History of Ulster County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers. Vol. II, Part 37

Author: Sylvester, Nathaniel Bartlett, 1825-1894. cn
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 818


USA > New York > Ulster County > History of Ulster County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers. Vol. II > Part 37


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88


-


JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.


1532, John Crispell, Contad Dumond; 1933, John I. Vanwagenen, Johu J. Snyder; 1834, John J. Vanwagenen; 1835, Peter P. Wynkoop : 1836, John J. Vanwagenen, Conrad Dumond ; 1837, Fre.lerick S. M. Suyder, Jacob A. Suyder ; 1858, Peter P. Wyn- koop; 1339, Ten Ryck Dewitt; 1840, Levi MeKeen, Levi H. Terwilliger; ISH, Frederick S. M. Snyder; 1842, Luther Hoff- man : 1543, Ten Eyck Dewitt; 1814, Levi Dumond; 1815, Solu- mon Shears, Joseph Mount, Peter Stonteuburgh : 1846, Ten Eyck Dewitt, Cornelius Nowkick ; 1917, Cornelius Newkirk, Jr .; 1518, Levi Dumond; 1849, Josepb Mount; 1850, Ten Eyek Dewitt ; 1851, Cornelias Newkirk : 1552. Charles B. Bushnell ; 1833, Jos. Mount; 1854, Ten Eyck Dewitt, Levi Dumond; 1855, William J. loughtaling; 1836, Levi Dumond: 1857, Nehemiah J. Everett ; 1859, Ten Eyek Dewitt: 1859, Elmond A. Dubois, Ed- ward A. Dubois : 1560, William J. Houghtaling, Levi Dumond ; 1861, 1.evi H. Terwilliger; 1862, Teu Kyck Dewitt: 1863, Wm. J. Iloughtaling ; 1864, Jobn S. I'verett; 1865, Stephen N. Wade ; ISto, Ten Eyck Dewitt; 1.67, William J. Honghtaling; 1865. Johan S. Everett : 1800, Stephen N. Wade; 1870, Ten Eyek D .- witt : 1871, Theodore Budington; 1872, William B. Bunist ; 1973, Stephen N. Wade; 1874. Ten Eyck Dewitt: 1875, Abram B. Iloughtaling; 1876, Levi Dumond; 1957, John G. Baker: 1878, Ten Eyck Dewitt; 1879, Abram B. Houghtaling, William J. Houghtaling; Issa, Levi Dumond. 1


-


V .- VILLAGES. HURLEY VILLAGE,


being realis the Hurley of olden time, is already mentioned in various places in the general history, as well as in the story of early settlement included in this chapter. The present business may be briefly stated as consisting of one hotel by To uis M. Van Sickles ; another hotel by A. II. Sutton; a store by Samuel Ten Eyck; a store by Horace Snyder ; wagon-shops by A. B. Houghtaling, William J. Houghtaling, and Charles Markle; blacksmith-shops by A. S. Honghtaling, Henry Dyer, A. B. Houghtaling; and a meat-market by D. S. Maxon. The village contains the Reformed church and a school-building of two depart- ments. The post-office was established about forty years ago. The first postmaster was Peter P. Wynkoop, and the office was kept at his tavern, the present Sickles House. Hiram Pattison was the next postmaster. Ile was followed by Mr. Shearer. It was moved to the pres- ent Ten Eyck store, and the successive merchants already named have been placed in charge of the office.


WEST HURLEY.


This place is a station upon the Ulster and Delaware Railroad. It is the centre of a large quarry business and a point of heavy shipments. It is a modern village com-


$ Resigned, and Gradus Hardenbergh cleelel.


151


TOWN OF HURLEY.


pared with old Hurley and other places in the county, and it is said that the site of the present place was a dense forest as late as 1835. Early settlers here and in this virinity were Levi Dumond. Abram Vredenbergh, Peter Vredenbergh, George C. Brinckerhoff, Gerrit Elmendorph, Abriu 1. Vredenbergh, Peter Atwater, Cornelius Philips, Abram Delemater, Teunis E. Van Benschoten.


The present business consists of a hotel by Julius M. Hardenbergh ; another hotel, a little out, by David C. Griffin ; stores by Humphrey Everts, William D. Eunist, James O. Stewart ; tin shop and hardware store, Frederick Gallagher ; blacksmith, Charles Brink ; wagon-shop, Spencer Ennist ; harness-shop, Henry Slater; shoe-shop, Peter Rose; bakery by Lawson & Maxson ; and a steamu saw-mill by George W. Weed. The quarry business is very exten- sive in this immediate vicinity, and large shipments take place from this station upon the Ulster and Delaware Railroad. Humphrey Everts is the present postmaster. Lucius Lawson employs 30 to 40 hands quarrying; Rufus Smedes, 15 to 20. There are others doing a business of considerable extent.


Other points of special name in towu are Bristol Hill, on the railroad near the Kingstou line; Morgan Hill, nearly eentral in the town from worth to south ; the Beaver Kill neighborhood, northwest of West Hurley ; the Beaver Kill crossing, near the line of Olive, having a thickly- settled neighborhood each side, northwest aad southeast.


VI .- SCHOOLS.


Under the school bw of 1812 the following persons served one or more years each as commissioners during the period from 1813 to 1844: Derick Du Bois, Andrew Suyder, Peter Outwater, Andrew Snyder, Stephen Holes, John Crispell, Abraham Valkenburgh, Robert W. Carman, Peter P. Roosa, Peter Vradenburgh, George C. Brinekerheff, David S. Back, Jolm Lewis, Jr., Christo- pher Newkirk. Abraham Vanathan, Garret Dewitt, Egbert Houghtaling, Conrad Dimond. Abraham Castle, Ebenezer Williams, Jr., J. M. Dumont, J. A. Snyder, Abraham Van Wagenen, Cornelius C. Phillips, P. C. Lefever, Eliss S. Dudney, Levi Pumond.


During the same period the following persons served one or more years each as inspectors of common schools : Peter P. Roosa, Samuel Ten Eyck, Cornelius Lefever, Samuel Coutant, George C. Brinkerhoff. Abraham Val- kenburgh, Caleb Carman, Conradt J. Elmendorph, Gerritt Dewitt, Peter Vradenburgh. Jacob Blanshan, John Ten Eyck, Hymen Roosa, William B. Delemater, Derick Du Bois, John J. Snyder, L. Vanvoris, Sammuel Krom, Conrad Dumond, John P. Ehnendorf, John Blanshan, Frederick S. M. Snyder, Levi H. Terwilliger, Peter Cris- pell. Jr., Peter Cornell, Jr., Peter M. Warman.


In 1844 the method of supervision by town superintend- ents of schools went into effect, and the following were the incumbents of that office in Hurley: 1814. Peter Cris- pell, Jr .; 1845, H. Everett ; 1846-48. Levi U. Terwilli- ger; 1:50), Benjamin A. Newkirk ; 1832-56, S. N. Hallard. In 1856 this system was abolished and the office of district commissioners instituted.


The school building at Hurley is arranged for two de-


partments, and two teachers are employed. The improve- ment of the original building by adding another story and the fitting up was done by a liberal expenditure of about $3000. Teachers employed at present (February, 1880), are John E. MePherson, Principal ; Miss Anna Beekman, Assistant.


The present condition of the schools is concisely shown in the following certificate :


COMMISSIONERS' REPORT, MARCH, ISSO.


Nutuker of districts 9


Number of children of school age .. 1087


Average daily attendance previous year. .. 315.635


Publie money equal district quota ... $476.00 Publie money on basis of number of children ... :617.60


Public money on basis of attendance ....... $670.10


Library money ..


$35.81


VII .- CHURCHES. THE REFORMED CHURCH OF HURLEY.


This society was incorporated by a certificate bearing date Aug. 4, 1801. The paper was signed by Matthew Ten Eyck, Petrus Roosa, Johannes Suyland, Cornelius Eltinge, elders, and by Petrus Elmendorph, Petrus Du Bois, Jeremiah Houghtaling, Jr., Cornelius Cole, .Fr., deacons. It was witnessed by James Gillespie and Richard Ten Eyek, and sworn to before Judge Jonathan Hasbrouck.


From the earliest settlement flurley had been included in the parish of the old Reformed Church of Kingston. This intimate relation continned for nearly one hundred and forty years. It is not strange that the effort to form a new parish cost something of a struggle, and met with consider- able opposition from the Kingston Church. From the re- cords we quote the following paragraph, illustrating the above remark :


" The inhabitants of the town of Huiley having been from the first settlement a part of the congregation of Kingston, but perceiving their numbers ivereasing, their village enlarged, and laboring under manny inconveniences in attending divine worship, judged it therefore their duty, for their own and the benefit of their posterity, to form a church and baill a meeting-house. Being met in a full assembly, they resolved, upon mature deliberation, to present the matter to the Cousistory of Kingston, in order to assist them, alvise, and, if possi- ble, with their consent, to agree upon some suitable plan, but were opporel."


After some delay, without scenring the desired consent, they determined to make preparations to build a meeting. honse, and to apply to the Classis for authority to organize. The petition to that body was signed by the following per- sons, and they are so many in number as to make it a mat- ter of surprise that the movement should have been opposed by the Kingston Church : Cornelius Elting, Peter D. Roosa, John ES. Roosa, Richard Ten Eyck, Peter Du Bois, Caleb Merritt, Cornelius Cole, Jr., Jeremiah Honghtaling, Jr., James Gillespie, Richard Oliver, J. Du Bois, Cornelius Newkirk, Abram Do Bois, John T. Du Bois, Cornelius Du Bois, Direk Van Vliet, Coonrad Newkirk, Andrew Newkirk, Egbert Roosa Daniel MeNeal, Matthias Borton, Jr., William Britt, Philip I. Bonestrel, Jacobns Harden- bergh, John I. Du Bois, Johannes Crispell, Cornelius C. Newkirk, Garret Constarle, Benjamin Newkirk, Garret B. Newkirk, Matthew Ten Eyck, John Ten Eyck, Cornelius Newkirk, Jr., John 2. Krom, Wyman Roosa, Abram Cole, Antony Crispell, Jr., Petras Wynkoop, Johannes Suylandt,


152


IHISTORY OF ULSTER COUNTY, NEW YORK.


Mary Ostrander, Derick Du Bois, Petrus Roosa, Abram Morris, John O. Neil, George Van Vliet, Cornelius Cono- way, Petrus Elnendorph, Dirck C. Wynkoop, Israel Knif- fin, Edward Crispell, Martinus Becker, Catryntje Harden- burgh, Samuel Pattison, Samuel Ostrander, John Ostrander, Peter D. Wynkoop, Jacob Du Bois.


The petition was granted by the Classis, and Rev. Stephen Goetchius appointed to preside at the formation of the new church. This took place June 3, 1801. The first Con- sistory are named in the certificate mentioned above. The first meeting-house was erected probably the same year, as they had early made preparations for that. It stood near the old school-house. on the opposite side of the street from the present post-office. It was a venerable building, and was taken down and succeeded by the present clifice at the lower end of the street about twenty eight years ago.


The succession of pastors has been the following : Revs. Thomas G. Smith, 1801 to 1899 ; John Gosman, 1808 to 1811; Henry Ostrander, 1811 to 1814; John Il. Carle, 1814 to 1925; Benjamin Van Keuren, 1826 to 1831; John. Mason, 1834 to 1836; William Reiley, 1836 to 1839; Orlando Harriman. 1830 to 1840; Anthony Ei- mendorph, 1840 to 1843; J. C. Cruickshank, 1843 to 1850; Benjennin C. Lippincott, 1850 to 1866; J. F. Harris, 1867 to 1878.


Rev. J. L. Lockwood, the present pastor, wis a member of the seminary clos of 1978. He was called immediately upon his graduation to this church, and was ordained Jan. 14, ISTO, by the Classis of Kingston. The society has a parsonage pleasantly situated near the house of worship. It was built by the father of the late Dr. Peter Crispell.


The present organization consists of the pastor with the following Consistory : Elders, Garret New kirk, Samuel Ten Eyck, Thomas HI. Merritt, Johu A. Ehnen lorph ; Deacons, Peter B. Brink. C. J. Dumond, A. G. De Witt, Silis Elmen- dorph. The Sunday-school superintendent is Charles Mar- kle. The communicants mmaber about 121, and the aver- age congregation may be stated at 300.


From the old book we take the following baptismal rec- ords :


Jan. 9, 1802 .- Andries, son of Peter D. Rooss and his wife, Rachel Delameter.


Jan. 17, 1802 .- Anse Wouk ma. dra Hter of John J. Da Role and his wife, Anotje B.vier.


The first marriage recorded is that of Peter J. Elnen- dorph to Jane Elinendorph, Dee. 24, 1808.


REFORMED CHURCH OF WEST HURLEY.


The legal certificate incorporating this society bears date Sept. 16, 1848. The elders were Conrad Daurond. Nicholas Britt, Philip Dumond, and William Britt; the deacons, Levi Dinmond, Jeremiah Wolven, John C. Dumond, and John N. Row. The names of Henry Sax and Frederick Sax appear as witnesses upon the instrument. It was verified before William Masters, justice of the peace. This incorporation was preceded by the organization of the church, which took place by authority of the Chesis of l'Iter the third Sablech in May.


The first house of worship. was erected in 1849 at a cost of but $2000, ou the site now occupied by the resi-


dence of Mr. George Slater. This first edifice was removed to the present site during the latter part of December, 1869. The distance is about one hundred and twenty rods and through a wooded swamp, and it is worth relating as a testimony to the skill of the contractor and the workmen, that this difficult task of removal was accomplished without breaking a pane of glass or fracturing the walls. After this " change of base" was effected, the house was re- modeled and improved at an expense of about $1000.


The list of pastors comprises the following names : Revs. Alexander Gulick, 1848-59; Calvin Case, 1860-65; David K. Van Doren, 1867-68; Cornelius Blauvelt, 1869-72. The present pastor is Rev. Bergen B. Staats, who was in- stallel not long after the resignation of Mr. Blauvelt.


The present Consistory is composed of the following officers: Elders, Levi Dumond, John N. Row, George Weed, Martin Snyder: Deacons, Charles Dumond, Peter A. Rosepaugh, Charles B. Bushnell, Crawford Van Etten.


It is an item of interest that this church purchased and used for a time a bell which had previously been owned by the Reformed Church of Hurley. It was afterwards sold to the Lutheran Church of Woodstock. It was originally brought from Holland, and is one of the earliest church bells used in Ulster County.


METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF HURLEY.


This society executed a certificate of incorporation Aug. 13, 1851. Hemy Sax and Edward Vandenbergh presided at the election. The trustees chosen were John B. Lewis, Alexander Caruwriht, Edward Van Steenbergli. The paper was verified before Levi Damond, justice of the peace, and recorded Aug. 27, 1851. The church had been formed at an carlier date. Methodist services had been held in the neighborhood for some years at the school- house and at private residences. The church was formed in 1343, and Rev. John Davicos was the first pastor. A house of worship was erected in 1853. The society in- creased in numbers, and, requiring better accommodations, the present handsome church edifice was creeted in 1868. It is valued at 84500, and has a seating capacity of 300. The parsonage is a pleasaut and convenient residence, and valued at $2500.


The present officers (March, 1880) consist of the pas- tor, Rev. Charles Palmer; Stewards, Lucius Lawson, Rufus Surdes, William Saxe, W. H. Slater, Charles Van Steen- burgh, George Brower, David Martin, Charles Berkins, Silas Brower; Sunday-school Superintendent, Thomas John- son ; Trustees, Lewis Lawson, J. V. B. Elting, W. H. Slater, Thomas Johnson, Rufus Sinedes ; Class-Leaders, Lu- cius Lawson, Alexander MeMullen. Number of commu- uicants on the circuit, including Beaver Kill Church, about 160.


ST. JOHN'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHI.


This enterprise was inaugurated about 1857 by Rev. S. Mockin, to meet the wants of the Catholic population that bwl gradually settled in this seetion in modern times. The Listor was vigorous and indefatigable in his efforts, and a Imuse of worship sufficient for the wants of the congrega- tion was built the same year. The society prospered, and in a few years they desired better accommodations. In


153


TOWN OF HURLEY.


1869 the present handsome church was built at a cost of $10,000. It has a seating capacity of 500, and, with the adjoining buildings, is valued at $14,000. It occupies a commanding situation a short distance cast of the village of West Hurley. Father Melleury was pastor of the church for several years. He was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. Father MeKinney. The congregation is large, and the administration of the church vigorous and successful.


GREENWOOD CENTENARY METHODIST CHURCH.


This is a society of recent years. Its house of worship was built in 1865, at an expense of 82600. This society is better known in this town as the Beaver Kill Church, though the above appears in connection with it in the Ga- zetteer of the county. It is a branch of the West Hurley Church, and under the same ministerial charge. The stew- ards are included in the list for that church. The Sunday- school superintendent (March, 1880) is Silas Brower; the elass-leader George Brewer; and the trustees George Brower, David Martin, Jeremiah Martin, Charles Berkins, Silas Brower, William Miller.


OLIVE-BRANCH METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHI.


This society perfected an organization May 11, 1866. The presiding officers of the meeting were Joseph Boyer and Iliram M. Seaman. The trustees chosen were Egbert R. Matthews, Truman K. Smith, Joseph Boyce, Dates G. Hy- att, Daniel T. Elmendorf, Leander Temple. The proceed- ings were verified before Stephen V. Wade, justice of the peace, and recorded June 12, 1866. A house of worship was erected the same year, valued at $2500. It is situated near what is known as the Beaver Kill Crossing, and is con- nected in the same ministerial charge with the Methodist Church of Olive.


VIII .- BURIAL-PLACES.


The most ancient cemetery in town, and the one most interesting for general or family history, is at Hurley village, " where the forefathers of the hamlet sleep."


The grounds are not in as thorough a state ef preserva- tion as they should be, but the use of them for modern burial will tend to secure for them better care than is awarded to many of the oldl burialplaces of the county. Some of the carlier inscriptions are difficult to trace, aml iu attempting to quote the obscure iuitials of former days there is considerable uncertainty as to their correctness. Subject to this explanation, we give the following :


1716


1723


1,33


AK


116


AG 13


MI A 30


POS


EBA


1,15


1726


NVB M4


M M 53


POS


IIRA


JTE


ANO


1713


1 :* S


MAERT 24


JTE


FDO


RSW


1726


S+ K


Jun 23


F G 1722 DES M 24


" Margaret Ten Eyck was born 26th Sept., Anno 1772, and de- parted this life 2th August, Anno 1731."


" In memory of Cornelia Ten Eyck, born the 13th of May, 1 .... and departed this life September 2nd, 1793."


" In memory of Matthew Ten Eyck, who was born 22nd Feb., 172-, and departed this life 11th June, 1809, aged 80 years, 3 months, an i 19 days."


"Citty Pawling born November 21, 1756; died May 254, 1782. " Behold mne here as you pass by ! As you are now, so once was I; As I am now you soon shall be : Prepare, my friend, to follow me." "Capt. Mattys Ten Byck born May 18th, 1658; died 16th, IFII." " Here lies the body of Blandina De Witt, the wife of Charles De Witt, who died Nov. 1, 1765, being near 34 years of age."


" In memory of Jacobus Hardenbergh, who was born 17th Der., 1723, aud departed this transitory life, 11th August, 1791.


" Whoe'er thou art that readest this solemn line, Remember this : my fate will soon be thine; Reforin in time, prepare thee for thy end. Pray heaven a late forgiveness not to send."


"In memory of Magdalena, wife of Cornelius Newkirk, Jun., who died Nov. 3, A.D. 1815, aged 33 years, 5 months, atel 6 days.


" And when our labors all are o'er, Then we shall meet to part no more -- Mect with the blood-bought throng to fall, And crown our Jesus Lord of all." "Sacred to the memory of Cornelins Du Bois, who departel thi life June 21th, 1529, aged $6 years and 5 months."


" Sacred to the memory ot Geertye Dubois, born Sept. 4th. in vie year of our Lord, 1737, and departed this life May 24, 1819, age !! years, S mouths, and 20 days."


" In memory of Catherine Louw, wife of Adrian Wynkoop, who was born Jan. 25th, 1733, arl departed this life Nov. 17th, 1796, aged 63 years, 9 months, and 23 days."


THE HURLEY CEMETERY ASSOCIATION.


This association effected a legal organization Jan. 15, 1853. Benjamin Elmendorf was president of the meeting, and Win. J. Houghtaling secretary. The trustees choscu were Benjamin Ebendorf, William J. Houghtaling, Wm. P. Cole (2d), Edmond A. Dubois, Solomon D. Crispell, John W. Elmendorf. The proceedings were verified before Cur- nelius Newkirk, justice of the peace, and recorded Jan. 18, 1854.


IX .-- TOWN SOCIETIES.


At West Hurley a lodge of Good Templars was estab- lished about 1871, and the organization is maintained at the present time. It is known by the name of Excelsior, embodies the temperance workers of the town, and has dune much to develop a sound public sentiment upon the question of temperance.


It is said by older citizens that a Masonic lodge was chartered in this town probably not long after the Revolu- tionary war. The meetings of the lodge were held at the old tavern, a mile south of Hurley village, on the king's highway,-the present place of Cornelius Houghtaling. How long the lodge lasted is not kuown, but it is thought to have ceased to work soon after 1800.


X .- PLACES OF HISTORIC INTEREST.


The village of Old Hurley as a whole is full of sugges- tive memories. As the visitor of to-day walks its quiet streets, and looks out upon the fertile fields lying adjacent, it is only by the light of history that he can appreciate the


20


154


HISTORY OF ULSTER COUNTY, NEW YORK.


circumstances attending the carly settlement. Based upon the well ascertained facts of history, the imagination may picture this village on the morning of June 7, 1663. Nearly twenty families were living upon the one street, that was laid out in the same place as it is at the present timc.


The day had opened pleasantly ; the men went to the fields busy with the labors of the early summer, while the women were engaged in domestic tasks, and the children in their innocent play. Suddenly the Indians burst upon the vil- lage. No defense was made, as there was neither time nor strength for arius. This saved a bloody massacre of the whole population. Yet at the close of the brief affray three men are lying dead near their homes; eight women, one man, and twenty-six children constitute a sad group of captives, and are hurried away into the forests, with the smoke of their burning dwellings rising behind them. The pursuit, the rescue, the joyful meeting of the reunited families are all a part of the story that is forever associated with the name of Ilurley, and forms a chapter of tragie interest in the annals of border warfare.


After the burning of Kingston the committee of safety, which represented the combined legislative and executive functions of the State government, met first at Marbletown, at the house of Andrew Oliver, and from there came to Hurley, Nov. 18, 1777. Here they held their sessions until December 17th, when they adjourned to Poughkeepsie. Hurley was thus the virtual capital of the State for one mouth.


The house in which the committee held their sessions was that of Johannes Vandusen. The house is still stand- ing, in excellent preservation, on the north side of Hurley Street, and is the residence of Abram Ten Eyck. Here, in this now venciable building. the committee met ; here they wielded all the power of the State, trying spies, raising meu and money for the common defense, and ably secouding the efforts of Governor Clinton, who was with the ariny in the field.


During the presence of the Continental forees in this village the headquarters are said to have been at the house now kept as a hotel by Louis M. Van Sickles. This build- ing is also an object of considerable historie interest from its great age. It bears the date 1716, and attracts much attention from visitors to this place.


While the committee of safety was in Hurley, the house now occupied by C. Dumond is said to have been the guard-house or prison, where suspected parties were detained.


One other spot remains to be identified,-the site of the apple-tree where the spy was hung on the morning of Oct. 17, 1777. This was at the present residence of C. D. Sickles, and stood in what constitutes the front yard, not far from the narrow street. This spot is well authenticated by men yet living, who received the story from their fathers,-the lives of the latter extending back to the year of the exceution, 1777. The tree stood until about thirty years ago. Unlike the one upon which it was proposed in song to exceute a modern traitor, it was not " a sour-apple tree," for a citizen yet living states that he has caten of the apples of this tree, and they were sweet.


XI .- INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.


The agricultural interests of the town are of considerable value. Along the valley of the Esopus there are extensive " flats" of fertile land. The higher portions of the town are moderately rolling, with a soil usually described as a sandy loam. The erops raised and stock kept are concisely shown in the annexed statistics from the census of 1875. These constitute undoubtedly a fair statement of the annual average productions. Quarrying is carried on largely in this town. An excellent quality of the well-known bine- stone is furnished in large quantities, giving employment to many hands both in cutting and teaming. In the vicinity of West Hurley there are said to be 40 or 30 quarries opened. Lucius Lawson is perhaps the most ex- tensive operator, though there are others dealing largely.


INDUSTRIAL STATISTICS.


The farms in Hurley were valued, in the census of 1875, at 8813,300; the farm-buildings at $113,120; the stock at $89,783; the tools and implements at $12,510; cost of fertilizers used, $1032; value of gross sales from farms, $53,227; area of land plowed, 2007 aeres; area iu pas- ture, 2224 aeres; area mown, 3107 peres ; hay produced, 3418 acres ; grass seed, 12 bushels; barley, 1 acre; buck- wheat, 4725 bushels; Indian corn, 20,-167 bushels; oats, 12,795 bushels; rye, 5617 bushels ; corn sown for fodder, 18 acres; beans, 31 bushels ; winter wheat, 1824 bushels; potatoes, 17,503 bushels ; apples, 20,586 bushels; eider, 921 barrels; grapes, 18,900 pounds; wine, 6 gallons ; maple-sugar, 301 pounds; maple-syrup, 24 gallons ; honey, 2023 pounds ; horses, 406; value of poultry, 83408 ; value of poultry sold, $1012; value of eggs sold, 83059; beat cattle on farms, 511; milch cows, 6S3; beef slaughtered, .91; butter made, 55,429 pounds; milk sold in market, 30,972 gallons ; sheep shoro, 269; weight of clip, 1030 pounds; lambs raised, 168; sheep slaughtered, 38; killed by dogs, 20; hogs, 1038; pork made, 117,596 pounds.




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.