USA > New York > Schenectady County > History of the County of Schenectady, N. Y., from 1662 to 1886... > Part 33
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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY.
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machinist there ; entered the drawing room of the Baldwin Locomotive Works, Philadelphia, in 1876 ; was Mechanical Engineer for the Rhode Island Locomotive Works, Providence, in 1880; came to Schenectady in 1882 as Mechanical Engineer for the Schenectady Locomotive Works, and was appointed Superintendent of the Works in 1884.
WILLIAM GIBSON.
WILLIAM GIBSON was born near Edinburgh, Scotland, February 16, 1812, and died in Schenec- tady, March 28, 188r. During his boyhood, until his eighteenth year, he attended the schools of that city. He came to America in 1830 and soon lo- cated in Troy, where he speedily secured work in Burden's iron works. Shortly afterward he was appointed foreman in the spike factory. Six years later he was made superintendent of the works, which, however, were not so extensive as they are at the present time. In 1853 he severed his con- nection with the Burden works and removed to Albany, and became Superintendent of the Albany Northern Railroad, now a part of the railway sys-
tem controlled by the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company.
In 1855 he engaged in the manufacture of spikes in the shop of Mr. Townsend, which was located in what is now the lower part of Albany, thus em- barking in business on his own account. He sold out this enterprise a year later and removed to Schenectady. In 1858, Mr. John Ellis, formerly owner of the Schenactady Locomotive Works, and father of the present proprietors, knowing his worth, secured his valuable services, and promoted him to the position of assistant superintendent of the shops. The duties of his position he performed with zeal and fidelity, until his failing health com- pelled him to relinquish them in 1876, subsequent to which date he was in no wise occupied, save in taking care of his own property and that of others left to his immediate charge.
Mr. Gibson was scarcely twenty-one years of age when he married Mary McQueen, sister of Walter McQueen, for some time superintendent of the lo- comotive works. His marriage occurred on July 4, 1832, during his residence in Troy. At that time he was a member of the Associate Presbyterian
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CITY OF SCHENECTADY .- INDUSTRIES.
Church of that city, of which Rev. Dr. Bullions, author of Bullions' English Grammar, was pastor. He was a leading spirit in that church until his removal to Schenectady, when he united with the First Presbyterian Church of the latter city, which was then under the pastoral charge of Rev. Dr. Backus. As a Christian he was ever fervent and staunch, doing willingly and unostentatiously his utmost for the advancement of the cause he loved. He was a man of active temperament, and his sensitive nature often stood in opposition to his better judgment. He was counted a man worthy of unlimited respect and confidence, and he won and retained numerous friends who mourned his death with sorrow. He left a family of four: a widow, two grown-up sons, William W. and Peter M. Gibson, and a daughter, Jennie M., widow of the late John Gilmour. Another daughter, Mary E., died in 1852, aged four and one-half years. His father died in Scotland and his mother came to America with her son. She never made Schenec- tady her home, but lived with her daughter at Auburn, where she died some years ago.
The firm of McQUEEN & STAGE, mechanical engi- neers and manufacturers of steam engines and boilers, and self-regulating boilers for steam heat- ing, 170 Centre street, was organized April 1, 1884. The individual members are Hon. Daniel P. McQueen and David L. Stage. The plant cov- ers an area of 80 x 125 feet. Fifteen to twenty men are employed, the annual output amounting to $25,000. They also do plumbing and gas and steam-fitting.
Among the buildings which were fitted up by them, are the Classical Institute, the German Cath- olic School, and the home of Hon. John D. Camp- bell. Mr. McQueen was member of Assembly in 1874, and has also been inspector of foreign ves- sels, while Mr. Stage, for twelve years prior to 1884, was chief engineer of the Schenectady water- works.
THE WESTINGHOUSE COMPANY, manufacturers of agricultural engines, grain-threshers, horse- powers, etc., is known throughout the United States. In 1837, George Westinghouse began at Fonda, N. Y., the manufacture of his patent threshing-machine and horse-power. Facilities were added from time to time, as trade demanded, and in 1850 the works were removed to Schenec- tady, where they were enlarged. In 1870, Mr. G. Westinghouse retired from business. In 1874 the buildings were destroyed by fire, and were imme- diately rebuilt. In 1884 the Westinghouse Com- pany was organized, the stock being held by the partners of the firm, which was succeeded by the corporate body. The officers are: J. Westing- house, President; Spencer Moore, Vice-President; John Westinghouse, Treasurer; H. R. Hegeman, Secretary.
The premises are between Dock street and the Erie Canal, with a track from the Central Railroad running through them. The main building is of brick, 300 x 500 feet, three stories. Around it are the foundry, blacksmith shop, warehouses, office, etc.
A force of 175 to 200 is employed, and the annual capacity is 300 threshers, 150 engines, and corre- sponding number of horse-powers.
Henry V. Jackson is the senior member of the firm of JACKSON & SANDS, engineers and machin- ists, corner Jay and Franklin streets They are builders of engines and machinery for yachts, launches and for stationary purposes. They also repair machinery of all kinds.
The history of the KILMER WIRE BAND MANUFAC- TURING COMPANY, Dock street, is unique in the annals of the city. In 1876, Augustus Kilmer, then a resi- dent of Howe's Cave, Schoharie County, N. Y., aided by members of his family, invented the wire band now so extensively manufactured by them. Patent was obtained in 1877, and one year later the manufacturing began. In 1880 the company built and moved into their present works. They occupy an area of 100 x 180 feet, upon which are buildings to the extent of 1400 square feet. The machinery, most of which is patented by the com- pany, is driven by a steam engine of fifty-five horse- power, and 125 men are employed. The average daily output of completed work is eight tons.
They make annealed Bessemer steel wire bands for baling hay, straw, flax, etc., fence wire, and or- namental fencing, by a process of which they are the inventors and proprietors. The company is composed of the father, Augustus Kilmer, and his seven sons, Ransom, Martin L., Irving A., Thalas S., Melvin D., Elmer E. and William A., and Ed- ward Davis, a son-in-law. Among the leading in- ventions of the firm is the fancy fencing and the arrow bale-fastener cutter invented by Irving A., and the twisting machine for bale loops by Irving A. and Elmer E. Additional buildings are soon to be constructed.
THE JONES CAR MANUFACTURING COMPANY .- The Jones Manufacturing Company came to Schenectady from West Troy in 1875, renting the premises of the Schenectady Car Company for the manufacture of street cars. Soon after the works were enlarged and they began the manufacture of draw- ing-room cars and sleepers, which continued until February 4, 1884, when E. Nott Schermerhorn was appointed its receiver, and for about eight months the business was continued by him. About the be- ginning of 1885, Mr. Walter A. Jones leased the works of the receiver, and in June, 1885, they were re-leased to the New York Sleeping Car Company, which is at the present time the controller of the works.
THATCHER ELEVATOR .- What is now commonly known as the Thatcher Elevator, was built in 1865 by George G. Maxon, of this city, and John W. Thompson, of Ballston Spa. From then until May 1, 1884, George G. Maxon and his son, Ethan A. Maxon, conducted the business. Mr. Thomp- son having previously sold his interest in the real property to Mr. Maxon, Sr., a stock company was formed, the name being the Schenectady Elevat- ing Company, of which George G. Maxon is President and Treasurer, and Le Grand C. Cramer, Secretary. In May, 1884, Ralph W. Thatcher, of
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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY.
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Albany, leased the property of the company for a term of years yet unexpired.
An elevator and general mill business is done, from one to one and one-half million bushels of grain being annually handled. Their principal business is in receiving and transferring grain which reaches here from the West via the Erie canal and the railways, for Northern New York and New England States. The main building is 60 x 100 feet in extent, 95 feet high. A 200 horse-power engine is used. From 15 to 30 men are em- ployed.
C. C. CLUTE.
CADWALLADER COLDEN CLUTE, eldest son of Peter I. Clute, was born in the City of Schenec- tady, October 18, 1814. Becoming associated in early life with his father (afterward of the firm of Clute & Bailey) in the general foundry business, he laid the foundation for those strict methodical business habits which were so characteristic of him through life. Dissolving this connection, he started in trade for himself, conducting successfully for a
number of years a hardware store, located on the block between the canal and railroad crossing on State street, Schenectady. During this time, and about the year 1841, he associated with one or two others, and took a contract for building sections 19 and 28 on the Western Railroad. In 1842 he purchased the interest of Joel C. Bailey, of the firm of Clute & Bailey, and the firm of P. I. Clute & Sons was organized, continuing until the year 1849, when it was merged in the firm of Clute Brothers, P. I. Clute retiring. His connection with this firm, subsequently changed to that of Clute Brothers & Co., remained up to the day of his death. On the organization of the firm of G. Westinghouse & Co., and the establishment of that house in Schenectady in 1856, he became a mem- ber, and continued such until the reorganization of the firm in 1870. On the organization of the Mohawk Bank of Schenectady in the year 1859, he was elected a director, and held that position uninterrupted until his death, August 16, 1876.
He left a legacy of six thousand ($6,000) dol- lars to the Home of the Friendless.
BJ. Schemeshome
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CITY OF SCHENECTADY .- INDUSTRIES.
SHAWL FACTORY .- In 1848, the building now oc- cupied by James Roy & Co. for the manufacture of woolen cloth, was built by Schenectady capitalists, and up to 1854 was used as a carpet factory. Dur- ing this year Messrs. Roy & Co. purchased the property, changing its name to the Watervliet Mills, by which name it is now known. Up to about 1870 shawls were the main production, when, by the introduction of proper machinery, the man- ufacture of woolen cloth and ladies' dress goods was begun. A few shawls are still made yearly. Since Roy & Co. have owned the concern no cotton has been ever mixed with their goods, and the an- nual consumption of wool is now one-half million pounds.
The buildings front 235 feet on Church street, and run through to Railroad street. One hundred horse-power is used, and 75 males and 75 females are employed. The company's real estate covers an area bounded by Church, Water and Railroad streets, with the exception of one house at the angle formed by Railroad and Church streets. They also own two brick wool store-houses opposite the factory on Church street.
James Roy & Co. were incorporated January 1, 1866, and two . woolen mills at West Troy are owned by them, also being known to the trade as the Watervliet Mills.
Arthur W. Hunter was the first manager of the concern here, continuing as such up to 1875, when he retired, and his son, Winfield S. Hunter, took his place, which he still retains. Among their old employees are John Jarvie, boss carder, with 23 years service to his credit, and John Moorhouse, boss wool sorter, with 30 years.
KNITTING MILLS,-THE IMPERIAL HOSIERY MILLS, McLachlin, Conde & Co., proprietors, was organ- ized January 3, 1881, with $50,000 capital. 'The individual members are John McLachlin, Cornelius S. Conde (who is manager and superintendent), and Edwin Groat. Mr T. K. Conde was a partner up to 1883, when he retired. Knit goods of all kinds for children, ladies and gentlemen are made. 300 sets of cards, 750 spindles, 9 knitting machines and 14 sewing machines, keep busy 40 female and 26 male operatives, who produce 1, 500 dozen goods monthly, which are in value from $5 to $10 per dozen.
The works, corner Ferry street, continued, and Erie street, are two stories, frame, 90 x 50 feet, with an L 24 x 36 feet. A 70 horse-power boiler and 60 horse-power engine are used. The value of the building and furniture is $50,000.
SCHENECTADY KNITTING MILL. - The Schenectady Knitting Mill Company was organized in 1875. The principal stockholders were Hon. Charles Stanford, N. I. Schermerhorn, D. D. Campbell and William H. McClyman. The building was completed in 1876, and a prosperous business conducted until 1878, when the entire property was destroyed by fire. In 1879 the building was rebuilt and work again resumed. For a number of years Hon. Charles Stanford was president of this company. He resigned a few years ago, when N. I. Scher-
merhorn was elected in his place. Wm. H. Mc- Clyman is treasurer and general manager of this mill. About 130 persons have been continuously employed in this flourishing establishment since it was rebuilt.
NICHOLAS I. SCHERMERHORN.
NICHOLAS I. SCHERMERHORN was born in the town of Duanesburgh, N. Y., March 26, 1818. His father, of German descent, was born in Schodac, N. Y., July 14, 1779, and moved to the town of Duanesburgh, 1817.
In 1824, when he moved to Rotterdam, Nicho- las was about eight years old. In 1833 his father died, and his remains now rest in the family plot in Vale cemetery. Nicholas was now in his fif- teenth year, and being the oldest son, the direction and care of the household was assumed by him, managing the farm in the interests of the family. At twenty-three years of age, in 1841, he was mar- ried to Susan, daughter of Conrad Chism, and re- mained upon the farm for three years longer. His first enterprise, in 1844, was in raising broom corn for the Watervliet Shakers on the Rotterdam-Mo- hawk Flats, two miles west of the city of Schenec- tady. The second year he commenced the manu- facture of brooms on his own account.
His business increased from year to year, until he became the largest producer and manufacturer in this part of the country, up to 1877, when he disposed of his interest in this business.
In 1855 he moved his family on the old home- stead of Bartholomew Schermerhorn in Rotterdam, opposite the grist-mill, and there bought three hundred acres of land, including all that part of the Mohawk flats adjoining the city of Schenec- tady. Here he lived until 1870, when he bought the fine residence of Dr. L. Ellwood, 230 State street, in the city of Schenectady, and removed there with his family, and where he still lives.
In 1865 he bought the Vandebogart Brothers' coal business, and formed a co-partnership with his son-in-law, Mr. W. H. McClyman, in which they continued until 1874, when Mr. McClyman retired from the firm and Mr. Schermerhorn's son, William G., was taken into partnership with his father.
Messrs. Schermerhorn & Son also entered into the hay and straw business about 1872, on the dock between the Erie Canal and the New York Central Railroad, in which they still continue. The coal business was sold out in 1884. In 1880, Mr. Schermerhorn and his brother-in-law, William Christler, bought the Schenactady flouring mill, which they still continue to operate. .
Outside of his mercantile business, he took the contract to build the Schenectady and Duanesburgh railroad and took into partnership with him on the contract Messrs. Samuel Donaldson, of Fultonville, and Harmon Van Slyke, of Rotterdam. The work was completed within a year.
He was one of the originators and stockholders of the Schenectady Car Works, built on a part of his Rotterdam farm near the city. He was also one of the originators and stockholders of the Schenectady
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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY.
Knitting Mills, known as the Brandywine Mills, and he still continues to be an active member of the firm, and is also its president. He is one of the originators and a large stockholder in the Mc- Queen Locomotive Works in Rotterdam, situated on the flats near the Jones Car Works, and he still remains connected with that enterprise.
He has been a director of the Schenectady Bank for the past twenty years, and also a trustee of the Savings Bank. He is also a trustee of the Young Men's Christian Association of this city, who own one of its finest buildings.
He has taken an active part in the political in- terests of his county, and has held the office of Su- pervisor in the town of Rotterdam two terms, County Superintendent of the Poor three terms, and County Treasurer from 1867 to 1882.
Thus it may be seen that Mr. Schermerhorn has been an active and honored citizen ; a promoter of the industries of the community ; that he has done much to advance the material and social interests. His life has been a success in many respects. He is a model of enterprise and is highly esteemed by his acquaintances.
Mr. Schermerhorn has also shown the art of rul- ing his own house well. He has three children, one son and two daughters. His son, William G., resides with him and is an active partner in his business. He married Sarah L. Swart and has one son, N. Irving, ten years of age. His daugh- ter Anna M., married William H. McClyman, of the Schenectady Knitting Mills, and they have one daughter, Susie May, age sixteen. His other daughter, Catherine E., married G. S. Veeder Mil- ler. They have four sons: Abram G., age 22 years ; William S., age 20 years ; Nicholas I., age 13 years ; and Garret S., age 7 years.
He is a member of the congregation of the First Reformed Church, and one of its Advisory Com- mittee.
SUSHOLZ & MYERS .- The house of Susholz & Myers, with Solomon Susholz, George Susholz and Adolph Myers, was organized in 1880-81. In February, 1884, George Susholz and Mr. Myers retired, Solomon succeeding to the business, and the firm name becoming S. Susholz. George re- mained as superintendent. Their mills, on Dock street, are of brick, 4 stories, 50 x 150 feet; an en- gine of 100 horse-power turns 4 sets of cards, 4 self-operating mules, and 16 knitting cylinders, the average daily capacity being 800 pounds yarn. 75 females and 25 males are employed, who produce scarlet-colored woolen knit underwear for men, women and children.
They have selling agents in New York City.
The firm of JOHN WIEDERHOLD & Co., manufac- turers of ladies' underwear, children's garments, dress wrappers, aprons, hoop skirts, etc., 180 Centre street, was established in 1870. For a time the firm was Wiederhold Brothers, but it was subsequently changed to its present form. Mr. John Wiederhold, the senior member, has been at the head of the business from the first. The factory is a three-story brick building, 50 x 100 feet, and
employs one hundred women and girls. It is fully equipped with sewing and other necessary machines and implements.
BREWERS, MALTSTERS, ETC .- The first brewery in Schenectady of which there is any knowledge was in 1820. It was located in the First ward on Washington avenue. A Mr. Moffatt conducted it for seven or eight years, when he discontinued, and the brewery was closed.
About this time (1820), but possibly two or three years later, two brothers, Hugh and Daniel Martin, started one on the same avenue. This was soon sold to Mr. La Britton, who continued it for a few years, when he in turn stopped brew- ing. Still another, and located on the same ave- nue, at the head of Union street, was the one started in about 1824 by John S. Vrooman and Isaac M. Schermerhorn. Mr. Vrooman soon re- tired, and, shortly afterward, Francis Myers pur- chased the same. Mr. Myers evidently did not meet with much financial encouragement, for he soon withdrew from the business. While the exact dates of the closing of the above-named concerns is not attainable, all of them were out of existence by the year 1831.
In about 1830, Reed Brothers started a malt- house on the dock, in the building erected by Daniel D. Campbell, of Rotterdam. The building passed through the hands of Messrs. Millard & Crane, Cornelius Thompson, H. Rosa and Martin De Forrest, and finally into the hands of the Susholz Manufacturing Company.
Peter Engle owns and conducts a lager-beer brewery at 47 Nott terrace. This is the only brewery now in the city.
Cornelius Thompson has a malt-house on Dock street, and has been in the business for many years.
In 1860, George Weller began the manufacturing and bottling of soda water at 62 College street, remaining there until 1863, when he removed to No. 46 of the same street, his present location. The manufactory covers an area of 60 x 190 feet, and is two stories high. He employs eight males, and his trade extends through a radius of forty miles. Mr. Weller is the only manufacturer and bottler of soda water, lemon soda, sarsaparilla and ginger ale in the county. He also makes seltzer water.
In 1875 he became agent for the Bartholomay Brewing Company, and since then has kept a sup- ply depot for this and Montgomery Counties. The curious yet simple bottling machine used by him for his soda water is well worth an inspection.
Charles Weincke, proprietor of the Hotel Ger- mania, corner Liberty and Centre streets, has for many years had a large share of public patronage.
HOWLAND S. BARNEY.
HOWLAND S. BARNEY, the recognized head of the mercantile fraternity of Schenectady, and one of the most notable of the self-made men of Schenec- tady County, was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., March 23, 1822, a son of Dr. Z. H. and Eliza
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CITY OF SCHENECTADY .- INDUSTRIES.
ALITTLE
(Swain) Barney. When his son was about four years old, Dr. Barney removed to Minaville, Mont- gomery County. There, as he grew older, the boy attended the common schools till he had reached the age of fourteen, when (in 1836) he came to Schenectady and became a clerk in the dry goods store of Sydney B. Potter. He was thus employed four years.
Next he found employment in the store of John Olin, whose partner he became in 1849, under the firm name of John Olin & Co. In 1853 he bought the interest of a retiring partner in the firm of Barringer & Co. In 1858, through changes in its personnel, this firm was reorganized under the style of H. S. Barney & Co., and so it has since been known. It has been due largely to Mr. Barney's mercantile ability and sound and enter-
prising management that this house has outgrown all rivals, ranking as the wealthiest and most ex- tensive dry goods concern in the city, and occupy- ing commodious and well-appointed quarters at Nos. 93, 95, 97 and 99 State street. This large building was erected in 1872, and occupied in April, 1873.
Mr. Barney is a Republican, but has always been too busy, and has never been inclined, to take any active part in politics. He has done his full share to promote the interests of the city. In 1856 he married Sarah, daughter of Joseph Horsfall, of Schenectady. They have two children.
DRY GOODS .- The firm of H. S. Barney & Co., dealers in dry goods, carpets etc., 95, 97 and 99 State street, was established about 1843 by Messrs.
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ness then located at 235 State street, which had been established since 1840.
L. N. REESE, of the firm of Reese & Hartley, corner Union and Romeyn streets, is one of the leading grocers, and enjoys the reputation of a fair and honest dealer.
CHARLES N. SMITH, grocer, a son of the late Abel Smith, has been in business in Schenectady since March, 1883, in connection with A. Dillenbeck.
WILLIS T. HANSON & Co., druggists and apothe- caries. 195 State street, was established in 1879. The premises are 25 x 100 feet. with the prescrip- tion department and private office in the rear. They deal in all the standard medicines, trusses and other surgical appliances, toilet articles, pure wines and liquors, mineral and medicinal waters, cigars, etc.
Their specialty, and which is their manufacture, is "Hanson's Magic Corn Salve," a remedy widely known.
Mr. Willis T. Hanson is the active partner of the concern.
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In 1835, Andrew Truax established the phar- macy at 141 State street, which is now conducted by ANDREW T. VEEDER. Mr. Truax retained his connection with it for forty-eight years In 1864 Mr. Veeder became partner, and in January, 1883, Mr. Truax retired, leaving his former junior part- ner sole proprietor.
The premises are 30 x 100 feet in dimension, and the stock carried embraces all necessary arti- cles. Dr. Veeder is a descendant of one of our oldest families, is an accomplished pharmacist, and treasurer of the County Medical Society.
ANDREW TRUAX, M. D.
Dr. ANDREW TRUAX was born in Schenectady April 10, 1811, and died there September 26, 1883. About 1830 he became a clerk in the drug store of Richard Fuller (the old Dunlap & Fuller drug store), and while thus employed studied medicine. After his graduation, he located and practiced for a few years on the Hudson River. Returning to Schenectady about 1835, he opened a drug store, which has grown to be the most ex- tensive concern of the kind in the city, and is now under the management of his nephew, Andrew T. Veeder, who became his partner in 1866.
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