History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 71

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 71

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Mr. Ring is recognized as one of the old, substantial tizens of Newburgh, and is held in high esteem by Il classes of people. Starting out in life with small

means and at a tender age, he has, by close applica- tion to duty and industrious and regular habits, achieved success in the various undertakings in which he has engaged, and won for himself the reputation of an upright and honorable man. When he first entered the Newburgh Savings-Bank the total de- posits at that institution aggregated about $28,000. This amount, owing to careful management, judicions investment, and the confidence of the public. has since regularly increased, until on March 1, 1881, the deposits at the bank amount to $3,154,540, and the loans to $3,174,442.

The life of Mr. Ring has been passed in a quiet and unostentations manner, and free from the turmoil and confusion of political strife. He has been actively identified with the social, educational, and material development of Newburgh, and contributed to the encouragement and sustentation of its institutions. He was treasurer of the village of Newburgh from 1854 to 1864; one of the members of the first board of education under the State law; secretary of the Newburgh Gas-light Company from 1867 to 1881; is the president of the Newburgh and Cochecton and of the Newburgh and New Windsor Turnpike Com- panies, and has been treasurer of Cedar Hill Ceme- tery since its organization in 1870. He has acted as executor of a large number of estates, and filled other fiduciary positions in a correct and faithful manner. In 1826 he was a member of a uniformed company of the State militia, under Capt. John D. Phillips, and is the last survivor of the forty-five members of the company at that date. In 1823 he participated in the reception of Gen. Lafayette, upon the visit of that distinguished friend of America to this country. Great changes have occurred in Newburgh since Mr. Ring's residence there, and but few are left to tell the story of its social and material life sixty years ago with so much distinctness and accuracy as himself. He loves a dog and gun, is physically well preserved, his memory is strong, and he is still fulfilling the duties of life in a faithful and successful manner. He is an attendant upon the ministrations of St. George's Episcopal Church, of which he has been one of the vestrymen.

Mr. Ring has been twice married,-first, in 1832, to Miss Mary Ann Osborne, who died, leaving no chil- dren, Dec. 28, 1833, in her twenty-fifth year; and secondly to Miss Catharine Speir, in 1837. She was born July 31, 1810, and died Sept. 6, 1869. Of this union were born A. Smith Ring, ex-city treasurer of Newburgh, and the treasurer of the Fireman's Fund ; Anna R., deceased, wife of Munson G. Muir; and Clara Belknap, who died in infancy.

JOHN RAPELYE WILTSIE .- Hendrick Martensen Wiltsee, the ancestor of the many families of that name in America, emigrated from Copenhagen, in Denmark, early in the sixteenth century. He per- formed active service in the Esopus war in 1663, was captured and reported killed by the Indians, but,

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effecting his escape, settled on a farm at Hell Gate, L. I. Hle was married in 1660, and had three sons, -Martin, Hendrick, and Myndert. From Martin, fourth in degree from Hendrick Martensen Wilt- see, and his wife, Jane Suydam, whom he married in 1733, are descended the Fishkill Landing Wilt- sies. The family has been numerously and promi- nently represented in Duchess County since its first settlement, having emigrated from Long Island in 1734, locating at the Landing and at Sylvan Lake, and owning two tracts of land aggregating thirteen hundred acres. Johannes Wiltsie was commissioned by William Tryon, Captain-General and Governor-in- Chief of the province of New York, on Feb. 10, 1773, as first lieutenant in Capt. Joseph Horton's company of foot, attached to Col. Brinckerhoff's regiment of militia in Duchess Connty. The name has been variously spelled Wiltsee, Wiltse, and Wiltsie.

John R. Wiltsie was born at Sylvan Lake, East Fishkill, Duchess Co., June 5, 1814. His father, John C. Wiltsie, who died in 1820, at the early age of thirty-eight, was a farmer by occupation, and for a number of years prior to his demise filled the office of justice of the peace by gubernatorial appointment. His mother was Lavina Rapelye, a native of Long Island, and a representative of the ancient family of that name, who were early expelled from France, where they belonged to the nobility, because of their religious convictions, and who were among the first settlers on Long Island. The first white child born on the island was a Rapelye.

The early life of Mr. Wiltsie was passed on the paternal farm with his mother, three brothers, and two sisters, his educational advantages being limited to the instruction given at the neighboring district schools during the winter months. At the age of fifteen he began life as an apprentice with B. F. Buckingham, of Newburgh, in the trade of saddle and harness making, with whom he remained until 1835, receiving during this period, as compensation for his services, his board and washing only. On May 1, 1835, having become proficient in the trade, Mr. Wiltsie commenced business for himself at No. 8 Water Street, Newburgh, where he remained until 1861, being succeeded by his son, G. Fred Wiltsie. During a portion of the time, until 1861, Mr. Wiltsie had engaged to some extent in insurance business, and after retiring from his manufacturing enterprises he connected with his insurance matters the banking and brokerage business, which he has since continued to carry on, his being the first and only undertaking of the kind that ever existed in Newburgh. His son, Arthur V. Wiltsie, is associated with him in business, and since 1869 the firm of John R. Wiltsie & Son have occupied their present commodious rooms in the savings-bank building.

business man, of a decidedly original and independ- ent cast of mind, strong in his convictions, tenacious of his views, and adhering firmly to what he conceived to be just and right though he were compelled to stand alone. He has been intimately connected with various institutions of the city, and has ever felt a just pride in its material prosperity. As a manufacturer he was second to none in his line, being thoroughly educated to his trade and animated by a commend- able ambition to produce the best goods to be found in the American market. On Feb. 5, 1855, he was elected a member of the board of trustees of the Newburgh Savings-Bank, and has held the office from year to year to the present time, being the old- est member of the board of record, and the secretary of the institution since 1855. He was one of the few men who took hold of the bank after its projectors had failed to make it a success, the most of whom re- signed and their seats being declared vacant. The deposits at that time were only about $28,000. Mr. Wiltsie was instrumental, with others, in indncing sterling business men to join in making the bank a success, the deposits in 1881 amounting to $3,714,501. On Jan. 5, 1870, he was appointed secretary and treas- urer of the Newburgh and Cochecton Turnpike Com- pany, and has since filled that position. Though no politician, he filled the position of deputy internal revenue assessor for some years, and until the abo- lition of the income tax. During his term of office he had the satisfaction of having all his decisions on parts of the revenue law coming before him sustained by the department at Washington. The vigorous state of health which Mr. Wiltsie enjoys he attributes to his annual visit to the Adirondack Mountains, and his fondness for the rod and gun, which he has habit- nally used for the last half-century. On July 24, 1869, he was elected president of the "Hudson River Association for the Protection of Fish and Game," an office which he still fills.

In the institutions of Freemasonry and Odd-Fel- lowship Mr. Wiltsie has also taken an active interest. He is a member of Hudson River Lodge, No. 607, F. and A. M .; of Highland Chapter, No. 62, R. A. M .; of King Solomon's Council, No. 31, R. A. S. M., and of Hudson River Commandery, No. 35, K. T. In Odd-Fellowship he has been especially honored. He was initiated in Highland Lodge, No. 65, at Newburgh, in 1842, and passed to the highest office of the lodge during the first year of his member- ship. He was admitted to the Grand Lodge in April, 1843, and was appointed D. D. Grand Master in 1844, during which time he instituted several lodges. He entered the Encampment Branch of the order May 9, 1845, and passing through the ehairs in Mount He- bron Encampment, No. 2, became a member of the Grand Encampment, and filled the position of D. D.

During his long residence in Newburgh, and his ' Grand Patriarch for the district of Orange in 1845 participation in its affairs, Mr. Wiltsie has sustained and 1846. He was elected Grand Warden of the the character of a straightforward and conscientious . Grand Lodge in 1850, and in 1851 was elected Deputy

ITİLE

Athar R.wiesie

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rand Master of the Grand Lodge of Sonthern New ork. At the annual election in August, 1852, he as unanimously clected to the position of Grand aster of that jurisdiction, filling the office with gnal ability and success, and winning the confidence td esteem of the members of the order.

Mr. Wiltsie has also taken a prominent place in usical circles in Newburgh, and was one of the iginal members of the Orange County Musical cicty. In religious affairs he was formerly a ember of the Dutch Reformed Church of New- irgh, and filled the offices of elder and deacon for any years, and of superintendent of the Sabbath- hool for seven years. He is now a member of the irst Presbyterian Church, and has been superin- ndent of the Sabbath-school for five years. As unty secretary for the State, he instituted the first bbath-school teachers' association in Orange County. e has been a member of the board of counselors the Home of the Friendless since the organization 'that institution.

Mr. Wiltsie married for his first wife, on Oct. 17, 37, Elmira, daughter of Robert Lawson, Esq., who ed in January, 1843, leaving one son, G. Fred iltsie. For his second wife he married Mary Susan, ughter of Rev. Luke A. Spofford, of Massachusetts, id sister of Judge Henry M. Spofford, of Louisiana, id of A. R. Spofford, librarian to Congress. Her ther was a lineal descendant of Israel Putnam. Of is union were born six children, viz .: Arthur V .; linira, wife of James T. Joslin, of Newburgh ; Henry, ed young ; Harriet M., Charlotte E., and Laura S. Bank Suspensions .- The Bank of Newburgh and the ighland Bank suspended specie payments May 12, 37. On the morning of that day the directors and ficers held a meeting and passed the following among her resolutions :

' Resolved, That during the suspension of specie payments by the New rk City banks, it will be prudent and necessary for the village banks retain their specie for the use of the town and county, to be used in ordinary business of the county.

' Resolved, That the banks will, therefore, for the preseut, suspend ying specie for the redemption of their bills- other than such as may offered by our citizens to obtain small sums for the prosecution of eir accustomed business."

Rebellion practically began on Dec. 30, 1861, when the New York City banks suspended, and has con- tinued since that time, under the substitution for gold and silver of an irredeemable national currency.

IX .- INCORPORATED COMPANIES. NEWBURGH WHALING COMPANY.

The precise date of the organization of this com- pany cannot now be ascertained, but the first entry of stock was made Dec. 31, 1831. On Jan. 24, 1832, the Legislature passed an act incorporating the company, by the terms of which " William Roe, John P. De Wint, Abraham M. Smith, John Harris, Benoni H. Howell, Samuel Williams, Benj. Carpenter, Christopher Reeve, and Augustus F. Schofield," and such others as were then or might thereafter be associated with them, were empowered to engage "in the whale fishery in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and elsewhere, and in the manufacture of oil and spermaceti candles." The capital stock was fixed at $200,000, in shares of $50; but the company was authorized to commence busi- ness as soon as $50,000 should be subscribed and paid in. The persons named in the act were to be the first directors of the company, and were also to act as com- missioners to receive subscriptions to the stock. Direc- tors were to be elected on the first Tuesday in January of each year ; the company anthorized to purchase and hold real estate to an amount not exceeding $25,000, and to have and perform all the rights and privileges of an incorporated company, with the only restriction that "no foreigner" should "ever be a stockholder, or anywise interested in said company."

The company was immediately organized under this act, and William Roe appointed president, Aaron Belknap, secretary, and Abraham M. Smith, agent. The books were opened for subscriptions, and $109,000, or 2186 shares, of the capital stock taken. On April 1st the company purchased the ship " Portland," for $15,250 ; in August the ship "Russell," for $14,500 ; and in May following the ship "Illinois," for $12,000. During the same year they also erected a large store- house on Water Street, near First Street, and a com- modious wharf. The ships purchased were fitted out and made two voyages each. The "Portland" was under command of Capt. Cook; the "Russell" under Capt. Brock ; and the "Illinois," first voyage, Capt.

At cleven o'clock, the same day, a meeting of citi ns was held at the Orange Hotel,-John Ledyard, airman ; Christopher Reeve and David Sands, sec- taries. After reading the resolutions adopted by | Leonard, second voyage, Capt. Merchant. e banks, their course was approved.

In consequence of this action, the banks were able supply specie to the public during the whole of the ; eriod of suspension. On Sept. 1, 1837, the Bank of ewburgh held $23,921 in specie, and the Highland ank $15,450. The suspensions of 1857 were made a similar manner. While amply prepared to redeem : eir circulation in gold and silver, the suspension of ew York City banks rendered the same course neces- ry on the part of those of Newburgh. The suspen- on of specie payments growing ont of the war of the , which arrived in New York in March, 1837, with

The business of the company was continued until 1837. In 1834, Charles Ludlow, David W. Bate, John Harris, Edmund Sanxay, Abraham M. Smith, James G. Clinton, Daniel Farrington, David M. Du Bois, and John Chambers were chosen directors. In the presi- dency, John D. Lawson succeeded Mr. Roe in 1833, and Charles Ludlow succeeded Mr. Lawson in 1834. Uriah Lockwood succeeded Mr. Belknap, and James Belknap Mr. Lockwood, as secretary. The last voy- age made was by the ship "Portland," Capt. Cook,

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HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

2100 barrels whale oil, 350 barrels sperm oil, and creased, it became necessary to procure a supply from 19,000 pounds of bone. The cargo sold for about 8-10,000.

The enterprise, however, failed to yield the profit anticipated, and was abandoned. Receivers were ap- pointed, the ships and other property sold, and the stockholders paid back their original subscriptions with the addition of a small dividend. The existence of the company ceased in 1840; and in 1846 its books, with the exception of an imperfect day-book, were destroyed by the fire which consumed the store of Daniel Farrington, in which they were deposited.

NEWBURGH STEAM MILLS.

In the early part of the year 1844 a stock company was formed for the purpose of erecting mills for the manufacture of cotton goods. The capital agreed upon was $100,000, and the subscriptions to the stock were completed on May 25th. On June 5th the com- pany was formally organized, and John Forsyth, Hi- ram Bennett, David Crawford, Aaron P. Johnes, Homer Ramsdell, Benjamin Carpenter, Christopher Reeve, Uriah Lockwood, and Daniel Farrington, elected directors ; Hiram Bennett, president ; Homer Ramsdell, vice-president ; Daniel Farrington, treas- urer ; and Uriah Lockwood, secretary. On June 12th the directors selected the site, and soon after com- meneed the erection of the necessary buildings. The works were completed and the manufacture of cotton commenced in 1845, since which time the mills have continued in operation, and partial time kept during the most trying revulsions. A large portion of the original stockholders have disposed of their interest, and a majority of the stock is now held by the estate of Thomas Garner, and is under the super.ntendency of Mr. HORATIO B. BECKMAN. The main build- ing is 250 feet long by 50 feet broad, and ha, five floors beside the basement,-one Hoor being devoted to cach of the processes of cotton manufacture. In addition to this building is another 90 by 40 feet.

GAS-LIGIİT COMPANIES.

Newburgh Gas-light Company .- This company was organized in May, 1851, with a capital of $65,000. The following gentlemen composed the first board of directors, viz. : Homer Ramsdell, David Crawford, E. W. Farrington, and John J. Monell, of Newburgh, and J. A. Sabaten, of Albany, and S. Sabaten, of New- ark, N. J. David Crawford was elected president, and J. J. Monell, secretary and treasurer of the board. Gas was first lighted in the latter part of September, 1852.

Consumers' Gas-light Company .- This company was organized in 1879, and its works constructed. The Newburgh Gas-fight Company was consolidated with it in 1881.

X .- SUPPLY OF WATER.

Prior to 1817 the village of Newburgh was mainly supplied with water by wells; but, as population in-

other sources. Private enterprise, for a time, relieved the more pressing demand. In 1804 the board of trustees took the subject in hand, and submitted to the inhabitants a plan for forming a stock association, which resulted in the incorporation, by an act of the Legislature, passed March 7, 1806, of the " Newburgh Aqueduct Association." Beyond this, however, no- thing appears to have been done until 1809, when, on March 27th, the Legislature passed an act empowering the trustees to procure a supply of water for the use of the village, and for that purpose to enter upon the possession of any springs or streams of water within the corporate bounds ; provided, that there should, "in all cases, be left a sufficiency of water in said spring or springs so taken, for the use of the owner of the lands wherein the said spring or springs are situated, and his heirs and their assigns forever ;" and further, that compensation should be made for the property so taken. Two hundred and fifty dollars were to be raised annually by ta'x to meet the expenses incurred, and the act of 1806 was repealed. The sum named in this act proved to he insufficient, and no further proceedings were had until 1812, when a meet- ing of the citizens was held (February 29th), who sanctioned the levying of a higher tax by the trus- tees; but the latter regarded a compliance with the wishes of the former as illegal, and directed the rais- ing of only the amount specified. This was the first water tax levied.

In May, 1813, the trustees determined to contract with Jonathan Hasbrouck, the owner of Cold Spring, and Walter Case and Jacob Powell were appointed a committee for that purpose. No arrangement, how- ever, was made with Mr. Hasbrouck, and the subject rested until June 20, 1814, when the trustees " Re- solved, That we will proceed with all convenient speed to supply the inhabitants of the village of Newburgh with pure and wholesome water ;" and as Water Street was about to be paved, that water-logs be laid before that work was done. In 1815 the difficulties under which the trustees labored were partially removed by an amendment to the charter of the village, by which $2000 could be raised annually by tax for contingent expenses and for the introduction of water. An effort was then made to purchase a spring owned by Mr. Mandevill, late the property of Jno. J. Monell ; but it was not successful. Nothing further was done un- til 1816, when the trustees appointed a committee to examine the water lots of Jacob Ritchie, in the vicinity of Grand and Third Streets, for the purpose of ascertaining the extent of the supply which could be obtained from that source. Experiments were made by this committee, who subsequently reported that the yield was not sufficient. The proposition to take the Cold Spring was then renewed, and an agree- ment was made with Mr. Hasbrouck for that purpose. The water was to be taken from a " pen-stock" which had been erected on Liberty Street for supplying the

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ewery of Robert Dunlop, and conveyed " from : - were the Newburgh water-works prior to the intro- ence down Ann Street to Colden Street, thence . duction of a supply from the Little l'ond. In regard rough Colden and Water Streets as far north as the ore of Harris & Miller." to this source, it may be remarked that the proposi- tion to secure it was first made in 1835, and was re- newed, in various forms, until its final adoption in 1852. To trace the several plans which were, from time to time, submitted to the public on the subject is unnecessary. It is sufficient to say that after a full examination of the Powellton Springs, the Gidney- town Creek, and the Little Pond, the people of the village almost unanimously approved the latter as a source of supply; and in March, 1852, an aet ap- pointing commissioners for the purpose of construct- ing the works was passed by the Legislature. In ac-

At this stage of the proceedings the Court of Chan- ry (Aug. 26, 1816), on the application of George ardner, through whose lands the outlet of the spring issed, granted an order restraining the trustees from rther action, as, under the act of 1809, they were quired to leave sufficient water in the spring for e use of those interested in it as a source of private apply. The trustees referred the subject to their unsel, Mr. Henry, of Albany, who, after examining e act, advised them that he considered it inexpe- ent to make a motion to dissolve the injunction. , cordance with the terms of this act, on the report of he trustees then agreed (Jan. 10, 1817), to ask the the commissioners, an election was held (Nov. 15, 1852), when 821 ballots were cast for, and 16 against, the plan of supplying the village with water from the Little Pond. The works were put under contract in 1853, and $93,976.91 were expended by the commis- sioners. In addition to this sum, the trustees ex- pended in 1852, $950.16; in 1854, $7007.87; in 1855, $2778.60 ; in 1856, $750.16; in 1857, $1646.88; in 1858, $4796.01; in 1859, $1541.36; and from March Ist of the latter year until Jan. I, 1860, about $2000,- making a total of $115,448.75. The act, however, contemplated an outlay of only $100,000, for which sum bonds were issued. ogislature to " repeal the act of 1809, and substitute, lieu thereof, a law for the same purpose based upon ore just and constitutional principles as to the mode ud extent of contracting for or taking the water to introduced into the village." This action was ap- roved by the citizens, at a publie meeting held on arch 29th, and the act applied for passed the Legis- ture April 7th. This act authorized the trustees to ke, for the use of the village, such sources of supply they might deem necessary. In case of disagree- ent with the owners of the property so taken, the bject of damages was to be referred to Wm. Thomp- n, Daniel C. Verplanck, and Abm. H. Schenck, The works have been materially enlarged since the introduction of the supply, viz. : in 1867, by the con- nection of Silver Creek with Little Pond, and in 1872 -73, by the laying of a new main connecting directly with the pond. The total of expenditures for con- struction, etc., from 1852 to 1875, was $381,031.16. In 1855 the water-rents were $8369; in 1875, $29,307.71. Of all classes of distributing pipes (exclusive of ser- viee pipes) there is a fraction over eighteen miles. The annual report of the commissioners and of Maj. E. C. Boynton, the superintendent, for the year 1875, supplies complete details of receipts and expenditures. ho should fix the amounts to be paid. The trustees nmediately made application to Jonathan and Eli Lasbrouck, George Gardner, and Patrick McGahey he guardian of the heirs of Charles Mackin), for the le of their several rights in the Cold Spring. Jon- han Hasbrouck demanded $10,000; Eli Hasbrouck, 5000, Geo. Gardner, $5000, and the heirs of Charles lackin, $500. The trustees regarding the sums as together too large, applied to the commissioners amed in the act, who awarded to Jonathan Has- rouck $2000, to Eli Hasbrouck $100, to Geo. Gard- er $1500, and to the Mackin heirs $50. The ward was accepted by the trustees, and the several NEWBURGH FERRY. ums paid. The deed from Jonathan Hasbrouck, owever, was made subject to a previous contract with obert Dunlop, then held by James Law, for supply- g his brewery with water. The construction of the 'orks was resumed, and, in addition to those already amed, logs were ordered laid through Smith and liberty Streets. In 1819 the Legislature passed an et enabling the trustees to fund the water debt, then mounting to $5000. In 1821 a larger supply of ater being deemed necessary, the trustees purchased le Ritchie lots, on Grand Street, from John Ledyard, or the sum of $150; and in 1829 sokl the property, ith the exception of the spring, for $4715. Subse- uently, an additional source of supply was found on re lands of Wm. P. C. Smith, and a reservoir built ear the residence of the late Rev. Dr. Johnston.

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History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 71

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