USA > New York > Gazetteer of the State of New York: embracing a comprehensive view of the geography, geology, and general history of the State, and a complete history and description of every county, city, town, village, and locality, Part 2 > Part 18
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New England Society holds its anniversary Dec. 22.
Besides these, there are and have been a great number of so- cieties and unions, particularly among the German, Irish, Italian, and other foreign classes, and among the Jews and other denomi- nations, concerning which it is difficult to procure full statistics, or even the names. The "George Clinton Society," "Washington Benevoleut Society," "Tammany Society," or "Columbiau Or- der," (the latter founded in 1805, and still existing,) are among those memorable for their political influence; the "Society of Cincinnati," for its Revolutionary associations, and the " Wilber- force Philanthropic Society," "Manumission Society" of 1785, "Society for the Reliefof Imprisoned Debtors," and a great variety of others, for their labors in the field of charities, but which have disappeared with the abuses they comhated, aud their elements re-organized under other names, for new labors which the mis- fortunes, vices, and crimes of mankind are constantly providing.
2 The following tablo contains some of the principal statistics of the churches in the city. Tbe dates of first churches in tho several denominations are given upon the authority of Greeu- leaf's History of the Churches of New York. The lists given by that author include several societies not owning church edifices, on which account the numbers are larger thau those of the census :-
DENOMINATIONS.
Date of first
No. in 1845.
(Greenleaf.)
No. in 1850.
(Greenleaf.)
No. in 1855.
No. in 1859.
(Directory.)
No. extinct
up to 1850.
African Methodist.
1801
7
7
6
5
Associate Presbyterian.
...
...
...
6
Associato Reformed Pres- byterian
...
...
...
4
2
Baptist ..
1724
31ª
38ª
29
32
15
Calvinistic Methodist and other
3
3
5
1
Christian.
1829
2
2
1
1
Congregational.
1804
8
9
5
108
Congregational Methodist .. Disciples.
...
...
1
1
Evangelical Lutheran.
1663
5
8
7
1
Free Will Baptist.
Friends.
1703
4
4
4
3
1
Jews
1706
9
10
10
17
Methodist Episcopal
1766
25
31
33
32
Moravian.
1748
1
1
1
2
Presbyterian
1716
38
44
33
43
21
Primitive Methodist
1829
1
1
1
Protestant Episcopal.
1664
41
49
43
51
10
Protestant Methodist ..
2
2
1
Reformed Covenanters.
4
5
Reformed Protestant Dutchi 1626
16
17
22
21
3
Roman Catholic c.
1783
16
19
24
29
Second Advent.
Seventh Day Baptist
...
...
Swedenborgian or New
Jerusalem
1808
Unitarian
1819
Universalist.
1796
United Covenanters
Wesleyan Methodist.
1841
2
2
3
Other churches
...
...
11
Total.
218
254
249
288
63
These numbers may include churches other than those termed comnion or "Close Communion" Baptists. Several of these became Presbyterian.
. Father Jogues, a Jesuit, was the first Roman Catholic priest
...
2
1
1
1
...
1
...
..
1
(Greenleaf.)
church.
(Census.)
... CO: AN.
2
...
7
435
NEW YORK COUNTY.
The Literary and Library Societies of the city exert an important influence upon the intellectual condition of the people. Many of the libraries are extensive and are provided with ample accommodations for the preservation and care of the books and for the convenience of students.1
The population of New York has increased with great rapidity since the commencement of the
in New York. Ile suffered martyrdom at Caughnawaga, Sept. | 100 ft., adjoining the library, upon which has been erected a 27, 1642, at the hands of the Iroquois. The first religious ser- vices of this Church were held by Father Farmer, of Philadelphia, about 1781-82. The first church was built in 1786, and named St. Peter. 1ts chief benefactor was Charles III., King of Spain, who gave $10,000.
The first church edifice was erected near the Fort, in 1633, and in 1642 was superseded hy one built of stone within the Fort. The Reformed Dutch Church retained the ascendency until 1664, when the chapel in the Fort was devoted to the English service. Trinity, formed in 1697, received grants of prop- erty from the Government, which by the subsequent growth of the city have become enhanced in value beyond parallel in America, if not in the world. Its revenues are usually consi- dered adequate not only for the support of its several chapels and other edifices of worship, but for aiding liberally the poorer churches of this denomination throughout the country. Its income, already very large, will in a few years be greatly in- creased as leases at a low rate for long periods expire and tho property is again offered for lease. The property of the Col- legiate Dutch Church is also of great value, and surpassed only by that of Trinity Church. During the Revolution the Pres- hyterian and Dutch Churches were used by the British as riding schools, prisons, and for other military purposes. Within a few years most of the church buildings in the lower part of the city have been sold, their sites occupied for commercial purposes, and costly edifices of great architectural beauty have been erected " up town."
1 The New York Library Society was first started in 1700, when Rev. John Sharp, chaplain of Lord Bellemont, gave & col- lection of books to be styled the "Public Library of New York." The society was incorp. in 1752, and was organized under its present name in 1754. The library was mostly scattered during the Revolution; but its charter was revived Feb. 18, 1789, and the books as far as possible were recollected. It was at first kept in the City Hall. In 1793 it was removed to a building in Nassau St., afterward to Chambers St., and in 1840 to a new building corner of Broadway and Leonard Sts. It was after- ward moved to the Bible HIonse, and in 1857 to its present quarters, University Place, between 12th and 13th Sts. The library building is & fine edifice, and the library now contains 40,000 vols.
The New York Historical Society was organized Dec. 10, 1804, and incorp. Feh. 10, 1809. After occupying rooms many years in the New York University Buildings, it was removed in 1857 to a new, fireproof building on 2d Avenue, corner of 11th St., which was dedicated Nov. 17 of that year. This society pos- sesses a library of 30,000 volumes, particularly rich in historical works and manuscripts, a choice gallery of paintings and collec- tion of antiquities, coins, medals, and charts. Among its collec- tions are a series of large tablets of Assyrian sculpture, the gift of James Lenox, Esq. Under a special act of April 12, 1856, the premiiscs were made exempt from sale on execution, and the law is so framed that the society's property cannot bo encnni- bered hy mortgage. Regular meetings of the society are held on the first Tuesday of each montb.
The Mercantile Library Association, at Clinton Hall, Astor Place, was organized in 1820, and has a library, reading room, lecture room, and cabinet. It was originally intended for the use of merchants' clerks, hut is now accessible to all. Its library, especially full in periodicals, numbers 55.000 volumes; and the association has about 4,500 members. It formerly occu- pied the premises of Old Clinton Hall, on Beekman St., near the Park.
New York Law Institute, founded throngb the exertions of the late Chancellor Kent, was formed in 1828 and incorp. Feb. 22, 1830. It contains about 6,500 volumes, forming one of the most valuable and perfect collections of the kind in the United States. It is located at 45 Chambers St., to which place it was removed in 1855. Membership is confined to counsellors. solicitors, and attorneys. Judges of the Fedcral and State Courts, and stran- gers generally, are allowed to visit and use the library.
The Mechanics' Institute, located at No. 20 4th Avenue, was incorp. April 24, 1833. Its objects are to diffuse knowledge among the mechanical classes, to found lectures on natural, mechanical, and chemical philosophy, and scientific subjects, to open schools, and hold annnal fairs. It has established classes in modeling, machinery, architecture, and ornamental drawing, a winter course of lectures, a reading room, and a library of 6,000 volumes, all of which are free to mechanics, workingnien, and apprentices of the city.
The. Astor Library was founded upon a bequest of $400,000 made by John Jacob Astor in his will, Aug. 22, 1839. Its trus- tees organized in May, 1848, and employed Dr. Joseph G. Cogs- well to visit Europe for the purchase of books. On the 10th of Dec. 1849, they adopted a plan for an edifice, 120 by 65 ft., wbich was opened to the public Feb. 1, 1854. On the 31st of Oct. 1855, Wm. B. Astor presented to the trustees a lot, 80 by
building similar to the first, the two formiug the most spacious library rooms in America. The buildings will contain 200,000 volumes, and half that number are already in the library. This noble institution is situated on La Fayette Place, in a quiet quarter of the city, and is open to all without charge. Books are not allowed to be taken from the rooms. Tbe trustees are required to report aunually to the Legislature.
The Printers' Free Library, located at No. 3 Chambers St., was founded In 1823 by the New York Typographical Society, for the benefit of those employed in printing and binding books. It has 3,500 volumes.
The Apprentices' Library, at Mechanics' IIall, 472 Broadway near Grand St., is free to apprentices, and open to journeymen upon payment of $1 annually. It numbers 16,000 volumes.
The Libraries of the City Corporation, of Columbia College, of the Free Academy, of the several hospitals, of the medical col- leges, of the theological seminaries, of the Bible Socicties, and of several other institutions, aro extensive, and some of them arc very valuable In their several departments.
The Cooper Institute, a fine edifice of browustone, covers an entire block between 3d and 4th Avenues and 7th and 8th Streets. It was erected by Peter Cooper, Esq., at a cost of $300,000, to promote tho advancement of science and a know- ledge of the useful arts. The first and second stories are to be rented and the avails devoted to the expenses of the establish- ment. In the basement is & lecture room, 125 ft. by 82 ft., and 21 ft. high. The three upper stories are arranged for purposes of instruction, and contain a very large hall, with a gallery designed ultimately as a free public exchange. A school of design is in operation in these rooms, and is attended by sowie 50 young ladies under instruction in engraving, lithographic drawing, and painting. The design of this institution is emi- nently creditable to the enlightened views of its munificent projector, and will associate his name with those who have done innch for the useful arts and deserved well of mankind. Tho building is known as "The Union," and, in accordance with an act of February 17, 1857, it has been placed in charge of trustees.
The American Institute was incorp. May 29, 1529. for the pur- pose of encouraging and promoting domestic industry in this State and the United States, in agriculture, commerce, manu- factures, and the arts. It aims to promote these objects by an annual exhibition of machines and manufactures. the awarding of preminms, and the formation of a repository of models and a library of books relating to the useful arts; and for this pur- pose it may hold property producing an income of $30,000 per annum. It has connected with its orgsuizatiou a farmers' club, which holds mouthly meetings, and occasional cattle shows, plowing, and spading matches, as its officers inay direct. Tho annnal fairs of the Institute were formerly held at Castle Gar- den, but in 1837 were transferred to the Crystal Palace, where its 30th fair was prematurely ended by the burning of the Palace Oct. 5, 1858. The amount awarded for premiums from 1835 to 1857, both inclusive, has been distributed as follows :- 1835, $ 779.00 | 1841, $1,183.03 1836, 1.039.50 1842, 1,155.96 [ 1847, $2.592.78 | 1852, $4,917.43 1848, 3.089.83 1849, 2.482.61 1850, 4.303.72 1851, 4.091.76 1853, 3.366.77 1855. 3.269.97 1856, 5,593.49 1857, 3,160.34
1838, 1,259.50 1839, 1.155.44 820.50
1837, 1.093.50 1843, 1.191.55 1844, 1,192.44 1840, 1845, 1.848.17 1846, 3,225.10
This society has successively occupied premises on Liberty St. near Broadway, at 41 Cortlaud St., 187 Broadway, the City Hall, Broadway, corner of Authony St., and 351 Broadway. The last named premises it now owns. In 1859 it removed to the Cooper Institute building. In 1835 it commenced tbe publication of a monthly journal that continued through several volumes. The annual reports of the Institute to the Legislature since 1841 aro voluminous and valuable.
The Lyceum of Natural History, located on 14th St., was incorp. in 1818. It has a large library relating to the natural sciences, and a cabinet. It was first opened in the rear of the City Hall; thence it was removed to Stuyvesant Institute, and finally to its present locality.
The American Geographical and Statistical Society was incorp. under the general law April 30, 1852, and, after several years' sojourn in the University Building, has recently been re. moved to Clinton Ilall, Astor Place. It holds monthly meetings at the rooms of the Historical Society, and is forming au exten- sive and valuable statistical library. The objects of the society are expressed in its name. It publishes a monthly jonrual, chiefly of original papers.
The New York Academy of Music, corner of Irving Place and 14th St., was incorp. April 10, 1852. The building is 121 ft. by 114 ft .. and will seat 4,000 persons. It is ricbly decorated, and is constructed with cxpress reference to fine acoustic effect. The cost is ostimated at $350.000.
The city has about 15 theaters aud a great number of
436
NEW YORK COUNTY.
present century.1 The completion of the Erie Canal gave an impetus to its growth and greatly increased its business transactions. The commerce of the city, without a parallel on the Western continent, has already been noticed in the general article upon the commerce of the State. The financial institutions are of a number and magnitude commensurate with its wants as the great center of commercial wealth in the nation.2
The manufactures of the city form one of the most important branches of the industry of the inhabitants. They cmbrace nearly every varicty of article produced in the civilized world, and the aggregate capital employed is very great. The last State census reported 2,424 manufacturing establishments. In single instances the capital invested exceeds a million of dollars, and the number of persons dependent upon these large establishments for employment extends to several hundred. The above estimate does not profess to include the minor trades, in which little is in- vested beyond an industrial education and a small stock of implements and materials, but which in the aggregate amount to considerable sums. A large number of manufacturing establishments legitimately belonging to the city are located in the several suburban places for economy of rent and for room ; and if these were added to those located in the city the aggregate would probably be nearly equal to that of the most noted manufacturing cities of Europc.
The Public Buildings of New York are many of them elegant and substantial struc- tures, combining strength and durability with architectural beauty. Among the most noted of these is the U. S. Custom House, the Merchants' Exchange, and the City Hall.3
minor places of amusement, generally of a special character and devoted to exhibitions of art, curiosities, and other objects of attraction. The first theater in New York was opened in Nassau St. Sept. 17, 1753, and the first play acted was "The Couscious Lovers."
1 Population at various periods.
1698
4,937
1756
13,046 | 1825 166,086
1703
4,375
1771
21,862
1830 197,112
17:23 7,248
1790 33,131
1835 268,089
1731 8,622
1800 60,489
1840 312.710
1737
10,664
1810.
96,373
1845. 371,223
1746
11,717
1814.
95.519
1850 515,547
123,706 1855. 13,294 1820. 629,810 1749
" There are now 5 incorporatod and 49 free banks in New York City, which together presented the following total aggre- gate of resources in their quarterly returns of March 12, 1859 :-
Capital
$68,324,657
Notes in circulation
7,845,947
Profits ..
6,640,888
Due banks.
27,251,889
Due individuals and corp. other than banks.
531,061
Due Treasurer of State of New York
119,822
Due depositors on demand.
80,679,650
Other snms due
471,666
Total liabilities
191,865,843
Loans and discounts
123,983,075 59,467
Over-drafts
Due from banks.
5,357,188
Due from directors.
4,119,438
Due from brokers.
3,281,632
Real estate
5,967,164
Specie.
25,068,132
Cash items
17,481,781
Stocks and promissory notes.
12,020,306
Bonds and mortgages.
523,869
Bills of solvent banks.
1.023,402
Loss and expense account
372,920
Total resources.
191,865,643
There are 16 savings banks in the city, with an aggregate amonnt of $36,804,419 on deposit, and with $38.757,860 in resources .- Report of Supt. Bank Department 1859; Assem. Doc., No. 87.
The first movement toward a savings bank was made Nov. 29, 1816, when at a public meeting the plan was discussed and approved. The first deposits were made July 3, 1819. and within six months $153.378.31 had been deposited by 1,527 prr- Mons. and of this snm $6,606 had been withdrawn. Up to 1857, $7.530.067.61 had been deposited in these institutions. They owe their origin to the Society for the Prevention of l'auperism .- Common Council Manual, 1858, p. 624.
The Clearing House Association was formed Oct. 1, 1853, for the purpose of facilitating the settlements of banks with each other. Its office is on Wall, corner of William St. The ar- racgements are so perfected that the entire daily settlements of all the banks in their immense transactions with each other are made in six minutes. The whole amount of bank funds which passed through this institution up to Aug. 31, 1858, was $30,675.933,556.56; and during that period so perfect has been the system of balances that the error of one cent has never been made.
Fire Insurance Companies, to the number of 75, with an ag- fregate capital of $17,654.000, are located in the city. Besides
these, a large number of agencies for companies in other States aud in foreign countries are established in the city. The amount of capital invested in marine, life, and other insuranco companies is not knowu, as no general reports are published. A list of these companies is elsewhere given. There are also several trust companies, with large capital, and a very great number of companies, associations, and individuals engaged in the business of hanking and exchange, of which no statistics are attainable.
The Chamber of Commerce was instituted in 1768, and incorp. hy patent March 13, 1770. It probably owes its origin to the necessity felt toward the close of the colonial period, of con- certed action to protect the interests of trade against the usurp- ations of the British Government. Its rights were confirmed April 13, 1784, and it has since continued in operation withont material interruption. Its objects are to adjust disputes and establish equitable rules concerning trade, and to operate upon puhlic sentiment in the procuring of such acts and regulations as the cominercial interests require. Within a short time it has commenced the formation of a library of statistical and commercial works, and opened rooms sufficiently ample and convenient for the wants of the association. Its first report was published in 1859.
8 The Custom House, located on Wall St., on the site of the old Federal Ilall, is a marble structure, in the Greek order of archi- tecture, with a Doric portico at each end. It has a marble roof, and is fireproof throughout. It was commenced in May, 1834, and finished in May, 1841, at a cost of $950,000.
The Merchants' Exchange, on Wall St., built of Quincy granite, is 171 by 144 ft., and 77 feet high. A portico in front is sup- ported by 18 Ionic columns, 38 feet high, each formed of a single stone weighing 45 tons. The rotunda is 80 ft. in diameter and 80 ft. high. The building is owned hy an incorporated company, and cost over $1,000,000.
The City Hall, on the Park, is 216 by 105 ft., with two stories and a high hasement. It is built in the Italian style, and is faced with marble except on the north side. It was begun Sept. 26, 1803, and finished in 1812, at a cost of over half a million of dollars. The upper story and cupola were burned Aug. 17. 1858, and have not been rebuilt. It is occupied hy the Common Council, County Clerk, and various city and county offices. The first City Hall. built in 1698, stood on the present site of the Custom House, at the head of Broad St.
The Hall of Records, on the Park, is chiefly interesting from its historical associations. It was formerly the debtors' prison, and in the Revolution it was the prison into which American prisoners were crowded, and from which great numbers were taken to execution. In 1832 it was a cholera hospital. The pillars upon the ends are of modern origin.
The Rotunda, on the l'ark, was built by John Vanderlyn in 1818, for the exhibition of panoramic views, and is now an office of the Almshouse. It reverted to the city at the expiration of a ten years' lease.
The Halls of Justice, or " The Tombs," on Center St., is a struc- ture huilt of Maine granite, in the Egyptian style of architecture. It is a hollow square, 252 by 200 ft., with a large central building. It was erected in 1838. Executions take placo in the open courts within its walls.
The New Armory, or Down- Town Arsenal, corner of White and Elm Sts., is 131 hy 84 ft. and 2 stories high. It is built of blue stone, and is supplied with narrow windows for easy defense against mobs. It is used as a receptacle for a part of the artillery of the Ist Division N. Y. State Militia, and as a drill room.
An arsenal was built by the State a few years since, on ground
437
NEW YORK COUNTY.
The Commercial Buildings and Private Residences of New York are many of them on a scale of great magnificence. The first of these are built of marble or a beautiful kind of brownstone ; and in the upper part of the city are numerous streets which for miles present un- broken lines of palatial residences. Within the past few years a great improvement has taken place in the character of the commercial buildings erected, and many of them now in size and elc- ganec have no superiors in the world.1
The Bay of New York was first discovered by IIenry Hudson, then in the employ of the Duteh East India Co., Sept. 12, 1609. A settlement was made upon Manhattan Island by a company of Dutch traders, under the auspices of the West India Co., in 1612; but no permanent agricultural oceupation began until 1623. During this year 30 families of Walloons from the Flemish frontiers, and a number of domestic animals, were sent over to form the nucleus for the permanent occupa- tion of the country. Sarah Rapelje, a child of one of these families, born soon after their arrival, was the first white child born in New York. In 1626, Peter Minuet, the first Duteh Governor of the colony, purchased Manhattan Island of the natives for $24, and during the same year he caused a fort surrounded by cedar palisades to be erected. A new fort was begun in 1633 and was finished 2 years after.2 The Colony of New Netherlands increased slowly ; but in 1652 a feud arose between the company and settlers, which continued during the entire period of the Dutch occupa- tion. The interest of the company was solely to make money by their operations; and they pur- sued their object by the exercise of an arbitrary power and without any regard to the prosperity of the settlers. This controversy tended greatly to develop democratie sentiments in the hearts of the people, and prepared them for the events which subsequently happened. In 1664 the colony fell into the hands of the English, and a new immigration took place, which materially changed the character of the population. A city charter, granted in 1652 and confirmed in 1686, sceured many of the privileges since uninterruptedly enjoyed by the people, and formed the basis of all subsequent enactments. From the English conquest to the Revolution the history of the eity is merged in that of the State and has no features of special interest.
Trade and commerce have been from the first the leading elements of the industry and wealth of the eity, and in colonial times every measure of Government tending to embarrass trade occa-
now within the Central Park, and which has recently been sold to the Comunissioners of the Park for $275,000. It was constructed very poorly, and was hardly finished before it began to tumble down From a part of the proceeds of this property a new arsenal was built, in 1858, corner of 7th Avenue and 35th St .; but, before it was finished, the roof, constructed on a novel plau, fell in by its own weight on the morning of Nov. 19, 1858.
The Post Office occupies the old stone edifice of the Middle Dutch Church, on Nassau, l'ine, and Liberty Sts. It is small and inconvenient, and poorly adapted for the purposes of a post office. In the Revolution the pews of the church were broken up for fuel, and the building was used as a prison, and at one time as a riding school. The project of a building for a post office on or near the Park has been agitated; but there is at present no arrangement tending to that result.
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