Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations, Part 161

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 161

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The society was incorporated by the Legislature, March 6, 1801, and was dissolved by like act, November 25, 1824. John W. Wendell was suc- ceeded as President by Charles R. Webster, in 1796. In 1797, Jacob Wright was elected Presi- dent, and remained as such until 1799, when Charles R. Webster was again elected, and was annually re-elected to that office until the final dis- solution of the society. Mr. Hutton continued as Treasurer until 1808, when William McHarg was chosen, and remained as such officer during the ex- istence of the society. John Barber was succeeded as Secretary by John W. Fryer, who was suc- ceeded by Elisha W. Skinner.

The society as incorporated consisted of sixty- four members, comprising at the time the promi- nent and leading mechanics and tradesmen of the city. The number of members was subsequently swelled to one hundred and fifty.

The work accomplished by this society was most beneficent. The untiring efforts of its members in the cause of education and good morals, in the establishment of schools and the erection of school- houses, and in elevating the grade of education in this city, has left for it a cherished recollection of being among the pioneers and promoters of sound learning and good morals in the early his- tory of Albany in this century.

Trade Unions, which have grown to be such powerful organizations in the interest of labor, have been but the natural outgrowth of civ- ilization; and the tendency to combinations for the purpose of promoting the mutual interest of labor is no new thing among the industrial classes. The guilds of the middle ages were but the forerunners of the trade unions of to-day; and the strikes of modern times have had their proto- type in the Jacquerie riots of the fourteenth cen-

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LABOR AND LABORERS.

tury. The objects of these organizations are so generally understood, that it is unnecessary to state them here.

Probably the oldest trade organization in Albany is the Typographical Society which existed here as early as 1813. Following this, in 1835 there ex- isted several societies of saddlers, tailors, painters, house-carpenters, silver-platers, cordwainers, found- ers, machinists and millwrights. All of the fore- going orders, in 1835, formed a general society made up of representatives from the different societies, and which corresponded in its character to the present Workingmen's Assembly. Andrew Dietz was President of this central organization, and William Baldwin, Secretary. At this date these labor organizations were confined more espe- cially to improving the mechanical abilities of the members than in making them an effective force in demanding from employers any set scale of wages. At this time the present powerful local or- ganizations, representing almost every trade and branch of State and national orders, with clear, well-defined principles and policies, were not thought of.

About the middle of the present century almost every branch of trade in Albany was represented by a union or society. The principal ones, with the exception of those already mentioned, were the molders, cigar-makers, bricklayers, masons, hatters and cartmen. In 1860 the stone-cutters, tin, copper, and steel workers were represented by separate unions.

After the close of the late Civil War, the various trades unions of the State united in an effort to form a central State organization for the purpose of se- curing from the Legislature the enactment of laws for their common protection. A State organiza- tion, by their efforts, was started by the State in 1867, and known as the "Workingmen's Assembly of the State of New York.' This recognition of the right of organization, sanctioned by law, produced much discussion among propounders of the law. Chief-Justice Savage decided it to be an indictable offense for mechanics to enter into an association which undertook by the imposition of fines to pre- vent a member from working below certain fixed wages. But in 1870, the members of this State or- ganization were successful in securing the enact- ment of a law, which provided that the laws pro- hibiting conspiracies to injure trade and commerce shall not be construed in any Court of this State to restrict or prohibit the orderly or peaceable assem- blage or co-operation of persons employed in any profession, trade or handicraft, for the purpose of securing an advance in the rates of wages or compensation, or for the maintenance of such rate.

The workingmen's organizations developed rap- idly in numbers and influence after this victory. In this same year they secured the enactment of the law making eight hours a legal day's work for all laborers and mechanics employed by the State or any municipal corporation; and since then have exerted not a little influence in every Legislature.

Albany Workingmen's Assembly, a branch of the

State organization, was organized in 1882, for the purpose of assisting in the promotion of trades- unionism, and whatever in its opinion might be beneficial to the working class. It is composed of delegates from any regularly constituted trades union or labor organization in Albany or vicinity; the basis of membership being three delegates from every union numbering less than one hundred members, five for every one hundred, and one del- egate for every additional one hundred or fraction- al part of one hundred over fifty. At present there are thirteen trades unions represented in this as- sembly, being the molders, cigar-makers, brick- layers, masons and plasterers, carpenters, shoe- makers, lasters, tailors, coopers, polishers and nickel-platers, typographers, painters, plumbers, and stone-cutters.

Albany has long been noted as a stove manu- facturing city, and in this branch of trade excels any other in the United States. This extensive business necessitates the employment of a large number of molders, who for many years have had a powerful labor organization in Albany. It was formed in 1859 with 675 members, being the eighth Molders' Union. It is now a branch of the international union organized in this country.

Cooperage was formerly a very important in- dustry in Albany, nearly all the ale barrels used in this county being manufactured here. A Coopers' Union was formed at Albany in 1863, and has ex- isted here ever since. It is a branch of the inter- national order, which is ably represented by a monthly periodical called the Cooper's Journal. The Albany Union has a membership of 100.

The Cigar Makers' Union was organized in Al- bany in 1879, and now includes between three and four hundred members. No serious difficulty has ever existed between the members of this union and employers in regard to wages, with the exception of a strike in 1883, lasting four weeks, which was finally settled by compromise.

Since the building of the New Capitol, the num- ber of stone-cutters has been greatly reinforced, and in 1878 the Albany Granite Cutters' Union was formed, largely made up of the stone-cutters em- ployed on that work. Mainly through the efforts of the members of this order, the Albany Working- men's Assembly was organized.

The Typographicai Union, the oldest, and, in many respects, the most powerful labor order in Albany, has had an almost continuous organiza- tion from 1813 to the present. It is now active, full and resolute.

The remaining trade's unions are all of compara- tive recent growth; but all have organizations vary- ing in membership according to the number of men employed in the various trades. It is claimed that there are at least 7,000 members belonging to trades unions in this city. There are six local as- semblies and one district assembly of the Knights of Labor.

Prison Labor .- No one subject connected with labor has been more generally discussed than that of the present prison contract system, by which the State leases to contractors the labor of prisoners

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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

confined in the State prisons. Since 1878 there have been, on an average, about 6,000 prisoners at work on contracts in this State. It is claimed by opponents of the contract system that the work of these prisoners at the low price it can be obtained, works immense damage to honest labor. Es- pecially prominent in opposition to contract system has been the attitude of the present trades unions of Albany, where this competition is most severely felt, not only because of the location of the Albany Penitentiary, but it affects the two leading trades of the city, that of the iron-molders and the boot and shoemakers.

Nearly a fourth of all the prisoners confined in our State prisons are employed in the iron mold- ing industry, while about 2,000 are employed in making boots and shoes. These two trades are the greatest sufferers, as more than one-half of all the prisoners in this State are employed in them. The great problem is, how the State prisons can be made self-supporting or nearly so, without in- juring honest labor. Many plans have been pro- posed and the subject has been ably discussed, but as yet no plans have been advanced which serve to meet the approval of a majority of our law- makers. But it is certain that a solution of the question by which the present injurious bearing on any two or three trades could be avoided, would be hailed with delight by the industrious, law-abiding mechanics; and in no city would this happy result be more gladly welcomed than in the City of Albany.

STRIKES. - Albany has been remarkably free from the disastrous and foolish outbreaks which have marked the conduct of many unfortunate laborers in other cities, and which have worked such incal- culable harm to the best interests of labor and capital. This has been due to the wisdom and good sense displayed by both employers and em- ployees. Strikes are too often the result of ignor- ance on the part of the members of trades unions of the condition of their particular trade. The propriety of asking for an advance in wages, and of striking if it is refused, depends entirely upon the condition of trade, the amount of business in prospect, and the profits the employers are liable to realize, circumstances of which the trades unions are too often entirely ignorant, and which fre- quently proves fatal to the interests of the toilers.

The most important strikes have occurred with the molders. They have several times resorted to this manner of benefiting their condition, with varying degrees of success. In 1859, 400 of them resolved to do away with what is known as the

Berkshire system; that is, every certain number of skilled mechanics are obliged to take an apprentice and assist him in learning the trade. As most of the molders work by the piece, the time spent in teaching the apprentice is just so much time lost, so much really taken from their salary. In the strike referred to, the molders, after remaining out of employ for some time, were obliged to resume work without gaining their object. During the present year, the molders made a similar re- sult against this system, and remained on a " strike" for several months, but a short time ago (October, 1885) submitted without accomplishing anything of substantial benefit.

The most formidable strike which ever occurred in this city, happened in 1863. At this time the dock laborers were joined by the Central Railroad laborers for an advance of 372 cents per day. In pursuance of a published call, there was a large gathering of laborers held at the corner of Quacken- bush and Water streets, June 15, 1863. The refusal of the Railroad Company to accede to their de- mands infuriated them to an intense degree. In a body they walked to West Albany, and there forced the men at work in the Central shops to leave their work. They then returned to this city and pro- ceeded down State street in a body, some of them armed with clubs. They compelled the employees at Davidson's Safe Works to leave their positions, and in a few moments all work was stopped. They visited Taylor's Brewery, where they burst open the doors, ransacked the brewing and malt-houses, and drove the men from their work. They did con- siderable damage by stopping the men while pour- ing off the castings at Ransom's Foundry. The police were apparently powerless, and the city was virtually in the hands of the mob for two days. June 17th, the violent demonstration of the strikers caused the arrest of one of their number, which so enraged them that a general fight took place, in which one of the rioters was shot. After this occurrence, the citizens of Albany induced the Governor to call upon the National Guard to restore order. This was done, and the 25th Regi- ment was called out by the Sheriff. But there was no necessity for their services, as the Central Rail- road officials soon after informed the laborers that they acceded to their demands.

With the exception of the foregoing, the relations between the employers and employees in Albany have been marked by moderation and good sense. Fair wages have been the rule, and in no city has the honest, industrious laborer been more prosper- ous, contented and happy.

725

COLORED PEOPLE OF ALBANY.

T HE County of Albany has a colored popula- tion of about 1,300. They engage in all the ordinary pursuits, and are creditably represented in the professions. They often achieve comfortable positions in life, and are, as a class, honest, industrious and law-abiding. They have not to contend against the race prejudice that exists in some cities. Coming here originally as slaves, they have passed through the successive stages of emancipation and elevation to citizenship. One of the oldest and best pre- served in body and mind of their numbers is John J. Williams, of 169 Second street. "Uncle John," as he is familiarly called, has a clear, retentive memory and an active, well-balanced mind. He was born in 1809, and belonged to Colonel Philip P. Satats, father of Barent and Peter Staats, both physicians of Albany. Mr. Williams thinks the first colored church in this city stood opposite where the two-steepled church now stands, about 1815. The next church was built in Hamilton street, and the minister's name was Nathaniel Paul. The colored folks had a Wilberforce school under this church. The first teacher was an Irishman, by the name of McCabe; then Mr. Bassett was the teacher; and then Thomas Paul, nephew of the pastor, and graduate of Dartmouth College. John Q. Allen was the last teacher of that proscribed school. The admission of colored children to equal privileges with the whites in the common schools of this State, under the operation of the "Civil Rights Law of 1873," brought the Wilber- force to a close.

Mr. Williams says, "Pinkster Day"was in Africa a religious day, partly pagan and partly Christian, like our Christmas day. Many of the old colored people, then in Albany, were born in Africa, and would dance their wild dances and sing in their native language.

" Pinkster " festivities took place usually in May, and lasted an entire week. It began the Monday following Whit-Sunday of the Catholic and Episco- pal Churches, and was the Carnival of the African race, in which they indulged in unrestrained merri- ment and revelry. The main and leading spirit was "Charley of the Pinkster Hill," who was brought from Angola, in the Guinea Gulf, in his infant days, and purchased by a rich merchant living on the eastern bank of the Hudson. "King Charles " was said to have royal blood in his veins.

The Beau Brummel of the day was Adam Blake, then body servant to the Old Patroon, and a grand master of ceremonies he was.

The dancing music was peculiar. The main in- strument was a sort of "kettle-drum," a wooden article called an eel-pot, with a sheep-skin drawn tightly over one end. Astride this sat Jackey Quackenboss, beating lustily with his hands and

repeating the ever wild, though euphonic cry of " Hi-a-bomba, bomba, bomba," in full harmony with the trumming sounds of his eel-pot.

Mr. Jackson, a colored man, was at one time the principal baker in Albany; and a teamster, by the name of Lattimore, got to be a man of property. Still there were but few colored voters in this county under the old law, requiring a $250 prop- erty qualification. One of the great institutions of the Northern States in slavery times was the great "Underground Railway." No modern railway ever had so many lines, so many trains, so many stations, or so many agents or conductors. It was very exclusive, for its passengers were all colored people. It started anywhere and everywhere in the Slave States and always ended in Canada. No through route ever had such a signal light, for it ran its trains by the north star. Every genuine lover of liberty was a stockholder, and every stock- holder was a minute-man. Of course every true black man was a charter member. One of the most noted agents at the Albany station was Stephen Meyers. He was born a slave in Rensselaer County in 1800, in the family of Dr. Eights, but was soon liberated by the abolition of slavery in this State. Thousands of slaves reached Canada through his aid. He enlisted the first company of colored men from Albany, upwards of forty, but Governor Morgan would not accept them, and they went to the front as a part of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment. Some of his principal assistants were John G. Steward, Charles B. Morton, William H. Topp, William P. McIntyre, William H. Matthews, Primus Robinson, Benjamin Cutler, George Mor- gan, and Dr. Elkins, most of whom have passed away. The latter was appointed by Governor An- drews, of Massachusetts, as a Medical Examiner in the 54th and 55th Regiments. Dr. Elkins went to Liberia, and brought home valuable collections of minerals, shells, and curiosities. Joseph A. Smith, born in South Carolina, has spent much of his life in this section, trusted and respected by the best citizens. James Matthews, the colored lawyer, has a professional standing and record that are an honor to any man that achieves them.

Adam Blake, late proprietor of the Kenmore Hotel, was born in the City of Albany April 6, 1830. He died September 7, 1881. He was the richest and best-known business man of his race in this county. Mr. Blake received a Grammar School education. He was a born hotel-keeper. He took to it as a fish takes to water. Every venture was a success. Commencing as the keeper of a restaurant in Beaver street in 1851, from there he went to James street, and thence to State and Pearl. From State he went to the Congress Hall, on Capitol Hill. He left an estate valued at $100,000. His

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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

wife, Catherine, and four children survive him. The hotel is now successfully managed by his widow.

William H. Johnson, the well-known orator and writer, was born in Alexandria, Va., of free parents, March 4, 1883. His early education was confined to what he received as a pupil in Christ Church (Episcopalian) Sabbath-school, in his native city. He came to Albany in 1851. He was the author of the Civil Rights Bill of this State. He has al- ways been a firm Republican in politics. His ora- torical talent is widely known, often appearing on the rostrum with the ablest speakers of the country. He is one of the four survivors of that noble band of original Abolition speakers, whose thunderbolts of truth started a moral and political earthquake that culminated in the slave-holders' suicidal re- bellion and ended in the extinction of American slavery.

The Albany Female Lundy Society was organ- ized in the City of Albany June 19, 1833, by a few earnest and benevolent colored ladies for mutual benefit and the development of social, intellectual and religious principles. It has had an unbroken existence for fifty-two years, continually growing in strength and usefulness. While officers are elected annually, only three persons have been elected Presidents of the Association in these fifty-two years: Mrs. Catherine March, Mrs. Levi Johnson and Mrs. Michael Donge.

The Lovejoy Society of Albany is also com- posed of colored ladies, and while not so numer- ous nor as old as the " Lundy's," has a kindred purpose and deserves commendation. Mrs. John G. Stewart is the President.

Jephthah Lodge, No. 13, F. & E. M., was consti- tuted in the City of Albany on the 26th of Decem- ber, 1860, under a warrant from the M. W. Grand Lodge (colored) of the State of New York. The Grand Lodge of the State of New York derived its jurisdiction from a charter or warrant granted to the Prince Hall Lodge, of Boston, Mass., composed of colored men, by Lord Howard, acting Grand Master, under the authority of his Royal Highness Henry Frederick, Duke of Cumberland, Grand Master of the Most Ancient and Honorable So- ciety of Free and Accepted Masons of the M. W. Grand Lodge of Great Britain, on the 29th day of September, A. D. 5784, A. D. 1784. The war- rant bears the great seal of the Grand Lodge of Great Britain. The record of this Lodge is good. Three of her members have been elected Grand Masters of the Grand Lodge of this State, namely, Samuel J. Scottson, William H. Johnson, 33º, and John Deyo.

Philomathean Lodge, 711, G. U. O. of O. F. Dispensation granted July, 1844.

Foremost among the organizations of colored men in Albany is the Charles Sumner Benevo- lent Association. This Society takes the name of that illustrious statesman and emancipator who is revered by the oppressed of all nations and of all climes, the late Hon. Charles Sumner, United States Senator from Massachusetts, was organized in 1875. Is incorporated under the general laws of

this State. Their motto is: "We care for our sick and bury our dead." The President is John T. Chapman.

THE ST. ANDREW'S SOCIETY

TS the oldest benevolent organization in Albany I County. It grew out of the United Irish and Scotch Benevolent Society, which was formed at a meeting held February 8, 1802. Under a resolu- tion that the first President should be a Scotch- man, Andrew Brown, merchant, was chosen. At a meeting held October 7, 1803, the society was dissolved. On the 12th day of the same month, a meeting of Scotchmen was held at the Tontine Cof- fee House to consider the question of instituting a society to be composed entirely of Scotchmen. After a favorable report, the meeting adjourned to October 19th, when it met and organized the St. Andrew's Society of the City of Albany, for social and benevolent purposes. John Stephenson was elected President; William Milroy, Treasurer; and Archibald McIntyre, Secretary.

From that day to the present time, this organi- zation has been kept up with unflagging interest.

July 26, 1804, resolutions expressing grief " for the premature and untimely death of Alexander Hamilton," who was one of the first members of a kindred society in New York City, were passed.

October 12, 1871, the Albany society sent $600 to St. Andrew's Society in Chicago for the relief of the sufferers by the great fire. Space will not ad- mit a record of the many contributions to benevo- lent objects made by this worthy organization. Its maxim is "help one another." No needy, honest, Scot, man or woman, appeals to it in vain.

In 1805. its surplus funds were $221.15. Its first act of incorporation limited its annual income to $250. In 1857, the Legislature amended its charter, permitting an income of $2,500. It has now a fund of $15,000, the income of which is a source of relief to many unfortunate members.

The officers for 1885 were Peter Kinnear, Presi- dent; Andrew McMurray, First Vice-President; George Hendrick, Second Vice-President; William S. Smart, Chaplain; H. G. McNaughten, Physician; Walter McEwan, Treasurer; H. C. Kinnear, Sec- retary; John F. Montignani, Assistant Secretary; Robert D. James, Corresponding Secretary; Thomas McCredie, Donald McDonald, Allan Gilmour, Rob- ert Macfarlane, James Lawrence, Managers.

THE ST. GEORGE'S BENEVO- LENT SOCIETY

OF the City of Albany, was organized January 0 27, 1860, with the following officers, viz. : John Taylor, President; William Lacy, First Vice- President; Thomas Rowland, Second Vice-Presi- dent; Thomas Smith, Physician; John K. Wylie, Treasurer; W. J. Dickson, Secretary; Rev. Wm. Rudder, Chaplain.

Its object is to afford relief and advice to indigent natives of England, or to their wives, widows or children, and to promote social intercourse among

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CHRISTIAN WORK.

its members; and form a permanent fund to carry out this charitable purpose. It still continues in existence, doing considerable good. Its member- ship is eighty-five. It meets in Room No. 16, Tweddle Building, on the second Wednesday of each month.

Its present officers are William Lacy, President; Edward Ogden, First Vice-President; John Cook, Second Vice-President; W. W. Grey, Secretary; R. N. Newton, Treasurer; R. J. Greenwood, Corre- sponding Secretary; W. Hailes, Jr., Physician; Rev. A. W. Stockwin, Chaplain; William Lacy, W. W. Grey, R. N. Newton, John N. Parker, D. F. Skin- ner, George H. Stevens, Edward Ogden, Trustees.

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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 161

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