Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations, Part 175

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 175

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soon be procured.

One of the first school-houses, built of logs, was

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788

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

The following list contains the names of those who were practicing physicians in the township. Those marked with a * are dead. Among the first were : Doctors Hallenbeck,* S. Bailey,* Clark,* Delamater,* Day,* Dennick,* Frosser,* P. B. Noxen,* G. Spalding,* Harris,* L. G. Warren,* S. Dickson,* Thomas Lloyd,* D. Spingsteed .* Following these were : John Babcock, * R. Y. Bul- lock,* French,* J. Van Allen, * J. H. Fitch, John Bradley, Abram De Graff.

The present physicians located in the town are : Charles E. Seger, at Callanan's; born in New Scot- land; received his preliminary education at Ash- land and Fort Edward; studied medicine with Drs. Mosher and Fordenbergh; graduated from Albany Medical College in 1863 ; practiced in Coeymans two years ; West Stockbridge, Mass., two years; thence at Canaan Center and Canaan G. Corners, Albany, Adams Station, and settled at Calanan's, 1882.

Dr. James H. Gallup, at Adams Station; gradu- ated from Albany Medical College, 1871; settled here 1881.

J. R. Davidson located at South Bethlehem in 1878. Union College in Sophomore and Junior class ; pursued the study of medicine with Drs. S. O. Vanderpool and Sickles; graduated from Al- bany Medical College in 1869, and commenced the practice of medicine at Castleton, Rensselaer County.

D. C. Case graduated from Albany Medical College in 1870; studied medicine with Drs. P. S. Swart, of Schoharie, and Prof. Pomfret; practiced medicine at Stamford, Delaware County, and located at Slingerlands in 1877.

INCORPORATED SOCIETIES. - CEMETER- IES.

The Bethlehem Mutual Insurance Association was organized under the laws of the State in 1854. The affairs of the Association are managed by a board of eight Directors, from which are elected a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and Executive Committee. The first Directors of this Association were John Soop,* George F. In- brie, Richard Kimmey,* Christopher Becker, Jeremiah Mead,* Samuel Van Allen, John Bab- cock, Leonard G. Ten Eyck .* The business of the Association is divided into four distinct classes, or risks, upon property insured.

The Secretary reports (December, 1883) as fol- lows :

Whole amount of property now insured in this

Association in First Class is. .$904,700 00

In Second Class is. 11,200 00

In Third Class is. 4,050 00

In Fourth Class is. 8,800 00

Total -$928,750 00

The present (1884) Directors and Officers are : President, Albertus W. Becker; Vice-President, John J. Mull; Secretary and Treasurer, G. F. Imbrie ; David N. Mead, Isaac Van Allen, Rens- selaer Lasher, George C. Adams, Jacob Hotaling.

Bethlehem Conscript Society, an association for protection against the depredations of horse thieves, was organized August, 1875. The object of this society is for the pursuit and recovery of horses and wagons when stolen from any member. The first officers were: A. W. Becker, Treasurer ; William Kimmey, Vice-Treasurer; John J. Mull, Isaac Van Allen, John F. Shafer, Auditors. The present officers: A. W. Becker, President and Treasurer ; William Kimmey, Vice-Treasurer ; P. A. Miller, Secretary ; John J. Mull and John S. Russell, Auditors.

Bethlehem Grange, No. 137, organized March, 1874. Incorporated in accordance with State and county laws. The lodge is located at Becker's Corners, where they own a lot of land, upon which is a two-story frame building, for lodge meetings, and the distribution of stores to members. It is valued at $2,000. The lodge numbers about 60 members. The first President was Jurian Winne. John S. Lasher now fills that office.

The Light of Bethlehem, No. 118, Independent Order of Good Templars, was instituted October I, 1879, with twenty-two charter members. The lodge holds its meetings in the Baumes Chapel, at Cedar Hill. The following are the officers : J. S. Baumes, W. C. T .; J. G. Vandrezee, J. B. Baumes, Eugene Sutta, Mrs. John Baumes, Jacob S. Nich- olson, Ed. McNary, Charles Shagnon, E. E. West- fall, R. Baumes, William Hughes, Miss E. G. Holmes, Mrs. F. G. Schemerhorn, Stephen Baumes, P. W. C. T. and L. D.

Friendly Union Lodge, No. 92, I. O. O. F., was instituted at New Scotland village in 1848, and in 1858 the lodge was abandoned and charter surren- dered. The following, among others, were members: David White, Joseph J. Moak, Peter V. W. Brooks, Ebenezer E. Wands, John Craver, David Couse. The lodge was reorganized as No. 381, I. O. O. F., in 18-, and in 1883 was removed to Slinger- lands, where they are now located and hold their meetings.

* Dead.

789

THE TOWNSHIP OF BETHLEHEM.

A Mason's Lodge was instituted at Babcock's Corners about 1820, and continued for several years, holding their meetings at first at the house of John Haswell, and then removing to the house of John Kilderhouse about 1824. The following persons were members : Henry B. Haswell, Abram Drummond, John W. Wands, John H. Burhans, Nathaniel Sawyer, Peter Esmay, John Haswell, John Kelderhouse, Joshua Babcock, John P. Mc- Harg.

Star of Bethlehem Division, No. 305, Sons of Temperance, was organized at Adamsville, Febru- ary 14, 1868; removed to Slingerlands, and in 1871 disbanded and surrendered their charter.

Bethlehem Cemetery Association, of the Town of Bethlehem, Albany Co., was organized November 3, 1865, pursuant to an act entitled "An act au- thorizing the incorporation of rural cemetery asso- ciations," being chapter 133 of the laws of 1847. At this meeting the following were elected trustees and officers : President, John Van Allen, M. D .;* Vice-President, Jacob Hotaling ; Secretary, Rev. J. Lansing Pearse; Treasurer, John H. Booth ; Superintendent, George C. Adams ; Robert Fra- zier, Anell Crocker, George M. Bender, John M. Hotaling.

The grounds of the cemetery contain about thirty acres, and are located four miles west from the City of Albany and about half a mile east of the Second Reformed Church, and the same dis- tance from Adamsville, the first station on the Al- bany and Susquehanna Railroad. This cemetery is laid out with taste and has much of the appear- ance of a park. The monuments are numerous, and are noticeable for their variety and beauty. Or- namental trees thickly shade the avenues, and flow- ering shrubs add much to the variety.

The present officers are : R. G. Wilks, President; Jacob Hotaling, Vice-President; Rev. J. L. Pearse, Secretary; John M. Hotaling, Treasurer; George C. Adams, Superintendent.

Elmwood Cemetery, near the First Reformed Church, and on the Bethlehem plank road, con- tains ten acres of land, regularly arranged, with many stately monuments and other attractions. The front is beautifully shaded with a row of fine elms, which add very much to the general appear- ance and surroundings. The association was or- ganized September, 1861. The present officers and trustees are : Peter Niver, President; D. P. Winne, Secretary; Louis Myers, Treasurer ; John Bullock, Robert Selkirk, Zachariah Ryker.

Mount Pleasant Cemetery is located at South Bethlehem, and was organized in connection with the M. E. Church, in the year 1863. The land was the gift of John Callanan, who was the first person buried in the grounds. The lot contains nine acres, and commands a fine view, has a grad- ual slope, convenient of access, and soil well adapted for the purpose. The surroundings are attractive, and improvements continually made, which add to the interest of the sacred place. The first officers were: Jehoichim Spawn, President; L. C. Tuttle, Treasurer ; Frederick Schaubb, Secre- tary. The present trustees and officers are : James W. Jolly, President and Treasurer ; Robert Mc- Donald, Secretary ; Hugh Mosher, Albert Tomp- kins, Andrew Ten Eyck, F. Schaubb, Henry Fri- day, Ambrose Wiltsie and Aaron Hicks.

"Cemetery of the Congregation Bethel" was or- ganized in 1838, with the following directors and officers : President, Philip Aultman ;* Myers Reiss,* Treasurer; N. Samson Schwartz,* Secre- tary. The present officers are : Simon Hessberg, President ; Henry I. Hershberg, Treasurer; Sig- mund Adler, Secretary. This cemetery is located on the west bank of the Hudson River, one mile south of the city, near the Abbey Hotel. The officers live in the city.

First German Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery is located at Bethlehem Center, and con- tains about five acres of land, and is tastefully laid out in plats, with walks and avenues. It was or- ganized by the church society in 1874, with the following officers, who are elected for three years : Frederick Bilhaurser, President; David Spindler, Treasurer ; Philip Pabst, Secretary. The present officers are : Ludwick Domke, President ; Matthew Demgen, Treasurer ; Philip Pabst, Secretary. All reside in Albany.

Calvary Cemetery, of the St. John's Catholic Church of Albany, is located on elevated ground at Bethlehem Center, and contains seventeen acres of land, beautifully situated and well adapted for the purpose. A part of the lot is laid out, and shrub- bery with shade trees add much to its general orna- mentation. It is under the supervision of the pastors and officers of the church.

The German Catholic Cemetery, connected with the Church of the Holy Cross, Rev. Joseph Otten- hues, pastor, Albany, is located near Bethel Center. This cemetery, like the others in this vicinity, is pleasantly situated, and the soil well adapted for the purpose.

*Dead.

790

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

The Evangelical Protestant Cemetery at Hurst- ville is connected with the "Evangelical Protest- ant Church," located in the City of Albany, on the corner of Alexander and Clinton streets. It was incorporated in 1853, and contains four acres.

The private burial grounds throughout the town are numerous, and while a few families take some interest in their preservation, they generally present the same neglected and forsaken appearance. The fate that awaits the future of these sacred places is sad to contemplate. They are overgrown with rank weeds and wild shrubbery, and in many in- stances they are cultivated or exposed to the depre- dations of cattle. The monuments bend over the re- mains of those that they commemorate, the head- stones are often broken, and others buried under ac- cumulations of mold. Alas ! how soon are the dead forgotten, and their place of rest among the things of the past.

ROADS, BRIDGES, MANUFACTURES.

The roads of the township were originally nar- row paths, and were undoubtedly Indian trails. The principal one extended along the west bank of the river, and thence followed the course of the Normanskill. Upon this line the early settlers located, and when necessary to visit Albany they went on foot, and if so fortunate as to be the owner of a horse, this was used to carry any articles for barter or sale, or for carrying the bag of wheat to the mill. In time these paths were widened, when rude wagons were used with broad wooden wheels, and the mother or daughter would ride the horse, or one of the oxen, and the husband walk to guide the team. As prosperity attended the settlers, the roadways were improved and be- came of much importance.

April 9, 1804, the "Albany and Bethlehem Turnpike Road" was incorporated, with a capital of $34,800. This road is a continuation of South Pearl street, passes through Kenwood and across the Normanskill, thence south down to and just below the Abbey Hotel, and also by an upper fork out to Babcock's Corners, or Bethlehem Center, in all about five miles. Has one toll-gate. Road- bed made of broken stone, and kept in excellent condition. Is one of the pleasantest and most picturesque drives out of the city. Edwin Safford, Secretary and Treasurer.

This old turnpike is connected at Bethlehem Center by the "South Bethlehem Plank Road," which extends south through Becker's Corners, thence southwest to South Bethlehem, six miles. This road was incorporated, July, 1851, for thirty

years, with a capital of $12,000. Preliminary meeting held March 8, 1857, at which Dr. Leon- ard G. Warren acted as chairman, and Richard Kinney secretary. April 12, 1851, the following directors were elected : John B. Vanderzee, Barent S. Winne, Philip Kimmey, James Schoonmaker, John A. Sickles ; John Soop, Secretary and Treas- urer. June 28, Dr. John Babcock was elected a director in place of Barent S. Winne, and John A. Sickles elected President.

February 28, 1881, charter renewed by Board of Supervisors for thirty years. The following are the present officers : Leonard W. Soop, President ; P. A. Miller, Secretary and Treasurer ; Peter R. Vanderzee, D. P. Winne, Albertus W. Becker, H. C. Vanderzee.

The use of plank has been abandoned on this road, and gravel and stone substituted.

The Albany and Delaware Turnpike Company was granted a charter, March 2, 1805, to build, grade and construct a road from Albany to Otego in Del- aware County. This road commenced at the crossing of Lydius and Lark streets, and across the Town of Bethlehem, passing through the Upper Hollow, and thence to Adamsville and across the Town of New Scotland through Unionville and Clarksville; thence across the southeast corner of Berne and the northwest corner of Westerlo to Rensselaerville. The road-bed was macadamized on the sand and clay, but the hills were many and not properly graded. For many years the road was extensively traveled, but other roads and railroads coming in competition, it was abandoned in 1868. The capital stock was 6,000 shares of $25 each. The first directors were Samuel Lansing, Abraham Hun, Isaac Needer, of Albany City, Hollis More, Asa Starkweather, Hugh Orr and Stephen Judd.

The "Albany, Rensselaerville and Schoharie Plank Road Company" was granted a charter, March 25, 1850, to continue thirty years, with a capital of $100,000, at $25 per share. The road was graded and plank laid from Albany to New Salem, twelve miles ; also from Bernville to Gallupville. This portion of the road was abandoned after a few years' use. From Salem to New Scotland no plank are now used, but from New Scotland to Albany the road is planked and in good condition. This road affords very pleasant drives. The origi- nal directors were: Franklin Frisbee, Lansing Pruyn, David H. Casey, Bradford R. Wood, Jacob Settle, John I. Slingerland, Joseph Hilton, Reuben Wyngar, Charles B. Gordon ; Lansing Pruyn, President; David H. Carey, Treasurer; Charles M. Jenkins, Secretary.

791

THE TOWNSHIP OF BETHLEHEM.

The charter, with amendments, was renewed for thirty years, January 28, 1881. This road started from a point on Lydius street, thence north- west to Hurstville and southwest to Slingerslands, across the town of Bethlehem, thence west across the town of New Scotland, passing through the villages of New Scotland and New Salem.

Another company was organized and charter granted about 1854, to construct a plank road from Clarksville, passing across the southern foot of New Scotland to Feura-Bush, thence across the central part of Bethlehem to Bethlehem Center (or Babcock's Corners), at which place it intersected the "Albany and Bethlehem Turnpike Road."

The Albany and Susquehanna Railroad extends for five and one-half miles across the northern part of the township, commencing at the Kenwood bridge and passing up and over to Normanskill, through Adams Station and Slingerlands, thence into the town of New Scotland. This road was opened for travel in the summer of 1863. Assessed valuation, $40,000.

The New York, West Shore and Buffalo Rail- road passes over a portion of Bethlehem by two tracks. The Athens and Saratoga road, which passes across the southwest corner and opened in 1865, is now the main line of the West Shore road ; a branch track extends from Coeymans Junction along the river line to Albany. The two tracks of this road in the town measure about 16 miles. This road was opened in 1883. Assessed valua- tion, $80, 000.

A short line of the Albany Railway extends from the city line to Normanskill bridge. Assessed for $400. American Telegraph Company assessed for $850. Western Union Telegraph Company for $600.

MANUFACTURES AND INDUSTRIES.

The most extensive manufacturing establish- ments of the township are located upon Van Rens- selaer's Island. May 12, 1870, "The Corning Iron Company " was incorporated with the following trustees and officers : Ira Jagger, President ; Albion Ransom, Vice-President and Treasurer ; Charles E. Sackett, Supt .; Erastus Corning, Jr., A. P. Palmer, Charles B. Lansing, Charles Van Benthu- sen. Land was secured on the island ; the works were erected at great cost of labor and material, and in September, 1871, the first iron was made.

The name of the company was changed by the order of the Court to the "Jagger Iron Com- pany," July 2, 1873. The company employed,

when in operation, 140 to 150 men. 40,000 tons of ore were used yearly, obtained from Essex and Oneida counties, and from Connecticut ; 30,000 tons coal and 20,000 tons of stone were consumed, and the product was 20,000 tons of iron annually from two stacks. The present trustees and officers are : James Hendrick, President ; * William B. Scott, ·Vice-President ; Ira Jagger, H. G. Burleigh, Ben- jamin Marsh, Lorenzo Hale, Silas Wetherbee. The works closed in 1883. Assessed for $90,000.

Adjoining the above, on the northern end of the island, are the extensive buildings and necessary works of the "Albany City Iron Company," organ- ized in 1878. Has two blast furnaces, with a capacity of 30,000 tons gross pig iron annually. The fuel used is anthracite coal and coke from Pennsylvania, of which 45,000 tons are required, and 50,000 tons of ore, obtained from northern and eastern New York, and from Spain. The iron is distributed through the Eastern States and New York. When in active operation, 160 men are employed ; at present the works are closed. Assessed for $ 130,000.

J. C. Huyck & Co., at Kenwood, manufacture wool-felts for paper-makers; also plaid wool blankets. They employ from 50 to 60 operatives.

About forty years ago the business of furnishing molding sand to foundries, stove and hollow-ware manufacturers was commenced by Mr. Clow ; soon afterward Harvey Wood engaged in the business and continued it for thirty years. The industry is now carried on by Whitehead Bros., who ship sand to all parts of the United States. About 500,000 tons are obtained from Bethlehem township and landed at Albany for transportation. The sand is obtained from a substratum, and varies from one to two feet in thickness.

A few stone quarries exist, and are utilized for building railroad bridges and other purposes.

SOLDIERS .- Governments are not stable ; colonial authority in time became a burden ; the grand principle of religious freedom and equality in government, which had been taught the early ref- ugees of Europe, had only slept, waiting the great resurrection that was to be baptized in blood ; this brought in conflict two classes, widely differ- ent and widely disagreeing, which were not safely fused until the Revolution came, with its struggles and trials of fire. Territory now included in the township of Bethlehem cannot boast of many patri- otic deeds, nor enter upon her record the names of many of her citizens who were active participants in

* And Treasurer.

792

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

that bloody strife which gained our independence as a nation at the cost of many lives and personal sac- rifices. Albany and vicinity seemed to be neutral ground, and did not call for more than home pro- tection from the Tories and Indians. Hostilities, generally, were not such as to alarm the people, and the loyal were ever ready to protect their own, and assist their neighbors from the outrages and treachery of their enemies.

At several places the Tories had rendezvous, where they would meet with hostile Indians to plot some secret attack or midnight raid upon the neighbors. Conrad Soop was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and rendered honorable ser- vice for his country, as well as Conrad Friday, who joined the band of patriots. Cornelius Van Derzee, Jr., was a lieutenant in the army, and the family have a six-pound cannon ball that was fired into the Fort at Middleburg by the British. There were many loyal families during this war, which stood firm for the cause of inde- pendence, and with heart and hand gave what they could.

In the war of 1812 a fair quota was sent from this township, who served with credit to themselves, and others returned with honors won in the service. The following names have been given of those who went from this town; the list, perhaps, is not com- plete, as it is obtained from personal recollections, and not one of the persons here mentioned is liv- ing : Walter Van Derzee, Peter W. Ten Eyck, Jacobus Vroman, Garret Van Wie (captain), Peter Boice, James Bailey, Jacob Soop, John C. Jarvis, John Adams, James Wiltsie, Frederick Rowe, John Callanan, Simon Kilmer, William Patterson, John Hogan (captain), Joshua Babcock, Marcus Lasher, John Oathout, Alexander Frasier (drummer), Jacob Hilderbrant. Many more names should adorn this list, but no records are accessible, if they exist, from which to obtain the names of others.

In that memorable year-1861-when the quiet of our town seemed to be shaken by a terrible con- vulsion, and the rumbling shock spread over the length and breadth of our land, we all remember the thrill that awakened a spirit of patriotism when the call came, and how prompt was the response from the manhood and youth of this township to give their service in maintaining the liberties and integrity of the nation. Fidelity in the discharge of their duty was characteristic of the brave volun- teers, and those who gave their lives in that fratri- cidal war we should remember with homage and grateful consideration for the hardships and sacri- fices they endured, that the Union of States might

be preserved, the Constitution sacredly upheld, and the freedom of all secured.

It is much to be regretted that the town officers, whose duty it was to make a "Complete Record, as required by Chapter 690 of the Laws of 1865, relating to Officers, Soldiers and Seamen comprising the quotas of the Troops furnished to the United States by this Township in the War of the Rebellion"-a copy of which should be in the office of the Town Clerk-have neglected to com- ply with the law, and thus the town is defrauded of a valuable historical record, which cannot, at this time, be compiled or collected with accuracy. It is from neglect of this kind that so much of value is lost to the historian and general reader ; the present is soon lost in the future ; personal recollec- tions perish with the possessor, while records are available for all time.

The military spirit of the township is buried in the past ; no organizations of this character exist. Formerly, the State militia and a uniformed com- pany, the "Bethlehem Grays," and a company of cavalry, were the pride of the people, and the mili- tary drills and parades of this company were attended by every person who had leisure. The usual drill, on the first Monday in September, was a gala day, which terminated in a grand entertainment and ball at night.

The Grand Review, or General Training, was a day of anticipation and preparation by old and young for weeks before the great event took place. On this day-about the middle of September of each year-the military organizations of several towns forming a brigade met at a central location and were reviewed by the superior officers. It was a veritable holiday. All who could possibly attend seemed to enjoy the occasion with a freedom and independence now no longer permitted. Wagons, stands and booths were numerous and well sup- pled with eatables of many kinds ; pumpkin pies and gingerbread in great abundance, loads of fruit, nuts, candies, and sweet cider were dispensed to the hungry and thirsty.

These were the days of "Auld Lang Syne !" In their place we have substituted the camp, with its glare and glitter, pomp and parade, only to be enjoyed by the few.

In 1807 William Haswell was appointed by Gov. Lewis a Lieutenant of Infantry, and in 1814 Gov. Tompkins promoted him to the office of Captain in the One Hundred and Fiftieth Regiment, under Col. John H. Burhans.

Civil List .- Names of persons who have served one or more terms in the office designated :

793

THE TOWNSHIP OF BETHLEHEM.

Senator, 1797 .- Francis Nicoll.

Members of Assembly .- Francis Nicoll, David Burhans, John H. Burhans, Elishama Janes, John L. Winne, John D. Winne, Abram Brooks, John Haswell, William N. Sill, Richard Kimmey, John I. Slingerland, Cornelius Vanderzee, Robert Babcock, John Vanderzee, William Y. Snyder, John Sager, William H. Slingerland, Daniel P. Winne.

Member of Congress .- John I. Slingerland.

Surrogate .- Justus Haswell. Sheriffs .- William P. Brayton, John Wemple.

County Clerks .- Conrad A. Ten Eyck, Henry B. Has- well, Robert Babcock, William E. Haswell.

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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 175

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