USA > New York > Clinton County > History of Clinton and Franklin Counties, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 46
USA > New York > Franklin County > History of Clinton and Franklin Counties, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 46
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Horicon Engine and Hose Company, No. 3 .- This com- pany was organized June 1, 1865, with the following mem- bers : R. A. Dutton, M. P. Myers, E. M. Cooley, Wm. H. Chandler, Thos. Shields, John Hughes, R. R. Grant, Jas. B. Gough, Peter St. Louis, H. Monash, J. H. Town, C. W. Merritt, Edward Smith, H. B. Woodruff, Peter Sene- eal, J. A. Forkey, Edward Eno, D. S. MeMasters, Joseph Gokey, James Howard, W. S. Ketehum, W. A. Tuller, Francis Senecal, Peter Castonia, Geo. W. Duston, I. Q. Edwards, P. Monash, John P. Smith, P. T. Gates, Thos. Delaney, H. H. Story, G. H. Brewster, S. Monash, David Hooey, Jas. P. Campbell, Michael Rieketson, Wm. Myers, I. V. Howard, J. H. Cottrill, Peter Towney, Joseph La Poite, Jr., F. H. Cramer, E. Brown, Isaae Seheier, Isaae Roek.
Protection Hose Company, No. 5 .- This company was organized Mareh 17, 1871, with the following members : W. J. MeCaffrey, Foreman ; Thomas Rogers, First As- sistant Foreman ; James Dobie, Second Assistant Foreman ; H. M. Witherill, Secretary ; H. F. Fairbanks, Treasurer. Members : H. B. Woodruff, J. B. Hagerty, C. T. Gunn, L. C. Reed, A. M. Warren, M. G. Baker, C. A. Grandy, Geo. A. Barker, M. P. Mooers, C. T. Richardson, J. A. Martin, W. A. Perey, B. D. Lathrop, J. H. Town, J. H. Cottrill, B. P. Drown, Geo. Norris, P. L. Lafore, J. Q. Edwards, W. V. S. Woodward.
Rescue Hose Company, No. 4 .- Reseue Hose Company, No. 4, was organized March 11, 1872. The following is a list of the first members : H. H. Storey, James H. Gillott, William H. Chapell, Fred. H. Cramer, A. W. Lansing, J. H. Forkey, C. F. Taylor, Clinton A. Barber, F. C. Finna- gan, Daniel Mahoney, E. R. Palmer, William McGaully, P. C. MeGrath, J. J. Fitzpatrick, Myron Danforth, Thos. Shields, C. E. Cooley, James Delaney, M. P. Myers, Chas. Dannis.
Relief Hose Company, No. 2 .- This company was or- ganized May 20, 1872, with the following members: James Reed, W. S. Wever, Edward Stevens, Charles Ransom, F. D. Lapell, E. Lapell, J. MeCormiek, M. S. Palmer, William Ransom, E. South, George Laporte, Simon Theroux, H. C. Ladue, J. T. Duprea, M. Winters, E. Morrison, and J. W. Landry.
La Fayette Hose Company, No. 1, was organized June 17, 1872.
The Plattsburgh fire department is now in a good eon- dition, and ranks among the best organizations of the kind in Northern New York.
WATER-WORKS.
The first move made for furnishing Plattsburgh with a water supply was an aet of the Legislature passed April 15, 1818, granting to John Mallory and his assignees " the sole and exelusive right to furnish the inhabitants of Platts- burgh with water by means of conduits or aqueduets." " The Legislature was careful," says Judge Palmer, " that Mr. Mallory should never, under this grant to furnish water, go into liquidation as a banker, for the last seetion of the act expressly provides ' that nothing in this aet contained shall be so construed as to grant any banking powers or privileges whatsoever.' Under this act water was furnished
174
HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY, NEW YORK.
to the inhabitants residing on the west side of the river in limited and uneertain quantities until the fall of the year 1871."
The supply was very inadequate to the wants of the rapidly increasing population, and Jan. 31, 1868, a meeting was held for the purpose of taking into consideration the subject of furnishing the village with an abundant supply of pure and wholesome water. This meeting resulted in an act, which passed the Legislature April 17, 1868, authorizing the trustees of the village to appoint a board of commission- ers, consisting of three persons, whose duty it should be to prepare a plan to be submitted to the taxable electors of the village, who were to express by vote their assent or refusal to the prosecution of the work.
If a majority of the electors voting should be in favor of the plan submitted, the trustees were authorized to ratify such conditional contraets as the commissioners may have made for the purchase of land and the purchase of the old water-works, and to raise upon the bonds of the village a sum necessary to complete the works according to the plan adopted, but not to exceed $5000 over the estimated cost as reported by the commissioners. The commissioners were to have the exclusive control of the construction of the works, and they were to hold offiee until the works were so far completed as to be in operation, when the control and management were to be transferred to a superintendent to be appointed by the board of trustees.
James H. Totman, Silas W. Gregory, and Benjamin M. Beck with were appointed a board of water commissioners, June 15, 1868, and on the 11th of the following August reported a plan, which was adopted by the electors of the village, and the commissioners were direeted to enter into contracts for the construction of the works.
The works were completed in 1870, when the office of water commissioner was abolished, and December 27th of the same year Silas W. Gregory was appointed superinten- dent of water-works.
There were laid, in the construction of the work, 62,402 lineal feet of eement pipe, and 11,702 lineal feet of tile pipe; in all, fourteen miles and one hundred and eighty- six feet.
The supply of water which is obtained is conveyed to two distributing reservoirs located at Hammonds, about two and a half miles west of the village. The reservoirs are at an elevation of two hundred and fourteen feet above the surface of Margaret Street. The dimensions of the north reservoir are 156 by 160 feet at the top, and 104 by 108 feet at the bottom. It is thirteen feet deep, and has a eapaeity, when filled within two feet of the top, of 1,391,130 gallons.
The south reservoir is also thirteen feet deep. It is 160 by 162 feet at the top, 108 by 110 at the bottom, and has a capacity, when filled within two feet of the top, of 1,487,906 gallons. The united capacity of the two, when filled, is 3,596,000 gallons.
The bonds issued to defray the expense of construction were payable as follows: 1878, $7850; 1879, $18,550; 1881, $22,950 ; 1883, $13,000; 1884, $15,000; 1885, $4000; 1888, $30,000 ; 1889, $37,150; 1890, $4000; 1891, $27,500.
CHAPTER XLI.
PLATTSBURGH-(Continued).
Miscellaneous-The Banking Institutions, Etc .- Bank of Plattsburgh -The Clinton County Bank-Tbe Kirkland Bank-The Iron Bank -The Mercantile Bank-The First National-The Vilas National- The Clinton County Savings Bank-Interesting Matters from Rec- ords-Crab Island-Slavery in Plattsburgh-Home for the Friend- less-The Cemetery-The Cholera Scourge of 1832-Celebration of 1843-Plattsburgh in 1813-Barracks-Societies-Masonic-Tem- perance-Knights of Honor-Business Interests.
BANKS.
THE first banking institution in Plattsburgh was incorpor- ated in 1817 under the name of the " Bank of Plattsburgh." The original petition praying for its incorporation was signed by Reuben H. Walworth, Samuel Moore, Melaneton Smith, Levi Platt, Lewis Ransom, and others. It sus- pended in 1825.
The Clinton County Bank was chartered May 18, 1836, and commenced business with a capital of $200,000. Failed.
The Kirkland Bank, an individual banking-office, was established in December, 1845. Closed in 1863.
The Iron Bank was an individual bank, started in July, 1853. Closed.
The Mercantile Bank of Plattsburgh was incorporated Jan. 1, 1856. Capital, $100,000. Closed.
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK.
The First National Bank of Plattsburgh was organized Dec. 24, 1863, and the following-named persons constituted the first board of directors : Z. C. Platt, W. W. Hartwell, James Rogers, E. M. Crosby, C. D. Blake, P. D. Moore, S. P. Bowen, J. T. Hager, and C. G. S. Edwards.
The first president of the bank was Z. C. Platt, who occupied the position until January, 1870, when he was succeeded by E. S. Winslow. Mr. Winslow officiated in this capacity until January, 1874, when he was succeeded by Merritt Sowles, the present incumbent.
The cashiers of the bank have been as follows : H. Wal- worth, 1863-66 ; M. P. Myers, 1866-67 ; Alfred Guibord, 1867, present cashier. George W. Watson, Teller.
The present board of directors is constituted as follows : Merritt Sowles, C. E. M. Edwards, A. M. Moore, Z. C. Platt, S. P. Bowen, E. S. Winslow, and Wm. P. Mooers.
The following statement shows the condition of the bank Oct. 2, 1879 :
RESOURCES.
Loans and discounts.
$611,322.61
Overdrafts
4,945.84
United States bonds to secure circulation.
100,000.00
United States bonds on hand
20,000.00
Other stocks, bonds, and mortgages. 20,450.00 73,247.49
Due from approved reserve agents.
Due from other national banks .. 6,358.21
Duc from State banks and bankers
1,700.00
Real estate, furniture, and fixtures
3,000.00
Current expenses and taxes paid ..
5,012.98
Checks and other cash items
2,324.35
Bills of other banks. 652.00 152.78
Fractional currency (including nickels)
Legal-tender notes
23,000.00
United States certificates of deposit for legal-tenders
10,000.00
Redemption fund with United States Treasurer (five per cent. of circulation).
4,500.00
Total.
$886,666.26
"PROSPECT HILL" RESIDENCE OF MERRITT SOWLES, PLATTSBURGH, N. Y.
175
TOWN OF PLATTSBURGH.
LIABILITIES,
Capital stock paid in $100,000.00 Surplus fund .. 20,000.00 Undivided profits. 138,328.24
National bank notes outstanding .. 90,000.00
Individual deposits subject to check 349,588.32
Demand certificates of deposit 184,828.89 Certified checks. 121.47
Due to other national banks.
3,799.34
Total .. $886,666.26
THE VILAS NATIONAL BANK.
This bank was organized at a meeting held in Plattsburgh, Feb. 9, 1864, the following persons, who were the first stockholders, being present : Samuel F. Vilas, Henry Rodee, John W. Lynde, Elric L. Nichols, Martin Bixby, and Andrew Williams.
Mr. Vilas was chosen its first president, and has remained as such continuously to the present time.
The first cashier was Benjamin D. Clapp, who remained until April 18, 1864, when he was succeeded by the present cashier, John M. Wever, who had been teller in this bank since 1864.
The present teller is Mr. Charles A. Baker.
The present board of directors is constituted as follows : Samuel F. Vilas, Martin Bixby, S. H. Vilas, David F. Dobie, and H. S. Ransom. The capital of the bank is $100,000, with a surplus fund of $20,000.
The following statement shows the condition of the bank Oct. 2, 1879 :
RESOURCES.
Loans and discounts. $452,788.69
U. S. bonds to secure circulation
100,000.00
Other stocks, bonds, and mortgages. 28,000.00
Due from approved reserve agents. 75,268.07
Due from other national banks ... 6,248.45
Due from State banks and bankers. 596.09
Real estate, furniture, and fixtures.
22,900.00
Current expenses and taxes paid.
3,189.26 129.36
Checks and other cash items
Bills of other banks. 439.00
Specie (including gold treasury certificates) ...
199.12
Legal-tender notes.
19,000.00
U. S. certificates of deposit for legal-tenders ....
10,000.00
Redemption fund with U. S. Treasurer (5 per cent. of circulation).
4,500.00
Total.
$724,258.04
LIABILITIES.
Capital stock paid in $100,000.00
Surplus fund. ..
20,000.00
Undivided profits.
17,003.27
National bank notes outstanding. 90,000.00
Individual deposits subject to check
349,169.60
Demand certificates of deposit. 140,027.37
Due to other national banks ... 7,216.49
Due to State banks and bankers 841.31
Total. $724,258.04
CLINTON COUNTY SAVINGS BANK.
The Clinton County Savings Bank was organized in the spring of 1869, and went into operation in the fall of that year, with the following board of trustees : Zephaniah C. Platt, Richard Cottrill, Moss K. Platt, George M. Beek- with, Ebenezer S. Winslow, William P. Moocrs, Peter S. Palmer, Smith M. Weed, Bernard MeKeever, William Reed, D. Laforce, John H. Sanborn, William S. Ketchum, and John Percy.
There were but few changes,-D. Laforce was succeeded by Merritt Sowles, and G. M. Beckwith by C. F. Norton.
The first president was Z. C. Platt, who held the position until the bank was closed. Hon. Peter S. Palmer officiated as secretary until 1871, when he was succeeded by M. K. Platt, who served until his death, which occurred in 1876. He was succeeded by Hiram Walworth. The bank closed in 1879.
DOCUMENTARY.
During the scarcity of breadstuffs in 1816 the people of Plattsburgh framed a memorial, addressed to the members of Congress from this district, asking that the exportation of breadstuffs be stopped. John Palmer and Jonathan Griffen were appointed a committee to carry the resolution into effect.
The Plattsburgh Republican, of Nov. 27, 1819, has the following notice :
" ASSIZE OF BREAD. "Two pounds eight ounees.
" Agreeable to the by-laws of the village of Plattsburgh, it is or- dered that a shilling loaf, made of good wheat-flour, shall weigh two pounds and eight ounces, and a sixpenny loaf one pound and four ounces, until a further order.
" G. SPERY, President."
The records of 1823 contain a register of various ear- marks.
We are informed that Anson Waterman's mark is " a square crop off the right ear and three nicks in the end of the same, and a hole through the left ear is his mark."
John T. Addams' mark is " a half crop off each ear," while Roswell Barber's is " a slanting crop out of the left ear and two halfpennys on the under side of the right ear." As the number of sheep-owners increased, thereby neces- sitating new marks, it required the intellect of a genius to frame new " designs," and some were quite elaborate. The following is a copy of the last recorded " mark" in the old town book of 1826 :
" Lawrence Bedell's ear-mark is a square erop off the right ear, and a swallow-tail cut out of the end of the left ear, and a cut on the under side of the same, just back of the end of the swallow-tail, running from the edge of the ears upwards."
In 1825 the following persons were licensed to keep inns in this town, each paying $5, with the exception of Me- Creedy Gilman, Jonathan Bunker, and D. L. Fouquet, who were required to pay $6: Mrs. William Thorn, John Bunker, R. Ferris, J. MeCreedy, Rufus A. Gilman, Jona- than Bunker, John Gale, Jr., J. Hiland, John Roberts (3d), Moses Hoit, Douglas L. Fouquet, John Gilman, Henry Vaughan.
In the Republican of April 19, 1817, we find that a reward of $100 is offered for the apprehension of ten desert- ers from the cantonment, and the commandant of the post also gives notice that he will prosecute any person who " may procure or entice any person to desert." It is also announced that " desertions from this post will hereafter be announced by three discharges of cannon in quick succes- sion from Fort Moreau."
The following is a statement of the business of Platts- burgh, Jan. 1, 1836. These statisties were compiled by Messrs. Bailey, Skinner, and Haile :
176
HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY, NEW YORK.
In the village the stores purchase and sell annually $150,000
Grocers, milliners, and tailors sell.
5,000
Butchers and bakers .. 10,000 Two cotton-, one woolen-, and three marble-factories .; 50,000
Tanneries, boot-and-shoe manufactories. 20,000
Cabinet-makers, saddlers, and other mechanical establish- ments 10,000
Lumber manufactured, purchased, and shipped, worth in market ..
150,000
Three hundred barrels of apples, worth in market. 900
Iron manufactured in the vicinity.
20,000
$415,900
CRAB ISLAND .*
With the exception of Valcour, this is the largest island in Lake Champlain belonging to New York. In the final settlement of the boundaries between the States of Ver- mont and New York, the former acquired the possession of the largest islands, leaving only a few small unimportant ones lying close to the western shore of the lake .-
This island is an historic spot. Here was located the military hospital during the engagement of Sept. 11, 1814, and within its quiet recesses lie buried numbers of the British soldiers who fell in that memorable contest.
Crab Islaud contains about 40 acres, and is covered with a thick growth of sumach and other bushes.
The origin of the name is only a matter of conjecture. By some it is believed that its slight resemblance to a crab in shape gave it the name, but this somewhat peculiar no- menclature was doubtless derived from the fact that the limestone rocks along the shore are literally filled with a species of mollusk which by the ordinary observer might easily be mistaken for crabs. This island is full of interest to the geologist.
SLAVERY IN PLATTSBURGH.
" It is well known," says Judge Palmer, in the Northern New York Historical Papers, " that New York was origin- ally a 'Slave State.' The 'institution,' however, never flourished in this or in any of the Northern States,-a re- sult, if we may judge from the efforts of Massachusetts to continue the slave trade, attributable more to the influence of climate than to the principles of the people. Gerritt Smith encountered and was repulsed by the same obstacles of climate when a few years ago he attempted to settle the blacks among the hills and snows of his Franklin County lands. The influence of a Northern climate led to the en- actment of a law, in 1798, for the gradual emancipation of slaves. This was followed in 1817 by an act declaring that all slaves born after July 4, 1799, should be free ; if male, at the age of twenty-eight, or if female, at the age of twenty.
" In 1790 the whole number of slaves in the State was 21,324, of which 17 resided in this county. In 1800 the number in this county had increased to 58. From this
time the number gradually decreased. In 1810, as shown by the census, there were but 29 slaves in the county.
: . " The town records show that on the 16th day of August, 1794, the 'negro man Hick and Jane his wife' were manumitted by Judge Treadwell. In September following Hick bought his daughter, Cynthia, of the judge, for £17 ($42.50). Judge Treadwell, about this time, also manu- mitted by John Addams, in April, 1803, and Will, in No- vember, 1804. Jan. 1, 1806, Benjamin Mooers manu- mitted his 'negro girl Ann,' and Robert Platt gave 'Gin' her freedom in May, 1806. Jan. 6, 1808, the executors of Zephaniah Platt manumitted Cato, and in May of the same year Peter Sailly manumitted Dean and hier three children,-Francis, Abel, and Caty. William Bailey also on that day manumitted his man Pete.
" The town books also contain the records of the birth of sixteen children born of slave mothers and held to service. Some of these are still living or reside in this county. One born Dec. 28, 1814, was named Sir George Provost,-a compliment of which the commander of the British forces at the siege of Plattsburgh was probably never informed, and could not, therefore, fully appreciate."}
: The following extracts are taken from the town records :
. Under date of June 12, 1800, appears the following :
" This is to certify, that I, William Bailey, Esq., of the town of Plattsburgh, am entitled to the service of a male negro child named Francis, born Jan. 31, 1800.
" Witness my hand this 12th day of June, 1800.
" G. MARSH, T. Clerk. WM. BAILEY."
Benjamin Mooers also certifies that he is entitled to the service of " a negro child named Siah," born Aug. 9, 1800, and in the following year he also certifies tliat he is entitled to the service of a "female negro child Cate."
In 1802, John Bailey appears as a slaveholder, and claims the service of a "malatter" child named Sarah, and John Miller claims the service of a " malato" named Robert.
HOME FOR THE FRIENDLESS.
This association was organized March 16, 1874, being the result of an appeal to the public, through the press, for united, systematic effort in behalf of the waifs and strays of the street and county house. It was incorporated by act of the legislative power, May 20, 1874, as the " Home for the Friendless in Northern New York." The object of the institute is thus stated in Section 2 of the act of incorporation :
" ¿ 2. Margaret F. Platt, Catherine Frederica Bulkley, Deborah T. S. Bixby, Margaret E. Edwards, Hannah S. Lansing, Sarah S. Wil- liams, Joanne W. Clark, Mary M. Foot, Margaret S. Palmer, Welthy H. Orvis, Frances D. L. Hall, Charlotte M. Norton, Margaret P. Myers, and all such persons as are now members of the association called ' The Home for the Friendless in Northern New York,' and all who shall become members of the corporation hereby created, shall be and they are hereby constituted a body corporate by the name of the Ladies' Association for establishing a Home for the Friendless in Northern New York, whose object and business shall be to establish
# St. Michael's Island lies in Cumberland Bay ; was known as Crab Island, and subsequently Hospital Island from the circumstance that the wounded of both fleets were landed upon it after the battle of the 11th of September, 1814. Valcour is the largest island in the lake embraced in the territory of New York, and possesses great historical interest. In one of its bays was fought the sanguinary battle between Carleton and Arnold. On the opposite side the fleet of Amherst van- quished the French flotilla and extinguished the last vestige of the domination of France upon Lake Champlain. The theatre of Mc- Donough's victory lies between the northern extremity of Valcour and Cumberland Head .- Watson's History of the Champlain Valley.
t "Maria, a negro slave of Melancton Smith, had a male child, born about 28th Dec., 1814, named Sir Geo. Provost.
" Plattsburgh, July 22, 1816.
" Recorded July 22, 1816. (Old Record.)
MELANCTON SMITH."
Photo, by lloward & Co., Plattsburgh.
le le. Hull
CYRUS G. HULL, son of Joseph and Abia Hull, was born in the town of Saranae, Clinton Co., N. Y., June 12, 1833. His father was of English origin, and a native of New Hampshire. He settled in Essex Co., N. Y., at an early day, and was engaged in the manufacture of iron for a number of years ; then settled in Clinton County, and spent his re- maining life in farming.
Cyrus G. remained at home until he was twenty- two years of age, working on the farm summers, and attending the common school winters, besides one term spent in the academy at Plattsburgh. He then became a clerk for Messrs. Platt & Boynton, of Sara- nac Hollow, and continued some three years, until they dissolved partnership.
He then became a partner with S. P. Bowen in the manufacture of iron at Saranac Hollow, and con- tinued one year; sold his interest to Mr. Bowen, and turned his attention to farming, which he followed till 1863, when he purchased the iron forge at Cady- ville in company with Richard Stave; after six
months sold his interest to his partner, and a few months later formed a copartnership with Messrs. Nichols & Lynde in the manufacture of wrought iron exelusively.
In politics Mr. Hull was identified with the Re- publican party until Horace Greeley became a candi- date on the Democratic tieket for President of the United States, in 1872, since that date he has been a Democrat.
On the 22d of February, 1859, he married Maggie Vogan, of Schuyler Falls, by whom were borne four children, three of whom are living, viz. : Herbert M., Frederick B., and Nettie E. Mrs. Hull died Sept. 19, 1869.
He married, for his second wife, Clara, daughter of James Emerson, of Ellisburgh, Jefferson Co., N. Y., June 14, 1870. Of this nion there have been born three children, viz. : Clara E., Katie E., and James S., all of whom are living.
Mr. Hull is one of the representative business men of Clinton County.
177
TOWN OF PLATTSBURGH.
and maintain a house of industry and home for the relief of friend- less, destitute, or unprotected females, and for friendless or unprotected children."
In the board of managers constituted by the act of in- corporation, all denominations of Protestant churches in this vicinity were represented. Managers were also ap- pointed in other towns, promising their co-operation in the furtherance of the object.
A small house had been placed at the disposal of the ladies, which they gladly accepted, and opened in July with one tiny, helpless inmate, under the kind supervision of the efficient matron, who has ever given to all such a mother's love and tender care. The house had been furnished meagerly with what could be gotten together without pur- ehasing.
Others were admitted into the home, and the year closed, having given the comforts and influence of a Christian home to 6 otherwise neglected ones,- a result far greater than even those gifted with the eye of faith looked for.
Applications for reception, too imperative in their nature to be rejected, came in such numbers that the society was compelled to look for larger quarters,-a step at first appall- ing to the managers, inasmuch as the home had, we regret to say, been looked upon, even by some of sound judgment in our community, as an unnecessary movement.
Hitherto it had been a work confined to narrow limits, and comparatively inexpensive.
But words of encouragement from the ministry and press were not infrequent, and with the demand came the means. Through the benevolent and energetie efforts of one of the gentlemen who had kindly allowed their names to stand as an advisory committee, the society was presented with $1000, enabling them to meet the first payment, and leav- ing on their hands a debt of $1500, for the liquidation of which they trusted to the charitably inclined to aid in the pecuniary obligations they had assumed. Thus it was the society obtained possession of the house and lot now occu- pied as the " home."
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