USA > New York > Greene County > Dear old Greene County; embracing facts and figures. Portraits and sketches of leading men who will live in her history, those at the front to-day and others who made good in the past > Part 12
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This school system provides for the kindergarten and eight grades below the high school.
Each grade is in charge of a competent teacher. Special teachers give instruction in Music, Drawing and Domestic Sci- ence.
The people of this district are much interested in the schools and give them generous and hearty support.
The Catskill Schools are the best to be found along the Hudson river and furnish a complete education, taking up the college preparatory course, the academic and commercial courses of study -art, science. stenography, language. and music.
There is also a Teachers' training class, with free tuition.
The pupils also have the advantage of three special prizes, the Mary Howard, J. P. Philip and H. L. Austin prizes for effic- iency.
The death of Charles A. Nicoll, trustee, occurred after this article was ready for the press.
The instructors are: Henry C. Thomas, Ella L. De La Mater, Henrietta Lewis, Marian E. Wheeler, Mildred F. Stone, Louise A. Hull, Myrtle E. Waugh, Kathrine G. Slattery, Edna Clark, Mary L. Hale, H. May Ford, kindergarten.
The instructors in the High School are Harriet D. Jackson, principal; English; Mabel V. Root, Latin; Gertrude R. Gardner, History and Algebra; Gilberta Wallace, German and French; Ellen M. Dewey, Science; Evangeline Bartlett, Commercial Sub- jects; Mollie C. Gilbert, Mathematics; Frances M. Wood, Domes- tic Science; Jennie Robson, Training Class; Margaret E. Place, Music and Drawing.
The instructors of the Grandview School: Elizabeth E. Burhans, principal; Alice Babcock, Ildah Thompson, Ruth 1.
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The Board of Education: Frank C. Clarke, Howard C. Smith, Wendell S. Sherman, George W. Irwin, and Albert C. Bloodgood.
School Officials: Frank C. Clarke, president; Wendell S. Sherman, clerk; John H. Story, treasurer; Frederick Becker, collector.
Bostrom, Alice L. Adams, Bernice E. Hammond and Mary B. Story.
Prof. E. C. Hocmer, Superintendent.
Through the courtesy of the Catskill Examiner we show a line drawing of the Catskill High School building as it appeared in 1869, and 1882 with the addition. Also on another page a picture of the old academy, located on William street. We are sure they will prove of interest.
Some Catskill Landmarks
Captain John H. Bagley was one of Catskill's most honored citizens, who dropped dead at the corner of Bridge and Main streets, in October 1902 at the age of 70 years. He had been intimately connected with many of Catskill's enterprises and for a long term of years was in the grocery business with A. P. Jones, and also in a flouring mill known as the Catskill Steam Mill which later became a part of the woolen mill now occupied by the Union Mills Company. From 1860 to 1864 he was a member of the Board of Supervisors, and in 76-78 and 83-85 represented his district in Congress, In 1888 he was Member of Assembly. For years also village trustee, and for 35 years a director of the Catskill National Bank. President of the Catskill Building and Loan Association, vice-president of the Catskill Mt. Ry., a director of the Co-Operative and Mutual Fire Companies, a member of F. N. Wilson Fire Company, Catskill Lodge, and of Lafayette Com- mandry of Hudson. He was a vestryman of St. Luke's Episcopal church.
Shortly after the death of Capt. Bagley came almost as suddenly that of Oliver Bourke, esq. who is inseparably connected
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with Catskill's history. He was born at Bellana County, Ireland in 1830. His mother and step-father moved to Quebec in 1836, and in 1840 came to Catskill, where his step-father, James Laville engaged in butchering, and that was continued by Mr. Bourke until the time of his death in November 1802. He served Catskill as trustee and also as police justice.
Another octogenarian who was connected with Catskill business life was Noble P. Cowles, who came from the Puritan Stock of Southington, Ct., where he was born in 1818. And first at Windham he embarked in tailoring, and later at Catskill in the grocery business, the firm being Meech, Sage and Cowles. For years he was Loan Commissioner of the county being succeeded after his death Dec. 4, 1902 by Robert Story.
Benjamin Wey is another of the grand men of Catskill who filled out a long and useful life, in Catskill, having touched the 83d milestone when he passed suddenly while taking an afternoon ride in October 1910. He was connected with many Catskill enterprises, including the Banks, Mountain railroad, and up to 1875 was in the drug business. For more than 20 years he was treasurer of Christ's Presbyterian church.
Senator Addison P Jones who served Catskill in many official stations was for 87 years connected with the history of Catskill, and is best remembered as a partner with Captain Bagley in grocery and other enterprises, including a big tannery at the head of Main street, as supervisor, county superintendent of poor, senator, etc. He was conspicuous in the political field. He was connected with the local banks and prominent in church work. At the time of his death, May 5, 1910, he had retired to his farm, but was engaged in the manufacture of barrels.
John Hardwick, an old time brick manufacturer with Robert Ferrier and J. Atwater Cooke, died in September, 1900.
In October, 1900 the Rev. Wm.C. Oliver drove off the bank into the creek at Prattsville and his dead body was found under wagon in the morning.
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Major William Plimley.
Major William Plimley is another one of the historical characters of Greene county not to be lost sight of in making up the record of men whose memory its residents have been pleased to cherish. Major Plimley was a Catskill boy who for many years made his way by setting type in the office of the Catskill Recorder. Responding to his country's call he went to the front and served with distinction being in many battles and rising to the rank of major. He was a close friend to Senator Platt and many of the leading men who gained national repute, and was Department Chief of the Board of Elections of New York City. For 28 years Superintendant of the Money Order Department of New York City. He left Catskill in 1861 and went to the front as a volun- teer. He was the originator and for two years the president of the Greene County Society. He died in 1913, dropping dead at his post of labors. Mrs. Plimley who was also a Greene county
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native was born at Athens, and was one of the descendents of the honored Hallenbeck family. Her father held many import- ant positions in town affairs. Mrs. Plimley for the past few months came to ('atskill and made her home at the Heidelburgh, where she died on Sunday, March 7, 1915.
It was during the pastorate of William J. Finneran, that St. Patrick's church gained great prominence in the community and he erected the beautiful church in 1886, and in 1890 opened the parochal school. His death followed after a most successful work, in April, 1900. At his funeral every business place in ('atskill closed and the most impressive service was attended by a great crowd, among the number being 50 priests from other places.
Sidney Crowell was one of the well known lawyers of the county. He started out at Prattsville, and in 1871 being elected District Attorney, moved to Catskill. The famous Joe Walsh trial was during his term and he was assisted by John 1. Griswold with whom afterwards he formed a law partnership. In later years he was associated with Hon. Ira B. Kerr. He died in March 1900.
Hon. James B. Olney, leading lawyer of Greene county, died at Catskill, Dec. 11, 1900. One of the organizers of the Rip Van Winkle Club.
Peter Timmerman, one of Catskill's oldest business men was born at Catskill, May 8, 1830, and for many years was employed in the store of Jones and Bagley. He went into busi- ness for himself in 1884, and in 1906 purchased the property on upper Main street where he moved his grocery and feed business. The business has mostly passed into the hands of his son, Clarence Timmerman.
Hon. Geo. S. Stevens, former world's fair commissioner, engineer Mallory Line steamers, postmaster of Catskill under Cleveland, and editor of the Recorder, died Jan. 1901.
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William H. Stewart
One of the most prominent men of Greene county who passed away Aug. 11, 1915, was William H. Stewart, of Athens, known the county over as "Hardy" Stewart, former sheriff of Greene county, who by sterling character and ability forced his way from grocery clerk in the store of his uncle David Whiting, to the ownership of the largest hotel in Athens which for 38 years he conducted successfully, and being honored with trusteeship of the village of Athens, school trustee, and for 3 years sheriff of Greene county getting a splendid majority. He was a prominent fireman of the village and one of the organizers of Morton Steamer Co. 250
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Also honorary member of Macawomuc Engine Company and the Hook and Ladder Company. He was a member of the Exempt Firemen's Association, and prominent in the councils of the Elks, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias. He was also an honorary member of the Citizens Hose Company of Catskill, and a member of the Rip Van Winkle Club. At the time when Mr. Stewart took possession of the hotel in Athens it was regarded as a difficult place to manage. He at once asserted the genial power that follow- ed him through life, and the Stewart House took a position at the front. On the occasion of his death the order of Elks took charge of the last rites and the service was attended by hundreds from all quarters of the county. The floral display was noteworthy. Mr. Stewart was born at Uriton in 1850, his parents being William Stewart and Margaret Hardwick Stewart. He was married to Elizabeth I. Hallenbeck of Guilderland. There were three children, one died in infancy, Wilford, at the age of ten years, and Harriet W. wife of Abram Post is living and Mr. Post has charge of the hotel business. Mr. Post was deputy sheriff under Mr. Stewart, and assisted him in many ways. The men who served as deputy sheriffs were: A. Blenis, Greenville, Martin Chamberlain, Pratts- ville, S Coffin, Athens, Michael Lackey, Tannersville, Bert Dewell Windham, S. Bareley, Jewett, D. S. Smith, New Baltimore, Ed. Griffin, Lexington, Seymour Taylor, Durham.
Among the great artists that Greene county has turned out are Thomas Cole, Col. B. B. G. Stone, and Herbert Faulkner.
H.K. Hill, another of Catskill's business men commenced business in 1872, and has since continued at the old stand on Main street. His father Oliver Hill came from Keene, N. H. in 1818 and started a paint store in 1832.
George Wilcox died at the Commercial Hotel, Catkill, March 4th, 1915, at the age of 84 years. He was a brother of Howard Wilcox who died a few days before and was for over 60 years in business in Catskill.
Horace Van Aken, prominent Catskillian, killed by trolley çar near his shop, Feb. 1901.
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Mary Robinson Doty who died at Windham in December, 1900, was a sister of Governor Lucius Robinson, and mother of Lucius R. and William Doty of Catskill.
1I. T. Jones whose place of business is opposite the Com- mercial Hotel has been in business in Catskill since 1870, coming here some 13 years previous to that date, from Greenville, and engaging in the tinning business at John T. Mann's store. At that time there was a great boom in Catskill. He was formerly from New York.
No history of New York state would be complete without reference to Isaac Jogues, 1607-1646, a French Jesuit Missionary who labored in this section and who was a martyr to the cause he represented. He was captured by the Indians and tortured, once being compelled to run the gauntlet, and in 1646 he and his com- panion were tomahawked by the Mohawk Indians, after Jogues had been tortured by having strips of flesh cut from his arms and back. The Chapel at Auriesville erected in his memory is regard- ed most sacredly. Previous to this he had returned to Albany (Fort Orange) with a special commission from Pope Innocent XI.
Church Organizations
The first church organized in Greene county was the Zion Lutheran Church at Athens, which had the distinction of being one of three churches between New York and Albany. This church organization shows a set of records from 1704, and the Rev. Justus Faulkner was pastor at that time and up to 1723, when he died.
This church was located in "Loonenburgh" and entries concerning it were made in the New York Church book.
The Rev. Willhelm Christoph Berkenmeyer was the second settled pastor and became the "settled minister of Albany and Loonenburgh" 1723, and in 1727 it was agreed that he should come twice a year to the Church at West Camp, then organized as the Church of the Palatines.
The Rev. Berkenmeyer died in 1751, and was followed by the Rev. Knoll 1777, John Christian Leps 1783, Frederick Wal-
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German Lutheran Church, Athens, Oldest in County.
burgh 1791, Frederick Ernst 1800, Frederick H. Quitman 1803, Philip F. Mayer 1813, Adulphus Rumph 1833, and he moved to the West Camp church. Thomas Lape 1838, Lysander Curtis 1854, Matthew Waltermeyer 1848, Augustus Bridgmen 1851, Isaac Kimbell 1853, William H. Emerick 1855, a native of West Camp, W. M. Scholl 1858, Henry Keller 1865, Wm. Hull 1866, Philip Stroebel 1869, Wm. H. Emerick 1872, William Travers 1875, Philip Graib 1883. The present pastor is the Rev. Jacob S. Paul.
The old church seal shows a square edifice for the first building, and the present structure was a remodeling of the old one in 1856. The original communion set is in posses- sion of the church. The records show names of parents and bap- tisms from 1704, and these names run into the thousands. They show that the pious generations of the Hudson valley for a great many miles found their way to this church for membership and baptism.
We have Kocksshaky, Kostverlooren, Kinderhook, Klaver- ack, Tackanick, Klinkenberg, Tarbosch, Hunterstown, Newton Kiskatamesy, Flatke, Albany, De Groet, Notten Hoek, Hoogelandt,
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Oost Camp, as the places down to 1730, an assortment of places from which some of the present villages may be selected.
Among the names recorded are some still familiar and others that are not familiar in Greene county. The generations of these people would be a sight that include people from all quarters of the globe.
First Church in New York (New Amsterdam) 1650.
A man named W. D. Coons who has found his way from Greene county to Alta Loma, Texas, wrote us that the list of names we should get complete and that is the only sort of history that would be valuable. If we got them all he would be willing to purchase a book. Our hands are up, Mr. Coons, but pray don't shoot. We honor the ancient records but we have neither the space nor the disposition to print them all.
Of the early names there are Alversons, Van Hoesens, Halenbecks, Colliers, Dekkers, Haas, Klaews, probably now Clow, Lagrangies, Faulkners, Overbags, Worms, Lassings, Vosbergs, Van Loons, Schmidts, Kuhns, Keiffers, Hoogabooms, Hannesses, Bronks, Van Schaacks, Brandows, Boughards, Von De Karres, Haydoons, Millers, Hardicks, Carters, Scherps, Lehmanns,
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Jansens, Beckers, Wormers, Evertse, Minklers, Kloppers, Straubs, Silbernagles, Wodkoks, Brandaus, Schumackers, Valkenburgers, Deihls, Moons, Milius, Dingmans, Klauws, Kurtzs, Martins, Lampmans, Salsburgers, Bennets, Frees, Ostrandes, Rockfelders, Maccays, Braseys, Rosmans, Moors, Stopplebeans, Brandauws and Rauws, and so on indefinitely. We spell these names differently now.
The New Baltimore Reformed church was organized in 1923. For other church organizations see towns.
Reformed Church and Parsonage, Catskill. The Reformed Dutch Church
It was not until 1733 that the Reformed Dutch church was established in Greene county, and three churches were started at the same time, one at Coxsackie, Leeds, then old Catskill, and Claverack. Garret Van Bergen, and the Rev. George Weiss served all three of these churches.
The church at Coxsackie was at the Upper Landing and was torn down in 1798, when Henry Van Bergen gave land for a new church and this structure was torn down in 1861, and the
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present structure erected. Dominie Schuneman to whom we have referred preached at Catskill, and Coxsackie 1752 to 1794.
It was not until 1833 that regular preaching services in the new Reformed Church took place, and the Leeds church became known as the Reformed Protestant Church of Leeds and Kiskatom and the new church was known as the First Reformed Church of Catskill. Later in 1843 the Church at Kiskatom was organized separately.
The Reformed church at Athens started in 1826.
The Coeymans Reformed church originally a part of Cox- sackie district was organized around 1736.
The Catskill Reformed Church has been a very prosperous organization, and has not only had a strong line of great preachers and broad minded men who have carried on the work very ably.
The Rev. Peter Lebaugh was the third preacher on the Catskill charge 1798, Henry Ostrander 1810, Peter Wynkoop 1814. Isaac N. Wyckoff 1817-36.
It should be borne in mind that the church at Catskill shares equally with the church at Leeds the honor of being descended from the old "Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in the Town of Catskill."
Dominie Wyckoff continued to minister to the newly organ- ized church at Catskill until 1836, when he was succeeded by the Rev. James Romeyn, who continued pastor until 1841. For about a year, Mr. Romeyn was assisted by Rev. D. D. Demarest, father of two subsequent pastors. Rev. David Murdock next served the church from 1842 to 1851, his successor being Rev. Acmon P. Van Gieson, D. D., who was pastor from 1853 to 1855. Rev. Ransom Bethune Welsh, D. D., LL. D., who was minister from 1856 to 1859, was followed by Rev. John A. Lansing, D. D., who served from 1860 to 1866. He was succeeded by Rev. Francis A. Horton, who remained from 1867 until 1873. Mr. Horton was followed by Rev. John B. Thompson, D D., who was pastor from 1874 to 1884. Rev. Evert Van Slyke, D. D .. was then pastor from 1884 to 1896, he being succeeded by Rev. W. H. S. Demarest, D. D., in the following year. Rev. Alfred H. Demarest, D. D. succeed-
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ed his brother in 1901, remaining until his death in 1904. He was followed by Rev. 1. H. Berg, and the present pastor is Rev. J. A. Dykstra.
The first church was burned in the fire of 1851. The present structure is very commodious and the interior shows artistic decorations and beautiful memorial windows. The build- ing has been remodeled and the grounds beautified by a cut stone retaining wall, similar to that in front of the court house. The parsonage was visited by fire a number of years ago during the pastorate of Mr. Berg was remodeled and is a splendid building.
John A. Dykstra the present pastor came to Catskill from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has done grand work here. On Sunday, March 7th, there were taken into he church 117 new members, the record of the church. A strong preacher and a whole souled pastor. He was married in 1913 to Miss Irene J. Staplecamp of Holland, Michigan, and she is of great help to him in his church work, being at the head of the Woman's Society.
The present organization includes :
Elders: William Van Orden, John D. Ahreet, Amadee Raynor, George (. Fox, W. I. Jennings, and Charles H. Van Orden.
Deacons: C. Edsal Fiester, Henry R. Hinman, Frederick Fiero, Eugene Faulkner, Thomas J. Reilly.
Women's Missionary Society -- Mrs. J. P. Philip, president.
Women's Improvement Society- Mrs. Frank H. Kortz.
Women's Society- Mrs. John A. Dykstra.
Brotherhood-Charles Richtmyer.
Sunday School - Rudolph W. Plusch, superintendent.
Christian Endeavor: Junior Society - Mrs. Clarence J. Travis, Supt. Intermediate -- Mrs. John A. Dykstra, superin- tendent. Senior-Miss Martha Ernst, president.
Organist - Miss Winifred Wardle
Chorister -John J. Ahreet, since 1880, 35 years.
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St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Catskill.
The Episcopal Church
The Protestant Episcopal church was established along the Hudson river in the early part of the last century, and it appears likely that the first church was established by the Rev. Ammi Rogers, in August 1801, when that Reverend gentleman was mak- ing a trip from Ballston to Bradford, Ct., leaving the former place where he had been established to go to the latter, a new charge. Going down the river on a sloop the boat was becalmed at Catskill and he improved the opportunity to start a church organization.
The first church in what is Catskill was erected by the Episcopalians. a- the Reformed church was at Old Catskill. The first building was erected in 104, and the second in 1841. This was following the fire of 1839. This church was built of brick, and was located on Church street where on June 6th, 1899 the last service was held, and the building placed on the market. It was in use for a short time as a dance hall, and a factory, and now is
DEAR OLD GREENE COUNTY.
Post's garage. We present a picture of the old structure as it now appears, and of the beautiful picture granite structure erected by Contractor Geo. W. Holdridge, and dedicated June 6th, 1899.
First Episcopal Church, 1804. Now Post's Garage.
This building cost 855,000, and is probably the finest church along the river. The stained glass windows are works of art and the interior is commodious and beautiful. The present pastor is the Rev. G. H. Grout, who succeeded the Rev. M. Miller who went into the Western Missionary field. Mr. Grout came to Catskill from Delhi, N. Y., and it is certain that a more popular rector never was in charge of the work, which is going forward in splendid shape.
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The early supporters of the first church in 1804 were Ter- rence Donnelly, proprietor of one of the early hotels to . which we have referred, James Pinkney who wrote Sketches of Catskill, Mackey Croswell, publisher of the Catskill Packet, John Doane who lived to the century mark and agreat man in Catskill, Barnet Du Bois, O'Hara Croswell, Peter Bogardus, Nathaniel Hinman, Stephen Calkins, Henry Selleck, Isaac Van Loan and Thomas Wright.
During the history of St. Luke's church there have been 13 rectors : Ammi Rogers, John Reed, Joseph Prentis, Joseph F. Phillips, Louis L. Noble, Thomas Richey, E. Folsom Baker, William S. Chadwell, Robert Weeks, William HI. Harison, W'm. L. Woodruff, Elmer P. Miller and G. H. Grout.
The officials of St. Luke's church are:
Wardens-Charles Trowbridge, Dr. Robert Selden; Walton Van Loan, treasurer; AAddison P. Jones, assistant treasurer; George Harding, financial secretary.
Vestrymen-Edgar Washburn, Samuel (. Hopkins, Chas. Hopkins, J. M. Knap, George Purdy, David M. Post, Thomas E. Jones.
Women's Sewing Society-Mrs. Geo. H. Grout, president; Mrs. Geo. Harding. vice-president; Mrs. Addison P. Jones, secre- tary; Miss Emily Marquit, treasurer.
Women's Auxiliary -- Miss Ruth Hall, president; Mrs. C. M. Crook, vice-president; Matilda Jackson, secretary; Mrs. Chas. E. Willard, treasurer.
Altar Society-Mrs. Joseph Spoor, president; Mrs. Dr. Goodrich, secretary; Anna Gardner, treasurer.
Men's Society- Dr. Robert Seldon, president; Fred E. ('raigie, vice-president; Mortimer Du Bois, secretary and treasur- er; Thos. E. Jones. L. W. Richardson. Chas. J. Bagley, Arnold Grobe, advisory committee.
Donald Craigie, chorister; Margaret Craigie, organist.
Edgar W. Hall, commander of Boy Scouts.
Sunday School-Dr. Walter Conklin. superintendent; Miss Gertrude Gardner, secretary.
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The second Episcopal church in the county was organized at Athens in 1806, at Greenville in 1825, Cairo 1832, Prattsville 1845, Windham 1850, and at Coxsackie in 1853.
See towns for further reference.
Methodist Episcopal Church, Catskill.
The Methodist Episcopal Church
The first Methodist Episcopal church in this section was erected at Coeymans, a stone structure in 1791, and it is likely that the other churches in this section trace directly to the church at that place, where the Rev. John Crawford was stationed.
Somewhere in the neighborhood of 1800 to 1806 there was
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formed at Catskill a church which had as its pastor Robert S. Barrett who was not only a carder of wool and an expert at dying but appears to have been a preacher when he was not otherwise employed. His first sermons were in the Episcopal church and later on at the court house.
The first church of the society was on Thomson street near the Irving school, and the building which cost $100 was used during the week as an "academy" and on Sundays as a house of worship. This was around 1824.
In December of 1834, $600 having been raised a building 34x40 was erected on this lot and the society commenced to flourish.
In 1846 the preaching circuit was Catskill and Coxsackie, and each place raised the sum of $155 for the pastor's salary.
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