Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations, Part 77

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 77

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The origin of the Jersey cattle is quite obscure. They probably came first from Normandy and Brittany with the early settlers, and thence to the Channel Islands, where they developed character- istics that are modified to a remarkable degree from those on the mainland.

The Channel Islands are English possessions, and are composed of Guernsey, Alderney, Jersey and Sark. Within the past 30 01 40 years, efforts have been made among breeders of dairy cattle to develop a greater degree of docility of disposition with continuous milking tendency and extreme richness in butter qualities. Cattle from the Channel Islands were selected for this purpose by parties in England. As early as 1817, Mr. Richard Morris, of Philadelphia, describes "a cow of the Alder- ney breed " imported by Mr. Wurts. Early im- portations from these islands were usually shipped from a port in Alderney; hence the common name of "Alderney." This breed was imported to some extent into the United States by Mr. John A. Taintor, of Hartford, Conn., about the year 1850, and has been a favorite with special regard to their rich milking qualities, possessing many of the characteristics of the cattle from Jersey.

The Jersey cow is a product of the Island of Jersey. Its genial climate has produced a small, docile, useful and beautiful domestic animal. These fine qualities are said to be greatly due to the constant care and presence of women; for in Jersey the women have charge of the cattle.

The primary object in breeding the Jersey cow is for family use and butter dairies. This animal is simply a machine for first-class milk and butter. She produces the richest of milk, from which butter can be made of superior flavor, finer texture and richer gold color than any other. It also com- mands higher prices in the market. The im- portations made about the year 1850, by farm- ers near Hartford, Conn., were the foundation stock, which was largely distributed in several States. Numerous importations have been made since then. The finest herd of registered Jerseys

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FARM ANIMALS IN ALBANY COUNTY.

in this county is the property of Erastus Corn- ing, collected from his own importations and selected with great judgment. Other parties in the county who have imported animals of this stock, are E. J. Larabee, John McEwen, G. E. Waring and L. S. Hardin.

In 1840, an importation of Guernseys was made by Nicholas Biddle, of fine animals from the Island of Guernsey. Since then several importations have been made, and the cattle have been received with favor and are considered but little inferior to the best Jerseys, which they resemble in some points.

There are in the county some fine animals. Those belonging to the herd of John S. Perry have been selected with great care from direct im- portations or progeny of imported stock.

The first importations into Massachusetts of the Dutch Holstein-Friesian, were made as early as 1852. In May 1885, the breeders and importers of Dutch cattle adopted the name of "Holstein- Friesian " as their title.

Mr. C. L. G. Blesssing is the largest and most extensive breeder and importer of Dutch cattle in the county. In 1881, he was the owner of an im- ported cow ; in 1882, he imported six head of Frie- sian cattle ; and in 1884, he made a successful importation of fifty-one head, selected by himself from the best herds of Holland. Schuyler Brothers, E. Sweet, John Gardner, Martin J. Blessing, and a few others of this county, have individual animals or small herds of choice and blooded stock, which, since their recent introduction, have acquired a high reputation for their many excellent qualities.

The improvement in neat cattle has been quite successful. There is scarcely a distinguished herd of short-horns, Devons, or Herefords in England, Ayr- shires in Scotland, or the more recent introduction of Jerseys, Alderneys and Guernseys, or of the Hol- stein-Friesian from Holland, that has not its repre- sentative in this county. The grades and crosses have made a decided impression upon the general utility and produce of this class of animals, which return the farmer great profits in milk, butter and beef. The number of milch cows in the county in the year 1820, was 8,995. In 1865, cows, 10,615 ; heifers, 9,388 ; oxen, 792. In 1875, cows, 11,951; heifers, 4,029 ; oxen, 964. In 1880, cows, 13,042 ; heif- ers, 7,314 ; oxen, 515. Number of pounds of butter made in 1879, 1, 154,969 ; of cheese, 6, 560. Number of gallons of milk sold or taken to cheese factories, 1,390,663.

To write up fully the subject of horse-raising and breeds introduced in the county for the past eighty

years, would require more time and space than can be given in these pages. Although a subject of much interest, it has received, until recently, but little consideration compared with other advanced farming industries from which success has resulted.

The earliest historic locations to which we can trace back the modern horse on this continent, are found in New Mexico, Wyoming and Utah. No horses, either wild or domestic, existed on this continent at the time of the Spanish conquest of Mexico in 1556; but those introduced at that time escaped, and multiplied rapidly on the plains of South America and Texas. In time they spread to the Western prairies.

The several breeds that were early found in this county came from thorough-bred stock, and the points of excellence they possessed were adapted to the requirements of that period. Of this class were the stallions Eclipse, Goldfinder, Blucher, Mambrino, Albion, Diomede, Messenger, and others. The Messenger stock, through its de- scendants, has in a wonderful manner perpetuated the endurance and the quality of speed that was characteristic of its ancestors.

Later, the Morgan, Black Hawk, Hambletonian, and Henry Clay stock, introduced a strain of blood into previously well-bred animals, and this infusion has had a decided and valuable influence in pro- ducing a class of horses possessing superior action as coach and roadsters. Many of them have rec- ords of great trotting speed.

In 1840, Messrs. Corning & Latham imported into this county, from England, the draught-horse Sampson, which, with the native mares, produced a class of horses possessing qualities desirable in a horse for farm work, and enhanced his market value as a draught-horse.

At the present time the Percheron, Norman and Clydesdale are being introduced and bred with native mares, and the experiment is attended with fair results The Percheron is a pattern of strength, and impresses this character upon his progeny. As a race they are remarkably hardy, of excellent tem- per, docile, of great endurance, with a disposition and willingness to work. The horse that the farmer needs is one that can do his work with ease on the farm, be active enough for the road and market, with style and action to command pur- chasers.

One of the reasons why the breeding of horses as an industry is very much depressed in this county is, that farmers, for several years past, have largely bred from fancy or trotting stock without regard to size, figure, usefulness or local require-

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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

ments. The number of horses in the county in 1820 was 8,893; in 1865, 10,529; in 1875, 8,963 ; in 1880, 9,469.

Sheep husbandry supplies two of the great ne- cessities of life-warm clothing and nutritious food. When the slopes and hill-sides of our county were first cleared, they furnished natural pasturage which the farmer stocked with sheep, and from which he realized a large return for his capital and labor. They required herding at night as a pro- tection from the ravages of wild beasts, then com- mon in the forests.

For many years, the farmers of this county gave considerable attention to this branch of industry- almost every farm had more or less sheep. But many have latterly abandoned sheep husbandry to devote their lands to greater breadth of grain crops, potatoes and fruit. After hay became a staple commodity for transportation, many a farm- er found greater profit in growing hay ; the sheep pastures were generally abandoned and converted into meadows.

The destruction of many sheep by the unrestrict- ed control of dogs, was a great detriment to this special interest, and many have abandoned the business from this cause alone. In some of the towns containing hill-side or rough lands, small flocks are yet to be found.

As early as 1838-40, some of the improved English stock were introduced, and a few farmers now have small flocks. The varieties of improved breeds are fairly represented in the county. Yet, it is a fact, that sheep husbandry has steadily de- creased for the past thirty or more years, and it is evident that the business of wool-growing has ceased to be a profitable branch of general farming in this county. Number of sheep in the county in 1820, 52,613; in 1865, 33,543; in 1875, 18, 120; in 1880, 24, 393. The clip of wool for 1880 equaled 115, 847 pounds.

Improvement marks swine-raising in this county. The days when the only care that hogs received was a rustic ornament about their necks and a horse-

shoe nail twisted in their nose, have passed away. When not confined in filthy pens, they ranged the highways and trespassed on their neighbors, or were turned in autumn into the woods or weedy pastures to seek their own living.

The long-eared, slab-sided and lank hog with protruding nose, is a relic of the past. As early as 1832, S. Hawes, who came from England and settled about three miles west of Albany, brought Berkshire hogs and New Leicester and Southdown sheep. But the credit for the first introduction of Berkshire hogs belongs to Thomas Hillhouse, who, in 1824, at the Albany County Fair and Cattle Show, exhibited this improved breed. After Hillhouse, Christopher Dunn and C. N. Bement, in 1835, were engaged in breeding Berkshires and improved China hogs from New Jersey stock. There is now a fair exhibit of all the different im- proved breeds in the county, including fine speci- mens of Berkshires, Chester Whites, Cheshires, China Reds, Poland, Essex, Suffolks and York- shires. The number of swine in the county in 1865 was 11,450; in 1875, 8,814; in 1880, 12,027.

Poultry-raising and the production of eggs is an industry that receives great attention. Almost every farm has its brood of hens, from which a fair profit is realized for a small outlay. With ju- dicious management and proper selection of stock, this branch should be a source of pleasure as well as gain. Since 1850, the improved varieties have largely increased, and the introduction of these, with crosses, have produced many desirable quali- ties for both market-fowls and eggs. Beside barn- yard fowls, many farmers profitably raise turkeys, geese and ducks. Among the wonders of the age is the invention and machinery for artificial hatch- ing, brooding and raising of poultry, which is rap- idly improving and becoming a special industry. Not a few of these incubators are already in opera- tion both in the city and county towns. The census report of 1880 gives 118, 348 as the number of barn-yard or domestic poultry, and the produc- tion of eggs, 627, 374 dozen.

HORTICULTURE, FLORICULTURE AND AGRICULTURAL LITERATURE.

333

HORTICULTURE, FLORICULTURE AND AGRICULTURAL LITERATURE IN ALBANY COUNTY.

SOLOMON SOUTHWICK came from Rhode

Island to Albany in 1792; became connected with The Albany Register, and in 1808, its pro- prietor. In 1819, he conducted The Ploughboy, the first agricultural paper published in the county, under the nom de plume of Henry Homespun.

The Farmers', Mechanics' and Workingmen's Ad- vocale, daily, was started in 1830 by McPherson & McKercher, and the next year it appeared as The Daily Frecman's Advocate and Farmers', Mechanics' and Workingmen's Champion, and was published for a year or two.

The American Quarterly Hemp Magazine was com- menced in 1833 and continued two years.

The Silk-worm, monthly, was commenced in 1835, published two years, then changed to The Silk- worm and Sugar Manual; discontinued in 1838.

The Cultivator, monthly, was established in 1834, by Jesse Buel, who came to Albany from Connec- ticut in 1813; and soon after established The Albany Argus, his interest in which he sold in 1820, and purchased a farm of eighty-five acres on the sand barrens west of Albany. Here he was very successful in experimental and improved husband- ry, proving that these sand lands, before considered as worthless, could be made highly productive, and the returns made remunerative. He gave the public the benefit of his labors through the columns of The Cultivator. The system he adopted was heavy manuring, under-draining, thorough tillage, clover seeding, root crops, and fallow crops for naked fallow. This was his practical farming. He was also an advocate for improved farm stock, of which he possessed many fine specimens. He also established, in 1838, the first nursery of fruit trees in the county, with James Wilson as partner. In this nursery were grown millions of Morus multi- caulis trees. At this time the country was in a fever and excitement over the silk-worm humbug. Mr. Buel was a member of several agricultural so- cieties in different States and foreign countries; was several times the honored President of the State Agricultural Society. In 1839, he was President of the Horticultural Society of the Valley of the Hud- son; also of the Albany County Horticultural So- ciety. His writings comprise his many addresses

on agricultural subjects, six volumes of The Culti- valor; "The Farmers' Instructor;" and "Farmers' Champion." Connected with him in conducting The Cultivator were J. P. Beekman and J. D. Was- son.

The Cultivator was subsequently published by Luther Tucker, W. Gaylord, associate editor, in November, 1839. January, 1840, The Genessee Farmer was consolidated with The Cultivator, and conducted by L. Tucker & Son.

The Country Gentleman was started at Albany, January, 1853, by J. J. Thomas and L. & L. H. Tucker. It was afterward published by L. Tucker & Son, and, in January, 1866, was united with The Cultivator. Since the death of Luther Tucker in 1873, The Country Gentleman has been conducted by his sons, Luther H. & Gilbert M. Tucker, with dis- tinguished ability and devotion to the interests of progressive agriculture, diffusing practical knowl- edge as to the best methods. Its circulation is very large.

The American Quarterly Journal of Agriculture and Science was commenced in January, 1845, by Dr. E. Emmons and A. T. Prince. In 1846, it was changed to a monthly and published by E. Em- mons and A. Osborn. In 1848, it was sold to Caleb N. Bement, and discontinued in December of the same year.

The Horticulturist and Journal of Rural Art and Rural Taste was commenced in July, 1840; pub- lished by Luther Tucker, and edited by A. J. Downing. In 1854, it was removed to Rochester; in 1855, was published in Philadelphia by R. P. Smith; and in 1858, brought to New York and pub- lished by C. M. Saxton, with J. J. Smith, editor.

The Journal of the New York State Agricultural Society was commenced in 1850, and published an- nually.

Forest, Forge and Farm started in June, 1883; H. S. Quackenbush, editor, Tweddle Building.

The Poultry Monthly commenced in November, 1879; published by the Ferris Publishing Com- pany, at 481 Broadway.

Mount Hope Farm, since 1834, has been the property of Ezra P. Prentice, succeeded by his son,

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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

The plot was originally owned by Maria, wife of Philip Van Rensselaer, and by her conveyed to her daughter, Harriet, wife of General Solomon Van Rensselaer, in 1805. It was used, in 1827, as a sum- mer resort. After Mr. Prentice got possession, he erected new buildings and otherwise improved the premises and stocked them. He was an eminent stock-breeder as well as practical farmer. His 102 acres of improved land supported fifty head of cat- tle, six horses, fifteen to twenty swine, and a flock of sheep. Adjoining Mr. Prentice on the south, were Joel & John F. Rathbone's premises, upon which attractive improvements were made in 1835, the grounds laid out and beautified, green-houses erected, and other buildings constructed with cul- tivated taste. This property is now owned by the Catholics, upon which is the College of the Sacred Heart.

Other men in this county who deserve special mention for their intelligent and practical ex- periments in advancing the best interests of agri- cultural pursuits, at this period, are Christopher Proctor, Christopher Dunn, C. N. Bement, Joel B. Nott, the Watervliet Shakers, and some others.

These men were ever ready to communicate their individual experience that others might be benefited, and their influence was a force in com- munity exerted to obtain better results from given methods. The practical effects resulting from the teaching of these men can be measured only by the value that has been realized in the development and formation of better methods with increased production, establishing a system of higher agricul- ture. They introduced a superior grade of neat cattle and farm stock in general. Experience is a teacher, and they are wise who follow its teachings.

The farmers of this county are intelligent as a class ; many of them are foremost in adopting and applying new methods with satisfactory results.

Many farmers have engaged in growing garden vegetables and other staple products included in " truck-farming," denominated horticulture. A few acres are devoted to this branch, from which is realized a fair profit. The small farms near the city are almost wholly cultivated in this way. Among the men who are largely engaged in truck- farming may be mentioned Messrs. C. V. Baker & Son, at Fair View Farm ; James Hendrick, of Font Grove; E. Van Allen, and many others. The several islands and river flats of the Hudson are almost exclusively planted with cabbages, of which many thousands are grown.

The earliest nursery established in the county was by Bull & Wilson, 1839. Wilson, Thorburn

& Teller had nurseries about 1848. George A. Legget and Erastus Corning, in Bethlehem; James McElroy and Markle Brothers, of New Scotland; and James Hendrick, of Font Grove, have been prominent nurserymen. At the present time there are no nurseries devoted wholly to fruit trees and small fruits ; a few of the florists cultivate a limited stock in connection with their green-houses and shrubbery culture.

STEPHEN VAN RENSSELAER established the first green-house in Albany about 1824, which at that date was the only green-house this side of New York City. Along the river were those of Dr. Hoosick, near that time. James Wilson was gar- dener for the Patroon. It was in these houses that the century plant-Agave Americana, or aloe- bloomed in 1842. The plants and stock of these houses were ultimately disposed of to different parties and the buildings taken down. The grape- house is now doing service on the farm of James Hendrick.

JAMES WILSON established his green-houses with small fruits and trees in 1835, on what was then a waste place in this city, at the corner of South Knox and Morris streets. His grounds were about three acres, on a sloping hill-side; this was carefully cultivated and planted with nursery stock and flow- ering shrubs. Mr. Wilson was the originator of the famous "Wilson strawberry." He died in 1855. His widow and son continued the business until 1866, when it passed into the hands of John Sprague, then of Fredk. J. Welch, and, about 1870, of Thomas Davidson, the present pro- prietor. Mr. Davidson has six green-houses and an extensive collection of plants.

At Kenwood, the RATHBONES built green-houses in 1837. After the property changed owners, many of the choicest plants were taken to the city, where they now beautify and ornament the private con- servatory of General Rathbone.

LOUIS MENAND located, in 1842, upon the Troy road and established his present green-houses and nursery. He has about ten acres of land, upon which are twelve green-houses containing many rare and valuable plants, with a large stock of flowering and ornamental shrubbery and fruit trees. The whole plot and surroundings are attractive and beautiful for situation. L. . Menand & Sons also conduct green-houses near the rural cemetery.

ERASTUS CORNING, on his farm below Kenwood, on the River road, erected a green-house in 1845. Since that date extensive improvements have been made, grading, filling and planting the inclosure

335

THE NEW YORK STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

of ten acres with native and foreign trees, many of which are very ornamental, rare and valuable. This private park contains fourteen extensive green- houses connected with gardeners' cottages. The grounds in summer are very delightful. The houses contain many rare and beautiful tropical and other exotic plants. The collection of orchids is the most extensive of any green-houses in this country; probably the finest in the world. Mr. Wm. Gray is superintendent and gardener. Ta- wass-a-gun-shee, is the Indian name given to these green-houses, meaning a place of much water.

JOHN DINGWALL, in 1847, located and erected green-houses upon eight acres of land on the Troy road, opposite the Van Rensselaer mansion grounds, where he has six green-houses well- stocked with a fine collection of valuable plants. Nursery stock is cultivated in the open spaces. This garden occupies the ground made memorable as the spot upon which Daniel Webster delivered his great Albany speech in the Harrison campaign of 1840, heard by 10,000 listeners.

LOUIS GLOECKNER has green-houses and shrub- bery at the rural cemetery for cut flowers, plants and other decorative supplies.

P. G. PFORDT'S SONS conduct green-houses in the City of Albany, on North Broadway, for the culti- vation and sale of plants and flowers. These were formerly located on the Shaker road, north of West

Albany, and were conducted by Joseph G. Pfordt, as nurseryman, florist and farmer.

A. F. CHATFIELD, florist and proprietor of Ex- otic Green-houses, is located at 66 Chestnut street, Albany City. Established in 1858.

JAMES HENDRICK, of Font Grove, at Slinger- lands, established extensive green-houses in 1869. He, for a time also engaged in the cultivation of fruit trees and nursery stock. He has twenty-one green-houses, 15 x 100 feet, which occupy, with out-door culture, about six acres, for cut flowers and plants to supply his trade. He has an office at 36 North Pearl Street, Albany.

WHITTLE BROTHERS erected extensive green- houses on a plat of five acres on Madison avenue, Albany, in 1884. Here are grown plants and ornamental shrubbery in great variety, for cut flowers, bouquets and the trade. Connected with these green-houses is a store in Tweddle Building.

WASHINGTON PARK, Albany, has extensive green- houses for cultivating plants and shrubbery, under the care of Matthew Fink, superintendent. These were built in 1883, upon a portion of the Alms-house property, on the New Scotland plank road and near the Lexington avenue entrance to the park.

A. J. BINLEY, NO. 323 Clinton avenue, first lo- cated on First street in 1880, has a green-house and lot for the cultivation and sale of plants and flowers.

THE NEW YORK STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

W AS organized by a few public-spirited men, assembled in Albany in the year 1832 from different parts of the State. A constitution was adopted and the following officers elected: Le Ray De Chaumont, President: Ambrose Spencer, Jacob Norris, Edward P. Livingston, Robert R. Rose, Vice-Presidents ; Philip S. Van Rensselaer, Record- ing Secretary; Jesse Buel, Corresponding Secretary; Charles R. Webster, Treasurer; Henry W. Del- avan, Horatio Hickox, John Townsend, Executive Committee. The society held a cattle show and ~ fair the next year; but the want of funds prevented a continuance of fairs. The charter was granted for twenty years. It was renewed in 1842. An act passed by the Legislature for the encourage- ment of agriculture, appropriating $8,000 for five

years, to be divided among the societies, gave the friends of agriculture renewed courage. The soci- ety was reorganized in 1841, with Joel B. Nott, of Bethlehem, as President. The first fair was held the same year at Syracuse, and in Albany the next year. Since that date the society has held fairs and agricultural exhibitions, as well as floricultural and mechanical displays, at Albany in the following years : 1850, 1859, 1871, 1873, 1876, 1880 and 1885.

The annual fairs, with a change of location each year, have become one of the institutions of the State; and the throngs of people who annually flock to its exhibition grounds from all classes and ranks of society, give very gratifying evidence of high public appreciation.

336

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

The society meets annually at its rooms in Albany and has a winter exhibition of agricultural and dairy products. Connected with this State society is the interesting Agricultural Museum, which oc- cupies rooms in the building on State street, corner of Lodge, in which are the offices of the society and special accommodations for its extensive depart- ments. On the 19th of November, 1784, an an- nual fair for vending cattle was held in Albany. Chancellor Livingston was a farmer of intelligence. He is credited with introducing gypsum as a fertil- izer as early as 1789.

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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 77

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