USA > New York > Schoharie County > History of Schoharie County, New York : with illusustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 39
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TOWN OF SHARON.
was sure to drink before and after the opera- tion. The poor sheep, if not the lodge in general, must have had but little faith in the "reform" as far as Zack was concerned, as it was compelled to undergo the washing several times each day. He was a free-hearted, jolly, business man, and remained here several years, but at last removed to Cherry Valley where he died. Reuben Moak followed Keyes in the hotel, beside keeping a variety store, and the hamlet has borne the sobriquet of Moak's Hol- low ever since.
Peter Cross, Joseph H. Ramsey, D. J. Dow and others have been engaged in the mercantile business here, but at present that branch of industry has flown.
About 1805 a small tannery was established near the bridge by one Sweatman, who built the house opposite of Mr. Sharp's. In 1847 the "Eagle Foundry " was built and conducted by - Anthony, who manufactured "sweep" horse-powers, and afterwards invented Harder's "Fearless" tread-powers. In 1848 or 1849, Elias Paige became the proprietor, and was suc- ceeded by his son-in-law, George Fox, who was the proprietor when the establishment burned in the fall of 1880.
Back of Mr. Seneca Bergh's house upon the hill, near a few poplar trees, was a race-course and training ground, upon which a sad accident occurred at a Polk and Dallas ratification meet- ing in the fall of 1844. A small six-pound cannon was being used upon the occasion, which the young and much-excited people " crowded " in loading, to cause it to "speak in louder terms." Sods and pounded stone were used, which, making a dead weight for the powder to move, caused it to burst, throwing the trunnion several rods and killing James Van Schaaick, a promising man, instantly. He was the son of Koert Van Schaaick, a Revolu- tionary veteran, who removed from Monmouth, New Jersey, to Glen, Montgomery county, in 1796, and from thence to this place in 1800. There were four sons, two only with families, but one now living. Joseph W., recently de- ceased was an extensive farmer, and being hon- ored with various local offices, from time to time, and serving upon the Board of Super- visors in 1849, he won, by his strict integrity,
conscientious principles and upright dealings, the explicit confidence of all who knew him, and their verdict " An honest man !" Leffret G. is also a prosperous farmer and another ex- ample of integrity. These families are true descendants of the Manhatten Van Schaaick's, who were burgomasters of that ancient city.
SHARON HILL.
Soon after the building of the Bergh Hotel, Peter Loucks built an "inn" upon the hill, which was for many years managed by his son, Andrew P. It subsequently came in the pos- session of one Beauman, and after that of Henry Shutts, who repaired it in 1837. William Thrall and George Dimmick followed each other during the palmy days of the stage line, and it was under Major Thrall the stand was favored as the "stage house" where horses were exchanged, meals taken, and a "round" or two of "flip." During Dimmick's stay, the four- horse stage line was withdrawn, and since then the house has exchanged owners many times, Henry McNeill occupying it for several years. Upon the corner to the west, Mr. Loucks built the present house about the year 1810, and es- tablished another son, William P., in the mer- cantile trade, and he proved successful. In 1839, Henry Shutts, of Cobleskill, built the present store occupied by John Malony, and engaged in trade with Abram A. Kneiskern, of Carlisle, and continued the same until 1844, when Robert Brown succeeded them, and re- mained till within a few years of the present date. The postoffice was established in 1810.
JOHANNES LOUCKS AND DAVENPORT FAMILIES.
We are led to think that Johannes Loucks and William Davenport were the first settlers in the "Rhinebeck" settlement. Johannes Loucks undoubtedly was a distant connection of Cornelius, Andrew, Peter, and other Middle- burgh families bearing the name. He came direct from Ulster county by an Indian path, and when the war commenced, being a staunch patriot, and the neighborhood otherwise, he went back to his native place and remained until peace was proclaimed. His children were John, (Squire Henry Loucks' father,) John G.,
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HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
(father of Peter Loucks, long of Carlisle, now of Cobleskill,) Nicholas and Jacob. The chil- dren were small, and were brought on horse- back, while the parents walked the entire dis- tance in coming, and carried their small stock of clothing. They settled upon the farm now occupied by Squire Henry Loucks, and pur- chased a large tract of land.
With them came William Davenport, a direct descendant of John Davenport, of the Mayflower, being a great-grandson. In the possession of the late George Davenport's family is a relic of the pilgrim band, in a good state of preserva- tion, it being a chest belonging to John, Richard and Samuel Davenport, three brothers, that came over in that time-honored vessel in 1620. The relic has been handed down from father to son through the long course of time with the greatest care. We are indebted to Mr. George Davenport for many interesting facts, as he possesses a large store of general knowledge in regard to the early history of the County, gained from extensive reading of documents and attentive listening to the aged ones that have long since passed away. Possessing a good memory, but few of greater pretensions were better informed than Mr. Davenport, or took a deeper interest in the events of other days, or possessed a warmer heart towards his country.
OTHER LOUCKS FAMILIES.
These families came to this neighborhood about the year 1765. There were two brothers, Peter and Andrew, the former settling upon the place now occupied by Daniel Loucks, and the latter upon the farm, of late called Slingerland's. A few years previous, 1760, an uncle of those two, Cornelius, settled upon the farm belonging to Harrison Kromer, now in Seward. Peter was a more energetic business man than Andrew, and had clearer views upon political matters, especially during the "struggle for liberty." In 1799 the High Dutch Reformed Church of Rhinebeck concluded to build a house of wor- ship of their own, upon lands purchased for that purpose, and they cut and hewed the timber -- (white oak and heavy enough for a temple)-ready for framing, when a controversy arose and the work stopped. The year follow-
ing, the church was built at Lawyersville. . The timber was sold at auction and purchased by Peter Loucks, who erected the present resi- dence of Daniel Loucks with it in 1802. Peter and Andrew were own brothers (see Middle- burgh). Peter's children were William, John, Hallis, Daniel, Andrew P., Mrs. Peter Brown and Mrs. Joseph W. Van Schaick.
Prominent as a business man has been Isaac, son of Daniel, who inherited the business quali- ties of his grandfather Loucks, and the com- mand of language of Dominie Labagh, his mother's father. While we do not find him in the list of officials, we see him as one of the most active business men of his day, No un- dertaking was too great to baffle his energies, but with the vim of an earnest commander over willing followers, he made business and it to obey his mind. If he had been placed as many other men, with great fortunes at his command, and brought in contact with the gigantic enter- prises of this day, we feel assured he would have proved equal to them. With his small means and isolated position while in his prime, he did more business than the majority of his towns- men do at the present time.
Andrew Loucks had but two children, and both were daughters. Mrs. Bently removed to the west, and Mrs. Lemuel Cross settled near and reared an intelligent and useful family. Dr. Cross, of Newark, and the late Captain Peter Cross, were sons, the latter being the father of Dr. Lemuel Cross, Augustus, Andrew, and the late Mrs. Augustus C. Smith.
Peter, Mathias, and William Ball, sons of Johannes Ball, of Schoharie, the chairman of the Committee of Safety, settled in this town about the year 1813. Peter located upon the farm previously occupied by Dr. Pynneo, and now by his grandson, George F. He was during the latter part of the Revolution a Quarter- master, and drew a pension as long as he lived. His sons were William, John, and Peter M. William, brother of Peter, settled upon Henry Bellinger's farm, and Mathias upon a portion of Jacob Dockstadler's.
They were during the war staunch patriots, as their father, against whom the stigma of dis- loyalty was never breathed, as they were daily in the service of their country.
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TOWN OF SHARON.
KLING SETTLEMENT.
In the year 1758, Kling came from Ger- many, and after a short residence of three years at Stone Arabia, settled upon the present Van- Ness Eldredge farm. The old gentleman had two sons and one daughter, who married a McDougle, who proved to be a desperate Tory, and fled to Canada and did not return. His farm, now owned by James Voorhees, was for- feited. One of the sons wandered away from honie when quite young, and was never found, while Luther married the eldest daughter of the patriotic Sebastian France, who it will be re- membered, was born upon the ocean. They had four sons, Nicholas, George, Jacob, and Henry, that settled within the County and died, with the exception of Jacob, who removed to Wisconsin and is still living. It is a remarkable occur- rence that he reared a family of twelve children, and each are now with families, without a death in the circle, except the wife and mother, of late deceased.
John Adam Kilts removed from Stone Arabia in 1790, and purchased the farm upon which Daniel and George Kilts, his grandsons, now reside. The old gentleman brought the boards with him from Stone Arabia to build a house. The tract of land upon which he settled was in dispute for many years, and at last settled by the Court, in Kilts producing large blocks cut from line trees, upon which were the marks made by early surveyors. John Adam here laid the foundation of the property which the present families bearing the name enjoy. He reared four sons, namely, Conradt, John, Adam, and Peter, who were the fathers of the present heads of the Kilts family.
4
Slate Hill Cemetery .- Among the many beau- tiful cemeteries that bespeak reverence for the dead, to be found in the County, none are more attractive than Slate Hill Cemetery. It is situ- ated upon a lofty hill of slate formation, from which is presented one of those picturesque sceneries of hill, mountain and vale that abound throughout Schoharie County, whose beauty and grandeur none can but admire. It was incorporated July 6, 1866, and regularly laid out in large plats, and broad roadways and foot-
paths that are kept in the best of order. A receiving vault is near one of the entrances that was erected the same year, at a large expense. Many fine monuments are placed here that re- flect credit upon the architect and the affection of the living towards the dead that lie beneath them. Upon them we find engraved, Wieting, Dockstader, Empie, Bellinger, Conyne, Ram- sey, Borst, Eldredge, Van Slyke, Sommers, Pruyn, Loucks and Vroman, mostly families of the County, whose fathers' strong and sinewy arms felled the broad and heavy forest and laid the foundation of the wealth here displayed as well as that of our governmental structure, and who long since passed the sad ordeal of death, after lives ripe in affliction and adversity.
Here lies the first resident pastor of St. Peter's and St. John's churches, and his son, Dr. John C. Moeller, whose usefulness in life deserves a passing tribute. He was born near the Rhine- beck Church in 1788, and was educated under the care of his worthy father and accomplished mother. He studied medicine with Dr. Van- Dyke, of Schoharie, and settled in this town about the year 1814. He married Gertrude Traver, who died in 1830, at the age of thirty- nine years, leaving six children : Mrs. Duryea Beekman, Mrs. Samnel Beekman, Mrs. Van- Ness Eldredge, Mrs. Jacob H. Diefendorf, E. L. H. Moeller, of Albany, and Augustus Moeller, of Chicago. The Doctor was a very skillful physi- cian who took pride in his profession, and was one of the leading men in the Lutheran church. He represented the town upon the Board of Supervisors in 1846, and died on the 5th of .May, 1849, at the age of sixty-one.
Rev. Moeller's life was sprinkled a little with romance that perhaps may be of interest. His first wife was a very unpleasant companion, as she was a scold, and while the army to which the Dominie was attached lay at Philadelphia a barbacue was held upon the ice, to which his wife was counseled not to attend fearful of getting cold, but she went, and, as predicted by her faithful husband, she caught a severe cold and soon after died. While at the barbacue the husband met the accomplished wife of a Prussian Count, by the name of Zebwitz, who was upon a tour through the Colonies at the time the war commenced. The British block-
2.46
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
aded the Colonial ports, and he could not re- turn home. He espoused the Patriots' cause, and was commissioned a General after the death of Montgomery, under whom he fought at Quebec. Mrs. Zebwitz was also fascinated with the Dominie, but undoubtedly kept it to herself, and during the stay at Philadelphia they were much in each others company, and each was admired by the other. Ere the war closed the Count died, and the pair wedded, and the union was most pleasing. In 1787 they settled at Rhinebeck, a very objectionable location for one whose past days had been spent in regal splendor. They were laboring, conscientious Christians, and willingly deprived themselves of ease and the luxuries of life, for the Master. The Count and Countess had two sons that died a few years after the father. The fruits of the last marriage were Dr. John C. and Julia, the wife of Dr. Almy, of Toddville, Otsego Co. We find engraved upon her tomb-stone that stands beside the husband's, " Julian, wife of Rev. Henry Moeller, died July 12th, 1824, aged seventy-five years and ten months," with an appropriate epitaph.
Bellinger Family .- The Bellinger family of this town lias been a prominent one as success- ful farmers, and strict adherents to Calvinistic doctrines in a religious point of view. Their ancestors came from Germany, as will be seen by consulting the Middleburgh Chapter of this work. Those found here are chiefly descendants of Marcus, of Middleburgh. Hon Yost and John, sons of Marcus, settled here in 1791. The former had two sons, David and Yost, and the latter four, namely, John, Jr., William, Henry, and Marcus. The latter two have been prom- inent as preachers of the " True Reformed Church" over half a century. Henry preached regularly at this place, Bethlehem, Albany county, Greenbush, Wynderkill, and Piedmont, near New York City, and was revered by his different flocks as a noble, sincere man, full of Christian virtues, and an untiring servant of the Master. After expounding "the Word" to many thousands in his plain, unpretending manner, based upon strict doctrines, without sympathy to the so-called "liberal views " of other religious sects, he was called to the
realities of the "world beyond," while on the route to fill an appointment at Piedmont on the 11th of October, 1877, at the age of eighty- seven.
Marcus died within the past year. He com- menced preaching about the time his brother did, but did not supply as many parishes. Cana- joharie, Duanesburgh, and Middleburgh, were the fields of his labors, and he was also an un- tiring teacher. William is the only one of the four brothers living. One peculiarity attended the labors of these men, which is worthy of notice-the firm hold they had upon their fol- lowers. Through all the ecclesiastical changes from "conservative doctrines" to "liberal views" that have been going on for the last few years in most of the churches, these men whose views were so repugnant to the general idea of the day, have held their flocks and carried them through, without dissentious seceding, and stand to-day stronger in faith and numbers than ever. They received only a common school education, which must have been very limited, and were industrious farmers and more than common men. They were men of inflexible pur- poses, indomitable energies, and of superior tact.
Van Valkenburgh Family .- The original of this family name is Valk in German, and Falk in Holland Dutch, as we are informed by one of the family, Dr. Jacob Van Valkenburgh, whose researches into the family history have been extended. The ancestors of this branch of the Valk family came from Valkenburgh, at present within the bounds of Holland, and to dis- tinguish them from those of higher Germany after they came to America, they were called after the place from which they came, viz : John or Henry Valk, from Valkenburgh, was changed to John or Henry Van Valkenburgh - Van meaning from. The first of that name in this town was John Joseph, who came from Middle- burgh and purchased one hundred and sixty-six acres of land, now occupied by John J. and Adam Van Valkenburgh, in October, 1792, pay- ing therefor one hundred and fifty-four pounds, four shillings. He had thirteen children, six sons and seven daughters. The sons were: Adam, John Joseph, Peter, Jacob, Joachim and
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TOWN OF SHARON.
Henry. The original family of both branches used the German language.
Tillapaugh Family .- Referring to the origin of the Van Valkenburgh name, we will here allude to another, which is quite prominent in this and other northern towns of the County, that originated from another family. It is Tillapaugh. The original is Dillenbeck, which, when spoken by the old stamp of Germans, becomes " Dillapah," and when uttered by the English tongue, with a broader accent, it becomes Tillapaugh, as written now through the fancy of one of the Dillenbeck family that adopted the name. His own brothers, however, retained the original.
GILBERT'S CORNERS.
This settlement was made about the year 1794, by families from Stone Arabia, among whom was the Hyney family, (father of the late John Hyney), also the Taylor's and Gilbert's. The hamlet was named after Richard Gilbert. Myron Culver also was an early settler, and kept a small store for many years. The road leading from this place to the Springs is one from which fine views are obtained, especially near and at the " Pavilion." The long stretch of low land lying to the north, east and west along the Mohawk, presents an attractive scenery, while the mountains beyond make a varied back-ground that is most pleasing.
Physicians .- Tinas Pynneo was the first physi- cian in the town, and settled upon the present George Ball place. George F. Fox studied and formed a partnership with him in 1820, but Pynneo died that year and Fox retained the field to within a few years. John C. Moeller came in 1814, and remained till his death in 1849. Sylvanus Palmer followed in 1825 at Beekman's Corners, and George B. Huddleston at Leesville about the same time. Theodore Gilbert, James Thompson, James Mereness, J. Green and James Snyder followed in succession at the latter place. Dr. Snyder, of late deceased, leaves the place without a professional physi- cian for the first time in sixty years. Upon the building up of the village at the Springs, Dr. John Loucks settled there about the year 1840,
and was followed by S. F. Fonda, in 1850. After a practice at Leesville of seven years, Dr. Green located at the Spa in 1853, and is still in practice with Dr. Fonda. Doctors Jacob Dock- stader, G. A. Williams and John T. Hard, all of the allopathic school, except Dr. Dockstader, who withdrew from that practice, and of late adopted the homeopathic, are also there. Dr. Jacob Van- Valkenburgh, of the electic school, succeeded Dr. Fox at Sharon Hill, and still remains, and to whom we are indebted for many facts con- nected with the history of Sharon.
True Reformed Church of Sharon Hill .- The " True Reformed Church of Sharon Hill" was organized in 1829, with Henry Bellinger at its head, having seceded from the "Reformed Church" of " Turlah " in that year. The society built a house of worship the season following, upon the forks of the roads leading to Gardners- ville and Cobleskill. In 1857 or 1858 the present edifice was built upon Sharon Hill. Henry Bellinger was the officiating pastor as long as he lived, and since his death the pulpit has not been regularly supplied. The cause of seceding from the parent church was as we were informed by the late Dr. Palmer, long a mem- ber of this society, a difference of belief in the doctrine of election and fore-ordination, the seceders holding to the strict injunction of the doctrine.
Masonic Lodge of Sharon Springs No. 624 .- This Lodge of "Free and Accepted Masons" was organized June 20, 1867, with Barnabas B. Eldredge as Worshipful Master.
Seth Eldredge, Senior Warden.
James W. Harper, Junior Warden.
L. H. Jackson, Secretary. Joshua Ward, Seward Eldredge, Henry C. Snyder, William Fox, members.
The membership has increased over one hundred, and the Lodge is in a prospering con- dition. Their rooms are spacious and well furnished. The present officers are :-
James W. Harper, Worshipful Master. A. P. Prime, Senior Warden. Lyman D. Mereness, Junior Warden. J. K. Harper, Treasurer. W. H. Craig, Secretary.
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HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
A. J. Cook, Chaplain.
Emmet Kilts, Senior Deacon. Andrew Turner, Junior Deacon. George Copp, Senior Master of Ceremonies. George Kilts, Junior Master of Ceremonies. Hezekiah Simmons, Tiler. Menzo France, Marshal. George Kilts, M. W. Stratton, J. H. Best, Trustees.
SHARON OFFICIALS.
This town presents a long list of officials.
Judge William Beekman, beside being the first County Judge, represented the district in the State Senate in 1798, 1799, 1800, 1801, 1802.
John Rice was the first Assemblyman from the County. His successors, including those from Seward, up to the time that town was formed were :-
John Rice, 1796, 1797, 1798, 1808, 1809, 1810.
Henry Bellinger, 1806.
Barnabas Eldredge, 1820, 1821:
Robert Eldredge, 1826, 1831.
Peter Hynds, 1829.
John F. Hiller, 1835.
George F. Fox, M. D., 1839.
Seth Eldredge, 1844.
James Parsons, 1848.
Edward Eldredge, 1865.
Robert Eldredge, Assistant Judge, 1833, 1838.
The old town records have been carefully preserved and give us the names of the super- visors as follows :-
1796-Tinas Pynneo.
1797-Tinas Pynneo.
1798-Peter Loucks.
1799-Peter Loucks. 1800-Peter Loucks. 1801-Peter Loucks. 1802-Peter Loucks. 1803-Peter Loucks. 1804-Peter Loucks. 1805-Peter Loucks.
1806-Peter Loucks. 1807-Peter Loucks. 1808-John Malick.
1809-John Malick. 1815-Peter A. Hilton. 1816-Jacob Crounse. 1817-Peter A. Hilton. 1818-John Rice. 1819-Peter A. Hilton. 1820-Jacob Crounse. 1821-Robert Eldredge. 1822 -- Robert Eldredge.
1823 -- Robert Eldredge. 1824-Robert Eldredge. 1825-Peter Hynds. 1826-Peter Hynds.
1827-Peter Hynds.
1828-Jacob Crounse. 1829-Jacob Crounse. 1830-Timothy Cook. 1831-John Scott. 1832-John F. Hiller. 1833-Adam Empie.
1834-Robert Eldredge.
1835-Robert Eldredge. 1836 -- Robert Eldredge. 1837-Martin Merckley.
1838-James Parsons.
1839-William Royce.
1840-Robert Eldredge.
1841-Seth Eldredge.
1842-Cornelius Beekman.
1843-Daniel D. Webster.
1844-John Beakley.
1845-David Becker. 1846-John C. Moeller. 1847-Seymour Smith.
1848-John C. Empie.
1849-J. W: Van Schaick.
1850-John L. Dockstader.
1851-Adam Empie.
1852-Seymour Smith. 1853 -- Joseph Zeh.
1854-M. N. De Noyelles.
1855-P. H. Sharp.
1856-Luther Taylor.
1857-Garrett Hone. 1858-Daniel Eldredge.
1859-M. N. De Noyelles.
1860 -- M. N. De Noyelles.
1861-Peter Low.
1862-Peter Low. 1863-John A. Empie.
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TOWN OF BLENHEIM.
1864-John Beakly. 1865-M. N. De Noyelles. 1866-Charles Craig.
1867-M. N. De Noyelles. 1868-M. N. De Noyelles. 1869-John B. Hoag. 1870-John B. Hoag. 1871-Nathan W. Stratton. 1872-Nathan W. Stratton.
1873-Augustus Parsons.
1874-Peter A. Bellinger. 1875-Peter A. Bellinger.
1876-Garrett Hone.
1877-Garrett Hone. 1878-Henry C. Lyker.
1879-Henry C. Lyker.
1880-Henry C. Lyker.
1881-Henry C. Lyker.
1882-Henry C. Lyker.
Upon the building of the railroad through the town, bonds were issued to the sum of one hundred thousand dollars, to aid in the con- struction, of which amount $90,000 remained unpaid, July 1, 1881.
BOUNDARIES.
The boundaries of this town were defined in 1813, after those of the surrounding towns, and were only described as follows by statute :-
" And all that part of the said County of Schoharie bounded northerly, westerly, and southwesterly by the bounds of the County, and easterly and southeasterly by the towns of Carlisle and Cobleskill, shall be and continue a town by the name of Sharon." (36th Sess. Chap. CI., (R. L.) Vol. II.)
CHAPTER XVI.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF BLENHEIM.
BLENHEIM is one of the first towns formed in the County, and originally comprised the territory of Jefferson and a portion of Gil- boa. The lands were first purchased of the government by John Weatherhead and John
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