USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > Brooklyn city directory, and annual advertiser, for the years ?, 1848-49 > Part 26
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December 27 A fire consumed the Rope Walks of James Engle and also of Albert A Forbush
1828, Feb 7 A meeting of committees of the Village and the Town held a conference on the subject of a separ- ate and a distinct jurisdiction At this time an excellent Charity School was in operation, called the Loisian School
Feb 18 The corporation of Brooklyn passed resolutions of respect to the memory of Gov Clinton.
February 21 The death of Gov Clinton, at this time caused a great sensation in the state, and throughout the Union.
March 16 Opening and improving streets occupy the attention of the corporation and citizens.
March 13 The first proposition to light Fulton street was now made. Mr Back estimated the cost of each lamp at $14 31 per year.
March 27 The excise of the year is estimated in town account the same as the last, at $2,865 65. $5,000 was raised to support the poor, and pay the present debt of the town.
April 10 The excitement about Masonry and Mor-
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gan prevails at this time throughout New York, except Long Island. It was studiously excluded from this quar- ter.
April 17 An ox cart is owned by the Village, and is used in removing dirt from the streets. It was found economical, and a proposition is made to purchase anoth- er. At the annual town meeting the committee on the Burial Ground near Fort Green was authorized to apply to the Legislature for the passage of an act to vest the said burial ground in the several religious denominations. A comunittee was appointed to purchase a county farm for the poor, &c.
May 1 An act is passed providing for the erection of a fire proof Co. Clerk's office in Kings co.
May 23 A theatre was erected about this time in Fulton st, between Nassau and Concord sts It was con- verted into dwelling houses.
June 5 Some good citizens made great exertions at this time to enforce the hog law
It is stated, that the manure obtained in the streets pays for the ox carts and the labor of gathering! (Can't we try it again, at this time ?)
July 4 A great fire occurred at the Wallabout, by which four rope walks were consumed, with a large amount of property.
Aug 7 At this time Gen Jackson and John Q Adams were before the people as candidates for the Presidency of the United States. This caused an entire derangement of all old party lines and names Every voter took sides according to the influences around him, And the char- acter, and perhaps the destiny, of this country was then in suspense.
Aug 9. This day, Mr. Adams, Pres't of the United States, visited the Brooklyn Navy Yard. and was receiv- ed on board the 'Hudson' frigate, by Commodore Chaun- cey.
Sept 18 At this time unusual sickness prevailed on Long Island, in certain places where ponds produce ma- laria.
Dec 18 It is proposed that the county purchase a farm on which to support the poor, and that the Apprentices'
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Library in Cranberry street become the county court house.
1829, Jan 5 The new Trustees took their seats, viz : J Sprague, President ; Trustees, Tucker, Waring, Bach, Back, Lucas, Van Nostrand, Malbone, Stanton, Clark, and Watson.
.About this time commenced the never-to-be-ended pe- titions of Norris L Martin, to the corporation for redress of grievances.
Feb. 19 The President made a report on the subject of fitting up a prison room under the market, for debtors! The subject of numbering the houses was committed to a committee of the corporation.
Feb 26 A public meeting was called to relieve the great distress of the poor. The law committee of the corporation made a report on the subject of the new South Ferry.
April 2 This year $5,483 22 were expended for the support of the poor
April 9 The road of the ' Wallabout and Bedford Turn- rnpike Company' is accepted as a public highway.
May 14 At length a correct numbering of the houses is effected, and a Directory published at the Star office.
May 421 Some valuable papers on 'Town Rights' were published in the Star about this time. The corpo- ration ordered several streets to be swept.
June 4 An awful occurrence took place this day at the Navy Yard, by the blowing up of the steam frigate ' Fulton.' Forty-three persons were killed and wounded June 9. A Temperance society was formed in Brook- lvn. A Van Sinderin, President, A Mercein, Vice President, F T Peet, Secretary.
June 23 The Market street law case now gives troub- le, a committee of the corporation found it impossible to compromise with Mr. Patchen.
Oct 15 A committee was appointed and $500 appro- prited, to make a legal investigation into our water rights.
Oct 24 The corner stone of the Collegiate Institute for Young Ladies, in Hicks street, was laid this day
1830, Jan 14 The Supervisors of the county purchas- ed the Poor House Farm, at Flatbush.
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Feb 11 A public meeting was called and measures taken to establish a dispensary in Brooklyn.
April 1 The support of the Poor during the year cost the town $7,233 13.
June 22 The Taxes in Brooklyn at this time amount- ed to 60 cents on every hundred Dollars of the valuation of real and personal estate.
August 18 The estimate of Village expenses is as follows :
Village Watch -
83,000
Fire Department
1,400
Public Cisterns
= 300
Interest on Village Stocks
600
Repairs of Wells and Pumps - 900
Salaries of Officers
1200
Contingent Expenses
2600
$10,000
Nothing was appropriated for Lighting the streets, and it is presumed that there were no public lamps.
Sept 2 The Kings County Temperance Society was formed at Flatbush, Leffert Lefferts President.
Oct 13 At an Election of Village officers, the follow- ing were chosen :
President, J Sprague.
Trustees, Henry Waring, Conklin Brush, R Bach, R V W Thorne, Losee Van Nostrand, Joseph Moser, Wm. Smith, Francis Vanduyk, James H Clark, Sam'l Hartt.
Nov 10 The Brooklyn Colonization Society held a meeting and appointed officers.
Nov 24 The celebration of the late Revolution in France was observed in Brooklyn, by a public procession and demonstrations.
Dec 15 Brooklyn contained at this time 15,292 in- habitants.
Dec 20. Public Meetings were held in the several districts to amend the Village Charter.
1831, an 3 The Trustees of the Village, and New Trustees elect, partook of a dinner a Duffon's Hotel, on the last day of the year, F C Tucker, and Joseph Sprague presided, and the toasts were pleasant and patriotic.
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The School Districts of Brooklyn were at this time di- vided and much improved.
Jan 12 An attempt was made to establish a Whaling Company in Brooklyn, but our capitalists did not encour- age it At this time an application was made for a Rail Road between Brooklyn and Jamaica
,Jan 19 The season was extremely severe, and meet- ings were held to raise money to relieve the poor
Jan 23 Samuel E Clement was at this tune appoint- ed Postmaster, in place of Erastus Worthington deceased A fire occurred at the store of J Mortimer, 83 Main st, , by which six or seven persons were sufferers.
May 18 The Village appropriations were made to the limit of ten thousand Dollars, which is the extent al- lowed by law to be raised
June 15 It is calculated the Village can be lighted with public lamps at a tax of one dollar per lot per year Infant schools were in operation in Brooklyn about this time
July 4 Our National Independence was celebrated by a procession in Brooklyn, with ceremonies in the Reform- ed Dutch Church, FC Tucker Grand Marshal. James Monroe, formerly President of the United States, died this dav in the city of New York, being the Third Pres- ident who finished his earthly career on our National An- niversary.
July 9 The corner stone of the County Poor House was laid at Flatbush, an address was delivered by Gen. Johnson.
July 22 The Anniversary of the Collegiate Institute was celebrated, on which occasion an address on Female Education was written by Mrs Embury, and delivered by Maj Tucker.
Aug 17 Pic Nics by parties in the woods, were at this time quite fashionable.
Sept 21 A public meeting took place in Brooklyn for the relief of the Poles.
Sept 28 Some alarm about cholera began to prevail.
Oct 12 The Village Election resulted as follows :
President, Joseph Sprague,
Trustees, H Waring, Jacob Patchen, R V W Thorne,
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R Bach, Joseph Moser, L V Nostrand, Silas Butler, Isaac Moser, S H Moore, J H Clark.
Dec 14 A Convention of Delegates reported a plan for uniting the Town and Village of Brooklyn under a City Government
Dec 21 Joseph Moser was appointed Postmaster of Brooklyn, in place of S E Clement, resigned
1832, Jan 4 The Old and New Village Officers par- took of a supper at Mr Stephenson's Hotel, where they celebrated 'the old year out and the new year in '
Jan 11 The election in the First District of Brooklyn having been declared 'irregular,' a new election was or- dered, and Henry Waring and Conklin Brush were elected.
Feb 14 A fire occurred at 83 Main street, in the store of J Mortimer. Five houses and stores were burnt. At this time the Rail Road between Brooklyn and Jamaica was resolved on.
Feb 22 A contract was made for cleaning the streets for one year for $400.
April 4 Petition for lighting Sands st, Pierpont ceded to the Village.
April 25 After six years of litigation respecting Mar- ket street, Mr Patchen recovers possession of his ground, and erected fences across the street.
May 4 The fall of Mr Phelps and Rich's stores in New York, by which several lives were lost, occurred at this time.
June 20 Cases of cholera now appear in New York, and a Medical Board is established in Brooklyn in refer- ence to cholera.
Ang 8 The cholera at this time prevailed in Brook- lyn, Flatbush, and throughout the country.
Aug 15 A fire occurred at 99 Fulton st. which con- sumed fire or six stores and dwellings.
Oct 10 The Village Election took place without par- ty opposition, the following persons were elected :
President, George Hall.
Trustees David Stanford, Z Lewis, R Bach, E Cop- land, Jos Moser, I. V Nostrand, N B Morse, F Van Dyke, J H Clark, W M Udall.
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Oct 31 The Brooklyn Bank at this time commenced operations.
Nov 11 A fire occurred at No 22 High st, which consumed four dwellings. At this time several streets were lighted by public lamps.
Dec 1 Court House and Jail at Flatbush, burnt.
1833, Jan 1 The prominent measures at this time be- fore the public, were, the location of the court house, es- tablishing the South Ferry, and widening Fulton st, near Front street.
Feb 13 A meeting of citizens of Brooklyn, resolved to establish a Soup house for the poor. A second attempt was made to establish a Whaling company in Brooklyn.
Feb 20 A Crown Glass Company was established at this time.
Feb 26 A fire at 249 Adams st burnt three houses. The proposition to establish the county court house at Brooklyn, and to increase the representation of this Vil- lage in the Board of Supervisors, meets with great oppo- sition from the other towns of the county, notwithstand - ing the following facts are laid before the people, viz : Brooklyn has 2266 electors, and all the rest of the county only 710 Brooklyn has 553 Jurors, and other towns 270. The assessed value of Brooklyn taxable property is $7,829,684. and the rest of the county $1,600,594.
April 3 Our petitions to the Legislature to give us a City Government, being unheeded, some citizens propos- ed to annex Brooklyn to the city government of New York. The Board of Aldermen of New York resolved to oppose the passage of the Act before the Legislature, for incorporating the city of Brooklyn, and it was lost ! The Act authorizing the erection of a court house in Brooklyn, names L V Nostrand, J Moser, and Peter Connover, as commissioners to fix the location.
June 13 The President of the United States visited Brooklyn, he was accompanied by Vice President Van Buren, and many others. Arrangements had been made, and a civic and military parade took place.
July 4 A celebration took place on July 4.
Oct 4 George Hall was re-elected President of the Village after a very contestable election. Mr Hall's la-
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bor to exclude hogs from the streets, and also to shut up the shops of the unlicensed retailers of rum, had brought against him a very strong opposition. His majority was 15 votes. A sale at auction of 151 lots of ground at Mt Prospect in Brooklyn two and a half miles from the Fer- ry, took place Oct 1, the sales were from $60 to rising $200, mostly above $100 per lot.
Oct 16 A Brooklyn Lyceum was established at this time, and Hon P W Radcliffe elected President. The Board of Trustees directed that men be employed to cut up the Russia Thistle, an offensive and thorny weed . which grows in our streets.
Oct 24 This was the great period of speculation on lands and lots. Among others, the garden of Mrs Par- mentier, at the junction of the Jamaica and Flatbush roads, comprising 24 acres, was sold for fifty-seven thousand dollars
Nov 7 Philip Brasher is elected to the Assembly from Kings county.
Nov 20 The property late Parmentier's garden, pur- chased for $57,000 was sold in lots at anction for between 60 and $70,000. Ten acres of ground at Red Hook, (Brooklyn) owned by the heirs of Rinien Suydam, sold for 847,000 !! This was the highest price of any land sold by the acre. At this time the Trustees resolved to widen Fulton st, on the west side between Henry and Elizabeth st.
Dec 3 Kings County sent Delegates to Smithtown to consult on the propriety of extending the rail-road from Jamaica to Greenport.
Dec 14 A gale of wind and remarkable high tide oc- curred at this time sweeping the wharves of Brooklyn and New York, and filling many cellars with water.
Dec 25 The farm of R V Beekman, at Gowannus, comprising 26 acres and 18 perches, was sold at auction to Charles Hovt, for $25,150
1834, Jan 2 The old and new Board of Trustees took a supper together on the renewal of the Board.
Jan 16 Our application for a City Charter which was defeated last year by the city of New York is now re- newed, New York still opposing with all her energy !
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Jan 40 Omnibuses and cabs were now first introduc- ed into Brooklyn. After a period of intense speculation on city lots, to facilitate which the banks let loose their paper, it is now announced that great numbers of laboring people are discharged for want of cash ! Such are the fluctuations of money matters. A meeting of Merchants Mechanics, Manufacturers, and other citizens of Brook- lyn, was called 'to deliberate measures necessary to be adopted to avert the pecuniary distress.'
Feb 27 An act is passed for the erection of a Court House and Jail in Kings county.
March 4 A great fire took place on Water st, Dock st, Front st, and Fulton st, it commenced on L VanNos- trand's tannery on Water st, and the sufferrers were nu- merous. Infant schools were at this time numerous and popular. They are now out of fashion.
March 27 A Committee of the corporation consisting of G Furman and James Walters, after investigating the springs of water at the Wallabout, reported that $100,000 would cover all expenses of the reservoir, steam engine, and 11 miles of pipe. They concluded by expressing their conviction that the Village might be amply supplied with the best water at an annual expense of 10,000 for interest and cost. The state of the times probably pre- vented further action in the matter.
April 10 After much trouble and opposition from the city of New York, Brooklyn is by law invested with the name and priviliges of a City.
April 45 The obtaining of a City Charter w ascele- brated by a civic procession on the streets, and exercises in the First Presbyterian Church. An Oration was de- livered by W Rockwell, Esq.
May 8 In several of the wards at the first election under the City Charter, a union ticket was elected.
May 20. George Hall, E'sq. was elected by the Alder- men as the first mayor of our city.
June 12 Governor Marcy visited Brooklyn and re- ceived the honors of the city at Duflon's Military Garden Swarms of Locusts were visible on Long Island.
.June 26 This day was set apart by the Corporation of
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Brooklyn and New York, for rendering honors to to the illustrious La Fayette, lately deceased.
July 17 Great riots are now taking place in New York on account of abolition. The civil authorities of New York and Brooklyn had much difficulty in protect- ing some distinguished abolitionists. At Newark much injury was done to a church. At a city meeting of which the Mayor was chairman, it was resolved that $50,000 be raised to purchase ground for a City Hall at the junc- tion of Fulton and Joralemon streets.
July 17 A South Ferry is talked about, but New York (as usual ) opposes it. A public sale of lots at Flat- bush took place, the lots were 75 by 250 feet, and sold from 135 to 600 dollars.
Sept 1 The corporation allowed the Jamaica Rail-road Company to occupy Atlantic street.
Nov 25 The Liberty Pole at the junction of Fulton and Joralemon streets, was procured and raised by the Jackson party of Br :oklyn.
Nov 27 The Whigs of Flatbush raised a Liberty Pole in the centre of their Village.
Dec. 11 The farm of Garret Nostrand, at Cripple-bush in Brooklyn, consisting of SO acres, was sold for eighty thousand dollars. The subject of granting a South Ferry occasions warm debates in the New York Common Council.
Dec 19 A meeting of the citizens of Brooklyn was held at the Military Garden to consider the situation of the Brooklyn Ferries.
1835. Jan 22 Great interest is now manifested by the citizens of Brooklyn in obtaining a perfect survey and plan of the city. A new market between Sands and High streets, was built at this time.
Jan 26 The corporation resolved to apply to the Leg- islature for the appointment of Commissioners to lay out the city.
Feb 19. A Committee of the corporation reported in favor of purchasing the low grounds at the Wallaboat for a city park. George Thompson, the foreign abolition fa- natic, delivered an address to a Brooklyn audience, and was not interrupted or molested.
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March 24 Eight acres of the farm of Jacob Bergen was sold for ten thousand dellars per acre. The farce carting a large amount of specie to the premises of Jacob Patch- en, and making a 'lawful tender,' was again enacted.
April 2 The conflicting ferry question between Brook- and New York, now agitate both cities.
April 16 Brooklyn obtained her contested act establish- ing a South Ferry, only four members of Assembly dis- senting.
April 19 The ground was this day broken for the new Lyceum in Washington street, now called the , Brooklyn Institute,'
April 28 A tremendous gale occurred and damage was done on the wharves of Brooklyn and New York.
May 11 Jonathan Trotter, Esq., is elected by the Board of Aldermen as Mayor of the city. The Board voted fifty thousand dollars to liquidate the past and future expenses.
July 4 The day was celebrated in Brooklyn, and an Oration delivered by B Silliman, Esq.
July 9 A convention of 20 citizens are laboring at a city plan.
July 13 The small pox appears in the city and the poor are vaccinated gratis.
July 29 The landed property of the late Samuel Jack- son, was sold at the highest rate of any during the rage of speculation, it amounted to five hundred and seventy thousand dollars.
Aug 8 A fire occurred on Washington street near York burning seven or eight buildings.
Sept 1 A County meeting was called by about a hun- dred signatures, of those who 'disapprove of the principles and proceedings of the abolition and anti-slavery societies.'
Sept 3 Laborers are now laying iron rails on the Ja- maica Rail Road. Nothing done on the Long Island Rail Road.
Sept 10 A plan of the contemplated City Hall is sub- mitted and approved.
Sept 14 The buildings on the east side of Fulton street from the water to Front street, are now demolished for
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widening the street. Joshua Sands, Esq, an eminent cit- izen and early resident of Brooklyn, died September 12.
Oct 12 At this period political associations of Native Americans were formed in Brooklyn.
Oct 22 The Wallabout toll bridge was made free at this time. Gen Johnson stated to the Corporation that the city owned a public landing at the Wallabout, which was ordered to be surveyed.
Oct 31 The corner stone of the Brooklyn Lyceum (now called the Brooklyn Institute) was laid.
Nov 3 Two boats are being built for the South Ferry.
Nov 5 John Dikeman the Native American candidate for Assembly, is elected by 78 votes over N B Morse.
Nov 23 The population of the city of Brooklyn, is found to be 24,310, which is a gain of 9,015 in fifteen years.
Nov 24 Market street was re-opened at this time ac- cording to law, and without the consent of 'the last of the leather breeches.'
Dec 3 A permanent water line In front of the city is proposed in the Common Council. The Common Coun- cil refuse to accept the city map and plan adopted by the convention of citizens.
Dec 16 The great fire in New York occurred Decem- ber 16. The City Hall is being built, the Lyceum is al- most complete, the Jamaica Rail Road is finished, the South Ferry is granted and boats being built.
1836, Jan 1 The Corporation give notice of intention to apply to the Legislature for an act to elect our Mayor by the people. Gen J G Swift made a report on a per- manent water line. The Corporation propose to purchase the Apprentices Library (now City Buildings) for eleven thousand dollars.
Jan 25 The first Locomotive engine was introduced on the Jamaica Railroad.
Jan 29 A public meeting took place 'to take into con- sideration the dangers, difficulties, and inconveniences at- tending the crossing of the Fulton Ferry.
Feb 8 Forty citizens of Kings county petitioned the Legislature to vacate the seat in the House of Assembly of John Dikeman, Esq, on the ground of his being a cler-
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gymun. The petitioners were allowed to withdraw their petition.
Feb 22 A scarcity of wood is now manifest, Oak wood 5 and pine 3 dollars per common load. Public meetings are called to relieve the poor.
Feb 38 A fire occurred at 100 Fulton street, which consumed four or five buildings.
March 10 It is announced that Samuel Cheever, Isaac Tiffany, and Alonzo G Hammond are appointed as Com- missioners to lay out the city.
March 14 Petitions from Brooklyn are presented to the Legislature for the appointment of a Board of Commis- sioners to regulate the Ferries. -
March 21 A committee of the Legislature in their re- port, denounce the Brooklyn Ferry monopoly, yet strange to say, the monopoly is tolerated to the present day. A people who will not make parks, will submit to a tribute of fifty thousand dollars annually, to the city of New York ! !
April 12 The annual city election took place, and a democratic majority of Aldermen were elected.
April 14 A fire occurred at the premises of D Fay, in Main, near Front street, twenty frame buildings were burnt.
April 17 The ceremony of opening the ground for the Long Island Rail Road took place at Jamaica. A proces- sion was formed, addresses delivered, &c.
Aprll 28 The corner stone of the City Hall was laid this day with appropriate ceremonies, and an address by the Mayor, Jonathan Trotter, Esq, a quantity of valuable books and papers were deposited, which have probably been transferred to the City Hall now building.
May 2 Jonathan Trotter, Esq was re-elected Mayor of the city by the Board of Aldermen.
May 5 A act to establish the Atlantic Bank at Brook- lyn, has passed both houses of the Legislature.
May 16 The boats on the South Ferry commenced their trips this dey.
May 4 In the 4th ward, at the late election for Alder- men, a tie occurred between Joseph Moser and Elias
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Combs. A second election took place on the 27th inst, when Mr. Combs was elected.
Jude 28 James Madison, formerly President of the United States, died this day at his residence in Virginia
July 18 The Wandering Piper gave several concerts in Brooklyn. A fire occurred a 63 Nassau street, which burnt three dwellings.
July 21 The subject of supplying the city with water, by a cistern on high ground, was again agitated in the city council.
Aug 4 The Apprentices' library, lately purchased by the corporation, was now officially named 'The City Buildings.' A committee of the Corporation was in- structed relative to the erection of a building on the corner of Poplar st, and Buckbie's Alley, for the use of the Fire- men.
Aug 23. The steam ferry boat on the ferry between Jackson st, Brooklyn, and Walnut st, New York was sunk by coming in contact with the steamboat Boston. Six persons and a number of horses and wagons went down with the boat and were lost.
Aug 27 The corner stone of the Jail, near Fort Green was laid with proper ceremonies.
Sept. 1 Market street is once more opened.
66 5 The ferry between Peck Slip and Williams- burgh went into operation at this time.
Oct. 1 This is the season of great pressure for money, the result of execssive speculation.
Dec 12 The Lyceum Building was completed and oc- cupied at this time
Dec 22 The commissioners for laving out the city ask for an extension of time to complete their work.
1837, Jan 1 At this time the dreadful wreck of the two ships Mexico and Bristol took place at Hempstead, with great loss of life.
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