USA > New York > Putnam County > History of Putnam County, New York : with biographical sketches of its prominent men > Part 58
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Self-reliant and self-contained, looking to none for advice or assistance-rarely offering advice unasked, whilst freely giving his assistance to all in need of it, preferring to listen rather than to talk, although often more instructed in the subject dis- cussed than those who spoke the most, he doubtless passed un- marked by those who did not know him well, and he was con- tent that it should be so. Modest and unassuming, he did not seek nor care for public consideration. His aim was to do his duty for that duty's sake. This was his character, and the foundation of this character was his military education at West Point. There were immovably rooted in his being those prin- ciples of unalterable devotion to duty and high honor which are characteristic of the complete modern soldier-still " jealous in honor" in its highest sense, though happily no longer " sudden and quick in quarrel." And these were the principles which actuated his conduct throughout his life, as well in the every-day affairs of money-seeking business, as when he sat a judge upon the bench, and in the other higher walks of his life.
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TOWN OF PHILIPSTOWN.
COL. THOMAS BOYLE ARDEN, second son of Richard D. Arden and Jane De Peyster, was born in New York city, May 27tlı, 1813. His early education was gained from private tutors and subsequently at the school of Rev. William Powell, "Union Hill," near West Farms.
Receiving an appointment to the U. S. Military Academy at West Point, he entered that institution, July 1st, 1830, and graduated with the rank of second lientenant, July 1st, 1835. Joining the 7th Regiment, U. S. Infantry, he was stationed at Fort Gibson, Indian Territory, and at various frontier posts. Returning as aid-de-camp to General Arbuckle, he was ap- pointed assistant instructor in the U. S. Military Academy, from 1837 to September, 1841. He was afterward promoted to a first lieutenant and served in the Florida War, and in garri- son at New Orleans Barracks. In December, 1842, he resigned his position in the army, and retired to his estate, " Ardenia," in Philipstown, and which included the old homestead of Col. Beverly Robinson, and known as " Beverly Farm."
Since then Colonel Arden has pursued the quiet life of an agriculturalist; a business in which he has always taken an active interest. From 1851 to 1853 he was president of the Putnam County Agricultural Society, and took a lively and active interest in its welfare.
At the outbreak of the Rebellion, he served as aid-de- camp to General Sandford, in the defense of Washington, and after- ward as aid to General Morgan, with rank of colonel, and was military agent of the New York troops in the field from 1861 to 1863.
Colonel Arden is well known as a liberal promoter of all religious and educational institutions, and no act of his life has been unworthy of an officer and a gentleman.
HENRY W. BELCHER .- Among the prominent citizens of Philipstown, few are better known than Henry W. Belcher, who was born at Sawpits (now Portchester), July 8th, 1820. His father, Doctor Elisha R. Belcher, was a prominent physi- cian of New York city, and his grandfather was a surgeon in the army of the Revolution, and a descendant of Gregory Belcher, who came to this country from Essex county, Eng- land, in 1834, and settled in Braintree, Massachusetts.
Mr. Belcher's early days were passed in his native place, and
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HISTORY OF PUTNAM COUNTY ..
in 1827 he removed with his parents to New York city. Soon after becoming of age, he entered extensively into the wholesale grocery business, and continued in it with success till he retired in 1858.
In 1843, Mr. Belcher married Martha A., daughter of Hon. John Garrison, of Garrison's, N. Y., and a few years afterward purchased the old homestead of Henry Garrison, from the exec- utors of the estate. Mrs. Belcher died in 1855, and in the fol- lowing year Mr. Belcher was again married to Eliza K., daugh- ter of Hon. William King, of Malone, N. Y.
By his first marriage, he had four children, two of whom are now living and are residents of Topeka, Kan., viz .: James H. Belcher, and Anna L., wife of James Moore. By the second marriage he has two children, Mary E. and Henry E.
In 1854, Mr. Belcher, in company with Hon. John Garrison and others, established a steam ferry between Garrison's and West Point. This ferry was first established by Harry Garri- son, under a special Act of Legislature, and it was operated by row boats and scows, till the date mentioned above, when Mr. Belcher and his associates obtained a new charter under the general law.
During his connections with business affairs in New York, Mr. Belcher was a director and vice-president of the Chatham National Bank, also vice-president of the Relief Fire Insurance Company. He was one of the organizers of the latter company, in 1855, and assisted in closing its affairs. in 1885. He was a director in several insurance companies and other corporations, and from 1877 to 1885 he held at different times the position of assistant auditor and auditor in the New York Custom House.
From early manhood Mr. Belcher has been connected with the Protestant Episcopal Church, and was for several years one of the vestry of the Church of the Epiphany, in New York. He has been connected, officially, with St. Philips Church, in the Highlands, since 1850, during which time his efforts to ad- vance its welfare have been unceasing.
Taking an active interest in educational matters, Mr. Belcher became a trustee of the school at Garrison's in 1858, and has continued such to this date. He has always closely identified himself with every movement pertaining to the welfare of his locality.
HusBelcher
Engª by HB Hall's Sons, New York
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TOWN OF PHILIPSTOWN.
OSMOND M. BAXTER .- From an entry in an old Bible, we learn that Thomas Baxter came from England at the close of the 17th century. His son, Thomas, jr., was born about 1700, and he in turn had a son, Thomas, born about 1735, and who lived at Throggs Neck, on Long Island Sound. He married Phebe, daughter of Abraham Mabie, and their son, Thaddeus Baxter, who was born July 7th, 1771, removed to Putnam county and settled in Carmel. He married Hannah Cole, daughter of Elisha Cole, 2d, and they were the parents of seven children: Jeddediah P., who died in Nelsonville a few years since; Elisha, who was for many years a merchant in that village; Beulah (Bunnell) who moved west many years ago; Sarah (Nelson) who lived and died at Nelsonville; Thomas, who died in Westchester about two years since; Orrin, who moved to Florida and died in that State; and Osmond M., the subject of this article.
Osmond M. Baxter was born May 27th, 1813, in the town of Carmel. His father was well known as a teacher in many of the villages of this county and removing to Cold Spring, he, with the aid of his sons, who were several of them expert carpenters, built the house on the Carmel road, lately owned by James Smith. Upon arriving at a suitable age, Osmond was appren- ticed to the West Point Foundry, and learned the trade of pat- tern maker. He served his full time and became a skillful workman, and was soon promoted to be superintendent of the department in which he worked, and remained in that position till 1853. During the time in which he was connected with this establishment, some of its largest contracts were executed. Among them were the Croton water pipes and the engines of the United States Steamer "Missouri." Abont 1853, Mr. Baxter left the foundry and purchased the lumber and coal business of John Simonson, which business he conducted with ability and success till the time of his death, and it is still con- tinued by his son, Charles Judson.
Mr. Baxter was also prominently connected with public affairs and was supervisor of Philipstown in 1866, and has been president of the Board of Trustees of Cold Spring. His family residence was on Banks street, which house he built, and which now belongs to the estate of the late Peter King. He after- ward built on Main street the commodious residence which was his home during the remainder of his life.
Mr. Baxter was a member and liberal supporter of the Bap-
39
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HISTORY OF PUTNAM COUNTY.
tist Church of Cold Spring for more than forty years, and was trustee of the society and deacon of the church. The follow- ing selection is from an obituary notice, written by one who knew him well.
"We always found him ready to assist every worthy man, and to further every worthy object. We have sat with him in church, in the Masonic Lodge; at his fireside with his family, at his desk in his office; and we cannot forbear to extend, at this sad time, the tribute of respect and love which we owe to his character and his kindness.
"Not only as an individual, but as a citizen do we consider it incumbent upon us to bear testimony to the worth of our de- parted friend. He has been identified with the village from its infancy, himself prospering with its growth until he was able to assist its greatest industries at moments when such aid was almost indispensable. The community sustains a loss, as well as the family; and with the relatives we mourn the removal of a pillar in the church, a responsible man of business, and a representative of the olden time which ' tried men's souls.' "
In 1837, Mr. Baxter received a commission as captain in the State Militia, from Gov. William S. Marcy. In 1883, he was one of the trustees of the West Point Foundry and was for many years a prominent officer of the Masonic Order.
He married Miss Sarah A. Merrick, whose death occurred in 1852. Subsequently he married Mrs. Jane Armstrong, who died in 1881. His surviving children are three sons: Charles Jud- son, Edward, and Henry C., all of whom are residents of Cold Spring.
After a life of usefulness and honor, during which he merited and received the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens, Mr. Baxter died December 29th, 1885, in the 73d year of his age.
HON. GEORGE MCCABE .- Among the business men of the county, there are few who are better known or more deservedly popular than the subject of this sketch.
Matthew McCabe, the ancestor of the family, came from the northern part of Ireland and was an early settler in Putnam Valley. He left two sons, Benjamin and States. The latter re- moved to Steuben county, and the former purchased a farm on Oscawana Lake where he lived and died, leaving a family of ten children: Rhoda, wife of Elam Garrett; Stephen, Reuben,
.
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TOWN OF PHILIPSTOWN.
Daniel, John, James, Susan, wife of Aaron Christian; Fannie, wife of Wright Wixon; Lewis and William. Benjamin McCabe was one of the captains of the State Militia in 1798, in the county of Dutchess, and received his commission from John Jay, the governor of New York. Of his children, James Mc- Cabe married Mary, daughter of Justus Nelson, a representative of one of the oldest families in the county. His homestead was situated near Nelson's Mills, on the Highland Turnpike, and is now in possession of his sons, Justus and John McCabe. James McCabe was well known during his life as a thorough and skill- ful practical farmer. He was the father of seven children: Justus, Cornelius, who removed to Minnesota; John, Mary H., George, the subject of this sketch; Benjamin and Cyrus. Of this fam- ily, two sons, Justus and John, are living with their sister on the old homestead.
George McCabe was born in Philipstown, July 6th, 1838. His early life was passed on the farm and his education was received at public and private schools in his native town. On arriving at the age of twenty-one, he entered business life as a clerk in the employ of Mr. William H. Wells, who was one of the most successful merchants in the village of Cold Spring. In this position he remained till 1866, when Mr. Wells removed to Wisconsin, and Mr. McCabe purchased the store and suc- ceeded to the business in which he has continued till the present time with well merited success.
The reputation which Mr. McCabe had gained as a man of business, led his fellow citizens to select him as a candidate for official honors, and in 1870, he was elected supervisor of Philips- town and held the same position in 1871-77-78-80. In 1880, he received the republican nomination for member of Assembly, and was elected by an unprecedented majority. His duties as a Legislator were discharged with credit to himself and his con- stituents. Mr. MeCabe was a member of the State convention of 1880, and was among the strongest supporters of Hon. James G. Blaine of whom he is an ardent admirer.
In all the affairs of business and as a private citizen, the in- tegrity and honor which have characterized his dealings are well known and fully recognized. In political life he is fearless in the expressions of his sentiments, leaving no doubt as to his position or opinion upon the leading questions of the day, while his popularity is fully shown by the majorities he has won
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HISTORY OF PUTNAM COUNTY.
in the various elections. As a member and supporter of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he is well known in the religious community.
In few words, Mr. McCabe may be considered as a type of the self made man whose success is due to earnest energy, sup- ported by honest principles."
He married Miss Mary, daughter of Dennis Bates, October 18th, 1871. They have two children, Lewis B. and Lilian C.
Hugely A. H.Patchie
George MEleate
CHAPTER XXVI.
TOWN OF PATTERSON.
Incorporation .- Early Records .- Settlement .- Paterson Family .- Roads .- Early Inhabitants and their residences .- Civil List .- Change of Name .- Schools .- Franklin Union Library .- Pendergrast's Rebellion .- Presbyterian Church .- Baptist Church .- Christ Church .- Quaker Meeting House .- Roman Catholic Church, Towner's Station .- Methodist Chapel, Haviland Hollow .- Revo- lutionary Items .- North Line of Lot 7 .- Sylvester Mabie.
T HE town of Patterson includes the north half of Lot No. 8 of Philipse Patent, the greater part of Lot No. 7, and that portion of the Oblong which is in this county, and lies north of the north line of the town of Southeast. This town, which was originally a part of the Fredericksburg Precinct, and afterward of Frederickstown, was reduced to its present dimensions and established as the town of Franklin by an Act of the Legisla- ture passed March 17th, 1795. The first town meeting was held at the house of James Phillips, and the following is a record of the proceedings :
" At a town meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of Franklin Town, held at the house of James Phillips, on Tues- day, 7th day of April, 1795. Voted, Samuel Cornwall, Town Clerk; Samuel Towner, Supervisor; Benjamin Haviland, Nehe- miah Jones, Stephen Hayt, Assessors; David Hecock, Sen., Jabez Elwell, Overseers of Poor; Solomon Crane, Elisha Brown, Abner Crosby, Commissioners of Highways; Abel Hodge, Col- lector and Constable; David Barnum, Constable.
"Path Masters: George Burtch, Esq., Benjamin Lane, James Birdsall, Jabez Elwell, Daniel Haines, John McLean, Joseph Rogers, Stephen Yale, Abel Hodge, Isaac Crosby, Blackleach Jessup, Elisha Brown, Samuel Colwell, Abraham Mabie, Sen., Solomon Fowler, Abner Crosby, Jacob Reed, Elisha Gifford.
"Fence Viewers: Jabez Elwell, Jr., John Tweedy, Zachariah
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HISTORY OF PUTNAM COUNTY.
Hinman, Thomas Birdsall, Abijah Starr, Elijah Stone, Roswell Wilcox, David Hecock, Peter Terry, Enos Ambler, Simeon Perry, Nathaniel Foster.
"Pound Masters : John Tweedy, Silas Burtch, Roswell Wil- cox, Amos Rogers.
"Voted that every Ram shall be confined from the 20th of August to the first day of November, under forfeiture of the Ram.
"Voted that the next town meeting shall be held at the Presbyterian meeting house.
" Voted that the sum of sixty pounds be raised for the main- tenance of the poor of the town."
"At a special town meeting held at the Presbyterian meeting house, on the 23d of April, for the purpose of choosing a dele- gate to meet the delegates chosen by the different towns of Southeast. Carmel and Fredericks, to establish the division line between the above towns. Voted that Alexander Kidd be Moderator. James Philips, Clerk P. T. Samuel Towner, dele- gate, with powers to establish the line above mentioned agree- able to Law."
Following the above is the annexed certificate:
"This certifies that a certain Female slave belonging to Roswell Wilcox of the Town of Franklin, named Dinah, ap- pears to be under the age of fifty, and of sufficient ability to provide for herself. Given under our hands, this 28th day of March, 1796.
" MATTHEW PATERSON, JABEZ ELWELL,
"SAMUEL AUGUSTUS BAKER, DAVID HECOCK,
"Justices of the Peace. Overseers of Poor."
For many years resolutions like the following were regularly voted at the town meetings.
"Voted that every hog that runs in the road, shall be ringed with a good sufficient ring under the penalty of one shilling to be paid to the person who takes him up and returns him to the owner, with a good ring in his nose."
It might be doubtful if many persons would care to earn a shilling in this manner at the present day, and, fortunately, the practice of allowing swine to run at large is no longer in vogue.
" We, the subscribers promise to pay to Maj. Jonathan Crane, the sums annext to each of our names for the Consideration of
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TOWN OF PATTERSON.
his Presenting a Petition to the Assembly, for the Division of the towns of Fredericks town and Southeast. Witness our hands, this 4th day of February, 1795: Wm. Lovelace, 2 shil- lings; Samuel Robins, 2s .; Joseph Tillit, 1s. 6d .; Josiah Rusco, 2s .; Jeremiah Mead, 4s .; Isaac Seeley, 4s .; John Daun, 1s .; Sam- uel Hayt, 2s .; Timothy Delavan, 1s .; Solomon Field, 1s. 6d .; Jedediah Wood, 2s .; Benjamin Ellis, 3s .; Josialı Foster Ellis, 2s .; Moses Fowler, 4s. 5d .; Samuel Pardee, 1s. 6d .; Major Fowler, 1s .; Matthew Beale, 2s .; Samuel Townsend, 2s .; Samuel Howes, 2s .; Solomon Byington, 1s .; John Jane, 2s .; John Byington, 3s .; James Neal, 1s .; Abraham Delavan, 3s .; J. D. Delavan, 3s .; John Byington, 2s .; James Bloomer, 2s .; Samuel Ackerly, 1s .; John Howes, 1s .; Peleg Baily, 1s. 4d .; Elijah Townsend, 2s .; Nehe- miah Wood, 1s .; Caleb Fowler, 1s. 6d .; Heman King, 1s. 6d .; Benoni Stokeins, 1s. 6d .; Joseph Stokeins, 2s."
"At a special town meeting held at the Presbyterian meeting house, on Thursday the 26th day of January, 1798. Voted that Dutchess County remain in its present situation without any Division, Unanimous.
"Voted that the Town Clerk send the proceedings of this meeting to Samuel Towner to lay before the Legislature when most convenient."
At another special town meeting held January 28th, 1799, it was "Voted unanimously that Dutchess County remain in its present situation without any division. Voted that Elijah Stone carry the proceedings of this meeting and deliver the same to Wm. Pearce Esq. and the other member from Dutchess."
Some years afterward, the town voted in favor of the division and any who were opposed quietly accepted the situation. At the time when a petition was presented to the Legislature for divid- ing the towns of Frederick and Southeast, a vigorous protest was entered by Matthew Paterson, Alexander Kidd, David Beebee, Samuel Townsend, David Hecock, Roswell Wilcox, Nemiah Jones, John Townsend, Samuel Cornwall, Andrew Fraser, John Palmer, and Samuel Towner denouncing the pro- ceedings as a "Clandestine Act."
It is probable that the first settlement in this town was on the Oblong. The oldest deed which we have found, for land within the limits of Putnam county, is a venerable document, now in possession of Mr. David Wing, on Quaker Hill, in the town of Pawling. This deed recites that of the tract on the Oblong
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HISTORY OF PUTNAM COUNTY.
granted to Thomas Hawley and his partners, 44,250 acres were released to Adam Ireland, John Thomas and Benjamin Birdsall, June 15th, 1731, and that the deed is recorded in the clerk's office of Dutchess county, in Liber N., page 302. The parties named above conveyed by this deed to Jacob Haviland, jr., Lots 16 and 23, June 16th, 1731.
Lot 16 is thus described: "Beginning at the Northeast corner of Lot 13 and from thence runs along the east bounds of Lots 14 and 15, 145 chains. Thence South 77 degrees 30 minutes East, 43 chains 2 rods. Thence South 19 degrees West 144 chains 2 rods. Thence North 77 degrees 30 minutes West, 30 chains to the beginning, containing 500 acres."
Lot 23 is described as " Beginning in the Western bounds of the Oblong, at a place which is 2 chains and 2 rods south from the 18 mile monument, and thence runs S. 12 degrees 30 min- utes W. 72} chains. Thence S. 77 degrees 30 minutes West 72} chains. Thence North 12 degrees 30 minutes East 72} chains. Thence North 72 degrees 30 minutes West 72} chains to begin- ning containing 500 acres."
Lot 23 is in the town of Pawling, and lies to the east of the farm and homestead of Isaac Aikin, and a large part of it is now owned by David Wing. The northeast corner of the Philipse Patent is near the south line.
Lot 16 runs across, and includes, a large portion of the val- ley which forms so important a part of the geography of the town, and has borne from the earliest days the name of " Hav- iland Hollow." It is on this tract that the descendants of Jacob Haviland have lived down to the present. Benjamin Hav- iland, who was probably a son of Jacob, settled here. The north line of this tract is the present north line of the farm of Thomas State, while its south boundary is on the farm of Wil- liam C. Haviland, south of the Quaker meeting house. Ben- jamin Haviland had brothers, Thomas, Solomon, Daniel, Isaac and Roger, and a sister Sophia, who married Jesse Lane. The sons of Benjamin Haviland (Elijah, Benjamin, David, John and Samuel) settled around him, on the ancestral heritage. Elijah Haviland lived on what is now the farm of Thomas State, and the old house yet stands, a relic of early days. Benja- min was born September 9th, 1763, and lived where Benjamin Haviland, his nephew, now resides. He removed to Athens, Greene county, N. Y., where his descendants are numerous.
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TOWN OF PATTERSON.
David, another son, lived on the south side of the road, a little west of Benjamin. John had the old homestead of his father, which was where Mr. Stephen Whitehead now lives, just east of the school house. Samuel bought the farm and house of his brother, Benjamin, when the latter removed to Athens, and his son, Benjamin, who is now the oldest representative of the family, inhabits his father's home.
Of the brothers of the first Benjamin Haviland, Daniel lived south of the Quaker meeting house (for which he gave the land), while Roger lived in Connecticut, near the State line, Solomon lived in Harrison, and Isaac lived on the bank of the Croton River, in the town of Pawling. For want of any contra- dictory. evidence we conclude that the Havilands were the first settlers in the town. The settlers on Lot 7 of Philipse Patent, were of course tenants under Beverly Robinson. Who the first settlers were on this tract is not known. The following brief list of tenants was found among the Philipse papers, and doubt- less was made about 1760:
"A List of tenants on Mr. Robinson's Lot No. 7: Samuel Terry, 52 acres; B. Gifford, 141; Judah Smith & others, 3191; Jonathan Hungerford, 195; Peter Eastman, 177; Jno. Covey, 112; Noah Lee, 139; Isaac Utter, 200; Samuel Hallock, 119; Fred. Baker, 97}."
Thomas Lee had a lease of 120 acres on the west side of Cro- ton swamp in 1752.
For a long time there were disputes as to the true ownership of the lands bordering on the Oblong, and farms were taken up and improved by persons whose titles (on paper at least) dated back prior to the establishment of the Oblong line.
It seems that the General Assembly of Connecticut, at their session in New Haven in October, 1707, granted to Capt. Na- than Gold and others, certain lands which lay to the west of the Oblong, and these lands were claimed, in 1765, by William Willet of Flushing, L. I .; Jonathan Brown, of Westchester; Joseph Sackett, Jamaica, L. I .; William Hooker Smith, of White Plains, " surgeon;" Matthias Marsh, of Dutchess county, and John Thomas, of Westchester; and they were also claimed by Philip Philipse, Roger Morris and Beverly Robinson, by virtue of the patent to Adolph Philipse, and also by virtue of the patent for the two tracts next to the Oblong, granted to them, March 27th, 1761. This tract in dispute was divided into
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HISTORY OF PUTNAM COUNTY.
farms, which were in possession of William Gray, Isaac Chap- man, Sylvanus Cole, Josiah Robbitts, Samuel Munroe, Noah Smith, David Aikins and Christopher Dickenson, who held un- der the parties, holding the grant from Connecticut, and there were other farms, in possession of Thomas Maggott, Nathaniel Porter, Josiah Swift, William Palmer and Nathan Taylor, who held under the Philipse title. In order to settle the matter all the parties united in giving a deed in trust to William Alex- ander, Earl of Stirling. John Watts, Oliver De Lancey, Walter Rutherford, and Henry Cruger for the premises in dispute, and they were to convey to the parties they should adjudge to be the true owners of the same, all the lands in dispute. This deed was duly executed May 25th, 1765, amd the said William, Earl of Stirling, and the rest, having considered the matter, ad- judged that the true title was in Philip Philipse, Beverly Rob- inson and Roger Morris, and accordingly, by a deed of award (which is endorsed upon the original deed, mentioned above), they conveyed to them all the premises in question, March 11th, 1766.
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