USA > New York > Schenectady County > History of the County of Schenectady, N. Y., from 1662 to 1886... > Part 15
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By this charter, the surviving trustees became di- vested voluntarily of all rights and claims over the common lands, the same being vested in the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the city. Three commissioners were appointed to settle all ac- counts against and in favor of the trustees, and it was provided by the act that no sale or transfer of the common lands should be made, "unless two-thirds of the whole number of Aldermen and Assistants of said city shall give their assent to such sale."
The charter provided for the election by the people of two Aldermen and two Assistants, who should serve for a period of one year, such elec- tions being held on the first Tuesday in April. The term of office began on the first Tuesday in May. From 1798 to 1822, the Mayors in all the cities of this State were appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Council of Ap- pointment. From 1822 to 1840 they were ap- pointed by the Common Council. By act of the Legislature, passed February 13, 1840, they have since been elected by the people.
The first Mayor of Schenectady was Joseph C. Yates, who received his appointment from Gover- nor John Jay. Mr. Yates was one of the foremost lawyers of his day, and the early history of this city owes much to his far-seeing acumen, ju- dicious counsel and high administrative ability. He became State Senator in 1806, and in 1808 be- came one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of this State. He became Governor of the State in 1822.
The Mayor presided over the deliberations of the Board of Aldermen, and possessed all the privi- leges, as far as voting was concerned, of an alder- man. He was also given power similar to a Judge of Common Pleas in all transactions relating to lands within the city.
To him was delegated the exclusive power of granting and giving licenses for the sale of in- toxicating liquors under the public seal of the city.
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CITY OF SCHENECTADY .- MUNICIPAL HISTORY.
The officers appointed by the Common Council under the first charter consisted of a city treasurer, clerk, and as many assessors, collectors, constables, commissioners of highways, overseers of the poor, pound-masters and fence-viewers as the Common Council might deem necessary.
The charter of 1798 has been subjected to many amendments, to meet the demands of the times. The existing charter not only meets the require- ments of a liberal, progressive policy, but under its operation the city is governed in a highly credit- able and satisfactory manner.
MAYOR. - The office of Mayor, as has been stated, was filled by appointment of the Governor and Council until 1822. From that date to 1840 the Mayor was appointed by the Common Council, since which time it has been an elective office. The term of office from 1798 to 1861 was one year, since which date it has been two years.
RECORDER .- Although the office of Recorder is mentioned in the charter of the borough of Sche- nectady, it does not seem to have been created under the city charter until 1833, in which year Harmanus Peek was made Recorder and held this position for a number of years after. This officer possessed all the powers then conferred by law upon the Recorders of cities, and during the absence, sickness or disability of the Mayor, could exercise all the powers conferred upon the Mayor. From 1833 to 1862 the term of office was one year; since the latter date it has been extended to four years. The duties of this officer, as defined by the charter, consist in attending meetings of the Com- mon Council, and in the absence or inability to act of the Mayor, he shall discharge the duties of that office. He is invested with power to arrest or cause the arrest of all persons violating the laws of the State, or the ordinances or police regula- tions of the city.
ALDERMEN .- The charter of 1798 provided for the election of four Aldermen in each ward for a period of one year. In 1851 the four Aldermen in each ward were divided into two classes, two who should serve for one year and two who should serve for two years. The act under which this was effected, provided that thereafter the terms of only two aldermen in each ward should expire during each year, and that all Aldermen elected one year after the passage of the act should serve for two years. In 1873 the number of Aldermen in each ward was reduced to three, who should be elected for three years, but they were divided into classes, so that the term of only one Alderman in each ward now expires every year.
TREASURER. - The Treasurer was appointed by the Common Council from 1798 to 1848, at which latter date a Treasurer was elected by the people. To the year 1862 the term of office was one year, but by the charter of this year it was extended to two years.
CLERK .- The Clerk has annually been appointed by the Common Council since the incorporation of the city.
BOARD OF MAGISTRATES. - A law was passed in 1815, empowering the Common Council to appoint
as many Aldermen or Justices of the Peace as was deemed necessary to constitute a Board of Magis- trates. This Board was required to attend to the relief and support of the poor, and to punish persons committing petty offences within the city. The exclusive power of applying and distributing the poor fund was committed to this Board. After the creation of the office of Police Justice, this Board was composed of that officer and two Aldermen, the latter selected by the Common Council. For many years the sole duty of this Board has been confined to the relief of the poor.
SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS .- By an amendment to the charter in 1813, provision was made for the appointment of one or more Superintendents of Streets, who should have charge of laying out and grading of streets. From 1813 to the present, but one Superintendent of Streets has been an- nually appointed by the Common Council, by which body his powers and duties are prescribed.
CITY ATTORNEY. - This office was created in 1833, since which date such officer has been an- nually appointed by the Common Council. He receives a stated salary, attends all meetings and acts as the legal adviser and assistant of the Board in all matter pertaining to questions of law.
CITY PHYSICIAN .- This officer was created about the same time as City Attorney. The person hold- ing this office is chosen annually by the Common Council and receives a regular salary. He is, ex officio, health officer of the Board of Health, and required to render surgical aid and as- sistance to all indigent persons within the city.
BOARD OF HEALTH .- The duty of attending to sanitary affairs devolved upon the Mayor and Aldermen during the early municipal history of Schenectady. In 1813 the charter provided that one or more persons should be appointed by the Common Council, who should attend to the alter- ing, amending, cleansing of any street, vault, sink or common sewer, and to apportion the costs upon the owners of property benefited thereby. In 1833, the Common Council appointed as many members as was deemed necessary to form a Board of Health to assist the Mayor in carrying into effect the provisions of the existing laws relating to the prevention and introduction of infectious and pestilential disease. Members of the Board were allowed a reasonable compensation for their services, as determined by the Common Council. By the charter of 1862, the Board of Health con- sisted of the Mayor, City Physician and one Alder- man from each ward. The City Physician was the health officer of the Board. This Board, as then constituted, remains the same, although under recent laws their powers and duties have been greatly enlarged.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE, CONSTABLES AND POLICE. -(See separate Article on Police.)
BOARD OF EXCISE. - As has been stated, the Mayor had exclusive power to grant licenses for sale of intoxicating liquors under the first charter. In 1813 the charter was so amended that a Com- missioner of Excise was appointed by the Common Council for the Third and Fourth wards, who,
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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY.
under the approbation of the Mayor, was empow- ered to grant licenses. In 1833, licenses were grant- ed by the Mayor and Common Council, under the provisions of the State law at this time. In 1857 a law was passed giving the County Judge and Justices of Sessions of the several counties power to appoint three Commissioners of Excise to grant licenses in the county. In 1870 the Mayors of most of the cities of the State were given power to appoint three Commissioners of Excise for a period of three years. The present Commissioners are James Brownell, Charles Fellhousen and James Speir.
DIVISIONS OF THE CITY .- From 1798 to 1820 the city of Schenectady, as has been previously stated, was divided into four wards, but at the latter date, owing to the vast extent of territory comprised by the Third and Fourth wards, and the diversity of interests between the inhabitants of those wards and the citizens residing in the compact part of the city, the members of the Common Council applied to the Legislature to have a law enacted erecting the territory embraced in the Third and Fourth wards into separate towns. This petition of the municipal officers of Schenec- tady was granted, and a law was passed in 1820 separating these two wards from the city and form- ing the present towns of Rotterdam and Glenville. From 1820 to 1837, Schenectady was divided into but two wards, but at the latter date a special act was passed by the Legislature dividing the city into four wards. The present division of the city into five wards was made in 1860.
MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS. - The first Common Council met in a building called the City Hall, on the corner of Union and Ferry streets, on the site of the present residence of H. S. Barney. The meetings of the Board continued to be held there until the purchase of the present Union School building in 1816, in which a Common Council Chamber was provided and used until the erection of the present Court House in 1833. At the latter place the Board continued to meet until the completion of the City Hall in 1881, on Jay street, for the erection of which Gen. W. K. Fuller, one of Schenectady's most public-spirited citizens, donated to the city the sum of $10, 000.
CITY OFFICERS FROM 1798-1885. 1798-1808 .- Mayor, Joseph C. Yates.
1807 .- Treasurer, Cornelius Z. Van Santvoord; Clerk, David Boyd.
1808 .- Mayor, John Yates; Treasurer, Cornelius Z. Van Santvoord; Clerk, Harmanus Peek.
1809 .- Mayor, John Yates; Treasurer, Corne- lius Z. Van Santvoord; Clerk, Harmanus Peek.
1810 .- Mayor, Abraham Oathout; Treasurer, Maus Van Vranken; Clerk, Harmanus Peek. 1811 .- Mayor, John Yates; Treasurer, Maus Van Vranken; Clerk, Harmanus Peek.
1812 .- Mayor, John Yates; Treasurer, Maus Van Vranken; Clerk, Harmanus Peek.
1813 .- Mayor, Maus Schermerhorn; Treasurer, Maus Van Vranken; Clerk, Harmanus Peek.
1814 .- Mayor, Maus Schermerhorn; Treasurer, Maus Van Vranken; Clerk, Harmanus Peek.
1815. - Mayor, Maus Schermerhorn; Treasurer, Maus Van Vranken; Clerk, Harmanus Peek.
1816 .- Mayor, Maus Schermerhorn; Treasurer, Maus Van Vranken; Clerk, Harmanus Peek. 1817 .- Mayor, Henry Yates; Treasurer, Maus Van Vranken; Clerk, Harmanus Peek.
1818 .- Mayor, Henry Yates; Treasurer, Maus Van Vranken; Clerk, Harmanus Peek.
1819 .- Mayor, Henry Yates; Treasurer, Maus Van Vranken; Clerk, Nicholas F. Beck.
1820 .- Mayor, Henry Yates; Treasurer, Maus Van Vranken; Clerk, Nicholas F. Beck.
1821-1824 .- Mayor, Henry Yates; Treasurer, Maus Van Vranken; Clerk, Nicholas F. Beck. 1825. - Mayor, Isaac M. Schermerhorn.
1826-1827 .- Mayor, David Boyd; Treasurer, Maus Van Vranken; Clerk, Abraham Van Ingen.
1828-1829 .- Mayor, Isaac M. Schermerhorn; Treasurer, Maus Van Vranken; Clerk, Abraham Van Ingen.
1830 .- Mayor, Isaac M. Schermerhorn; Treas- urer, Jacob Swits; Clerk, Abraham Van Ingen.
1831 .- Mayor, Archibald L. Linn; Treasurer and Clerk same as 1830.
1832 .- Mayor, John I. De Graff; Treasurer and Clerk same as 1830.
1833 .- Mayor, John I. De Graff; Recorder, Har- manus Peek; Treasurer, Jacob Swits; City Attor- ney, Abraham Van Ingen; Clerk, Abraham Van Ingen.
1834. - Officers same as preceding year.
1835 .- Mayor, Archibald L. Linn; remaining officers unchanged.
1836 .- Mayor, John I. De Graff; Treasurer, Thomas Harmon; Clerk, Abraham Van Ingen; At- torney, James M. Bouck.
1837 .- Mayor, Samuel W. Jones; Clerk, Stephen S. Riggs ; remaining officers same as preceding year.
1838 .- Treasurer, Nicholas Swits; Attorney, Theodorick R. Van Ingen; remaining officers same as in 1837.
1839 .- Mayor, Archibald L. Linn; remaining officers same as preceding year.
1840 .- Mayor, Alexander C. Gibson; Treasurer, Nicholas Swits; Clerk, Stephen S. Riggs.
1841 .- Mayor, Alexander C. Gibson; Treasurer, John B. Clute; Clerk, James Gilbert; Attorney, T. R. Van Ingen.
1842 .- Mayor, John I. De Graff; Treasurer, Vol- ney Freeman; Clerk, James M. Bouck; Attorney, Samuel W. Jones.
1843 .- Mayor, Alexander C. Gibson; Clerk, James M. Bouck; Attorney, S. H. Johnson.
1844 .- Mayor, Alexander C. Gibson; Treasurer, John B. Clute; Clerk, Harmanus S. Van Ingen; Attorney, S. H. Johnson.
1845. - Mayor, John I. De Graff; Treasurer, Joseph Lyon; Clerk and Attorney same as preced- ing year.
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CITY OF SCHENECTADY .- MUNICIPAL HISTORY.
1846-1847 .- Mayor, Peter Rowe; Treasurer, A. J. Thomson; Clerk, Thomas Palmer; Attorney, Stephen H. Daggett.
1848-1849 .- Mayor, James E. Van Horn; Treas- urer, James Walker.
1850 .- Mayor, Peter Rowe; Clerk, James M. Bouck; Attorney, Thomas Palmer.
1851 .- Mayor, Mordecai Myers; remaining officers same as in 1850.
1852 .- Mayor, Abraham A. Van Voast; remain- ing officers same as in 1850.
1853 .- Mayor, Abraham A. Van Voast; Clerk, James M. Bouck; Attorney, John G. McChesney.
1854 .- Mayor, Mordecai Myers; Recorder, Thomas Palmer: Treasurer, L. A. Young; City Attorney, J. G. McChesney; Clerk, D. A. Atwell.
1855 .- Mayor, Abel Smith; Recorder, Henry Stevens, who died while in office, and was suc- ceeded by David M. Moore; Treasurer, N. M. F. Clute; Clerk, D. A. Atwell.
1856 .- Mayor, Abel Smith; Recorder, David M. Moore; Treasurer, N. M. F. Clute; City At- torney, John G. McChesney; Clerk, D. A. Atwell.
1857 .- Mayor, Benjamin V. S. Vedder; Re- corder, David M. Moore; Treasurer, N. M. F. Clute; Attorney, John G. McChesney; Clerk, D. A. Atwell.
1858 .- Mayor, Alexander M. Vedder; Re- corder, David M. Moore; Treasurer, N. M. F. Clute to January 1, 1859, and Henry M. Vedder for balance of term; Attorney, David C. Smith; Clerk, Stephen S. Riggs.
1859 .- David P. Forrest; Recorder, David M. Moore to January 1, 1860, and Jay Cady for bal- ance of term; Treasurer, Frederick Clute, Jr., to September, 1859, and John Bradt for balance of term; Clerk, Stephen H. S. Riggs to November, 1859, and Charles S. Vedder for balance of term.
1860 .- Mayor, Benjamin E. Potter; Recorder, Jay Cady; Treasurer, John Bradt; Attorney, D. Cady Smith; Clerk, Charles S. Vedder to October 1, 1860, and Daniel J. Darrow for balance of term.
1861 .- Mayor, Arthur W. Hunter; Recorder, Jay Cady; Treasurer, John Bradt; Attorney, D. Cady Smith; Clerk, S. L. R. Buchanan.
1862 .- Same as preceding year.
1863 .- Mayor, Arthur W. Hunter; Recorder, W. H. Helmer; Treasurer, John Bradt; Attorney, D. Cady Smith; Clerk, Henry B. Houston.
1864 .- Same as preceding year.
1865 .- Mayor, Andrew McMullen; Recorder, W. H. Helmer: Treasurer, John Bradt; Attorney, G. N. Timberman; Clerk, James M. Bouck.
1866 .- Mayor, Andrew McMullen; Recorder, W. H. Helmer; Treasurer, John Bradt; Attorney, D. M. Chadsey; Clerk, Frank Seymour.
1867 .- Mayor, Andrew McMullen; Recorder, S. L. R. Buchanan; Treasurer, John Bradt; Clerk, Edward Hibbard; Attorney, A. J. Thomson.
1868 .- Mayor, Andrew McMullen ; Recorder, S. I .. R. Buchanan; Treasurer, John Bradt; Clerk, Edward Hibbard; Attorney, D. Cady Smith.
1869 .- Mayor, A. Van Voast; Recorder, Edgar M. Jenkins; Treasurer, John Bradt; Clerk, J. Van Vranken; Attorney, D. Cady Smith.
1870 .- Mayor, Abraham A. Van Voast; Re- corder, Edgar M. Jenkins; Treasurer, John Bradt; Clerk, J. Van Vranken; Attorney, D. Cady Smith.
1871 .- Mayor, William J. Van Horne; Recorder, Edgar M. Jenkins; Treasurer, John Bradt; Clerk, H. W. Dennington ; Attorney, D. Cady Smith.
1872 .- Mayor, William J. Van Horne; Re- corder, Edgar M. Jenkins; Treasurer, John Bradt; Clerk, Howard Barringer; Attorney, J. S. Landon.
1873 .- Mayor, A. W. Hunter; Recorder, Edgar M. Jenkins; Treasurer, John Bradt; Clerk, How- ard Barringer; Attorney, J. S. Landon.
1874 .- Mayor, A. W. Hunter; Recorder, Sam- uel T. Benedict to December 15, 1874, and W. H. Helmer for balance of term; Treasurer, John Bradt; Clerk, H. W. Dennington ; Attorney, E. W. Paige.
1875 .- Mayor, Peter B. Yates; Recorder, Wil- liam Howes Smith; Treasurer, John Bradt; Clerk, H. W. Dennington; Attorney, E. W. Paige.
1876 .- Mayor, Peter B. Yates, who died July 4, 1876, and was succeeded by William Howes Smith, July 11, 1876 ; Recorder, Wm. H. Smith to July 11, 1876, and Benj. L. Conde for balance of term; Treasurer. John Bradt; Clerk, H. W. Denning- ton; Attorney, A. J. Thomson.
1877 .-- Mayor, Wm. Howes Smith; Recorder, Marcus N. Millard ; Treasurer, John Bradt; Clerk, H. W. Dennington; Attorney, A. J. Thomson.
1878 .- Mayor, Wm. Howes Smith; Recorder, Marcus N. Millard; Treasurer, John Bradt; Clerk, H. W. Dennington; Attorney, A. J. Thomson.
1879. - Mayor. Joseph B. Graham; Recorder, Marcus N. Millard; Treasurer, John Bradt; Clerk, H. W. Dennington; Attorney, S. W. Jackson.
1880 .- Mayor, Joseph B. Graham; Recorder, Marcus N. Millard; Treasurer, John Bradt, who died January 31, 1881, and was succeeded by appointment for balance of the year by H. W. Dennington ; Clerk, H. W. Dennington to Feb- ruary 8, 1881, and E. E. Kreigsman for balance of term; Attorney, S. W. Jackson.
1881 .- Mayor, A. A. Van Voast; Recorder, Henry S. De Forest ; Treasurer, H. W. Denning- ton; Clerk, E. E. Kreigsman; Attorney, S. W. Jackson.
1882 .- Mayor, A. A. Van Voast; Recorder, Henry S. De Forest; Treasurer, H. W. Denning- ton; Clerk, E. E. Kreigsman; Attorney, S. W. Jackson.
1883 .- Mayor, John Young; Recorder, H. S. De Forest ; Treasurer, H. W. Dennington; Clerk, James Hanley, Jr. ; Attorney, A. J. Thomson.
1884 .- Mayor, John Young; Recorder, H. S. De Forest ; Treasurer, H. W. Dennington ; Clerk, James Hanley, Jr. : Attorney, A. J. Thomson.
1885 .- Mayor, Henry S. De Forest ; Recorder, James H. Flinn; Treasurer, H. W. Dennington; Clerk, Horatio G. Glen ; Attorney, A. J. Thom- son.
70
HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY.
JOHN BRADT.
JOHN BRADT was born in Schenectady, January 24, 1822. His father, Peter Bradt, died as the re- sult of an accident in the younger years of his son, and the latter was thrown upon his own exertions in early life. His education was purely a business one, but he was of such a practical turn of mind that he utilized it with wonderful success, early displaying much sagacity in the settlement of his father's estate. When quite a young man he became confidential clerk and agent of Hon. Henry Yates, of the firm of Yates & MeEntyre, New York. and in this position he developed those qualities which marked him as a correct business man and successful financier, laying the founda- tion of his future monetary success.
On the decease of Mr. Yates, Mr. Bradt, then only about twenty-three years old, became execu- tor and trustee of his vast estate. In this capacity he had entire charge of all affairs of the estate, which necessarily involved transactions in several States of the Union. Several years were consumed in reaching a final settlement, during which Mr. Bradt attended to the interests intrusted to him with a fidelity that won the admiration of all in- terested persons.
He now returned to Schenectady, which was his permanent home. Without solicitation on his part, or opposition from any quarter, he was ap- pointed Treasurer of the Canal Board, a position which he held several years. August 2, 1859, he was appointed Treasurer of the City of Schenec- tady, to succeed Frederick Clute, Jr. April 2, 1860, he was elected to the same position and re- elected each successive term until his death. In an official point of view his name was long a household word in Schenectady. He held this responsible trust longer than any other incumbent of the treasurer's office. The office was conferred term after term on that sound principle, so rarely acted upon, that the office should seek the man, not the man the office, and was a testimonial of the public confidence in his strict integrity and re- markable financial ability. One who knew him well wrote : "Could it have been possible or right to have extended his sphere of usefulness, we verily believe he would have made an excellent Secre- tary of the Treasury, or of the Department of the Interior, in the general government." An indefatig- able worker, he was always found in his office at- tending to his duties, for he believed that, once elevated to a public trust, it was incumbent on him to discharge all duties faithfully and impartially. A Democrat, and markedly consistent as such, he was no politician, and never indulged in heated discussions upon public affairs.
In his private business relations Mr. Bradt was successful, and he was at the same time so upright in all his dealings as to win the confidence of all with whom he came in contact. His operations were conducted methodically, and with foresight and sagacity. He made such judicious investments in real property that he came to be regarded as one of the chief real estate owners of the city. He was
looked upon as the best posted authority in regard to local real estate values. His skill as an ac- countant was well known, and his services were often sought by eminent lawyers and jurists throughout the State in the settlement of tedious and difficult litigation suits. From time to time he was entrusted with the settlement of several estates. As a landlord he was always kind and forbearing to the poor, and under a quiet, unex- pressive exterior, those who knew him best dis- cerned a generous, unassuming nature.
In 1854, Mr. Bradt married Miss Margaret A. Hover, of Schenectady. He died suddenly Janu- ary 31, 1881, leaving a widow and four children. His only daughter is the wife of Henry McMullen. The other children are sons. His name will long have a place in the memory of the leading business and professional men of this section, and its place in the history of Schenectady is one of proud eminence.
POLICE.
In the early history of Schenectady, before it was incorporated as a city, it devolved upon the Jus- tices of the Peace, appointed by the Governor, to see that peace and order were maintained, and they had power to appoint certain persons whose duty it was to arrest and report to the Justices all offend- ers against the laws.
In 1788 a law was passed by the Legislature giving the Justices of the Peace authority to appoint six night watchmen and an officer from the citizens residing in the township of Schenectady south- ward from the Mohawk River and not more than three-quarters of a mile from the Dutch Church. These persons so selected were required to keep watch and guard in their turn in such manner and time as the Justices directed. Only one watchman was on duty at a time. The Justices prescribed the rules and regulations to govern the watchmen, and a fine was imposed on any officer neglecting his duty. This was the first regular police service in- stituted at Schenectady.
This manner of appointing night watchmen was repealed when the charter of Schenectady was adopted.
In the act incorporating the city of Schenectady, passed March 26, 1798, the Common Council was given power to designate the number of constables to be elected in each ward. From and up to the present date one constable was elected in each ward, and to them was given the same powers in criminal actions now possessed by the policemen. There was no regular salary attached to this office. The only pay received for services consisted of regularly prescribed fees.
June 17, 1817, the number of night watchmen was increased to eight. They were appointed by the Common Council and were placed under the direction of two Superintendents, also appointed by the Common Council. The Superintendents had entire supervision of the watchmen, prescribing the rules and regulations governing them and the time each should serve. Only two watchmen were on duty at a time. When on patrol, the watchmen
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CITY OF SCHENECTADY .- POLICE.
carried a staff five feet long, and were obliged to be on duty from nine o'clock in the evening until day- break. At every hour of the night they announced, in an audible voice, the time. These officers were required to maintain the peace and see that the laws were enforced and obeyed. A watch-house was provided for the imprisonment of all offenders against the law.
March 10, 1815, a law was passed by the Legis- lature, creating a Board of Magistrates, consisting of two persons selected by the Common Council from the Aldermen or Justices of the Peace, who were empowered to attend to the relief of the poor and to punish petty offences committed within the city limits. They were required to receive the report of the night watchman every morning and to proceed to the examination of all persons appre- hended by the watchman. The Common Council
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