USA > New York > Albany County > Watervliet > History of the city of Watervliet, N.Y., 1630 to 1910 > Part 2
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Burden's cigar boat Helen; built in 1833.
Steamboat Chancellor Livingston in commission.
Jonathan Clute's hat factory (brick), east side of River road, south of Arsenal Green; part standing to-day.
A. S. Blackmans; sattinett factory, River road (Broadway), foot of Fifth street.
S. C. Dermott; flour mill, River road; Mill street (Fourth street) ; built in 1795.
On the south-west corner of what is now Broadway and Second
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street stood an old house known as the Lee house on the corner opposite another building known as the Stickney house; evidently at some period occupied by families of that name.
Delevan House, the three-story building on the east side of Broadway, between Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets, built by Jonathan Oothout; first proprietors, Delevan and Swan; the principal hotel in its day in this section. It became a business block, stores, factories and shops; George Learned, grocery; Wit- beck & Lawrence, wagon shop, the nucleus of Jones Car Works. Later it became a tenement house, one family residing there named their children George Washington Nutting, Thomas Jef- ferson Nutting, William Henry Harrison Nutting and Andrew Jackson Nutting. One of them became a large clothing dealer in Brooklyn; another a noted hotel proprietor. The building was built in 1820 and is a dilapidated tenement house to-day, ninety years old, the oldest in the city.
William Robinson, farmer, whose ancestors came from Holland to America, about 1800. Mr. Robinson came to West Troy about 1838.
Perry Robinson (son), during his life time he and his brother Edward Robinson were conspicuously identified with the canal business in its palmy days; proprietors of groceries and stables many years ; known by all boatmen ; recognized as generous, liberal and reliable merchants, and ready at all times to take a hand in anything that would assist the unfortunate, or any sport that would drive dull care away. Perry Robinson was the president of the village in 1870 and 1871; Edward Robinson died Septem- ber 2, 1898.
William Robinson (son of Edward), was educated in the schools of the village, his record as to integrity, honesty, perseverance and strict attention to matters of business is well known by the dif- ferent firms that have employed him, in Troy, and other places, while to-day he occupies a responsible position with the firm of Edwin G. Glass, druggist ; also a member of Protection Hose Com- pany and popular with his associates.
1823.
Philip Schuyler, Isais Warren, Richard P. Hart, Nathan War- ren and others purchased from John Bleeker and wife the farm extending from Buffalo street (Broadway and Fifteenth) to the intersection of the Oothout farm near Twenty-fifth street and named it West Troy.
Erie canal was completed October 8, 1823 from Rochester. The canal boat, Trojan Trader, left Gibbonsville docks bound for Rochester with a cargo of merchandise for western merchants sent over the two ferries on wagons by Troy merchants. The river lock being finished that afternoon the packet Superior was
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locked through into the river and was the first boat to cross the Hudson to Troy. The villagers celebrated the event in a manner worthy of the occasion, and at this date, noting the long list of receptions to noted officials, military, civic and firemanic organ- izations, not forgetting the grand one tendered to America's friend, La Fayette, that have followed, Troy with its last grand effort in the Hudson-Fulton celebration (a vivid panorama of earlier scenes) the climax was reached, and then and there set the pace for other cities to follow.
Horace L. Dann, cooper, came to Troy in 1821. Resided corner Broadway and Fifth avenue. Came to Gibbonsville in 1823. Pur- chased the brick house built by and just finished of Jonathan Caulkins with lots adjoining. Erected a large cooperage factory, and some years later erected mills near Watertown for the manu- facture of barrel staves, and established an extensive business throughout this section. Nearly all the men and boys that fol- lowed the business in later years learned the trade in Mr. Dann's factory. Always interested in the advancement of the business of the village, his death was a loss to the community, and by it the largest plant of its kind in this section was eliminated. Died in 1879. Three sons and one daughter survived him.
Marcus P. Dann established a large cooperage in Minneapolis. Retired from business. Died in 1890.
Horace P. Dann, once a prosperous merchant, large dealer in coal, a lover of good horses, and at times was the owner of some fast trotters, and always in touch with his friends. Died in 1908.
Whitfield Dann, formerly a Methodist minister, living.
Josephine Dann, living.
Elizabeth (Baker) Dann, oldest daughter of (H. L. D.). Citi- zen of Oakland, Cal., 80 years old. Connected with the noted Baker family. Prominent society leader in early days.
Charles L. Dann. His long continued service (25 years) with the D. & H. Co. gave him a wide circle of acquaintances while his affability and courteous manner gained for him the apprecia- tion of the traveling public.
The Dann homestead is the oldest house in Watervliet that was built in old West Troy (that is, north of Fifteenth street), and is the only one north of the Schuyler mansion that has been owned and occupied by one and the same family eighty-six years.
Residents : Elijah Ranney, Edward Learned, George L. Learned, Nathan Robinson, G. T. Lansing, Augustus Velie, Ebenezer Wis- wall, Isaac Frink, David Wheeler, Enoch Burrows, Gilbert V. Bedell, Robert Dunlop, Nelson I. Hungerford, Zar Stone, Jacob Gingrich, Samuel Patch, school teacher, jumped the Genesee falls, Rochester, November 13, 1829.
Dr. Velie's office first located on site of Scarborough's store.
G. S. Brockway opened an office for the sale of lottery tickets in
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the Consolidated Lottery Co. Up to 1852 it was common custom to purchase tickets either on this side of the river of Caleb Wood- ard at Side Cut or in Troy of the Calders, Adencourt and others.
S. C. Salsbury and A. Salsbury, steam rope walk, on Cohoes road opposite new weighlock west side of canal, burned April 6, 1848.
James Morrison, resident of the village, later proprietor of road house, Fifth avenue, Troy, noted resort for latter day sports, mar- ried Almira Salsbury.
Jones' Band (arsenal). James Hitchcock, the noted fifer, Charles Doring, John Forrester and others of this band became members of Doring's band when organized.
J. G. Landon & W. G. Groesbeck, iron foundry, below Ferry street.
1824.
Village of Gibbonsville incorporated in 1824. First president, Julius Hanks.
Robert Dunlop, brewer, in Albany, moved to Gibbonsville. The noted Dunlop brewery, situated at what is now the northwest cor- ner of Broadway and Fifth street. Archibald A. (son) connected with the firm and sole proprietor later. James Roy, in its early days foreman of same. They had their own barges to freight their ale on the river to ports to New York, loading the same at the dock through a tunnel from brewery under ground to the river. Both were identified with many improvements of the village, influential and thorough business men of the times. In after years a Mr. Bowler was proprietor, who also established a reputation as a brewer and eventually moved to Amsterdam and established the present Bowler Brewing Co. A. A. Dunlop was president of the village in 1846. The old building torn down in 1908.
Myron R. Peak, hardware merchant, president of the village in 1838 and 1842, had the confidence of the public. Quiet, unas- suming, a gentleman of the old school.
Martin Witbeck succeeded Mr. Peak. A heavy built man, very stern and reticent, less sociable than would be expected of a busi- ness man. President of the village in 1837 and 1840
Edward Finch, son of Henry Finch, a lumber dealer, controlled the business a few years and moved to California, became success- ful and died in Oakland in 1906.
John Liney. Identified with early religious movements in the village, established a large pharmacy in the old Fourth Ward. Built the brick residence now occupied by Dr. F. P. Van Den- burgh. One daughter survives him (Caroline). He also was one of the passengers on the ill-fated steamboat Swallow in 1845. Widow Dayton, proprietor of Dayton hotel (Albany road) and Mrs. G. Coffin of West Troy were also passengers. Mrs. Coffin was one of the victims.
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John Ring, father-in-law of Chas. Fort, contractor, resided at the south end of Park near Second street and Second avenue.
Captain S. F. Washburn, an old time river man, later heavy merchant in Albany in grain, etc.
1825.
Volume of business as shown by canal department for 1824, from opening of canal May 1st, to its closing, December 10, 1824: Boats to Albany from the West, 2,723; boats going West, 2,672. Cargoes consisted of the following merchandise: 112 tons fur., 121,756 bbls. beef and pork, 25,895 bbls. pot and pearl ash, 128,674 bu. wheat, 30,976 bu. coarse grain, 512 tons gypsum, 8,295,610 feet timber and boards, 6,118 boxes window glass, 1,127 bbls. linseed oil, 1,056 barrel staves, 8,120 bbls. salt, 4,092 cords wood. Tolls less than three cents per mile. Receipts amounted to $67,231.
1826.
Evening Star Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 75. Organized in 1826 at Gibbonsville in the Chapman building, built by Isaac Chapman, master mechanic at Watervliet arsenal, in 1813. (Now Hilton's store. ) Built in 1824. Charter members: Memory calls to mind circumstances that warrant me to state the following names: Levi Lincoln, E. C. Litchfield, Col. Hamilton, Isaac Hitchcock, N. L. Hungerford, J. H. Niles, Aaron Clinton, John S. Perry. Some members : S. S. Wandell, D. W. Talcott, Jas. Roy, Wm. Andrews. In the 50's the lodge adjourned sine die. Surrendered charter. In 1860 the lodge reorganized with 24 charter members, the fol- lowing six names being original members of the old lodge: D. W. Tallcott, elected master of the lodge; James Roy, S. S. Wandell, William Andrews, E. S. Washburn, A. McAllister. The original charter believed to have been lost was found later at Grand Lodge headquarters. The other twenty charter members did not belong to the old lodge. There was a reason. In 1840 moved to the cor- ner of Broadway and Sixteenth street. They adjourned in the 50's sine die. In 1860 reopened, D. W. Tallcott, first master. In 1865 the lodge suffered a heavy loss by fire, forcing them to seek new quarters on the opposite side of Broadway. Again in 1870 another conflagration required a new location and they returned to the east side again. Years have elapsed since the gavel sounded calling to order their first meeting, and not one living, who prior to 1840 greeted each other as brothers as they often met in social intercourse in the basement of the old corner building where Proprietor Burrell, with smiling countenance, served his guests with the delicacies of the season. To-day many new pil- grims from the East join hands in the rites and ceremonies of the order, and are conversant with the lodges' past history from its
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records, have reason to congratulate each other in the purchase (long delayed) of a home of its own, a Masonic temple worthy of the name. Officers of 1910: Alexander H. Cockburn, master ; David A. Tomlinson, senior warden; George B. Preston, junior warden; John G. Clute, senior deacon; Frank P. Lotz, junior deacon ; John Docherty, treasurer ; Daniel Jones, secretary ; Thos. A. Mabin, chaplain; John McBain, Jr., senior M. of C .; R. W. Knower, junior M. of C .; Wm. H. Roblin, steward; Thos. G. Grady, steward; R. Trimble, marshal; Morris S. Mackenzie, his- torian, died March 7, 1910; Will H. Rogers, organist; Samuel Andrews, Thomas A. Mabin, Robert Trimble, trustees.
First weighlock, south side of what is now Twenty-third street and Broadway.
The West Troy Company built a canal running south from Union street to Genesee street, thence west to the canal. Built basin and drydock (abandoned later) at Seventeenth street.
Residents : John Hills, James Hitchcock, William Andrews, Sr., Jonathan Dyer, Jeremiah Dyer, Stephen Sweet, Zar Stone, died December 6, 1893; John Oswald, E. R. Phelps, L. V. K. Van Demark, died March 26, 1841.
Isaac Hitchcock. One of the earliest settlers of Gibbonsville and one of the most prominent. Appointed postmaster on July 23, 1845, also April 28, 1847, and again in 1833, and held posi- tion until 1858.
Saloon of Augustus Canton, near Ferry street.
Watervliet House, southwest corner Buffalo and Broadway. Location of Watervliet Bank in 1836. Rock House opposite, once a hotel.
The Hollister House. The lot southwest corner of Genesee and Erie streets (Nineteenth and Second avenue). Once owned by George Tibbitts. Sold by him in 1825, with two other lots, to Nathan S. Hollister, who built and opened it as a hotel in 1830. The old post route commenced at the Van De Heyden ferry (Sixteenth street) through to Schenectady. It is now occupied as a grocery and residence by Mrs. Meskell and in fair condition at this date, 1910, 80 years old.
1827.
The Port Schuyler Company, incorporated. William Earl, Jabez Burrows, Abijah Wheeler, David Wheeler, Enoch Burrows, Gilbert C. Bedell, Jonathan Hart, incorporators. They purchased from Peter S. Schuyler the land north from the Schuyler home- stead to South street (Fifth street).
James Quackenbush. Resident west side of canal. Building situated on site of present chair factory. Became part of the old chair factory and burned in the 40's. Rebuilt and occupied by Taylor & Seymour. Burned in 1852. Repaired and closed later.
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Mr. Quackenbush's daughter (Cassie) became the wife of George Sinsabaugh, proprietor of the noted ice cream and con- fectionery parlors in Troy, known throughout the State. Mrs. Sinsabaugh, now living, 82 years old, remembers with pride her early and long connection with the business and social interests of the city, and although greeted with affection by new formed acquaintances in later days, remembrances of former associates still linger in memory.
Thomas Reiley. Ropemaker. First situation with S. C. Sals- bury. Family consisted of two sons, Patrick and John, and four daughters. His daughter became the wife of Patrick Lane. Mary married Thomas McCarty. Moved to Buffalo early in the 40's. Annie became the wife of John Savin. Alice, wife of Ed. Connors.
John Reiley and McLean (Joseph), became partners and con- ducted an extensive coal business, was at all time ready to give his time to the advancement of any project that would accrue to the business interest of the city. Died in 1906. Their co-partner- ship continued fifty-four years, from youth to old age, they lived a life of friendship, and strange as it may seem, the passing to that world beyond within twenty-four hours of each other is in accord with their early life, having entered the spiritual one, with hands still clasped in friendship.
Patrick Reiley held the position of postmaster of the village in 1887 and again in 1894.
Thomas Reiley was the first treasurer of the first Catholic church, and held the position until his death, occuring in 1860. His son, Patrick succeeded him, and held it until he died in 1900.
The Arsenal engine, intended for exclusive use by the post, and manned by the employees when duty required it, was always ready to respond when assistance was required outside, either in the village or in Troy; the foreman of the company was he who first arrived and captured the trumpet that hung on the machine. The services of that engine has been many times required and at Troy's large fires their presence was absolutely required. It had its day of usefulness. It was relegated to the scrap heap in 1880.
In 1831 Sanford & Perry, stoneware manufacturers, first lo- cated on Champlain street; the Canal Bank moved to the corner south of Schenectady and Washington streets (First avenue and Thirteenth) ; sold to Robert Frazer; the firm became Porter & Frazer after Robert's death occurring in 1830; associated with him was his brother, George B. Frazer. Mr. Porter went to Cali- fornia; the partnership still continuing, later it was dissolved; the firm changed; Mr. Seymour became the owner, who sold to Smith & Shipley, who after a few years discontinued the same; at the time they occupied their new location on same street, north of the Thirteenth street bridge; the members of all firms have
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passed away and what had been a lucrative business in years gone by is eliminated from the industries of the village. The firm of John & J. W. Russell were also proprietors at one time.
Old time settlers: J. M. Edgerton, L. W. Jackson, Peter Fonda, B. Smalley, Thomas Willard, E. L. Stebbins, Edward Cutler, John M. Niles, Amos Hoxie, A. L. Hemstreet, J. Aldrich, Peter Valley, Edward Mallory, Orlando Latham, George Parker, J. R. Bucklin, John McKibbin, G. W. Pitman, Huett Chard, John Oswald, Thomas Colyer, James Tully, Soloman Greenman, Max Schillor, Adam Thornburn, Joel Wallace, W. C. Stowell, Moses L. Hart.
1828.
Niagara Engine Co. No. 1 (gooseneck brakes). Organized in Gibbonsville on May 12, 1828. Purchased of Josiah Hubbard, for $125. Captain, S. S. Wandell; 1st Lieut., Isaac Chapman; 2nd Lieut., Levy Lyncoln. Uniform, white duck suits. Charter members : S. S. Wandell, Levi Lyncoln, Isaac Chapman, Wm. Tucker, Wm. Andrews, D. I. Dutcher, Jules Anable, Wm. Foot, Alfred Myers, G. Taylor. Their first ball held at Delevan House, Feb. 10, 1829. In 1838 the trustees of West Troy purchased this company a new engine, for $1,000, from Holroyd & Co., Waterford, N. Y., and named the company Rip Van Winkle Co. No. 1. Foremen: Wm. Andrews, Sr .; 1840, W. H. Hayford; 1842, Alfred Myers; 1844, Wm. Foot; 1847, Geo. Taylor; 1850, Ed. Dyer; 1853, Wm. Andrews, Jr .; 1856, Wm. L. Oswald; 1858, G. H. Swartwout; 1860, E. A. Smith; 1861, Jas. Warford; 1862, Thos. Moore; 1863-1866, Jas. Hamil. Members: Phil Curtis, Ben Conger, Abe Dyer, Lon Chamberlin, A. Pack, Silas Betts, Jules Anable, W. H. Tompkins, L. E. Abbott, J. Morran, S. Crawford, P. Lansing, W. Parker, W. C. Stewart, David Andrews, S. Conger, C. Olcott, John Oswald, Francis Gorman, W. Cramer, J. J. Conde, J. E. Craig, H. Temple, Wm. Hackett, J. C. Fellows, E. Vanderlip, R. Temple, N. Kirker.
The company was composed of the young men of the Second ward. The engine was a handsome piano box, with brass dome, and elaborate trimmings of the same metal. The company was always prompt in attending to duty. Their social features - members being mostly rivermen - occurred during the winter months. House rear of the Washington M. E. Church. In winter, Apollo Hall, Troy, Tremont and Empire House were the scenes of many festive occasions, though sleighing parties to out of town hotels, and visits to nearby companies, were quite frequent. One of the most noted balls of the company was held February 13, 1851, at Apollo Hall - Edward Dyer, Foreman; Al. Vedder, W. H. Haywood, Geo. H. Taylor, committee of arrangements.
In 1853, January 14, the first ball held in Union Place Hall, after its erection, was by this company, and anyone living at this
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date who attended same can truthfully say that there never was a finer display of taste in the decorations, a more select assembly, or a finer banquet, than the one that was prepared for their guest, by James Badgly of the Tremont House. William Andrews, fore- man.
Their noted excursion to Newburgh, in connection with the Light Guards, is called to mind. It being a double one, the mili- tary, firemen and citizens of that city vied with each other, and in the arrangement of that reception, and the generous hospitality accorded, was a surprise to their most sanquine expectations, and made both companies deeply their debtor.
They rendered service in 1848 at the Halsted fire, Mechanics Hall and stables, River street, Troy, May 1. Also at the Quiggans Mill fire, August 25, 1854. After laying hose twice on dock be- tween lumber piles the heat drove them out, and they again boarded the ferry boat, fought the fire along the dock, and checked it below Adams street at woodyards of the H. R. Road. Wm. Andrews, Jr., foreman.
In 1862 they again responded, with all the rest of the depart- ment, including the Arsenal engine, and the authorities at the post sent men under charge of Mr. Getman to blow up buildings as was required. Thos. Moore, foreman.
They occupied their new house, corner of Fourteenth street and Broadway (Andrews building) in 1863, their last foreman being James Hamil, who died 1909.
Their last reception in the old house occurred in 1861 - a banquet tendered to Hercules Hook and Ladder, and Spartan Hook and Ladder Companies. While the festivities were at their height Tivoli Hose Co. of Albany, out on a sleigh-ride, drove up to the house. The newcomers were received most pleasantly, the time passing pleasantly until the wee small hours of the morning, when all departed for their homes bearing good will toward their entertainers. James Warford, foreman.
Mollia tempora.
1829.
William E. Warner, stoneware factory, Schenectady street and Champlain street (Thirteenth street), established a large trade throughout this and the northern part of the State, exchanging stoneware for any and all kinds of merchandise. Freighted his white and blue clay on his own vessels from New Jersey. His residence on Washington street had four pillars made of fancy carved clay jugs. An expert shot with rifle, capturing many prizes in contest on the ice, hitting the bullseye at long distance in the head of a barrel of flour. Friend to the poor and a congenial companion. Factory burned in 1852.
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William Warner, engineer on river craft. Many years a resi- dent of New York; one of early schoolmates that has passed be- yond.
Capt. George Warner; well known as a prominent and trusted river captain and pilot. Gone but remembered.
Henry Warner. Conducted the painting and papering business. Learned the trade, practicing in his father's carriage house when a boy. Member of Oswald Hose Co. Resides in Troy.
Robert Williams, an old-timer. Auctioneer, sheriff, merchant. A very popular man in the 30's; a man of good judgment and thoroughly posted in business matters of that period.
Watervliet Turnpike Co. Organized in 1828. Thomas Hill- house and Robert Dunlop, contractors. The Pike commenced at the northern boundary of the city of Albany and extended to Buffalo street, north boundary at Gibbonsville (now Broadway and Fifteenth).
September 29, 1829. North River Steamboat Line in commis- sion. Capt. Canter, captain of Chancellor Livingston.
Capt. Wiswall commanded the James Kemp when LaFayette visited Albany in 1824; landed below Greenbush; escorted through village to ferry by the military and crossed to Albany; received and entertained.
John McLean; from Ireland in 1828 to the village of West Troy. Served as clerk for different firms. Died in 1871.
Joseph McLean (son), born in Ireland in 1827; came with his father. After finishing his education, entered the employ of Dauchy & Co., lumber merchants, as bookkeeper. Later the firm was Dauchy & McLean. In 1856 formed co-partnership with John Reiley in the coal business, and continued the same fifty-six years. His demise occurred in 1906. The business fraternity lost a valuable member and the city a prominent resident.
Eugene McLean, educated in the village schools; graduate of Troy High School and Albany Law School in 1882. In 1883 commenced the practice of law in his home town; held the office of village attorney from 1889 to 1897, one year after the city was incorporated. Mr. McLean is one of the prominent attorneys of this section that has won prestige through liberality and fairness, yet always holding on hard to the strong points of law and facts with determination yet with good humor, enabling him to win a jury, or compel a decision in favor of his client.
1830.
J. T. B. White. Came to West Troy from Ballston in 1838 with his wife, a Miss Juliette Burt of Lanesboro, Mass. Clerk, in 1839, for Col. Hooker, Troy Towboat Co. 1853, agent of Northern Transportation Co .; 1860, firm of J. T. B. White & Co. (R. I. Moe) Troy & Chicago Line. Mrs. Burt White, aunt of Miss Cloe
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Manchester, who married a Mr. Ebenezer Powell in 1830, and in 1831 came to West Troy and leased the building afterward known as the Mansion House on Broadway and Sixteenth street. In 1838, a building standing where the Collins House now stands, containing stores, was rebuilt for a hotel by one H. N. Carr, who leased it to Mrs. Cloe Manchester Powell; gave it the name of West Troy Exchange, and was proprietor of same until 1844: One of their daughters married Henry A. Brigham - Mary Powell. The other, Delia, married J. L. Caulkins, his first wife. Mr. Powell leased the Rock House as a residence, it formerly hav- ing been a hotel. Attorney Brigham also resided there at one time. Died in 1870. John L. Caulkins, superintendent of marble yards, died in 1865. Rock House built 1828.
James H. Brisban, a noted attorney of the village, married the sister of Hon. W. L. Oswald. Died in 1861.
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