USA > New York > Columbia County > Hudson > History of the city of Hudson, New York : with biographical sketches of Henry Hudson and Robert Fulton > Part 9
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HISTORY OF HUDSON
ing one's eyes on the west-Hudson is in many particulars without a rival."
A Gazeteer published in 1810, says, "Hudson has a population of nearly 5000, fifty-four of whom are slaves. It has two banks, combined capital two hundred and sixty thousand dollars; four houses of worship, one each for Quakers, Presbyterian, Episcopal and Methodist, and an Academy, a handsome brick edifice beautifully located, with a magnificent view. Also a Masons Lodge and some District Schoolhouses." "But few of the streets are yet paved or lighted by public lamps." "The town is supplied with excellent water from springs conveyed in aqueducts. Principal spring is about two miles from city, foot of lime- stone hill."
The Gazeteer speaks of Hudson's rapid progress and predicts its continued growth. The population of Al- bany in 1810 is given, as about 12,000, 254 of whom were slaves.
Compared with the mushroom-like growth of recent cities, especially in our western states, the increase seems small in both Albany and Hudson, but we are reminded that there was but little foreign immigration in those days, and very few facilities for travel.
And while from our standpoint the city seems crude and chaotic, with its many ungraded, unpaved, and un- lighted streets, it was doubtless as far advanced in these respects as other cities of the same, or even of an older date.
The following list of such of the inhabitants as were assessed one hundred pounds, and upward, in the year 1797, is taken from the "tax book" for that year, which was certified to as follows: "This Tax Book contains the value of each man's estate, both real and personal, within
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HISTORY OF HUDSON
the city of Hudson, to the best of our knowledge accord- ing to the usual way of assessment"
Hudson, 27th May, 1797.
JACOB DAVIS JONATHAN BECRAFT ISAAC NORTHRUP
Assessors.
McArthur, Arthur
£140
Decker, George
225
Allen, Benjamin
160
Dayton, Hezekiah
205
Allen, Howard
200
Dayton, Isaac
100
Alsop, John
400
Elting, James
300
Ashley, William
260
Everts, J. & Sons Est. 180
Barnard, Joseph Est.
210
Ernst, John L.
120
Barnard, Abisha
130
Edmonds, Samuel
180
Bunt, Jacob
250
Folger, Reuben
225
Bunker, Solomon
130
Folger, Benjamin
100
Bunker, Silas
150
Frothingham, Thomas
140
Bunker, Barzilla
120
Frary, Giles
300
Bunker, Elihu
130
Greene, Nathaniel
820
Becraft, Jonathan
230
Gelston, Cotton
415
Bolles, John R.
120
Gilbert, Ezekiel
160
Bolles, Jeremiah
160
Gardner, William
120
Burk, James
100
Goldthwart, Thomas
180
Coffin, Alexander
300
Greene, John 140
Coffin, Jared
135
Hardick, John F.
280
Coffin, David
340
Harder, Jacob, Jr. 250
Coffin, Uriah
120
Harder, John M.
120
Coventry, William
300
Heydorn, Adam
225
Comstock, Thomas
170
Hosmer, Prosper 135
230
Clark, Daniel
170
Hubbell, Levi
100
Cheanee, Abiel
190
Hammond, Abner
110
Delemater, Dirck
550
Haxtum, Benjamin
130
Delemater, Claudius L. 470
Hogeboom, Peter
540
Delemater, Claudius
150
Hallenbeck, William 320
Dakin, Paul
160
Hallenbeck, Robert
320
Clark, George
105
Hyatt, James
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HISTORY OF HUDSON
Hollenbeck, Mathias 200
Parkman, Thomas 100
Hollenbeck, John R. 180
Reed, Ezra 900
Hollenbeck, William G. 140
Rand, Peter 190
Hathaway, John 500
Race, Jonathan
135
Hoxie, Christopher
160
Riley & Storrs
100
Huyck, Casper Est.
300
Schermerhorn, John
100
Irish, Jonathan
100
Spencer, Ambrose
180
Jenkins, Thomas
2660
Sears, Nathan
100
Jenkins, T. & Sons
1150
Slade, William
100
Jenkins, Seth Est.
850
Thurston, John
120
Jenkins, Marshall
750
Ten Broeck, John Est.
600
Jenkins, M. & Son
310
Ten Broeck, Jeremiah
550
Jenkins, Charles
270
Ten Broeck, Samuel
130
Jenkins, Lemuel Est.
200
Tobey, Seth
325
Jenkins, Deborah
195
Tallman, John
120
Johnston, Walter
120
Van Hoesan, Abraham 190
Kellogg, Russell
270
Van Hoesan, Peter
290
Lawrence, David
325
Van Hoesan, Jenny 105
L'Escure, Hyacinth
115
Van Hoesan, Peter Est. 100
Mooklar, James & M.
230
Van Rensselaer, H. I.
600
Morton, Reuben
115
Van Deusen, Tobias 300
Macy, Capt. Reuben
450
Van Allen, Adam
265
Morrison, James
170
Vander Bergh, Peter
165
Moores, Reuben
130
Vander Bergh, James 165
Nixon, James
200
Whittaker, Ephriam
210
Nichols, Samuel G.
150
White, Mrs. 140
Northrop, Isaac
125
Whitlock, Thomas
145
Olcott, Josiah
225
Worth, Shubael
225
Paddock, Stephen
425
Worth, Thomas 2nd
100
Paddock, Daniel Est.
130
Webb, Job
140
Plass, John
435
Ward, Samuel
200
Power, Thomas
233
This list is interesting not only as showing the growth of the city in wealth during the twelve years since its
Jenkins, Robert & Co. 200
Van Hoesan, J. H. Est. 700
Morgan, James
105
Van Rensselaer, Wm. 430
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HISTORY OF HUDSON
incorporation, but it has also served to preserve the names of a portion of our early citizens.
It is recorded that in 1803, the following vote was cast at a charter election "not warmly contested and not a full vote":
Federal .- For Supervisor, Cotton Gelston, 232.
Democratic .- For Supervisor-Jared Coffin, 180.
In 1806, at a charter election a vote of 500 was cast, and in 1807 at a state election, a vote of 700. Until 1815, city officers were elected on a general ticket, and were obliged to qualify on the night following the day of the election. In that year the law in this respect was changed, and the city was divided into two wards, Third street being the line of division.
It is unnecessary to dwell on the ephemeral, political and civic questions which have agitated Hudson, even those of recent date have already become "flat, stale and unprofitable."
As regards national affairs we cannot forbear quoting once more the sapient reflections of the author of "Random Recollections."
After deploring the "decline and fall of that patriot race which guided our country from 1770 to 1790," he continues; "Though we gain in some things we lose in others; we gain in knowledge but seem to fall back in principle," which is as true of today as of 1804. He pro- ceeds to console himself by a contemplation of the sins of the chosen people, on which he expatiates at some length, concluding thus: "But it is incumbent upon us diligently to remember that the transgressions of these later days are not to be cloaked by comparison with those illustrious ancients, whether Jews or Gentiles"-which certainly leaves the modern sinner without the smallest loophole of escape !
In 1792, the Bank of Columbia was chartered with a capital of $160,000. It was the first bank organized in
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HISTORY OF HUDSON
Hudson, and the third in the state, there being at that date but one in each of the cities of New York and Albany.
It occupied a building near the foot of Warren street later known as the Hosmer house, until 1803, when it was removed to the corner of Warren and Second street, going thence to number 231 Warren street. Thomas Jenkins was the first President and under his wise and prudent management it was very strong and successful. After his death in 1808, its affairs were not so judi- ciously conducted and in 1829 it failed, inflicting grievous losses on both the city and county.
James Nixon was the first Cashier and in this con- nection we recall the sad downfall of our quondam friend Jemmy Fraser, whose promotion from bell-man to the exalted and dignified office of town crier has been faith- fully chronicled in a former chapter. It happened that Mr. Nixon in going late one evening from the office to his home, lost the key of the bank, and after a long and unsuccessful search was compelled, as the last resort to send for Jemmy.
Now truth constrains us to acknowledge that Jemmy's habits had become increasingly bibulous, and his con- duct on this occasion was only a too deplorable example of his recent performance of his official duties.
However, he was duly directed to cry the lost key through the streets of the city, with a reward of -two dollars to the finder, and was specially charged to let no one know that it was the key of the bank. So a little after sunrise Jemmy commenced his round, bell in hand,-ding, ding-ding, ding! "Hare ya! Hare ya!" But early as it was Jemmy's potations had already been numerous, and the boys crowding and shouting at his heels added to his confusion, so he quickly forgot his in- structions as to what to say, and more especially as to what not to say. Still jingling his bell stoutly he began Again : "Hare ya! Hare ya! Lost, between Jamie Nixon's
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HISTORY OF HUDSON
and twalve o'clock at night, a large kay." Here the boys interrupted him with, "What sort of a key was it?" "Go to the de'il!" cried Jemmy, turning short upon them, "an' I tell ye that, ye'll be gettin' into the bunk wi' it."
For this very natural but injudicious reply, Jemmy lost his position.
The second bank was organized in 1808, called the Bank of Hudson, with a capital of $100,000. It was located in the rooms vacated by the Bank of Columbia until its own structure at 116 Warren street was com- pleted. It was never a very strong institution and failed in 1819, but with the failure of these two early banks, our dismal record is concluded, there have been none since. Through we know not what of storm and stress our later institutions have passed successfully.
The President of the Bank of Hudson was John C. Hogeboom, Cashier, Gorham A. Worth. After its fail- ure the banking building was never again used for busi- ness purposes, and subsequently became the hospitable home of the Hon. Henry Hogeboom, a son of its first president.
The Hudson River Bank, the third organized in this city, was chartered in June, 1830, and in July of that year purchased the property number 231 Warren street, which they occupied until June 17, 1907, when they re- moved to their new building number 520 on the same street.
Oliver Wiswall was President of the Hudson River Bank until 1855, when its charter expired and the pres- ent organization commenced operations under the presi- dency of Robert A. Barnard.
It was converted into a National Bank in 1865 and Stephen A. DuBois was its third President.
The Farmers' Bank was chartered in 1838, and re- organized in 1865 as "The Farmers' National Bank of
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HISTORY OF HUDSON
Hudson." They erected their present fine banking build- ing, No. 544 Warren street in 1873.
The Hudson City Savings Institution was incorporated in 1850, and from small beginnings has grown to be a very strong organization. They have occupied the prem- ises No. 230 Warren street for many years. The First National Bank was organized in 1864 and removed to their present convenient location in the Opera House building in 1869.
The oldest public institution in the city of Hudson is that of the Order of Free Masons, a Lodge having been organized in 1786, only three years after the arrival of the Proprietors.
At a meeting called at the public house of Col. John Mckinstry a petition was prepared to the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, requesting that "a Charter might be granted them, for the purpose of making, pass- ing, and raising Free Masons." This was signed by eight- een of the most prominent men of the Settlement. It will be remembered that Col. Mckinstry's life had been saved during the war of the Revolution, by Captain Joseph Brant, on his giving the masonic sign, and it is note- worthy that a Mohawk Indian Chief was sufficiently civil- ized at that early day, to comprehend the tenets of Ma- sonry, and prove an acceptable candidate for membership in the Order.
On the occasion of Captain Brant's last visit to Col. Mckinstry in 1805, he visited the Hudson Lodge "where" it is said "his presence attracted much attention."
Lodge No. 7, received its Charter in 1787, and the Offi- cers, of whom Worshipful Seth Jenkins was Master, were duly installed by the Worshipful Senior Grand Warden at Albany.
The Lodge continued to hold its meetings in some one of the public houses until 1795, when on petition of Marshall Jenkins and Samuel Edmonds, the proprietors
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HISTORY OF HUDSON
granted a lot of land on the southeast corner of Union and Third streets "to the Society called Free Masons for the purpose of erecting a building suitable for their use, which must be fifty by twenty-five feet in size and must never be used as a tavern."
The corner stone was laid on June 12, 1795, and the building "with its four gables and a cupola, was con- sidered an ornament to the city." It was dedicated with impressive Masonic rites on December 27, 1796.
On July 4, 1829, it was partially destroyed by fire and a new St. John's Hall was erected on the ruins. In the war of 1812, the lower part of the Hall was used as barracks, for soldiers enlisted under Capt. Smith of the U. S. Light Dragoons and Lieut. Theophilus E. Beekman, recruiting officers.
It was this service that first brought Mr. Beekman to this city, of which he became one of the most prominent citizens. During a row among the soldiers in the barracks which he was endeavoring to quell, he received an injury for which he afterward drew a pension.
If the truth may be told, we fear the dashing Lieuten- ant did not regret that disabling wound so deeply as he ought, having surrendered to the captivating charms of the pretty daughter of Captain John Hathaway.
For some unexplained reason Captain Hathaway re- fused his consent to their marriage, and the ardent lovers eloped. After their return they sought parental forgive- ness, but in vain, the irate father was obdurate, so they took rooms at No. 253 Warren Street, from whence the weeping bride could look with tear-dimmed eyes across to her beloved home, which seemed closed to her forever.
Captain Hathaway's residence at No. 310 Warren street was well-known for many years as the Beekman house, and was highly prized as one of our choicest survivals of the Colonial period, but it was recently metamorphosed into something new and strange.
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HISTORY OF HUDSON
In a short time the Captain relented and the young couple were taken home, where "they lived happily ever after."
To return to Masonic matters, from Lodge No. 7, have originated Hudson Royal Arch Chapter No. 6 instituted in 1798. Lafayette Encampment No. 7 of Knights Temp- lar, organized in 1806, now Lafayette Commandery, and Aquila Lodge No. 700 instituted in 1870. In addition to these there are the Masonic Hall Association and the Masonic Club, incorporated in 1897 and 1899 respectively.
St. John's Hall which is the home of all these Masonic bodies was torn down in 1889 and rebuilt on a much larger scale, affording ample and convenient accommoda- tions. One cannot but wish that they had added the "four gables and cupola" of a century ago, when "it was considered an ornament to the city."
The first Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows in Hudson was chartered in 1824. Allen Lodge No. 92 was instituted in 1843 and Hudson City Lodge No. 389 in 1849. The latter is the only Lodge of that Order now in existence in this city.
The first notable reception of a distinguished guest by the city government, was that accorded to the Hon. John Jay on the fourth day of July, 1792. He came from Al- bany by way of Kinderhook, and was met at Claverack by a cavalcade of two hundred gentlemen. "After call- ing on William H. Ludlow," at the Ludlow house, "where they regaled themselves with a glass of wine," they escorted him into the city.
Here he was received by a salute from Frothingham's Artillery, and proceeded to Russel Kellogg's tavern where "an elegant entertainment had been provided," his Honor, Seth Jenkins, then Mayor, presiding. Mr. Jay drank to "the prosperity of Hudson" which called out the Mayor in a speech, concluding with a toast to "the Man of the Day," to which Mr. Jay replied at some length.
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HISTORY OF HUDSON
"In the evening a large number of the principal citi- zens called to pay their respects, and on the following morning the honored guest boarded the sloop Pompey and sailed for the residence of Governor Lewis; amid the ac- clamations of the people and the firing of cannon. The Hon. John Jay succeeded Governor Lewis in the guber- natorial office and, as previously stated, was Governor of the State of New York in 1797, when the seat of legis- lation was removed by the General Assembly, from New York City to Albany.
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HISTORY OF HUDSON
CHAPTER XIV.
The Military-Noteworthy Events.
The military spirit survived quite strongly in all the states after the close of the Revolutionary war, and as early as 1786, Hudson maintained a company of Artillery, commanded by Captain Daniel Gano.
A second company was formed in 1788 called Frothing- ham's Artillery under the command of Captain Thomas Frothingham, which aided in the celebration of the 4th of July in that year, which was the first observance of the day in this city, and of which we have the following re- port :
"Fothingham's Artillery ushered in the day with a salute of thirteen guns on the eminence near the river, which with three cheers enlivened the countenances of the very numerous crowd present. At three o'clock in the afternoon an elegant dinner was provided at Russell Kellogg's tavern at which was present a large number of the most respectable inhabitants of the city." "Patri- otic toasts were drank, which were announced by a dis- charge of cannon. The day closed with a most beautiful exhibition of fire-works, at which were present a great many ladies and gentlemen from the adjacent country, who seemed to retire extremely pleased with the evening's amusement."
The day was celebrated annually with much spirit after- ward, and as the bitterness of party strife increased po- litical celebrations were introduced, and we have frequent accounts of two celebrations; and occasionally the me-
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HISTORY OF HUDSON
chanics of the city, apparently disgusted with both parties, added a third.
One party had its orations in the Presbyterian church, the other in the City Hall, and upon one or two occasions the Episcopal church was used.
In 1786, Ezekiel Gilbert is spoken of as Brigade Major, and in 1788, Marshal Jenkins as Adjutant of the Regiment. In 1793, a third company of Artillery existed under the command of Benjamin Haxton called Haxton's Artillery and shortly after, a company of Infantry under the com- mand of Captain Nicholas Hatheway, (who was not related to Captain John Hathaway, and who spelled his name with an e). Hatheway's Infantry wore a uniform consisting of "a black cocked hat, blue coat faced with red, and white or blue pantaloons."
We find no allusion to either of these companies except in the following proceedings of the Common Council on the receipt of the intelligence of the death of Wash- ington.
At a Common Council holden in and for the City of Hudson the 26th day of Dec., 1799. Present Cotton Gel- ston, Esq .; Recorder, Elisha Pitkin, Paul Dakin, Samuel Edmonds, Thomas Power Aldermen, Robert Folger, Rob- ert Taylor, Silas Rand, Rufus Buckus, Assistants.
The Council having received certain accounts of the Death of our illustrious, beloved General Washington, and being desirous of testifying their sorrow in the most pub- lic manner, do Resolve; "that the citizens be immediately notified to repair to the City Hall, to form a procession to the Presbyterian Meeting House, where suitable prayers will be made by the Rev. Mr. Sampson, and an Eulogy
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will be spoken by Mr. Gilbert on the solemn occasion."
"The procession to move in the following order:
Capt. N. Hatheway's Company of Infantry with Arms reversed and Musick Muffled & Shrouded Recorder and Orator. Common Council two and two. Reverand Clergy. Officers of the late Revolutionary Army. Other Officers Civil and Military. Citizens, two and two."
"During the moving of the procession, the bell was tolled, all places of business were closed and the citizens wearing crape on their left arms, assembled in great numbers to listen to Mr. Gilbert's touching and eloquent eulogy, commencing with the words, 'He is not dead, but sleepeth.' Upon this occasion Haxton's Artillery fired minute guns."
Following Capt. Hatheway's Infantry came the Wigton Artillery, commanded by Capt. William Wigton, wearing a similar uniform. At this time party feeling was strong and was carried into every department of life. The papers were filled with the most bitter personalities, each party had its club, its bank, and each its military com- pany. The Wigton Artillery was the Republican Com- pany.
The Hudson Greens, a company of Infantry was the Federal Company. Their uniform was "a green coat and pantaloons, black hat and green feather." Harry Cros- well was one of its early commanders.
Both of these companies were ordered off in the war of 1812, and stationed at New York. Shortly after the opening of that war General Winfield Scott, with seven hundred men, encamped over night in this city, on the
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HISTORY OF HUDSON
open green then lying on the easterly side of the pres- ent Court House.
Under the lead of Capt. John Hathaway the General and his men were supplied with wood, coffee and an abundance of the best provisions. "The lighted camp was visited by a large number of citizens, and on the following morning General Scott proceeded on his way North, passing up Warren Street, himself the admiration of the hundreds crowding the sidewalks."
"Captain Hathaway was a generous, public spirited man, at the same time, extremely close and particular in all matters of business. He was an ardent supporter of the war of 1812, and gave liberally in various ways in support of the soldiers."
In the year, 1820, Hudson received a visit from the Cadets at West Point, who encamped on the hill over- looking the South Bay and remained about four days. Their camps covered the entire hill which at that time was of much greater extent than at present.
Hudson at that period being for the first time without a military company, the Cadets were received by a caval- cade of citizens under the direction of a committee ap- pointed by the Common Council. A ball was given by the citizens at Holley's tavern during their stay, and the hospitalities of the city both public and private were so marked and generous, as to draw from them a warm expression of gratitude on their departure. Immediately after this visit the "Hudson City Guards were organized, their uniform consisting of a 'blue coat, silvered buttons, white pantaloons, with a high bucket shaped leather hat, surmounted by a white plume about half a yard in length.'" "It was considered in its day a fine uniform, and the company, always with full ranks and spirited, was the pride of the city."
In the same year, 1820, the Scotch Plaids were or- ganized, their uniform being in accordance with their
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HISTORY OF HUDSON
name, of bright plaid, trimmed with black, and bright buttons; the cap was of black beaver, low, with a cluster of black plumes in front. "It was an attractive dress and from its novelty is said to have been the favorite com- pany with young Hudson." Both of these companies did escort duty on the occasion of the visit of General La- fayette to Hudson in 1824, this city having been one of the first in the Union to send a committee to New York, to meet Lafayette, and to tender him its hospitalities.
In September of that year Lafayette came up the river on the steamer James Kent to visit various places on its banks, and on his arrival at the residence of the Hon. Edward P. Livingston, the Mayor of Hudson, Rufus Reed, and distinguished citizens, Gens. Van Rensselaer and Fleming, and their respective suites, accompanied by the two military companies before mentioned, and the Hud- son Brass Band, proceeded down the river to greet La- fayette and escort him to this city.
On their arrival at Clermont, the seat of Judge Living- ston, they participated in the festivities provided, and after a short visit at Catskill, reached Hudson about noon en the following day.
Here, it is recorded, "Lafayette met with a reception the most heartfelt and joyous ever bestowed upon man." "He was conducted to an elegant carriage drawn by four black horses, attended by four grooms in livery, and accompanied by a lengthy procession of military and citizens of Hudson and vicinity, under the direction of Col. Charles Darling as Marshall of the day-was carried through all the principal streets, which were literally choked with people-to all of whom Lafayette tried in vain to bow." "Arches of evergreens and flowers were erected at various points, bearing inscriptions of welcome, and that at the head of Warren street, was surmounted by a colossal figure of the Goddess of Liberty, bearing in her hand the Stars and Stripes."
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HISTORY OF HUDSON
At the Court House, which was filled "by elegantly dressed women," the General was welcomed by his Honor, the Mayor, to whom he replied in a brief speech. Sixty- eight veterans of the Revolution were then presented to him, for each of whom he had a kind word; after them the military officers, and lastly "the elegantly dressed women."
"Dinner had been provided for a great number of people at Mr. Allen's tavern, and over the chair designed for La- fayette was suspended a wreath of beautiful flowers, en- closing an appropriate poetical greeting, while around the room were the most tasteful and elaborate decorations which had been anywhere seen on his journey." "But these labors of love were all lost, the want of time pre- venting his remaining for dinner." However, "he alighted from his carriage and remained a short time, partaking of a glass of wine, after which he bade the multitude fare- well, and proceeding directly to the river, embarked for Albany, about the middle of the afternoon."
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