and wielded no little influence as a polit- ical body. It was in its zenith of vigor when Franklin Pierce was elected President in 1853; but after the election of Buchanan, in 1857, began to wane. It gradually grew weaker until 1866 or 1867, when the Jackson Association was formed upon the ruins of the once powerful Young Men's Democratic Asso- ciation. The new association, as well as the old, had quarters in the old Exchange Building; but in 1867 the Jackson Association changed its quarters to the iron building on Broadway. In the ranks of the latter association were several of the leading local politicians of the day ; but they, like their predecessors, gradually became less interested in the welfare of the association, until the early days of 1868, when they resolved to disband. At this time there were several active men in the organiza- tion, among whom may be mentioned the following:
Andrew M. Combs, Samuel K. Brate, Adam Cook, Wm. J. Cook, John C. Nott, George W. Harcourt, Michael L. Mead, William Hodgsett, Peter Hogan, John M. Carroll, George H. Graves, Denis A. Rowan, James A. Browne, Thomas H. Dwyer, Jerome Smith, Edward Bostock, Andrew Vosburgh, Harry Ball, John J. Mee, Henry C. Haskell, Joseph B. Zeiser, William Le Galley, James H. Mulligan, G. Dudley Burdick, Charles
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MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS.
H. Blake, Albert Albers, George B. Conley, John M. Rankin, Alexander Reed, John R. Bradstreet, James Allanson, Edward J. Keating, James A. Lynam, James Macfarlane, Conrad Reno, Robert A. Scott, Oscar L. Hascy, Andrew Tennant, Robert H. Moore, James Quinn, Terence J. Quinn, George W. Hoxie, Henry R. Haskins, William J. McCann, and other well-known citizens.
Captain James Macfarlane, a member of the Association, who had served during the Rebellion, in the 177th N. Y. V., and who was also identified with the National Guard, conceived the idea of organizing a military company from the remnant of the old Jackson Association. In this suggestion he was ably supported by Jerome Smith, Albert Albers, T. J. Quinn, Wm. J. Cook, Thos. H. Dwyer, Peter Hogan, and Henry C. Haskell, who had also served as soldiers during the war. The idea was received with enthusiasm, and pushed forward with vigor, resulting in the organization of the Albany Jackson Guards, August 13, 1868, with the following officers :
Captain, James Macfarlane; First Lieutenant, William Le Gallez; Second Lieutenant, Jerome Smith; First Sergeant, John R. Bradstreet. Staff Officers: Adam Cook, Henry C. Haskell, Peter Hogan, John M. Rankin, Alexander Reed, George H. Graves, Oscar L. Hascy, James H. Mulligan, Henry R. Haskins, William D. Dickerman, Andrew M. Combs, George W. Hoxie, John L. Staats, Andrew Vosburgh, Edward Bostock.
For a year or two the organization was known as the Jackson Guards, after which the name was changed to the Albany Jackson Corps. In polit- ical campaigns the organization formed the pop- ular Jacksonians, and took part in all the great political demonstrations occurring during the en- suing ten years.
The Jackson Corps acted as escort to Hon. John T. Hoffman on the occasion of his inaugu- ration as Governor, January 1, 1869. It was a memorable day, a blinding snow-storm prevailing, the members of the Corps being literally covered with snow as they marched along the streets.
The Jackson Corps also acted as the immediate escort to Hon. Samuel J. Tilden on the occasion of his inauguration as Governor on January 1, 1875. This was an honor which the members ap- preciated so greatly that they engaged the famous Gilmore's Band, of New York, at a great ex- pense, to furnish the music for the parade.
The Jackson Corps participated in the cere- monies attending the laying of the corner-stone of the New Capitol, June 24, 1870. On this oc- casion they marched though a drenching rain- storm, each man getting saturated.
The Jackson Corps also took a prominent part in the Centennial displays which took place on New Year's Eve, 1876, and on July 4th of the same year.
During the riots of 1877, the Jackson Corps was assigned the important position of guarding the up- per railroad bridge, and so satisfactorily did they perform their duty, that the Commanding Officer, Major-General Joseph B. Carr, took occasion to compliment them in general orders.
Two of the grandest public balls ever given in Albany were under the auspices of the Jackson Corps. One was at Tweddle Hall in 1872, and the other in 1874, when Music Hall and the City Building were joined by a bridge, and both build- ings devoted to the pleasure of the immense throng in attendance. The decorations of the above halls on these respective occasions were never excelled. On the latter occasion a real stream of water flowed down among the rocky for- mations on the stage, while canaries, Cologne fountains and an elaborate floral display, converted the hall into a bower of enchanting beauty.
About the year 1878, the Jackson Corps, which had hitherto been looked upon as a political body, became in every sense an independent military or- ganization, its doors being thrown open to all re- spectable young men, no matter what their politics, and the company is to-day one of the strongest and best disciplined bodies of citizen soldiery in the State.
Since organization it has visited Hudson (twice), Kingston (twice), Saratoga, Utica, Troy (three times), Schenectady, Springfield, Mass., Elizabeth, N. J. (twice), Boston, Mass., Washington, D. C., Baltimore, Md., and Philadelphia, Pa., in each of which the company was hospitably received and royally entertained by citizens and soldiers.
In 1879, the Corps received and entertained the veteran Zouaves, of Elizabeth, N. J., General J. Madison Drake commanding, and acted as escort to the above organization in the grand parade which took place on the occasion of the reunion of the Grand Army of the Republic in this city in 1879.
One of the memorable events in which this or- ganization participated, was the inauguration of Governor Cleveland as President of the United States, at Washington, D. C., March 4, 1885, on which occasion the Company was a marked feature in the military parade, winning applause all along the line for its magnificent appearance, splendid marching and thorough discipline. An- other event of note in which the Jackson Corps added to its proud record and reputation, was the funeral procession in Albany over the remains of General Ulysses S. Grant, August 4 and 5, 1885. In the procession on the 4th of August, the Jack- son Corps acted as escort to the Grant Club, when the brilliant uniform of the Corps shone resplen- dent amid its somber surroundings, and the steady, soldierly marching of the men won general admi- ration from the assembled spectators. On the morning of August 5th, the Jackson Corps acted as a Guard of Honor over the remains of General Grant, while they lay in State in the New Capitol, from 7 A. M. until 9.45 A. M., the casket being re- moved from the Capitol at 10. 20 A. M.
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