USA > New York > Schenectady County > History of the County of Schenectady, N. Y., from 1662 to 1886... > Part 26
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"JELLIS A. FONDA, "W. Master."
Thus appropriately closes this valuable record of the last meeting of the last year of the last century.
The minutes of the lodge are preserved in full until the close of the year 1804, when there seems to have been a disagreement between a large num- ber of the lodges in the interior and those in the
city of New York and its vicinity, which resulted in a disruption of the ties between them. In common with the lodges with which it had sided in the questions in dispute, which seem to have been little more than "Where shall the meetings of the Grand Lodge be held-in New York or Albany?" St. George's Lodge was declared by the Grand Lodge to have forfeited "its Masonic privileges," and its members were expelled from the order.
From this time the records are imperfect, until 1822, when the lodge was formally reinstated to full Masonic standing, and a new charter granted to Henry Yates as Worshipful Master; Samuel Farns- worth, Senior Warden; and John McMichael, Junior Warden. This charter bore the signature of Daniel D. Tompkins, then Vice-President of the United States, as Grand Master.
From this time to 1834 the records, and even the charter of 1822, are lost, and it would seem that the meetings were either entirely intermitted or but seldom held. This period was that dark one in the history of Masonry in America which fol- lowed the Morgan excitement, when most of the lodges in the State were broken up and the order proscribed.
From 1834, however, complete sets of the minutes are preserved, from which it appears that a dispensation was granted by the Grand Lodge, bearing date January 5, 1844, and that on the eighth day of June, 1844, a new charter was granted, naming Giles F. Yates as Worshipful Mas- ter; Roswell Perry, Senior Warden; and Jonathan C. Burnham, Junior Warden. Under this charter St. George's Lodge now works, and is to-day in a very prosperous and flourishing condition. In 1868 the temple on Church street was erected, making one of the finest and most complete Masonic build- ings in the State.
OFFICERS FOR 1885 .- Bro. T. Low Barhydt, Master ; Bro. John S. White, S. Warden ; Bro. P. M. Doty, J. Warden ; W. Bro. W. Scott Hunter, Treasurer; Bro. Thompson Dealtry, Secretary; Bro. Charles E. Palmer, S. Deacon ; Bro. Frank Will- iamson, J. Deacon ; Bro. Rev. E. L. Toy, Chap- lain ; R. W. Bro. John Keyes Paige, Organist ; Bro. Charles Hausmer, Physician ; Bro. G. A. Wendell, S. M. of Cer .; Bro. E. King, J. M. of Cer. ; Bros. J. Teller Schoolcraft and John S. Swits, Stewards ; Bro. S. Abrams, Tiler; G. G. Maxon, S. W. Jackson and John M. Wendell, Trustees.
NEW HOPE LODGE, NO. 730 .- New Hope Lodge was founded November 30, 1872. For a number of years meetings of this lodge were held in Van Horne's Hall, on State street ; recent years, Odd- fellows Hall, in the Ellis building, on State street, has been used for that purpose.
OFFICERS FOR 1875 .- W. Bro. Charles Baum, Master ; H. M. Stanton, S. Warden ; W. C. Campbell, J. Warden ; W. H. Helmer, Treasurer ; James L. Foote, Secretary ; W. P. Daley, S. Deacon ; Wm. J. Rosekranz, J. Deacon ; D. W. Walpole, S. M. of Cer,; Simon Schermerhorn, J. M, of Cer .; G. E. McDonald, M. D., Physician ;
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117
CITY OF SCHENECTADY .- TEMPERANCE.
Fred. Reaber, Marshal ; E. E. Kreigsman, R. T. Butler and D. Allen, Finance Committee ; R. T. Butler, Tiler.
ST. GEORGE'S CHAPTER, NO. 157, R. A. M., was installed in 1856. Officers for 1885 : M. E. Comp. John H. White, High Priest ; W. Scott Hunter, E. King ; T. Low Barhydt, E. Scribe ; W. H. Peck- ham, Treasurer ; W. G. Helmer, Secretary.
ST. GEORGE'S COMMANDERY, NO. 37, K. T., was instituted 1866. Officers for 1885 : E. Sir W. H. Helmer, Commander ; George Buskerk, Gen- eralissimo ; John H. White, Captain-General ; F. Williamson, Prelate ; Geo. Weller, S. Warden ; John J. Fenwick, J. Warden ; H. H. Swart, Treasurer ; W. H. Peckham, Recorder.
TEMPERANCE.
The earliest trace of united temperance work in Schenectady is that of the State Temper- ance Society, organized in 1828 by E. C. Delavan and Dr. Eliphalet Nott. July 8, 1830, an auxiliary society, the "Schenectady City Society for the Promotion of Temperance," was formed. The pledge did not cover the use of malt liquors, but "distilled spirituous liquors, except as a medicine in case of bodily infirmity." The officers were: President, Peter I. Clute; Secretary, James Ma- goffin; Treasurer, Joel C. Bailey; Directors, Jon- athan Crane, George McQueen, Jabez Ward and Obed Chandler. The Reverends E. Mason (Pres- byterian), Coles Carpenter (M. E.), Jacob Van Vechten (First Reformed), and Mr. Gillett (Bap- tist), and Dr. Nott and Mr. Delavan, were also members. By 1832, through the efforts of Mr. Crane and others, 27 auxiliary societies (which in- cluded one colored) had been formed. Union College also organized one at this time. During the year last named the city society had a mem- bership of 2,013 males, 421 females. Lectures were occasionally delivered by Prof. Alonzo Pot- ter, Dr. Nott, Reverends Stebbins, Gillett, Van Vechten and Hon. A. L. Linn, and Messrs. Pol- lard and Wright, of Baltimore, John B. Gough, and Judge McQueen. Dr. Fonda and Dr. Nott were the last survivors of this organization. Its efforts practically ceased in 1846.
The Washingtonian movement gained a foothold and flourished for a few years during the existence of the city society.
From 1847 to 1867 but little public work was done, but in the latter year the "Sons of Temper- ance " instituted a division, which is now extinct. In 1868 the Good Templars organized their first lodge here, which did good work until 1880, when it too became practically lifeless.
The Independent Order of Rechabites never gained a foothold here. The Father Mathew movement of 1850, which was originated by the Catholics, succeeded in gaining many converts.
In September, 1876, the "Schenectady Tem- perance Society" was formed, with the following officers: President, J. Charles Lawton; Vice-Presi- dent, Dr. L. Faust; Secretary, Henry Swan; Treas- urer, Peter Chrisler. Articles for the press were
written by Prof. Wells, of Union College; Prof. Halsey, Classical Institute; Revs. W. J. Heath and Northorp and Mr. Chrisler. October 19th a Reform Club was organized, and the 31st of the month was merged with the "Schenectady Tem- perance Society," and these changed to the " An- cient City Temperance Society."
In June, 1880, Peter Chrisler was successful in having the official board of the M. E. Church adopt a resolution discontinuing the use of fer- mented or alcoholic wine at the communion, and during the same year he organized the "M. E. Church Temperance Society."
July 11, 1878, internal dissensions in the " An- cient City " order resulted in a new society, taking the old name, "Schenectady Temperance Society, with Mr. Chrisler as President.
October 31, 1878, the two societies united, under the name of " Christian Temperance Union," with Jethro W. Chute as President.
The "Women's Christian Temperance Union" was organized in March, 1878, Mrs. Dr. Nott, President, and in July the "Children's Temper- ance Society" was instituted, all the societies meeting in the same room.
January 29, 1880, a new departure was taken by the society. Good Templarism ideas were fol- lowed, and " Ancient City Lodge, 174," formed. No organization since 1830 or 1867 has been so successful. In March, 1884, there were 1, 130 members, making it the banner lodge of the State. At the County Lodge, held April 1, 1885, it re- ported 895 members.
HENRY RAMSAY.
The subject of this sketch was born in Guilder- land, Albany County, N. Y., May 18, 1808. He spent the first six years of his life in the vicinity of his birthplace, after which his parents removed to Albany. At this early age he entered the first Lancaster School in the United States, then recent- ly opened in Albany by William Anderson Tweed Dale, under the personal supervision of Joseph Lancaster, the founder of the system.
In 1823, with three others, he was promoted to the Albany Academy, a high mark of honor con- ferred on pupils of the Lancaster School who had shown themselves specially meritorious in behav- ior and scholarship, and which entitled them to a free course of instruction at the Academy. Young Ramsay rapidly advanced in his studies, and by orderly conduct and close attention gained the esteem and confidence of the Faculty and Trustees, who, as a signal mark of favor, informed him, after a term of two years, that he could remain as long as he pleased, free of tuition. But the painful ne- cessity of depending for support upon the daily labor of an aged father, constrained the youth to leave the Academy in 1826.
He immediately became an assistant teacher in the Lancaster School, under his former instructor, Mr. Dale. In this position he remained nearly a year, performing his work most satisfactorily to the management of the school and its patrons. But
118
HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY.
ALITTLE
Henry Ramsay
the care and labor proved too severe for mind and body, and he was obliged to seek rest and recrea- tion in the country. Becoming sufficiently recu- perated, the following year he accepted the charge of a school in Glenville, Schenectady County, and the same year he returned to Albany and ac- cepted the appointment of book-keeper in French Webster's hardware store, located on the site of the present post-office.
This position did not meet the ambition of the young man, and he determined to seek future advancement in the great city of New York. Here he arrived in 1829, without money and with- out friends, not knowing a single person to whom he might apply for aid and assistance. He en- countered all the discouragements and difficulties so many deserving young men similarly placed have experienced in securing employment in the metropolis. For a short time Benjamin C. Wat- son gave shelter and assistance to our young friend, and secured for him a position as clerk in the land
office of Isaac M. Woolley, at the small salary of $10 per month and board.
While a student at the Albany Academy, young Ramsay became very proficient in penmanship and map-drawing, and gained valuable knowledge of the art of surveying. These various accomplish- ments served him most advantageously while in the employ of Mr. Woolley, who was quick to utilize the talents of his young clerk in drawing and copying maps as needed in the transaction of the business of his office. So well did young Ram- say execute this work, that maps drawn by him and exhibited in the real estate sale-rooms of the old Merchants' Exchange attracted general attention for their excellence. Among those who were at- tracted by the ability of Mr. Woolley's clerk, were John C. Morrison, Dr. Van Soligen and Mr. Parker, author of "Parker's Arithmetic," who induced young Ramsay to open an office, under promise of immediate patronage. Accordingly in 1830 he opened an office in an attic bedroom in Greenwich
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CITY OF SCHENECTADY .- HENRY RAMSAY.
street. His ability soon gained for him the friend- ship and patronage of influential citizens. Phi- lologus Holley, who proved a most valuable friend at this period, in return for such services as he could render him, gave him office room in his of- fice in Carmine street. While at Holley's he be- came acquainted with John Lewis, the confidential clerk of the celebrated Col. Aaron Burr, and by the latter he was frequently employed in making surveys, maps and plans of buildings.
Reuben Spencer, a city surveyor, at this time occasionally employed young Ramsay to assist him in making surveys "on the Island," and in return allowed him to use his instruments when he could find a job for himself.
This soon brought him into prominence, which resulted in his securing a lucrative business, and in bringing his sterling worth into public recognition. During this period he met Miss Isabelle Wester- velt, eldest daughter of Jacob Westervelt, then Sheriff of New York County, whom he married May 17, 1831, and soon accepted the appointment of book-keeper in the Merchants' Exchange Bank, but shortly after became deputy sheriff under his father-in-law, which position he retained under the latter's successor, John Hillyer ; and after an inter- val of two of Hillyer's successors, was appointed to the position again, under his wife's uncle, John J. V. Westervelt.
In 1836, Mr. Ramsay, by prudence and econ- omy, had amassed sufficient means to gratify his desire for the quietude of country life, and accord- ingly removed to Schenectady in this year, pur- chasing fourteen acres of land, including his pres- ent homestead at the head of State street. At this time there were but two small frame buildings upon the property, which, at the present, has be- come one of the most eligible building sites in the city, upon which have been erected more than eighty buildings, including the State Armory. Af- ter making some improvements on his property, Mr. Ramsay again returned to New York to accept a situation offered by his brother. Here he re- mained for nearly four years, returning to Schenec- tady in 1839.
At this time Mr. Ramsay resolved to perma- nently adopt the profession of surveyor and engi- neer, for which his early training and experience peculiarly fitted him. In 1842 he received the appointment of chief engineer on the Mohawk and Hudson Railroad between Albany and Schenec- tady. At this time, the expenses of operating the two stationary powers at the heads of the inclined planes at the two cities nearly exhausted the re- ceipts of the road, and rendered the construction of new sections to supersede the inclined planes ab- solutely necessary. This difficult work was Mr. Ramsay's maiden professional effort, and was ac- complished without a single adverse occurrence or the interruption of a single train. He was made assistant engineer of the Erie Canal enlargement, his section extending from Little Falls to the tower aqueduct. While engaged in this work, he was appointed Resident Engineer of the Seneca River Survey and Triangulations, from the Monte-
zuma Marshes to the foot of Jack's Reef. His ad- ministration of this office was so satisfactory, that, December 10, 1853, he was appointed, without solicitation, State Engineer and Surveyor.
In 1853, he was chosen by the Board of State Officers to locate the wharf or water-line of New- town Creek and East River. In 1844-5-6, he was engaged by Eugene and Montgomery Liv- ingston in defining the subdivision of the great Hardenburg Patents, which he accomplished with much difficulty and danger during the " anti-rent" craze in Ulster and Delaware Counties. Mr. Ram- say has held the position of City Surveyor by ap- pointment for several terms, though he has never taken an active interest in politics, and in 1852 he received the Democratic nomination for Mayor of the city, which, for private reasons, was declined, although equivalent to an election. After the close of his State service, Mr. Ramsay received the ap- pointment of Chief Engineer of the United States Petroleum Company, at Pithole, Venango County, Penn., and on Duck Creek, Ohio, driving the first stake in the oil enterprise on the Thomas Holmden farm. He remained, making surveys during the oil excitement in this remarkable re- gion, until he terminated his professional services in 1866-7.
In 1867, he began preparations to carry out a long cherished plan, which, he says, "had been the dream of my youth and hope of my age-to visit Europe, Egypt, Palestine and Syria," hoping thus not only to gain needed recreation and rest, but more especially to satisfy the natural craving of his mind to visit places and scenes associated with ancient Biblical lore. On May 1, 1869, he sailed for Scotland, and at Glasgow began a tour of the wonderful places of the Old World, which, as described in his graphic and intelligent lan- guage, would fill a volume of valuable and instruc- tive material for the students of ancient history.
Most of the time consumed by Mr. Ramsay's journey abroad was spent in Egypt and the Holy Land. Here his devout nature was inspired and filled with reverence, as he visited and trod over places and scenes made sacred and ever to be revered as associated with the lives of the early pa- triarchs, and as connected with the life and history of our Savior. Only those personally acquainted with this venerable gentleman, and who have heard him relate with a remarkably intelligent compre- hension, aided by a most retentive memory, can fully realize how thorough was his research in this interesting portion of the world.
Since his return home he has frequently been called upon to deliver lectures upon the subject of his travels, and whenever he has complied has been highly appreciated.
Up to this period of Mr. Ramsay's biography we have given but the mere outlines, without much comment, of the chief events of his remarkably suc- cessful and active life. His struggles and successes as a poor boy, without assistance, family prestige, or influential friends, furnish an example of what pluck, brains and honesty can do on the great stage of life, and is an incentive to every young man
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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY.
struggling with adverse fortune. His success was not the result of what the world calls "good luck." He went to the city of New York at an early period to be sure, but even then there was no place in this country where competition was stronger, and where any young man without influential personal friends would be less sure of winning success, ex- cept upon true and proved merit. Here young Ramsay, by application, hard work, perseverance and honesty, won not only the nucleus of a com- fortable fortune, but, what is better still, the sincere respect and esteem of all who knew him. Mr. Ramsay early became attached to a Christian church and through a long career has been active in pro- moting all matters pertaining to church work, and by action and deeds has led a consistent Christian life.
Mr. Ramsay's domestic relations have been of the most pleasant nature. His wife, who shared the trials and struggles of his early days and wit- nessed the successes and triumphs of his later years, still remains his congenial partner in his declining years. Ten children have been the result of their union, nine of whom are still living. Mr. Ramsay has always felt much indebted to the Albany Acad- emy, and considers that the instruction there re- ceived had much to do with his success in life. In 1883, out of friendship, if not as a debt of grati- tude, he endowed this institution of learning with the sum of $1,000, to be used for the permanent establishment of the Henry Ramsay Scholarship, to aid poor and deserving young men to obtain an education.
Mr. Ramsay has ever been a progressive, public- spirited citizen, and has taken a keen and active interest in everything pertaining to educational matters. He himself has been a careful, pains- taking student of history, men and passing events, and now, in his seventy-eighth year, enjoys good health and a high degree of intellectual vigor. In this city, his adopted home, where he is best known, he is justly honored for his sterling worth and integrity of character, and is quietly enjoying the remaining years of a well-earned repose, sur- rounded by family, kindred and friends.
EDUCATIONAL .- OLD MASTERS.
" Full well they laughed, with counterfeited glee, At all his jokes, for many a joke had he ; Full well the busy whisper circling round Conveyed the dismal tidings when he frowned." GOLDSMITH's "Deserted Village."
Chronologically arranged, and as accurately as is now possible, the early school-teachers of Schenec- tady are given below. These all, as will be seen, ante-date any organized State school system. Education in the things taught from books in those days was of minor importance. The school- master was a curious combination of ignorance and of a little learning. Oftener than not to his profession he joined one of the homely but useful trades, generally cobbling. Sobriety was consid- ered commendable, but it was no noteworthy thing for the " master " to indulge' all too freely
during his hours of freedom from the school-room. Physical propulsion, conveyed by the impressive whip, was thought a wise way of inducing into the mind of the young scholar a proper understanding of his studies ; though, even then, there were some eccentric fathers who surmised that the best road to a boy's brain was not to be found at the sharpest end of a whip.
The first school was opened here by Peter Tassermaker, the first pastor of the First Dutch Church, who was killed by the Indians when Schenectady was burned in 1690.
In 1725, Peter Feeling, the grandfather of Mrs. John Clark, was teaching here.
The following is a copy of the oldest school-bill extant in Schenectady :
Mr. Jno. R. Schermerhorn to Thos. Nielson, Dr.
4 s. d.
Schooling 2 children from ye 17th April, 1738, to ye 21 November, being 7 months .. 8 7 I
Schooling 2 children from ye 21st April, 1739, to ye last December, Being 8 mo. 1 13 4
2 Psalters. 5 0
£3 6 II
Abatement for ye children Being at Home at Harvest. 6 11
Due ... .£3 0 0
SCHENECTADY, ye mo. March, 1739-40.
There appeared before me, Nicholas Schuyler, Esq., one of his Majestie's Justices of ye Peace for ye County of Albany, ye above Thomas Neilson, and made oath on ye Holy evangelist of Almighty God, that ye above acct. according to the Best of his Knowledge is a Just and Fair account Jurat Corma made. THOS. NEILSON.
NICH. SCHUYLER.
On the reverse side of which is :
Recd. from Mr. R. Schermerhorn, three pounds, New York Currency, Being the full Contents of the Acct. on the other side, and is in full of Debts, Accts. and Demands Whatsoever to this 24th March, 1739-40.
I say recd. by me,
THOS. NEILSON.
Witnesseth : ANNA WENDOL.
£3
In 1755, Caleb Beck ; in 1757, William John- son, the "dominie;" and from 1759 to 1763, Hendrick Hausen, were schoolmasters; and by a bill dated 7th April, 1762, we learn that Mr. Matthew Lyne was then master, and for the years 1760-4-5-6 bills were also rendered by him : "I year, {2 2s.," and " 1 yr. 9 mo., £3 3s." In 1766 Richard Oliver was teacher, and from 1765 to 1768 Andrie Johnson received from 2 to 4 shillings per month for his services. From an account rendered by Peter Sparling to Ryer
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CITY OF SCHENECTADY .- EDUCATIONAL.
Schermerhorn, and paid 13th March, 1767, it ap- pears that Mr. Schermerhorn paid for "6} months day and 5 months night school, at 16s. per quarter," the sum of {3 os. 4d. for his son John ; that "syphering " cost the same amount per quarter; and that to his other qualifications Master Sparling added that of a spinner, receiving 2s. a pound for "spinning 11 lb." In 1769, George Passage, "shoe- maker and schoolmaster, " was paid 2s. 6d. per week for his services as teacher. In 1770 Hendrick Hausen is again master, and in the same year George Passage renders a long account, amounting to {15 10s. 8d. to Reyer Schermerhorn, for mend- ing and making shoes, boots and pumps, for in- structing " his son Bartholomew in the cordwaning trade." In 1771 William Andrews, who was a cate- chist among the Mohawk Indians and missionary, and first rector of St. George's Church, opened a grammar school. In 1772-3 "William Johnson was shoemaker and schoolmaster." Patrons of the school needed a little urging to pay their school-bills, as the following will show, though, as has already appeared, the receiver of this polite request had not been remiss with previous bills :
"Mr. Schermerhorn, Sir : When I broke up school at New Ark, this spring, I sent my acct. by your son Richard, the amount of which was £5 2s. 8d. As I have heard nothing from you since, should be glad if you would order the pay- ment of it in New York, either to Mr. Cobham, at the great Dock, or Mr. Quakenbush, or where else it may suit you, and please to advise me of the same by a Letter directed to William Haddon, Elizabeth Town, and you will oblige, Sir,
Your very h'ble serv't, WILLIAM HADDON.
New York, June 9, 1772."
In 1773 Dominie Miller was master, and on October 5th of the same year, Master P. H. Raworth made out a bill for "one quarter's schooling at 13s," on which he had received "one Load of Wood, at 3s. 6d." William Wellman, master, writes in August, 1773, to one of his patrons : "I would be verry glad if you Could let me have that Trifle, as I am very much in want, for your Boy Schooling, from the 23 of Apriel to the 28 of July, which is one quarter, 9s."
In 1774, Francis Rawert (Raworth), as is shown by a bill he then makes out, and in May, 1775, Mr. Fletcher, were teachers. Ph. Ryley renders . an account, in 1776, of {1 13s. for his services as teacher, which is offset by a bill of fourteen items, in which "cash " is charged three times and " rum " eleven times, bringing the bibulous pro- fessor's demand down to nine shillings. A year later Master Ryley has another account of {2 8s., and this is reduced by offsets to eight shillings, but to his credit be it said, that the word "rum " is not so frequent. In 1779-80, "Mr. Martin kept a school in a house standing then between the house of C. Vibbard and Dr. A. G. Fonda, on the north side of Union street." In 1780, John Clute, and from 1783 to 1785, Edward Johnson, taught school.
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