USA > New York > Columbia County > Hudson > History of the city of Hudson, New York : with biographical sketches of Henry Hudson and Robert Fulton > Part 13
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His son, Claudius L. Monell after practicing his pro- fession in Hudson for a time removed to New York, where he became a judge of the Superior Court of that city.
Hon. Edward Pitkin Cowles, was born in Connecticut, and was graduated from Yale College. He came to Hudson soon afterward and studied law with Ambrose L. Jordan.
On his admission to the bar he opened an office in this city, in 1840, and associated with him, his brother, David Smith Cowles.
Judge Cowles removed to New York, in 1852, and was appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court of this state, in 1855. After his retirement from the bench he con- tinued the practice of his profession until his death, which occurred in 1874.
During the residence of Judge Cowles in Hudson, he formed a military company, named the Hudson Light Guards, afterward the Worth Guards, which has been
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mentioned, as being the only military organization in the city, when the Anti-rent war broke out, and as rendering excellent service in the emergency.
Their uniform, which was a very handsome one, was gray with red stripes and facings and large bear skin hats.
The company was disbanded soon after the removal of Captain Cowles to New York.
Hon. Josiah Sutherland, who rose to high distinction in the legal profession, was born at Stamford, New York, was graduated from Union College in 1825, and finished his law studies in the office of Bushnell and Stebbins in this city.
Mr. Sutherland began the practice of law in the town of Livingston, and in 1831, was elected District Attorney of Columbia county, an office which he held twelve years.
In 1838, he removed to Hudson, and formed a partner- ship with his brother-in-law, Robert McClellan. With the exception of two years spent in Washington as a Repre- sentative in Congress, Mr. Sutherland continued to reside in this city until his removal to New York, in 1851.
Judge Sutherland served two terms as a Justice of the Supreme Court, declining the office of United States Dis- trict Attorney, proffered him by President Buchanan.
He was elected City Judge of the Court of General Sessions, which office he retained until his retirement from public life.
He died in 1887, deservedly esteemed and regretted by all who knew him.
The so-called round dances were first seen at a large and brilliant party given by Judge Sutherland, during his residence at 115 Warren street, which was purchased soon after by the Hon. John Stanton Gould.
Hudson society hardly knew whether to be shocked or amused, so it decided to be both!
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The Comtesse de Boigne in her delightful Memoirs, tells an amusing anecdote of the reception accorded these undignified successors of the stately minuet, in England. "No English lady ventured to waltz until the young Duke of Devonshire on his return from the Continent praised its grace and beauty, observing that a woman was never seen to better advantage than when waltzing. This asser- tion was passed from mouth to mouth, and at the next ball, all the young ladies were waltzing The Duke ad- mired them greatly, but added carelessly that "he at any rate had decided never to marry a lady who waltzed."
The Dutchess of Richmond, the most clumsy of match- making Mammas, with three marriageable daughters, to whom the Duke made this revelation nearly fell off her chair with horror. She repeated the statement and con- sternation spread from seat to seat. Before the end of the evening the good Dutchess was able to announce, that "her daughters felt an objection to waltzing, that no per- suasions of hers could ever overcome." Some pretty girls of more independence continued to waltz, but the major- ity ceased at once.
Hon. Henry Hogeboom, the distinguished jurist, was born in the Town of Ghent, in 1809. He was prepared for Yale College at the Hudson Academy, and after his admission to the bar in 1830, made Hudson his perman- ent home.
Judge Hogeboom was a profound thinker, skilful in analysis, and felicitous in application. He was a man of most imposing appearance, and of extreme deliberate- ness of speech and manner, which on occasion rose to the height of impassioned eloquence.
His unselfish kindliness endeared him to all, who knew him, especially the younger members of the bar, to whom he was ever ready to extend a helping hand. He was elected Judge of the Supreme Court in 1857, by a flattering majority, and re-elected in 1865, remaining an
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ornament to the bench until his death, which occurred on Sept 12, 1872.
Judge Hogeboom's house which was formerly the Bank of Hudson, No. 116 Warren street, was a social centre for many years; Mrs. Hogeboom possessing remarkable powers of attractiveness and vivacity, and both being exceedingly fond of society.
Hon. Samuel Edwards, of whom Hudson is justly proud, was born in Glenville, Schenectady county, New York.
He was graduated from Union College in 1862, and soon after took up his residence in Hudson.
In January, 1887, he was appointed by Gov. David B. Hill, a Judge of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, and in November of the same year, was elected to that office, for the term of fourteen years.
In April, 1890, Judge Edwards was designated by Gov. Roosevelt, as Associate Justice of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New York, and served until the expiration of term, on December 31st, 1901.
Judge Edwards spends much time in travel, visiting the different countries in a leisurely and delightful fashion, that is so conducive to perfect enjoyment. But one may be permitted to doubt, whether the Judge sees many finer views, than that from his study windows.
Hon. Aaron Van Schaick Cochrane, was born in Cox- sackie, New York, in 1858, of Scotch, Irish and Dutch ancestry.
He was graduated from Yale College with the class of 1879, and in the same year entered the office of An- drews and Edwards, as a law student.
In 1881, he was admitted to the bar, served three years as District Attorney of the county, and in 1896, was elected our Representative in Congress.
Judge Cochrane held this position for two terms, and in 1901, was elected a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York. He was appointed by Governor
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Higgins to the Appellate Division of that Court in 1906.
Judge Cochrane's progress has been rapid, sure, and steadfast, partaking strongly of the characteristics of his ancestors. He is still so young that he bids fair to ex- haust the honors, and like Alexander, will sigh for more worlds to conquer.
A continuance of these biographical sketches, which have so imperfectly described the few personages selected, is unnecessary even if space would permit. Other mem- bers of the modern bar to whom it would be a delight to refer, are all too well-known to require description.
Included in these is the Hon. Casper P. Collier, who has been so fitly characterized as the "connecting link be- tween the bar of our county and the legal 'giants' of former days." We need add nothing to this praise. A cloud of witnesses attest his worth as a sound and able lawyer, and a conscientious man, possessing one possibly rare trait, that of always advising a client to settle, and thus be enabled to dispense with his services!
We recall the impressive personality of Mr. John Gaul, the flowing locks and clear cut features of Mr. Robert E. Andrews, the genial smile of Judge John C. Newkirk, and the introspective gaze of Judge Darius Peck, all eminently worthy of extended mention.
We commend them, and all others so regretfully omitted, to our well equipped Hudson biographer, with the hope of a second "Group of Great Lawyers."
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CHAPTER XXI.
Court House-Crimes-Civil War.
We will now turn our attention to the evolution of our present ornate Court House, which with calm effrontery mars the graceful contour of the ancient park.
The first building occupied by the courts in Hudson it will be recalled, was the old re-modeled City Hall, which remained in use for more than a quarter of a century. Complaints of the condition of the building, and of the insecurity of the jail were constant, a grave indictment of the latter being found in the records, and in 1829, the repairs amounted to the sum of seventy-five dollars.
In 1833, the subject of erecting a new Court House was considered, and a committee was appointed to as- certain what Hudson would be willing to contribute toward the expense. The Common Council offered "to take the old county buildings and lots, for 7,000 dollars and ap- propriate $3,000 toward new buildings." They would "also procure warranty deeds for four acres situate at the southerly termination of Fourth street, and guarantee the title to the county, reserving to the corporation the same privileges as in the old building."
Lots being secured, John P. Mesick, John W. Edmonds and James Mellen were appointed a building committee, plans were selected and the Court House was built, and ready for occupancy in 1835. Total cost including the site was $26,211.51.
It was of simple Grecian architecture, two stories in height surmounted by a dome, and a triangular pedi- ment supported by six Ionic columns, formed an impos-
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ing entrance. For nearly three score years and ten, it was the pride of both city and county, but it became too small for the requirements of the larger city, and was torn down to make room for a more commodious struc- ture.
A much larger building, of a similar style, was erected in 1900, at a cost of about $100,000, and a jail and sheriff's house, costing respectively $22,000, and $9,000, were built in the same year.
This Court House was destroyed by fire on January 27, 1907, and the corner stone of its successor was laid on the 14th of the following September. Work is pro- ceeding rapidly and it is expected to be ready for occu- pancy in October, 1908. Cost of building will be about $200,000. The jail and house of the sheriff, fortunately escaped the flames, so will not have to be replaced.
The first trial for murder after the removal of the Courts to Hudson, was that of Margaret (alias Peggy) Houghtaling, for killing her child, and resulted in her conviction and execution, on October 17, 1817. This is the only case of the hanging of a woman, recorded in Columbia county. There was afterward some doubts en- tertained as to her guilt.
The next trial of importance was that of the Anti- rent leader Smith A. Boughton, in 1845, which has been de- scribed at length in the sketch of the Hon. John W. Ed- monds. The case of Joseph Brown, who was indicted for the murder of Angeline Stewart, (alias Angie Brown), on the 15th of January, 1868, attracted considerable atten- tion.
The means used for her destruction, being the burning down of the house in which she was securely confined, added to the horror of the crime. Brown was convicted and hanged on May 30, 1868, just four months after his arrest.
Another most atrocious crime, was that of Oscar F.
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Beckwith, who murdered Simon A. Vandercook, in Aus- terlitz, Columbia county, on January 10, 1882. After having two trials each resulting in his conviction, and appeals which only affirmed them, he was hanged in the yard of the jail in this city, in 1888.
The next case on this criminal calendar, is that of John Schmidt, a native of Prussian Poland, who was indicted on September 12, 1893, for the murder of his step-son, William Hildebrant, a lad of only 19 or 20 years of age.
The crime was committed near the Town of Philmont. The defendant admitted his guilt but maintained that the act was committed during a heated quarrel.
Schmidt was found guilty of murder in the first degree on June 1, 1899. An appeal was taken and on Novem- ber 26, .1901, the conviction was affirmed.
Circumstances attending the homicide gave rise to doubts of his sanity, and expert alienists appointed by the Governor, confirmed this view of the case. He is now confined in the prison of Dannemora, as an insane criminal under sentence of death.
The last case on record, and one that created not only the deepest interest in this city, but also wide-spread at- tention throughout the state, was that resulting in the conviction of three young men, scarcely more than boys, ranging in age from 20 to 26 years.
Having conceived a fancied grudge against their uncle, Peter A. Hallenbeck, a respectable farmer of Greenport, Willis, Burton and Frederick M. Van Wormer, accom- panied by their cousin Harvey Bruce, drove to his house, on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1901, and knocked for admission. On Mr. Hallenbeck's opening the door they all fired simultaneously and he fell, riddled with bullets. No less than eight or nine wounds being found upon his body.
They were jointly indicted, and the trial was the absorb-
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ing theme of discussion during the remainder of the winter.
On April 18, 1902, the jury rendered a verdict of guilty, and sentence of death was immediately pronounced.
Harvey Bruce having made a confession was used as a witness for the State.
An appeal was taken, and a decision unanimously sus- taining the judgment of the Court was handed down on May 22, 1903.
All three of the Van Wormer boys were subsequently electrocuted at Dannemora. They are said to have been good looking boys, and Frederick exceptionally handsome, but in the opinion of those who studied them closely, they were degenerates, whose characters furnished no foundation for reform.
Harvey Bruce demanded a separate trial, and received a sentence of twenty years' imprisonment.
He was taken first to Dannemora, but later was trans- ferred to Sing Sing, where he now is.
The opinion of the Court of Appeals complimented the District Attorney, upon the degree of care, which had marked the trial of the case on behalf of the people.
In closing this brief resumé of capital crimes, it is worthy of note that not one of them was committed in Hudson, or by a resident of Hudson. The city has fur- nished her quota of criminals, but none have incurred the death penalty.
There have been many cases of interest, of less serious import, notably a suit for breach of promise, in the third decade of the past century, which filled the columns of the local press with the loving effusions of both parties, to the infinite amusement of the public.
It is said to have proved an effectual deterrent, to the expression of sentiment in correspondence, for a long time afterward.
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The series of exciting events that culminated in the Civil War are too familiar to require recital here. Al- though more than a generation has passed away since its close, some desolate hearts are left, to sigh "for the touch of a vanished hand, and the sound of a voice that is still!" In response to the demand for troops a call for volunteers was issued on July 23, 1862, by John V. Whit- beck, Granville P. Hawes and Edward Gifford, of this city.
The ranks of "Company A." were filled in a few days, and others were rapidly recruited. These companies formed a part of the 128th Regiment, under the command of that gallant Officer Colonel David S. Cowles.
The Regiment was quartered and drilled on the Fair Grounds, and "Camp Kelly" attracted daily crowds of visitors.
On the 30th of August, a handsome stand of colors was presented to them by the patriotic ladies of Hudson, with appropriate ceremonies, and on September 5, 1862, the whole city turned out with hearts bursting with pride, but with tear-dimmed eyes to witness their departure for Baltimore.
Colonel Cowles was a tall, handsome man of soldierly appearance, and rode at the head of his Regiment with per- fect grace. There are still many, who can recall his knightly form as he passed through our streets for the last time.
On the 27th of May, 1863, Col. Cowles fell mortally wounded, while leading an assault on the fortifications at Port Hudson. He refused to be carried to the rear, and allowing but one Sergeant to remain with him, he calmly faced the end. With perfect composure he handed his watch to his attendant, asking that it should be returned to his mother, who had presented it to him in his boyhood, and saying, "Tell my mother, I died with my face to the enemy." With full consciousness of the approach of
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death he closed his eyes, murmuring "Christ Jesus receive my spirit."
The body of Colonel Cowles was brought home and buried with military and civic honors, Masonic bodies from eleven towns participating. Every tribute was paid to his memory, but none more worthy than the sincere, but unspoken grief of his fellow citizens.
Around his monument gather the Memorial Day throngs to listen to the praise of our heroes, but they are
"Beyond the parting and the meeting, Beyond the farewell and the greeting."
Colonel David Smith Cowles was born in Canaan, Conn., February 26, 1817. He was graduated from Yale College, and was admitted to the bar of Columbia county, in 1843, after which he entered upon the practice of law in Hudson, as a partner of his brother, Edward P. Cowles, and was elected District Attorney in 1856. When the Civil War broke out he was in the enjoyment of a fine practice, which he gave up at once at the call of his country, and entered with ardor upon the work of saving; the Union.
Major Edward Gifford, also of the 128th Regiment, was captured by the enemy on the day preceding the attack on Port Hudson, and after an imprisonment of thirty-nine days, made his escape on July 4, 1863, by swimming the Mississippi River. He was in the water four hours, and the hardship and exposure, in his already weakened condition, were too great for his strength. He passed away in New Orleans on August 8, 1863, and his remains are interred among his kindred in his native city.
These cases selected for special mention are only two among thousands of brave men and true, who laid them- selves on the altar of patriotism, a willing sacrifice, and
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to whom a happy, re-united country owes perpetual grati- tude.
The citizens of Hudson and the county were swift to prove their loyalty to the Union, in every possible way.
Previous to raising the four companies for the 128th Regiment, they had furnished a full company for the 14th, besides contributing largely to the 159th. In addi- tion to these, many enlisted in Regiments of Cavalry and in the regular army and navy.
The 128th Regiment returned with 400 men out of the 960, who went out, and 173 added by recruits. The county had a population of 44,905 at the close of the war, a de- crease from 47,172 at its beginning, in 1860, showing the inroads made in every hamlet, by the casualties of the great conflict for National existence.
Hudson was well represented for forty-one years in the regular army of the United States, by Colonel Clermont Livingston Best, who was undoubtedly one of the ablest Artillery Officers in the service.
Col. Best was born at Tivoli, New York, on April 25, 1824, but removed to Hudson when quite young and al- ways considered it his legal residence.
He was graduated from West Point in the class of 1847, and was attached to the Fourth Artillery until his appointment as Major in 1867.
The summary of his early experiences by his biographer, Brig. General D. W. Flagler, shows that the young Lieutenant was well prepared for the promotions incident to the Civil War, by his varied and faithful service as a subordinate. Beginning with the Mexican War, he says "whether participating in operations against the bandits of the Rio Grande, the Seminoles of Florida, the Bor- der Ruffians of Kansas, or the Mormans of Utah," he was obtaining invaluable experience. The Civil War was the epoch of great armies and arduous field duty, and through- out its continuance Captain Best was actively engaged.
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At the Battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., he commanded not only his own battery, but performed the duties of Chief of Artillery of the Fifth Corps, and so efficient was the artillery that, according to Confederate accounts, "it prevented 'Stonewall Jackson' from making his victory complete."
The Fifth Corps becoming merged in the Twelfth Corps, Captain Best still continued its efficient Chief of Artillery, and at Antietam, "it was the powerful group of artillery gathered under the direction of Captain Best," that "Stone- wall Jackson" said "stayed his farther advance."
At Chancellorsville, it was similarly effective in check- ing the advance of Gen. A. P. Hill, after a day's hard fighting in which the Union Army had been repulsed. A new formation was made, and it was here (if the digres- sion may be permitted), that Stonewall Jackson, not ob- serving closely, rode in front of the Twelfth Corps, and was fired upon by our skirmishers, but was not hit. Turn- ing quickly, he rode rapidly toward his own forces, when they, mistaking him for a Union Officer, fired, and he fell, mortally wounded by his own troops.
We cannot follow in detail the distinguished services of Captain Best at Gettysburg, and in the west. It is said that he made such modest reports, that they were al- most overshadowed by those of officers, who were per- fectly willing to claim the glory!
At the close of the war, Major Best was honored with a Brevet Colonelcy in addition to his two previous promo- tions for specific battles, and in 1883, he was appointed Colonel of the Fourth, his old Regiment, and stationed at Fort Adams, Newport, R. I.
This position Colonel Best held until 1888, when hav- ing reached the age limit for active service, he was trans- ferred to the retired list, making New York city his home, until his death, which occurred on April 7, 1897, aged 73.
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Well did he deserve the not too eulogistic epitaph, upon his impressive monument in our cemetery.
The name of Lieut. Commander John Van Ness Philip fitly closes this roll of honor.
Although a native of Claverack, some of his closest friendships were formed with residents of this city, but he gave himself to his country, and held it above all ties of locality and kindred. John Van Ness Philip was born in Claverack, in 1823, and after finishing his studies at the Van Rensselaer Institute at Troy, he entered the United States Navy.
He served during the war with Mexico, receiving the rank of Lieut. Commander, after which he received the appointment of Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Annapolis. After a service of five years in this position, he resigned his commission, and retired to the scenes of his boyhood.
When the firing on Fort Sumter announced that the struggle with the South had commenced, Lieut Philip hastened to Washington, and offered his services to the Government in any capacity they might select. His offer was gladly accepted, his rank restored and he was as- signed to duty with the blockading squadron, in May, 1861, which position he held until his death from yellow fever, in September, 1862. -
Lieut. Philip was a brave officer, a public spirited citi- zen, and a faithful frien l.
He had evinced the liveliest interest in the affairs of the county, and was the founder of the Hudson and Col- umbia County Agricultural and Horticultural Association, of which he was the first President.
This company was formed by a few gentlemen for the purpose of encouraging an improvement in stock, and farm products, by the usual premiums, and the annual fairs are exceedingly popular. The Fair Grounds ad-
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jacent to the city are conveniently situated and are thronged with visitors from all the county towns.
The greatest attraction that can be offered at these fairs is the presence of the Governor of the State, and on this occasion, September 16, 1908, which is the 299th anniversary of the landing of Henry Hudson on these shores, a hearty welcome is being extended to Governor Charles E. Hughes, who was yesterday nominated for a second term.
Governor Hughes is a man whom the people delighteth to honor, and his re-nomination is a signal victory over machine-made politics and politicians.
Returning for a moment to our local military organiza- tion, we find that the "Cowles Guard," so named in honor of the lamented Colonel David S. Cowles, was organized in April, 1878, and was mustered into the New York State Militia, as the 23rd Separate Company, on May 24, 1878.
They immediately received their arms and equipments and in the autumn of that year their Armory was com- pleted. This was located in the rear of the Court House and is now a part of the new jail. The company was ordered out for service during the Spanish War, and left Hudson on July 26, 1898. After remaining at Camp Black, on Long Island, for a time, they were sent to Green- ville, South Carolina, where they remained until mustered out of the United States service, on March 25, of the same year.
When the Separate Companies were organized as Regiments, the 23rd became Company "D." First Regiment on March 15, 1899, and on May 1, 1905, Company F., Tenth Regiment. They were on duty dur- ing the switchman's strike at Buffalo in August, 1892, and also at Stockport in June, 1901, to enforce quaran- tine.
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