USA > New York > Schenectady County > History of the County of Schenectady, N. Y., from 1662 to 1886... > Part 32
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was conducted by wooden pipes through the main streets at that date. In 1835, this system of water supply seems to have become inadequate for the needs of the city, for in that year an act was passed by the Legislature, empowering the corporation of Schenectady to build a new water-works. Water at this time was obtained by means of a spring on Engine Hill. The pipes were simply logs, with a hole bored through them of a diameter of about two to three inches. For many years this sys- tem was in use. Even a small portion above the canal was in use a few years before the present works were constructed. During the excavation made for the present water system, the pipes of the first works were unearthed, and in many cases found to be in a comparatively preserved condi- tion.
THE SCHENECTADY WATER COMPANY .- In 1865, an act was passed by the Legislature incorporating the present Schenectady Water Company. The first directors named in the act were : William Van Vranken, George G. Maxon, D. Cady Smith, John W. Veeder, Simon C. Groot, Benjamin F. Potter, and T. W. McCamus. The capital stock was lim- ited to $80,000. At a meeting of the directors, shortly after the passage of the act, William Van Vranken was elected President, T. W. McCamus, Vice-President, and D. Cady Smith, Treasurer and Secretary. This, and the following year, ineffec- tual efforts were made to secure sufficient capital to construct the works.
In 1867, a few of the citizens of Schenectady, be- lieving that the city should own its own water- works, secured the passage of an act, which created William . Van Vranken, William J. Van . Horne, . John C. Ellis, G. G. Maxon, and Andrew McMullen, Water Commissioners. These com- missioners were empowered to consider all matters relative to supplying the city with water, to furnish estimates and plans for the construction of water- works to the Common Council; which plans, upon the approval of the Common Council, were to be submitted to the resident taxpayers for their approval or rejection.
The Water Commissioners did agree upon a plan of construction, which was submitted and approved by the Common Council ; but when the subject came before the taxpayers some time in the follow- ing May, it was overwhelmingly voted down.
The failure of the people's consent to the con- struction of a city water-works, again brought into active existence the company formed in 1865. In 1869, this company, which had not forfeited its corporate rights, reorganized, by the election of Charles Stanford, President, and William Van Vranken, Treasurer and Secretary. At the reor- ganization all of the capital stock was subscribed, and the construction of the works commenced the following year, and was completed in 1871. The sys- tem adopted is known as the Holley system. The pumping-house is situated at the lower end of Ferry street, adjoining the river. The water is pumped from a large cistern or well, 114 x 6 feet, built under the ground near the margin of the river. The walls of this well are dry, permitting the filtering
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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY.
of water from the river into the well, while over the top is an arched covering composed of brick and cement. Around the walls is a course of gravel and sand, which has a tendency to purify the water before it reaches the well. A conductor pipe, three feet square and one hundred feet long, ex- tends from the well, along and under the bed, out into the middle of the river. The end of this pipe is protected by a perforated sheet of iron.
In 1872 the works were in active operation, and have been ever since. During 1872, a contract was made by this company, with the city, to furnish water for the extinguishment of fires. Since the adoption of this system, much valuable property has been saved and no fire has extended beyond the building in which it originated, and the losses by fire have been proportionately less than at any other corresponding period of the city's history.
In 1871 only nine miles of pipe and 100 fire hydrants were constructed; at present over fourteen miles of pipe have been laid and 140 hydrants fur- nished.
The capital of this company was increased to $100,000 in 1871.
The present officersare : Charles Stanford, Pres- ident and Treasurer ; Charles Stanford, Jr., Sec- retary. Directors : Charles Stanford, G. G. Maxon, Charles G. Ellis, John McEncroe, Wm. Van Vranken, Edward Ellis, and Charles Stanford, Jr.
GAS-WORKS.
In 1852, a company, composed entirely of capi- talists outside of this city, built the first gas-works ever constructed in Schenectady. This company subsequently sold the concern to Abell Smith and James R. Craig. Afterwards it was sold at public auction to Gershom Banker, who conducted it until 1872, when two-thirds interest in it was pur- chased by Charles Stanford and William Van Vranken. Shortly after, Mr. Banker's interest was sold to John McEncroe. The works have since been operated and controlled by these three gentlemen.
The capital of the company is $100,000, and the works are capable of producing yearly, 11,000, 000 cubic feet of gas.
ROBERT CLEMENT, who for over thirty years was superintendent of the gas-works, was born in Bel- fast, Ireland, in 1824. He died in 1883. Mr. Clement was a citizen widely known and esteemed, being a progressive, intelligent and exemplary man. He was largely interested in real estate in this city, and did much to promote the business interests of Schenectady. He was so long and intimately connected with the gas-works in Schenectady, that he may almost be said to have been its real founder; certain it is, that to his intelligent work, much of its present prosperity can be justly attributed.
JOSEPH H. CLEMENT, son of Robert, was born in New York in 1849. He received his education in the public schools. In 1860 he became connected with the Schenectady gas-works and has remained with this company ever since. At present he is superintendent of the works.
CASPER PRATT HOAG.
CASPER PRATT HOAG was born in Troy, N. Y., September 24, 1810. His father was a vessel owner and he was early inured to the dangers and hardships of a seafaring life, which were then many times greater than they are now. Before attaining to his majority he had at times taken charge of his father's vessel, and had made some progress in the acquisition of a practical knowledge of navigation. Soon after that time he accepted a proposition from a merchant who had built a brig for sea service, to take an interest in the vessel and assume the command. He made two voyages to the Gulf of Mexico, and two to Europe, Madeira and the Canary Islands. After Mr. Hoag's return to New York from the last of these, he and his partner leased the brig to the Brazilian Government to make a voyage to South America, from which she returned in due time newly rigged and in excellent order, having lost her masts, rigging and sails in a tornado, and been refitted at the Isle of St. Thomas at an expense of about $9,000.
In the meantime, Mr. Hoag had married the youngest daughter of Peter I. Clute, of Schenectady, and had determined to abandon the sea and engage in business at Schenectady in partnership with his brother-in-law. His partner in the ownership of the brig consented to a proposition looking to this end very reluctantly, and after many vain endeavors to persuade Mr. Hoag to reconsider his determina- tion.
The brig was sold to the Brazilian Govern- ment, and Mr. Hoag relinquished forever an avoca- tion which had been the means of his visiting many remote and interesting portions of the world, which had many charms for him, and in which he had met many appalling dangers which, if we had space to relate them, would form one of the most inter- esting portions of this volume. In partnership with C. C. Clute, he purchased five lots in Sche- nectady and erected a mill, thus establishing a busi- ness which the two owned and managed co-jointly for three years, at the expiration of which time, by purchase of his brother-in-law's interest, Mr. Hoag became sole proprietor. He continued the busi- ness with considerable success, gradually increas- ing it until 1845, when, on July 25th, the mill was destroyed by fire. Mr. Hoag's energy is no better evidenced than by the fact that within six months he had erected a brick foundry on his property, and began work therein during the following April. This enterprise Mr. Hoag made a success, as he invariably did such enterprises as he connected himself with, continuing its active personal management until 1860, when his health had failed in so marked a degree that his physician advised him to relinquish his confining business entirely, and take a necessary season of rest and recreation. He leased his foundry to a company of Albany men for five years, and devoted himself to the care of his garden, pleasurable pursuits and such gentle exercise as was most conducive to good health, with such results that his physical condition was vastly improved.
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In 1838 he united with the First Reformed Church of Schenectady, and was long officially connected therewith, and one of the most earnest and liberal contributors to its support and advance- ment. When, in the summer of 1860, its house of worship was destroyed by fire, he was one of the foremost in working to save it, and in all measures for its rebuilding took a leading po- sition, and was a member of its Building Commit- tee. Under their supervision, the erection of a stone edifice of the Netherland Gothic style was begun in October, 1860, and completed in Jan- uary, 1863.
Since his retirement from business in 1860, Mr. Hoag has not re-entered the manufacturing business in any of its branches; but he has been, as he was previously, prominently identified with several of Schenectady's leading commercial inter- ests. He was a stockholder in the Mohawk Bank, and for twenty-two years, until his resignation about a year ago, a Director in the Schenectady Bank. At various times other important interests have com- manded his co-operation. During the past twenty years, the general confidence in his honor and business ability have been attested by his adminis- tration of two estates, and his closing out of two others by power of attorney. One of these estates required six years of his time in its settlement, and was divided among thirty-five heirs to their general satisfaction. The settlement of another one of them, the real estate of which was located in Michigan and Delaware, consumed five years of Mr. Hoag's careful attention.
Since the organization of the Republican party, Mr. Hoag has been identified with it ; prior to that time he was a Whig, holding principles nearly akin to those of the earlier Republicans. He has represented his ward in the City Government several times as Alderman, and some years ago was chosen Mayor, to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of an incumbent of that office. His administra- tion of all trusts, private, public, commercial and political, has been marked by the uprightness and careful intelligence which have characterized him through life. He is one of the many self-made men of Schenectady, and one of the few who stand as connecting links between the Schenectady of fifty years ago and the Schenectady of to-day. Now in his seventy-fifth year, in the enjoyment of good health and a fine intellect, with no wish for worldly honors, made happy by those he loves, he calmly awaits the summons to the reward of a well-spent life.
THE MANUFACTORIES AND INDUSTRIES OF SCHENECTADY.
BROOM CORN .- For half a century Schenectady County produced more broom corn than any other in the State. The New York "Gazetteer," of 1860 and 1872, states that one-half of the entire crop of the State was raised in the county. The introduc- tion of Western corn has reduced the acreage of 1, 500 acres, which it was up to 1880, to one-third that quantity. There will not be over 500 acres planted this year-1885. The soil has become
somewhat exhausted by this long repeated work, and land that formerly gave 900 pounds to the acre will now produce only 550 pounds.
The history of this interest is a large factor to a proper commercial knowledge of our county. While the industry shows a marked decline from its former condition, it is yet one of the largest of its kind in the State.
As all old citizens will remember, the broom of former days was a rude device compared with that of to-day. It was simply a few round bunches of corn sewed on to a stick. George Canfield, who came here from Utica about fifty years ago, was the inventor of the improved "Shaker " broom, the flat broom we now use. Mr. Can- field also invented, about 1850, a seed planter, planting previously being done by hand. He also, ten years later, made a horse planter, which is yet in general use. Mr. Canfield never protecting his contrivances by patent, met with the usual re- sult of inventors, and died a poor man.
THE PIONEER. - The very first grower in the county was Otis Smith, who came here from Con- necticut over fifty years ago. A Mr. Willard, who owned a farm at the west end of the town, had planted two acres on the island. This was the first land ever planted to broom corn on the Mohawk River. After preparing his land, Mr. Willard, not himself a practical corn grower, sent for Mr. Smith to superintend the crop. Smith purchased land until he owned about 125 acres, and raised and manufactured corn until his death in about 1870.
The following list gives the best information at- tainable of the pioneers in this industry, beginning on the north side of the Mohawk River at Sche- nectady, and running thence to Hoffman's Ferry, a distance of ten miles.
NORTH SIDE OF RIVER .- David F. Reese, fifty years ago, owned the islands a mile from the city. known as the Hook Islands. He had 200 to 250 acres, and up to about 1865, the year of his death, was a grower and manufacturer. After his decease, his son Frederick continued the business until his death, some seven or eight years later, when the farm was divided. Mrs. Frederick Reese now owns the Big Island, Hook Island belonging to the Collins family.
Next west to the Reese farm, in Scotia, was that of Charles P. and Edward P. Sanders, who, forty- five years ago, owned 700 acres there, seventy-five of which were devoted to corn. They also manu- factured and continued until about 1870, when they retired, though they still grow some corn. They belong to one of the old families of the county.
The next farm on the west was that of 100 acres, owned by Col. Abraham Toll. He raised and manufactured from about 1840 up to about 1865, when his brother, Charles H., bought it and con- tinued the business for ten years. He then gave it up and became a general farmer.
Next west to the Toll place was seventy-five to eighty acres owned by Reuben Ellwood, who, from about 1845 to 1855, grew and manufactured corn.
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He then removed to Illinois, selling his property to Wm. Cramer, who, up to his death about fifteen years ago, as has his family since, remained in the same business.
Cornelius and Nicholas Velie had fifty acres, next west to Ellwood, forty five years ago. Up to about 1860 they grew and manufactured, when they died, Wm. Haslow becoming owner of the farm. He has continued the business ever since.
Next west of the Velie property was that of Nicholas Brooks, who, forty-five years ago, owned sixty acres there. He grew and manufactured corn for about five years, when David F. Reese rented the farm. In about 1855 Harvey Vedder leased it, and in 1865 Christian F. Seeley bought it. Through all these changes the corn business was kept up. The homestead is now owned by James Wyatt and the balance of the farm by Fred- erick Larbey. No corn is grown now.
Garrett Barhydt owned fifteen to twenty acres, next west to Brooks', thirty years ago, and from that time to date has grown corn.
West of Barhydt's, Wm. Rector began, in about 1845, with thirty-five to forty acres. Has never manufactured, but continues the raising of broom corn.
For thirty years, ending in 1884, Adam H. Swart grew corn upon fifteen acres situate next west to the Rector farm.
Next west to Swart's are forty acres owned by John S. Barhydt, who, fifty years ago, was a grower and manufacturer there: Mr. Barhydt died in 1854, since then his son John has run the farm. He has a manufactory in the city.
Forty years ago Aaron Swart raised corn upon 20 acres next west of Barhydt's. He made a few brooms at first, but soon gave it up. Mr. Swart sold out to Latin Johnson in 1866, and moved to Illinois. Mr. Johnson raised corn until 1884.
Next west to Aaron Swart's is the estate of Philip Vedder, who owned it a century ago. In 1845, Albert H. Vedder began growing corn upon from 40 to 50 acres of the original 150-acre farm. In 1863 he sold 80 acres to Nicholas H. Swart, including the land he had been working. Mr. Swart remained there until 1866, when he sold to Cornelius Van Patten, a grower. Mr. Van Patten died in 1883, leaving the property to his daughter, who shortly afterwards sold it to Bartholomew Clute. No corn is raised there now.
We have traced every farm within the territory specified upon which broom corn was cultivated or brooms made. Next following is given a history of the farms along the ten-mile strip and through the town of Rotterdam on the
SOUTH SIDE OF THE RIVER. - Beginning at Sche- nectady, on the south side of the river, are the Watervliet Shakers, who, when Otis Smith har- vested the first two acres above described, were making preparations to cultivate and manu- facture corn in this county. They came here from New Lebanon, and were the first to make brooms for the Schenectady trade. They leased the Tomilson farm of 90 acres. They already
owned-and still do-60 acres two miles up the river, making, with the Tomilson property, 150 acres, which they planted to corn. Nicholas I. Schermerhorn was their superintendent from 1835 for forty years. In 1850 the Tomilson portion was sold to John Myers, who grew and manufactured up to the year of his death, about 1870. He was a large operator. After his death his family rented the land and manufacturing was stopped. The 60- acre piece was recently leased to John Van Epps.
Nicholas I. Schermerhorn, from about 1840 to 1880, had 90 acres where the Jones Car Company is now located. Mr. Schermerhorn was a large grower, manufacturer and dealer. He bought for years about all the corn grown in Schoharie Valley.
Next west to the Schermerhorn property, fifty years ago, John, Alexander and Jacob Van Epps had 200 acres of land and grew and manufactured. In about 1860 the Van Epps' sold a part of the farm to John Veeder. John Myers subsequently bought out Mr. Veeder, and after the death of Mr. Myers his family continued to grow corn, but no longer manufactured. Jacob Van Epps died about 1860, and John Van Epps, 1868. Alexander now lives in the city and still raises corn upon the homestead, though no brooms have been made there since 1863.
Two brothers, John and Simon Schermerhorn, fifty years ago owned 50 acres next west to the Van Epps' home, and from that time to date have grown corn and made brooms.
Fifty years ago, Nicholas Vrooman and Josiah Van Patten owned 150 acres next west to the Schermerhorns, upon which corn was grown. Forty-five years ago, Nicholas also owned 25 acres there, upon which he grew corn and made brooms until 1880, when his son succeeded to the business. Josiah sold his land to Lewis Clement in about 1873, and is now living in the city. Mr. Clement grows corn. Vrooman Van Patten is yet living on his farm, his son, Abram, growing corn and mak- ing brooms there.
Next west to Van Patten's, forty years ago, An- thony H. Van Slyke owned 50 acres. He died in about 1865. Corn was cultivated and a few brooms made. His sons, John and Harmon Van Slyke, own the farm, and until 1882 grew some corn. In that year they leased the land, upon which corn is still cultivated.
Abram A. Bradt, next west to Van Slyke's, in 1845 cultivated 25 acres; he also made brooms. After his death, in about 1882, Harvey Bradt took possession and in 1883-4 corn was grown. From 1870 to 1883, Harvey Bradt had quite an extensive manufactory in the city.
In 1835, Simon Maybee, next west to Bradt's, cultivated 15 to 20 acres, continuing until about 1870, the year of his death. Jacob Maybee then grew corn there for about five years.
In 1845, Aaron Bradt cultivated 30 acres next west to Maybee's. He died about 1860, and Francis Bradt grew corn and made a few brooms.
Next west was the 35-acre piece of Abram N. Bradt, who, in 1835, grew corn there. He died
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in about 1880, and was succeeded by his son, Simon Bradt, who continued until 1883, the year of his death. The property was bequeathed to his nephew, Abram A. Bradt, who now lives there and grows some corn.
Nicholas Bradt has cultivated twenty acres next west for fifty years, and is yet living there.
John M. Veeder raised corn upon thirty acres next west, from 1857 to 1882. He also made a few brooms, but is now out of the corn business.
Next west to Veeder's farm, and the last on the ten-mile track, is the thirty-acre farm of John Byce, who began raising corn there twenty years ago. He also made a few brooms, but in 1883 retired from the business. The farm is still his home.
CITY DEALERS AND MANUFACTURERS,-Among the prominent dealers and manufacturers of broom corn doing business in the city, are the following:
Nicholas H. Swart has been a buyer and seller since 1835, and since that time has dealt with nearly every prominent grower in this section. Mr. Swart shipped the first load of broom corn ever brought from any Western State to this city. This load was from Illinois, in the year 1852.
We are indebted to Mr. Swart for a recital of many of the facts given in this article, and to his remarkably clear memory any credit due to its accuracy should be given.
H. J. Ansicker, Water street, corner Washington avenue, house 3, Ferry, continued ; John Barhydt, 21 Washington avenue ; Henry Bradt, broom handles, Mill lane ; H. S. De Forest, 100 Centre street ; Charles Horstman & Co., 6 River ; C. F. Rankins & Co., 121 Front street ; Henry Whit- myre, 19 North street; Chas. L. Whitmyre, 12 and 14 Washington avenue; Christopher Van Slyck, 7 Pine and 57 Centre street ; James A. Flinn, John street.
SCHENECTADY
THE SCHENECTADY LOCOMOTIVE WORKS
Are under good management, and deserve the suc- cess they enjoy.
The capital of the Schenectady Locomotive Engine Manufactory, the first company formed, was raised by the citizens of Schenectady in Jan- uary, 1848, and was expended in buildings and machinery by a company who agreed to pay the interest on the capital annually, and to pay to the stockholders the whole capital in eight years, and thus themselves become the owners of the property. This company carried on the works about one year; their affairs turned out so badly that they abandoned the works, which re- mained idle for twelve months, during which time a part of the personal property was sold for taxes. The whole works were finally sold at one-half cost.
The purchasers under the sale were John Ellis, Daniel D. Campbell, and Simon C. Groot, who, with others, raised a new capital, and on June 14, 1851, the present company, The Schenectady Locomotive Works, was incorporated. Walter McQueen acquired an interest in 1851, which he still retains. By February, 1863, John Ellis had, by purchase, acquired, substantially, the entire stock. October 4, 1864, Mr. Ellis died, and his stock was subsequently divided among his heirs,
his sons, John C., Charles G., and William D. John C. Ellis died October 4, 1884, just twenty years after the death of his father.
The officers and stockholders-all stockholders being trustees-are : Charles G. Ellis, President ; Walter McQueen, Vice-President ; Edward Ellis, Treasurer. The estate of John C. Ellis, deceased, and William D. Ellis.
The plant of this large concern occupies an area of ten acres (though they use for all purposes twenty-one acres), upon which are erected fifteen brick structures, ranging in size from 25 x 71 feet to 100 x 252 feet, and 85 x 345 feet. It is bounded by Fonda, Romeyn, and Nott streets, and the New York Central Railroad. They own, in addition, lumber yards on Romeyn street, coal yards between the canal and Fonda street, and their water-works upon the west side of the canal are constantly pumping water from the Mohawk River.
All classes of locomotives, from the small, nar- row gauge to the large consolidation, with eight driving-wheels, are made, their annual capacity being 225 engines.
One thousand one hundred men are employed, to whom is paid, monthly, from $50,000 to $60,000.
The products of this establishment are seen throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Superintendent, A. J. PITKIN, was born at Akron, O., in 1854 ; served an apprenticeship as
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