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 46
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18 The town was first named in honor of Dr. Franklin. Ita present narue was derived from a family of early settlers.
542
PUTNAM COUNTY.
is hilly; but, with a few exceptions, the hills are arable to their summits. The principal streams are the E. branch of Croton River and its tributaries, Quaker, Birch, and Muddy Brooks. Croton Lake is in the w. and Little Pond in the E. part. "The Great Swamp" extends along the E. branch of Croton River.1 The soil is a sandy loam. Patterson, (p. v.,) a station on the Harlem R. R., contains 2 churches and 37 houses. Towners Station (Towners p. o.) and Haviland Hollow (p. o.) are hamlets. The Prot. E. Church at Patterson was built in 1770. There are 4 churches in town.2
PHILIPSTOWN®-was formed March 7, 1788. A part of Fishkill (Dutchess co.) was taken off in 1806, and Putnam Valley in 1839. It is the most westerly town of the co., and extends about 10 mi. along the Hudson. Its surface is broken by numerous steep and rocky mountain ridges separated by deep and narrow valleys." These mountains constitute the most elevated portiou of The Highlands.5 The ranges have a general N. and s. or N. E. and s. w. direction. Clove Creek flows through the N. part of the town, and Canopus Creek through the N. E. corner. Foundry, Breakneck, Andreas, Indian, and other brooks flow through narrow valleys and rocky ravines into the Hudson. The greater part of the surface is unfit for agricultural purposes. Constitution Island6 is a promontory opposite West Point, connected with the mainland by a marshy meadow. The " Sunk Lot" is a tract of 1300 acres of low and apparently sunken ground. Several mines of magnetic iron ore had been opened in town; but none are now wrought. Granite is extensively quarried, and brick are made at several points along the river. The soil is a gravelly, sandy, and clayey loam. Coldspring, (p. v.,) situated on the Hudson, was incorp. April 22, 1846, and includes the suburban villages of Nelsonville and Marysville. It is a station on the Hudson River R. R., and contains 6 churches and an extensive foundry.7 Pop. 2,237. Break- neck and Griffins Corners contain each about a dozen houses. Davenport Corners contains 1 church and 10 houses. Continental Village® has 1 church and about 12 houses. Garrisons, (p. o.,) on the Hudson, is a station on the Hudson River R. R. The first settlement was made about 1715, by Thos. Davenport.9 This town was principally settled under Col. Beverly Robinson,10 who acquired title by marriage with Susannah, daughter of Frederick Philipse. Undercliff, the residence of Gen. Geo. P. Morris, is situated on a high bluff in the N. part of Cold Spring. The census reports 9 churches in town.11
PUTNAM VALLEY-was formed from Philipstown, as " Quincy," March 14, 1839. Its
1 Pine Island is a rocky ledge 200 ft. high, containing about 30 acres, in the middle of Great Swamp.
2 Prot. E., Bap., Friends, and Presb.
3 Named from Adolph Philipse, patentee of the Philipse Manor. The Philips Precinct was formed March 24, 1772.
+ " Martlaers Rack," or the Martyrs Reach, was a short stretch of the Hudson just above West Point, where early navigators were often retarded by baffling winds. There were 13 racks, or reaches, on the Iludson, known to sailors as " Horse," " Sail- makers," " Cooks," " High," " Fox," " Bakers," "John Pleasures," " Harts," " Sturges," "Fishers," "Fast," "Martlaers," and " Long" Reaches, the last named extending from Pollepels Island to Krom Elleboogh .- Benson's Memoir, p. 42.
5 Among the peaks of The Highlands in this town are An- thonys Nose, Sugar Loaf, Breakneck Mt., and Bull, Hog-Back, Vinegar, Cot, Pine, and Fort Hills. Anthonys Nose is 1228 feet above the Hudson, and Sugar Loaf 800 ft.
6 This promontory was called " Martlaers Island" before the Revolution. In July, 1775, a fort was built upon it, under the direction of Bernard Romaine; and in 1778 a heavy chain was stretched across the IJudson from this fort to West Point. Col. Timothy Pickering, appointed to have charge of this work, in March, 1778, contracted with Peter Townsend (at the Sterling Iron Works at Warwick, Orange co.) for the construction of the chain. The task was done in 6 weeks, and the huge chain carted in sections to West Point. The links weighed from 100 to 150 pounds each; and the entire weight was 186 tons, and its length 1,500 ft. It was buoyed up by large spars, a few feet apart, secured by strong timbers framed into them and firmly at- tached to the rock on both shores. In winter it was drawn on shore by a windlass, and replaced in the spring. It was never disturbed by the enemy, and continued in use until the peace. A similar chain, of half its diameter and 1,800 ft. In length, (made at the Ringwood Iron Works, N. J.,) was stretched across the channel from Anthony's Nose to Fort Montgomery, in Nov. 1776. It parted twice, and the enemy broke and passed It in the fall of 1778. Another, stretched from Pollepels Island to the w. shore, consisted of spars, pointed, and their ends uuited hy iron links. There was also a cheraux de frize sunk at the same place to prevent the passage of vessels. Most of these works were coustructed and placed under the immediate direc- tion of Capt. Thomas Machin, an engineer in the service. Traces of Fort Constitution and the outworks are still visible.
7 The West Point Foundry is one of the largest establishments of the kind in the country. It was established in 1817, by au association organized for that purpose. A tract of 150 acres was purchased of Frederick Philipse, and a moulding house, horing mill, blacksmith and pattern shops, and drafting and business offices, were erected. An act of incorporation was ob- tained, April 15, 1818; and in 1839 the finishing or machine, smiths and boiler departments of the establishment were brought from New York. The works now consist of a moulding house, with 3 cupola furnaces ; a gun foundry, with 3 air furnaces; 2 boring mille,-one driven by an oversbot waterwheel and the other by a steam engine; 3 blacksmith shops; a turning shop; a finishing shop, with a pattern shop on the second floor ; a boiler shop, a punching machine house. 5 pattern houses, a fire engine house, an office, and several smaller buildings. A dock on the river belongs to these works, nod a branch from the R. R. extends to them. From 400 to 600 men are employed. Shafts 2 ft. in diameter, and of 15 tons' weight, have been forged here.
8 This village, together with barracks for 2000 men, was burned in Oct. 1777, by a detachment of the enemy on their way up the Hudson to co-operate with Gen. Burgoyne. Two small forts were erected here during the Revolution, aud traces of them are yet visible.
9 Davenport built the first house at Coldspring. in 1715. David Hurtis, and several families named Haight, Bloomer, and Wilson, settled in the town in 1730. John Meeke was the first settler at Continental Village, and John Rogers settled a little N. of the same place about 1730. Jas. Stanley settled in the town in 1750. and Thos. Sarles in 1756. The first gristinill was built about 1762, by Beverly Robinson, at Continental Village.
10 Col. Robinson's house, situated at the foot of Sugar Loaf Mt., was the headquarters of Gens. Putnam and Parsons in 1778-79, and of Gen. Arnold at the time of his treason. The building is still standing, and is owned by Richard D. Arden, by whom it is carefully preserved in its original character. Col. Robinson granted a glebe to St. Philip's Church in The Highlands, I mni. E. of Garrisons, which was confirmed by the act of March 27, 1794. The church was used as a barrack during the Revo lution .- Blake's Hist. Putnam Co. pp. 180-209; Sabine's Loyal- ists, p. 562.
11 4 M. E., 2 Prot. E., Bap., Presb. and R. C.
543
PUTNAM COUNTY.
name was changed Feb. 13, 1840. It lies on the s. border of the co., between Philipstown and Carmel. Its surface is broken by steep and rocky mountain ridges extending in nearly a N. and s. direction, and separated by narrow valleys. These mountain ranges constitute a part of The Highlands. The principal streams are Canopus Creek, Canopus Lake Crcek, and Peekskill Hollow Brook. Canopus Lake is a beautiful sheet of water near the center of the town.1 The soil in the valleys is a moderately fertile, sandy and gravelly loam. Iron ore has been found in several locali- ties, but in places so difficult of access that it is not mined to any considerable extent. Oregon, at the confluence of Peekskill Hollow Brook and Canopus Lake Creek, contains 17 houses, and Crofts Corners contains 2 churches and 10 houses. Tomkins Corners is a hamlet. Among the early settlers were families named Dusenbury and Adams.2 The census reports 4 churches in town; 3 M. E. and 1 Bap.
SOUTHEAST-was formed from Frederickstown and " Southeasttown,"3 March 7, 1788. A part of Patterson was taken off, as " Franklin," in 1795. It is the s. E. corner town of the co. Its surface is rolling and hilly. The streams are the E. and middle branches of Croton River and their tributaries. Several small lakes and ponds lie among the hills." The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam. Iron ore abounds, but no mines are wrought at the present time. About 4,000 gals. of milk are sent daily from this town to the New York market. Brewsters Station, (p. v.,) on the Harlem R. R., contains 1 church and a bank, and has a pop. of 176. Hledding- ville and Brush Hollow are hamlets. Southeast Center has 144 inhabitants, and Milltown (p.v.) 167. De Forest Corners, Doanesburgh, Foggingtown, and Dykemans Station (Dykemans p. o.) are hamlets. This was one of the first settled towns in the co." The first religious services were conducted by Rev. Elisha Kent, grandfather of the late Chancellor, about the year 1730.6
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Putnam County.
ACRES OF LAND.
VALUATION OF 1858.
POPULATION.
SCHOOLS.
NAMES OF TOWNS.
Improved.
Unimproved.
Real Estate.
Personal
Property.
Total.
Males.
Females.
No. of Dwellings.
No. of Families.
Freeholders.
No. of
Children
taught.
Carmel ..
19,300
5,2714
941.804
362,690
1,304.554
1,169 755
1,237 784
275
308
225
8
572
Patterson ..
13,7891
6.523
609,825
100,650
710.475
Philipstown .....
11,505
15,236
761,793
131,300
893,093
702 2,427 826
720 2,382
722
932
433
14
1.760
Putnam Valley.
16,313
7,637
365,440
88,500
453,940
747
298
312
264 268
7
735
Southeast.
18,056%
3,1634
990,179
227,285
1,217,464
1,091
1,094
374
409
10
690
Total
94,205₮
44,447}
4,094,121 1,061,600
5,155,721
6,970
6,964
2,405
2,746
1.739
59
4.976
LIVE STOCK.
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.
NAMES OF TOWNS.
Working
Oren and
Calves.
Coros.
Sheep.
Swine .
Winter.
Spring.
Tons of Hay.
Bushels of
Potatoes.
Bushels of
Apples.
Pounds
Pounds
Cheese.
Carmel.
458
1,120
2,113
2,171|
1,847
5,326
57,941}
6,040
14,088
8,616| 4,091
121,479
Kent ..
208
1,165
1,493
1,420
766
3,8864
25,2884
4.261
5,866
75,856
550
Patterson ..
268
2,179
539
971
3,148}
22,251}
4.0601
9,854
3.3211
61.400
3,375
Philipstown
357
1,145
853
698
1,194
5,393}
23,753
3,370
6.976
3,890.
65,591
Putnam Valley ..
313
1,081
935
822
1,144
4,505
28,072
3,443
17,649
5,159
73,070
100
646
Southeast
334
966
2,457
154
1,075
4,181}
40,511}
6,582}
10,071
2,081
96,300
25
Total
1,938
7,656
7,851
5,804
6,997 26,4414
197,8184 27,7562
64,504
27,158
493,696
3,475 1,221
1 Canopns Lake is 2 mi. long by 1 wide. Clear, Mnddy, Pei- tons, Salpeu, Owens, Cranberry, Bargers, and Wickopee Ponds are sinaller bodies of water in the town.
2 On the farm of Harry Gillet are the ruins of the Hempstead Huta, built in 1780 by a detachment of the Mass. Line, and one or two companies from Hempstead, L. I.
8 "Southeasttown" was formed as a precinct Dec. 17, 1737, and confirmed March 24, 1772. The word " town" in the name was Union. dropped March 17, 1795.
4 Tonetta and Kishewana Lakes, and Covils and Peach Ponds. 6 Among the early settlers were families named Crane, Crosby, Hall, Moody, Paddock, Hane, Howe, Carpenter, and Dickinson, from Mass. and Conn. Joseph Crane built the first mill, at Mill- town. about 1730. Chancellor Kent was born in this town, July 31. 1763.
6 The census reports 3 churches in town; M. E., Presb., and
483
345
11
739
Kent ..
15,241}
6,617
425,020
151,175
576,195
266
302
204
9
480
Domestic Cloths in yards.
Horses.
BUSH. OP GRAIN.
DAIRY PRODUCTS.
Butter.
Districts.
470
QUEENS COUNTY.
THIS county was organized Nov. 1, 1683,1 having previously been included in the North and West Ridings of Yorkshire.2 Its original bounds have not been changed. It lies upon Long Island, near the w. extremity, is centrally distant 133 mi. from Albany, and con- SEAL tains 410 sq. mi. It extends across the island, bordering both upon Long Island Sound and the ocean. Its coasts are deeply indented by irregular inlets, bays, and harbors. The principal of these upon the sound are Oyster Bay, Cold Spring and Oyster Harbors, Mill GÒ Neck Creek, Hempstead Harbor, Manhasset Bay, Little Neck Bay, Little Bay, Powells Cove, Flushing Bay, and Bowery Bay. Upon the East River are Halletts Cove and the narrow passage of Hell Gate, and upon the s. shore, Jamaica, Hempstead, and South Oyster Bays. Along these bays and the creeks that flow into them are wide salt meadows, the most ex- tensive being upon the s. shore. Outside of the bays on the ocean side is a series of beaches and shifting sand-ridges, affording a complete protection from the storms of the ocean. These beaches are divided into distinct parts by several inlets opening into the bays.º
Inclosed in the bays within the beaches is a great number of low, marshy islands separated by narrow tidal streams and covered with sedges." A wide strip bordering immediately upon the bays is of the same marshy character. Along the deep bays upon the N. coast are small patches of salt meadow ; but the greater part of the land upon the capcs, necks, and promontorics is of a most excellent character.6 A range of hills 100 to 300 feet high extends in a general E. and w. direction through the co., a little N. of the center, and irregular spurs extend northward to the sound. From the base of the ridge a wide, unbroken plain extends to the s. to the salt marshcs which surround the bays.6
The streams of the co. are mostly small, and afford but a limited amount of water-power. At the mouth of several of the creeks on both the N. and s. shores the ebbing tide is used for hydraulic purposes. At the head of several of the streams are little, fresh water ponds," the principal of which is Success Pond,8 ncar the top of the high ridge in the s. E. corner of Flushing. The soil upon the N. side is a productive, sandy loam, in some places mixed with clay. The plains have a coarse, sandy soil, which is rendered productive only at considerable cost. Along the borders of the salt meadows is a strip of light, sandy soil, easily cultivated and of moderate fertility .?
The people are principally engaged in agriculture and market gardening. Fishing and the taking of oysters afford occupation to a large number of people. An extensive coasting trade is carried on, and the co. each year furnishes a large quota of sailors. Manufactures are extensive and various, and are confined principally to the N. shore.
The co. courthouse is situated upon the plains of North Hempstead, a little N. w.of Mineola sta- tion and p. o., and ncar the geographieal center of the co.10
1 Named in compliment to the wife of Charles II.
2 By a convention held at Hempstead in 1665, Long Island, Staten Island, and a part of Westchester co. were erected into a shire called " Yorkshire," for the purpose of holding courts and administering justice. This was subdivided into "Ridings," known as " Fast Riding," (Snffolk co .; ) " West Riding," (Kings co., Staten Island, and Newtown ;) and " North Riding, (Queens co. except Newtown.)-Thompson's Hist. L. I., P. 137. 3 The principal of the inlets are Hog Island, New and Gilgo Inlets, and the entrance into Jamaica Bay; and the principal beaches are Jones, Long, and Rockaway Beaches. The last Damned is a favorite resort for summer residences and sea-bathing. 4 These islands are mostly the common property of the towns,
and are valued chiefly for their hunting and fishing grounds. Immense numbers of waterfowl frequent them; and a consider- able number of persons gain a livelihood by fishing here in summer and bunting in winter. The U.S. Government has erected 5 lifeboat stations upon the s. shore, and the Governor appoints 12 wrecking inasters for the co.
5 A considerable portion of this coast is high, affording beau- tiful sites for country residences.
6 The R. R. at Jamaica is 45 feet above sea level. The ascent from Jamaica to Hempstead Junction is 59 feet, and fromn tlience to the Syosset Branch 50 feet, making the latter 154 feet, which is the highest point on the road. The desceut of these plains southward is so gradual as scarcely to he apparent.
The Hempstead Branch of the R. R. descends 40 feet in 2} mi., and the Syosset Branch rises 66 feet in less than 4 mi. The highest point ou the island is Harbor Hill, at tho head of Hempstead Harbor, 319 feet above tide.
7 Several of these ponds have recently heen purchased to supply the Brooklyn Waterworks.
" Called hy the Indians " Sacut," from which the present name is supposed to he derived. The water is clear and cold, with an average depth of 40 feet. The pond is about 500 rods in circumference, is surrounded hy a high bank, and has an outlet, but does not usually overflow. It is said to be 100 to 150 feet above tide .- Prime's Hist. L. I., P. 27 ; Thompson's L. I., II, P. 60.
· Extensive tracts in tho southern section are devoted to gar- dening for the city markets. The N. side, originally covered with a heavy growth of timber, is under fiue cultivation, and is largely devoted to the raising of fruit. Flushing excels in nurseries of fruit and ornamental trees, for which this co. is second only to Monroe. Locust-timber is raised along the N. shore eastward frour Little Neck, in considerable quantities, for treenails and posts. In Oyster Bay large quantities of asparagus are raised for market ; and the soil appears to he finely adapted to this crop. Milk is sent to market in large quantities by R. R., especially from near Jericho, Westbury, and Hempstead.
10 The court of sessions of the "North Riding of Yorkshire" was located at Jamaica in 1683; and a building called the "County
544
545
QUEENS COUNTY.
The jail occupies a portion of the courthouse building.1 The county records are kept in a spacious brick building in the village of Jamaica; and in the same building are offices for the Surrogate and Board of Supervisors.2 The co. has no poorhouse; but each town provides for the accommodation of its own paupers.
The Brooklyn and Jamaica R. R., extending w. from Jamaica to the co. line, is leased by the Long Island R. R., which extends E. from Jamaica through Hempstead, North Hempstead, and Oyster Bay. The Flushing R. R. extends w. from Flushing Village through Newtown to the mouth of Newtown Creek. The Syosset Branch R. R. connects Hicksville, upon the L. I. R. R., with the village of Syosset, 3} mi. N.
There are 7 newspapers published in the co .; 2 at Jamaica, 2 at Hempstead, 2 at Flushing, and 1 at Glen Cove.ª
The co. was mostly settled by English immigrants, under the authority of the Dutch Govern- ment during the last 20 years of its existence. The E. extremity of Long Island was claimed by the English colonies of New England; and the boundary line was the subject of a long and angry dispute, which was never entirely settled until the final subjugation of New York by the British in 1664." The whole of this co. was under the Dutch, except Oyster Bay, which was a disputed terri- tory. The first planters came on in considerable numbers, and were associated in the purchase of the lands from the Indians. They were mostly united by a common religious faith; and they were invested with certain civil rights, which were afterward confirmed by the English Govern- ment of New York, and some of which continue to the present time. The people chose a dupli- cate set of magistrates and municipal officers, from which the Dutch Governor selected such as he pleascd.
The people employed their own minister, and enjoyed comparative religious freedom. The Dutch, however, did not faithfully carry out the agreement which they had entered into with the settlers, and, in 1653, delegates were sent to the city to remonstrate against certain abuses. This was not heeded, and when the people again met for a like purpose they were ordered to disperse. The inhabitants rejoiced when the Dutch rule was finally broken and they came under the pro- tection of the English. Gov. Nicoll, the first English Governor, convened deputies from the several towns upon Long Island, who met at Hempstead in the spring of 1665. A code of laws and ordi- nances was adopted, a shire was erected, the names of towns were changed, boundaries were settled, and affairs were regulated to meet the views of the new government. From this time no land could be taken without purchase from the Indians and patent from the Governor.
During the Revolution considerable numbers of the people joined the loyalists, and the co. was mostly in quiet possession of the enemy. Robberies were common, especially along the N. shore. Presbyterian churches were everywhere used for military purposes. A petty warfare was carried on in whaleboats, and daring exploits were performed by partisans of both sides.
Hall" was erected in 1684. From 1700 to 1708 the courts were | The Church Record was started at Finshing in 1840, and con- held in the Presb. church, when a new co. hall was huilt, which tinued 3} years. It was edited by Rev. Dr. F. L. Hawks, and published by C. R. Lineoln. continued in use until the Revolution, when it was borned. By an act of March 1, 1785, the sum of £2,000 was raised to erect The Flushing Journal was commenced March 19, 1842, by Chas. R. Lincoln, its present publisher. new buildings on the present location under the direction of the co. judge. Tho building is a half mi. N. of the R. R., and trains The Flushing Pomologist was published In 1848, by William R. Prince. stop opposite when courts are in session. Efforts have been made to remove the site to Jamaica, but thus far withont suc- The Public Voice was started at Flushing in 1852; and in 1855 it was changed to casa, although most persons will admit that the present site is inconvenlent to a majority of the inhabitants.
1 In the absence of sufficient accommodations in tho vicinity, this building is also nsed as a hotel during the session of the court. The sheriff, who lives npon the premises, usually makes provision for dining a large number, and for furnishing lodgings to a limited extent.
? The surrogate's and clerk's offices were kept at the houses of the incumbents until 1833, when they were located at Ja- maica. The present clerk's office was erected in 1857.
3 The Long Island Farmer was commenced at Ja- maica in 1819 by Henry C. Sleight. It is now published by Charles Welling.
The Union Hall Gazette, semi-mo., was published at Jamaica in 1832 by L. Booth.
The Long Island Democrat was established at Ja- maica May 1, 1835, by Jas. J. Brenton, present publisher. The Journal and Messenger was published about 1843, by S. V. Berry.
The Long Island Telegraph and General Advertiser was started at Hempstead in May. 1830, by Wm. Hutchinson and C. F. Le Fevre. In Nov. 1831 it was changed to
The Hempstead Inquirer. It is now published by Morris Snedeker.
The Queens County Sentinel was established at Hempstead in May, 1858, by John H. Hentz, ita present publisher.
The Long Island Times. It is now publisbed by W. R. Burling.
The North Hempstead Gazette was started in Dec. 1846, at Man- hasset Valley. In 1850 it was removed to Roslyn and changed to
The Plain Dealer. It was subsequently removed to Glen Cove, and was continued until 1855; Jas. L. Crowley was its last publisher.
The Glen Cove Sentinel was published a short time in 1854 by Bright & Perry.
The Glen Cove Gazette was started in May, 1857, by E. M. Lincoln, its present publisher.
The Woodhaven Advertiser was published a short time in 1853. The Astoria Gazette was started in 1853 by Wm. L. S. Ilarrison, and continued about 18 months.
The Journal of the Institute was published at Flushing for about 3 years.
4 Commissioners werc appointed to settle these claims in 1650. They were Simon Bradstreet and Thos. P'rince on the part of the New England colonies, and Thos. Willett and Geo. Baxter on the part of the Dutch. The boundary was fixed along the w. line of Oyster Bay; bnt the States General did not ratify the agree ment, and the Dutch Governor neglected to carry it into effect. The Dutch subsequently planted a colony at Brookville, ( Wolver follow,) E. of the line, to assert their claims.
35
546
QUEENS COUNTY.
FLUSHING'-was first granted by letters patent-issued by the Dutch Governor Keift, Oct. 10, 1645-to a company of English immigrants .? This grant was confirmed by Gov. Nicoll, Feb. 1666, and by Gov. Dongan, March 23, 1685.' Under the provisions of these charters a con- siderable amount of land was held in common, to be under the charge of 5 trustees, elected annually." It was recognized as a town under the State Government, March 7, 1788.5 It lies upon the N. border of the eo., w. of the center. Its surface is moderately uneven and has a gentle inclination to the N. A low range of hills extends along its s. border and separates it from Jamaica. Flushing Creek, the principal stream, forms a portion of the w. boundary. The prinei- pal indentations upon the coast are Flushing Bay, Powells Cove, Little Bay, and Little Neek Bay. An extensive salt marsh extends along Flushing Creek and the head of Flushing Bay." The soil is a fine quality of productive sandy loam. Gardening, fruit growing," and the nursery business8 constitute the leading pursuits of the people. The town supports its own poor, and has a house and farm for their accommodation. Flushing, (p. v.,) at the head of Flushing Bay, was incorp. April 9, 1813. It contains 8 churches, 2 newspaper offices, several private seminaries,9 and has a limited amount of manufactures.10 It is connected with New York by the Flushing R. R. and by a steam ferry from Hunters Point. From its proximity to New York, it has become the residence of many wealthy persons doing business in the city. Pop. 3,488. College Point,11 (p. v.,) on the sound, E. of Flushing Bay, is a modern village, settled mostly by Germans. It contains 2 churches, and an immense manufactory of whalebone, India rubber, and ratan, giving employment to 500 to 700 hands. Pop. 1,150. Whitestone12 (p. v.) is located on the sound, in the extreme N. part of the town. It contains 2 churches, and an extensive tin and sheet ironware manufac- tory.13 Pop. 630. Marathon, at the head of Little Neek Bay, is a small, straggling village with one ehureh. Several of the neighborhoods in this town are known by distinet local names.14 Wilkins Point has recently been purchased by the U. S. Government for the site of a fort.15 There are now 13 churches in town.16 The first settlements were made by English, who probably had first settled in Holland. They arrived at " New Amsterdam" in 1645. They were Non-conform- ists in religion, and settled on the Dutch dominions under the promise of entire religious free- dom.17 But the Dutch soon commeneed a series of persecutions that continued until the time of the British conquest in 1664. Several French Protestant families found their way into this town after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes; but few of their descendants are now found. The fruits introduced by these people are said to have given the first direction to the nursery business for which this town is so celebrated. During the Revolution a British foree was eta- tioned here.
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