Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations, Part 249

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 249

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).

Arthur W. Hunter was the first manager of the concern here, continuing as such up to 1875, when he retired, and his son, Winfield S. Hunter, took his place, which he still retains. Among their old employees are John Jarvie, boss carder, with 23 years service to his credit, and John Moorhouse, boss wool sorter, with 30 years.

KNITTING MILLS .- THE IMPERIAL HOSIERY MILLS, McLachlin, Conde & Co., proprietors, was organ- ized January 3, 1881, with $50,000 capital. The individual members are John McLachlin, Cornelius S. Conde (who is manager and superintendent), and Edwin Groat. Mr T. K. Conde was a partner up to 1883, when he retired. Knit goods of all kinds for children, ladies and gentlemen are made. 300 sets of cards, 750 spindles, 9 knitting machines and 14 sewing machines, keep busy 40 female and 26 male operatives, who produce 1, 500 dozen goods monthly, which are in value from $5 to $10 per dozen.

The works, corner Ferry street, continued, and Erie street, are two stories, frame, 90 x 50 feet, with an L 24 x 36 feet. A 70 horse-power boiler and 60 horse-power engine are used. The value of the building and furniture is $50,000.

SCHENECTADY KNITTING MILL .- The Schenectady Knitting Mill Company was organized in 1875. Tlie principal stockholders were Hon. Charles Stanford, N. I. Schermerhorn, D. D. Campbell and William H. McClyman. The building was completed in 1876, and a prosperous business conducted until 1878, when the entire property was destroyed by fire. In 1879 the building was rebuilt and work again resumed. For a number of years Hon. Charles Stanford was president of this company. He resigned a few years ago, when N. I. Scher-

merhorn was elected in his place. Wm. H. Mc- Clyman is treasurer and general manager of this mill. About 130 persons have been continuously employed in this flourishing establishment since it was rebuilt.

NICHOLAS I. SCHERMERHORN.

NICHOLAS I. SCHERMERHORN was born in the town of Duanesburgh, N. Y., March 26, 1818. His father, of German descent, was born in Schodac, N. Y., July 14, 1779, and moved to the town of Duanesburgh, 1817.

In 1824, when he moved to Rotterdam, Nicho- las was about eight years old. In 1833 his father died, and his remains now rest in the family plot in Vale cemetery. Nicholas was now in his fif- teenth year, and being the oldest son, the direction and care of the household was assumed by him, managing the farm in the interests of the family. At twenty-three years of age, in 1841, he was mar- ried to Susan, daughter of Conrad Chism, and re- mained upon the farm for three years longer. His first enterprise, in 1844, was in raising broom corn for the Watervliet Shakers on the Rotterdam-Mo- hawk Flats, two miles west of the city of Schenec- tady. The second year he commenced the manu- facture of brooms on his own account.

His business increased from year to year, until he became the largest producer and manufacturer in this part of the country, up to 1877, when he disposed of his interest in this business.

In 1855 he moved his family on the old home- stead of Bartholomew Schermerhorn in Rotterdam, opposite the grist-mill, and there bought three hundred acres of land, including all that part of the Mohawk flats adjoining the city of Schenec- tady. Here he lived until 1870, when he bought the fine residence of Dr. L. Ellwood, 230 State street, in the city of Schenectady, and removed there with his family, and where he still lives.

In 1865 he bought the Vandebogart Brothers' coal business, and formed a co-partnership with his son-in-law, Mr. W. H. McClyman, in which they continued until 1874, when Mr. McClyman retired from the firm and Mr. Schermerhorn's son, William G., was taken into partnership with his father.

Messrs. Schermerhorn & Son also entered into the hay and straw business about 1872, on the dock between the Erie Canal and the New York Central Railroad, in which they still continue. The coal business was sold out in 1884. In 1880, Mr. Schermerhorn and his brother-in-law, William Christler, bought the Schenactady flouring mill, which they still continue to operate.

Outside of his mercantile business, he took the contract to build the Schenectady and Duanesburgh railroad and took into partnership with him on the contract Messrs. Samuel Donaldson, of Fultonville, and Harmon Van Slyke, of Rotterdam. The work was completed within a year.

He was one of the originators and stockholders of the Schenectady Car Works, built on a part of his Rotterdam farm near the city. He was also one of the originators and stockholders of the Schenectady

154

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY.

Knitting Mills, known as the Brandywine Mills, and he still continues to be an active member of the firm, and is also its president. He is one of the originators and a large stockholder in the Mc- Queen Locomotive Works in Rotterdam, situated on the flats near the Jones Car Works, and he still remains connected with that enterprise.

He has been a director of the Schenectady Bank for the past twenty years, and also a trustee of the Savings Bank. He is also a trustee of the Young Men's Christian Association of this city, who own one of its finest buildings.

He has taken an active part in the political in- terests of his county, and has held the office of Su- pervisor in the town of Rotterdam two terms, County Superintendent of the Poor three terms, and County Treasurer from 1867 to 1882.

Thus it may be seen that Mr. Schermerhorn has been an active and honored citizen ; a promoter of the industries of the community ; that he has done much to advance the material and social interests. His life has been a success in many respects. He is a model of enterprise and is highly esteemed by his acquaintances.

Mr. Schermerhorn has also shown the art of rnl- ing his own house well. He has three children, one son and two daughters. His son, William G., resides with him and is an active partner in his business. He married Sarah L. Swart and has one son, N. Irving, ten years of age. His daugh- ter Anna M., married William H. McClyman, of the Schenectady Knitting Mills, and they have one daughter, Susie May, age sixteen. His other daughter, Catherine E., married G. S. Veeder Mil- ler. They have four sons: Abram G., age 22 years ; William S., age 20 years ; Nicholas I., age 13 years ; and Garret S., age 7 years.

He is a member of the congregation of the First Reformed Church, and one of its Advisory Com- mittee.

SUSHOLZ & MYERS. - The house of Susholz & Myers, with Solomon Susholz, George Susholz and Adolph Myers, was organized in 1880-81. In February, 1884, George Susholz and Mr. Myers retired, Solomon succeeding to the business, and the firm name becoming S. Susholz. George re- mained as superintendent. Their mills, on Dock street, are of brick, 4 stories, 50 x 150 feet; an en- gine of 100 horse-power turns 4 sets of cards, 4 self-operating mules, and 16 knitting cylinders, the average daily capacity being 800 pounds yarn. 75 females and 25 males are employed, who produce scarlet-colored woolen knit underwear for men, women and children.

They have selling agents in New York City.

The firm of JOHN WIEDERHOLD & Co., manufac- turers of ladies' underwear, children's garments, dress wrappers, aprons, hoop skirts, etc., 180 Centre street, was established in 1870. For a time the firm was Wiederhold Brothers, but it was subsequently changed to its present form. Mr. John Wiederhold, the senior member, has been at the head of the business from the first. The factory is a three-story brick building, 50 x 100 feet, and 1

employs one hundred women and girls. It is fully equipped with sewing and other necessary machines and implements.

BREWERS, MALTSTERS, ETC .- The first brewery in Schenectady of which there is any knowledge was in 1820. It was located in the First ward on Washington avenue. A Mr. Moffatt conducted it for seven or eight years, when he discontinued, and the brewery was closed.

About this time (1820), but possibly two or three years later, two brothers, Hugh and Daniel Martin, started one on the same avenue. This was soon sold to Mr. La Britton, who continued it for a few years, when he in turn stopped brew- ing. Still another, and located on the same ave- nue, at the head of Union street, was the one started in about 1824 by John S. Vrooman and Isaac M. Schermerhorn. Mr. Vrooman soon re- tired, and, shortly afterward, Francis Myers pur- chased the same. Mr. Myers evidently did not meet with much financial encouragement, for he soon withdrew from the business. While the exact dates of the closing of the above-named concerns is not attainable, all of them were out of existence by the year 1831.

In about 1830, Reed Brothers started a malt- house on the dock, in the building erected by Daniel D. Campbell, of Rotterdam. The building passed through the hands of Messrs. Millard & Crane, Cornelius Thompson, H. Rosa and Martin De Forrest, and finally into the hands of the Susholz Manufacturing Company.

Peter Engle owns and conducts a lager-beer brewery at 47 Nott terrace. This is the only brewery now in the city.

Cornelius Thompson has a malt-house on Dock street, and has been in the business for many years.

In 1860, George Weller began the manufacturing and bottling of soda water at 62 College street, remaining there until 1863, when he removed to No. 46 of the same street, his present location. The manufactory covers an area of 60 x 190 feet, and is two stories high. He employs eight males, and his trade extends through a radius of forty miles. Mr. Weller is the only manufacturer and bottler of soda water, lemon soda, sarsaparilla and ginger ale in the county. He also makes seltzer water.

In 1875 he became agent for the Bartholomay Brewing Company, and since then has kept a sup- ply depot for this and Montgomery Counties. The curious yet simple bottling machine used by him for his soda water is well worth an inspection.

Charles Weincke, proprietor of the Hotel Ger- mania, corner Liberty and Centre streets, has for many years had a large share of public patronage.

HOWLAND S. BARNEY.

HOWLAND S. BARNEY, the recognized head of the mercantile fraternity of Schenectady, and one of the most notable of the self-made men of Schenec- tady County, was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., March 23, 1822, a son of Dr. Z. H. and Eliza

CITY OF SCHENECTADY .- INDUSTRIES.

155

R.LITTLE

Jamiey rey

(Swain) Barney. When his son was about four years old, Dr. Barney removed to Minaville, Mont- gomery County. There, as he grew older, the boy attended the common schools till he had reached the age of fourteen, when (in 1836) he came to Schenectady and became a clerk in the dry goods store of Sydney B. Potter. He was thus employed four years.

Next he found employment in the store of John Olin, whose partner he became in 1849, under the firm name of John Olin & Co. In 1853 he bought the interest of a retiring partner in the firm of Barringer & Co. In 1858, through changes in its personnel, this firm was reorganized under the style of H. S. Barney & Co., and so it has since been known. It has been due largely to Mr. Barney's mercantile ability and sound and enter-

prising management that this house has outgrown all rivals, ranking as the wealthiest and most ex- tensive dry goods concern in the city, and occupy- ing commodious and well-appointed quarters at Nos. 93, 95, 97 and 99 State street. This large building was erected in 1872, and occupied in April, 1873.

Mr. Barney is a Republican, but has always been too busy, and has never been inclined, to take any active part in politics. He has done his full share to promote the interests of the city. In 1856 he married Sarah, daughter of Joseph Horsfall, of Schenectady. They have two children.

DRY GOODS. - The firm of H. S. Barney & Co., dealers in dry goods, carpets etc., 95, 97 and 99 State street, was established about 1843 by Messrs.

156

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY.

Barringer & Co. In 1854 it was purchased by the present firm, who in 1873 completed the Barney Block. This block has a frontage on State street of 60 feet, a depth of 120 feet and is three stories high. They also manufacture ladies' robes, wraps, mits, etc. The stock averages $90, 000.

The junior member of the firm is Mr. H. H. Swart. Mr. Barney has been in business here 48 years.

The house of T. H. Reeves & Co., dealers in dry goods, carpets, rugs, etc., 137 State street, was established in 1822 by McManus & Co. The individual members of the present firm are T. H. Reeves, T. R. Barringer and C. F. Veeder, who succeeded to the business in 1874. The store is 30 x 140 feet, with an L 40 x 60 feet, and two stories high. The carpet and upholstering de- partment is 60 x 60 feet and 18 feet high, and is the oldest carpet room in the city. They also manufacture ladies' cloaks, dresses, mits, and wraps.

Pfeiffer Levi, clothing merchant and dealer in gentlemen's furnishing goods, 90 State street, is an old and well-established merchant of the city.

L. R. Reagles, 103 State street, is a dealer in ladies' furnishing goods, and ranks with the lead- ing merchants of the city.

LUMBER YARDS .- In 1855 Peter Vedder and Henry Vedder started a lumber yard, locating it where the elevator now is. In 1857, Abram A. Van Vorst was added, and the firm became Van Vorst, Vedder & Co., and moved to Green street near the railway, remaining there until 1867, when they located on Pine street near the Locomotive Works. During this year Walter S. Van Vorst became a member of the company, remaining until 1873, in which year he, with his father, Abram A., retired, and Wm. C. Sweet was added, the firm becoming Vedder & Sweet. In 1875, Albert Van Voast bought the interest of Mr. Sweet, and the firm name was Vedder & Van Voast up to 1881, when the Pine street property was sold to the Delaware and Hudson Railroad Co. Peter Vedder retired, and Albert Van Voast opened a yard on John street, near Green street, where he now is.

In 1867, Peter B. Yates, John Bradt and Peter Van Dyck opened a yard, the office being at 31 Dock street. The firm was known as Bradt, Yates & Van Dyck. April 17, 1876, Horace Eggleston and Wm. C. Sweet purchased the property. Jan- uary 14, 1878, Mr. Sweet retired, Mr. Eggleston being sole owner until August, 1880, when Walter S. Van Vorst became a member, and remained as such until October, 1883, when he retired, and the present firm of Eggleston, Vedder & Co. was or- ganized, the firm being Horace Eggleston, Wm. H. Vedder and Albert G. Vedder. They operate a steam planing mill, deal in all kinds of lumber, wholesale and retail, and manufacture doors, sashes, blinds and moldings.

The lumber, lime, cement, hair, and building- paper business of Charles L. Blakeslee, 27 Dock street, was established in 1876. The yard extends from Dock street, facing the canal, to the railroad

track. There is a planing mill, 50 x 80 feet, in the yard. Mr. Blakeslee built a large number of portable buildings for use at the stations of the New York, West Shore and Buffalo Railroad. Alex- ander F. Vedder, formerly with Eggleston & Co., is foreman.

GROCERS. -- March 1, 1849, Marcus N. Millard and Jonas H. Crane formed a partnership, under the firm name of Millard & Crane. The firm has remained up to this time without change. They were then located at 176 State street, where the American Ex- press office now is, and were engaged in a general grocery business. In 1857 they removed to 160 State street, their present quarters. The building occupied by them was erected by Wm. W. Tread- way in 1836-7, and sold by him April 1, 1837, to Cadwallader C. Clute, Messrs. Millard & Crane buying of Mr. Clute, December 31, 1855. Up to 1865 they did a large jobbing trade, but since then have confined their attention mainly to the retailing of groceries, liquors, wines, ales and porter.

Mr. Millard was born at Charlton, Saratoga County, N. Y., in 1820, coming to Schenectady, June 1, 1847.

J. H. CRANE.

This gentleman, who is one of the oldest and most highly respected merchants in Schenectady City or County, was born in Amsterdam, Mont- gomery County, April 22, 1813. His father was Caleb C. Crane, who was born in Newark, N. J., April 17, 1768. He was but a lad at the time of the destruction of Newark by the British in revo- lutionary times, and with many others fled to the high ground from which he viewed the burning of the town. That was one of the most memorable days in the history of Newark, and it was with streaming eyes that many then saw their homes swept away under the torches of the ruthless in- vaders. But it was such scenes that fired the American heart with hatred for the oppressors of Americans, and nerved desperate men to press forward to victory. During all the years that fol- lowed, Caleb C. Crane never quite forgot the feel- ing of resentment which took root in his being on that occasion. When he reached maturity, being of an ambitious turn of mind, he resolved to strike out for himself in some other part of the then new country. He made his way to a point two miles north of where the village of Cranesville, Mont- gomery County, now is, and there, in the midst of an almost undisturbed wilderness, made a settle- ment.

Buying lands he improved them and made a home for himself and his family, and there he lived out the remainder of his allotted years, and died, passing into the local history as one of the pioneers of that section.

Of the fourteen children of Caleb C. Crane, J. H. Crane was the eighth born. His early years were passed on his father's farm. The common schools of the time and place supplied him the only means of education. As he neared manhood it became evident to him that he was not physically

CITY OF SCHENECTADY .- INDUSTRIES.

157

A.LIT TL L

JAGrano

strong enough to make a successful farmer of him- self, and he concluded to enter upon a mercantile career as soon as an opportunity should present itself. He came to Schenectady January 1, 1835. He first found employment for several years in a hotel, and later he kept the Givens House four years. In 1849 he formed a copartnership with Mr. Marcus N. Millard, which has continued uninter- ruptedly through a period of more than thirty-six years to the present time, Mr. Crane facetiously re- marking that he and Mr. Miller " had yet to have their first quarrel." This business has kept pace with the public progress, and they have ever held a place among the leading merchants of Schenectady. Mr. Crane is an old school Democrat, but is not inclined to take any active part in politics. He was married in 1844 to Cordelia A. Seely, of New York, and resides at No. 24 Church street.

W. E. VAN DEUSEN, 28 and 30 State street, oc- cupies a leading position as a grocer. He also deals in wooden-ware, fruit, etc., and makes flour a specialty.

Messrs. W. E. Walker and James W. Mairs, composing the firm of WALKER & MAIRS, dealers in groceries, seeds, housekeeping goods and farming implements, 118 and 120 State street, occupy the block, 60 x 120 feet, with cellars and lofts.

This firm was founded in 1786 by the grand- fathers of the present proprietors. The business has always remained in the family, handed down from father to son, and the history of the firm is part of the city's life. Their trade extends for miles around Schenectady.

JOHN J. HART, grocer, 235 State street, has been in the trade since 1876, when he purchased a busi-

158

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY.

ness then located at 235 State street, which had been established since 1840.

L. N. REESE, of the firm of Reese & Hartley, corner Union and Romeyn streets, is one of the leading grocers, and enjoys the reputation of a fair and honest dealer.

CHARLES N. SMITH, grocer, a son of the late Abel Smith, has been in business in Schenectady since March, 1883, in connection with A. Dillenbeck.

WILLIS T. HANSON & Co., druggists and apothe- caries, 195 State street, was established in 1879. The premises are 25 x 100 feet, with the prescrip- tion department and private office in the rear. They deal in all the standard medicines, trusses and other surgical appliances, toilet articles, pure wines and liquors, mineral and medicinal waters, cigars, etc.

Their specialty, and which is their manufacture, is "Hanson's Magic Corn Salve," a remedy widely known.

Mr. Willis T. Hanson is the active partner of the concern.

In 1835, Andrew Truax established the phar- macy at 141 State street, which is now conducted by ANDREW T. VEEDER. Mr. Truax retained his connection with it for forty-eight years In 1864 Mr. Veeder became partner, and in Jannary, 1883, Mr. Truax retired, leaving his former junior part- ner sole proprietor.

The premises are 30 x 100 feet in dimension, and the stock carried embraces all necessary arti- cles. Dr. Veeder is a descendant of one of our oldest families, is an accomplished pharmacist, and treasurer of the County Medical Society.

ANDREW TRUAX, M.D.

Dr. ANDREW TRUAX was born in Schenectady April 10, 1811, and died there September 26, 1883. About 1830 he became a clerk in the drug store of Richard Fuller (the old Dunlap & Fuller drug store), and while thus employed studied medicine. After his graduation, he located and practiced for a few years on the Hudson River. Returning to Schenectady about 1835, he opened a drug store, which has grown to be the most ex- tensive concern of the kind in the city, and is now under the management of his nephew, Andrew T. Veeder, who became his partner in 1866.

Dr. Truax was successful in business. Ever attentive to all duties, he was economical, but never penurious. His reputation for all those qualities which characterize the honorable, upright man of affairs was well known, and as a citizen his virtues were as conspicuous as his honor. He was a quiet, unassuming gentleman, courteous to all, whether high or low. His words were few, but to the point. No appeal for charity, when the object was deserving, was made to him in vain. Many an aching heart was made glad by his kindly hand, and many a poor soul, whose necessities he re- lieved, felt, at his death, that a faithful friend was gone. Like his life, his charities were unostenta- tious, and in this he but obeyed the promptings

of his noble heart, which turned from vain display. He never married. Although not a professor of religion, he was a faithful attendant at the First Reformed Church. His friendship was steadfast, and the many who knew him will respect his memory while they live.

ED. L. DAVIS, druggist, began business in Sche- nectady in 1881, and has a flourishing trade.

G. A. F. STEINFUEHER has sustained a prosperous business in the drug trade for some years, and well merits the extensive patronage he controls.

FURNITURE AND UNDERTAKING. - The present firm of ALBERT BROWN & SON, 154 State street, up- holsterers and furniture manufacturers and under- takers, is the outcome of the business established by Albert Brown in 1829 in the Lassell building. In 1830, Mr. Brown bought the cabinet shop of Nicholas Yates, State street, and occupied it until 1833, when he leased the store of Cornelius Groot, subsequently Vedder & Co. Six years later he was burned out, and then leased the Doty Block. In 1857 he moved into the I. I. Truax Block across the way, remaining there until 1872. His son, Clinton C., purchased Fuller's Hotel, corner State and Dock streets, and converted it into the present establishment, to which place Mr. Brown removed October 1, 1872. During the years from 1872 to 1882, the firm was known as Albert Brown, A. & E. Brown, A. Brown & Son, Albert Brown and A. Brown & Son, under which head it still exists. Since the death of Mr. Brown, March 6, 1882, the business has been conducted by Clinton C. Brown. Mr. George Harding has been with the house since February 16, 1843.

The semi-centennial of Mr. Albert Brown's busi- ness life, April 10, 1879, was a memorable event in the history of Schenectady.

In 1849, CHARLES N. YATES learned his trade of Albert Brown, in the same building now occupied by the former. Mr. Yates during the years 1849- 50-51 was with his father, Nicholas Yates, at 27 Front street. After several business changes, Mr. Yates purchased his present property, 62, 68, 70 and 72 State street, and engaged in the wholesale and retail furniture and upholstering business, where he has since remained. He also manufac- tures, from the raw stuff, any custom work ordered. Fifteen males are employed, and their productions reach Saratoga and Montgomery Counties. The undertaking department is in charge of Mr. J. S. Timeson. A son of the proprietor, M. De Forest Yates, is associated with the business.

The establishment of LEVI T. CLUTE, hatter and furrier, 101 State street, was founded in 1839 by his father, William H. Clute, and Levi W. Teller, under the firm name of Clute & Teller. They were then located at 96 State street. Mr. Teller died in 1861, and the business was carried on by Wm. H. Clute until 1867, when Levi T. was added, the firm name becoming W. H. Clute & Son. The firm remained without change until 1871, the year of Mr. Clute's death, since which time Levi T. Clute has conducted the most extensive business

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 249

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