USA > New York > Columbia County > Hudson > History of the city of Hudson, New York : with biographical sketches of Henry Hudson and Robert Fulton > Part 15
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In 1835, the road was commenced, and as it was ex- pected to promote the business prosperity of Hudson the stock was subscribed to the amount of $250,000 by our citizens. The road was opened in October, 1841, but it did not prosper and the stockholders lost their investment.
Steam power had not been considered on this road up to this time. "It was believed that animal power was better adapted for the transportation of the endless load- ing, such a dense and industrious population required!"
We learn from records of the Common Council, that the disastrous fires still occurring at intervals led to the thorough reorganization of the Fire Department, and the purchase of additional apparatus. John W. Edmonds, afterward Judge Edmonds, was appointed the first Chief Engineer, and served until his removal to New York in 1837. His name is perpetuated in Edmonds Hose Com- pany No. 1.
Steam fire engines were provided by the city in the months of April and August, 1868, and when the in- creased water supply in 1874, rendered hand engines use- less, the companies were transformed into Hose and Hook and Ladder Companies.
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Suitable engine houses were built for their use, in 1887 and 1889, and thus the new appurtenances were provided, but the willing and unselfish service still continues to be of the voluntary order.
It has been stated that two at least of the large fires that devastated this city at an early period, were caused by the showers of sparks thrown off by the steamboats. These were produced by the use of wood as fuel, and it was not until 1835, that coal was substituted. It is worthy of note that the first blower and furnace adapted for its use were the invention of Daniel Dunbar of Hud- son.
The name of Power has been closely connected with improved facilities for transportation, from the earliest Hudson Steamboat Co., in 1808, to the present time.
Captain George H. Powers, who built and owned sev- eral boats, and who controlled the Hudson Steam Ferry from 1880 until his death, was perhaps the most actively engaged in this line of business.
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CHAPTER XXIV.
Water Supply-Civic Improvements.
In 1835, the Legislature was petitioned "to allow the Hudson Aqueduct Company to enlarge its capital and thus enable it to substitute iron pipes for the wooden ones then in use."
This was granted, and eked out by cisterns and water tanks was made to suffice until 1871.
In that year the question of an addition to the water supply became acute, and an Act was passed by the Legislature authorizing the expenditure of $250,000 for that purpose. A commission was appointed to have sur- veys prepared, and estimates made. The conclusion was reached that the appropriation would not be sufficient, and in 1873, a new law provided the sum of $350,000.
A special election was held to give the people an op- portunity to vote on a choice between the Hudson river and Lake Charlotte, a body of pure water, that sparkles like a huge solitaire, in its setting of living green. A very small majority were found to be in favor of the river. They did not recall that little rhyme of Cole- ridge's, so applicable to our noble Hudson, and the cities, which it is compelled to wash.
"The river Rhine it is well known Doth wash your City of Cologne, But tell me nymphs! what power divine Shall henceforth wash the river Rhine ?"
Construction was commenced in March, 1874, and the work was prosecuted with such energy that water was flowing through the system on the first of the following November.
The cost of the Water Works was kept within the ap-
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propriation and the whole undertaking was successfully ac- complished under the Commission of which Mr. Frederick Fitch Folger was Chairman.
The increase in the consumption of water was rapid. In 1876, 430,014 gallons were consumed; in 1880, 827,475; in 1887, 436,221,664; and in 1903, it was estimated that 1,400,000 gallons were consumed on an average per day.
The street which was opened to reach the reservoirs led through private grounds, but the Commission was given the amount of land required, and was urged to make the street its present width of fifty feet. When they demurred at the expense of making it more than thirty-five feet, the owner offered to pay the difference rather than have it any less. He also had the trees set out on either side of the street, in the year 1876, and there were just 76 trees. A coincidence of the Cen- tennial year.
The Hudson river, although not attractive as a source of water supply, was ideal in its volume, there being no fear of a shortage from any possible cause, but after some years, fears began to be seriously entertained in regard to its healthfulness.
While the filter beds were under the watchful care of Keeper Stevens, they were kept as clean as it was possible to keep them, and the danger was held in abeyance, but later the typhoid bacillii took possession, and turned one of life's priceless blessings into a deadly poison.
In March, 1900, the press of the city began a cam- paign of education and appeal, backed by the physicians, with full statistics proving the alarming increase in the number of cases of typhoid fever. People resorted to mineral water, or to the Aqueduct water, except those who refused to believe either the Board of Health or the press, and manifested a senseless opposition to every form of relief.
The advocates of pure water continued to urge the
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matter, the press well in the van, through the years 1900 and 1901. The Board of Public Works had preliminary surveys made of all sources of supply, by Superintend- ent Bishop and C. C. Vermeule, a noted engineer, both re- porting in favor of a gravity system. In February, 1902, a bill providing for the expenditure of $270,000 and the appointment of a special Water Commission with power to decide on the best plan, and execute it, was passed by the Legislature. It was also passed by a majority vote of the Common Council, after a public hearing which was unanimously in favor of such action.
The Mayor returned the bill with his disapproval, and thus destroyed all hope of relief for that year.
Fortunately a new Mayor succeeded, who, when the bill was passed a second time, heartily approved, and it was signed by Governor Odell on April 4th, 1903.
On April 18th, the Mayor appointed a Water Commis- sion whose members were highly satisfactory to all citi- zens. They at once elected Mr. Arthur Gifford, Presi- dent, and proceeded to have the streams under considera- tion analyzed by the State Board of Health. On a favor- able report being received, it was decided to have a grav- ity plant from New Forge, via Churchtown, and Cornelius C. Vermeule was engaged as consulting engineer, and Hubert K. Bishop as Chief engineer, to have charge of the work.
The resolution as adopted provided for "taking of the water from Taghkanic Creek at New Forge, for the erec- tion of a reservoir and settling basin at Churchtown, and for the distribution of 3,000,000 gallons of water daily. The pipe line to be taken through Claverack to the Hudson reservoirs." Bids for contracts were given out, and on May 30, 1903, were awarded. Rights of way were secured where possible, and a condemnation commis- sion was finally appointed to whom all disputed cases were submitted. It was considered quite a victory for
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the city when their awards for riparian rights were found to be less than $1,000 more than the city had offered.
The work was pressed as rapidly as possible, and not- withstanding the many annoying delays and difficulties experienced, water was flowing into the reservoirs at Hud- son on the 19th of February, 1905.
The pipe line is twelve and a half miles long, the dam contains 8,000 cubic yards of masonry, weighing about 12,000 tons. Storage capacity 82,000,000 gallons, the water covering fifteen acres.
The Hudson reservoirs were not only thoroughly cleansed, but were practically made into new basins, to avoid any possibility of contamination. A deplorable ac- cident, by which three men were killed, and one injured, occurred during this part of the work, on October 3, 1905. A small engine used to furnish steam to the gravel wash- ing machinery, being insufficiently provided with water, exploded with terrific force.
The cost of the whole plant was within the amount appropriated, which speaks volumes for the business abil- ity and prudent management of the Water Commission. Public spirited, they gave freely of their time and energies, and honest-in these days of graft it is refreshing to witness the expenditure of a fortune, and know that the city received dollar for dollar.
The number of deaths from typhoid fever was reduced from 152, in 1904, to only 2, in 1906. These figures re- quire no comment.
The passing during the present year of the old Hud- son Aqueduct Company is noteworthy, and its final dis- solution should be chronicled. The company was char- tered in 1790, a petition having been presented to the Legislature in 1789, stating that they had "at considerable expense brought water into the city by an aqueduct, from a spring two miles distant, and felt the need of a regular
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system to compel shareholders to bear their equal por- tion of expenses for repairs, etc."
The Act then passed seemed to meet their every re- quirement and has been given at length in an earlier por- tion of this work.
In 1793, the Aqueduct Company purchased the "Huyck Spring," later known as the "Fountain," water having been previously brought through pipes from the "Ten Broeck Spring," which is situated on the old Heermance farm.
And now, no more shall we behold the unsightly pumps at too frequent intervals along our streets, and while they will be missed, they cannot well be mourned. It is said that a very near-sighted lady once shook hands with one of the long-armed pump handles, thinking she was greeting a dear friend, but for the truth of this statement we do not vouch.
The "Fountain" furnished pure sparkling water, which gushed with perennial freshness from its rocky bed, and the Aqueduct Company deserved the grateful thanks of the whole population of Hudson, in addition to the prompt payment of water rates.
Another organization of equal antiquity has been re- cently dissolved; "The Columbia Turnpike Company," which was the third chartered in the State of New York, dating from 1799.
It was composed entirely of Hudson men, and the capi- tal stock was 25,000 dollars. It ran to the Massachusetts line, and began taking toll in 1800. For more than a century the toll gate stood, and it still seems as if the ghost of the departed toll-gatherer would rise, and with shadowy hand extended, challenge our advance !
In 1828, we find that a petition to the Common Council resulted in the appointment of a committee, who "re- ported in favor of putting fifty poles with lamps, not more, and that they be located at the most convenient places.
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To be lighted only on the moonless nights." These lamps burned sperm oil, and nothing else was used until about the middle of the century, when a substitute was found in the form of etherial oil, or burning fluid. This being of a volatile and inflammable nature, was considered very dangerous, but the Hudson Gas Company came to the rescue in 1850, and in the fall of that year the streets were first lighted with gas, and its use soon became gen- eral throughout the city.
This company was absorbed by the Hudson Electric Light and Power Company which was incorporated in 1888, and was consolidated with the Albany and Hudson Railway and Power Company in 1899.
This organization supplies the city with Electric Light and operates the Hudson Electric Street Railway, which it built in 1890. It also acquired the steam railroad to Albany, via Stottville and Kinderhook, which was built in 1889, substituted electric power, and opened it for traffic in 1900.
Between 1824, and 1830, considerable advance was made in re-paving, and in paving additional streets, also a number of sewers were laid, but after this effort only necessary repairs seem to have been made from time to time, for many years.
"The improvement of the Public Square," is alluded to. This as we have seen was intended for a pub- lic park by the donor, but for some inscrutable rea- son it was denuded of its fine old forest trees, and paved with cobblestones. To complete the devasta- tion, the Hudson and Berkshire Railroad was al- lowed to cross it, and thus it remained until 1878, when the matter was taken up by a resident on the upper side of the Square. Subscriptions were solicited and a sufficient sum was raised, together with the gifts of the coping and trees from individuals, to transform the treeless desert into a refreshing little oasis. The Boston and Al-
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bany Railroad Company atoned in a measure for its pres- ence, by generously furnishing sufficient gravel to fill in the whole surface of the Park.
In the same year, 1878, the authorities took measures to improve the Promenade Hill, by the erection of an ornamental iron fence along the full length of its dan- gerous frontage, and by increased attention to its walks and lawn.
Mr. Miller tells us that this Park was the favorite re- sort for lovers in early times, and doubtless many a pretty Quakeress has here murmured her coy "yes," from the depths of her fetching Quaker bonnet, as also later, "the girl of the period" may have done, since there are some customs that never become obsolete!
But the Hill has witnessed other scenes of momentous importance, as when in 1609, Henry Hudson was ban- queted there by his courteous Indian hosts, and when, two centuries later, it was thronged with people to witness the passage of the Steamboat "Clermont," and to marvel at a craft, "propelled by neither sails or oars." Still an- other occasion that drew people to the hill was the wreck of the Steamboat "Swallow" commanded by Captain A. H. Squires. It was on April 7, 1845, at nine o'clock of a dark and stormy night, that the boat driven far out of her course, ran upon a large rock in the western channel, and was broken in two. The accident happened just above the Village of Athens, and small boats speedily went to the rescue, and succeeded in saving many lives, but about forty were drowned. In this city the church bells were rung, citizens were aroused, and every effort was made to succor the poor sufferers, whose cries could be dis- tinctly heard, but in vain. In less than twenty minutes the boat disappeared and all was still.
It is said that she was afterward raised, re-built, and plied for some years on the Connecticut river.
The custom of ringing the church bells to call the peo-
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ple together prevailed, for secular as well as for sacred purposes for many years. It was not until after the middle of the last century that they were dispensed with, and a tall tower with heavy fire-bell was substituted, to call the firemen to their duties.
The city was then districted and numbered, and the fire alarm now signifies the location of fires by ringing a corresponding number.
A syren whistle has also been placed on the Public Square, which gives most ear-piercing information to the residents of that section of the city.
To return once more to the Promenade Hill, which was selected as a proper and desirable site for the statue of St. Winifred, "Presented to the City of Hudson by Gen. John Watts de Peyster, 1896," and which was unveiled with suitable ceremonies, and an address of acceptance by the City, delivered by the Hon. Casper P. Collier.
The familiar legend of St. Winifred runs thus:
St. Winifred was a noble British maiden, who was beheaded by Prince Caradoc for repelling his persistent advances.
The head rolled down a hill, and where it stopped a spring gushed forth, which is Holywell, in Flintshire, Wales, famous still as a place of pilgrimage. She is the patron saint of virgins. Caradoc was called by the Romans Caractacus.
General de Peyster remarked when giving the statue, that "he knew there were many saints in Hudson, but he hoped there was room for one more."
The stranger re-visiting Hudson after an interval of about twenty years could not fail to note a great improve- ment in our shopping district. It would perhaps be more noticeable than in the residential part of the city, although several handsome dwellings have been erected within that period.
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But anyone who can recall the impression our former low buildings made upon them after an extended sojourn in larger cities, (as though a whirlwind had removed the upper stories), cannot fail to contrast their inferior ap- pearance with the places of business on our principal thoroughfare today.
These are really creditable structures, a few having glass fronts, and all with fine large show windows, in which their wares are effectively displayed.
Within these alluring exteriors are to be found in many cases, the usual appointments and appurtenances of the regulation department store.
During the last decade of the 19th century a deter- mined effort was made in the very necessary, as well as desirable direction of civic betterments, and excellent progress and good results were accomplished.
Warren street, from the Park to the river, was re-paved with asphalt blocks in 1890. Additional and enlarged sewers were laid. A number of streets were macadam- ized, and the upper part of Warren street and Worth avenue also received needed attention.
All these public benefactions in their preservation and extension will continue to require the expenditure of money and energy-and still there's more to follow!
A new charter was procured for the City of Hudson in 1895, which provided additional commissions for every possible contingency.
One of the most important of these, and one whose efficient handiwork is to be seen in many civic improve- ments, is the Board and Superintendent of Public Works. To this and to the still more necessary Board of Health, Hudson stands deeply indebted. The creation of a City Court and the office of City Judge; clearly defining the duties and powers of the Board of Education, and the formation of Public Charities, Cemetery, and Police Com- missions have all been productive of good results.
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The public parks and grounds surrounding the school buildings were first improved in 1898-9, and the sums expended in clipped lawns and beds of flowers have made most gratifying returns in the increased attractiveness of the city.
Our early forefathers adhered to their custom of de- pending on night-watchmen for many years, adding to their number until there were fourteen on duty every night! The day seems to have been left without any guardians of the peace. Like the little boy, who only prayed to be taken care of at night, saying he could take care of himself in the daytime!
But at length two constables were appointed, and these were succeeded by a limited number of policemen.
In 1873, the police department was re-organized and consists of a Chief and six men, to whom a sergeant was added in 1895, and the whole force was placed under the direction of a Police Commission of three, as pro- vided by the new Charter.
For more than half of the last century the cemetery received but little attention, and until 1855, nothing was done, as we learn from the records, except to "place a fence around it, and clear away the bushes."
In that year some attempts were made to improve it, but with only partial success, and it was not until 1872, that the work was taken resolutely in hand. A few per- sons formed themselves into a "Cemetery Association," raised a fund of about three thousand dollars, to eke out the small amount appropriated by the City, and the grounds gradually assumed their present improved ap- pearance.
In order to insure a permanent income a number of annual subscriptions were secured in payment of personal attention to lots, from year to year, and a system of per- petual care was also later adopted by the Cemetery Com- mission.
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On June 18, 1895, the city purchased the adjacent prop- erty of Mr. Brockbanks, which furnishes the convenient and ample enlargement that had become necessary, while the dwelling can be used as a much needed mortuary chapel, and also contains the office of the superintendent. The whole was enclosed with a neat iron fence, finished with ornamental gates at the principal entrance, which were presented to the city in 1896, and the grounds then received the name of "Cedar Park Cemetery." Seldom has the expenditure of time, effort and money, been more richly repaid, for nature has done her best to make the views surpassingly beautiful, and asks but little help from man.
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CHAPTER XXV.
Medical Profession-Charitable Institutions.
That "peace hath her victories no less renowned than war" is well exemplified in the triumphs of modern thera- peutics, and antiseptic surgery, but the residents of Hud- son have been always highly favored in having physicians who kept well abreast of the discoveries in medical science, and who were able and skillful practitioners.
Among the first of these was Doctor Robert G. Frary, who was born in 1793, and was licensed to practice medi- cine in 1815. He soon obtained recognition and became a member of the County Medical Society in 1818, and of the New York State Medical Society in 1836.
Doctor Frary was elected Vice-President of The State Medical Society in 1845 and its President in 1851.
In addition to the active duties of his profession, Doc- tor Frary took a deep interest in municipal affairs, and served as Mayor of Hudson from 1836 to 1846, beside holding minor offices.
His death which occurred on Dec. 29, 1862, was deeply regretted, and in recognition of his valuable services to this city, the grateful citizens erected a monument to his memory.
Another of our most prominent and greatly beloved physicians was Doctor Abijah Perkins Cook, who was born at Hyde Park, New York, in 1808. He was graduated from the Hudson Academy in 1831, and pur- sued his medical studies with his brother, Doctor George W. Cook. After receiving his degree from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Doctor Cook began the prac- tice of medicine in Chatham, removing to Hudson in
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1840, where he was actively engaged in the duties of his profession, until his death in 1884.
Doctor Cook early became a convert of Homeopathy, and was elected a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy in 1847, he was chosen President of the Homeopathic Medical Society of this state in 1865, and was elected a permanent member of that body in the following year.
He was emphatically a professional man, and he de- sired only the honor of being a successful physician. In this he was surely gratified, for his extensive practice was a sufficient proof of his skill and devotion, while he had, in an eminent degree, the faculty of inspiring confidence. Doctor Cook came of a family of noted physicians on both his father's and mother's side, and his son, Doctor Charles P. Cook, who succeeded him, well sustains the traditions of his sires. He is now the oldest and most prominent Homeopathic physician in this city, and one of the very few whom we can recall, that was born here, so large a proportion of Hudson's public men having been born elsewhere!
Perhaps however it may be a higher compliment to the city to have been selected as a place of residence after their arrival at years of discretion. It may also have been observed that many of those, of whom mention has been made, have passed away, and lest some irreverent person should dare to suggest that, like the succulent tuber, the best part of Hudson seems to be under the ground, we hasten to explain, that on the contrary, the impartial historian is surrounded with a veritable em- barrassment of riches, on which the inexorable limits of space forbid an entrance.
To return to our physicians, the name of Doctor Elbridge Simpson will suggest itself to many of the older citizens. He was born at Ashfield, Mass., in 1812, and soon after the completion of his medical
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studies, came to this city, where he passed the whole of his professional life. Failing health compelled Doctor Simpson to seek rest and restoration in travel but he returned to Hudson, before his death, in 1880. Doctor Simpson possessed in a large degree the family trait, which was so marked in his brother, Mr. Joel T. Simpson, of always extending a helping hand to those who were at- tempting to obtain a foothold in this workaday world. More than one struggling young physician was cheered and encouraged by Doctor Simpson, and enabled to prove that 'everything (even patients) comes to him who waits.'
Doctor John C. Benham was also a successful prac- titioner in this city for many years.
He was born in Catskill, New York, in 1816, studied anatomy and surgery under Doctor March of Albany, and was graduated from the Medical Academy at Woodstock, Vt., in 1837.
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