USA > New York > Albany County > Watervliet > History of the city of Watervliet, N.Y., 1630 to 1910 > Part 10
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Mr. Sprung had a large acquaintance throughout the State; was well liked for the many good qualities he possessed, and his demise was sincerely regretted by many.
Miss Lydia Hull, a well-known and esteemed young lady, was killed July 22, 1862, on the new steam ferry boat at the landing, foot of what is now Sixteenth street, being struck by some timbers while standing by the railing as the boat was entering the slip. The company settled with her mother for something near $2,000. Shortly after Dr. Jas. Thorn was injured. Horse boat engineers did not understand how to handle a boat propelled by steam, and it took some time to put the ferry under the new regime in first- class running order.
Captain Richard Van Decar, one of the old-time captains of Troy line of steamers. Popular with the traveling public. Died July 20, 1880.
Richard Van Decar, 2d, the well-known captain of the Bell Horton. Was at different times the trusted employee of the Aus-
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tin, Schuyler & Betts and Robinson lines. Member of Rip & Jas. Roy Steamer Company, and always social and friendly.
Saline Tetrault and family, from Canada in 1880. Margaret Mary (wife) established the bakery business on Twenty-fifth street. Her husband's demise occurred in 1885. Mrs. Tetrault continued the business until 1886, placing the business under the control of her sons, Isaiah and Joseph Tetrault. In 1890 Joseph withdrew; Isaiah, the senior member, continuing, adding groceries and provisions in connection with the bakery. He is also identified with the National Biscuit Company, having been connected with that firm for eighteen years. Success has crowned their effort and a lucrative business is the result, their patrons appreciate their method of doing business, receiving courteous treatment on all occasions. Identified with the church (Sacred Heart of Mary), and interested in all movements to promote its usefulness.
Mrs. Margaret Mary Tetrault established the drygoods business in 1886, next door south of the grocery, assisted by her daughter, Jennie, continuing until her daughter's marriage in 1894 to E. De Rouseau, of Troy. In 1895 Mrs. Tetrault retired and her daughters, Albina and Amelia, purchased the business. In 1906 the sisters built the fine brick building, No. 2434 Third avenue, and opened the largest, and in fact, the only first-class drygoods establishment to be found in the city. The members of this firm hold the palm for executive ability, and are one of the Twentieth century up-to-date firms in all business methods, believing that success is only attained through nerve, perseverance and square dealing. The family is prominent in social circles and church affairs. Celia Tetrault married Matthew A. McGrath, a promi- nent business man of the city.
1884.
John E. Glass, druggist, located in the McGuire building, on Twenty-third street in 1858. Removed to the Wight building, 'corner Broadway and Twenty-third street, in 1860. In 1862 the firm was Glass & Hutchinson; Mr. Hutchinson retired in 1866. In 1885 Mr. John McBain became a partner, the firm name being Glass & McBain. Later Mr. Glass' son Edwin was admitted as a partner, the firm name being J. E. Glass & Co. Mr. Glass died in 1885. The firm name being changed to J. E. Glass' Son & McBain. Mr. McBain withdrew in 1896 and Edwin E. Glass continues the business at the old stand. He held the office of supervisor from 1896 to 1898. John E. Glass had the confidence of his business associates. He believed in combining pleasure with business, his principal recreation being that of hunting, and with congenial companions always took delight in outings that
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were frequent. Edwin G. Glass in continuing the business has added largely to former business by business methods and cordial greeting to patrons. A lover and owner of some finely-bred horses, and his summer outings, when business permits, consists of drives throughout the county behind one of his pets. He is ably assisted by Mrs. Glass, who for years, being an expert, has had charge of the books of the concern, and, considering the vol- ume of business done is no small item to consider.
John McBain, resident of Colonie, received his education in the schools of this section. In 1861 and 1862 he made his first attempt to earn a dollar as assistant collector for Mr. Owens at the old toll-gate, then standing on the Cohoes road. The next three years he was employed by the Warner Lime and Cement Company driving team. In 1866 held clerkship with J. E. Glass, and in 1868 was employed by the Schenectady Pipe Works. In 1872 he again resumed his old position as a drug clerk, and in 1885 became a member of the firm, and continued as such through- out its different changes until his retirement, the same occurring in 1896. To the teaming business in which he had previously been engaged, he added the coal, wood, lime, cement and sewer pipe business, and at present he is largely engaged in the same. From a small beginning he has steadily advanced and now occupies a prominent position as a merchant of the city. Mr. McBain is also well-known and recognized throughout the county as a poli- tician of influence, having been elected, and, at different times appointed to offices of responsibility by town, county and State, where judgment, executive ability and honesty were the requisites to entitle the candidate to the honor.
1885.
Thomas Barker and Elizabeth Barker with their son, William, and daughter, Mary E. Barker, came to West Troy in 1848, and, being a blacksmith, built a shop north side of Twenty-third street, on the lot now occupied by Mr. Dunn's barber shop. Soon after opened a grocery store in the Lobdell block. His wife also con- ducting the millinery business. Prominent members of the Ohio Street Methodist Church, and identified with every religious movement connected therewith, and evangelical in their belief, became members of the Troy Praying Band, and for years labored in the vineyard of the Master for the uplifting of humanity. Respected and loved they passed from their earthly labors, leaving a record of love for, and a life-long devotion to, the cause of religion. Mr. Barker died in 1900. Mrs. Barker died in 1898.
William Barker, Jr. (son), educated in the village schools. August 6, 1862, enlisted in Company H, Seventh New York Heavy Artillery, Meneely Guards, as private, discharged June 16,
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1865, as sergeant. On returning home he secured a position with the firm of Bennett, Strickland & Fellows, and eventually was promoted to the position of head cutter. He resigned and accepted the position of head cutter with the Cluett concern. Later became manager and later proprietor of the collar firm now designated as The William Barker Company, the position attained in business circles and the prosperity that has followed his early endeavor to gain a foothold can be ascribed to the remembrance of the advice he had received and the precepts set before him by kind parents in youthful days, and the tenacity with which he has clung to same in after years. The love he had for family, the pride he had in the home of his adoption is forcibly impressed in the mind of those who view the substantial mercantile monument to assist in per- petuating and retaining the collar industry in this section, adding as it does the only plant of its kind in the city, and the first industry established by one raised in the old village, gaining the means through his own exertions. The building was erected in 1899.
William Barker, Jr., educated in the schools of Watervliet and Albany. January 1, 1890, entered the collar business, becom- ing member of the William Barker Company in 1899. William Barker, Sr., president; William Barker, Jr., secretary and treas- urer. The firm have salesrooms in New York, Chicago, Boston and other places. Their traveling salesmen cover a large territory, and The Barker Brand (trademark) being evidence of superior goods and workmanship, insures a healthy and increasing trade.
1886.
George H. Kimberly (son of Henry), born in 1837. Educated in the public schools of the village. Served clerkship in the grocery and provision business at the old store, corner of Nineteenth street and Broadway, and became identified with the business as pro- prietor for five years. Engaged in the manufacture of bells in Troy, under the firm name of Meneely & Kimberly, continuing the same five years. Later associated with the Meneely Company (incorporated), and treasurer of the firm. Member of the fire department twenty years with Protection Engine Company No. 2 (hand). Mr. Kimberly is known as a prominent business man, of sound judgment and a close observer of matters in general. Recognizing his obligations as a citizen of his home city, he is at all times ready, both by voice and means, to advance any project that will accrue to the city's interest; and can be depended upon to oppose with the same energy and means the many schemes that are often advanced, conspicuously for the benefit of the promoters, to the detriment of the city's welfare.
Charles Kimberly (brother), always popular with his associates,
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a favorite in the old Fourth ward; generous, with a friendly greet- ing to all. He left the village in 1854, destination unknown, his fate a mystery. Nearly all of his early associates have passed away.
Jacob Fratt and Francis Fratt (brothers), butchers and drovers. Resided in 1840 on Erie street (Second avenue, below Twenty- first street), in the Horan house. Slaughter house on Ice-house hill, west of Dry river (Sixteenth street). Well known; associate of Eben Wiswall, often on hunting trips. In 1846 removed to Racine, Wis. Francis left for California. Their partnership continuing. Later the brothers returned, accounting to each other, both having been successful ; they closed their connections, squared accounts and Francis returned to San Francisco.
Ashael Gilbert came to West Troy in 1845. Captain of many sailing vessels from 1839 (then living in West Troy) to 1870. Representative of the best element of navigators. He knew his business and was respected by all that knew him. Of a kind dis- position, generous and true.
Daniel Hipwood came from England in 1853. Ship carpenter, one of the most expert mechanics in his line of business in this section. Superintended the building of the famous Burden water- wheel, and largely employed by other firms on large contracts. His name in connection with any, guaranteed first-class workman- ship and material. He possessed the characteristics of the true- born Englishman and maintained the same in all family affairs. As a citizen he was a loyal American. His daughter Lydia mar- ried William Andrews (his first wife). Martha married C. War- ner. Elizabeth married Capt. J. O. Wood, all prominent men of the time.
Edward Hipwood (son), born and educated in the village. Fol- lowed the occupation of his father for years, and for thirty years was the trusted guardian of the grounds of the Jermain estate on the Albany road. His recreation consisted mostly in fishing, an expert in that line.
Charles and George Hipwood (sons of E. H.), both educated in the schools of the village, graduates of the De La Salle Insti- tute of Troy, and Albany Business College, now occupy responsi- ble positions with the D. & H. Co. in Albany. Popular with the young people of Watervliet.
1887.
ITEMS OF DIFFERENT DATES.
The longest period from the opening and closing of the canals : 1826, March 27 to December 20, 8 months 24 days; 1853, April 20 to December 20, 8 months.
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William Chard, ship carpenter, with his son, Hewitt Chard, 10 years old, came to West Troy from New York in 1824. Employed in the shipyard known as the Parker yard, it was owned by Capt. John Silliman. Daniel Parker and also Thos. Colyer, of Sing Sing, had the building of vessels. Mr. Chard was employed there.
Hewitt Chard (son) when eighteen years old, also worked there at the trade. He was one of the workmen that helped build the barge John Haswell, scow Kentucky, schooner John Silliman and Frances Seward and others; also helped calk the floors of Robert Dunlop's brewery when James Roy was foreman for the concern; he also worked on one of Mr. Dunlop's barges used to freight down the river ; the barrels of ale were passed through a tunnel cut from the brewery under the road to the dock and then placed on board ; the name of the boat was Scotland. Mr. Chard is yet living and enjoying good health, having enjoyed the prosperous times of the past, sees the decline that has taken place in later years, yet enjoys the evening of his life at the age of eighty-nine in peace and comfort. Mr. Chard has in his possession in use a pair of hand- made door hinges taken from the doors of the old Dutch Tavern, then standing south of the lower locks. He is no doubt the oldest fireman living in the city, being one of the first members of old Conqueror Engine Company No. 3.
Steamboat Sunny Side sunk by the Golden Gate in 1875.
Learned & Crawford, contractors, built the lower locks. The old Dutch tavern, standing on the corner south of the locks, was burned in 1835. All the beach south of the Arsenal green was used as fishing ground.
W. H. Wood & Co.'s iron and stove foundry in operation in 1889 ; J. Treadgill, J. Kirkpatrick, John Chalou, W. C. Durant, members of the firm, located on Seventh avenue and Sixteenth street. This section at one time held the stove industry, to-day there is none left to give employment to the large number of that class of mechanics that then resided within our borders.
Samuel Wear located in West Troy as a merchant in the grocery and provision business, corner Fifth avenue and Sixteenth street, in 1887. Removed to his present location (opposite corner), 409 Sixteenth street, in 1888, a desirable location, in the immediate vicinity of a large class of citizens that recognize and appreciate the opportunity to purchase their supplies from a firm that at all time carries a full line of goods of the best quality obtainable, and at the lowest market value. Member of the Washington M. E. Church ; also treasurer of same, and has the confidence and respect of his large circle of friends.
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1888.
West Troy Ladies Amateur Association. March, 1870. Misses Cressey, Osterhout, Durant, Messrs. Hollands, Durant, Baker, Phelps, Cullen, Dyer. Hollands as Ronan, Eggy Dyer as Switchel, in wit, jokes, and sarcasm. Anchey, a dandy bartender ; Miss Cressey as Mrs. Morgan ; Miss Durant as her daughter Mary, with song " Father, dear father, come home with me now."; Col. Baker, hotel keeper. The staging of the play, and the delineation of the different characters, were equal to the expectation of the audience that greeted their appearance.
Augustus Vielie & Co., R. A. Flood, S. C. Dermott; iron foundry. South of the Arsenal, above Fifth street. Now occu- pied by G. R. Meneely & Co. Later, Augustus Vielie & Son in 1860, Collar & Jones, Collar, Sage & Dunham. C. F. Hall, man- ager of the old Vielie foundry in 1871. In 1872 the firm was C. F. Hall & Co. Wm. B. Farrell and J. P. Mitchell. It was closed out about 1876. Mr. Hall opened a bakery some time after on Twenty-third street. An immense business was done by these different firms, and many families had to leave the village seeking employment when the shops shut down.
Ebenezer Jones; foundry. One of the early settlers of Gibbons- ville. Three sons. Octavus moved to Chicago with Ransom Valve Co. Marcus, Haywood and Abbott all dead. Abbott Jones re- moved to Troy and was connected with the firm of Meneely & Jones (bells). His two sons, Robert E. and Abbott H., both living. Abbott H. Jones occupies the honorable position of district attor- ney of Rensselaer county, is a prominent member of the Bar Asso- ciation, popular with a wide circle of acquaintances that in truth can be actually designated as personal friends.
Ingratitude is often exhibited in personal matters, but never more in evidence than when the older associates of Rev. O. H. Gregory allowed the younger element to intimate to him, in 1870, that his resignation would be most acceptable.
1889.
Levi J. Bibbins ; from Trenton, N. J., to West Troy in 1884. Ex-chief of the volunteer fire department of Trenton; lieutenant 7th Regt., N. J. Militia; Past Commander of Palestine Com- mandery of N. J .; Past Master, Column F. & A. M., N. J .; Past N. G., Lodge No. 36, I. O. O. F., Trenton, N. J. Interested in manufacturing, a representative citizen and well known.
Oliver B. Bibbins (son) ; actor of note. At present holds posi- tion of interlocutor with the well known minstrel organization of Al. G. Fields, now on tour.
Levi S. Bibbins (son) ; a prominent young man, with a record as bookkeeper and accountant. Formerly with Hall, Hartwell & Co. At present bookkeeper for the National Bank of Watervliet.
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George and James Conde; sons of a former citizen of the village, an extensive dealer in lumber. The male members of this family were prominent in business circles, and ready at all times to assist in any movement for the betterment of general conditions that then existed, while the female members were leaders in many social and religious functions held in their day.
James Forsythe, Jr; member of Assembly in 1884. from the Fourth district. At one time a prominent and also an influential politician ; at one time engaged in mercantile business ; at present in the employ of the government at Albany.
Tavern proprietors previous to 1845: I. Bostwick, Delavan & Swan, Jonathan Dyer, A. Rundall, H. Twisst, E. Powell, John Wigatt, Gilbert & Willard, M. Jenks, H. Bagley, J. T. Morrison, Levinus Lansing, Wallace & Cutting, Dyer & Reynolds, Jas. Donaldson, George Aldrich, Samuel Segue, Rundall, Sol. Green- man, Eaton Hitchcock, Nancie Valance, A. Blakely. Saloons : Moses Hart, Thos. McCormick, Augustus Canton, J. Burrell, C. Harrod, Ed. Cole. Nearly all groceries were licensed to sell liquor by measure during the early settlement of the village.
1890.
William Daubney; from England to Montreal in 1846, and from there to Troy with his son William H. Daubney in 1855. Served in the British Royal Artillery seventeen years, through the Crimean War. Was an expert swordsman and horseman, and taught the art to the British nobility. One of the only two British soldiers that received a pension after becoming a subject of the United States.
William H. Daubney (son) ; in 1855 to West Troy. Opened a blacksmith shop on Ferry street, Troy. Afterwards removed to West Troy. He conducted the newspaper business for years. Was a noted vocalist. Connected with the choir of St. Patrick's church; with a state-wide reputation as a singer and leader. Positions of honor and profit were offered by Mrs. J. E. Wool, who was at- tracted and eventually interested in him through his pastime sing- ing while working at his trade (blacksmith) in his shop opposite her residence, while from New York City came other offers of like character. All were refused and during life his adopted home received the benefit of his accomplishment. The same was appre- ciated and his demise eliminated from the musical circles of this section a man prominent and foremost in every movement that would tend to raise the standard of the profession. Died in 1893.
W. B. Daubney (son) ; born in 1866. Educated in the village schools. Distributed papers for his father; inspector for the United Traction Co .; also connected with the board of health and for four years secretary of the Civil Service Commission, a posi-
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tion which his abilities enabled him to fill with credit. At present with the Hancock Insurance Co. where his affable, courteous man- ner and his knowledge of human nature renders him a valuable employee of the company. A representative citizen whose influ- ence is exerted for the benefit of the many.
Charles E. Tucker (son of William Tucker, an old-time resi- dent). Succeeded his father in the drug business. Closed out the business, enlisted in the navy as master's mate, going to the Brooklyn Navy Yard for assignment to vessel; returning home followed other lines of business. Member and captain of James Roy Steamer Co. at one time. Mrs. Charles E. Tucker's abilities as a professional are recognized in musical circles throughout the county as master of both piano and organ. Teacher of music and organist of Trinity church.
1891.
Frederick Polk; located in West Troy, in 1860. Resided in the Second ward, at the old Delevan Hotel, it being at that time a residential building. Established and conducted the boot and shoe business.
C. F. Polk (son). One of the few youths who in early life recognize and appreciate the fact that advancement from existing circumstances is obtained only through persistent effort, and with a record in early life for consistency, promptness and honesty he became connected with the Polk & Calder Drug Co. in 1879. Familiarizing himself with every detail of the business, to-day, 1910, he holds the position of president and treasurer of that firm.
W. F. Polk (son). In youthful days like other boys, full of life, congenial, and could always take a hand in the sports of the times. Being of a business turn of mind, having a desire to do something to earn a dollar, he found employment as a newsboy with John Snyder, one of the then popular newsdealers, and from 1867 to 1869 followed that vocation. His attention to business, prompt- ness and courteous manner attracted the attention and secured for him the friendship of Rollin P. Saxe, a prominent lumber dealer of the village, who secured for him a position in the bank. What- ever feelings he may have had on entering into his new position, his gratitude was evident to his benefactor by his strict attention to business, and he soon secured promotion and to-day, 1910, from the position of a newsboy he has attained to the position of cashier of one of Troy's largest financial institutions, National City Bank.
Rollin S. Polk (son of W. F.), having selected the same line of business as his father, at present holds the position of accountant with the National State Bank of Troy, an institution whose man- agement recognizes ability, and promotion follows.
Mrs. Lesetta Polk (mother of C. F. and W. F.), now living, realizing the many temptations that so often surround early youth-
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ful days, feels and sees that her motherly care, tender and loving advice, and religious precepts have taken root, and to-day knows that her loved ones are honored and respected by the community and are prominent factors in the financial and business element of this section.
1892.
Levinus Lansing; member of the Lansing family, that settled in the Mohawk Valley before it was created the town of Water- vliet. They were largely identified with the growth and business interests of this section, owner of large landed property in town and village, owner of the old Tremont Hotel and the Lansing House, and at his death it reverted to the heirs, one of whom, Abram Lansing, well and popularly known, was identified largely in later years with village affairs. A sister, Henrietta, married into the Mead family, and one other married Charles Witbeck, a descendant of the Witbeck family whose history dates back to Revolutionary time. As farmers, real estate owners, merchants, and also members of the legal, medical and other professions, both families were closely connected and deeply interested in the de- velopment of the farming industries, and the growth and prosperity of the business ventures of this locality.
Daniel Carthy ; one of the leading contractors in his day, and is credited with the ownership and building of more buildings in the old village than any other two in the same line of business. An active and progressive citizen and interested in all propositions of a business nature that would tend toward the increase of trade in this section. He enjoyed the confidence of his business associates, the good will of his numerous employees, and the respect of all with whom he became acquainted.
Samuel Carthy (son) ; painter and also carpenter. He never disappointed his patrons in the character or finish of his work; could crack a joke or tell a story; one of the old-time Fourth warders that lived to enjoy themselves and make surroundings pleasant for others.
1893. ITEMS OF DIFFERENT DATES.
On the lot now occupied by the Wight residence, about 1840, stood a brewery. The proprietor was drowned in a vat of his own brew.
Fred Stem; once popular in the Fourth ward. Proprietor of the Adelphia saloon on Twenty-third street, between Broadway and the Morrison ferry. On the evening of July 18, 1862, observing two men interfering with and insulting a lady on her way home from the ferry, though a man of light weight, gave both all that
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was coming to them. In those days the sports of the Fourth ward were always champions of the weaker sex.
July 14, 1860, the noted Chicago Zouaves visited Troy, where one of their exhibition drills were given.
In 1825, a wooden house stood near the spot where the big tree now stands on the lower end of the Arsenal green. It was moved years later and now stands on lot west of Jones Car Works.
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