History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 78

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 78

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In 1858 an organic union was effected between the Associate Presbyterian Church of North America and the Associate Reformed Church, under the title of the United Presbyterian Church. A few congrega- tions of the Associate Reformed Synod of New . York refused to enter into this union. These laid claim to the seminary, but by a suit at law it was decided that the property rightfully belonged to that portion of the Synod, the great majority, which had assented to the union. In 1865 the Associate Reformed Synod of New York, the legally recognized owners of the property, took measures, in co-operation with the United Presbyterian Synod of New York, for reopen- ing the institution, and elected as professors therein Rev. J. B. Dale, D.D., of Philadelphia, and James Harper of New York. On Oct. 2, 1867, accordingly, the building was opened again for the training of young men for the ministry, and now has students from nine or ten States. The number of bound vol- umes in the library is nearly 3600. The professors have been as follows :

Systematic Theology .- Rev. John M. Mason, D.D., 1805-21; Rev. Alex. Proudfit, D.D., 1820-21; Rev. Joseph McCarrell, D.D., 1829-60; Rev. James Harper, D.D., 1867-now professor.

Biblical Literature .- Rev. James M. Matthews, 1809-16; Rev. James Arbuckle, assistant, 1820-21; Rev. John Forsyth, Jr., 1837-45; Rev. David L. Proudfit, 1840-42; Rev. Robert Stewart, D.D., 1872 -now professor.

Church History, etc .- Rev. John Forsyth, D.D., 1852-59; Rev. J. B. Dales, D.D., 1867-now pro- fessor.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

Glebe School .- The first public school in New- burgh was that contemplated in the charter to the Glebe, and was known for many years as the Glebe

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School. The time at which it was first opened cannot now be ascertained, but it was probably soon after the settlement of the Rev. Hezekiah Watkins. Nor is it possible to determine who was the first schoolmaster. The offices of minister and schoofmaster, however, were not combined in one person, as has been gener- ally supposed. This is evident from the setting apart of a lot for the minister and another for the school- master, and the erection of dwellings thereon respec- tively, as well as from the books of the trustees of the Glebe. During a portion of the time that Mr. Wat- kins held the office of minister a Mr. Palmer per- formed the duties of schoolmaster. In 1768, Lewis Don veur conducted theschool; in 1769, Joseph Penny; and in 1773, Thomas Gregory. In 1774, John Nathan Hutchins was employed, and continued in the school until a short time prior to his death, which occurred in 1782. His successor was Richard King, who served from Sept. 18, 1782, until the settlement of the Rev. Mr. Spierin, in 1790. Mr. Spierin's engagement con- templated the combining of the two othices of minister and schoolmaster, and gave rise to difficulties which eventually terminated the jurisdiction of the Episco- pal Church over the Glebe. Ile resigned in 1793. The records of the trustees fail to show the name of Mr. Spierin's successor, or indeed that of any teacher for several years. It is probable, however, that the school was conducted in the academy from 1796 to 1804, during which time the latter school was under the charge of the trustees of the Glebe. The "act to amend the charter of the Glebe," passed by the Legis- lature in 1803, directed that "the sum of $200 of the revenues arising from the Glebe" should be "paid annually to the trustees of the academy ;" and that "the remainder of the money arising from such annual income" should be "paid to the trustees of the other schools which are, or may hereafter be, established on the Glebe," as the inhabitants should direct. The jurisdiction of the trustees of the Glebe being thus terminated, the old Glebe School ceased to exist.

No division of the revenues from the Glebe, as re- quired by the act of 1803, appears to have been made until 1809, when what was called " the juvenile school in old town" was established. This school was subse- quently known as the Glebe School, from the fact that the trustees of the Glebe were directed by the inhab- itants of the patent to pay to it that portion of reve- nues not appropriated to the academy. It also re- . ceived one-half of the public money after the creation of the common school fund. It was conducted for several years by Ebenezer Adams, and for a few years prior to 1830 by John P. Tarbell. Mr. John Goodsell succeeded Mr. Tarbell, and continued the school until 1846 or '47.

The first building occupied by the school was that previously spoken of as the "schoolmaster's house." All the teachers appear to have occupied this building prior to 1774. Mr. Hutchins and Mr. King (the latter

at least part of the time) held the school in the " par- sonage-house." In 1789 the trustees rented a house for the school from James Van Orsdall, and Mr. Spierin held it in a house which now forms part of the late residence of Charles F. V. Reeve. The school (under the title of "the juvenile school of old town") subsequently occupied the old Lutheran church, where it was continued down to 1846 or 1847, when it was removed to the academy.

April 6, 1848, the Legislature passed an act to divide school district No. 13 and to erect No. 15. The law also directed the levying of a tax of $5000 upon dis- triet No. 13, as it existed prior to the passage of the act, and that $3000 of the money so raised should be applied to the extinguishment of a debt on that dis- triet, and that the remainder should be expended in the erection of a school building in district No. 15. The trustees of the new district were also empowered to receive such portion of the Glebe moneys as the in- habitants should direct, and apply the same to the reduction of rate bills.

The new district was immediately organized under this law, and a site was selected and the erection of a school building commenced. Before the building was completed the inhabitants were called to determine what disposition should be made of the Glebe reve- nues beyond the amount directed by law to be paid to the trustees of the academy. The trustees of the Glebe at that time-viz. : John Bevridge, Samuel J. Far- num, and T. M. Niven-proposed that the unappro- priated balance should be devoted to the payment of scholarships in the academy ; but the suggestion was not favorably received, and at a public meeting held April 13, 1849, it was rejected. At the same meeting a resolution was adopted directing the trustees of the Glebe to pay to the trustees of school district No. 15 whatever revenue might be derived from the Glebe " over and above the sum required by law to be paid to the academy." The resolution also declared that " the said district school No. 15 shall hereafter be known as the Glebe School," and this designation continued until the adoption of the present free school system.

Newburgh Academy .- The Newburgh Academy was erected in 1795-96. On the settlement of the Rev. Mr. Spierin, in 1790, he announced his intention to open "an academy for the instruction of youth in the Greek and Latin languages and the different other branches of literature ;" and with a view to encourage the establishment of a school of the character pro- posed, the trustees of the Glebe stated that "a sub- scription would be set on foot for the building of a convenient house for a seminary." In 1791 an effort was made to carry this promise into effect, and to that end an application was made to the Legislature for permission to establish a lottery, but for reasons al- readly stated the application failed. The trustees again took up the matter in 1795, and succeeded in completing the building in 1796.

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HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

The institutien continued under the charge of the trustees of the Glebe until 1804, when a meeting of the inhabitants of the patent was held (June 2d), at which the following persons were elected " trustees to take charge of the school in the academy," viz. : James Bate, Anthony Davis, William W. Sackett, Daniel Birdsall, James Coulter, William Ross, Rich- ard IHudson, Charles Clinton, and Edward Howell. In 1806 it was incorporated under the general statute of the State. The trustees named in the charter were Daniel Niven, James Scrimgeour, Daniel Birdsall, Jonas Storey, Abraham Schultz, David Fowler, John Johnston, John MeAuley, John Brown, Hugh Spier, Derick Amerman, William Ross, and Daniel C. Ver- planck.

The names of the first and of several of the succeed- ing teachers of the academy cannot now be ascer- tained. In 1799, Samuel Nicholson was principal, and John Gillespie was assistant; 1802, James Law- remore, principal; 1803-4, Nathan H. White; 1805, Joel Cooper; 1806, Mr. Brackett ; 1807, R. W. Thomp- son ; 1809, Jabez Munsel. The more recent princi- pals were Luther Halsey, Rev. J. T. Halsey, E. C. Benedict, E. Burt, J. Stark, Edgar Perkins, Rev. Dr. Prime, and Rev. R. B. Hall. The school was especi- ally successfully conducted during the administrations of Mr. Halsey, Mr. Perkins, and Mr. Prime.

The academy building is located on the west side of Montgomery Street, a short distance north from South Street. When it was erected only the principal floor was finished for school purposes. In 1798 the courts of the county were directed by law to be held at New- burgh and at Goshen alternately, and for their ac- commodation the upper floor was finished. A stair- way was placed on the north side, and two jury-rooms, a hall, and court-room occupied the floor. Courts were held here from 1798 until 1843, or about forty- five years. The court-room was also used for public meetings ; the general and town elections were held there, and, as has been already shown, it was the cradle of several of the churches of the city. A few changes have since been made in the external ap- pearance of the building, as well as in its internal arrangement. It is now held by the Board of Educa- tion, and is occupied by the senior or academic de- partment of the public schools.

High School .- This institution was incorporated April 23, 1829, and was constituted the common school for district No. 13, which then embraced the whole village of Newburgh. For the erection of a school building $1400 was raised by a tax on the in- habitants of the district, and $3600 by a loan which was divided into shares of $25 each. The building was completed and opened for scholars in February, 1830, at which time John P. Tarbell aud Miss Mary Ross were employed as teachers. The following per- sons composed the first board of trustees, viz. : Wil- liam M. Wiley, Edmund Sauxay, and James Belknap; Thomas C. Ring, clerk, and David M. DuBois, col-

leetor. Orville M. Smith succeeded Mr. Tarbell in 1834, and held the position of principal with great credit until the close of the December term in 1848, when he resigned. His successor, James P. Brown, served until March, 1852, when S. G. MeLaughliu was appointed principal and held that position until the system of free schools was established and the old organization dissolved. The building was removed in 1872.

Free Schools .- The movement which resulted in the adoption of the present free school system was com- menced in the spring of 1851, when, by the passage of the general free school law, the necessity of fur- nishing increased school accommodations was thrown upon the trustees of the several school districts. With a view to meet the requirements of the new system, and to extend the principle upon which it was founded beyond the provisions of the State law, so far as the village of Newburgh was concerned, Moses H. Belk- nap, Nelson Haight, and Robert Sterling, trustees of district No. 13, and John Beveridge, A. Gerald Hull, and Nathan Reeve, trustees of district No. 15, held a joint meeting in May and passed the following resolu- tion, viz. :

" Resolved, That the inhabitants of the village of Newburgh be invited to attend a meeting, to be held at Washington liall on Monday evening, the 12th inst., to consider the propriety of applying to the next Legisla- ture for a law to nnite the whole village in one district,-to make all schools in the district free schools,-the same to be under the charge of a Board of Education to be elected by the people, in manner similar to other cities and villages in the State."

At the meeting held pursuant to this resolution Mr. Haight and Mr. Reeve united in a report show- ing the necessity for increased school accommodations, and proposing a system of free schools and the estab- lishment of a free academy. The report was accepted, but definite action was postponed until the 23d, for the purpose of ascertaining the probability of secur- ing the co-operation of the trustees of the academy, with a view to make that institution the free academy suggested. Mr. Reeve then submitted the draft of a law for the purposes embraced in the report, which was referred to a committee for examination.

The meeting held on the 23d adopted the plan pro- posed, and the trustees of the academy signified their willingness to unite in the movement. In this shape the subject remained until Feb. 27, 1852, when it was again considered at a public meeting and the law pre- pared in 1851 approved. On April 6th the "act to provide for the establishment of free schools in the village of Newburgh" passed the Legislature, and the academy, the high school, and the Glebe school ceased their separate organizations.

The first election under the law of April 6th was held on the 3d of May, when John Bevridge, John J. Monell, Nathaniel Jones, Charles F. V. Reeve, George W. Kerr, D. G. Leonard, L. B. Gregory, Rev. John Brown, and Thomas C. Ring were chosen " trustees of common schools," and constituted "The Board of Edneation of the Village of Newburgh." The first

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meeting of the board was held May 12th, when its organization was completed by the election of John Bevridge president, and Nathaniel Jones clerk.

The schools were soon after reorganized under what is known as the graded system. The academy was made the senior or highest department, and interme- diate and primary schools were opened in the high school and in the Glebe school. The accommoda- tions for the attendance of pupils were soon after materially increased by the erection of a commodious building on Washington Street; the Glebe school building was enlarged, and a building for a primary school fitted up adjoining the academy ; a school for colored children, and a system of evening schools, were also established. Several changes have since been made. The senior department is now substan- tially academic, the intermediates are grammar schools, the grade of the primaries has been raised, and the colored school abolished. Three modern buildings have been erected, and two enlarged. Six buildings are now in occupation, with accommoda- tions for 3000 pupils .* The value of school property in 1860 was $40,000; in 1875, $185,000. In addition to the free schools of the city, there are in the town fourteen school districts under the general school law of the State. A free school is also maintained by St. Patrick's Church, to which more extended reference has already been made.

Private Schools .- Very creditable private schools have been conducted at different periods. The first of this class, with the exception of that opened by Mr. Spierin, was established by Rev. Jonathan Free- man and Silvanus Haight, April 17, 1802, under the title of Cliosophic Hall. It was a boarding and day school, and was held in the building now No. 169 Montgomery Street. Miss Heffernan succeeded Mr. Freeman in 1804, and established the first purely female school. A private school conducted by Robert Gardner about the same time attracted a fair patron- age. Mrs. De Vendel followed Miss Heffernan in 1820, and subsequently similar schools by the Misses Phil- lips, the Rev. Mr. Raymond, Mr. A. Barker, and others; one of some note is now conducted by Miss Mackie. Joel Turrill, subsequently distinguished in politics in western New York, had a select school for young men in 1816. Rev. Saml. Phinney, Mr. Alza- mora, and M. L. Domanski had similar schools sub- sequently ; the latter was succeeded by H. S. Banks. A mixed school on Smith Street, known as the New- burgh Institute, was conducted for several years by John J. Brown. In 1858, Mr. W. N. Reid purchased the building erected in 1837 for a boarding-house in connection with the academy, and established a board-

* The South Street building was erected in 1866, and cost (including furniture) $35,830. The West Newburgh building was erected in 1867, at a cost of $16,795.60. The Washington Street Imilding was enlarged in 1869 and again in 1873, and (with original expenditure) cost $25,639.36. The Grand Street building was erected in 1872, at a cost of #37,072.91. The Clinton Street school was eularged in 1870, at a cost of $6738.92. The Library building cost $25,000. Total, $147,076.35.

ing and day school, which he continued a few years. The most prominent of the private schools at the present time (1880) is that established by Prof. H. W. Siglar in 1863, and known as the "Newburgh Insti- tnte." It occupies the stone school building erected some years since on the theological seminary prop- ty, and first occupied by Mr. Saunders.

PUBLIC LIBRARIES.

Newburgh Library Association. - The Newburgh Library Association was organized December, 1835, by stock subscriptions. A. J. Downing, Abm. M. Smith, John W. Knevels, J. J. Monell, M. V. B. Fowler, D. G. Leonard, and Alfred Post were the first trustees. A. J. Downing, president; Alfred Post, treasurer; Charles U. Cushman, librarian. The first books held by the association were donated to it by individuals. Subsequently funds were raised by fairs. In 1838 a regatta for the benefit of the library yielded $300; and during the same year Abm. M. Smith, by will, gave $500 to the association. It continned in existence until 1847, when it was nnited with the Mechanics' Library Association.

Newburgh Mechanics' Library Association .- This association was organized Nov. 27, 1838, by the joint exertions of a few individuals who felt deeply the necessity for an institution which should combine the advantages of a well-selected library with that of a debating society. A plan of organization having been agreed upon, a meeting of the mechanics of the village was called at Nicholson's Hotel, on Wednesday evening, December 5th. At this meeting, which was well attended, a constitution was adopted and officers for the association elected.

The minutes of the association date from Dec. 4, 1839; hence the names of its first officers do not ap- pear. The officers elected in 1839 were as follows : President, Miles Warren; Vice-Presidents, Charles U. Cushman, D. H. Barclay ; Recording Secretary, John R. Wiltsie; Corresponding Secretary, John Canghey ; Librarians, Robert Sterling, John Little, Jr .; Treasurer, John B. Jamison; Executive Com- mittee, Robert Sterling, John Filkins, E. G. Woolsey, C. S. Russell, James S. Young.

March 29, 1842, the association was incorporated, by an act of the Legislature, under the name of the "Newburgh Mechanics' Library Association," for the " purpose of establishing and maintaining a library, reading-room, literary and scientific lectures, and other means of promoting the moral, intellectual, and mechanical improvement" of its members.

The association established its first course of public lectures Jan. 5, 1846, and continued them annually nntil 1858. The library of the association was col- lected by the contribution of books, and by purchases made from the proceeds of several fairs. Sept. 23, 1847, an arrangement was effected with the stock- holders of the Newburgh Library, by which the books and property of the association were transferred to

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the Mechanics'. This arrangement established a library of upwards of 3000 volumes, which was con- tinned until 1861, when, public attention having been called to the subject in a series of articles in the News, it was, by the unanimous concurrence of the members, united with the school library and the foundation of the present free library established.

Newburgh Free Library .- By the act establishing the present system of free schools, the several school district libraries of the village were consolidated, and a single library established. The collection embraced some 2000 volumes, principally standard works. By subsequent purchases the number was increased to about 5000. In 1861 a union was effected with the Mechanics' Library Association, by which a material addition was secured, and in 1865, by an amendment to the free school law, the library thus formed became the Newburgh Free Library, with power in the Board of Education to provide for its maintenance by tax. During the year 1860 a very neat library building was erected, on Grand Street, by the Board of Education, and was occupied until its removal in 1874. The present commodious building was erected in 1876.

In addition to the public libraries named, there are in the town fourteen school district libraries; and the Sunday-school libraries of the several churches prob- ably embrace not less than 6000 volumes. The library of the Theological Seminary, embracing some 3600 volumes, is also located here. A small library in con- nection with St. Patrick's Church has been referred to elsewhere.

NEWSPAPERS.

The present (1880) newspapers of the city are the Newburgh Register, daily and weekly, and the New- burgh Journal, daily and weekly. The history of their predecessors is embraced in the general history of the press of the county.

LITERARY, RELIGIOUS, AND BENEVOLENT SOCIE- TIES.

Newburgh Lyceum of the Natural Sciences .- This society was organized Sept. 7, 1824, and had an active existence for several years. Its officers were as follows: President, William Ross; Vice-Presidents, David R. Arnell, Albert Christie, A. M. Smith, S. R. Betts, David Fowler ; Corresponding Secretaries, Jas. R. Wilson, Luther Halsey, Jr. ; Treasurer, William Seymour ; Curators, John T. flalsey, John Johnston, George Gordon.

Newburgh Lyceum Association .- The first meeting in reference to the organization of the Newburgh Lyceum was held in the high school on the evening of Dec. 18, 1837, when a committee, of which Rev. Dr. Johnston was chairman, was appointed to confer with leading citizens on the subject. At a meeting held on the evening of the 20th, Dr. Johnston made a favorable report. A constitution and by-laws were submitted by S. W. Eager, N. S. Prime, J. W. Knevels, Samuel Phinney, A. J. Downing, Victor M. Watkins,

James H. Perry, A. B. Belknap, and John J. Monell, committee, which was adopted. The first lecture be- fore the association was delivered by Rev. N. S. Prime, Dec. 27, 1837. An annual course was maintained until 1844 or 1845.

Newburgh Historical Society .- This society was or- ganized in February, 1845, by Rev. John Forsyth, Rev. A. B. Van Zandt, Samuel W. Eager, Peter F. Hunn, G. C. Monell, A. J. Prime, M. Stevenson, and other gentlemen. At its first meeting Rev. Dr. For- syth was elected president; Dr. A. J. Prime, secre- tary ; and Dr. M. Stevenson, S. W. Eager, and P. F. Hunn, curators. The society had an active existence for about two years, during which time a considerable collection of manuscripts, coins, minerals, etc., was made, now mainly preserved at Washington's head- quarters.

Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society .- This so- ciety was organized Nov. 20, 1840, by David C. Ring- land, Jno. K. Lawson, Geo. W. Clarke, and other young men, who took an interest in it, but were de- barred from participation in the debates instituted by the Mechanics' Library Association. The society at- tained considerable strength and accumulated a library of about 600 volumes, but after a year or two disbanded and transferred its books to the Mechanics.

Newburgh Sabbath-School Society .- This society was formed in 1816. It was one of the first agencies em- ployed to awaken an interest in Sabbath-schools, and to promote their establishment in connection with the several churches. A union Sabbath-school was con- ducted for several years under its auspices in the session-room of the First Presbyterian church. The society continued in existence until the object had in view by its founders was accomplished.

Newburgh Bible Society .- This society was organized Sept. 9, 1818, at a meeting held in the First Presby- terian church, when a constitution was adopted and the following officers elected, viz .: Jonas Storey, president ; Isaac Belknap and Jos. Clark, vice-presi- dents ; Rev. John Johnston, corresponding secretary ; Charles Miller, recording secretary ; Benj. F. Lewis, treasurer. It still has an active existence.

Newburgh Mission Society .- The Newburgh Mission Society, for "aiding missions in the propagation of the gospel," was organized in 1823, and continued in existence for several years.

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History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 78

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