USA > New York > Albany County > Watervliet > History of the city of Watervliet, N.Y., 1630 to 1910 > Part 8
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Alfred Christiansen, Jr., Olaf Christiansen (sons), hold posi- tions as draughtsmen at the United States Arsenal; Ambjon Chris- tiansen, being a telegraph operator.
Andrew Heatherston, cigar manufacturer on Broadway, south of Halcyon House, burned out in 1865.
James Brady, contractor ; wholesale wines and liquors ; member of Assembly in 1866; contractor, president of the village in 1859, and well known in business circles.
Speeding of horses and skating on the river were sports enjoyed in the early days; later driving parks and skating rinks were utilized, head-on and snap the whip, were leaders with skaters, sides being chosen, each choosing a leader; John Clark of the Fourth ward and Lon Chamberlain of the Second ward, were the two experts in that line, and were often pitted against each other.
American Butt and Rivet Company, located at junction of Erie and Champlain canals in 1894, closed.
Company H, Seventh Regiment, Heavy Artillery; Captain
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Charles McGuire; mustered in August 18, 1862; mustered out August 11, 1865; J. B. Pierce, Wm. Barker, Isaac Gillett, John Berry, John Dyer, Wm. Burton, Geo. H. Garfield, Chas. Mc- Lellan, Geo. Isham, C. T. Yearsley and John Lock are some that I call to mind, who gave their services for the country's honor, braved hardship and suffered with others throughout a three years campaign, meeting with heavy losses in engagements at Cold Harbor, Petersburg and other places, where Captain McGuire, John Lock, Geo. Isham, C. T. Yearsley and many others gave up their lives that the Union might be preserved ; " the deeds of the volunteer," history records, the memory of their heroic struggle, will never fade.
S. R. Pierce, to West Troy in 1833; carpenter and builder, continuing in the same until his demise; prominent in religious matters; member of the Methodist Church, and a citizen whose word was his bond; Mrs. Pierce, living, eighty-six years old, her kind and loving disposition and generous nature has endeared her to many.
J. B. Pierce (son), educated in the village, followed the occu- pation of his father; one of the charter members of Protection Hose Company, and a veteran of sixty-two and sixty-five.
1867.
James Duffy Engine Company, No. 2; organized in 1867 ; chief engineer, Michael Kelly; foreman, Edward Kelly; in place of Protection engine (hand, burned at Ufford & Lathams, mill fire, in 1865).
Charter members : J. Smithy, Martin Kelly, Jerry Galvin, John Mullen.
Foremen: 1868 and 1869, J. Smith; 1870, M. Keily; 1871 and 1872, John Mullen; 1873, J. Brown; 1874, M. J. Horan; 1875, M. J. Horan; 1876-78, M. Grogan; 1879 and 1880, M. Neeland.
No record of this company is in existence, and very few mem- bers living know anything worth recording, they had a large mem- bership, fines or dues seldom collected, join and go-as-you-please was the characteristic feature; excursions, balls and outings were many.
James Hamil, born on Temperance Hill; name originated from a temperance meeting in early days; the last captain of old Rip Van Winkle in 1865; the boys succeeded in nominating and elect- ing him to the presidency of the village, and he served two years, 1866 and 1867; in those days tinsmiths went from house to house for jobs; through Mr. Charles Hill's friendship he was enabled to open a shop, his attention to business enabled him to prosper, while his friend who met misfortune later, no doubt received returned courtesies from him.
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The Hamil Hose Company was organized and named after Mr. Hamil, but was not confirmed by the trustees, and soon disbanded. Oscar F. Potter, member of Assembly, Fourth district in 1867. Steamboats Vanderbilt and Connecticut, running in 1866.
Company A, Thirty-fourth Regiment, New York State Volun- teers ; Captain William L. Oswald; First Lieutenant, E. R. Brown; Second Lieutenant, Benjamin H. Waford; mustered in June 16, 1861; mustered out June 21, 1863; George H. Swartwout, Joseph Andrews, William Bartlett, D. M. Becker, James A. Brittan, Wil- liam Campbell, John Carlin, Thomas Comstock, Thomas Carey, William Carey, John Carey, John Oathout, J. Dailey, John Donohue, Martin Gorman, Alexander Hanna, Robert H. Hartley, Luther A. Hill, Alonzo Hills, Edward Hoffman, Lewis Hoffman, Spencer Hoffman, P. Horan, Albert W. House, D. C. Johnson, Thomas Seely, John Kirk, K. Smith, William Langwell, Abe E. Lansing, John McIntyre, John McMullen, J. H. Millis, J. Morey, Martin Luckey, James McCormick, Edgar Lorman, Henry Lor- man, Charles Nelson, Peter Ost, George Porter, Richard Rapp, James Shoemaker, Charles Timmons, William Traver, Charles Traver, Patrick Welch, R. C. Witmarsh, are some of the members of this company, whose history as connected with the Thirty-fourth Regiment, New York State Volunteers, adds honor to each indi- vidual member, whose services rendered possible the perpetual freedom of the United States and the recognition of the American flag throughout the world.
Sons of Malta : phosphorescent members; Smith Waterman, W. L. Oswald, Nick Witbeck, Samuel Segue, Isaac Collins, John Morris and others ; excursion to Schenectady, Barnhardt reception, 1852; Twenty-fifth street episode, close call on return; so-mote-it- be; many more that recall what happened to Len Sweet; who pleaded his case, and Henry Millers' tearful remonstrance; what became of the elaborate uniforms ?
Warren Jones built a two-story building west side of canal on Cohoes turnpike, above what is now Twenty-sixth street, Second avenue, on the site of the present West Side Foundry Company, and operated a stoneware pottery ; about six years later, in the 70's, James Wager, then living on the Albany road, built another build- ing, having purchased the premises and established a foundry for the manufacture of stoves. About 1880 Daniel E. Paris became the successor of that firm and established the foundry under the name of the West Side Foundry. It became one of the largest stove foundries in this section. The adaptation of the Paris idea in stoves for all purposes, secured for the proprietor, a large demand throughout the State. His affability and congeniality had a marked effect in securing the confidence of his patrons.
In 1894 William Sleicher, William N. Sleicher and Charles A. Sleicher became his successors. In 1907 the firm became incorpo-
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rated under the name of the West Side Foundry Company. Wil- liam N. Sleicher, president; Charles A. Sleicher, vice-president and treasurer. Ralph H. Sleicher was admitted to the firm in 1908 ; became vice-president in 1910. Charles H. Sleicher becom- ing manager of the concern. R. A. Stevens is the present secre- tary for the company ; graduate of the Hoosick Falls High School and Troy Business College; qualified to fill the position; his accuracy and attention to the duties of the office well attest his abilities. This firm continued to manufacture stoves up to 1900, when it discontinued the same and operated the foundry as a gen- eral custom work plant, the output consisting of light and heavy castings ; also architectural castings of all designs. The foundry fronts on the Erie canal. Office on Third avenue, in rear of main buildings. The plant is an acquisition to the business interests of the city, a large number of machanics being employed, mostly residents. The output is large and increasing under their present efficient manager.
John Ball was born in New York city in, 1856; educated in the public schools. Afterwards engaged in the hardware business. He came to West Troy in 1882. In 1883 was salesman for James Hamil. From 1884 to 1892 was in the grocery business on Sche- nectady and Montgomery streets. Town clerk (Watervliet) in 1892 and 1893. Again with Hamil, as bookkeeper in 1894; ter- minating in 1906. May, 1906, to July, 1908, assistant manager of Home Telephone Co. at Watervliet. From 1900 to date en- gaged in the real estate business, and in 1909 opened his perma- nent office, corner Broadway and Fifteenth street, where he has the largest real estate and insurance agency in the city ; also deals in security and fidelity bonds. Mr. Ball is largely identified with the business affairs of the city, well known throughout the com- munity and with business men in general.
Watervliet Council, No. 198, Knights of Columbus, organized in I. O. O. F. Hall December 6, 1896, with fifty-six charter mem- bers. Grand knight, Michael L. Walsh. Purchased the J. I. Winne building, No. 1570 Broadway, occupied same until April 1, 1910, when they purchased of Colonel Barber the south part of what is known as the Rock house, built in 1828 by Learned & Bingham. One of the largest religious societies in this section. Its principles the " uplifting of humanity."
John P. Ogden, prominent citizen of the Seventh ward. Many years connected with the D. & H. R. R. Interested in all move- ments that tend to elevate the financial, social and moral conditions of the laboring class, and a prominent member of the Railroad Employees Association ; also a prominent newsdealer, his place of business being located at No. 224 Twenty-third street, where a fine stock of stationery can at all times be found. Influential and well informed citizen.
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1868.
The M. Y. B. Social Club, organized, October 10, 1868; rooms north of West Troy Exchange; their theatrical entertainment and ball, given in Mechanicville, Christmas evening, 1869, under the name of the Thorne and Morton combination, was a pleasant outing; a large audience greeted the opening, and were well pleased with the performance, and the dance was enjoyed by a large num- ber of young people of the village; the company was composed of the following: Treasurer, George H. Yearsley; ticket agent, Joseph Hogben; doorkeeper, Fred Tinsler; comedian, John Mor- ton Vosburgh; tragedian, Allen Parker; stage machinist, Simeon Cole ; clog specialist, Charles McOmber ; promoter, William Cleave- land; lady actor as Miss Ophelia, Peter Swartwout; quartet, Charles Bortel, bass; William Chalou, tenor; James Best, second tenor ; Reily Hayford, alto; J. Thorn, manager; $2,000 dollars worth of American colors were loaned the club by Betts and Robison, Silliman and Mather, and owners of several tugs and barges, that were used to decorate the hall and stage; if there is any of the twenty-two members of the club living I would be pleased to hear from them.
Prominent villagers who have died prior to this date: Roswell Wilson, October 8, 1849; D. M. Vail, June 5, 1849; Peter Van Olinda, May 9, 1855; T. C. Wright, June 1, 1860; G. K. Mont- gomery, December 11, 1868; George H. Lawrence, April 27, 1866 ; Henry Yearsley, June 15, 1868; Henry Hayford, September 16, 1865 .; T. H. Hill, June 6, 1856 ; Henry Fitchett, 1867; Jonathan Childs; D. M. Vail, August 13, 1849.
Henry Kimberly, came to West Troy about 1824, and for years was identified with all movements that pertained to village affairs; better known in later years as the senior member of the grocery firm of Kimberly & Williams. William B. Williams succeeded to the business, and years later closed out; he was president of the village in 1868.
Other deaths: W. H. Haywood, September 16, 1864; William Macklin, June 16, 1874; Abram Ives, June 16, 1860; Horace L. Haight, May 9, 1854; Abram Lansing, October, 1866; Peter Johnson, April 24, 1858; J. Dorman, April 18, 1846; John D. Dutcher, November 20, 1847; and Joseph Swerchark, 1843.
1869.
The old Republican Albany county committee, composed of one delegate from each district, often met to organize in regular form, and as often found it difficult to agree, and two committees would be the outcome; in 1886 this state of affairs existed, when a reconciliation was effected and George H. Fitts was agreed on as a satisfactory candidate for chairman of the committee. On the evening of the meeting Mr. Fitts was called out of town, and
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the members assembled, John M. Bailey, Eugene Burlingham, William Loeb, James Bentley, John McBain and others, received a letter from Mr. Bramen suggesting that it would be to the in- terest of the party to elect John McBain chairman, and proceed with the organization of the committee. The communication was received with favor, and accordingly Mr. McBain received the honor. The organization by the election of president, secretary and other officers being effected, thanks were tendered to their chairman when the members with one accord, forcibly carried him to their hotel, they congratulated him on his splendid diplomacy, in effecting a reconciliation between all parties, and one of the old style greetings was indulged in, and with three cheers and a tiger they escorted their honored member to the cars, sending him home to Watervliet, with the assurance that party interest had been subserved. The incident is evidence of the fact that harmony between factions is the one safeguard to success in any party, and to secure that harmony, the rights and equity of the citizen should be the first consideration by all public servants, and the office seeker or the politician that is seeking office for personal aggrandi- ment should be relegated to the rear.
Aaron DeGraff, one of the first settlers to establish the grocery business in the old Fourth ward, northeast corner of Union and Broad streets (Broadway and Twenty-third street).
Francis Disabel, variety store, brick building, one door above; his wife the Fourth ward milliner; also the stock of goods com- prised an extensive line of sporting goods, being himself an expert and lover of out-door recreation, especially fishing. A gentleman of the olden type.
John Garrahan, from Ireland in 1832; riverman, one of the old pioneer river captains ; died in 1872.
Garrahan Brothers, grocers; Fourth avenue and Twenty-third street; James C., educated in the village schools; with Warren Mead some years in the same business, but in 1907 established the present business, on the site of the old hay market, being centrally located ; firms previously occupying the stand were very successful. With a fine stock, together with their large following, success is assurred.
Few citizens are cognizant of the modus operandi taken to secure the naming of the streets as they are to-day. Money having been raised to pay the expense of a committee to proceed to Wash- ington, to interview the government officials in regard to getting more work at the gun plant. Four hundred dollars was the sur- plus after expenses were paid. Citizen Isaac LeRoy being aware of the fact that the government refused to appoint letter carriers on this route unless streets were named, was enabled to finance the proposition, securing the $400 then in the possession of Fergus Dodds, contracted with Messrs. Eddy & Halligan, of Troy, who in executing the work, made it possible to find locations easily.
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William Lamphere, from Bainbridge, N. Y., to Troy, in 1869; sergeant one year on the old capitol police force, 1870; resided in West Troy ; employed at Ten Eykes axe factory, Cohoes ; in 1871, foreman of Seymour-Taylor & Co., chair factory, holding said position twenty-one years; in 1892, on the police force of the village; for years an employee of the State; a veteran of the Civil War and a member of the G. A. R.
Thomas Scarborough, from Ireland to Lansingburg, in 1840; brushmaker ; to West Troy in 1845, contractor; firm of Andrews & Scarborough, carpenters and builders ; then in the coal business ; firm of Scarborough & Hollands; in 1867, Scarborough & Forsyth (David), later Scarborough Brothers (James), James was killed by falling off a derrick in 1883; firm then became Scarborough & Son (John Scarborough), John Scarborough succeeded to the business in 1888, and continues the same to the present date; interested also in the grocery business for years ; M. M. Cavanaugh succeeding to the grocery business at the old stand, corner of Eighth street and Broadway ; Messrs. Scarborough, Boss Andrews, William Hollands and Forsyth were some of the most prominent business men in this section, and representatives of their families now living in the city are identified with its business, political, religious and social problems, as they exist to-day.
1870.
Michael Kelly Hose Company No. 2 organized in 1870. Named after a prominent politician always interested in anything per- taining to the fire department. Held every office and as chief he had no superior. Charter members, J. Costello, D. Anglum, M. Smith, M. Ryan, J. M. Farrel, J. Clark, J. Keenan, M. Mullen. Officers, 1870, John Moore; 1871, J. Costello; 1872, D. Anglum ; 1873, W. N. Smith; 1874, J. Keenan ; 1875, J. Moore; 1876, J. Clark ; 1877, 1878, 1879, 1880, M. Ryan; 1881, 1882, M. Mullen ; 1883, J. Farrel; 1884, J. E. Farrel; 1885, 1886, J. Boyland ; 1887, 1888, 1889, 1890, W. H. Parker; 1891, 1892, 1893, 1894, W. H. Daubney ; 1895, 1896, 1897, 1898, J. Welsh; 1899, 1900, Lester W. Coffee; 1901, 1902, L. W. Cusick; 1903, 1904, J. Lally ; 1905, 1906, J. Parker ; 1907, D. Smith; 1908, D. Carhart; 1909, 1910, Thomas Horan. The company has always taken an interest in fire matters and have rendered efficient aid when called to respond for duty. Social features in the way of balls or ban- quets never had any fascination for the members of this company. Their records are blind in regard to same although they have enjoyed some in days gone by. They are credited with one held November 11 in Knights of Columbus Hall, 1907. It was well attended. The proceeds procured them their uniforms. An out- ing in 1898 to Baerena Park afforded recreation to members and
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guests. A piano graces their parlor, and as many of the young men are fine musicians an evening of enjoyment can be had by those that visit the company.
Evening Star Social Club organized about 1870, their enter- tainments being held in the old Tremont Hotel, at that time Mrs. Mary A. Greenman, proprietor. The unanimity of the members enabled them to so perfect their arrangements that an evening of enjoyment by those attending always developed. It was the last regular organized club that held forth in the old hotel, disbanding in 1872. Officers and members: First president, Thomas Jenks ; last president, F. Terrell; Isaac LeRoy, Thomas F. Toomey, Thomas Oates, Ed. Nally, Thomas Jenks, James F. Connell and others.
Frank Keis, from Germany in 1862. Established the grocery and provision business in 1870 at the southwest corner of Four- teenth street and Fourth avenue. Removed in 1885 to the oppo- site corner, 40 Fourteenth street. He died December, 1901, his sons, Joseph and Albert, succeeding their father, who left them a business built on a solid foundation secured through industry and perseverance. Under the new management, from the experi- ence acquired during their clerkship with him, the continued suc- cess of the firm is assured.
1871.
S. J. Gleason Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 organized 1871. Named after a prominent young man of the village, fair-minded, liberal, and whose presence at all social gatherings added to the pleasures of the same. Charter members, William Chalou, Charles McOmber, James Crummy, Isaac LeRoy. Officers, 1871 to 1879, William Chalou; 1879 to 1881, James Crummy; 1881 to 1883, Isaac ReRoy; 1883 to 1892, J. D. Maloney; 1892 to 1895, P. Larkins; 1895 to 1898, J. O'Brien; 1898, J. F. Connell; 1899, J. F. McLoughlin; 1900, Joseph Otterson; 1901 to 1905, J. F. McLoughlin; 1905 and 1906, Thomas F. Mehan; 1907 to 1910, J. F. Connell; 1910, Nicholas T. Maloney. From the first forma- tion of this company they have exhibited a lively interest in all matters (firemanic and social) appertaining to an organization of like character. They were uniformed within three months after organization. They have responded to all calls for duty with promptness, and their services have been many times of value to property holders, while said service (except paid employees) has been rendered as volunteer firemen without any compensation (like others) except the pleasure derived from each other's society, and the enjoyment derived from that association, and in entertain- ing brother firemen and friends. These entertainments have been recherche and frequent. Their first appearance was September 25,
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1872, in the parade of the Fire Department of the village, the only one held in twelve years. Their presence added dignity to the occasion, and their co-operation helped make it a success. Their first excursion was to Newark, N. J. I read from the invitation received the following items : William Chalou, captain; Paul Jef- ferson, assistant; Robert A. Smith, vice president; James Crum- mey, treasurer ; J. H. Higginson, Martin R. Harris, T. A. O'Her- ron, president and secretary of the company, a committee of ar- rangements. Assessment fifteen dollars. Doring's full band of twenty-five pieces. Returning by Day Line. In 1874 they formed the escort to Trojan Hook and Ladder Company of Troy, and their guests, the Ethan Allens of Burlington, Vt., from Congress street bridge to the United States arsenal grounds, returning to the company's rooms where an elaborate luncheon awaited their guests. This impromptu affair was followed on January 14, 1875, by a grand promenade concert and ball held in Union Place Hall. The decorations of the hall were flattering to the taste displayed by the members as artists. The costliness of, and yet the sim- plicity of the dresses worn by the ladies present added to their natural beauty and enhanced the already magnificent surround- ings, while strains of music, floating through the air, emanating from Doring's Band, enabled the guests to trip the light fantastic toe with ease and comfort. As athletes they are the banner com- pany through the splendid work performed by the company's base- ball team when they won the pennant and became champions of Albany and Rensselaer counties in 1888. Other excursions, recep- tions and banquets could be named but the above is enough to show the status of the company. Ab Initio.
1872.
One of the largest and finest parades of the West Troy Fire De- partment occurred September 25, 1872. Chief Engineer James T. Myers ; first assistant, John Robinson ; second assistant, Dennis Ryan.
The James Roy Engine Co. No. 1. Guests, Washington Volun- teers, Troy ; G. Y. Learned Company, of Pittsfield ; visiting chiefs, J. McQuade, Coleman, Mason, Green, Ellis, Moore, Ingram, White, and other out-of-town guests. Captain, George H. Years- ley. An elaborate banquet held in their house was rendered more so from the fact that family acquaintances of Chief Myers, sixty lady friends, not one having any member connected with the de- partment, presented him with as many baskets containing cakes, confections, bonbons and fruits of all kinds. The same were duly acknowledged at the time and Steward Adams saw to it that the company's tables were greatly improved in apearance by their addition. Sullivan's Band headed the company on parade and
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rendered selections during the entertainment. Hooker Mckeon, of Volunteers, headed that company.
James Duffy Steamer Company No. 2. The guests of this company were W. B. White Steamer Company, Gage & Klein's Band. With a delegation of prominent citizens, Judge Grogan and former officers of the company, Captain Horan in command. The menu served to their guests was of that character that would surprise an epicure, all the delicacies of the season in abundance being served in their rooms, and so decorated to give the idea of an up-to-date hotel dining room. Songs, speeches and jokes enlivened the occasion while Gage's band put the finishing touch to the program.
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Michael Kelly Hose Company No. 2. Guests, Hitchcock Hose Company. Captain, G. Landry. Their entertainment for their guests was also held in their parlors. Ex-Chief Kelly presided. The good things soon disappeared owing to the fact that the march had created an appetite unusual with firemen, but the supply was equal to the demand. Cromwell's Band added on this occasion to their reputation as first class musicians. Foreman, Dan Anglum.
S. J. Gleason Hook and Ladder Company. Guests, Protection Steamer No. 1, King's Band; A. A. Van Wort Company, Hitch- cock's Band. They held their banquet in Union Place Hall. They surprised their numerous guests by the splendid layout. The tables were beautifully trimmed, and the hall had an inviting appearance. The tables were occupied by a pig here and a turkey there, while ducks, chickens and squirrels were added to the dis- play. Captain, William Chalou. Academy Band done themselves proud on this occasion.
Oswald Hose Company No. 1. The guests were the J. Fox Steamer Company No. 2, Captain C. Jones; A. J. Whipple Steamer, Captain N. W. Vaughn. Other guests from Trojan Hook and Ladder Company of Troy, city officials from Albany and Lansingburgh. To describe the banquet this company pro- vided for their guests is unnecessary. Their motto, "Nothing to good for our friends," was exemplified as all became seated at the tables set in the spacious dining room of the Collins House. Cap- tain, George Hill. Doring's Band of twenty-five pieces, the peer of any.
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