History of Queens County, New York : with illustrations, portraits, and sketches of prominent families and individuals., Part 14

Author:
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: New York : W.W. Munsell and Co.
Number of Pages: 703

USA > New York > Queens County > History of Queens County, New York : with illustrations, portraits, and sketches of prominent families and individuals. > Part 14

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1764, October 9th .- Purse, £50 .- Races at New Mar- ket, by Mr. Smith's bay horse "Hero," Mr. Thorne's grey horse "Starling," and Mr. Leary's bay horse "Old England." All imported from England. "Starling" gained the first and second heats with ease .- N. Y. Mer- cury.

1765, March 25th .- To be run for round Beaver Pond, at Jamaica, Thursday May 2nd, a piece of plate of £20 value, free for any horse bred in this government, carry- ing ten stone. The horses to start at the distance-post and run twice round, and as far as the Tree the third round, for each heat-the best two of three heats. The entrance money to be run for next day by all but the winning and distanced horses. Entrance with John Comes Ios., or double at the post .- New York Mercury.

1768 .- New Market Races, Friday October 2 Ist; purse, £50. The best of three four- mile heats, free for any horse. Saturday, a purse of £50 for four-year-old horses: 50s. entrance. Horses to be shown and entered at the starting post the day before running, in presence of the judges. Disputes will be decided by a majority of the subscribers present. The winning horse each day to pay 5os. to put the course in order. No less than three reputed horses to be allowed to start, at 12 o'clock each day .- N. Y. Mercury.

1771, September 12th .- The purse of froo, by the Macaroni Club, was run for at New Market last Monday, by Mr. Delancey's horse "Lath " and Mr. Waters's horse " Liberty," which was won with great ease by the former. As a field could not be made the next day for the purse of £50, the matter was postponed until the next season.

RACING IN THE LAST CENTURY-FORESTS.

1772 .- Races-The Macaroni purse of fioo, at New Market, June 2nd, was won by Captain Delancey's "Bashaw," beating Mr. Richard Thorne's mare " Rain- bow," and Mr. Waters's "Slouch." The £50 purse, next day, was won by Mr. Waters's horse " King Herod," who beat Captain Delancey's filly .- N. Y. Gazette.

1778, October 14th .- The races at Captain Polhemus's, New Lots, are changed to Jamaica. Purse, 20 guineus.

1779, Jamaica Races, October 26th .- 20 guineas, 3 heats; around Beaver Pond course twice to each heat.

1779, November 6th .- New Market Races, Hempstead Plains, on Wednesday; a purse of 20 guineas; the best of three two-mile circular heats, free for any horse ex- cept " Dulcimore." Also a bet of 100 guineas, one two- mile heat. "Cyrus" and "Doctor." A match between the noted horse "Dulcimore " and the roan gelding " Kettlebander," for 400 guineas, two miles. God save the King!

1781, March 14th .- Fifty Joes to be run for by "Eclipse " and "Sturdy Beggar," at Captain Tim. Cor- nell's Poles, Hempstead Plains, a single two-mile heat.

1782, October 19th .- To be run for around Beaver Pond, a purse of £50; the best two in three one-mile heats, free for any horse except " Mercury," "Slow-and- Easy " and "Goldfinder." One guinea entrance, to be paid at the sign of the King's Arms, Jamaica.

1783, June 28th .- To be run for Wednesday next around Beaver Pond, a purse of 100 guineas by the noted mare "Calfskin " and the noted horse "Lofty," of Bos- ton.

1783 .- A match for 200 guineas, May 29th, over New Market course, Hempstead Plains, between John Talman's " Eclipse " and Jacob Jackson's " Young Slow and Easy," the best two in three four-mile heats.

1785, May 5th .- New Market Races-Will be run for, on June 4th, the Hunters' subscription purse and sweep- stakes of ten guineas each. June 6th-a whip to be run for, presented by the sportsmen of the army and navy, and the name of the winning horse to be engraved on it, No horse that has not been a fortnight in training on Hempstead course can run.

1785, October 19th .- Last Friday were the sweepstakes over Beaver Pond, Jamaica. Heats one mile by

The black horse " Ariel," I I

Bay mare " Matchless," 3

The gelding "Sloven," 4 3 The horse " Brilliant," 2 4

The second heat was admirably disputed and won by a neck, from the mare, which was the proud winner a few months ago.

1786 .- Far Rockaway Races, Wednesday September 6th, at 3 1'. M., on that convenient and spacious ground (a mile course) near Jacob Hicks's inn. f20, the best three of two-mile heats. The next day a fio purse, the best three of one-mile heats. No crossing, jostling or foul play countenanced, or if detected the rider will be pro- nounced distanced. J. H., from a wish to gratify a num . ber of gentlemen who visit his house, particularly sports- men, is induced to set on foot so noble and manly a diversion, and wishes the same principle may excite gen- tlemen to contribute to the purse.

1794, October 8th .- The Beaver Pond races took place on Tuesday last. Six horses ran for the purse of £100. " Polydore," of New York, took the first and second heat and purse. On Wednesday a purse of £50 was run for by seven horses, and taken by " Young Messenger," from

New Jersey, over "Gold Toes," of New York, who won the first heat. On Thursday a purse of £47 IOS. was run for by six horses, and taken by "Red Bird." There were between two and three thousand spectators and no accident happened .- N. Y. Journal.

1795, October 31st-At the New Market course, on Wednesday last, was a match race for $500 by Mr. Sea- bury's horse " Polydore " and Mr. Allen's mare "Virginia Nell." The latter won. They ran the two four-mile heats. The running was equal, if not superior, to any before. " Polydore " has traveled too much of late .- N. Y. Journal.

CHAPTER IV.

THE TIMBER GROWTH OF QUEENS COUNTY-ITS USES- THE NURSERY GROWTHS.

HEN first visited by Europeans Queens county appears to have been well wooded, with occasional clearings, except that Hempstead Plains, 16 miles long and 4 broad, were covered with a luxuriant growth of wild grass and a humble shrubbery of oak and other forest trees that were mere dwarfs in stature. Denton, writing in 1670, says: " The greatest part of the island is very full of timber, as oaks white and red, walnut trees, chestnut trees, maples, cedars, saxifrage, beech, birch, holly, hazel, with many sorts more. For wild beasts there is bear, deer, wolves, foxes, raccoons and great store of wild fowl, as turkeys, heath- hens, quails, partridges, cranes, ducks, brant, widgeons, pigeons, teal, geese of several sorts; and on the south side lie great store of whales, grampuses and seals." Two-thirds of the Indians had already become extinct.

The cutting down of trees has in several places dimin- ished and even dried up the primitive streams. The felling of trees, and clearing up woodlands being often done in an irregular and wasteful manner, the several towns soon found it necessary to enact sundry regula- tions. To illustrate their way of proceeding it will be necessary to make some extracts from the old records.

In selling land to the early settlers the Indians at Ja- maica stipulated that one thing to be remembered by the whites was that they should not cut down trees " wherein eagles do make their nests." In 1656 it was ordered that "whosoever fells trees in the highway shall remove them." All persons 16 years of age and upwards were required in 1674 to cut down brush about the town or forfeit 5 shillings each time, In 1691, August 5th, “it is ordered that the brush be cut off 4 days in the year by every landholder, under penalty of 3 pence a day for de- faulters."

At Oyster Bay the town voted (June 30th 1684) that the townspeople turn out and "cut the brush, and that there be a forfeit of 5 shillings per day for each man de- fective." In 1686, February 13th, the town ordered that

HISTORY OF QUEENS COUNTY.

" no trees be cut down or felled in the streets or com- mon, under 5 shillings penalty for each tree; but any one may lop a tree growing before his door or by his fence, that may be an annoyance, provided he don't kill the tree." November 10th 1693 " trees, saplings, brush- wood fallen or cast upon or across the road (whereby people are forced to turn out of the road, many in much danger) are to be cleared off in 3 days; then to be cleared off entirely in 20 days after the date of such annoyance, under penalty of 20 shillings for every tree."

In Newtown January 30th 1668 the town voted that any inhabitant might fall timber for his own use in unin- closed land; but none should cart wood or timber for strangers to the water side, the forfeit being 10 shillings per load. December 2nd 1676, the town ordered that " no one shall transport timber except fire-wood out of the town." In Hempstead it was voted in 1708 that " if any person should girdle or peel the bark of any stand- ing tree on the undivided lands he shall pay 6 shillings in money," and in 1812 a committee was appointed " to prevent undue waste of timber and trees standing on the common lands."

The forest trees were cut down not only for timber for framing buildings and fuel; but also, after the erection of saw-mills, staves and heading were shipped to the West Indies to make molasses, rum and sugar hogsheads; clap- boards, shingles, boards and planks were in demand for building purposes; ship timber was needed for the ship yards in New York and Long Island. Immense quantities of wood were sent by market-boats to New York, where it was the chief fuel till the introduction of anthracite coal, about 1825. Indeed the persistent clearing off of woodlands threatens to dry up our streams and change our climate. The wasteful consumption of wood in the wide open fire-places of our ancestors can hardly be conceived of by the present generation, who sit in close rooms kept warm by patent stoves day and night.

The destruction of the native growth of timber has been one of the causes promoting the nursery business, which has grown to such remarkable dimensions. The different nurseries are treated of in the histories of their localities. The advantage of so many nurseries in this county is perceived in the large number of superior var- ieties of apples and pears, and still more in the general planting of shade and ornamental trees. Few counties can compare with Queens in beautiful parks and door- yards, and no house is deemed complete unless sur- rounded with handsonie shade trees and evergreens, in- terspersed with flowering shrubs and beds of flowers. There are few desirable shade trees indigenous to the local forests. A few ash, elm, tulip and liquidamber or sweet gum trees are found in the woods, but the chief supply must come from other parts, as the native oak, chestnut and hickory will rarely repay transplanting. The best variety that is adapted to the soil of the middle States, enduring winter's cold and summer's drouth, is the Norway maple. Leaving out early in spring, bearing pretty yellow flowers, it holds its leaves perfect until the late autumn frosts gradually disrobe it. The next is the

silver or white maple, of quick erect growth, which is more planted than any other. Sycamore and sugar maple in suitable soil thrive well. The noble American elm-the classic tree of New England-and basswood or American linden have their admirers, and none are of more rapid growth or more symmetrical than the tulip tree. Passing on to the evergreens, it is remarked by strangers how many evergreens are planted on Long Island. The pines, erect and widespreading, intermixed with Norway spruces, enliven many a winter home and rob stern win- ter of its bleakness. Few are the country houses around which the eveegreens, in hedge or windbreak, do not defy the northern blast. There is no hedge more beautiful than the hemlock, properly trimmed. Arbor vitæs, both Ameri- can and European, are largely planted for this purpose. Evergreens are often planted in August and September, but most prefer April and May. Unlike deciduous trees, their leaves evaporate moisture continually, and if it is very dry soon after they are planted they often perish, with all the care generally bestowed in their planting. Many flowering trees are now planted. The varieties of hardy trees of this description are numerous: The Chinese magnolia in full bloom is magnificent; the horse- chestnuts, both white and red, please the eyes of all; the flowering thorn, cherry, peach and plum, with the grace- ful new weeping willows, help to make a pleasing variety, and the purple beech pleasingly contrasts with all these if arranged in good taste in regard to effect and color.

CHAPTER V.

HISTORY OF THE QUEENS COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

HERE were three series of fairs established in succession in Queens county. The first was in 1693, after the English custom: “To remedy the inconvenience of a want of cer- tain market days, and that trade may be bet- ter encouraged, the General Assembly of the colony of New York enact that a public and open market be held at Jamaica every Thursday for sale or barter, in gross or retail, of cattle, grain, victuals, provis- ions and other necessities, and of all sorts of merchandise, from 8 o'clock A. M. till sunset, without payment of toll."

A fair at Jamaica, beginning on the first Tuesday in May and the third Tuesday in October, and continuing four days, was also established. A governor and ruler of the fair was to hold a court of pypowder (as it was called) "to limit out an open place where horses and other cattle may be sold," to appoint a toll gatherer to take nine pence for every horse sold, and to enter in a book its mark and color, and the name and dwelling place of the parties to the bargain.

In 1728 the fair cpened on May 6th and continued

6 1

EARLY AGRICULTURAL FAIRS.

four days, during which there were exposed for sale a variety of goods and merchandise and several fine horses. A lion also was on show to enhance the interest of the occasion. We know nothing further of the success or continuance of this fair, except that in May 1774 John Rapelye was governor and superintendent, and that Robert Brooks was clerk of two fairs for Queens county, to be held at Jamaica on the first Tuesday in May and the third Tuesday in October, each to continue four days.

A meeting for the formation of an agricultural society for Queens county was held at the old court-house near Mineola on November 11th 1817. Of this Lewis S. Hew- lett was chairman and John I. Cromwell secretary. Its object was to improve the method of farming, the raising of stock and rural economy. To the committee were added Garrett Laton, Major William Jones and Henry O. Seaman. The society was organized June 21st 1819, by electing Rufus King president; Effingham Lawrence, Singleton Mitchell and William Jones, vice-presidents; Rev. David S. Bogart, corresponding secretary; Thomas Philips, recording secretary, and Daniel Kissam, treas- urer.

The first exhibition was held at the court-house on the first Tuesday in November 1819. Premiums to the amount of $200 were awarded for corn, potatoes, ruta- baga turnips, cloths, cattle, sheep, swine, and one four- year-old gelding. No imported animal was exhibited. In 1820 more persons were assembled at the fair than on any previous occasion. Premiums were awarded (among others) to Rufus King for the best milch cow, to Joseph Onderdonk for rutabagas, and to Townsend Cock for his celebrated horse " Duroc."

In 1821 the exhibition list was increased, and premiums to the amount of $369 were awarded for potatoes, wheat, rye, flax, barley, carpets, mittens, stockings, etc. To Henry Covert $10 was allowed for a garden plough and machines for planting beans and sowing turnip seed; and to Garrett Laton $Io for the most cloth made in one family, viz .: 202 yards of woolen and 363 yards of linen. There was a varied display of domestic animals. At the last fair in 1822 specimens of cotton were exhibited by Colonel Leverich, of Newtown. Tunis D. Covert, of Jamaica South, raised 60 hills, and Daniel C. Coles, of Oyster Bay, raised cotton sufficient to make 20 yards of muslin. In addition to the usual articles, kidney pota- toes, working oxen, Indian corn and linen sheetings were on exhibition. The premiums reached the sum of $263.50. An address was delivered by Judge Effingham Lawrence, who was introduced to the audience assembled in the court-house by a few prefatory remarks from Rufus King, president of the society. This was the last meet- ing of the society. It failed from a lack of interest in the farming community.

The present Queens County Agricultural Society originated at a meeting of the executive committee of the New York State Agricultural Society, held at William Niblo's in New York city July 21st 1841, when a com- mittee was appointed, of the following persons, to solicit

donations and new members to the society, and to make arrangements for the organization of an agricultural so- ciety for Queens county: Newtown, Grant Thorburn, Garret Cowenhoven; Flushing, John W. Lawrence, Ef- fingham Lawrence; North Hempstead, Singleton Mitchell, Robert W. Mott; Oyster Bay, John Wells, Albert G. Carll; Hempstead, John Bedell, Edward H. Seaman; Jamaica, William R. Gracie, John Johnson.

On October 2nd 1841 a meeting was held at the court- house. Singleton Mitchell was called to the chair and Albert G. Carll appointed secretary; when it was unani- mously resolved that " it is expedient to form an agricul- tural society in this county," and that a committee of one person from each town be appointed to report a consti- tution. The chair appointed Robert W. Mott, John G. Lamberson, Effingham Lawrence, Thomas B. Jackson, John Johnson and Albert G. Carll. On October 9th 1841 the society was organized, with the following offi- cers:

Effingham Lawrence, president; George Nostrand, William Henry Carter, Thomas B. Jackson, Platt Willets, Singleton Mitchell and George D. Coles, vice-presidents; Albert G. Carll, corresponding secretary; John G. Lam- berson, recording secretary; Daniel K. Youngs, treasurer.

The first circular was issued March 21st 1842, with this appeal to the people of the county: "We ask you to unite with the society and give it your encouragement; and not let it be said that the farmers of Queens county have not sufficient spirit to keep an agricultural society in existence."

Arrangements were made to hold the first fair on Thursday October 13th 1842, at Anderson's hotel, in Hempstead, and Vice-Chancellor McCoun was invited to deliver the address. On the appointed day a procession of the Hempstead band, clergy, orator, officers and mem- bers of the society and citizens generally was formed and marched from the hotel to the Methodist church, which was well filled. An ode composed by William Cullen Bryant was sung, prayer made and the address delivered. The receipts for the year, including $91 given by the State, amounted to $338, of which about $250 was awarded in premiums.

The second fair was also held at Hempstead, October 17th, 1843, over 6,000 persons being present, and another of Bryant's odes was sung under a tent erected in the yard of the hotel, which proved much too small for the proper display of the flowers, grain, fruits and needle- work. The receipts were $368.85, including $91 from the State; about $350 was paid in premiums. Daniel S. Dickinson addressed the people, standing in a wagon drawn up to the door of the tent. A: a sumptuous din- ner, got up by Anderson, the orator was welcomed to Queens county and his health proposed in an eloquent speech, which was happily responded to by the lieutenant governor.

The third fair was held at Jamaica October 10th 1844. The trustees and teachers were thanked for the use of Union Hall Academy, where fruits, vegetables, domestic articles and works were displayed. The receipts, includ-

HISTORY OF QUEENS COUNTY.

ing $91 from the State, were $410.12. Gabriel Furman gave the address in the Presbyterian church. The cattle grounds were on Union Hall street.

The fourth fair was held at Hempstead, October 9th 1845. A large tent and shed were erected on a lot opposite the Episcopal parsonage. Owing to the rainy weather the receipts were only $201.81, including $97 from the State. Henry W. Platt exhibited 56 varieties of apples and Jacob Williams 61. Some specimens of old continental money and an inkstand used by William Penn were on exhibition. J. S. Skinner made the ad- dress in the open air.

The fifth fair was held at Flushing, October 9th 1846, when and where the American Institute, of New York, held a plowing and spading match. There was a band of music from Governor's Island. The performers and delegates rode through the village in a wagon tastefully decorated and drawn by 36 yoke of oxen. The exhibi- tion tent was decked with flowers from Flushing's far- famed nurseries. Dr. Gardiner gave the address in the Reformed church. The receipts were $349.20. Book premiums were now first given. Stock was allowed to be sold after the exhibition was over.

The net receipts for 1847-8 were only $175. The fair of 1849, at Flushing, somewhat improved the finances, the receipts being $445.27; but many premiums remained unpaid, and a voluntary subscription had to be taken up to pay them.

A tent only 50 feet in diameter contained nearly all the articles exhibited at Hempstead in 1850. The cattle were put in a field near the place of exhibition and the horses were shown on the turnpike. The receipts were $591.66, there having been a large accession of members, especially from Jamaica. The fairs were held by turns at Hempstead, Flushing and Jamaica.

In 1852, September 29th, the fair was held at Flushing. The delegation from the American Institute and invited guests rode from the steamboat wharf to the fair grounds in a wagon drawn by 56 yoke of fine oxen, with music, under escort of Bragg's horse guards and the Hamilton rifles. The premiums consisted of 231 books, 300 dip- lomas, 33 silver cups, 7 silver medals, and 6 silver butter knives, together with cash premiums, amounting in all to nearly $800. The receipts were $445.27. There was a plowing match and a fine display of flowers and fruits. The horses, decendants of " Eclipse," " Messen- ger," "Engineer," " Mambrino,"" Abdallah," &c., were of truer form and points than those at the State fair.

In 1853 premiums were offered for the best loaf of wheat and rye bread made by a girl under 21 years of age; also for cheese, quinces, cranberries, honey, silk, &c. There was a plowing match for four premiums. On the last day of the fair there was an auction sale of stock (registered in a book), horses, sheep, swine and farm implements. No fine-wooled sheep had been ex- liibited for years.

In 1854 there were three premiums offered for the best butter made by a girl under 21. Badges and four tickets of admission to the grounds were furnished each member

on the payment of $1; the price of single tickets was 127/2 cents. Those not members were required to pay $1 on entering articles for premiums. In 1861 ladies' needle-work was admitted free.

The receipts for the first 16 years were $4,101.59; for the second 10 years $19,096.11. During the succeeding 4 years the gross receipts were $20,071.51; and the fairs were held on ground fenced in, with increased facilities for the display of stock and other articles.

On November 30th 1857 the society, having greatly in- creased its membership and improved its finances, was in- corporated, in order that it might hold real and personal property without taxation, and occupy an equal position of respectability with its sister societies in the State; its object being to encourage and improve agriculture, hor- ticulture and the mechanic arts. The corporators were John Harold, Jolın Bedell, Joseph Tompkins, William T. McCoun, Samuel T. Jackson, Benjamin W. Doughty, Jeremiah Valentine, Uriah Mitchell, Samuel L Hewlett, and James P. Smith. A service of plate was presented to John Harold.

At the fair of 1857 the president of the society, John A. King, and William T. McCoun rode through Jamaica to the sound of music, in a wagon drawn by 13 yoke of oxen, followed by another drawn by 10 yoke of oxen.

On July Ist 1858 there was an interesting trial of 8 mowing machines on the farm of Valentine Willis, near Mineola, amid a large concourse of spectators. The first premium was given to the Buckeye inower, the second to Jerome's combined mower and reaper.

At the fall fair held at Flushing September 22nd 1858 there were 28 premiums offered for farm implements. The wagons containing the committee of reception and invited guests and Shelton's brass band were drawn by about 50 yoke of oxen through the principal streets of the village, to a 10-acre lot of Thomas Legget junior, which was enclosed with a high board fence. A quarter- mile track was graded and roped in for the exhibition of horses. A large tent was erected on a gentle eminence. On the grounds were 7,000 persons. The receipts were $1,405.72, including $659.72 for tickets sold. The pick- pockets reaped a harvest in a small way. Simon R. Browne exhibited 20 of his fine horses, and E. A. Law- rence a fat ox weighing 2,500 pounds. Gabriel Winter

contributed a floral temple. Drawings by pupils of the Whitestone school were on exhibition, also Duryea's corn starch; ground almonds and peanuts were grown by George Lawrence. The local committee assumed all the expenses of the fair, amounting to $800.

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History of Queens County, New York : with illustrations, portraits, and sketches of prominent families and individuals., Part 14

Author: Publication date: 1882 Publisher: New York : W.W. Munsell and Co. Number of Pages: 703

Author:
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: New York : W.W. Munsell and Co.
Number of Pages: 703