USA > New York > Columbia County > History of Columbia County, New York. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 78
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116
NEW LEBANON MANUFACTORIES.
The heavy pine-forests along the Wyomanock eaused many saw-mills to be erected on that stream at an early day. One of the first was put up near Lebanon Springs by Gideon King, and by him sold to Samuel Hand in 1790, who operated it many years. Near the place where this stood is now a steam saw-mill. Near New Lebanon Asahel King had a saw-mill, and at Lebanon Centre Major Elisha Gilbert had saw and grist-mills soon after the Revolution. This power has been constantly employed to operate mills, and now supplies the motor for a first-class grist-mill be- longing to Joseph Adams. At West Lebanon John Dar- ling had saw and grist-mills, and near the present depot was another mill by Gale Bigelow. Both these powers have been abandoned. In the New Britain settlement Nathan Hand and the Wadsworths had saw-mills. On the brook tributary to the Wyomanoek from the north, are a saw-mill and cabinet-shop by Andrew Shillinger, and a grist-mill by Michael Bacher.
One of the first grist-mills in town was built by Jarvis Mudge, on the hill-side, just below the warm spring, the power being derived from that source. The mill was much patronized, and Mudge was, aceording to Samuel Hand, an honest miller, always giving the settlers full weight. The old mill was replaced, about 1794, by the present structure, ereeted by John Tryon. Additional power has been sup- plied by means of a flume from a neighboring mountain streanı. The building has been used for other than mill purposes, and at present stands idle. At the springs a man named Perry had a woolen-factory about 1806, and Fellows & Williams afterwards had a large cloth-manufacturing establishment. These buildings have been demolished, and their site is now occupied by cottages. Here also was a machine-shop, operated by " pool" water and conducted by A. P. Comstock.
At the foot of Mount Lebanon the Shakers have an ex- cellent grist-mill, and in their village many factories, which are noted in an account of that place.
John Kendall & Co.'s Thermometer Factory, at New Lebanon, was established in 1820. A few years previous, Thomas Kendall, an ingenious Yankee machinist, living at Worcester, Mass., had experimented in this direction, and concluded that a thermometer might be constructed in Amer- iea which would equal those imported and be afforded much cheaper. Visiting Boston to learn something about their manufacture, he was assured that it was not possible to pro- duee anything of the kind. Nothing daunted, he continued his experiments, and soon had the satisfaction of possessing an instrument which at least approximated perfection ; and if he could devise a means which would enable him to over-
come the inequality of the caliber of his glass tubes, his success would be assured. He succeeded in constructing a machine which made the graduation of his scale uniform with the varying calibers of his tubes, thus securing a uni- formity in his thermometers which it was impossible to attain by means of the old system of using dividers. He now came to New Lebanon and began the manufacture of ther- mometers on a large scale, and soon had the satisfaction of seeing them in general use, as well as being adopted by scientists as a standard article. On his death, in 1835, his son John succeeded to the business, which has been much enlarged, and now possesses a capacity large enough to sup- ply the entire country with this valuable instrument. The factory is well arranged, and supplied with machinery which enables the proprietors to produce all styles, from the sim- plest heat measure to the most elaborate and costly instru- ment. Mercurial barometers are also made in limited quan- tities. Thirteen hands are employed.
The manufacture of Aneroid Barometers has been car- ried on, at Lebanon Springs, by Edward Kendall since 1859. The " Aneroid," or non-fluid barometer, is the in- vention of M. Comte, a Frenchman of Mendon, near Paris. As constructed by Mr. Kendall, it consists of a brass cyl- inder five inches in diameter by an inch and a half in height. It presents a neat and substantial appearance, but is very delicate to impression, and marks the approaching changes as quickly and accurately as mereurial instruments. This barometer has been warmly recommended by scientifie men, and has proved justly popular among those who de- sire a portable instrument, and one which can be used in any condition without any particular adjustment.
The New Lebanon Glass Works are located at the village of New Lebanon, and were established in 1873 by a com- pany organized for this purpose, March 18, 1873. The capital stock was fixed at sixteen thousand dollars, and Jo- seph S. Reed, Ezra W. Drake, Thomas F. Conway, Jacob Wainwright, and Samuel M. Bassett chosen trustees. A building fifty feet square was erected for the works, con- taining six furnaces and pots, and employing fifty hands. The product was from five thousand to six thousand green and blue bottles per day. Work was discontinued in 1876.
Tilden's Medical Laboratory at New Lebanon is the outgrowth of a small extract-factory, established here about 1846, by Gilbert & Tilden. The former had been engaged among the Shakers in the manufacture of extracts, and, with the assistance of Mr. Elam Tilden's business tact, successfully founded an establishment, which, under the direction of the Messrs. Moses Y. and Henry A. Tilden has become the most extensive in the country.
" From the beginning on a small scale with the vacuum apparatus, which was then scarcely known, they have studied assiduously to apply every improvement as fast as experi- ence has demonstrated its value, and now their establish- ment may be said to embrace all the appliances of modern invention required for the best possible manipulation and medieinal agents, and their works have been remodeled and received additions from time to time, until the prem- ises now occupy about half an acre of ground, and the vast amount of machinery is driven by a powerful steam-engine located in an adjoining fire-proof building.
BENE
Photo. by J. R. Allis, Chatham, N. Y.
HON. RANSOM H. GILLET.
A truthful representation of a worthy life is a legacy to humanity. As such we present an outline of the life and character of Ransom H. Gillet. He was born in New Lebanon, in this county, January 27, 1800. When two years of age his father removed to Saratoga county, where he lived until 1819, working upon his father's farm in the summer, and lumbering in the pine forests during the winter. When he was nineteen years of age he removed to St. Lawrence county, where he was employed to teach school during the winter, while he attended the St. Lawrence Academy during the summer. In 1821 he engaged in the study of the law with the late Silas Wright, at Canton, atill continuing to teach for his support. He was soon admitted to the bar and established himself in the practice of his profession at Ogdensburg, where he resided for about twenty years, devoting himself mainly to the practice of his profession. In 1825 he was married to Misa Eleanor C. Barhydt, of Ogdensburg. She was born August 18, 1806, in Schenectady. In 1827 he was appointed brigade-major and inspector of the Forty-ninth Brigade of Militia, and for ten years drilled and inspected six large regiments in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties. February 27, 1830, he was ap- pointed postmaster of Ogdensburg, which office he filled about three years.
In 1832 he was a member of the first Baltimore convention which nominated General Jackson for the Presidency. He was elected in November of that year to Congress, re-elected in 1834, and served while in Congress as a member of the committee on commerce. In 1837 he was appointed by President Van Buren a commissioner to treat with the Indian tribea in New York, and continued in that service until March, 1839. In 1840 he was a member of the Baltimore con- vention which renominated Mr. Van Buren. He then engaged in the practice of the law, in which he continued until 1845, when Presi- dent Polk appointed him register of the treasury, in which office he served until 1847, when he was promoted to the office of solicitor of the treasury ; he filled this position until the autumn of 1849, when he resumed the practice of the law in New York. In 1855 he becamo assistant to the attorney-general of the United States, and continued in that office until he reaigned in 1858 to accept the office of solicitor
of the court of claims, tendered him by President Buchanan. Iu 1864, wearied by the demands of public life, and drawn by the charms of early association, he left Washington, and took up his residence near Lebanon Springs. Here his active mind sought to make useful his large experience and store of knowledge hy engaging in literary pursuits. In 1868 he issued his work on " Democracy in the United States ;" four years later his volume was completed on the " Federal Government." In 1874 the crowning result of his labor appeared in "The Life and Times of Silas Wright." Twenty years of close com- panionship as law partner and intimate friend had well fitted him to prepare this able biography, which is an important contribution to the history of our country. From his spacious library in New Leha- non there frequently issued newspaper editorials and articles on the great subjects of the day. This habitual use of his pen was continued while suffering from severe physical infirmities, and even until within a few months of his death, which occurred October 24, 1876. Mr. Gillet was a friend of education. The benefits of his liberal purse and active efforts in every interest that advanced its cause are already felt in his native town and county. Mr. Gillet was a representative of the old school of Democratic thinkers. In character he possessed the soundest integrity and indomitable energy ; his mind was clear and comprehensive, his memory a ready and timely servant of hia will. These qualities, united with the habit of untiring industry, were the secret of his social and professional prominence. As a lawyer he spared no labor in thoroughly mastering hia case, and presented a plain and convincing argument. In the local coarta of St. Lawrence county, in the Supreme Court and court of chancery, and the United Statea Supreme Court, he had a large and profitable practice. As a writer he was simple and concise in style, and a correct and faithful portrayer of persons and events in history and biography.
Mr. Gillet was a man of commanding presence and kindly manners. The memory of the good he did will be an inspiration to every gen- erous and earnest endeavor. Future generations will regard him as a liberal, upright, and influential citizen, an able writer, an eminent lawyer, and one who had gathered well-earned honors and trust as a public official.
HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
305
" Anything like a description of the numerous appliances in the different departments of their extensive laboratory would require more than our space permits; but we can give some idea, when we state that the capacity of the en- tire number of vacuum pans employed exceeds ten thousand gallons, and these are used in the manufacture of solid and fluid extracts, of which more than two hundred and fifty kinds are produced.
" In the department for pills and granules every recent improvement is adopted, besides the various devices for saving labor and waste of material, which are the result of a long and practical experience in the manipulation of the more delicate combinations of potent drugs, and the neces- sity of accurate and strictly correct exhibition of quantities required in the minutest attenuations. The pills and gran- ules comprise the most valuable pharmaceutical prepara- tions, and number more than one hundred varieties. They also prepare one hundred elixirs, and more than one hundred kinds of syrups and wines. Some of their preparations have become standard remedies among the profession of our country, and have been successfully introduced in En- rope and Asia.
" The advantages enjoyed by the Messrs. Tilden, of a local character, are worthy of mention, and explain how they have attained such a reputation for the efficiency and medicinal value of their preparations.
" All the herbs, barks, and roots of indigenous growth are gathered by those who have experience, and each and every article is brought into the laboratory at the season when it contains most of medicinal value. A large amount of these materials are gathered by the farmers and others over a large section of country around the laboratory, and, in addition to such supplies, the Messrs. Tilden have under cultivation some forty acres near their premises.
" These advantages, acquired by a long experience, and patient as well as persistent labor, afford the facilities which are of greatest importance in this business, and cannot be enjoyed except by those similarly situated, and giving attention, more or less, to the cultivation of indigenous medicinal products and so as to get all the benefits of im- proved culture.
" In this connection, it is only doing justice to speak of Mr. H. A. Tilden's various and important contributions to medical science; we refer more especially to his elaborate report to the Pharmaceutical Society upon the cultivation of narcotic plants, in which he carefully illustrates how fully the active properties can be developed, at will, by scientific culture."
Messrs. Tilden & Co. maintain an extensive printing department, and have issued, since 1861, The Journal of Materia Medica, a monthly magazine of merit, whose sub- scription-list is greater than that of any other similar mag- azine in the Union. For many years this has been edited by the veteran Dr. Bates. A well-arranged book of form- ulæ for physicians and other valuable works have also been issued from the office of the Journal.
LEBANON SPRINGS
is located in the northeastern part of the town, and is the largest and most flourishing village within its bounds. It
is principally situated at the base of a hill several hundred feet high, from which issue the famous thermal waters. From the summit of this hill is afforded a view of inde- scribable beauty,-a pleasing and harmonious combination of mount and vale, relieved by trees, gardens, fields, and farm-houses, with an effect that delights the eye and in- spires the mind with the sublime glories of the scene. These happy conditions, and the rare qualities of the spring waters, have given the place great prominence as a summer resort,-a distinction it has enjoyed longer than any other place in the country. It was formerly known as " Monte- poale," and was frequented by the natives centuries ago. When Captain Hitchcock visited the place, in 1756, he found the spring in a small clearing, curbed with logs, backed with clay, in which the Indians were accustomed to bathe. The effect of the waters upon the system of Hitch- cock indneed him to make the place his home, in 1771, and he thus became one of the first permanent settlers, as well as the first white man to visit this spot. A small house, with a bath-room attached, was erected for his accom- modation immediately below the spring. The land at this time belonged to Charles Goodrich, of Massachusetts, who executed a lease to Hitchcock Nov. 19, 1778, for and during his natural life, the consideration being " the love of God, the public good, as well as benevolence towards said Hitchcock ; and, also, the miraculous virtues of the waters upon the health of said Hitchcock." The privileges of this lease were enjoyed by Hitchcock until Nov. 4, 1806. He took a small fee for the use of his bath, which gave him a moderate support. The springs had become so popular, meanwhile, that more extensive accommodations were demanded. The buildings erected comprise a large bath-house, summer cottages, and spacious hotels. In the court-yard of one of these-the Columbia Hall-is the spring. It is on the south slope of the hill, three hundred feet above the valley and twelve hundred feet above tide- water. The water bubbles up from the bottom of a basin twelve feet in diameter and four deep, and has an unvary- ing temperature of 73º Fahrenheit the year around. It is soft and tasteless, but possesses medicinal properties of great merit, as will be seen from the following analysis by Prof. H. Dussauce, chemist to the Conservatoire Impérial des Arts et Métiers, Paris :
FOUND IN ONE GALLON OF WATER.
Gases.
Cubic inches.
Oxygen ....
2.00
Nitrogen.
3.50
Carbonic acid ..
0,50
Sulphuric acid
traccs.
6.00
Fixed Matters.
Grains.
Per cent.
Sulphuret of sodium.
0.02
1.298
Carbunate of sodium
2.41
15.649
Sulphate of potash.
1.04
6.753
Chloride of sodium.
0.96
6.233
Carbonate of lime ....
4.05
26.292
Sulphate of magnesia
1.06
6.883
Alumina
0,45
2,629
Oxide of iron ..
0.94
6.103
Silicic acid
3.25
21.100
Į Glarinc
0.75
4.870
Org. comp. ( Baregine
9.47
2.190
15.10
100.000
39
30G
HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Many eminent physicians acquainted with its properties have recommended its use for the following, viz. : eczema, flesh-poisoning, seald-heads, arthritis, cutaneous diseases generally, morbid conditions of the liver, constipation, dys- pepsia, chronic and inflammatory rheumatism, bronchitis, diseases of the kidneys, gout, and nervous diseases gener- ally. As a beautifier of the complexion it has few equals, giving the skin a smooth, velvety appearance. The spring discharges five hundred gallons of water per minute, sup- plying a commodious bath-house in close proximity, and also furnishes the water for several mills farther down the hill.
One of the first houses built for the accommodation of visitors occupied the Carpenter lot. It was owned by Cyprian Bigelow, and was a long, gambrel-roofed structure. About 1790, Caleb HFull erected the second hotel, near the spring, a portion of which is yet used as a livery-stable, opposite Columbia Hall.
In 1794, William Nichols, of Hartford, put up a building west of this, which after 1800 became the property of Caleb Hull, and afterwards of his son Ilenry. These began a series of improvements, which have resulted in the present " Columbia Hall." It is an imposing structure, several hundred feet long, supplied with the appliances of a modern hotel, and has pleasant accommodations for three hundred guests. The house stands on thirty-eight acres of ground, affording woodland rambles, pleasant walks, croquet lawns, and contains spacious buildings for indoor amusements. It is one of the most desirable places of resort in the State. Excepting a few years, the Halls, father, son, and grand- son, have been the proprietors of the Hall the past sixty years, and are favorably known for their hospitality and accommodating disposition. Since the completion of the railroad the Springs have become more easy of access, and in summer the place is thronged by gay and fashionable crowds, as well as by those who seek rest and relief from their ills.
On the 13th of June, 1825, the Marquis De Lafayette and his son visited Columbia Hall. They were accompa- nied by General Solomon Van Rensselaer, Colonel Clinton, Colonel Cooper, Major Van Schaack, and other officers of Colonel Cooper's regiment of dragoons, which acted as an escort to Lafayette. A reception was tendered him in the drawing-room of the Hall, which was so largely attended that the floor threatened to give way. The Hall has also been visited by many other celebrities, and in early times was a favorite resort of the Livingstons and other old families of the State.
Several other hotels were erected on the hill, after 1820, but were soon devoted to other uses.
Near the centre of the village is Field's Hotel, a house of excellent repute, which was erected by Jarvis Mudge, before 1780. It has been much enlarged and remodeled, and was kept, before the Fields, by Peter Cottle, Edmund Hand, Abel Mott, and others. Below the village, Reuben King had a pioneer tavern, about 1774. Here the committee of safety frequently assembled, and the patriots were there several times addressed by Parson Allen, of Massachusetts, who was very active in provoking resistance to Great Britain.
John Tryon had one of the first stores, on the site of the
brick block. Gillet & Harris had another, on the opposite side of the street, and William Clark had the third store, in the same quarter. In the eastern part of the village, Stephen Hall had a store, the lower part of which was used as a distillery. Among those who were subsequently most active in trade were N. Nichols, P. Smith, E. E. Griggs, E. T. Tanner, and Gay & Pierce; Mr. Gay being still in business. There are several fine business blocks, and half a dozen stores in the different branches of trade.
It is probable that a post-office was kept at John Tryon's store, which was afterwards removed to New Lebanon. Subsequently a post-office was established in " Columbia Hall," with Henry Hull postmaster. The name was after- wards changed to Lebanon Springs. The postmasters have been John Bull, Jr., H. C. Bull, and Henry D. Gay, the present incumbent.
NEW LEBANON,
one of the handsomest villages of its size in the county, is located in the midst of the celebrated Lebanon valley, about two miles from Lebanon Springs. It is on the Harlem Ex- tension railroad, which has a very neat station at this point. As a business point, it does not retain its former prominence, but is still noted as the seat of several impor- tant manufactories. Here is the widely-known medical laboratory of Tilden & Co., which is elsewhere fully noted. The place contains a fine church, a young men's hall, a number of handsome residences, a seminary, and has a few hundred inhabitants.
Among the first settlers at this place was Major Samuel Jones, who opened the first public-house and store. His house was regarded as a famous stopping-place by travel- ers from Boston to Albany. Afterwards, Aaron Betts and John Lewis had taverns at this stand, which is now oceu- pied by the Moses Y. Tilden residence. A contemporary tavern was kept by Ami Doubleday, on the opposite corner, which was continued by Thomas Peirce, and was subse- quently sold to the Shakers.
A very handsome hotel building was erected in 1874 by Henry A. Tilden, which is now occupied by a boarding- school. It is an attractive three-story brick, fifty-six by one hundred and thirty feet, with a main hall sixteen feet wide, and has a detached kitchen.
Major Jones was succeeded in his mercantile business by his son-in-law, Elam Tilden, who was for many years reputed one of the most sagacious and successful merchants in the county. On the death of his father, Moses Y. Tilden continued the trade. Others followed, and while the store was owned by David Spier it was destroyed by fire. Peabody & Sweet, P. E. Leonard, and others have been in trade. There are now two stores.
Elam Tilden was appointed the first postmaster, having the office in his store. Subsequently the position was beld by Moses Y. Tilden, Philander Leonard, W. A. Whittlesey, and at present (1878) by Clarence W. Bacon.
Two miles west from this village, principally on the south side of the Wyomanock, is the hamlet of
NEW LEBANON CENTRE.
On account of the mill at this place there was formerly quite an active trade, which was carried on by Nathan
307
HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Hand and his sons, G. B. Cornwell, F. W. Everest, Clarence Bacon and others. Silas T. Campel is at present in trade, and has also the post-office, which was established about 1842, with F. W. Everest postmaster.
A little west from the main settlement Isaac Everest had a pioncer tavern, where the town-meetings were first held. Norman Williams also kept an inn.
As the railroad does not have a station at this place its business has been diverted, and there are now but a few score inhabitants.
In the New Britain settlement was, in early times, a store by Kenneth M. Davis, in which was established a post-office, which has long since been discontinued. Here were also mechanic shops and other attendants of a hamlet, which have no longer an existence.
In the northwestern part of the town, on the south side of Wyomanock creek, and a station on the railroad, is the hamlet of
WEST LEBANON.
The place is built in a straggling manner on the main road through this section, and was formerly known as Moffatt's Store, from the man first in trade. Others who had stores were l'aul Roberts, Lewis Lester, O. Finch, Ezra Waterbury, C. H. Bull, and the present, G. W. Car- penter.
The post-office was established about 1819, with Paul Roberts as the first postmaster. The office has since been held by D. Lewis, Hiram Bigelow, Edwin Saekett, Alfred Webster, George Lowden, Sacket I. Huested, and G. W. Carpenter.
A pioneer tavern was kept by Joshua Bigelow. The present Finch tavern was built about 1820 by Andrew Snyder, who kept it many years, and was followed by Harry Harrington and Michael Bacher.
The manufacture of harness has been carried on quite extensively by A. D. Galc, and is now continued by C. Etman.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.