Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations, Part 248

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 248

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

THE MANUFACTORIES AND INDUSTRIES OF SCHENECTADY.

BROOM CORN. - For half a century Schenectady County produced more broom corn than any other in the State. The New York "Gazetteer," of 1860 and 1872, states that one-half of the entire crop of the State was raised in the county. The introduc- tion of Western corn has reduced the acreage of 1, 500 acres, which it was up to 1880, to one-third that quantity. There will not be over 500 acres planted this year-1885. The soil has become

somewhat exhausted by this long repeated work, and land that formerly gave 900 pounds to the acre will now produce only 550 pounds.

The history of this interest is a large factor to a proper commercial knowledge of our county. While the industry shows a marked decline from its former condition, it is yet one of the largest of its kind in the State.

As all old citizens will remember, the broom of former days was a rude device compared with that of to-day. It was simply a few round bunches of corn sewed on to a stick. George Canfield, who came here from Utica about fifty years ago, was the inventor of the improved "Shaker " broom, the flat broom we now use. Mr. Can- field also invented, about 1850, a seed planter, planting previously being done by hand. He also, ten years later, made a horse planter, which is yet in general use. Mr. Canfield never protecting his contrivances by patent, met with the usual re- sult of inventors, and died a poor man.

THE PIONEER. - The very first grower in the county was Otis Smith, who came here from Con- necticut over fifty years ago. A Mr. Willard, who owned a farm at the west end of the town, had planted two acres on the island. This was the first land ever planted to broom corn on the Mohawk River. After preparing his land, Mr. Willard, not himself a practical corn grower, sent for Mr. Smith to superintend the crop. Smith purchased land until he owned about 125 acres, and raised and manufactured corn until his death in about 1870.

The following list gives the best information at- tainable of the pioneers in this industry, beginning on the north side of the Mohawk River .at Sche- nectady, and running thence to Hoffman's Ferry, a distance of ten miles.

NORTH SIDE OF RIVER .- David F. Reese, fifty years ago, owned the islands a mile from the city. known as the Hook Islands. He had 200 to 250 acres, and up to about 1865, the year of his death, was a grower and manufacturer. After his decease, his son Frederick continued the business until his death, some seven or eight years later, when the farm was divided. Mrs. Frederick Reese now owns the Big Island, Hook Island belonging to the Collins family.

Next west to the Reese farm, in Scotia, was that of Charles P. and Edward P. Sanders, who, forty- five years ago, owned 700 acres there, seventy-five of which were devoted to corn. They also manu- factured and continued until about 1870, when they retired, though they still grow some corn. They belong to one of the old families of the county.

The next farm on the west was that of 100 acres, owned by Col. Abraham Toll. He raised and manufactured from about 1840 up to about 1865, when his brother, Charles H., bought it and con- tinued the business for ten years. He then gave it up and became a general farmer.

Next west to the Toll place was seventy-five to eighty acres owned by Reuben Ellwood, who, from about 1845 to 1855, grew and manufactured corn.

148

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY.

He then removed to Illinois, selling his property to Wm. Cramer, who, up to his death about fifteen years ago, as has his family since, remained in the same business.

Cornelius and Nicholas Velie had fifty acres, next west to Ellwood, forty five years ago. Up to about 1860 they grew and manufactured, when they died, Wm. Haslow becoming owner of the farm. He has continued the business ever since.

Next west of the Velie property was that of Nicholas Brooks, who, forty-five years ago, owned sixty acres there. He grew and manufactured corn for about five years, when David F. Reese rented the farm. In about 1855 Harvey Vedder leased it, and in 1865 Christian F. Seeley bought it. Through all these changes the corn business

was kept up. The homestead is now owned by James Wyatt and the balance of the farm by Fred- erick Larbey. No corn is grown now.

Garrett Barhydt owned fifteen to twenty acres, next west to Brooks', thirty years ago, and from that time to date has grown corn.

West of Barhydt's, Wm. Rector began, in about 1845, with thirty-five to forty acres. Has never manufactured, but continues the raising of broom corn.

For thirty years, ending in 1884, Adam H. Swart grew corn upon fifteen acres situate next west to the Rector farm.

Next west to Swart's are forty acres owned by John S. Barhydt, who, fifty years ago, was a grower and manufacturer there. Mr. Barhydt died in 1854, since then his son John has run the farm. He has a manufactory in the city.

Forty years ago Aaron Swart raised corn upon 20 acres next west of Barhydt's. He made a few brooms at first, but soon gave it up. Mr. Swart sold out to Latin Johnson in 1866, and moved to Illinois. Mr. Johnson raised corn until 1884.

Next west to Aaron Swart's is the estate of Philip Vedder, who owned it a century ago. In 1845, Albert H. Vedder began growing corn upon from 40 to 50 acres of the original 150-acre farm. In 1863 he sold 80 acres to Nicholas H. Swart, including the land he had been working. Mr. Swart remained there until 1866, when he sold to Cornelius Van Patten, a grower. Mr. Van Patten died in 1883, leaving the property to his daughter, who shortly afterwards sold it to Bartholomew Clute. No corn is raised there now.

We have traced every farm within the territory specified upon which broom corn was cultivated or brooms made. Next following is given a history of the farms along the ten-mile strip and through the town of Rotterdam on the

SOUTH SIDE OF THE RIVER .- Beginning at Sche- nectady, on the south side of the river, are the Watervliet Shakers, who, when Otis Smith har- vested the first two acres above described, were making preparations to cultivate and manu- facture corn in this county. They came here from New Lebanon, and were the first to make brooms for the Schenectady trade. They leased the Tomilson farm of 90 acres. They already

owned-and still do-60 acres two miles up the river, making, with the Tomilson property, 150 acres, which they planted to corn. Nicholas I. Schermerhorn was their superintendent from 1835 for forty years. In 1850 the Tomilson portion was sold to John Myers, who grew and manufactured up to the year of his death, about 1870. He was a large operator. After his death his family rented the land and manufacturing was stopped. The 60- acre piece was recently leased to John Van Epps.

Nicholas I. Schermerhorn, from about 1840 to 1880, had 90 acres where the Jones Car Company is now located. Mr. Schermerhorn was a large grower, manufacturer and dealer. He bought for years about all the corn grown in Schobarie Valley.

Next west to the Schermerhorn property, fifty years ago, John, Alexander and Jacob Van Epps had 200 acres of land and grew and manufactured. In about 1860 the Van Epps' sold a part of the farm to John Veeder. John Myers subsequently bought out Mr. Veeder, and after the death of Mr. Myers his family continued to grow corn, but no longer manufactured. Jacob Van Epps died about 1860, and John Van Epps, 1868. Alexander now lives in the city and still raises corn upon the homestead, though no brooms have been made there since 1863.

Two brothers, John and Simon Schermerhorn, fifty years ago owned 50 acres next west to the Van Epps' home, and from that time to date have grown corn and made brooms.

Fifty years ago, Nicholas Vrooman and Josiah Van Patten owned 150 acres next west to the Schermerhorns, upon which corn was grown. Forty-five years ago, Nicholas also owned 25 acres there, upon which he grew corn and made brooms until 1880, when his son succeeded to the business. Josiah sold his land to Lewis Clement in about 1873, and is now living in the city. Mr. Clement grows corn. Vrooman Van Patten is yet living on his farm, his son, Abram, growing corn and mak- ing brooms there.

Next west to Van Patten's, forty years ago, An- thony H. Van Slyke owned 50 acres. He died in about 1865. Corn was cultivated and a few brooms made. His sons, John and Harmon Van Slyke, own the farm, and until 1882 grew some com. In that year they leased the land, upon which corn is still cultivated.

Abram A. Bradt, next west to Van Slyke's, in 1845 cultivated 25 acres; he also made brooms. After his death, in about 1882, Harvey Bradt took possession and in 1883-4 corn was grown. From 1870 to 1883, Harvey Bradt had quite an extensive manufactory in the city.

In 1835, Simon Maybee, next west to Bradt's, cultivated 15 to 20 acres, continuing until about 1870, the year of his death. Jacob Maybee then grew corn there for about five years.

In IS45, Aaron Bradt cultivated 30 acres next west to Maybee's. He died about 1860, and Francis Bradt grew corn and made a few brooms.

Next west was the 35-acre piece of Abram N. Bradt, who, in 1835, grew corn there. He died

CITY OF SCHENECTADY .- INDUSTRIES.

149

in about 1880, and was succeeded by his son, Simon Bradt, who continued until 1883, the year of his death. The property was bequeathed to his nephew, Abram A. Bradt, who now lives there and grows some corn.

Nicholas Bradt has cultivated twenty acres next west for fifty years, and is yet living there.

John M. Veeder raised corn upon thirty acres next west, from 1857 to 1882. He also made a few brooms, but is now out of the corn business.

Next west to Veeder's farm, and the last on the ten-mile track, is the thirty-acre farm of John Byce, who began raising corn there twenty years ago. He also made a few brooms, but in 1883 retired from the business. The farm is still his home.

CITY DEALERS AND MANUFACTURERS .- Among the prominent dealers and manufacturers of broom corn doing business in the city, are the following:

Nicholas H. Swart has been a buyer and seller since 1835, and since that time has dealt with nearly every prominent grower in this section. Mr. Swart shipped the first load of broom corn ever brought from any Western State to this city. This load was from Illinois, in the year 1852.

We are indebted to Mr. Swart for a recital of many of the facts given in this article, and to his remarkably clear memory any credit due to its accuracy should be given.

H. J. Ansicker, Water street, corner Washington avenue, house 3, Ferry, continued ; John Barhydt, 2I Washington avenue ; Henry Bradt, broom handles, Mill lane ; H. S. De Forest, 100 Centre street ; Charles Horstman & Co., 6 River ; C. F. Rankins & Co., 121 Front street ; Henry Whit- myre, 19 North street ; Chas. L. Whitmyre, 12 and 14 Washington avenue; Christopher Van Slyck, 7 Pine and 57 Centre street ; James A. Flinn, John street.

SCHENECTADY

EWEIGHT. MY

THE SCHENECTADY LOCOMOTIVE WORKS

Are under good management, and deserve the suc- cess they enjoy.

The capital of the Schenectady Locomotive Engine Manufactory, the first company formed, was raised by the citizens of Schenectady in Jan- uary, 1848, and was expended in buildings and machinery by a company who agreed to pay the interest on the capital annually, and to pay to the stockholders the whole capital in eight years, and thus themselves become the owners of the property. This company carried on the works about one year ; their affairs turned out so badly that they abandoned the works, which re- mained idle for twelve months, during which time a part of the personal property was sold for taxes. The whole works were finally sold at one-half cost.

The purchasers under the sale were John Ellis, Daniel D. Campbell, and Simon C. Groot, who, with others, raised a new capital, and on June 14, 1851, the present company, The Schenectady Locomotive Works, was incorporated. Walter McQueen acquired an interest in 1851, which he still retains. By February, 1863, John Ellis had, by purchase, acquired, substantially, the entire stock. October 4, 1864, Mr. Ellis died, and his stock was subsequently divided among his heirs,

his sons, John C., Charles G., and William D. John C. Ellis died October 4, 1884, just twenty years after the death of his father.

The officers and stockholders-all stockholders being trustees-are : Charles G. Ellis, President ; Walter McQueen, Vice-President ; Edward Ellis, Treasurer. The estate of John C. Ellis, deceased, and William D. Ellis.

The plant of this large concern occupies an area of ten acres (though they use for all purposes twenty-one acres), upon which are erected fifteen brick structures, ranging in size from 25 x 71 feet to 100 X 252 feet, and 85 x 345 feet. It is bounded by Fonda, Romeyn, and Nott streets, and the New York Central Railroad. They own, in addition, lumber yards on Romeyn street, coal yards between the canal and Fonda street, and their water-works upon the west side of the canal are constantly pumping water from the Mohawk River.

All classes of locomotives, from the small, nar- row gauge to the large consolidation, with eight driving-wheels, are made, their annual capacity being 225 engines.

One thousand one hundred men are employed, to whom is paid, monthly, from $50,000 to $60,000.

The products of this establishment are seen throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Superintendent, A. J. PITKIN, was born at Akron, O., in 1854 ; served an apprenticeship as

150

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY.

ALITTLE.

machinist there ; entered the drawing room of the Baldwin Locomotive Works, Philadelphia, in 1876 ; was Mechanical Engineer for the Rhode Island Locomotive Works, Providence, in 1880; came to Schenectady in 1882 as Mechanical Engineer for the Schenectady Locomotive Works, and was appointed Superintendent of the Works in 1884.

WILLIAM GIBSON.

WILLIAM GIBSON was born near Edinburgh, Scotland, February 16, 1812, and died in Schenec- tady, March 28, 1881. During his boyhood, until his eighteenth year, he attended the schools of that city. He came to America in 1830 and soon lo- cated in Troy, where he speedily secured work in Burden's iron works. Shortly afterward he was appointed foreman in the spike factory. Six years later he was made superintendent of the works, which, however, were not so extensive as they are at the present time. In 1853 he severed his con- nection with the Burden works and removed to Albany, and became Superintendent of the Albany Northern Railroad, now a part of the railway sys-

tem controlled by the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company.

In 1855 he engaged in the manufacture of spikes in the shop of Mr. Townsend, which was located in what is now the lower part of Albany, thus em- barking in business on his own account. He sold out this enterprise a year later and removed to Schenectady. In 1858, Mr. John Ellis, formerly owner of the Schenactady Locomotive Works, and father of the present proprietors, knowing his worth, secured his valuable services, and promoted him to the position of assistant superintendent of the shops. The duties of his position he performed with zeal and fidelity, until his failing health com- pelled him to relinquish them in 1876, subsequent to which date he was in no wise occupied, save in taking care of his own property and that of others left to his immediate charge.

Mr. Gibson was scarcely twenty-one years of age when he married Mary McQueen, sister of Walter McQueen, for some time superintendent of the lo- comotive works. His marriage occurred on July 4, 1832, during his residence in Troy. At that time he was a member of the Associate Presbyterian

151

CITY OF SCHENECTADY .- INDUSTRIES.

Church of that city, of which Rev. Dr. Bullions, author of Bullions' English Grammar, was pastor. He was a leading spirit in that church until his removal to Schenectady, when he united with the First Presbyterian Church of the latter city, which was then under the pastoral charge of Rev. Dr. Backus. As a Christian he was ever fervent and staunch, doing willingly and unostentatiously his utmost for the advancement of the cause he loved. He was a man of active temperament, and his sensitive nature often stood in opposition to his better judgment. He was counted a man worthy of unlimited respect and confidence, and he won and retained numerous friends who mourned his death with sorrow. He left a family of four: a widow, two grown-up sons, William W. and Peter M. Gibson, and a daughter, Jennie M., widow of the late John Gilmour. Another daughter, Mary E., died in 1852, aged four and one-half years. His father died in Scotland and his mother came to America with her son. She never made Schenec- tady her home, but lived with her daughter at Auburn, where she died some years ago.

The firm of McQUEEN & STAGE, mechanical engi- neers and manufacturers of steam engines and boilers, and self-regulating boilers for steam heat- ing, 170 Centre street, was organized April 1, 1884. The individual members are Hon. Daniel P. McQueen and David L. Stage. The plant cov- ers an area of 80 x 125 feet. Fifteen to twenty men are employed, the annual output amounting to $25,000. They also do plumbing and gas and steam-fitting.

Among the buildings which were fitted up by them, are the Classical Institute, the German Cath- olic School, and the home of Hon. John D. Camp- bell. Mr. McQueen was member of Assembly in 1874, and has also been inspector of foreign ves- sels, while Mr. Stage, for twelve years prior to 1884, was chief engineer of the Schenectady water- works.

THE WESTINGHOUSE COMPANY, manufacturers of agricultural engines, grain-threshers, horse- powers, etc., is known throughout the United States. In 1837, George Westinghouse began at Fonda, N. Y., the manufacture of his patent threshing-machine and horse-power. Facilities were added from time to time, as trade demanded, and in 1850 the works were removed to Schenec- tady, where they were enlarged. In 1870, Mr. G. Westinghouse retired from business. In 1874 the buildings were destroyed by fire, and were imme- diately rebuilt. In 1884 the Westinghouse Com- pany was organized, the stock being held by the partners of the firm, which was succeeded by the corporate body. The officers are: J. Westing- house, President; Spencer Moore, Vice-President; John Westinghouse, Treasurer; H. R. Hegeman, Secretary.

The premises are between Dock street and the Erie Canal, with a track from the Central Railroad running through them. The main building is of brick, 300 x 500 feet, three stories. Around it are the foundry, blacksmith shop, warehouses, office, etc.

A force of 175 to 200 is employed, and the annual capacity is 300 threshers, 150 engines, and corre- sponding number of horse-powers.

Henry V. Jackson is the senior member of the firm of JACKSON & SANDS, engineers and machin- ists, corner Jay and Franklin streets They are builders of engines and machinery for yachts, launches and for stationary purposes. They also repair machinery of all kinds.

The history of the KILMER WIRE BAND MANUFAC- TURING COMPANY, Dock street, is unique in the annals of the city. In 1876, Augustus Kilmer, then a resi- dent of Howe's Cave, Schoharie County, N. Y., aided by members of his family, invented the wire band now so extensively manufactured by them. Patent was obtained in 1877, and one year later the manufacturing began. In 1880 the company built and moved into their present works. They occupy an area of 100 x 180 feet, upon which are buildings to the extent of 1400 square feet. The machinery, most of which is patented by the com- pany, is driven by a steam engine of fifty-five horse- power, and 125 men are employed. The average daily output of completed work is eight tons.

They make annealed Bessemer steel wire bands for baling hay, straw, flax, etc., fence wire, and or- namental fencing, by a process of which they are the inventors and proprietors. The company is composed of the father, Augustus Kilmer, and his seven sons, Ransom, Martin L., Irving A., Thalas S., Melvin D., Elmer E. and William A., and Ed- ward Davis, a son-in-law. Among the leading in- ventions of the firm is the fancy fencing and the arrow bale-fastener cutter invented by Irving A., and the twisting machine for bale loops by Irving A. and Elmer E. Additional buildings are soon to be constructed.

THE JONES CAR MANUFACTURING COMPANY .- The Jones Manufacturing Company came to Schenectady from West Troy in 1875, renting the premises of the Schenectady Car Company for the manufacture of street cars. Soon after the works were enlarged and they began the manufacture of draw- ing-room cars and sleepers, which continued until February 4, 1884, when E. Nott Schermerhorn was appointed its receiver, and for about eight months the business was continued by him. About the be- ginning of 1885, Mr. Walter A. Jones leased the works of the receiver, and in June, 1885, they were re-leased to the New York Sleeping Car Company, which is at the present time the controller of the works.

THATCHER ELEVATOR. - What is now commonly known as the Thatcher Elevator, was built in 1865 by George G. Maxon, of this city, and John W. Thompson, of Ballston Spa. From then until May 1, 1884, George G. Maxon and his son, Ethan A. Maxon, conducted the business. Mr. Thomp- son having previously sold his interest in the real property to Mr. Maxon, Sr., a stock company was formed, the name being the Schenectady Elevat- ing Company, of which George G. Maxon is President and Treasurer, and Le Grand C. Cramer, Secretary. In May, 1884, Ralph W. Thatcher, of

152

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY.

ALITTLE.

le la leluté.

Albany, leased the property of the company for a term of years yet unexpired.

An elevator and general mill business is done, from one to one and one-half million bushels of grain being annually handled. Their principal business is in receiving and transferring grain which reaches here from the West via the Erie canal and the railways, for Northern New York and New England States. The main building is 60 x 100 feet in extent, 95 feet high. A 200 horse-power engine is used. From 15 to 30 men are em- ployed.

C. C. CLUTE.

CADWALLADER COLDEN CLUTE, eldest son of Peter I. Clute, was born in the City of Schenec- tady, October 18, 1814. Becoming associated in early life with his father (afterward of the firm of Clute & Bailey) in the general foundry business, he laid the foundation for those strict methodical business habits which were so characteristic of him through life. Dissolving this connection, he started in trade for himself, conducting successfully for a

- number of years a hardware store, located on the block between the canal and railroad crossing on State street, Schenectady. During this time, and about the year 1841, he associated with one or two others, and took a contract for building sections 19 and 28 on the Western Railroad. In 1842 he purchased the interest of Joel C. Bailey, of the firm of Clute & Bailey, and the firm of P. I. Clute '& Sons was organized, continuing until the year 1849, when it was merged in the firm of Clute Brothers, P. I. Clute retiring. His connection with this firm, subsequently changed to that of Clute Brothers & Co., remained up to the day of his death. On the organization of the firm of G. Westinghouse & Co., and the establishment of that house in Schenectady in 1856, he became a mem- ber, and continued such until the reorganization of the firm in 1870. On the organization of the Mohawk Bank of Schenectady in the year 1859, he was elected a director, and held that position uninterrupted until his death, August 16, 1876.

He left a legacy of six thousand ($6,000) dol- lars to the Home of the Friendless.

Ms, Schemesham~ -

153

CITY OF SCHENECTADY .- INDUSTRIES.

SHAWL FACTORY .- In 1848, the building now oc- cupied by James Roy & Co. for the manufacture of woolen cloth, was built by Schenectady capitalists, and up to 1854 was used as a carpet factory. Dur- ing this year Messrs. Roy & Co. purchased the property, changing its name to the Watervliet Mills, by which name it is now known. Up to about 1870 shawls were the main production, when, by the introduction of proper machinery, the man- ufacture of woolen cloth and ladies' dress goods was begun. A few shawls are still made yearly. Since Roy & Co. have owned the concern no cotton has been ever mixed with their goods, and the an- nual consumption of wool is now one-half million pounds.

The buildings front 235 feet on Church street, and run through to Railroad street. One hundred horse-power is used, and 75 males and 75 females are employed. The company's real estate covers an area bounded by Church, Water and Railroad streets, with the exception of one house at the angle formed by Railroad and Church streets. They also own two brick wool store-houses opposite the factory on Church street.

James Roy & Co. were incorporated January 1, 1866, and two woolen mills at West Troy are owned by them, also being known to the trade as the Watervliet Mills.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations, Part 248

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