USA > New York > Columbia County > Hudson > History of the city of Hudson, New York : with biographical sketches of Henry Hudson and Robert Fulton > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17
Some of the foremost men of the day displayed their budding talents in that old Court House at Claverack, during the eighteen years of its occupancy by the courts; among them being Ambrose Spencer, Martin Van Buren, Elisha Williams and Alexander Hamilton.
After a century of peaceful prosperity, our little settle- ment began to hear the low mutterings of a growing dis- content, that culminated in the momentous action of the Continental Congress, suspending commercial relations with the mother country, whose senseless aggressions had become insupportable.
Universally acclaimed the most successful of all the colonizing nations of Europe, England failed ignobly when she tried her "prentice hand" on the American colonies. Being brought to the alternative of concession or war, she quickly chose the latter, and the provincials were proclaimed rebels. In the same year, 1774, the patriots of Albany county began to raise a Regiment, with its full complement of from 60 to 100 men to each Com- pany, and the "First Claverack Battalion" was soon drill- ing on the clover-reaches near the village of that name.
Mynheer no longer smoked his long pipe, surrounded by "Yeffvrouw" and "Kinder," but hied himself to the Post Station, and the newer tavern opposite, to hear and discuss the exciting news, while train bands with
13
HISTORY OF HUDSON
fife and drum, marched and counter-marched on the green between.
The sturdy Dutch patriots of "The Landing" responded nobly to the call to arms, furnishing a Lieut. Colonel Johannes Van Hoesan, a Company raised by Captain Hen- drick Van Hoesan, and officered by his brothers and cousin, Ensign Francis Hardick, Jr. Also two non-com- missioned officers for Captain Richard Esselstyns Clav- erack Company, besides a large number of Van Hoesans in the ranks; and of Hardicks, Hogebooms, and Huycks, not a few.
Jans and Jacob Jans, Jurriens and Johanneses, Hen- dricks and Gerrits, names so familiar in the early chroni- cles were all there. It is a fact of pathetic significance that not one of these names enrolled, was in evidence in the sales of Dutch property to the Proprietors, ten years later.
A company largely recruited in the town of Livingston by Captain John Mckinstry and Lieut. Thomas Mckinstry of the "Landing," took part in the battle of "The Cedars" on the St. Lawrence River, May 19, 1776, when Captain Mckinstry was captured by England's Indian allies.
Preparations were made to torture and kill him but a Free Mason's sign to Brant, who was a member of the Order saved his life. Mckinstry and Brant remained fast friends during the remainder of their lives, and Brant was a frequent visitor at the Mckinstry mansion, in after years.
The Americans made a strong effort to keep the Indians neutral during the Revolution, and secured a solemn promise from the Six Nations to that effect, but the English were determined from the first to avail them- selves of their aid, and finally by appealing to their avarice, giving them the most lavish presents of gold pieces, suits of red clothes, etc., they succeeded in ob- taining the support of a large proportion of the tribes.
14
HISTORY OF HUDSON
It is also affirmed that the Indians were offered a bounty for every scalp brought in, thus adding the crowning horror to the war. Joseph Brant, "Thayendanegea," the great chief of the Mohawks, was lukewarm and indif- ferent until he was sent to England, and there feasted and honored as his predecessors had been, and like them he returned pledged to do his royal master's bidding.
The Mohicans, leaving the Stockbridge Mission rallied their scattered warriors, and with the Wappingers, re- newed their vows of fealty to the patriots, with a de- votion that has been compared to that of Ruth, and was expressed in almost the same words.
The occasion for their services came in the following year at the battle of Bunker's Hill, on June 17, 1775. The privations the patriots endured they shared without a murmur, and fought with unwearied bravery to the end. When the tattered banners were folded away they re- turned to their white brothers, united by a holier tie, but no truer friendship than that with which they had met and welcomed them, to the shores of Hudson's river, in 1609.
Washington bore testimony to their worth when he commended to Congress as the wards of the nation "the last of the Mohicans."
In view of the patriotic zeal of our Dutch settlers dur- ing the revolutionary war, the ease with which they surrendered the colony to the English a century before would seem inexplicable, did we not take into account the peculiar relations existing between the two countries at that time. If the digression is pardonable it is inter- esting to revert to them in this connection.
During Holland's life-and-death struggle with Spain, Queen Elizabeth, prodded by her Protestant Premier, backed by Protestant England, after heart-rending vacil- lations, at last yielded and granted them a subsidy and a few troops.
15
HISTORY OF HUDSON
Reprisals came quickly in the form of the Invincible Armada, which it will be recalled, after suffering defeat at the hands of Howard and Drake, was dispersed by a terrible storm.
A similar fate befell the Assyrian General, Sennacherib, in Old Testament times.
"Like the leaves of the forest when summer is green, That host and its banners at sunset were seen.
Like the leaves of the forest when autumn has blown, That host on the morrow lay withered and strown."
By her own heroic endurance and bravery, with the assistance sent by England, Holland was victorious, and peace was declared, but it was not an assured peace, and in 1668 war broke out afresh, in which England, Ger- many, and Holland were allied against France and Spain. This war was terminated by the Treaty of Utrecht in 1716, by which Spain yielded Gibraltar to England, and France resigned her pretensions to Hudson's Bay, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
Holland had learned how to starve in beleagured Ley- den, and could have repeated the experience in New Amsterdam if necessary.
When, therefore, we read that "England sailed to Man- hattan with a small armament, and met with but slight resistance," we may be sure that such a reception savored strongly of previous diplomatic "pour parlers."
In the words of a writer very early in the last century- "There must have been a strong fund of good sense, and native talent in our early Dutch settlers, to which were added a sound judgment, and liberality of feeling, associated with high principles of honor and patriotism."
England had never for a moment felt contented to leave Holland in possession of the discoveries of her own English subject, and had only awaited her opportunity to prove it, by force of arms if necessary.
16
HISTORY OF HUDSON
CHAPTER III.
The Rule of the Proprietors-1783-1810.
When the American colonies, obedient to the brave edict of the Continental Congress in 1774, suspended commercial intercourse with the mother country, she re- taliated by preying upon our commerce with all her bound- less resources.
None of our industries suffered more keenly from the depredations of the British, than the whale fisheries, our New England whalers being driven from the sea. Nan- tucket was at that time the largest whaling station in the world, but she was compelled to witness its rapid decline.
However, there was still left a ship to carry the new flag of the victorious Republic, and the first one seen in an English port, was flying from the mast-head of a Nan- tucket whaling ship.
In the spring of 1783, a considerable number of the inhabitants of that part of the country, with the hope of bettering their fortunes, determined to make a settle- ment somewhere on the Hudson River.
To this end two brothers, natives of Nantucket, named Seth and Thomas Jenkins, left Providence, Rhode Island, where Thomas was engaged in mercantile business, for the purpose of selecting a suitable site, taking with them the sum of 100,000 dollars. On arriving in New York they called on Col. Henry Rutgers, an old friend of Seth Jenkins, who offered to sell them his farm on the East river. They considered his offer, but differed 200 dollars in the price. This, Seth Jenkins offered to divide, but Col. Rutgers declining to yield, the negotiation was ended.
17
HISTORY OF HUDSON
The brothers then continued their journey, tarrying at Poughkeepsie with a view to purchasing, but being de- sirous of making a full examination of the Hudson river, proceeded on, and finally decided upon Claverack Landing as meeting their requirements. At this point they found the river navigable for vessels of any depth, and the natural beauty of the location, combined with the fact that it was in a thriving, thickly settled farming popula- tion, made it seem in every way desirable.
On the 19th of July, 1783, the first purchase was made by Thomas Jenkins, consisting of a "store and wharf- lot" of Peter Hogeboom, Junior, for £2600, paying £500 down, and signing the deed.
This was followed by two parcels of lots bought of the widow of Francis Hardick and sons, for £1870 and £540, respectively.
These three purchases being completed, the brothers returned to Nantucket for their families, and in the autumn Seth Jenkins and John Alsop were the first to arrive at the "Landing"; Seth Jenkin's family, consisting of his wife (Dinah Folger), four children, Robert, the eldest, aged eleven years, and Dinah Coffin, the mother of Dinah Folger. His house was the first to be built, and while building, his family lived on board the ship. This and the adjoining dwelling of John Alsop, were on the northerly side of Franklin Square.
"In the spring of 1784, the other proprietors followed with their families, bringing with them several vessels, and in some instances the frames of buildings prepared at Nantucket, for erection upon their arrival."
One of these was brought by Stephen Paddock and upon his arrival with his family, Col. Van Alen went on board of his vessel, and offered them the hospitality of his house which they accepted, Mr. Paddock remarking "if that was a sample of the Dutch, they were in a happy land."
18
HISTORY OF HUDSON
"The proprietors afterward found in Col. Van Alen a warm friend."
The Proprietors' Association as formed was to consist of not more than thirty members, all of whom should be merchants, "or concerned in navigating the deep."
The articles of agreement subscribed by them were the following:
ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT.
We, the subscribers, being joint proprietors of a cer- tain Tract of Land lying at Claverack Landing on the banks of the Hudson River, purchased by Thomas Jen- kins of Peter Hogeboom Junr., and others, for the pur- pose of establishing a commercial settlement, on prin- ciples of equity, do enter into the following Articles of Agreement, to wit :-
ARTICLE THE FIRST.
That each proprietor subscribe for such part of the above Tract, in proportion as near as may be to his Stock in Trade, with the others concerned.
ARTICLE THE SECOND.
No person shall be permitted to purchase lands within two miles of the said landing, unless he shall give the Proprietors the refusal thereof at the rates at which he himself purchased it.
ARTICLE THIRD.
That each and every one of the proprietors shall settle there in person and carry his Trading Stock, on or before the first day of October, A. Dom., one thousand seven
19
HISTORY OF HUDSON
hundred and eighty-five, unless prevented by some un- avoidable event that shall be esteemed a sufficient reason by some of the proprietors, for his non-compliance, and his going immediately after the obstruction is removed.
In case of Death his heirs, executors or administrators, with fully complying with these Articles, shall be entitled to the same privileges as other proprietors.
ARTICLE FOURTH.
That no person be permitted to dispose of his share who has not fully complied with these Articles, but said share revert to the other Proprietors, they paying the first cost of said share without interest, and that the proprietors which have complied with the foregoing shall hold possession of lands according to their several pro- portions.
ARTICLE FIFTH.
That no proprietor be permitted to enter any building on any proprietor's land, until it shall be divided, and they shall be subjected to such regulations as shall be hereafter made, for regulating the Streets, Lanes, High- ways, Gangways, &c.
ARTICLE SIXTH.
That we further agree that if any one or more shall forfeit the right of his or their interest in the afore- mentioned lands, according to the true intent and meaning of the preceding articles, that he or they shall if fur- nished with Deeds or other Instruments of conveyance from Thomas Jenkins, give up the same to the Propri- etors, or furnish them with a clear Deed or Deeds of all their right, title, and interest in said lands, they paying
20
HISTORY OF HUDSON
such person or persons the first cost as described in article fourth.
ARTICLE SEVENTH.
That the subscribers do solemnly agree to abide by the preceding Articles and regulations, and that this In- strument be signed and sealed by each individual pro- prietor, and the original be lodged in the hands of the Proprietors' Clerk.
STEPHEN PADDOCK
THOMAS JENKINS REUBEN MACY
JOSEPH BARNARD
BENJAMIN FOLGER
COTTON GELSTON
SETH JENKINS
JOHN ALSOP
WILLIAM HALL
CHARLES JENKINS EZRA REED
HEZEKIAH DAYTON
DAVID LAWRENCE
GIDEON GARDNER
JOHN THURSTON
TITUS MORGAN REUBEN FOLGER
NATHANIEL GREENE
All the proprietors do not appear to have signed these articles of agreement, which is explained by the fact that two or three did not continue members, and the shares of some were included and covered by the signatures of the other proprietors .- Extracts from minutes .-
1784, May 14th. The proprietors held their first meeting at the house of Seth Jenkins, and voted to elect such offi- cers as were necessary to regulate their internal measures, so far as their land extended. David Lawrence was chosen Moderator of the meeting; Reuben Folger, Clerk for one year. A committee of six, of which Seth Jenkins was chairman, was appointed to "regulate streets, and to attend in a particular manner to the fixings of the build- ings uniformly." It was also voted "that no person should fix his house without such direction from a majority of the committee as they might think proper;"
21
HISTORY OF HUDSON
and that "No person should extend his steps more than four feet from his door or sellar ways."
1784, May 15th. A committee of four having been appointed "to lay out, sell or lease to David Bunker and Redwood Easton a convenient lot for a tan yard" reported that "they had sold one-quarter of an acre near Peter Hogeboom's grist mill, with benefit of the mill stream for £8.00 payable £2.00 per annum."
1784, May 17th. Cotton Gelston was voted treasurer. Five proprietors were authorized to call a meeting, by making application in writing to the Clerk. "And that any number of persons possessing sixteen full thirtieths in the proprietorship shall constitute a meeting and not less."
1784, June 2nd. It was voted that a number of men should be employed "to dig on the hill in the direction of Main street, in order to open a way to the river, and procure stone for the proprietors."
This was probably the opening of South Front street. Gideon Gardner was appointed to superintend that busi- ness." The portion of the future city first occupied was that nearest the landing, and Cotton Gelston opened the first store. The first house on Main street was built by Peter Barnard, just above the residence of Mrs. J. S. Gould. Below it were orchards and cornfields.
June 28, 1784. It was voted "that a house be immediate- ly built at the expense of the proprietors, 20 feet by 30 to be appropriated for a Market House and that Daniel Paddock superintend the building."
This was the establishment of the first or lower Market house.
Oct. 24th it was voted "that a bridge be built over the great hollow in Main street, with stone abutments." Seth Jenkins was appointed to have the work done.
The bridge was located in front of the upper corner of Warren and Fourth streets.
Oct. 24th. They also voted "that Thomas Jenkins have
22
HISTORY OF HUDSON
privilege to erect a hay scale at his own cost, on Market Square for five years, he promising not to exact more than 1s. 6d. per load, for weighing."
1784, Nov. 14th. It was unanimously agreed by the proprietors, that "in futur it should be called by the name of Hudson."
There seems to have been no debate on the change of name, or the suggestion of any other by the proprietors. than that given. Governor George Clinton was desirous that the settlement should be called Clinton, and was. displeased that the name met with no favor from the proprietors.
1784, Nov. 23rd. Thomas Jenkins, David Lawrence and Gideon Gardner, were appointed a committee "to wait on Col. John Van Alen, empowered by the proprietors to purchase his real estate for £2,500 and one-thirtieth interest in the first purchase made, including one-thirtieth of his own land."
This property was the dwelling and store and wharf lot before referred to, and included all the land lying between Ferry street and the bay, and running easterly to Front street.
The first child born after the purchase was Elizabeth Bunker, who died while young. Her parents were natives of Nantucket, who came here from Dutchess county.
In the autumn of 1784, Daniel Paddock and Cotton Gelston were appointed by the proprietors a committee to procure ground for a Cemetery. They called upon Col. Van Alen for advice and assistance and after viewing sev- eral different localities, settled upon the site of the present ground, owned by Col. Van Alen. When asked his price for four or five acres, the Colonel replied "that he would give that quantity to the proprietors to be used for a burial ground forever, and for no other purpose."
Additions have been made from time to time, and
23
HISTORY OF HUDSON
it is now of quite considerable extent, and greatly admired for the beauty of its scenery. The committee deserve credit for the selection of a spot, at once so secluded and so accessible.
The original ground is that portion first entered from the small gate, and well preserved stones mark the resting-places of Seth Jenkins, Gelston, S. Pomeroy White and many others, while beyond are scattered the brown moss-covered stones grown hoary with age, whose in- scriptions are almost undecipherable.
The first person buried in this ground was Phebe, wife of Benjamin Folger, the first man who was buried there was Colonel John Van Alen, who died December 15th, 1784.
About the middle of the last century the city erected a substantial monument to his memory, bearing the following inscription:
"He was a man of strong mind and liberal heart. He took an active interest in the settlement of Hudson, was the donor of the original burying ground, and the third person buried therein."
-
24
HISTORY OF HUDSON
CHAPTER IV.
Final Acquisition of Land .- Ship Building.
After the death of Col. Van Alen, it was voted "to ascertain from the widow Van Alen whether she had power to ratify the bargain, and if so to get writings drawn and executed immediately."
It was also voted to procure "from Thomas Jenkins a one-thirtieth or compleat share in the proprietorship, for the sum of £500 to be made out to Catherine Van Alen."
The purchase of the property was completed, and the proprietors "presented to Mrs. Van Alen No. 10 house lot, in the first square and Main street."
Mrs. Van Alen built a house on the lot and resided there until 1787. It was then occupied by Ambrose Spencer and his son John C. Spencer was born there. Its precise locality cannot be ascertained.
Later when Greene street was laid out, a large plot bore the name of Catherine Van Alen.
With the purchase of about twelve acres additional from Leendert Hardick, and the division of some un- claimed water lots among them, the acquisition of land by the proprietors seems to have rested.
The water lots lay along the South Bay close to the water's edge, and the proprietors with commendable fore- sight announced that "any person falling in must not look to them for damages."
When we reflect that the purchasing power of a dollar was from ten to twenty times greater in those days than now, and that the sums paid by the proprietors were in pounds, multiplying a dollar nearly five times,
25
HISTORY OF HUDSON
the prices obtained by the Dutch settlers would argue very good values; the proprietors being experienced business men who would not pay more than the land was worth.
In the meantime the enterprise had attracted desirable additions from Providence, Martha's Vineyard and New- port, nearly all of whom were the possessors of comfort- able fortunes, and the growth of the little settlement was almost unparalleled.
A very large proportion of the inhabitants were members of the Society of Quakers, and theirs was the first religious organization to apply for ground on which to build a meeting-house as we find in the minutes.
1784, Sept. 8th. It was voted "that divers of the proprietors being members of the society called Quakers, who now request that a piece of ground be set apart on their right for a meeting-house and schoolhouse, there- fore, they of the said society being proprietors, are author- ized and empowered to make choice of such one of the public squares for a meeting-house as they should think proper, the lot to be given by the proprietors if built upon before any other society should make application. The half of the adjoining lot was to be selected also for a schoolhouse and a deed of conveyance of the lots would be given for that purpose, and that only."
A lot on the south side of Union street seventy-five by sixty feet, near the corner of Third street was selected and a small frame building was erected.
The society increasing rapidly in members, purchased the lot on the opposite side of Union street corner of Third, where in the year 1794, they built a large brick building capable of accommodating six hundred people, in which they worshipped until 1853, when they occupied the building vacated by the Methodists.
This was their last meeting-house, their members having dwindled to a very few families.
Their places of worship were like their garb and
26
HISTORY OF HUDSON
language, devoid of all unnecessary ornament, not even a coat of paint being admissible on either the interior or exterior, which last possessed nothing to designate its character or use to a stranger.
The audience-room was divided by a high partition through the centre which entirely separated the sexes, and was furnished with hard wooden benches, while facing these were arranged a few elevated seats, for the elders of the society, and from which the preachers discoursed, whenever the spirit moved them.
The juveniles of the congregation were relegated to the rear of the respective divisions, and an early writer gives a graphic account of his efforts to keep awake, and thus avoid the rap on the head administered by the cane of a watchful elder. He relates that one Jethro Bell, the better to perform this duty seated himself among the youthful offenders, and on one particularly warm Sunday, while leaning forward, with his chin on his cane fell fast asleep!
An ungodly boy, pretending to flick a fly from the elder's nose, hit the cane and Jethro fell sprawling upon his face. We can imagine the horror of the whole as- sembly at this breach of decorum, and the deep but silent enjoyment of the boys.
Their worship was ordinarily silent but two preachers are mentioned who occasionally discoursed to them, Thomas Comstock and Hannah Barnard, both well known to "Friends" in other parts of the country.
The same simplicity that marked their place and form of worship, was carried into every department of life. They never uncovered their heads in the meeting house or on any public occasion, and never made use of any titles in their address of each other, or of the "world's people," simply calling everyone by their given name.
The Quaker dress was severely plain. No jewelry was tolerated, and it never varied either in style or color,
27
HISTORY OF HUDSON
but there was a quaintness in the dove-colored dress and bonnet, and sheer crossed 'kerchief, that was very at- tractive.
Lovers of order, hospitable, benevolent, industrious, and peaceful in all their pursuits, were these fascinating mem- bers of a society, that not only originated and adorned, but was itself the best example of the "simple life."
A little rhyme by the late Stephen B. Miller well com- memorates the "Friends" of those early days of the Proprietors; we give a portion of it.
"Full four-score years and ten ago From those lone and sea-girt places, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Came the Folgers, Jenkins, Macys And the Paddocks, Worths and Daytons, And there were Coffins, full a score, With many more a home to find Upon North River's quiet shore.
They are all gone! and in our streets Of those plain days there scarce a trace is, Little save names are left to tell Of Bunkers, Jenkins, Barnards, Macys. Simple in heart, peace-loving men With sober-minded, worthy dames, All sweet within and drab without, And all with good old Scripture names."
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.