USA > New York > Albany County > Watervliet > History of the city of Watervliet, N.Y., 1630 to 1910 > Part 5
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Bernam Collins came to West Troy in 1857. Cattle dealer and butcher. Opened market corner Twenty-third street and Broadway in Wight building (now Glass' drug store). Later contractor and builder. Built the Wight block after the fire. Interested in politics. Employe of the State at several times. Charter member of Oswald Hose Co. No. 1.
Patrick Lane came to West Troy in 1842. Became agent for the Buffalo Transportation Co., held same until his demise, which occurred February 6, 1895.
John Lane (son) succeeded his father as agent for the same company, continuing until 1906, when he purchased an interest in the Troy and Watervliet ferry, foot of Twenty-third street. Elected president and manager. Mrs. John B. Egan, treasurer ; Charles J. Pickett, secretary. Under the management of the pres- ent company the boats make regular trips and the public receive the service that they are entitled to.
The dry dock, foot of First avenue, near Arsenal wall, was built by John T. Lamport and J. M. Barnard, in 1840.
The steamboat Congress, owned by Capt. Young, for freight and passengers from West Troy to New York, in 1839; J. Hay- wood, agent.
1843.
G. S. Anable, painting, decorating and sign painting, southeast corner Fourteenth street and Broadway, in 1836.
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James Barnard, stove factory, east side of Broadway, above Fourteenth street.
Burr A. Peck, groceries and general merchandise, next door.
Hibby's Select School, Fourth ward, opposite weigh lock (Twenty-third street).
J. T. Morrison, Fourth Ward House (ferry), in 1836.
Francis Hardin, Second ward, coal and groceries, 1836.
J. M. Edgerton, paints and oils, Fourth ward, opposite weigh lock, 1836.
G. A. Sturtevant & Tupper, general store, Broadway, below Sixteenth street.
J. H. Dyer, Washington Recess, basement, southeast corner Broadway and Fourteenth street.
C. B. Allen, select school, First ward, 1838.
Jacob Monk, shoe store, Broadway, below Ferry (Fourteenth) street, 1838.
Wm. C. Stowell, livery connected with Chloe Powell's Hotel, Sixteenth street, 1838.
A. H. Free, paint shop, Port Schuyler, 1838.
Elihu Phelps, drowned, 1838. Capt. Hardin and crew tried to save him.
Death of David R. King February 23, 1838. Services at Washington M. E. C.
M. Stephens, select school, Fourth ward, opposite weigh lock, over Edgerton's store, 1839.
Philip Traver, saloon, basement W. T. Exchange.
Willett & Trip, general store, Broadway, south of Tremont house, 1838.
Dr. A. Hammond & Fiddler, druggists, Twenty-third street, opposite lock, 1838. John Liney occupied the store later.
A. S. Blackman's death occurred in June, 1840.
The Arsenal Employees Temperance Society, auxiliary to the West Troy society, organized January 30, 1840. Isaac Chapman, president; A. Hitchcock and I. C. Hitchcock, secretaries; W. P. Hall, T. M. Dean, committee on resolutions. Martin Witbeck delivered an address; chairman, Isaac Chapman; secretaries, C. Fort, T. Heenan, J. C. Green, O. C. Latham.
John T. Lamport, lumber merchant, one of West Troy's pro- gressive citizens, and at one time largely identified with its early business interests. Partner at one time with Albert Richards. Both very liberal. Few now remember his son, John Lamport, one of the young men whose society was courted by the fair sex; he was affable, courteous and agreeable companion.
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SOUTH REFORMED CHURCH, WEST TROY, N. Y. MEMORIAL BUILDING Erected by James B. Jermain, 1874
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1844.
On June 18, 1844, the South Reformed Protestant Church of West Troy was organized. Philip T. Schuyler, Robert Dunlop, John C. Schuyler and David Moore, elders and deacons, purchased for the congregation the old church of Schuyler Crosby, standing on the old lot north of Eighth street, west side of Broadway. Rev. Theodore F. Wycoff became the pastor, continuing until May, 1846, as supply, when he was duly installed as the regular pastor, he held the connection until 1854, resigning on account of ill health ; moved to the Island of St. Thomas, where he shortly after died. Rev. Garrett F. Roof was the next pastor, until 1865 when he resigned. Jacob S. Wycoff became pastor in April, same year. Illness caused him to resign in 1869. In March, 1870, Selah W. Strong accepted a call, continuing until 1871. In 1871, contem- plating building a new church, a proposition having been made to the congregation by the Jermain family, the same was accepted. A beautiful edifice was erected by the family, corner Fifth avenue and Sixth street. Presented to the congregation and dedicated December 30, 1874, as a memorial church to the memory of Sylvanus P. Jermain, father of the Jermain family.
Mr. Jermain was instrumental in founding the Home for Aged Men, situated on the Albany road, another monument of the fam- ily's regard for the welfare of others.
Residents and business men of the old Fourth ward:
Ashael Potter, clothing; A. Levy, clothing; James Scholan, const .; Andrew Morrison, const .; O. I. Sweet, grocery and stables; Benj. Tinney, grocery; Isaac Cohen, Sam'l Jerkoskie, clothing; John Toohey, raftmen's headquarters, wet refresh- ments and dancing, were the attractions that wormed the shekels from the pockets of its patrons ; Andrew Abby, barber, direct from France; Justice Houghtailing; Wm. Rouse, barber ; John Savin, blacksmith ; James Duffy, cooper; John Liney, drugs; John Rooney, saloon; Jerry Galvin, shoemaker; Thos. Reardon, shoe- maker; John Reid, shoemaker ; Jef. Bennet, proprietor of Lansing House (the old building was erected about 1830) ; Jos Blais ; Keil Casey ; Dr. Z. Ruggles went to California in the 50's; Wm. Catlin, tinsmith and hardware; Moses Whipple, a noted horseman, an expert with the ribbons ; John Rose; Merritt Potter, heavy dealer in timber, a prominent man in village affairs; Oscar Potter, for- warding and storage, superintendent of first section of canal at one time, member of Assembly in 1887; James Bernard, bowling alleys; Fred Stem, a manipulator of cards; Geo. Bently, cooper ; John Damp, boarding; D. Lee, mountain Lumbermen's Hotel, Auburn street.
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1845.
Old time captains, owners of sloops, schooners and barges: Isaac Hitchcock, postmaster in 1845, 1847 and 1853; David King, Isaac Getty, Jas. Oliver; Samuel Crawford, president of village in 1852; Enoch Burrows, Ashael A. Gilbert, William Crawford, John King, Isaac Hubbard, Andrew Foster, James Warford, James Cook, Robert Robinson, Silas Betts, William Lobdell, Norman Hicks, Peter Hicks, Andrew Hitchcock, died 1886; John Silliman, William Foot, Butler Hubbard, Thos. Reiley, Hyram Tinsler, died 1881; Stephen Washburn, Alfred Mosher, died 1877; Daniel T. Wandell, sloop Elinor; (Burling- ton), Silas Betts ; (Belvidere), Capt. Peter Hicks; (Sam'l Brew- ster ), Capt. A. Hitchcock; (Commodore Rogers), Capt. Jas. War- ford; (Clarissa), Geo. Collins; (Currier), Capt. Thos. Anderson ; (Conveyance), Capt. S. Washburn; Capt. Garragan, Thos. Reiley ; (Fox), Capt. Harlow Rhodes; (Highlander), Wm. Crawford; (Henry Gage), Capt. Wm. Lobdell; (Juno), Capt. John Silliman ; Capt. John King, Jas. Hardin, Capt. Wm. Wood, Capt. Andrew Foster, Meneely Hitchcock ; (Meridan), Capt. H. Evertson ; Capt. Jas. Farrell; (Hercules), Capt. Jas. Hitchcock; Capt. Wm. Har- vey, Capt. J. Young.
Steamboat Swallow wrecked on Athens Rock, April 7, 1845.
Attorney Learned I. Litchfield, member of Assembly from Fourth district, 1844 and 1845.
Charles C. Duncan came from Vermont to Troy in 1839. Collector for Halstead's stage line to West Troy in 1841. Opened grocery and stables on pier south of river lock. Burned out. Opened on Twenty-first street, south of old Candle factory. Burned out in 1848. Groeery store on Whitehall street in 1852. Store and stables, corner Twenty-fifth and Whitehall street, in 1853. Proprietor of the Morrisville Hotel; visitors to the Shaker village stopping at the hotel for dinner, and the objective point for sleighing parties from Albany, Troy and surrounding country for years. Patronage fell off when the Shakers closed their doors to Sunday visitors. Owner of many fine horses ; a full- blooded Black Hawk, valued at $2,000 (offered and refused), was poisoned while standing in a box stall in 1853. A friend to boat- men, sociable and generous to a fault. He died on December 22, 1877.
Thomas and Alfred Richardson (brothers), grocery and stables, on Whitehall street. For years their square dealing with the boat- men and others established an immense business. Alfred died in 1862. Thomas continued the business until his death, which occurred in 1870. The business was continued by his son, Charles A. Richardson, who closed the same in 1904, and bought out the coal business of Platt in 1863.
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Many were the terpischorean assemblies in days gone by held in different places both by young and old, where an evening was spent in enjoyable recreation. Union Place Hall as soon as erected, with its large floor space drew the patronage. Hotels that formerly were patronized lost their prestige. Odd Fellows' Hall, their annex, came next, and under their auspices, having the finest floor in the village, held all the larger clubs' patronage for some time, at the same time holding a soiree every two weeks. The Watervliet Club also held their dances in their hall, and often held ladies' receptions, one of which I note, given at their rooms Friday evening, November 29, 1889. President, A. T. Phelps ; floor committee, John L. Haswell, chairman ; E. Frank Roy, Fred T. Lape, John F. Pateman. The Ortus Club, its membership the largest of any, always held a series of twelve dances during the winter at Odd Fellows' Hall, with masquerades between. The folowing officers one year were as follows: President, Havelock Chaloux; first vice-president, Edward Ketrick; second vice-presi- dent, E. Crall; secretary, William Meskell; financial secretary, Robert McCormick; treasurer, William H. Hennessey; commit- tee, James C. Garrahan, chairman ; Joseph Hanna, P. H. Lumley, John Lawler, Thos. E. McAuliffe, W. I. Collopy, W. A. Merriam. The costumes of the ladies were always elegant, their appearance attractive, and the wall flower so often seen at some gatherings, clinging to the wall until their beauty faded, had no existence.
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Two of the largest euchre parties ever held in the old village, with a musicale included, with each complimentary to their friends, were given by a gentleman and his wife in Union Place Hall in 1885 and 1886. To-day most of like entertainments are held in the different engine companies parlors. Pianos grace the same, and many of the members being fine musicians, enables them to entertain often.
1846.
James Dunham; born in West Troy; resided on Ferry street; a well known riverman when sail vessels were in vogue. Later, as pilot and captain of steam tug boats, in the 60's, through his employer, Captain Alfred Mosher, he commanded a tug, went through the canal and lakes to Chicago and established the business of towing. On the lakes he became the master spirit of the busi- ness, owning and controlling a large fleet of lake craft and event- ually became president of the company that controlled the same. Many of the young men engaged in the same business, went to Chicago and not only found positions under him, but gained pro- motion and a competency. Mr. Dunham was popular and well liked, as he had received assistance that had placed him in position to aid others ; his appreciation of same was apparent in his willing-
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ness to respond to any calls for assistance, never forgetting his early associates. Died in 1884.
Caroline Dunham (sister); belle of the Second ward in her youthful days, a favorite with all her associates, and teacher of the primary class at one time at the Second ward brick schoolhouse. Married and removed from the village.
Orrin and Len Hannum, Royal and Orville Jaqueway, attended the school, and possibly there are some that remember who fired the cannon under the parlor floor of the first house south of the school, and scattered the wedding guests. Also who threw the pepper on the red-hot stove in the Methodist classroom and drove the singing class of Thomas Gunsalus, one winter night, to the cold infant classroom upstairs.
Daniel Hartnett, Robert Morrison, and Ephraim B. Baldwin, appointed by the State, built the dyke and pier - dyke north end, and pier south end of Green Island. By this improvement the water of the Mohawk river was turned to raise the water in the basin. The fourteen-foot bluff on east side of island was cut down, the dirt used to fill in. A skiff ferry was at that time in operation to Troy ; West Troy landing at the big trees, foot of Twenty-third street. The Wiswalls, D. T. Wandell, Robert Morrison and Daniel Hartnett operated same at different periods. It was at this ferry that eleven persons lost their lives by the upsetting of one of the skiffs.
William Stead Myers (writer's brother) was killed in 1847 on grandfather's (D. T. Wandell) horse ferry boat, foot of River and Ferry street (Broadway and Fourteenth). Henry York Latour conveyed the body home, being the only one to witness the acci- dent.
James Blunn; to West Troy in 1847. With Thomas and Wil- liam Blunn they built many of the brick buildings yet standing in the city. At one time interested in the manufacture of gelatine. A business man of the old English type, prominent and respected as a first class citizen. His daughters, Mrs. J. C. Covert, Sr., Mrs. F. W. Covert and Mrs. Geo. Linn of Troy.
Otis Wood; a resident of West Troy about 1838. One of the organizers of the Ohio Street M. E. Church in 1849. Proprietor of the largest teaming and trucking plant in the days of activity in the lumber trade. Specially interested in religious movements ; one who was ready to assist the unfortunate, and extend the hand of friendship to those that were worthy of recognition.
James Otis Wood (son) ; born, raised and educated in the vil- lage. Succeeded to the business established by his father; con- tinued the same until it became unprofitable. Entered into politics ; was appointed captain of West Troy police force in 1870; held the same until 1886; appointed court officer, district attor- ney's office at Albany, 1896 ; ice business in 1900; appointed to a responsible position at custom house, New York, in 1902; held
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same until his death, occurring in 1906. Was prominent in politics, with a wide circle of acquaintances. Considerate and kind in family affairs; good citizen, and agreeable associate.
James O. Wood, Jr .; son of J. O. W. Received his education in the village; served clerkship in Albany some time. A young man of exemplary habits; his home life an ideal one, and very popular among his associates. His death, occurring July 5, 1899, left a void in the family circle, ending the life work of a promising young citizen. His wife, Mrs. Margaret (Lamphere) Wood, daughter of Wm. Lamphere, survives him.
1847.
Patrick Kelly, born in Ireland in 1826. Came to West Troy in 1844. In connection with the livery business that he established in the early 40's he added the express and teaming business, and was also an extensive dealer in blooded horses. He not only had the good will of the general public, but held the confidence and the personal friendship, together with an intimate social relation, with the most prominent business men of the community. Gifted with that inbred Irish wit that nearly all natives of the Emerald Isle possess, he was a welcome guest to many social entertainments. Mr. Kelly, during a long and strenuous business activity, has at times been financially successful, but like many others looking for a day of rest, his hopes have been shattered, and misfortune has often been his lot, through large fires that have occurred in the village, and consumed at different dates property belonging to him of many thousand dollars, with no insurance. Yet to-day, 1910, at 84 years old, he is the same old companionable Patrick Kelly.
Steamboats Rip Van Winkle, Hendrick Hudson, Niagara, in commission in 1845; Thomas Powell, in 1846; Alida, in 1847.
Team of horses and four passengers in a barouch, were drowned on Troy side of the Hudson in 1847, near Division street. Backed off the ferryboat running from West Troy.
In 1839 Ebenezer Wiswall purchased the exclusive right of the then existing ferry privileges on both sides of the river. The steam ferry at upper ferry was discontinued in 1875.
William C. Durant, well known, prominent in business circles, pioneer in all good propositions looking toward the advancement of business and moral prosperity. Postmaster July 23, 1878.
Fayette B. Durant (son), identified with the political, relig- ious, social, moral and business life of both the old village and the present city. He is well acquainted with the political status of the city and is one of the few having the city's interest honestly at heart that make it their duty to be present at all gatherings where the same is being considered.
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In 1845 the noted horse, Fannie Jenks, made her 100 miles in nine hours, forty minutes and thirty-five seconds, driven by P. Hunt and Warren Blakely. The next day the horse Fashion and Fanny Jenks were driven tandem through the streets of the village.
John Cary, one of the early settlers of West Troy. Heavy dealer in timber. The firm of Cary & McDonough (John) forty-five years ago was one of the largest firms in their line in this section. They employed many men and teams hauling heavy timber from the western part of this county, one of their oldest employes being John O'Brien, living, eighty-eight years old. Another one, long since dead, was good natured Green Mitchell.
John Cook, from England to West Troy in 1847, with his son William, contractor ; also an evangelist of some note. Con- tracted with the Wiswalls to drain their entire farm. Died in 1866.
William Cook, employed at Roy's mills as boss shearer, hold- ing the position until his death in 1895.
Richard Cook, to West Troy in 1840. Traveling man for Troy collar firms many years, also serving often as a Methodist preacher through country districts, private school on Temperance Hill in 1865, at one time teacher Second Ward public school. Went West and died in Jessup, Iowa, in 1887.
1848.
On October 10, 1847, services were held in the Trinity brick church then situated on Canal street near upper ferry. North side (16).
Mrs. Brennen from New York held a concert and musicale in the Tremont House November 3, 1847.
E. L. Stoddard in April, 1847, advertised to sell his dry goods stock, preparing to go to California.
T. Connors, clothing, on Whitehall street in 1847.
Steam ferry boat at lower ferry in day time, horse boats at night.
Harris Winfield, dog training school at James Morrison's saloon on Canal street south of what is now Twenty-third street. Below Change bridge in 1847.
J. Jaques, pump manufacturer, River street below ferry in 1847.
John Oswald, grocery store, corner Broadway and Fourteenth street. Later James Cook occupied it. Merchants often met there, and many a jolly party went from there on sleigh rides to out of town hotels, and with their wives enjoyed an agreeable outing. H. A. Langworthy's private school was held in the second story of the building.
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William Christie lost his life in 1848 by an explosion in the percussion laboratory at the arsenal. The powder was used to make caps for fire arms. Cartridges were made for the army dur- ing the Mexican war. Later George Lawrence established a car- tridge factory on Temperance Hill where many of the lads of the village earned good money and received their pay in gold pieces.
Drs. I. B. Bucklin & John Shankland, druggists, 1848, west side canal, one door above Kellogg & Co.'s rope walk.
In 1842 Abram Myers's clothing store, site of the present police station, moved to Troy, and J. W. Hammond occupied it as a hat and cap store. A saloon in basement; J. Burrel, proprietor.
The only Chinese junk that ever crossed the Atlantic to this country sailed into New York harbor in 1845. Laid off the bat- tery. The writer with his father visited same. The rigging was of bamboo. A small model of the craft was on exhibit in the cabin.
The old grave yard donated by the Schuylers and the United States government is to-day a spot that the city should have regard for. It yet contains tombstones in memory of many of the pioneers of this section. A. S. Blackman, proprietor of the first factory, died in 1840; Elijah Washburn, father of Stephen, land owner and grain merchant, died in 1855; John Stone, died in 1832; David Brown, died in 1828; John Grey, died in 1828; C. Hovey, one of the pioneer shoe merchants, died on January 22, 1845; William B. Burnett, died in 1832 ; Benjamin Hanks, died in 1824. The condition it is in at the present writing is a disgrace to any Christian community.
Isaac R. Getty, born in Lansingburg, Rensselaer county, N. Y., November 24, 1807, became a resident of West Troy in 1839, and died in said village July 14, 1893. At the time of Mr. Getty's death he was the oldest living North river boatman in this vicinity, he having began his boating career at the age of seven- teen, and he followed the river for fifty-six years, commanding and owning several sailing and steam boats during his river life. Previous to coming to the village he married Susan Frances Bal- lou, of Troy, N. Y., and a large family of girls and boys was the result of this union. During the Civil war he was in command of the steamboat Helmus Wells, which had been chartered by the United States government to run on the Tybee roads, towing ships to sea that were sent to Savannah to bring down the cotton that was captured by General Sherman when troops took possession of that city. When the Congress street bridge was built Mr. Getty was the first superintendent and continued as such for more than nine years. He was an Odd Fellow, having been initiated in Watervliet Lodge No. 38 January 4, 1841, and afterwards be- came a charter member of Laurel Lodge, I. O. O. F., February 5, 1846, and its first noble grand. He was one of the first police
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commissioners of the village, which office he filled for six years, being first elected in 1870. At the time of his death he had been a member of the North Reformed church for more than half a century. He was a kindly man, sober and industrious, and much respected in the community. His parents were of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and his father was a veteran of the Revolution, having been with Ethan Allen at the taking of Fort Ticonderoga, partici- pated in the battle of Bennington, and was at the surrender of General Burgoyne.
James Forsyth (Scotch-Irish) came from Ireland in 1848. Farmer in the old country. In 1849 he found employment at S. C. Dermott's flour mill, under the superintendent, E. Hanaman, and learned the trade. Later bought Breaker Island, farmed it some years and sold it to Erastus Corning in 1872; later dealt some in real estate. Closed his earthly labors in 1888.
David Forsyth, born in 1849, and at the age of 17 entered the employ of Scarborough & Hollands, grocery, coal and wood busi- ness, corner Broadway and Eighth street. In 1888 established the coal and wood business in his own name. Died in 1894. After David's death the family, James Forsyth and sisters, succeeded to the business, the present manager being Jennie Forsyth. The male members of this family have been prominent in commercial circles. Some of them interested in the political affairs of the village and have held various government positions.
Dennis Foley came from Ireland in 1855. Farmer and milk dealer. His experience in the old country enabled him to meet with success in his new home. Died in 1908.
Ed. J. Foley (son) was educated in the parochial schools of the village. Established the feed and flour business, located at 1619 Broadway, where can be found at all times a large stock of goods suitable to the householder and those who have the care of live stock; a business that is a necessity, and also a desirable home market for this community.
William Griffin came from Ireland in 1857. Returned to Lon- don, England, an attache of the Scotland Yard police force for three years, returning to West Troy and became a member of the police force of the village. His previous experience with the noted London force made him a valuable addition to the already efficient members. He served faithfully over twenty years and became an employee of the Standard Oil Company as watchman. In an attempt to rob the company's plant he was severely hurt by the yeggmen, and to-day suffers from that experience. He has retired from service.
John A. Griffin (son) was educated in the schools of the village and La Salle Institute. Entered into the life insurance business ; and at present conducts one of the largest stock and brokerage business in this section. Popular in business circles, with an
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extensive acquaintance throughout the State and Twentieth Cen- tury business man.
Black Horse Cavalry. Organized in 1861. Colonel, Andrew J. Morrison ; adjutant, Clinton H. Meneely ; captains, Charles D. Rousseau, Lemuel B. Gregory. The company was later disbanded. Colonel Morrison has a foreign record for bravery as a soldier which none can question. After the war he held the position of railroad mail clerk for years. Died in 1908 an honored and respected citizen.
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