Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations, Part 76

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 76

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The owners of the Commercial Company ob- tained control of the American District in Novem- ber, 1880, and the two companies were consolidated in January, 1881, under the name of the Com- mercial Telephone Company.

This company was located at 468 Broadway (Van Heusen & Charles' Marble Building), with branches at 68 Washington avenue and corner of South Pearl and Hamilton streets. The officers were: Henry R. Pierson, President; N. D. Wen- dell, Treasurer; J. L. Van Valkenburgh, Secretary; A. B. Uline, Manager.

The Hudson River Telephone Company began operations in 1883, and are now the owners of the Commercial Company, with lines and commu- nication extending to the following places in the county: The Abbey, Berne, East Berne, West Berne, Cedar Hill, Coeymans, Clarksville, Cohoes, Green Island, Hurstville, Chesterville, London- ville, Menands, Potter's Hollow, Slingerlands, Sloans, West Albany, West Troy, Watervleit Centre, Newtonville, New Scotland, Delmar, Rensselaerville, Bethlehem, Guilderland, Preston Hollow, with about 2,000 stations or instruments distributed in the city and county. The employees number about one hundred.

The officers of the Hudson River Company are: J. Bigler, President; H. L. Storke, Secretary and Treasurer; A. B. Uline, General Manager. Direc . tors: J. Bigler, H. L. Storke, A. B. Uline, C. S. Beardsley, D. A. Smith, A. O. Morgan, Theo. N. Vail. General office, No. 468 Broadway, Albany. Branch offices: 68 Washington avenue and corner South Pearl and Hamilton streets.

The Messenger Service, beginning here in 1875, under the American District Telegraph Company, has been fully identified with the business interests of the city as one of its very useful, almost neces- sary modern conveniences. The system adopted is for each subscriber to have a box, and by pulling down a crank, a number peculiar to that box is re- corded at the office, which is answered promptly by a uniformed messenger boy. This method is still used to some extent, the telephone in a great measure taking its place. The Commercial Tele- phone Company became the owners of the Amer- ican District Telegraph Company, both of which are now owned by the Hudson River Telephone Company. From forty to sixty boys are employed. Boxes are placed at convenient locations free of cost, subscribers paying only for service. The rates are: For 30 minutes or less, 10 cents; 30 to 45 minutes, 15 cents; 45 to 60 minutes, 20 cents; each continuous hour after the first, 15 cents. The boys are called to perform all kinds of errand work. They distribute invitations, wedding cards, circu- lars, packages, etc., etc. Offices for this service are at the Hudson River Telephone Company's offices. This company now controls all the terri- tory from New York City to Clinton County east to the State line, and west fifty miles along the Hudson River to Jersey City, It is the only com- pany operating from this city or in the county.

In 1880, the Construction Telephone and Sup- ply Company contracted to build lines and ex- changes throughout the State. A. B. Uline, President and Manager; W. B. Butler, Secretary and Treasurer. This was finally purchased by the Bell Telephone Company, of Boston, and afterward sold to the Hudson River Telephone Company.

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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

AGRICULTURE IN ALBANY COUNTY.

A GRICULTURE, or the cultivation of the soil, is the first and one of the most important occupations of the human family, having been in- stituted and blessed by the Creator as soon as the earth was ready for man's habitation. Then was the command given that by the sweat of his brow was man to earn his bread. Agricultural art is a factor in molding human events and in adjusting the in- terests of communities. Its rational pursuit is not incompatible with the highest intellectual attain- ments and the best development of the individual citizen and of the public service.

Many of the sciences are useful servants of agri- culture, and the most learned often become its most skilled exponents.

The energies of the thrifty husbandman lead to substantial comforts, and no one better deserves. and enjoys the luxuries of life.

In the early settlement of this county, its agricul- tural inducements were not very inviting. For many years, little progress was made in this direc- tion. The land was covered with a heavy growth of trees that required to be felled and removed be- fore the soil could be planted and tilled. Sturdy blows from the pioneer's ax cleared the forest for an opening upon which to erect his log cabin and extend his fields for culture. Here, too, he was met by Indians and wild beasts-enemies cruel, treacherous and savage, which were to be tamed or subdued. In these days the settler and his family experienced the greatest hardships and difficulties. Useful implements and other conveniences were needed, the lack of which made his labor burden- some and of slow progress. Another and, per- haps, greater want was that of domestic animals, then introduced only to a limited extent for food or for assistance in the daily demands of labor. The poor man dwelt in his cabin-home and pa- tiently wrought, with spade and grub-hoe, a scanty subsistence from the soil. The native forest fur- nished him with wild game and the streams an abundance of fish.

Nine-tenths of the farmers of that day com- menced life bare-handed, as tenants or in debt for land, with small means for purchasing stock, im- plements or necessaries. Yet they possessed rug- ged constitutions, a determined spirit, and a will to

labor. None knew, from hard experience, better than these farmers and their wives, the necessity of self-denial, unflinching industry and careful econ- omy, in their heroic struggles to secure a home and rear a fam ly ; nor the firm reliance and strength- giving trust in God and each other needed to sus- tain them through the long years of discouraging t.ials and unceasing toil.

There were conditions and unfavorable sur- roundings which attended these early adv. nturers in their choice of occupancy. Many of tlicse early farmers were unused to labor of this kind, having been engaged by the West India Company as traders or servants. But dependence on this was not proving permanently profitable to the Dutch boor. He at first selected lands of easy culture near Fort Orange. Small beginnings were made. In time others followed, extending their possessions farther in the forest, seeking the best lands within easy communication. At the same time he held his trade with the Indians as well as he could for the benefit of the company. Farming was neg- lected in these early years and by these first col- onists.

The West India Company, by their charter, had the right to navigate the rivers of New Netherlands; and in 1623 equipped a vessel of 130 lasts, called the New Netherland, whereof Cornelis Jacobs, of Horn, was skipper, with thirty families, mostly Walloons, to plant a colony. They sailed in the beginning of March, and in May entered the River Mauritius. Eight of these families came to Albany. But they came not as farmers.

In 1625 and 1626, "there arrived for New Netherlands, at Mauritius, 103 head of cattle-stal- lions, mares, steers and cows, hogs and sheep, for breeding and multiplying." Few, if any, were taken to Fort Orange. The Patroon charter of 1629, provided, that within four years, at least fifty persons over fifteen years of age, one-fourth of whom should be located within the first year, should settle in every colony. Early in the spring of the follow- ing year, a number of colonists with their families, and provided with farming implements, stock and other necessaries, sailed from Texel and landed in safety at the Manhattes. In a short time afterwards some of them landed at Fort Orange, and were

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AGRICULTURE IN ALBANY COUNTY.

soon furnished with farms, houses and other dwellings at the expense of the Patroon and his associates. Other colonists followed each succeed- ing season. Needful supplies of stores were kept by the agents of the Patroon and sold to the col- onists. In 1644, Priest Jogues, says of Bever- wyck : "There are twenty-five or thirty houses along the river, built of boards and thatched. They cultivate some land for their horses, of which they have a large stock."

Among the products cultivated were Indian corn, wheat, flax, hemp and tobacco. Sugar made from the maple was a substitute for cane-sugar. These articles were bartered with the agents of the company in return for foreign goods for household and domestic use.

There seems to have been very little progress made or interest developed in farming until after English rule in 1664, when a change in govern- ment brought some encouragement to the few tillers of the soil. Hardships were many; the winters were severe, with cold and snow; the travel was bad; the means of living scanty; the surroundings cheerless and exposed to dangers. From this time to 1700, the condition of the few coloni-ts upon lands of the Patroon were not much improve.l, although some progress was apparent in the increased acres under cultivation, the addi- tions to stock and the increased quantity of grain and other farm products. The few bushels of grain, or pounds of flax, hemp and tobacco that could be exchanged, were taken by the agent. In 1665, wheat, corn, or any sort of grain was not allowed to be transported from the city down the Hudson River. Some produce was exported in 1678. In 1680, when Dankers and Sluyter were in this county, wheat and rye were cultivated, and a trade with the West Indies was carried on. The soil of the farming lands was well adapted to the growth of every variety of grain, fruit and vegeta- bles. The low lands along the streams furnished luxuriant pasture and abundant hay. Wheat, in 1692, was sold at four shillings per bushel.

The settlement of lands on the manor was slow. In 1714, there were only 427 white persons and 181 slaves. In 1719, there were very few leases in the hands of the settlers. As late as 1767, from a map made for the Patroon, the number of families on the west side of the river is given as 148. This number does not probably include those on the Coeymans and Slingerland patents of 1673 and 1685.

There were a few families of Bradts who had settled under the shelter of the Helderbergs;

along the Normanskill, and in the northeast part of the county. After the close of the Indian and French disturbances, there was a marked increase of permanent settlers throughout the county, some of whom had been soldiers, and now exchanged the sword and musket for the ax and plow. These men were bred farmers in their native land, and by industry and frugality became worthy citizens. The tenants of the Patroon brought their rent and surplus grain to his store-house at Albany. Ship- ments down the river were under his control. In 1770, there were several sloops trading at Albany, loaded with grain and other farm produce, evidence of growing prosperity of the farmers.

The period from 1780 to 1800, witnessed the change from war to peace; from foreign power to an independent government. It was a new era in the development of agricultural pursuits, as well as in social and political life.

During the hostile years of revolutionary war, the agricultural interests of this county were not ma- terially affected. There were no serious conflicts be- tween the contending parties nearer than Saratoga, and the farmers, many of whom remained at home, were ready and anxious to furnish needed supplies from their cultivated acres. After hostilities ceased, and peace spread her protecting wings over the valleys and plains of this region, new life and en- couragement was assured to the practical farmer. Prominent men engaged in the work, and gave the results of their experience to others.

As early as 1784, an agricultural society was formed, and an annual fair for the sale of cattle was held in Albany. Chancellor Livingston, in 1790, introduced the use of gypsum as a fertilizer. In 1785, grain and other farm products were shipped from Albany ; and in 1790, Capt. Blood- good loaded a vessel with surplus local products, among which was a negro slave, the property of Mrs. Staats, which he sold in Antigua for fifty-one pounds. In 1794, trade in wheat and other grain was quite extensive. The yield was from sixteen to twenty bushels per acre, and it brought seven shillings a bushel. In 1799, it was sold at fourteen shillings a bushel.

Farming lands in the county began to be held, generally, by a class of men who brought experience and knowledge to practical farming. Wheat was the staple product, and the soil gave generous yield; rye, oats, corn, buckwheat, hemp, flax and root crops were cultivated. Sheep were a source of profit, as they could be kept on the new and unimproved lands. Neat-cattle, of native stock, were raised only for home demands. During the

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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

war of 1812, wheat was sold for $2.00 and $3.00 per bushel. .

This date marks another era of improvement in all branches of agriculture and domestic hus- bandry. Its interests, as connected with the pros- perity of the State, enlisted the attention of public officials and all men of intelligence. Among the men most actively interested near this time, and de- serving of special mention, were Matthew Bullock, De Witt Clinton, Solomon Southwick, Stephen Van Rensselaer, Jesse Buel, C. N. Bement, Ezra P. Prentice, Erastus Corning, Thomas Hillhouse, Christopher Dunn, and Proctor & Hawes.

Hemp and flax culture has almost or quite dis- appeared as a paying branch of farming. Cotton has, to a great extent, taken their place in domestic fabrics as being more readily obtained and more economic in the family. The rope-walk, spinning- wheel, and farm-house loom have nearly disap- peared, and millions of dollars are now invested in machinery and factories employing thousands of operatives and producing millions of yards of woolen and cotton fabrics in this county.

The cultivation of hops has in a large measure been substituted for hemp and flax. Increased acreage is devoted to small fruits and garden products, now largely cultivated in the county. The near-by city markets consume the supply of- fered. These and the orchard products are a prof- itable source of income to the farmer. In 1865 there were produced in the county 46, 585 pounds of hops, and in 1885, 250 acres were under culture, with an estimate of 150,000 pounds. The value of orchard products of all kinds, sold or consumed in 1879, was $138,881; of market products, $208, 420.

Hay is one of the staple products, and for the past thirty years has been the main crop relied upon for prompt sales and largest returns. The hay crop of 1864 was 74, 133 tons, and in 1879 it equaled 95, 137 tons. Albany County has a terri- tory extensive and varied enough; a soil suited to almost every variety of grain and vegetable, fruit and flower.

The grain crops in this county have been re- markably free from the ravages or destruction caused by the pests which sometimes commit fearful waste. The Hessian fly has never been troublesome. About 1833 the grain-worm and wecvil made their appearance, and for several years were very de- structive to growing wheat. This compelled farm- ers to abandon this crop altogether. Other grain was more largely cultivated ; more acres were given to grass; more orchards were planted, For

the past twenty years there has been a steady in- crease in the acreage of wheat, with a fair yield. In 1864, the number of bushels harvested was 1, 858, and in 1879, 23, 128. All the usual cereals are grown in the county, and furnish a range for the rotation system. Rye produced in 1864, 114, 785 bushels; in 1879, 158,600 bushels. Oats in 1864, 259,694 bushels; in 1879, 787, 529 bushels. Corn in 1864, 159,200 bushels; in 1879, 296, 145 bushels. Barley in 1864, 10,017 bushels, and in 1879, 17,952 bushels. Buckwheat in 1879, 211,- 225 bushels. Potatoes as a farm crop in 1879 amounted to 495,402 bushels.

Farm implements and machinery of improved invention are extensively in use.

The following items are taken from census re- turns for 1880: Value of all farms in the county, including fences and buildings, $19,898,866. In 1865, the same were valued at $16,966, 583. Value of farming implements and machinery in 1865, $797,486; in 1880, $1,047, 171. Estimated value of farm products sold or consumed in the year 1880, $2,783,028.

The present condition of agriculture in the county is encouraging, and the average crops that contribute to the prosperity of the people will com- pare favorably to-day with other counties. Changes have been necessary to meet the demands of suc- cessful farming. Productive new methods, experi- mental systems, scientific investigations, and im- proved machinery have been introduced to make labor easier, to lessen cost, and to increase returns.

The better construction of farm buildings is an evidence that improvement upon the past has been made. Spacious mansions, beautiful farm-houses, and well arranged cottages, with barns, stables, sheds, and other necessary structures, all planned and finished with architectural skill, attest the owner's wealth and taste. His material prosperity results from an intelligent knowledge of the best methods for producing desired returns, which crown the laborer and reward him for his toil and perse- verance. The key to unlock the golden treasure hidden in the earth is "first and last, lots of manure and lots of brains." The manure is the easier to get and the sooner to give out.

The following farm and agricultural statistics for Albany County are taken from the tenth census of the United States, 1880.

Total number of farms, 3,325; number less than 3 acres, 2; number of 1,000 acres, 1; average acres per farm, 92; value of farms and improve- ments, $19,898,866; value of machinery and im-

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FARM ANIMALS IN ALBANY COUNTY.

plements, $1,047, 170; value of farm products, $2,783,028.

Number of farms cultivated by owner, 2,635; number rented for fixed money rental, 381; num- ber rented for share of products, 309.

Number of acres in county, 306, 257; number of acres improved, 254,521; number of acres unim- proved, 51,737; improved and covered by woods, 43,307.

Barley, acres, 1,077; bushels, 17,952. Buck- wheat, acres, 14,774; bushels, 211, 225. Corn, acres, 11,845; bushels, 296, 145. Oats, acres, 30, 169; bushels, 787,529. Rye, acres, 14,710;

bushels, 158,600. Wheat, acres, 1,652; bushels, 23, 128. Potatoes, bushels, 495,402. Hay, tons, 95,137.

Whole number of horses, 9,469; whole number of swine, 12,027; whole number of milch cows, 13,042; gallons of milk sold or sent to factory, 1,390,662; pounds of butter made, 1, 154, 969; pounds of cheese, 6, 560; pounds of honey, 64, 267; pounds of wool, 115, 847.

Value of orchard products, $138,881; value of grain products, $208,420. Barn-yard poultry, number, 118,348; dozens of eggs produced, 627,374.

FARM ANIMALS IN ALBANY COUNTY.

A MONG the first to import into this county im- proved breeds of foreign cattle was Matthew Bullock, an Englishman, who bought a farm in now New Scotland, where he resided until his death. The property remained in the possession of his sons for a few years, and is now owned and occupied by Robert Huist. Mr. Bullock was a suc- cessful farmer, and noted breeder of improved short- horn cattle, which became celebrated throughout the United States. The introduction of this breed of cattle into the county is of so much importance that a special record is given, the facts of which are obtained from authentic sources. Previous to 1815, an Englishman by the name of Cox, who lived in Rensselaer County, imported from one of the established herds of England, a bull, cow and heifer which were pure short-horns, and are said to have been bred by Robert Colling, of Brampton, England, whose herd was sold in 1810, one of his bulls bringing one thousand guineas. Mr. Bullock purchased his stock of him in the year 1815. Upon the death of Cox, his cattle and their produce were purchased by Bullock, who bred them with the bulls Comet and Nelson, im- ported by Matthew Bullock and John Waine, in June, 1821. The herd, in 1843, passed into the hands of his sons, one of whom, William M., con- tinues to breed them with some degree of purity. The descendants of this stock were remarkable for their robust size and extraordinary milking qualities, and for several years in succession, after 1818, at fairs and cattle shows, Mr. Bullock was awarded premiums for the best cattle exhibited.

About 1815, Jesse Buel, of Albany, purchased of Mr. Cox an imported short-horn bull and two cows, which were crossed with the above-named Comet and Nelson.

In 1823, Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer imported from the herd of Mr. Champion, the bull Washing- ton and the cows Pansy and Conquest. Pansy has many descendants, which were distributed through many of the States.

In the year 1835 or 1836, Ezra P. Prentice, of Albany, began breeding short-horns from the stock of Van Rensselaer ; and from 1838 to 1841, he made several importations of this breed from vari- ous herds in England. He bred his stock with such skill and success that it was much sought after by purchasers from other States and Canada. In 1842, he added to his stock, by importation, Ayrshire or Scotch cattle; and in 1837, he imported a choice flock of Southdown and Cotswold sheep. The encroachments of the city upon his Mount Hope Farm compelled him to discontinue this branch of farming, in which he took so much interest. He disposed of his stock in 1850, the sheep being purchased by Mr. McIntyre.

About the year 1836, Erastus Corning, Sr., im- ported the cow Wildair, and a bull and heifer. This cow has progeny mentioned in the American Herd Book.

C. N. Bement, as early as 1835, had on his Three Hills Farm, Durham short-horn registered cattle, and in 1838 a cow and a bull of the Hereford breed. Benjamin Tompkins commenced the breeding of this variety of cattle about 1766, near

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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

Hereford, England. In 1819, his herd of fifty-two head was sold at auction for £4,673. They were originally brown or reddish-brown, with white faces, and came, probably, from Normandy. The first importation to this country was made about 1817, by Henry Clay, of Kentucky. Massachusetts farmers began to import them in 1824.

The first direct importation of these cattle into this county was by Wm. H. Sotham in 1840. The Hon. Erastus Corning, of Albany, was inter- ested in this transaction. The Albany Cultivator said : "One of the most important importations of cattle and sheep that has ever taken place in this county has been made by the Hon. Erastus Corning, of this city, and Wm. H. Sotham, of Jefferson County. It consists of twelve cows, calves and heifers, and twenty-five sheep. The cattle are the very best animals that could be selected, and the expense of this importation was nearly $8,000." At this time was imported the celebrated stallion Sampson, a heavy draught horse of fine proportion. The progeny of this horse possessed marked features, which have been transfused with native stock, and is yet counted in the pedigree of his direct offspring.

Messrs. Corning & Sotham continued together in breeding Herefords until July, 1847, when the firm was dissolved, and Mr. Sotham took a portion of the herd and removed to Black Rock. Mr. Corning retained a portion, and his son, Erastus Corning, Jr., maintains the reputation of the herd by occasional importations. In 1853, he imported three fine Herefords, a bull and two cows, selected in England especially for him, from Lord Berwick's prize stock. Stock from this choice herd are in demand, and are sold to all parts of the United States and Canada.

A strain of Durham or short-horn cattle called "Cream Pots," originated with Col. Jacques, by a cross with Colebs and Flora, in 1819 ; and for several years Hon. Wm. H. Slingerland has been a successful breeder of this choice stock, celebrated for their remarkable milking qualities as well as butter makers. Jenny Lind, a cream-pot cow, the property of Mr. Slingerland, in 1859 was awarded the first prize at the State Agricultural Fair as the best butter and milk cow exhibited. Jenny Lind, in her prime, gave thirty-six quarts of milk a day.

The first record of the Devon breed in this county, was a bull and cow, the property of Caleb N. Bement, of the Three Hills Farm, as early as 1839. Since that time the breed has been in- troduced by several practical farmers, and has pro-

duced satisfactory results. The largest breeder and owner of this fine stock in the county is Captain Joseph Hilton, whose herd contains some of the choicest specimens in the State. Mr. Hilton is a very successful breeder, and is usually awarded first and second prizes for herds or single animals. His bull, Prince of Wales, has been the winner of first prizes at State Fairs for several years. This animal stands at the head of the best herd of prize Devons, and is considered the finest Devon bull in America.

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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 76

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