USA > New York > Columbia County > Hudson > History of the city of Hudson, New York : with biographical sketches of Henry Hudson and Robert Fulton > Part 10
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The particulars of this reception are taken from the Commercial Advertiser of that date, whose reporter ac- companied General Lafayette on his extended tour through the country.
In addition to the Guards and Plaids, there was also at that time an organization known as the Hudson Mili- tary Association the only mention of which is in connec- tion with the funeral obsequies of Lieut. Allen, U. S. N.
After the passing of these organizations the military spirit of Hudson seemed to become extinct, and it was some years before the formation of the Hudson Light Guards, afterward known as the Worth Guards, com- manded by Captain Edward P. Cowles.
This company did good service as we shall see, during the Anti-rent disturbance, after which it was disbanded and no military organization followed until after the Civil War.
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Beside her local military, Hudson has cherished with pride the memory of her noble sons, who won their laurels in the regular service, fighting the battles of their coun- try. Among the earlier of these heroes, was Lieut. William Howard Allen, who was distinguished as an officer of the United States Navy, and very highly esteemed as a citizen.
Lieut. Allen was born in Hudson on July 8, 1790, was appointed a midshipman in 1808, and a Lieutenant in 1811.
In the year 1813, he took a conspicuous part in the engagement between the "Argus" and the "Pelican," and in June, 1822, was given the command of the "Alligator."
On the 9th of November of that year, he was killed while boarding a piratical vessel on the coast of Cuba, whither he had gone to rescue some merchantmen who were held captive.
The intelligence of Lieut. Allen's death cast a deep gloom over the city.
A public meeting was held at the City Hall, at which Alexander Coffin, Elisha Williams, Ambrose L. Jordan, and Doctor Samuel White, presided, and a eulogy was pronounced by the Hon. James Strong.
His remains were interred at Matanzas, but after some correspondence between Oliver Wiswall, then Mayor of Hudson, and the Secretary of the Navy, they were sub- sequently removed to this city.
On the fifteenth of December, 1827, the schooner Grampus arrived at New York bearing the body of our lamented hero, and was met by a committee deputed by the Common Council, headed by John W. Edmonds and Rufus Reed.
Under the escort of the marine corps, accompanied by Commodore Chauncey, and a numerous body of naval officers, the procession left the Brooklyn Navy yard, and were joined at New York, "by the Common Council and
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prominent citizens of that city, in immense numbers, who attended them to the Hudson steamboat in waiting."
Here a salute was fired by a detachment of artillery, and by the marine corps, and the remains were delivered to the Hudson deputation by Commodore Chauncey.
On arriving at this city, the funeral cortege moved to the cemetery, amid the tolling of bells, and firing of can- non, in the following order:
Hudson City Guards. Columbia Plaids. Athens Lafayette Guards.
The Military under command of Col. William A. Dean with standards furled and drums muffled.
The Reverand Clergy. The Corpse,
Borne by Lieuts. Gregory, Hollins, Newman, Coxe and Mull, the Midshipmen Lynch and Nichols. Mourners including
Messrs. Bloodgood, Schermerhorn, Lawrence,
Pinckney of the United States Navy. Hudson Military Association.
Brigadier General Whiting and his suite. The Mayor and Recorder Aldermen Assistant Aldermen Clerk and Marshal of the City. Clerk and Sheriff of the County. Committee of Arrangements.
After the committal of Lieut. Allen's body to the grave, near that of his mother, the funeral service was read by the Rev. Mr. Stebbins, and a volley was fired over his tomb by the military. The procession then returned to the United States Hotel where it was dismissed.
At three o'clock, p. m., the Naval Officers sat down to a public dinner in company with about one hundred citizens and the evening was spent at the hospitable man- sion of Col. Livingston. On the following day the offi-
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cers paid their respects to the Mayor and departed amid the roar of cannon, with the heartfelt gratitude of the whole city for their generous attention on this occasion.
The correspondence beween the Naval Officers and the Committee is subjoined.
Hudson, December 21, 1827.
The officers of the Navy assembled on the present mel- ancholy occasion, reciprocating the sentiments expressed by the citizens of Hudson, return their thanks for the imparalleled tribute paid to the memory of their late gal- lant associate. They at the same time return their ac- knowledgments for the liberal hospitality which has characterized the whole proceeding; and in departing, beg leave to say, that whether applied to the individual or professional standing of their departed member, the con- duct of the citizens, is alike honorable to their feelings and principles as men and patriots. Laboring under emotions too powerful to be conveyed in adequate lan- guage, they tender the committee a grateful and affec- tionate farewell.
Hudson, December 21, 1827.
The committee of the City of Hudson, in acknowledg- ing the favor of the officers of the navy, assembled on this occasion of paying the last honors to the memory of the lamented ALLEN, gladly avail themselves of this op- portunity to assure those gentlemen of the high sense entertained by this whole community of the obligations conferred upon them, by the attendance of individuals de- servedly distinguished for their public and private worth; as the committee cannot entertain a doubt that the lives of those officers of the Navy will be as honorable, so they cannot but hope that their deaths will be as glorious,
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and their memories as much respected as that of the gal- lant and unfortunate William Howard Allen.
By order of the committee.
DAVID WEST, Chairman.
William A. Dean, Secretary.
The fine marble monument which marks the grave of Lieut. Allen was erected to his memory by the citizens of his native place in 1833, and on the extension of Federal street to Fifth, two years later, it was with one accord renamed Allen street in honor of Lieut. Howard Allen.
Major General William Jenkins Worth was another of those early heroes whose fame adorns the annals of this city, and whose remains should also have found a rest- ing place among his kindred. General Worth was born in Hudson in the fine old dwelling number 211 Union street on March first, 1794. He was a son of one of the original proprietors, and entered the United States Army during the war of 1812. He served with distinction, and at its close was brevetted Colonel, and appointed Superintend- ent of the Military Academy at West Point. He rendered valuable service in the Seminole War in 1841-'42, and was given a command with rank of Brigadier General in the war with Mexico. Here he greatly distinguished him- self both at the siege of Vera Cruz and at the storming and capture of Monterey, in recognition of which he was brevetted Major General and presented a sword by Con- . gress.
General Worth visited Hudson in 1844 and received from his fellow citizens a warm reception, and a valuable sword as a testimonial of honor and esteem. This sword and several others presented by the United States gov- ernment and by various cities, are preserved in the State Library at Albany.
General Worth died of Cholera at San Antonio on May 7, 1849, and was buried in New York, the citizens erect-
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ing a handsome monument to his memory, on Madison Square, in that city.
In recounting these public occasions of various kinds, we are conscious of a genuine satisfaction amounting to a pardonable pride in noting how creditably the Hudson authorities acquitted themselves on them all.
The dwelling to which allusion has been made as the birth-place of Major General Worth, is a noteworthy ex- ample of the survival of the fittest, as applied not solely to the house, but in an especial manner to the owner, who is a lineal descendant of General Worth. The building has not only wonderfully escaped the ravages of "times effacing fingers," but also the more ruthless rage for improvement, which has improved beyond recognition so many of our noblest Colonial structures.
Under the wise and skillful restoration of its present occupant, it has received all the modern accessories to comfort and convenience, and still has retained, and even accentuated the style of the period of its erection. Whether the ancient virtue of cordial hospitality, now unhappily waning, has not also been retained and accentuated, is left to the decision of those who are its fortunate recipi- ents.
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CHAPTER XV.
Public Library-Early Physicians-Post Office.
Notwithstanding the manifold distractions attending the enterprise on which the proprietors had entered, it is pleasing to note that so early as 1786, they established a circulating library, called the Hudson Public Library, of which Shubael Worth, one of their number, was for many years the Librarian. The books, to the number of three hundred, were kept in the store of Mr. Worth, which he built on the northwest corner of Warren and Second streets.
Books were furnished subscribers on the following ac- commodating terms:
Four dollars per year, one dollar and twenty-five cents per quarter, and to occasional readers, at the rate of two cents per day. Subscribers were allowed "to keep books as long as desired, except books new, and in great demand, which must be returned within one week;" "for the use of the books, persons could pay either in money, or desirable books."
Notice was given that persons desiring to subscribe, could do so by leaving their names at the printing office of the Gazette.
We like to think that it was in this literary pasture that General Worth was wont to brouse, and that the taste for letters here cultivated by his niece Lydia Worth, was transmitted to her son, John Worth Edmonds, and joined to his native talent, led him eventually to the Bench of the Supreme Court.
It appears also in her later descendant, to whom we have previously alluded, in an insatiable love for books.
Debating societies were much in vogue at an early day,
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the debates being so popular as to draw large audiences. A small library collected by one of these societies named the Franklin Hall Association was chartered in 1837 as the Franklin Library Association.
It occupied a room which was fitted up especially for its use, at an expense of four hundred dollars, on Union street nearly opposite the Episcopal Church.
From this small beginning grew a membership of two hundred and fifty, possessing about twenty-five hundred volumes, sustaining an annual course of lectures, and with an income of nearly fourteen hundred dollars.
The first lecture before the Association was delivered by Prof. Horatio S. Potter of Union College, in 1838, in the old Episcopal Church; his subject was "Truth." The able and well-beloved Bishop may have recalled that early experience, when visiting Hudson in later years. Horatio Potter was an Uncle of Henry C. Potter, both of whom were Bishops of New York.
Before leaving the period of the Proprietors, mention must be made of the excellent physicians who became residents of the city, immediately after its incorporation. An early writer says, "Hudson was noted for its eminent physicians," an eminence which has been well maintained to the present time.
Doctor Wheaton, who also kept a drug store, was the first who came, and was soon followed by Doctors Tallman, Malcolm and White, all of whom were established here before the close of the 18th century.
Doctor Wheaton is spoken of as a careful judicious practitioner. His first residence was near the foot of War- ren street on the southerly side, but he afterward built the large brick dwelling number 243 Union street, which was for many years the home of Mr. Israel Platt, and still later the residence of Mr. George Gibson.
In 1791, Dr. Wheaton formed a partnership with Dr.
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Moses Younglove, who was celebrated for his successful treatment of the smallpox.
Doctor Younglove had a most thrilling experience in the war of the Revolution. He entered the army from the eastern part of the Country as Brigade Surgeon to General Herkimer, was taken prisoner at the Battle of Oriskany by the infamous Captain Butler, stripped of clothing and valuables, and after receiving every possible insult, was turned over to the Indian allies, to be killed.
In some way he managed to escape, but he never re- covered from the effects of the horrible tortures that were inflicted upon him.
Doctor Younglove died on Jan. 31, 1829, and his ashes lie beneath a handsome monument in our cemetery. Not far away lie the remains of "Doctor John Milton Mann, who was drowned while crossing the river from this city to Athens, Aug. 24th, 1809, aged 43 years." It is said that the accident which thus deprived the community of a most valuable life, was entirely caused by the clumsy mismanagement of the scow then in use.
"Doctor Mann was born in Attleborough, Mass., he was educated at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Is- land, and came to reside in Hudson in the year 1800."
This city is indebted to him for the introduction of vac- cination, "though here as elsewhere the philanthropic enterprise was obliged to contend with prejudice, and misrepresentation."
"The Common Council of Hudson, of which body he was a member, voted that they would attend his funeral and wear crape on the left arm thirty days on account of their respect for his character and their regret for his loss." The city also erected his monument.
No member of the medical profession in Hudson's early day, attained so wide a reputation for ability and skill as did Doctor Samuel White. His superiority as a surgeon as well as a general practitioner, aside from
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his remarkable success as an alienist, made him known throughout the state, and gave him a large practice. In 1882, he established an institution for the treatment of the insane in the building now owned and occupied by the Hudson Orphan and Relief Association on State street. Here he associated with him his son, S. Pomeroy White, and they continued this humane work until the opening of the State Asylum at Utica, and were successful in curing a large proportion of the hundreds of patients received.
Dr. S. Pomeroy White was born in Hudson in 1801, and died in New York City, on June 6, 1867. He like his father became distinguished both as a medical prac- titioner and a surgeon, performing operations new to the profession in this vicinity, which demanded the highest courage and skill. He removed to New York in 1833. Dr. George H. White, the youngest son of Dr. Samuel White, was also a well known and successful physician. His health failing, he went south but received little benefit, and returning home, died in his 51st year. Both Dr. Samuel White and Dr. John M. Mann were charter mem- bers of "The Columbia County Medical Society," which was founded in 1806, and members of the committee ap- pointed to prepare its Constitution and By-laws.
Recurring for the last time to the minutes of the pro- prietors, we find them making a final disposition of their affairs preparatory to terminating their existence, as a corporate body.
1795, March 9th. The proprietors deeded to the Com- mon Council "all streets and lands not theretofore appro- priated, to be opened by them at their discretion, when- ever it would benefit the public; also the burial ground presented to the proprietors, excepting such part as was enclosed by the Society of Friends, and to be conveyed to them."
When we recall the fact that nearly all the proprietors
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were Quakers, we cannot but admire the generous cor- diality with which they responded to the requests of every religious denomination, donating grants of land freely to all "without money and without price," and thus furnish- ing a commendable example to saints of a later day.
It is with great reluctance that we take our leave of this unique and picturesque body of men, with the fol- lowing closing minute :
1810, May 23rd. The last meeting of the proprietors was held; being duly warned. Stephen Paddock was elected Moderator. Erastus Pratt, Clerk. It was announced that provisions had been made for the delivery of the pro- prietors' books, plot of the city, etc., to the Clerk of the city, and for the passage of a law by the Legislature for a confirmation of all the divisions made by them."
We have before alluded to the violent opposition mani- fested by Cotton Gelston to the surrender of the books and minutes to the Common Council, and we may imagine that it was in the midst of great excitement and commo- tion that the motion was made and carried to adjourn sine die.
Their meetings had necessarily been more frequent than these extracts would indicate, but the proceedings related principally to the disposition and exchange of their lots, or "public squares" as they termed them, and to the laying out of the "public roads" or streets.
On the whole the proprietors had every reason to feel satisfied with the result of their labors, while furnishing in themselves a most remarkable instance of unselfishness and fidelity.
In all that body of men, associated together for more than a quarter of a century in a common business enter- prise, not a single individual proved faithless to the pledges given, or recreant to the trusts imposed.
Many of the original proprietors, including the Jenkins brothers had passed away before the date of this last
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meeting. Seth Jenkins lived but ten years after coming to the settlement, and Thomas Jenkins as we have said, died in 1808, but each left a deep and lasting impress upon the character of the city. The last survivor of the pio- neers was Captain Alexander Coffin who died in 1839, in the ninety-ninth year of his age. His personal char- acteristics have been previously described, but his life was filled with incident and variety, quite worthy of mention.
In 1774, he carried back to London as passengers on his ship, the consignees of the tea which had recently served to furnish forth the "Boston tea-party." He was twice captured by the British during the Revolution, and was bearer of dispatches from Benjamin Franklin in Paris to the American Congress.
Captain Coffin was elected Mayor of Hudson in 1821, serving one term, and held the office of postmaster con- tinuously for nearly twenty-three years. The office was kept in his house, which was at first a frame building on the site of 116 Warren street, afterward he resided on the south-west corner of Warren and Second streets.
The postoffice of Hudson has always been a migratory institution, each successive postmaster finding for it a new place. During one term it was housed at No. 247 Warren street and in 1842 Justus Mckinstry being post- master, it was installed in the dwelling erected and oc- cupied by him, No. 311 on that street.
The office was then located for some years in the Hirst building, removing to the City Hall in 1867 and thence to its present quarters in 1886.
The money order system was introduced in 1864 and the Free Delivery on October 1, 1887. Mr. Henry R. Bryan the present postmaster, has held the office since April 1, 1899, having received his appointment from Pres- ident Mckinley.
Through the persevering efforts of General John H. Ketcham, who was for many years our faithful Represen-
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tative, an appropriation of seventy-five thousand dollars was made by the 59th Congress, in the spring of 1907, "for a Post Office building at Hudson, New York."
A fine site was purchased in February, 1908, on the corner of Fourth and Union streets, and it appears to be quite certain that in the near future the city will have a convenient and permanent home for the mails.
Returning for a moment to the house of Justus McKin- istry, it is perhaps worthy of note as having been the first dwelling that was plumbed in Hudson.
The date was about 1855, and the innovation was con- sidered by many to be a very questionable, if not dan- gerous improvement.
Mr. Theophilus Beekman and his wife were still living in the Hathaway (or Beekman) house opposite, at that time. Mr. Beekman was a very fine looking old gentle- man, in a gay flowered dressing gown, or driving a high stepping horse; and was always accompanied by two dogs.
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CHAPTER XVI.
Churches-Clergy-Christian Association.
As we have seen a larger proportion of the original Proprietors were adherents of the Quaker faith, and in 1784, the year following their arrival at Claverack Land- ing, they built for their use a simple and convenient house of worship. The second religious organization formed in the City of Hudson was that of a Congregational body.
In the year 1790, Marshall Jenkins applied to the Proprietors "for a grant of land, on which to erect a place of worship." The lot deeded to them was on the corner of Allen, then known as Federal street and Second. On this was erected a plain brick structure, surmounted by a spire of considerable height, from which a charming and unbroken view of mountains and river was to be had, while it was itself a conspicuous ornament to the land- scape.
In the belfry was hung the bell which rung by Jemmy Fraser, for the modest stipend of 16 pounds per year, (paid by the city), summoned the laborer to his daily toil, and announced at noon and night, the welcome hour of rest.
The edifice was as plain within as without. A huge sounding board overhung the high pulpit, and high-backed pews and green blinds, complete the picture. The walls were kept clean with whitewash which, with candles seem to have been a heavy tax upon the Trustees' fund.
The church applied for admission to the Presbytery at Albany in 1794, and called the Rev. Mr. Thompson as pastor, at a salary of 175 pounds per year.
Among the early supporters of the church were Am- brose Spencer, Elisha Williams and Martin Van Buren.
.
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In 1833 the trustees were instructed to purchase the old Court House and lots, on the corner of Warren and Fourth streets, "for a sum not exceeding 4,000 dollars." On this site the congregation proceeded to erect their present church building, which they remodeled in 1876.
The society also owns the building 439 Union street, which they purchased for a parsonage.
Believing that there was room for another church or- ganization in the city, a few members of the Presbyterian church, with other citizens met at the office of Joseph D. Monell for consultation. Being desirous that the new organization should be of the Reformed Dutch order, they made application to the classis of Rensselaer, and on the 20th day of September, 1835, a society was organized by a committee consisting of Rev. Messrs. Andrew Kittle, Peter S. Wynkoop and Richard Sluyter, bearing the name of The First Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Hud- son.
Their first services were held in the old Court House, and the first sermon was preached by the Rev. John B. Hardenburgh, then of Rhinebeck, later of New York City.
The present church edifice was completed in the follow- ing year, and was dedicated on December 18, 1836. The sermon on the occasion was preached by the Rev. John H. Van Wagnen, from the text "And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication and it was winter:" John 10.22. The church building was enlarged in 1866, and the in- terior remodeled, the exterior still retains its early Dutch architecture.
A commodious and pleasant Parsonage on Allen street was purchased at an early date.
In 1795, John Tallman and John Powell presented a petition in behalf of the Episcopal society "for a grant of land on which to build a house of worship." The War- dens finally selected a lot on the corner of State and Second streets. The building was commenced immediately
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but owing to pecuniary embarrassments, was not entirely completed until 1823. The name Christ Church was adopted in 1802, and the first service held was on Christ- mas day of that year.
In 1803, a parochial charity school was established in connection with the church which numbered forty scholars. Their first organ was erected in 1811 at a cost of four hundred and fifty dollars.
The old church was occupied, until the year 1857, when their new and beautiful edifice on Court street was con- secrated by Bishop Horatio S. Potter.
A convenient Chapel and rectory have been added, thus completing a most attractive and commodious church property.
For many years Christ Church sustained the Chapel of All Saints in the suburbs of the city, besides rendering substantial assistance to churches and missions in other parts of the country.
All Souls' Church had its inception in a Sunday School taught by Mrs. E. M. Cookson on the Academy Hill. The work had a remarkable growth and in 1861 was orga- nized a mission. In 1864 a Chapel was built and in 1887, it became a separate parish. It has always re- ceived the fostering care and assistance of Christ Church.
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