History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 117

Author: Ruttenber, Edward Manning, 1825-1907, comp; Clark, L. H. (Lewis H.)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1336

USA > New York > Orange County > History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 117

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XI .- INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.

The capacities of this town for successful farming are fair. The surface is somewhat uneven and broken, not mountainous, but yet decidedly hilly. The hills extend mostly in a north and south direction, in which they observe the usual physical law of this region of country. The soil is of every variety ; per- haps not as well adapted to grain as that of some other"towns of the county, but excellent for pasturage and meadow.

THE MANUFACTURE OF HATS.

In the spring of 1853, Messrs. Wilcox & Draper commenced the manufacture of wool hats, erecting for that purpose a new building on Railroad Avenue, adjoining a stream of water skirting the eastern por- tion of the village, 65 feet in front, with an addition in the rear 60 feet in length. This was the first of the several hat-factories which have added so much to the business interests of Middletown, and have con- tributed so largely to its growth.

The first firm was succeeded by Dr. Joshua Draper alone for some years, then by Draper & Fuller, and finally by Dr. Draper again, as at the present time (1880). The factory is a large and splendid building, six stories above the basement. Two hundred to two hundred and fifty hands are employed. The capacity of the factory is equal to the production of 200 dozen wool hats per day, and 200 dozen straw hats.

THE BABCOCK & WATROUS WOOL-HAT MANU- FACTORY was founded about 1869. It is located at the corner of Mill and Water Streets, and is a large brick

478

HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

building three stories in height, thoroughly fitted up for the various operations required in the business, and supplied with valuable machinery. The original firm was Babcock & Fuller. From 1873 to 1875 the name was Babcock, Fuller & Co., two brothers Fuller being members. In 1875 the latter retired to estab- lish business for themselves mentioned below.

The business was then continued by R. M. Babcock until 1879, when George L. Watrous became a partner, with the firm-name as stated above. The business is extensive, requiring the employment of about 200 hands. The manufacturing capacity of the establish- ment equals about 200 dozen hats per day. The busi- ness is exclusively devoted to wool hats, of which every variety is made.

THE FULLER BROS. HAT MANUFACTORY .- The buildings for this important enterprise were erected in 1874. The firm was composed of men thoroughly ac- quainted with all the details of the business, and they commenced operations in 1875. Their facilities are superior in every respect, large and commodious build- ings, machinery of the best approved description, and skilled workmen. They manufacture, as do the other hat-factories of Middletown, a line of wool hats ex- clusively,-comprises all varieties of children's, ladies' and men's. Their capacity for turning out finished work is about 250 dozen hats per day, and to do this 200 hands or more are employed.

THE MIDDLETOWN TANNERY.

This was established about 1827. Its facilities are extensive. The buildings are large and commodious, and conveniently situated on the stream of water that flows through the southern part of the village. The present firm is known as Howell, Hinchman & Co. The business is one of considerable magnitude, giving employment to a large number of men, and forming an important industry of the town.

SAW MANUFACTORY.

This business was established about 1853 by a firm consisting of Elisha P. Wheeler, Edward M. Madden, and Josiah Bakewell. The building erected for the business, on a lot of twelve acres secured for the purpose, was 214 feet long and 40 feet wide ; the main shop, 176 feet long ; the hardening-shop, in a wing, 41 by 32 feet, with furnaces of ample capacity ; an engine- room, in another wing, 41 by 26 feet ; and offices, packing and storage-rooms; the whole one of the best designed and best equipped saw manufactories in the United States. In 1860, Mr. William Clem- son entered the firm, which then became known as Wheeler, Madden & Clemson. Mr. Bakewell died in 1861, and in 1868, Mr. Lemuel Wheeler (son of E. P. Wheeler) and Mr. Thomas D. Roberts became mem- bers of the firm. In 1870, Mr. Roberts died, and Mr. Lemuel Wheeler in 1873. The same year Mr. William Millspaugh and Charles I. Humphreys en- tered the firm, when the firm-name was changed to

" The Wheeler, Madden & Clemson Manufacturing Company." Mr. E. P. Wheeler died in 1876. The present members of the firm (1880) are E. M. Madden, William Clemson, William Millspaugh, Charles I. Humphreys, and W. K. Stansbury.

Previous to 1862 the business was confined to the manufacture of saws from imported steel, but at that time, owing to fears of the interruption of the rela- tions between England and the United States, the manufacture of steel was begun here, and has since been successfully continued. The saws manufactured here have achieved a reputation second to none in the country.

The valuable plot of twelve acres, secured at the outset with a wise forethought of the future, has been mostly retained for their own use, despite its in- creasing value for building purposes arising from the rapid growth of the village.

THE MONILAGEN STEAM AND WATER MILLS.

This important enterprise was founded in 1839, by Henry Little, Esq., who erected the buildings at that time. They were destroyed by fire in 1867. About a year later they were rebuilt by S. D. Burns. Subse- quently the property passed to Houston & Conkling, who conduct the business at the present time. A large amount of custom grinding is done, together with a general flouring and feed business.

THE MANUFACTURE OF FILES.

This business was founded by the firm of King, Cockayne & Co., about 1856. The individuals of the firm were Sidney D. King, Corydon T. King, and John T. Cockayne. The latter was an experienced Sheffield mechanic. He has remained in the business to the present time, though not continuously as a partner. Mr. John Williams, one of the original firm, established the Iron Age in Middletown, a valu- able journal in the interest of the iron trade of this country, which was afterwards transferred to New York and published by his son, David Williams. For a few years succeeding 1863 the firm was Wheeler, Clemson & Co., they having bought the establishment.

In 1870, John T. Cockayne became a member of this firm, and Isaac P. Madden also was admitted at that time. Mr. George Rusher, one of the firm, died in 1872, and Mr. E. P. Wheeler in 1876. The surviv- ing members continued the business. The present name of the firm is "The Madden & Cockayne File Company." They employ about eighty hands. Their establishment is extensive, and thoroughly fitted up with the latest improved machinery.

CARPET-BAG FACTORY.

This industry in Middletown was established in 1853 hy Matthews & Hunt, who had previously been in business for about ten years at Windham Centre, Greene Co. They purchased a brick building adjoin- ing the railroad track, and enlarged it to a building 115 feet in length, 40 in width, and three stories high.

479

WALLKILL.

In 1867 the firm became " Matthews Bros.," consisting of J. M. Matthews, J. E. Matthews, and J. F. Mat- thews. The first named died in 1874. The present style of the firm is Matthews & Co., dating under that name from Jan. 1, 1875. The business done is very extensive. Their large and well-arranged factory is supplied with the best modern machinery. About thirty hands are employed, and such is the perfection of the arrangements and the completeness of the facilities, that the average daily capacity for turn- ing out finished work is about twenty-five dozen carpet-bags and satchels, with ten or twelve gross of ladies' belts. In the twenty-seven years of the ex- istence of this business it has steadily grown from small beginnings to its present magnitude. It has been and still is one of the most important industries in Middletown.

ORANGE COUNTY FURNACE.

The buildings for this establishment were erected in ; bayonet-wound in the side, which affected him more 1842 by a firm consisting of Elisha P. Wheeler, Jonah F. France, Edward M. Madden, and Joseph Lemon. They were of brick, three stories in height, covering an area of 100 feet front and 200 feet depth. In January, 1857, the property passed to a new firm, The following article gives some items of local in- terest in this war: Martine, Mackay & Co. The business is very exten- sive, and the buildings are favorably located. In later years the proprietorship passed to A. L. Vail. John " FROM MY SKETCHI-BOOK OF THE WAR OF 1812. W. Mackay, manager.

THE BOOK-BINDERY

connected with the Middletown Press is an industry of considerable importance. Mr: Edward Schmitz, the foreman of the binderies, has patented a method of binding books giving a peculiar firmness to each leaf, so that loose leaves are almost an impossibility under Mr. Schmitz's method. In the Scientific Amer- ican of July 14, 1877, may be seen a full explanation of the method. It is, evidently, worthy the study of the trade throughout the country.

THE MORGANS & WILCOX MANUFACTURING COMPANY.

This firm manufactures wood-type .and all forms of wood-furniture used in printing-offices. The busi- ness was originally established by Young & Morgans at Napanoch, Ulster Co., where it was burned out in the spring of 1880, resulting in a change of location and partial change of firm. At Middletown the new firm purchased about four acres of land on the corner of North Street and Wisner Avenue, and erected a building 100 feet front on the avenue, with two annexes running back 70 feet.

DECKERS' MILLS, ETC.

Other business enterprises are mentioned to some extent in connection with the villages. On the Shawan- gunk Kill in the north part of the town is the mill of the Decker Brothers. The present buildings, are new. The mill was originally established by the

Olivers. It was afterwards owned by Judge Duryea, and by several subsequent proprietors down to the Deckers.

XII .- MILITARY.

The muster-roll already given, in treating of early settlement, shows the names of those who in 1738, upon this sparsely-settled territory, were enrolled for the defense of the province. Doubtless in the long period of the French and Indian wars, 1745 to 1759, there were one or more from this section engaged in the colonial armies, but no record remains of any such service.

During the war of the Revolution the people of Wallkill are known to have been patriotic, and nobly bore their share of public duty. Col. Wm. Faulkner, then a captain, was in the service at the taking of Fort Montgomery by the British, and received a or less through life, though he lived to an advanced age. He was brave, fearless, and a true patriot. In the war of 1812, Col. Crawford, from this section, went out with a company of cavalry to Harlem Heights.

"On a pleasant Sabbath afternoon, Sept. 5, 1813. when the temple of the Prince of Peace had just been closed, our little village was reminded that the temple of Janus was still open, and some of us would likely be called to serve in its bloody orgies. A stranger made his appearance and in- quired for the residence of Col. Benjamin Webb. Early on Monday morning the colonel ordered Capt. Vincent Clark to muster the Repub- lican Blues at Middletown, with three days' rations, and on the 8th to proceed to Waterford, above Albany, and there, with other companies, to be organized, under the command of Gen. Reuben Hopkins, for a north- ern campaign. On Wednesday, the 8th September, the reveille struck our ears, breaking the stillness of the morning and calling us to urms, Capt. Clark's health not permitting him to go, we were mustered in front of Obadiah Vail's hotel, under Lieut. Stacy Beakes, when the following per- sons answered at roll-call: Lieut. Stacy Beakes, commandant ; Nathan- iel Penny, first sergeant ; Privates, John Canfield, John B. Cox, Samuel Cox, Abner Miller, Moses H. Corwin, Stephen Sayre, Andrew Grinsaulas, Gabriel Ilill, Daniel Parsons, David Youmans, Samuel Canfield, Henry Coleman, William Penny, Joseph II. Owen, Joseph Keen, Peter Quick, Alexander Parsons, Julin S. Clark, Matthew Faulkner, Benjamin l'ar- sons. A number of farmers in the vicinity came in with their wagons and offered to convey us to Newburgh, which offer was kindly accepted. All things being ready, Rev. Abel Jackson, in a very appropriate prayer, commended us to the protection of Almighty God.

" We were soon under way, leaving our little village come less of its inhabitants. It was a painful thought that, on my leaving home, there were some that did not come to give us one cheerful parting word; their sympathy was with the enemy,-' England has done us no wrong.' Ar- riving at Newburgh near nightfall, we were detained some time to await the coming in of Capt. Deyoe's company from l'Ister County, and the sloop to get ready to take 18 to Albany, where we arrived on the evening of the 10th. The next day we took np our line of march to Waterford, and pitched our tents on the hill north of the village, where we remained several days. We began now to learn something of camp-life. Our ra- tions were very good ; and by the kindness of Mr. Schoonoven, a lawyer of the village, who had a field of potatoes that was only separated from our camp by the highway, he gave ue liberty to use what we wanted while remaining there. He told us that he had a patch of onions near his house, and his gardener would wait on ns and sell them very cheap. His kindness saved his potatoes from being wasted, and hie onione were not stolen.

" The companies ordered to muster here had come in, and we were or-

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HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

gaoized and put under the coolorand of Col. Abraham Ilardenburgh, of Ulster County, James 'falmailge, of Duchess County, lientenant-colonel, and -- , of Saratoga County, major. The regimeot numbered about seven hundred men, and was ordered to take up its line of march for Whitehall, and oo the 18th of September we struck our tents, and Capt. Beakes marched out of Waterford with one hundred and twenty men. We marched on to Whitehall, and from thence by water on Lake Cham- plain to l'lattsburgh, where we remained four days, and then on through Clinton and Franklin Counties to Fort Hampton, one and a half miles from the Canada line on the Montreal road, and forty-five miles from that city. We were halting at a tavern to take a rest on our way through Franklin County. Capt. Beakes threw off his coat on a hed io the kitchen to shave. In putting it on his pocket-book fell out unobserved. A sol- dier belonging to the United States army was present, and finding the pocket-book on the bed, made proclamation, ' Who has lost a pocket-book ?' Onr captain found his was onissing, and describing the money, the sol- dier gave it to him. The captain offered him a five-dollar bill ; he re- fused to take it. ' If you think that is not enough I will give you more.' He refused to take anything. ' Will you take a treat ?' He refused that. The soldier waa a youth a little out of his teens, of pleasing countenance. I should like to know the future of that young mao, endowed with such sterling honesty. While at Fort Hampton some of the meo belonging to Capt. Hlawly's company were amusing themselves at cards by a log fire. Major --- came along and ordered the cards thrown in the fire. Their sergeant was standing by, and said he would not have done it. The major turned and struck the sergeant with the flat of his sword, and ordered Capt. Beakes to put him under guard. Capt. Ilawly's men 8000 brought him out. The major, not willing to be foiled, stated his crime, and ordered Adjutant Van Ransnlaure to take a file of men and convey him to Gen. Hampton, at the Four Corners, for trial. ' I see,' saya the general, 'that he belongs to the New York Volunteers; you minst try your own men.' And that was the end of it.

" Ilad we been brought into action with the enemy, Major - would not have lived to give orders for the second fire. Let it be known that all officers are not killed by the enemy. I heard the remark often made, ' If we get into battle my worst enemy shall die first.' Our colonel was ao honest old farmer from Ulster, and well thought of, but without mil- itary talent. Lieut .- Col. Talmadge was an officer of strict discipline, and yet had the entire love and confidence of the regimeot. I would also say that Capt. Beakes was in no danger from his own oleo.

" The object uf calling the brigade of Gen. Hopkins was to keep back marauding Indians froot entering Clinton and Franklin Conuties while the United States army invaded Canada. Gen. Hampton, with five thousand United States troops, lay at the Four Coroers, three miles fromo us, and had orders from the War Department to form a junction with Gen. Wilkinson, at the French Mills, twenty-four miles from the Four Corners, and there, uniting with Wilkinson's eleven thousand oren, the combined army to make a descent upon Montreal.

" There was a road from the Four Corners to the French Mills, and there was nothing to prevent Hampton from going there but a determina- tion not to unite with Wilkinson, for by so doing he would be only sec- oud in commaod. Thus the whole expedition failed.

"Gen. Hamptoo made us a call abont the 20th of October. The regi- ment was drawn up in a line ; he said, ' You make a very good appeara oce. I have come to invite you to volunteer, and if you do not I will dismiss you sod send you home in disgrace.' The contemptible Mississippi slave-driver had nocontrol over us. Our colonel some days after ordered ns to return to Plattsburgh, where we were discharged, and every one went his own way.

" The ' Republican Blues' arrived home safe in November, after a tramp of abont seven hundred miles. We associated together while in camp, and were designated throughout the army as ' theor Middletowners.'

"Some time after my arrival home I read the official report of Gen. Hampton to the War Department, and it was false throughout. As I was on the spot I knew all about it. Entire reliance need not be put io all official reports.

" The only persons yet living belonging to the ' Republican Blues' are Alex. Parsons and myself. MOSES II. CORWIN .*

" MIDDLETOWN, Sept. 16, 1863."

WAR OF 1861-65.

The reception of the news that war had commenced was attended with the same results that everywhere occurred throughout the North. Before the outburst- ing enthusiasm of the people parties and partisan considerations for a time disappeared. The national colors flashed out from private residences, from the places of business, from the spires of churches. An enthusiastie meeting was held Saturday evening, April 20th, at which Moses H. Corwin, a veteran of the war of 1812, presided. Speeches were made, reso- lutions adopted, and steps taken to immediately form a company for the defense of the Union.

Women's aid societies were formed; supplies sent forward for suffering soldiers; the successive quotas of the town were filled.

The quotas and credits of the town were as follows :

Quota. Credits.

Under calls of July and August, 1862. 205

213

46 all calls from July, 1863, to July, 1864 198

157

call of July, 1864 .. 134

137

call of December, 1864.

603

573

This statement fails to give the town the full eredit which it deserves, as it does not include enlistments at the outbreak of the war. Prior to the July call (1862) the town claimed to have furnished-

To Eighteenth Regiment .. 157

Fitty sixth

First Mounted Rifles 51

44 One Hundred and Third Regiment. 2

214

The subsequent official credits were. 573

Aod the total 787

To some extent adjoining towns suffered in this total prior to July, as enlistments made from them at Middletown were claimed by Wallkill. Under the settlement made with the Paymaster-General, in the spring of 1865, the town was awarded for excess of years and bounties the sum of $50,765.

OFFICIAL ACTION.

At a special town-meeting called in due form, and held Aug. 8, 1864, it was voted to raise a tax not ex- ceeding $100,000 for the purpose of paying bounties to soldiers who might volunteer under the call of the President of the United States for 500,000 men, said call bearing date July 18, 1864. The amount of bounty to be paid to each was left to the discretion of the board of town auditors. The same bounty to be paid to a volunteer was also voted to auy citizen who should procure a substitute to be mustered into the service prior to a draft.

The supervisor and town clerk were authorized to sign and issue the necessary bonds in the name of the town, to be paid in ten equal annnal installments, 1870 to 1879, inclusive. Under this authority the town anditors met Aug. 9, 1864, and voted a bounty of $600 to each volunteer soklier; to each recruit furnished by others $550, and to the person enlisting such re- cruit $50. At a subsequent meeting it was voted to vary the resolution so as to leave a recruiting-officer

* This article is furnished by Miss Sarah E. Wilkison, to whom it will be noticed we are indebted for many items of public interest. Of Mr. Corwin she says, " By request, Moses I]. Corwin (father of Daniel Cor- wio) wrote this history, giving the names on the roll of the ' Republican Blues,' and their campaign service. Ile was about seventy-nine years old when he wrote it. Ile died in March, 1866. Alex. Parsons was the laat survivor. He died about ten years ago.

481

WALLKILL.

and a recruit he should secure to divide the $600 between them as they might agree.

August 24th, $100 "hand-money" was voted to each recrnit, or to the recruiting-officer and the re- cruit. At another special town-meeting dnly called, and which was held Jan. 27, 1865, a tax not to ex- ceed $75,000 was voted for the payment of bounties. The necessary bonds were authorized, payable in four eqnal annual installments, March 1, 1866, 1867, 1868, 1869. The amount of bounty to eachi was again left to the discretion of the town board.

In pursuance of this authority the town board offered $250 bounty for one year ; $350 for two years; $500 for three years, with $50 hand-money in each case. The same offer was made to any citizen fur- , original poem, by A. A. Hopkins, of Rochester ; ad- nishing a substitute towards filling the town quota. dress, Rev. Mr. Osborn; song, "Tenting on the old camp-ground ;" benediction, Rev. Mr. Dows. A committee on finance consisted of William Evans, Jr., William M. Graham, James B. HInise, James J. Mills, Harvey MeMonagle, Albert Mills, William M. ! SOLDIERS' LIST, WAR OF 1861-65. Dunning, M. Lewis Clark. A committee on enlist- The following list has been prepared from official sources, from the files of the Middletown Press, 1861 to 1865, and by general inquiry. It probably contains the names of nearly all the men from the town, and perhaps some belonging elsewhere. The difficulty of supplying an accurate list after the lapse of so many years needs only to be stated to be appreciated. ments consisted of James W. Hoyt, Elliot A. Cole- man, Charles M. Miller, James J. Mills, Arch. L. Vail, Harvey McMonagle, Gilbert J. Beebe, John G. Wilkin, Horatio R. Wilcox, Joseph Kernochan, Ben- jamin W. Shaw, Timothy Colialan, Samuel Conkling, Stephen Sweet, John H. Bell, Andrew Wilson, Jr., James H. Horton, Ira M. Corwin.

Jan. 31, 1865, the hand-money was made $100.

THE SOLDIERS' MONUMENT OF MIDDLETOWN

was built by the St. Johnsbury Granite Company, of Vermont. It is made entirely from their quarry, and stands twenty-two feet in height. It is made up of seven different blocks, and all of them are fitted to-' gether in the most workmanlike and finished manner, the edges, mouldings, corners, and lettering being perfect in execution, so much so that a close scrutiny fails to detect a single blemish.

The first three blocks are square bases, and are finely proportioned one with the other, the third one rnn- ning into an octagon, on the four corners of which are four cannon. Next comes an octagon polished die, on which rests a handsomely moulded cap and plinth, the whole surmounted by the figure of a private sol- dier. The face of every piece, with the exception of the lower base, presents a polished surface.

To the west, fronting North Street, on the second and third bases is inscribed in handsome sunken and raised letters the following inscription :

Erected A.D. 1879, To the memory of the Soldiers of the town of Wallkill.

The War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865.

On the north side the inscription reads, " Wallkill's tribute to her brave defenders;" on the south side, "Our comrades, they died for their country ;" on the

east side, "Fraternity, Charity, Loyalty." On the eight sides of the cap-stone above the die are cnt the badges of the army corps, while on the plinth above is a large monogram of the letters N. Y. S. V.

The crown-piece of the whole monument is the seven- fcet figure of a private soldier dressed in regulation army overcoat, fully accoutered, and standing at "Casey's parade rest."

The monument was dedicated Sept. 5, 1879, with the following programme : prayer, by Rev. Angustus Seward; song, Mannerchor ; oration, Maj .- Gen. Kil- patrick ; ode to Wallkill soldiers, written for the oc- casion by J. Owen Moore, sung by L. L. Ross and others ; address, C. H. Winfield ; song, Mannerchor ;

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History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 117

Author: Ruttenber, Edward Manning, 1825-1907, comp; Clark, L. H. (Lewis H.) Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck Number of Pages: 1336

Author: Ruttenber, Edward Manning, 1825-1907, comp; Clark, L. H. (Lewis H.)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1336