USA > New York > Schenectady County > Gazetteer and business directory of Albany & Schenectady Co., N.Y., for 1870-71 > Part 19
USA > New York > Albany County > Gazetteer and business directory of Albany & Schenectady Co., N.Y., for 1870-71 > Part 19
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The surface consists of a broken, hilly region in the north-west. a level interval extending from the center towards the south. and a high plain in the east. The soil upon the west hills is a tough clay, underlaid by shale, which frequently crops out. The central valley or plain, extending five miles, was called br the Dutch the "Bouwlandt." The soil is a deep alluvium. The east plateau is sandy and barren.
Rotterdam, Mohawkville and Factoryville are hamlets.
Settlements were commenced about 1661. Among the early settlers were Wilhelmus Van Otto, Van Curazoa, a native of the Island of Curazoa, Ryer Schermerhorn and Simon Veeder. The house of Van Otto stood on the site of the one formerly occu- pied by Simon Veeder. During the Revolution there were fami- lies living in town by the name of Delemont, Van Pelten and Brangham.
The first church was organized August 29, 1800. Rev. Thomas Romeyn was the first pastor.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Rotterdam was organized in 1846, by the Presiding Elder Lindsey, and consisted of Gu members. Revs. S. Covel and W. R. Brown were the first pas- tors. A house of worship was erected about the same time. The present house was erected in 1866 at a cost of about 84,000. Its seating capacity is about 400. The present membership is 120 ; the present pastor is Rev. Demas Burroughs. James Fish- er, Sen., purchased the site for the church, of Daniel D. Camp- bell, in 1844, and presented it to the society. Mr. Fisher came from England in 1818, and is still living, in the 86th year of his age.
The population in 1865 was 2,290, and the area 21,052 acres.
There are twelve school districts, employing the same num- ber of teachers. The number of children of school age is 905 : the number attending school 480; the average attendance 251. and the amount expended for school purposes for the year end- ing September 30, 1869, was 84,513.70.
SCHENECTADY CITY was patented with certain municipal rights, Nov. 4, 1684; it was chartered as a borough, October 23, 1765; incorporated as a district, March 24, 17:2: as a town, March 7, 1:88; and as a city, March 26, 1798. Prince- town was taken off in 1798, Rotterdam and Glenville in 1820. and parts of Niskayuna and Rotterdam in 1853. The name is of Indian origin and signifies " beyond the plains." In old do- cuments we find it spelled Schenectada and Schenectedi. The City, under its first chiarter, contained an area of 128 square miles.
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but has now an area of about 550 acres. It is situated on the Mohawk River, on the borders of one of the finest alluvial flats in the State. Its situation affords excellent facilities for trade and. commerce by the Erie Canal, which passes through it, and the railroads extending through and terminating here. The New York Central Railroad, forming one of the great thorough- fares between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, with its branches to Troy and Athens on the Hudson; the Saratoga and Schen- ectady Railroad, affording easy and rapid communication with the north and east, have all been in successful operation for many years. A short road from Schenectady to Duanesburgh is about to be constructed, connecting with the Albany and Susquehan- na Railroad, giving a direct communication with Binghamton and the coal region of Pennsylvania. A survey has been made for a railroad from Schenectady to Ogdensburgh, on the St. Lawrence, which, when completed, will form a direct road to New York.
The City contains 14 churches, Union College, two daily and three weekly newspapers, three banks, the Schenectady Loco- motive Works, agricultural works, several machine shops, found- ries, carriage factories, planing mills, manufactories of steam boilers, hollow ware and various other articles, and about 12,000 inhabitants.
Union College was incorporated by the Regents February 25, 1:95, and received its name from the co-operation and union of several-religious denominations in its foundation. As early as 1:79 the inhabitants north of the Mohawk River petitioned for the incorporation of a college, but without success. In 1982, and again in 1791, the petition was renewed with no better suc- cess than before. In 1793 an academy was incorporated, and an effort made to raise funds to secure the endowment of a col- lege. The sum of 87,935 was subscribed by ninety-nine per- sons in Albany, and 83,425 by 231 persons in Schenectady. This amount was further increased, and through the influence of General Philip Schuyler, the College was located at Schenec- tady. In 1805, 1814 and in 1822, lotteries were authorized by the Legislature, the net proceeds of which were to be appro- priated to the endowment of the College. The total amount for permanent investment in 1822 amounted to $331.612.13. The proceeds of the last lottery were so involved with the pri- vate property of Dr. Nott, who managed the whole. that it re- quired several months to ascertain the rights of the two parties. The question having been amicably adjusted, Dr. Nott, on the 28th of December, 1858, made over to the Trustees several hun- dred thousand dollars, the proceeds of which are applied to the
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various purposes of the College. The first college building was erected on Union Street, and is now occupied by the public schools of the City. . In 1814 the tract of land now occupied by the College was purchased, and the buildings subsequently erected. The site is upon an eminence that overlooks the City, sufficiently near the business portion for all practical purposes, and far enough away to avoid the noise, dust and confusion in- cident to a City. The first president was Rev. John Blair Smith, who was succeeded in 1799 by Rev. Jonathan Edwards, who held the office until his death in August 1801. Rev. Jonathan Maxcy was the next president, and was succeeded in 1804 by Rev. Eliphalet Nott, who held the office until his death, January 29, 1866. During his presidency, over 4,000 young men graduated, a large number of whom have been conspicuous in political, commercial and ecclesiastical life. For many years the Junior and Senior classes were by far the largest in the Col- lege, a very unusual thing. Dr. Nott contributed largely of his private property, and several professorships bear his name. In 1855 the College was partially reorganized, and departments of Civil Engineering and Analytical Chemistry were established. Besides the courses of special instruction in the departments just named, there are two courses of study in the institution, the Classical and the Scientific, each of which embraces a course of four years. The apparatus of the College is ample for illus- trating the principles of the various branches taught, including a full supply of field instruments for the Engineering depart- ment. A valuable collection of minerals and shells, known as the " Wheatly Collection," and purchased for $10,000, was pre- sented to the College by E. C. Delavan, Esq. About 4,000 specimens of minerals have been systematically arranged and labeled for the purpose of instruction, and form a collection which stands among the first in the country in value and in- terest. A large number of students have their bills for instruc- tion paid wholly or in part by scholarships which are accessi- ble, under certain restrictions, to all who present the requisite certificates of character, and sustain the examination required for admission to the regular classes of the College. The last annual catalogue gives the names of 114 undergraduates in the various classes, 92 of whom were residents of this State. The Faculty consists of fourteen professors and teachers, at the head of whom is Rev. Charles Augustus Aiken, Ph. D., D. D., Pres- ident.
The Public Schools of the City are under the control of ten Commissioners, two from each ward, who hold their office for two years; one from each ward being chosen annually. The
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schools are graded and afford instruction in all the branches usually taught in the best public schools of the State. Thirty- one teachers are employed. The number of children of school age is 3,654; the number who attended school some portion of the last year was 1,950; the average daily attendance was 1.176; the amount expended for teachers' wages was $11,744.20, and the whole amount expended for school purposes during the year was $17,755.24. The number of volumes in the library is 3,000, valued at 84,600. The estimated value of school house sites is $15,000, and of school houses $28,000.
The Schenectady Locomotive Works Co. was incorporated in 1851, with a capital of $130,000. About 600 hands are em- ployed, turning out about 75 locomotives annually. The officers of the Company are John C. Ellis, President; Charles G. Ellis, Treasurer ; Walter McQueen, Superintendent.
The New State Arsenal is a fine brick edifice, occupying a com- manding position near the Park. Its size is about 75 by 100 feet, and two stories high, with a Mansard roof, and cost 840,000.
Vale Cemetery occupies a beautiful site a short distance from the City. It is handsomly laid out and contains many fine monuments. When the present contemplated improvements are completed it will form one of the most beautiful rural cem- eteries of its size in this part of the State. Among the monu- ments of this Cemetery is one "Sacred to the memory of 57 American soldiers who were buried at Schenectady during the Revolution." The monument was erected by the citizens of Schenectady in 1859.
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The first settlement of Schenectady was made in 1661, as already noticed in the sketch of the County. As this was a frontier settlement, the compact part was at an early day sur- rounded by palisades, as a protection against the incursions of the Indians. In 1690 the inclosure was in the form of an oh- long rectangle, with gates at the ends. The gates were fre- quently left open, and sometimes no guard was kept, the people feeling so secure. This was the situation on the memorable night of February 9th, 1690, when the French and Indians made the attack, killing sixty-three persons and carrying twenty-seven into captivity. The lives of sixty old persons and children were spared in this massacre. The settlement re- covered slowly from the disaster, and bnt few accessions were made previous to the close of King William's War. A new fort was built in May 1690, which was garrisoned for many years. Another fort was built in 1735, and still another in 1:80. By an act of 1780, all the people living within a half K
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mile of the Dutch church were assessed in labor and materials for the erection of defensive works, the work to be done under the direction of the field officers and magistrates. The old Fort stood at the intersection of Ferry and Front Streets. The following description of Schenectady in 1757, is from " Docu- mentary History of New York."
"Chenectedi or Ccrlear, situated on the bank of the Mohawk River, is a village of about 300 houses. It is surrounded by up- right pickets, flanked from distance to distance. Entering this village by the gates on the Fort Hunter side, there is a fort to the right which forms a species of citadel in the interior of the village itself. It is a square flanked with four bastions or demi- bastions and is constructed half of masonry and half of timbers piled one over the other above the masonry. It is capable of holding two or three hundred men. There are some pieces of cannon as a battery on the rampart. It is not encircled by a ditch. The entrance is through a large swing gate raised lik. a drawbridge. By penetrating the village in attacking it at an - other point, the fire from the fort can be avoided. The greatest portion of the inhabitants of Chenectedi are Dutch."
"From Chenectedi to Albany or Orange is estimated to be six or seven leagues. The road is excellent for all sorts of car- riages; the soil is sandy and the country covered with open timber. There are only a few hills. A league and a half from Chenectedi, there is a house on the road which is a tavern. . \ league and a half further on, that is to say half way, another house is met which is also a tavern." * * " The Mo- hawk River can be forded during the summer a league and a unarter west of Chenectedi. Opposite Chenectedi the travers. is usually in a ferry boat and bateaux. The inhabitants of this country are Dutchmen. They form a company of about one Hundred men with those on the opposite side of the river below Fort Hunter."
In 1802 Rev. John Taylor, a missionary sent out from Massa- chusetts. made a tour through the region of the Mohawk and Black Rivers. He says: " Schenectady makes a singular ap- pearance, being built in the old Dutch form-the houses go !!. really one story or a story and a half and standing endwise to the street. Its local situation is excellent, standing upon the south bank of the Mohawk, and there appears in everything a simplicity and neatness that is very pleasing."
The first mail was brought to this town April 3, 1763. The first English school was opened under the supervision of Res. Henry Barclay, in 1710. In 1671 Rev. Wm. Andrews opened! a grammar school, and in a letter to Sir W. Johnson, datal Nov. 5, 1771, he says, " I have determined on forming it into
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an Academy and propose giving instructions in reading, writ- ing, arithmetic, geography and history, to those who may be de- signed to fill the stations of actual life, exclusive of those who may be taught the learned languages, book-keeping and mer- chants accounts, to fit them for business or the mechanic arts. At present I have thirteen scholars, and as the prices are mod- erate for teaching and receiving boarders, I have a good prospect of getting more daily." In the same letter he says: "What I only wish for is, that the venerable Society would please to add something to my income, either on account of the school, or because of the poverty of the mission. For I believe I may safe- ly pronounce it to be one of the poorest missions on the Conti- nent. Still I would not wish to appear discontented, for I am far from being so, I only wish to have my income so settled in a moderate way that I can make it barely satisfy my few wants." In 1785 the Consistory of the Dutch Church erected a small acad- emy on the corner of Ferry and Union Streets, and in 1793 the Schenectady Academy was incorporated, and was merged in the College in 1795. In 1816 a Lancasterian school was incorporat- ed and was continued in operation until the present school sys- tem was adopted.
The first church organization in the town was the Reformed Dutch. The oldest preserved record of the Church is dated 1681. This record is an account of bonds belonging to the Church, and shows that it had been in existence for some time previous. The first church edifice was erected in 1684 at what is now the junction of State and Church Streets. The first pastor was Rev. Petrus Thesschawmascher, who continued in charge of the Church until February 9th, 1690, when he fell a victim to the French and Indians during that memorable mas- sacre. Previous to his appointment in 1684, this Church was occasionally supplied by the ministers from Albany. Rev. Barn- hardus Freeman was the second pastor, and came here in 1700. About this time a second church edifice was erected, the Gover- nor granting a special license for the inhabitants or their agents, " to gather, collect and receive the free and voluntary offerings and contributions of all and singular his liege subjects, inhabit- ants of his province, at any time from the day of the date there- of for and during the term of six months then ensuing." The funds raised were restricted to the rebuilding of the church. and all justices of the peace, high sheriff's, and all others, His Majes- ty's friends, with all Protestant ministers, were exhorted to use vach their utmost diligence to excite and stir up the charities of the inhabitants. This church was converted into a fort in 134. After a pastorate of five years, Mr. F. was transferred to Kings County, and the Church in Schenectady was supplied by the
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Albany ministers for ten years, when Rev. Thomas Browers be- came the pastor. In 1715 the society purchased the lot now occupied by the church, together with a dwelling house, which was occupied as a parsonage for nearly one hundred years. In 1734 a massive stone church was erected at the corner of Church and Union Streets. Another one of brick was erected near the same site in 1814, and continued to be occupied by the society until August 6, 1861. The present church edifice was dedicated August 6, 1863. It is one of the finest structures in the State, and cannot fail to attract the attention of all by its beautiful and unique appearance. It is situated at the corner of Union and Church Streets, upon a lot about 141 by 189 feet. The main building fronts Union Street, and the consistory room Church Street. In the angle between them stands the tower. The buildings are so placed as to leave a large open space in front. The whole building, including buttresses, measures out- side 113 feet from north to south, and 116 from east to west; and it is 170 feet from the ground to the top of the spire. The building is of stone, covered with slate, the walls of which are constructed of Graywacke, while a variety of other stones is in- troduced to adorn the structure.
Edward Tuckerman Potter. was the architect of the church. On the occasion of the dedi- cation, a sermon was delivered by Rev. Edward Seelye, the pas- tor of the Church. The original cost of the church was about 850,000, but its present value is nearly double that sum. It will seat about 1,000. The present membership is 450, and the present pastor is Rev. D. Wortman, D. D.
St. George's Church (Episcopal) was organized in 1750 by Rev. Henry Barclay. It was incorporated in 1766, and an editice erected in 1768. From a letter written by John W. Brown vi' Schenectady, to Sir William Johnson, Oct. 19th, 1768, we learn that the church was not completed. After expressing grateful sentiments to him, he says: "We shall instantly set about finishing the church, though I fear it will be too late in the season to plaster the walls. According to order I have sent a barrel of Rusk, branded on the head E. B., which I hope has come safe to hand." The present house of worship will seat about 1,000 and is valued at 818,000. The number of commu- nicants is 340. The present rector is Rev. Wm. Payne, D. D.
The following inscription is on a slab in St. George's Church :
"In memory of John W. Brown who departed this life June 30th, 1814, aged 87 years. A native of Great Britain, came to Schenectady in 1 ... where he remained until his death. The founder and steady friend of this Church."
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The First M. E. Church of Schenectady was organized in Feb- ruary 1807 by Rev. Alexander McKean. The first pastor was Rev. Samuel Howe. The first house of worship was erected in 1800, and the present house in 1834. 'In 1816 the membership was fifty; it now numbers 350. Rev. J. W. Eaton is the present pastor. The present value of the church edifice is estimated at *12,000; it will seat 1200. The society are about to erect a new church at a cost of about $60,000.
The German M. E. Church was organized in 1848 with seven members. The first pastor was Rev. John G. Grace, and the first house of worship was erected in 1850. The present mem- bership is 310. The church will seat 250 and its value is $3,000. The society have purchased a building lot and are about to erect a new church that will accommodate about 700.
St. John's Roman Catholic Church was organized by Rev. Charles Smith, with twenty members. The first house of wor- ship was erected in 1830; the present house in 1839. The original church cost $2,000; the present one is valued at $25,- 000. It will seat 2,000 persons. Rev. M. E. Clark is the present pastor.
The First Presbyterian Church was organized previous to 1769, though the precise time cannot now be determined. A new church edifice was commenced this year, and was not com- pleted in 1771, though it had a tower and bell. Rev. Alexander Miller was one of the early pastors, serving the Church at va- rious times from 1771 to 1787, though how long he continued each time is not known. A new church edifice was commenced in 1809. December 6, 1832, Rev. J. Trumbull Backus was or- dained and installed pastor, and has continued in that capacity to the present time. The church edifice was enlarged in 1834, and again in 1859, giving it a seating capacity of about 1500. The present membership is about 400.
East Avenue Presbyterian Church, an offshoot of this, was or- ganized with seventeen members, and a house of worship erected in 1867. It will seat 400 and cost 84,000. The first pastor was Rev. George Alexander, the present incumbent of the office. The present membership is 60.
The Second Reformed Church was organized in 1852 by Rev. J. G. Duryea, with 18 members. Their house of worship was erected in 1854 at a cost of 822,000. It will seat 940, and its present value iš $35,000. The present membership is 112; the present pastor is Rev. Wm. A. Phraner.
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Christ's Church (Epis.) was organized in 1867 by Rev. Dr. Payne, and a house of worship erected the same year. It is valued at 86,000 and will seat 200. The first pastor was Het. F. C. Wainwright. The present membership is 34. The Church is at present without a pastor.
The Protestant Dutch Reformed Church was organized in 1854, and a house of worship was erected the same year, at a cost of $3.000 ; it will seat 450. The present membership is 200. Rev. Wm. F. Swilk is the present pastor.
The Congregational Church was organized in 1859 with 24 members. A house of worship was erected in 1863 at a cost of $5,000. It will seat 300. The first pastor was Rev. Amos Dean; the present pastor is Rev. James G. Cordell. The present membership is 62. The society is in a flourishing con- dition, with an interesting Sabbath school, in which students of Union College render efficient service as officers and teachers.
St. Joseph's Church (R. C.) was organized in 1862 by Rev. P. Leopold, O. M. C., and consisted of 600 members. A house of worship was erected the same year at a cost of $2,500, and capable of seating 500. The present membership is 900. The present pastor is Rev. P. Maurus, O. S. B.
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DUANESBURGH.
SCHENECTADY COUNTY BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
EXPLANATIONS TO DIRECTORY.
Directory is arranged as follows : 1. Name of individual or firm. 2. Post office ad- dress in parenthesis. 3. If a farmer, the lot number indicates his residence. 4. Busi- ness or occupation.
A Star (*) placed before a name, indicates an advertiser in this work. For such ad- vertisement see Index.
Figures placed after the occupation offarmers, indicate the number of acres of land owned or leased by the parties.
Names set in CAPITALS indicate subscribers to this work.
The word Street is implied as regards directory for the City of Schenectady as well as the villages.
For additions and corrections see Errata, following the Intro- duction.
DUANESBURGH. (Post Office Addresses in Parentheses.)
Abbey, Jay, (Braman's Corners,) lot 253, ; Avery, Moses C., (Esperance, Schoharie farmer 100.
ABELL, STEPHEN H., (Esperance, Scho- hurie Co.,) lot 235, assessor, blacksmith and farmer 3.
Abell, William F., (Quaker Street.) lot 417, farmer leases of Philip Gage, 100.
Ables, John, (Quaker Street,) blacksmith. Abrams, Nathan, (Mariaville,) lot 72, far- Iner 200.
ABRAMS, SUSAN, (Braman's Corners,) lot 253, farmer 45.
Ackrish. John, (Mariaville,) farmer 85.
Allen, Hiram P. & Geo., (Duanesburgh,) farmers 200.
Allen, William HI., (Quaker Street,) lot 123, farmer 9.
AUCHAMPAUGH, IRA, (Quaker Street,) retired merchant.
Avery, Ira E., (Esperance, Schoharie Co.,) lot 234, farmer 145.
Avery, Lewis, (Esperance, Schoharie Co.,) lot 218, dairyman, 50 cowe, and farmer 400.
Co.,) lot 233, farmer 210.
Avery, William H., (Esperance, Schobarie Co.,) lot 249, farmer 80.
Baird, William R., (Burtonsville, Mont- gomery Co.,) lot 277, farmer 171 %.
Ball, John H., (Quaker Street,) lot 397, far- mer leases of Amy Wilber, 200.
Ball, Lois Mrs., (Esperance, Schoharie Co .. ) lot 206, farmer 13.
Barber, Evans, (Esperance, Schoharie Co.,) lot 243, farmer 50.
Barkhuff, William HI., (Mariaville,) lot 93, farmer lenaes of Solomon Pulver, 1w. BARTON. JOHN L., (Quaker Street,) #8- ioon keeper.
Bassett, Almon, (Mariaville,) lot 308, farmer
Baumes, Geo. J. and Stephen, (Esperance, Schoharie Co.,) lot 221, farmer 170.
Bebee, Calvin, (Braman's Corners,) lot 160, farmer 85. .
Becker, Garret, (Esperance, Schoharie Co.,) farmer 10%.
PJatt & Co., 165 Greenwich st., New York. Sec Card on Map.
BUCKEYE
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DUANESBURGH.
Becker, John, (Van Vechten,) lot 349, far- | Carpenter, Isaac B., (Quaker Street,) For. mer 100. vevor.
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