USA > New York > Albany County > Watervliet > History of the city of Watervliet, N.Y., 1630 to 1910 > Part 4
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above charter members withdrew from No. 38 because they initiated more mechanics into the lodge than was agreeable.
Spartan Lodge. Organized in Cohoes, at Cohoes Hotel, Friday evening, February 5, 1844. Charter members : Past Grands B. C. True, E. L. Stoddard, H. L. Palmer, N. Rogers, Asa S. Spaulding, J. B. Taylor, J. Y. Anthony, Wm. Burton, J. Seabury, L. T. Fonday, Thos. Witbeck, J. Van Demark, O. Parkhurst, D. Park- hurst, Wm. Orelup, J. B. Van DeWerker, Jonas Simmons; Wm. Osburn, J. W. Freeman, Isaac Fletcher. First Noble Grand, H. L. Palmer; second, Asa S. Spaulding; third, Jacob Y. Anthony; fourth, William Burton; last Noble Grand, J. W. Cheesboro. Last meeting, April 6, 1860. Eight members that joined Spartan in 1859 caused the surrender of the charter.
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Degree of Rebekah.
Laurel Lodge conferred the degree of Rebekah on the following members and wives of same, January 10, 1852, in Chapman build- ing (Hilton's store) : Mrs. Isaac R. Getty, Mrs. Abram Myers, Mrs. C. Schermerhorn, Mrs. Timothy H. Hill, Mrs. Thos. Gun- salus, Mrs. Milo Marsh, Mrs. Chas. G. Hill, Mrs. Peter Johnson, Mrs. Alex. McAllister, Mrs. D. Starks, Rev. D. Starks and hus- bands of the above.
April 9, 1859, committee appointed to nominate officers of Degree of Rebekah: Sisters Batcheldor, Hill, Woodward and Brother Alexander McAllister.
April 19, 1859, the following were nominated and duly in- stalled : Noble Grand, Mrs. Abram Myers; Secretary, Mrs. W. H. Hayward, Mrs. Milo Marsh; Treasurer, Mrs. Peter Johnson; Inside Guard, J. M. Decke; Conductor, I. R. Getty; Warden, Mrs. Chester Bacheldor; Chaplain, Mrs. T. H. Hill. Last Noble Grand, Mrs. C. Woodward.
Oyster supper at West Troy Exchange. Rebekah Degree, No. 9, of Albany, guests of the occasion.
Mrs. I. N. Ireland last member initiated.
Daughters of Rebekah.
Rising Star Lodge, No. 100. Instituted May 12, 1886. Char- tered May 10, 1886.
Charter members: Theodore and Mrs. Elizabeth Hogle, Geo. Campbell and Mrs. Campbell, H. E. Hurlbut and Mrs. Marie Hulbert, Dr. O. F. Cobb, Mrs. Candida Cobb, J. V. Anderson, Mrs. Minerva Anderson, Chas. R. Wager, Mrs. Libbie Wager, I. H. Fonda, Mrs. Hattie Fonda, Benj. S. Neville, Orlando Robin- son, Mrs. Hannah Robinson, Wm. Swatling, Mrs. W. Kate Swat- ling, William Cleaveland, Richard Thompson, Abram Rousseau.
Officers : Noble Grand, Benjamin S. Neville; Vice-Grand,
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Elizabeth Hogle; Recording Secretary, Hattie Fonda; Permanent Secretary, Sarah Wager; Treasurer, Hannah Robinson.
Second Noble Grand, Elizabeth Hogle; third Noble Grand, Minerva Anderson; Treasurer, John V. Anderson.
Private and public festivities have been many and varied, and the guests of Laurel and Evening Star have tripped many a dance on the floor of their spacious ball room, and enjoyed the sumptuous banquets that they have often provided for their many friends.
The festival and fair held in Harmony Hall, Troy, from Decem- ber 9 to December 18, inclusive, no doubt with the varied musical and other events offered as attractions, outclassed all previous entertainments of that character in this section, as all the musical talent of note in Troy and vicinity volunteered their services.
Dr. Nelson L. Hungerford, member of Watervliet Lodge, No. 20, was killed at Niagara Falls in the Cave of the Winds, by a rock falling on him, May 27, 1839. His was the first Odd Fellow's funeral in West Troy and the first public appearance of the lodge. He was buried in the West Troy burying ground, south of Arsenal. Later his body was removed to Connecticut.
Thomas Wildey, founder of the order in America, visited Lodge No. 20 in 1840.
From Columbia Lodge, No. 1, down to Watervliet Lodge, No. 20, not one of them have their record in full from date of organization except Watervliet Lodge, No. 20, and as it was the nucleus of Laurel and other lodges organized in this section, the record is full down to 1895 and is available to anyone that has pride enough as an Odd Fellow to continue it.
1837.
William Hollands, from Waterford in 1837, established the West Troy Advocate, the first paper, as far as known, published in the village. Perseverance and energy overcame the many ob- stacles that always attach to nearly all new enterprises. Foreign news was obtained and published, and home matter was given special attention. With a life-long record for industry his success was assured. His death, which occurred June 8, 1853, left a void in the community. The paper was continued by the family, under the editorship and management of his son, William Hollands, Jr., who, having received some knowledge of the business from instruc- tions received at times from his father, soon became an adept at the profession, and was successful in maintaining its former posi- tion as a well regulated and newsy publication. Having studied law, and being admitted to practice, the paper was discontinued in 1865 and he became an attorney of prominence, was a fluent speaker, politician of influence, with a life-long record for in- tegrity, honesty and square dealing that none ever did or could question. He held the office of justice of the peace of the village,
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and was often called to fill other positions, where business qualifi- cations and good judgment were required to secure desirable ends. He held the position of postmaster of the village from July 12, 1865, to April 23, 1878. He was a member of Trinity church congregation, with a deep interest in all religious, social and philanthropic measures, and his passing to his home beyond, which occurred 1908, was sincerely mourned by his associates.
Edmund S. Hollands, son of Wm. Holland, Sr .; born in West Troy ; educated in the public schools of the village, and in earlier days quite influential in ward politics as they were run then, and very successful in carrying his point. He is the present teller of the National Bank of Watervliet, also a member of Trinity church, and was postmaster from February, 1898, to March 21, 1902, and a citizen and neighbor that it is a pleasure to meet.
John Hollands; born in West Troy; educated in the schools of the village; popular among his associates. Went to Chicago, entered the employ of the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance of Chicago as manager and cashier, a position that he held with honor until his death, occurring in 1889.
Joseph H. Hollands, at present clerk of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, at Albany, a position that he has filled with ability, and has held the office many years. Member of Oswald Hose Co. No. 1; knows his friends, and their presence is at all times agreeable.
Mrs. William Hollands, who believes that the duties of home are paramount to all else, yet that advice and assistance should be rendered, not only as a helpmate, but that a reasonable knowledge of her husband's business should be acquired that would be of service in time of adversity. Her early-acquired education, to- gether with a perfect knowledge of the business methods pertaining to the intricate problems connected with real estate, insurance and finance, enables her to continue the business, so firmly established by her late husband. Prominent member of Trinity Episcopal Church, also of the Friday Study Club, and at times a participant in the social events of her immediate associates.
1838.
Hercules Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1; organized May 1, 1839.
Charter members: G. A. Sturtevant, G. H. Larcum, A. G. Snyder, James Lobdell, Wm. Haywood, Jas. H. Brisban, H. Fitchett, A. Clawson, W. P. Dyer, E. H. Powell, J. M. Egerton, L. E. Abbott, E. A. Smith, E. A. Meneely, Alfred Richardson, E. Crowner.
Officers : 1839, G. A. Sturtevant; 1845, G. H. Larcum; 1850, A. G. Snyder; 1854, -; 1857, Wm. Shaffer; 1858, D. W. Tallcott ; 1859, E. A. Smith; 1860, G. W. Silliman; 1861, C. E. Tucker ; 1862, Theo. Strickler ; 1864, Ed. Learned; 1863, Alfred Richardson ; 1866, S. D. Hopkins; 1868, Jas. T. Myers.
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Members: G. R. Meneely, Harry Fitchett, F. M. Witbeck, Elijah Brown, M. E. Wandell, Robert Edgerton, John Lee, Jerry Berger, E. L. Stodard, Willam Silliman, Alfred Richardson, John Roy, Theo. Strickler, C. E. Tucker, D. W. Tall- cott, Wm. Shaffer, E. A. Smith, G. L. Silliman, Ed. Learned, S. D. Hopkins, J. T. Myers, Charles Bortle, C. H. McOmber, F. Tinsler, Chas. Hoxie, Wm. Chalou, Wm. Cleaveland, James Best, Geo. Yearsley, Riley Hayford, Chas. Mather, Peter Roy, G. H. Lawrence, Nicholas Witbeck, Ed. Hollands, Milton St. John, with others. J. Thorn Myers, last foreman.
The company numbered among its members many of the wealthy and influential men of the time, and entertainments were often elaborate and costly. Guests from Troy and Albany were frequently present. Their visit to Tivoli Hose Co. of Albany, in 1851, and the presentation of a service of silver, was a noted event, and the reception accorded to the visitors is yet remembered by those now living. Jas. H. Brisban, foreman at that time, made the presentation address.
The necessity of a new truck being apparent, the company made the offer to the trustees to purchase a new one, they to give the old one to the company. After some delay in considering the feasibility of the same, they declined. By a vote of the company of forty-five members it was decided to resign, the foreman being authorized to present the roll of the company to the trustees for their action. Resignation accepted, closing their connection with the department. Twenty-two members immediately formed a social club under the name of the M. Y. B. Club.
Alexander Lenway; restauranteur. Location, north of E. Powell's hotel. His dining rooms spacious, light and airy; the luxuries of the season were at all times attainable. The bowling alleys (amusement then in vogue) afforded recreation to merchants and others during leisure hours. The reading room, a place of rest for those inclined to peruse the periodicals provided. Can you find its equal in this city, with a population of 16,000.
William A. Lenway (son) ; at one time employed as insurance agent with Wm. Hollands, A. McAlister, Grant, Freeman & Church; pilot on sloop James Johnson, Capt. Jas. Oliver. His business qualifications were always recognized by his friends, and his continued services from 1895 to 1910, as collector of canal statistics for the State at this port, is a public recognition of his trustworthiness and honor.
John Sherwood, cooper to the village in 1836. Employed by H. L. Dann many years. Member of old Conqueror Engine No. 3 in early days. One of the oldest citizens of Port Schuyler living. Recognizes the decline in business in that section, and feels the effect of same. An active life many years. The rest he is now taking is well earned.
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1839.
Conqueror Engine No. 3 (hand) ; organized 1838.
Charter members: Robert Dunlop, Eben Jones, D. D. Abrams, A. Whitmarsh, J. Ashley, John Ring, William Chard, J. Clute, Hewitt Chard.
Officers : 1838, J. J. Ashley, D. D. Abrams, Eben Jones, James Roy, G. H. Aldrich; 1850, P. Donahou; 1854 to 1857, B. Lor- man; 1858 to 1860, J. Barker; 1860 to 1862, J. Phillips; 1863 to 1868, inclusive, Patrick McIntee, Barney Timmons, John Sher- wood, J. Dennegan, James Carson, Wm. Jameson, Ed. Carroll, Wm. Morran, Geo. Mullington, Jas. Coleman, John Campbell, Jesse Abrams, Hewitt Chard, P. Bragle, P. Breen, J. Burns, Amos Bently, Stephen Burrows, Henry Boyle, James Brennen, Thomas Aiken, James Early, J. F. Fitzpatrick, Jas. Beggan, J. Mahon, and others.
While there is no record in existence of the early history of the company, yet the social features in early days were many. Two banquets were held at the Empire Hotel previous to 1842, one held in Apollo Hall, Troy, and one held at Empire Hotel in 1853. J. Donohue, foreman. They participated in many parades, their first one being in 1840, No. 1 New Engine, Rip Van Wink ~ Old Niagara No. 2, No. 3 Arsenal Engine, and a military company from Troy being in line. Dinner aboard a barge at Arsenal dock. Exercises at the North Reformed Dutch Church. Attended all calls for duty. Friendly with all companies. The company has been located in three different places on the same street, and their house was burned early in the 50's.
John Grogan; came from Ireland in 1844; many years em- ployed by the firm of Rousseau & Easton.
Patrick Grogan (son), also born in Ireland; educated in the village schools ; had the confidence and the respect of his associates. Entered into politics, became popular and influential throughout the county. Held the office of justice and also overseer of the poor in 1878 and 1879; collector of Second Collection District (West Troy and Green Island), 1874 and 1875; police justice in 1880, holding the office several years. He knew his friends and was faithful to their interests; their ingratitude was made apparent in later years. He was considerate in the discharge of the duties of police justice, and heavy sentences were imposed only when the case absolutely warranted it. There is no blot on his life record.
Herman Mather ; timber merchant. One of the early settlers of the village ; a thorough business man, punctual in all dealings ; his advice often taken in financial matters. A representative citizen of the early period.
Charles L. Mather (son) ; one of the firm of the Capital Lime Kiln Co .; one of the number of jolly good fellows, Smith Water- man, Harry Fitchett, Nick Witbeck, John Vernam and others, that
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made life worth living. His misfortune in business ventures caused sorrow among his friends, while his death created a void in social circles.
1840.
The First Particular Baptist Church of West Troy, organized March 14, 1827. Trustees, Edward Learned, Thomas Shrimpton, Jonathan Caulkins, Hyram Hopkins and Cyrus Kenney. Corner Ohio street and Central avenue (Third avenue and Sixteenth street). A wooden building was first erected in 1829 and used until 1842. Sold to a French congregation. First pastor, Rev. Ashley Vaughn. The old church was demolished and the present beautiful edifice was erected in 1870. The Young People's Union connected with the church (Elmer Truax, president; Margaret Dysart, secretary), is in a flourishing condition. The congrega- tion represents many leading citizens of the city, and their pres- ent pastor, Rev. Thomas A. Hughes, is an able representative of the profession, and has at all times the interest and welfare of his parishioners in view.
The Church of the Sacred Heart of Mary, organized in 1881, corner Stafford and Buffalo street (Sixth avenue and Fifteenth street ). Their first pastor, Rev. Eugene Rey. (French Catholic.) Large congregation. Many religious and social entertainments are held by the members, and a right hand of friendship is extended to all who attend. Rev. Jules J. Burrick, present pastor. Congregation large and active.
St. Patrick's Church, organized by Thomas A. Keys, cornerstone laid in 1840. The Rev. William F. Sheehan was appointed to the priesthood of this church and parish in 1858. Devoting his whole life to religious duties connected therewith, seeking the betterment of humanity at all times. Through his persistent activity the splendid new church on Nineteenth street was erected, the cornerstone laid on July 4, 1889. The magnificent altar, the gift of one of the members, together with the different pieces of statuary that adorn the interior of the building, is a pleasing feature. The first mass was held Christmas, 1891. The jubilee held June 19, 1908, in honor of their pastor, Rev. Father Sheehan's fifty years continued services, under the auspices of the societies of the church, was a fitting tribute to one deserving of the honor. The entire demonstration was a public acknowledg- ment that his parishioners appreciated the services rendered by their venerable pastor, and an evidence of the love they had for him, overshadowing any observance of like character that ever occurred in this section, and he, their pastor, viewing the same, knew that his name, and deeds would live in the memory of his friends years after his departure from the busy scene of life. His death occurred April 11, 1909.
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The North Church, organized in West Troy; dedicated in 1840. The title was changed to the North Reformed Church. Rev. O. H. Gregory continuing as pastor. The steeple of the old church was destroyed by a heavy wind in 1852. It was again largely damaged by fire in 1901. It was rebuilt on a more mod- ern plan, increasing the beauty of its surroundings. Some of the early members in 1840 withdrew from the parent church, residing as they did nearer the present location, and soon after the title was changed to its present one: The Reformed Dutch Church of West Troy. Andrew Meneely, Robert Robinson, Isaac Hitchcock, Stephen Washburn, Charles Easton, Louis Rousseau, Edward Learned, Myron R. Peak, Daniel C. Stewart were some of the early members. The members of this church in early days were largely interested in the temperance movement, and a large society under the leadership of Louis Rousseau and others, was in exist- ence; and the building then on the east side of the street, used for the Sunday school, was the headuarters of the society. The Cold Water Army was a factor at one time in the affairs of the village.
The congregation is active and the Sunday school and societies connected therewith progressive, and, under the management of the younger element of the church their entertainments pleasing and instructive. The interest taken by their new pastor, Rev. Henry F. Hamlin has infused new life to the former existing conditions that is certain to add strength to the organization and encourage- ment to its members.
Charles Mitchell came to West Troy in 1840. Identified with the express and trucking business. A citizen of integrity and well known.
Bleeker Mitchell (son), connected with the towing and stabling interests for years. Moved to Waterford. Died in 1904.
Robert Mitchell, farmer, went West. Died in 1901.
Thomas Bart. Mitchell was in the express business many years. Died in 1902.
Green Mitchell. Charles Mitchell died in 1898.
Melvin Mitchell enlisted in 1861; returned at close of war. Settled in Trenton, N. J., and a well-to-do citizen of that city.
Derwin Mitchell also enlisted and served his time; returned and established the livery business, continuing same until his death, which occurred in 1898. His family, succeeding to the business, consisting of mother and sons, John, Robert, Learned and George Mitchell, living; Charles was killed by a kick of a horse.
The Mitchells from the incorporation of the old village have been identified with its business interests, some of them at times being interested in political affairs, and had the respect and confidence of all classes of citizens.
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1840 to 1852: Travel on canal by packets of emigrants going West was large; opposition lines vied with each other to secure the patronage; they were well supplied with the yellow metal and disbursed it freely in this port.
Many contests occurred between captains as to who was cham- pion of the great ditch, but it remained for John McMann and Elias Rogers to settle the question. Rogers at last secured the belt, to the satisfaction of boatmen in general.
The timber that came through the canal, made up into rafts, was an immense feature of traffic and was handled at this port by Merritt Potter, Oscar Potter and others, giving employment to many government inspectors. It has vanished like many other business interests, lessening the bank account of many residents, for the want of employment. Who of this generation will live to enjoy the return of the prosperity that existed in the days gone by ?
1841.
Protection Engine Company No. 2, organized in 1840 (hand). Burned at fire, 1865.
Charter Members: H. Smith, Michael Savin, John Savin, J. McCarty, Frank O'Brien, John A. King, Ed Rogers, Wm. Cleary, Stephen Clark, Frank McCue.
Foremen : 1840, H. Smith; 1845, Wm. Cleary; 1848, Ed Rogers ; 1850 to 1857, H. B. West; 1857 to 1865, Michael Kelly ; 1866 to 1868, Ed Kelly.
Members : H. Smith, Michael Savin, J. McCarty, Frank O'Brien, Ed Rogers, Stephen Clark, John E. Glass, J. Reiley, Wm. Boyton, Michael Kelly, Martin Lorman, E. O. Lorman, Peter Garrigan, Wm. Lawlor, John Mullen, John Fox, John McDonough, Michael McDonough, Patrick Grattan, Frank McCue, F. O. Donahue, Jas. Farr, J. McCarty, Wm. J. Hodgman, M. Nally, A. Cole, Simeon Wilbur, John Hays, M. Kearny, G. Kimberly, Thomas Agan, L. B. Decker, Wm. Lorman, H. Van Arnum, Sol Green- man, E. R. Dyer, J. B. Taylor, John Savin, Tompkins Taylor, G. W. Callen, G. W. Gordon, Wm. Barrett, J. Horan, Patrick Kelly, D. Cole, T. Ward, Wm. Mason, J. McClellan, John Morey, Francis O'Brien.
This company was noted for its large membership, always on the aggressive, but often meeting their Waterloo in encounters with other companies. Old No. 7 of the Nail factory, being their principal antagonist. Ever ready to respond to calls of duty, and rendered efficient aid in Troy and other places at different times.
The social features always attracted large assemblies. Their ball held in Harmony Hall in 1853 was an enjoyable affair. H. H. Smith, foreman.
Albert Gunnison, resident of the village prior to 1840; owner
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of considerable property ; a citizen of considerable influence in vil- lage affairs. His son, George Gunnison, prominent also in his day, and at one time employed by the State at the collector's office.
The Sheldon property, situated on the Troy and Schenectady turnpike, on the northwest corner of what is now Nineteenth street and Second avenue, was purchased by Ruth Hawks, wife of General Hawks, who built the house now standing in 1841 (Feb- ruary 10), who sold it later to Mark Smith. Daniel Cahaar, or, as it is to-day, Carr, from Ireland in 1842, bought the property in 1846. The property is owned by Mrs. Frederick Beillot, daugh- ter of Daniel Carr. The building is sixty-nine years old. Mr. Beillot formerly carried on an extensive harness business in old West Troy, and had the patronage of those dealing and using first- class saddlery. Discontinuing the business the building has been overhauled and the Beillots have opened a wholesale confectionery and fancy goods establishment, with a line of goods suitable to the trade, that has been a long-felt necessity in this section, and no doubt will be appreciated by the general public.
Steamboat Empire, built in 1843.
1842.
Isaac Collins came to West Troy about 1837, from Troy, set- tling there from Whitehall in 1831. Proprietor of the Northern Hotel, also connected with a line of stages. In 1847 proprietor of the three-story and basement hotel known as the Halcyon House, southwest corner Broad and Union street (Twenty-third street). Patronized by the best transient travelers. Later Mr. Collins entered the grocery business; Harbor Master in 1854 to 1860 ; in grocery and stabling 1860. In 1861 he opened a restau- rant on northwest corner Broadway and Sixteenth street, and named it the Collins House. In 1866 he bought the Exchange Hotel, named it the Collins House, and died within a few days after taking possession. Mr. Collins was a prominent business man, identified with the early business interests of the village and respected by all. Member of the Light Guards and promoter of their famous sleigh ride to Clifton Park, stopping at Caleb Fonda's Hotel.
L. D. Collins came to West Troy about 1840. He entered into the shipping and forwarding business on Whitehall street. In 1850 the firm was Collins & Greenman, forwarders, on Whitehall street. In 1855 he was alone in business on Whitehall street, and ran a grocery store on Broadway. In 1860 Edward Wight came with him as clerk. In 1866 the firm was Collins & Wight. In 1867 to 1872 the firm was L. D. Collins, Jefferson Collins and Wight.
L. D. Collins retired in 1873 and became interested in and
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president of the Capital Lime & Cement Co. In 1874 the firm was Collins & Wight (Jefferson C.), grocery and stables. In 1875 firm was Edward Wight. Then Wight & Mullen in 1876. It was again Edward Wight from 1878 to 1879, when Mr. Wight closed the Whitehall store and held the Broadway store until 1883, when he removed to his building on Twenty-third street. His last removal being to the building occupied by Chas. Richards, on Whitehall street, and continues business up to date, 1910.
Jefferson Collins & Flinn in 1880, co-partnership in the towing business.
Jef. Collins & Potter in the forwarding and grain business, 1878-79-80. Jefferson Collins died November 6, 1881. Member of the First Presbyterian Church and charter member.
Isaac Collins was a very liberal man, sociable and entertaining, and the patronage of the Halcyon House became large. No land- lord ever set a more inviting table, none ever welcomed friend or stranger with a heartier shake of the hand, and no hotel in this section had the balls, parties and entertainments that it had in its palmy days.
L. D. Collins was a Republican politician of considerable influ- ence, member of Assembly in 1859 and 1860; also elected senator.
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