USA > New York > Albany County > Watervliet > History of the city of Watervliet, N.Y., 1630 to 1910 > Part 9
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Conquerer Engine No. 3 and guests; Camp McNamara, Dr. John P. Witbeck and Charles Moore in carriage; G. B. Mosher Fire Brigade, Captain LeRoy ; G. B. Mosher, R. S. Lobdell, C. L. McArthur, J. I. Russell, President Terrence Cummings, Samuel Stover and trustees.
Not a cigar smoked in line. Not a man left it on the march. The ladies on Washington street furnished lemonade as the parade rested.
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1873.
Braman, Waters W., born in Troy, N. Y., April 20, 1840; became a resident of West Troy, shortly after the close of the Civil War, and here married Margaret J. Getty, the result of which marriage was ten children, six of whom are now living. In the spring of 1891, Mr. Braman and family, with the excep- tion of one son, removed to Three Rivers, Province of Quebec, Canada, where he was engaged in the manufacture of lumber, and at which place he died December 8, 1893. During Mr. Braman's early life he was associated with his uncle, Waters W. Whipple, in the lumber business in this village, but being patriotic, and he having attained his majority, enlisted on December 7, 1861, as First Lieutenant in Company C, Ninety-third Regiment, New York Volunteers, and went to the front, where he served thirty-seven months, being in twenty-eight engagements, and was discharged at the close of the war, on January 21, 1865. When he was discharged from service he was captain of Company H, of the same regiment, with rank of brevet major ; he was also tendered a commission as captain in the army, but declined the honor pre- ferring to go back to business. He did return to his chosen busi- ness, that of lumber, and soon joined a partnership consisting of Rousseau & Braman, which firm conducted their business for some years in this village, and until the lumber famine struck the village, when said firm dissolved. After that and for many years he was manager of the old Kerslake mill, on Broadway, and con- tinued with it until it closed up shortly after the death of the owner, James Kerslake. Mr. Braman was honored by his fellow citizens on several occasions, they having once elected him as a village trustee, and in 1874, 1875, 1878 and 1879 elected him as member of Assembly from the Fourth Assembly district of Albany county. While he was a member of the Assembly, he served on the committee of removal when the change was made from the old capitol to the new. He also served as State senator during the years 1880 and 1881, representing therein the seven- teenth district. For more than twenty-five years he was a Re- publican leader in Albany county, was several times a delegate to State and National conventions, and on one occasion he was tendered the nomination for Lieutenant-Governor, but declined. At the time of a great Republican gathering at the Fair Grounds on the Troy road, he presided and introduced the principal speaker, James G. Blaine. He was a member of Evening Star Lodge No. 75, F. & A. M., of Post No. 5, G. A. R., of the Grant club of Albany, and of the Watervliet club. He was a fearless, upright, and a much respected citizen.
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1874.
Young Peoples' Social, U. P. Hall. J. F. Patterson, E. F. Roy, J. L. Haswell, committee.
Ortus Club Social, at Union Place Hall, had a large member- ship. Their orders of dancing well selected; their committee of arrangements popular and courteous. Haverlock Chalou, presi- dent ; J. E. Garrahan, chairman; W. H. Hennessy, treasurer.
At MacIntyre's picnic, on fair grounds, in 1885, Raymond Wight ran ten miles in one hour and seven minutes on a bet. Patrick Scully and Teddy Daily, starter and referee.
David Anderson, a prominent business man, died January 5. Duffy third annual ball, at Union Place Hall, January 6.
Laurel Lodge, I. O. O. F., mammoth sleigh ride to Clifton Park.
Young Men's Literary Association ball at Union Place Hall, March 17, 1871.
Duffy Steamer Co., with chief engineer and assistant, sent in their resignation, because the trustees refused to increase the salary of their engineer. It was accepted, April 12.
Large fire on Green Island. Lumber yards belonging to firms in West Troy, below Green Island bridge, and coal sheds above. Troy and West Troy departments were busy nearly two days. It commenced on Sunday in 1871.
West Troy and Troy Bridge Co. Organized April 23, 1872. Completed October, 1874. First load over by George Bates' teams with 100 tons of pig iron to test its strength. The structural timbers were carried away at the west approach in the fall of '72, and the eastern span fell in 1873. Trojan H. & L. Co., with their guests, were the first company to cross the bridge, on their way to visit the Watervliet Arsenal. Ethan Allen Co., of Burlington, Vt., guests.
Samuel Waterman; lumber dealer. Under no obligation to do so, paid the expenses of the funeral of a boy that was killed by falling off a pile of lumber in his yard. Village president 1855 to 1858.
Francis Disabel, merchant - an old settler - died October, 1872.
In October, 1872, what was known as the " widows' fire " oc- curred near the Arsenal wall. Mrs. Jackson, a visitor from Lansingburg, Mrs. Andrews and Mrs. Hursh, all widows, were burned out. Mrs. Andrews was the only one insured. The same day a Widow Schuyler, living in the lower part of the village, was also burned out.
July 1, 1872. Concert at Baptist church; Prof. Gill in charge. Miss Cressy sang " The Flower Girl." Mrs. Kennedy and others also sang. Prof. Conway, pianist. Rev. M. Gurley, pastor.
Perry Robinson, Stephen Shannahan, J. R. Levings, excise com- missioners of the village, were fined $250 each by the Supreme
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Court, for paying themselves their commission out of moneys col- lected. They should have paid the money to the treasurer and drawn pay through the proper channel.
Andrew Alexander, a well known banker, real estate and insur- ance agent, met with an accident causing his death, June 14, 1875.
1875.
Isaac G. Braman (son of W. W. B.). Born in the village, edu- cated in the schools of the village, graduate of a business college and from boyhood a popular young man, being an expert steno- grapher, and having acquired considerable influence in his ward, he entered into politics, and increasing the same became a can- didate for mayor of the city, but withdrew in the interest of peace and harmony. He held the position of stenographer under Governor Levi P. Morton in 1895. He is well posted in the political situation of his own city as well as of the county. At present he holds the position of stenographer of the County Court of the county of Albany.
Steamboat City of Troy built in 1876.
Elias Vanderlip; believed to be the first undertaker to settle in Gibbonsville. When the mournful event required his services, he proceeded with dispatch, but in a manner that showed his sym- pathy for the bereaved family. His wife Nancie, always with motherly care, superintended on all like occasions the duties that were required ; was beloved by all, and both were sincerely mourned when they passed away. The old-time custom of turning the looking-glass to the wall was never omitted by Mother Nancie Vanderlip. Mr. Vanderlip died in 1880.
Terrence Cummings; to West Troy in the 40's. Grocery and stabling, in 1855, located corner Twenty-fifth street and Whitehall street (Second avenue). Boat trade being quite heavy at that time, later he removed to the corner of Fourth avenue and Twenty- third street. At one time prominent in politics, taking an active part in all affairs pertaining to the village; president of same in 1869, 1872 and 1873; 1885 and 1886 supervisor of the town of Watervliet. A citizen respected by all. His death occurred August, 1910.
1876.
Protection Hose Co. No. 4. The first meeting of the young men of the Fourth toward organization of the company was held in the office of Justice John McDonough, in 1876, Wights building, Broadway. John McBain elected chairman. Bernard Pierce, first captain ; F. O. Potter, treasurer, Emerson Jones, assistant.
Charter members: John McBain, Sr., F. O. Potter, George Garfield, John Berry, Benjamin Dyer, F. W. Phillips, Charles Whipple, Geo. Clark, H. Berger, Henry Retalick, B. Pierce, Peter Glynn, D. Seabring, Frank Whipple, Emerson Jones.
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Officers : 1878, the common council confirmed the organization ; captain, F. O. Potter; 1879, Geo. Garfield; 1880, John Berry; 1881, Geo. Garfield; 1882, Benj. Dyer; 1883, Wm. Rock; 1884, Geo. Clark; 1885, Wm. Rock; 1886 and 1887, F. W. Phillips; 1888, F. W. Phillips; 1889, 1890 and 1891, Warren Balou; 1892, Geo. Phillips; 1893, 1894, 1895, F. W. Phillips; 1896 and 1897, R. T. Williams; 1898, S. M. Richards; 1899, G. R. Hutchinson; 1900 and 1901, H. Davenport; 1902 and 1903, G. H. Mitchell; 1904, T. Jones ; 1906, H. B. Hodgman; 1907, J. Berry ; 1908 and 1909, Jas. Shannon; 1910, C. T. Burton.
James Grattan, driver - one who is worthy of the position. His care and attention to details connected with it, and his love for and kindness to dumb animals is proverbial.
The social features of the company have been mostly local, con- sisting of luncheons served from time to time to home guests and some entertainments and receptions to nearby companies. The first banquet was held in their new house, east side of Third avenue, north of Twenty-third street. President John McBain, Sr., addressed the members, others followed with congratulations on the success of the cosy organization, and then all seated them- selves at the banquet table. The menu was a surprise; the good things were there, and after they has disappeared songs and toasts followed. The occasion is remembered by only a small number.
Excursions abroad have been limited in number. Their noted one occurred in 1889. August 27 they left by boat and on August 29 the Seamstress Engine Co., of the Wheeler & Wilson Mfg. Co.'s fire department, of Bridgeport, Conn., received them, and no heartier reception was ever accorded to any body or com- pany of firemen than they experienced. Two days, the 30th and 31st, added another ovation tendered them by the Volunteer Asso- ciation and the Sons of Volunteers of New Haven. Nothing was left undone by the firemen and also by the citizens of both cities that would add to the pleasure or comfort of their guests, and the occasion, at least to the visiting company, would have had double the prestige if the committee of arrangements had not overlooked the necessity of such occasions of inviting some prominent officials to accompany them to do the honors that are always expected on all like occasions. House burned February 23, 1884.
West Troy Water Works organized. Directors: George R. Meneely, John Reiley, William B. Williams, Richard S. Lobdell, Jessie C. Dayton.
Crowner & Waterman; dry goods. Removed from old stand to Union Place Hall building. First firm to occupy same in 1852.
1877.
Edward Curren; a prominent old-time Fourth warder; an all- around good fellow. Member of Assembly in 1877 and 1878. Emigrated west.
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Thomas Ballard; superintendent in W. S. F. Went to Platts- burgh. Superintendent of Singer Sewing Machine Co. for years. Owner of some fast horses.
F. S. Ayers; one of the first to engage in the shoe business in West Troy. A reliable merchant, and carried a stock that would compete in those days with any in this section, and taking into consideration the large stock carried by another merchant, Thomas Gunsalus, there are no concerns in the same line of business in Watervliet to-day that equals them.
1878.
Joseph M. Haswell; a lumber merchant. Connected at different periods with various financial, banking, and other business interests in the village. Always considerate of the feelings of those in trouble, generous, his daily contributions to those (societies and others ) that were worthy being unusually large. Quiet, unassum- ing, and a Christian, without cant or hypocrisy, respected by all, missed from the business world, and mourned by a large circle of friends and his immediate family when he passed to his home beyond. He died on his way home in his carriage, his faithful horse following the road to his residence; the sad event occurring in 1872.
John Perrigo; liveryman, contractor (masonry work). First class work or none was his motto, and during his whole life he conscientiously lived up to the same. Buildings standing to-day are evidences of his workmanship.
There may be those living to-day that remember Mr. Cross, and his daughter, who taught school in the Third ward schoolhouse that burned some years later. His daughters were accomplished musicians and gave lessons on the guitar.
Volunteer Hose Co. No. 2. Organized in 1876; in an inde- pendent condition for two years under the foremanship of John H. Hodgman, who was born in the village of Gibbonsville and was a merchant tailor for years; an old-time fireman, well known and popular in his day.
John A. King; from England (Oxford) in 1830; engineer. With Andrew Meneely, Rousseau & Easton, Albert Richards, and at one time employed at the United States Arsenal. An expert in his line, had the confidence of his employers and the respect of the citizens. Died in 1888.
Abram A. King (son) ; also a machinist. At present employed at the Arsenal. A Mason since 1860. Well known. Charter member of Oswald Hose Co. and popular with his associates.
Rousseau & Harrington mill burned March 15, 1886.
Harrington box factory burned in 1889.
Seymour chair factory partly burned in 1889.
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1879.
Thomas F. McLoughlin; from Boston in 1869. In 1884, with John Langan, wholesale liquor business, until 1892, when the co-partnership with his brother, John J. McLoughlin, was formed, and the wholesale wine and liquor business was established at 1621 Broadway at that date. The fact that older firms had the prestige did not deter them from entering the arena of competition, but with a well assorted stock of goods in their line displayed at their opening, added to their previous reputation as men of char- acter, they soon received recognition from those that appreciated honorable business methods and fair treatment. That, to-day, has secured for them a class of customers that enables them to have a contented mind, with a business built upon a solid basis. Thomas F. McLoughlin, being appointed in 1909 as chamberlain of the city of Watervliet, a position he is well adapted to fill - being an expert accountant - of necessity leaves his brother, John J., to oversee the business of the firm during office hours. The disposi- tions of both members of the firm, while seeking the advance of their business, are in accord with all honorable methods to improve the status of the city, and are at all times sociable and friendly.
Rev. Ensign Stover; one of the most noted and eloquent divines connected with the Methodist denomination. His sermons were most forceful and convincing. He was pastor of the Washington Street Methodist Episcopal Church in 1856 and 1857, and later held a pastorate with the Ohio Street M. E. Church. The monu- ment that exists to perpetuate his name consists of a life's labor of love in the interest of humanity, recorded by the angels above, and remembered only by those that were contemporary with him. Died in the 70's.
Samuel Stover (brother) ; an early resident of West Troy. An attorney with a State reputation. Educated for the ministry, but selected the profession of a lawyer as his life work, and became successful to a marked degree. As a public speaker he was always in demand, and had the ability to cause a laugh or bring a tear- drop on the cheek of his listeners. As an after dinner speaker he was fanciful and witty, often advancing an idea that, though sur- prising, created a fund of amusement for those present. He was one of the four noted attorneys that defended Henrietta Robinson, the Veiled Murderess. His death, which occurred in 1873, left a vacancy in the ranks of the profession, and lessened the number of good citizens.
1880.
Henry E. Eckert located in and established his business as a jeweler at No. 1520 Broadway, West Troy, in 1869; an optical and repairing department is also one of his specialties. He has demonstrated to the careful observer that by a well-selected assort-
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ment of goods, so artistically arranged as to attract attention; that by perseverance and industry coupled with straightforward honest statements in regard to the quality of goods selected and purchased by customers, even though Troy is the objective point to many, yet business can be done on this side of the Hudson with pleasure, satisfaction and profit. It is one establishment, at least, that citizens can be proud of. Clocks, watches and bric-a-brac of many varieties are shown; diamonds and jewels of dazzling beauty, at less than New York figures; New Year's, Christmas, Easter, wedding and other presents in as large variety as can be found in most any city.
H. J. Eckert (son), well-known and prominent in business circles, has a State reputation as an artistic engraver and an optician of large experience, enabling him to do justice to his patrons. Socially inclined, with a friendly word to all with whom he may come in contact.
Charles M. Stover (son of Samuel Stover), born in West Troy; received an academic education; had many of the characteristics of his father ; popular among his associates ; superintendent of the Waterworks Company some years. Passed away in 1899.
Henry Le Roy, one of the many merchants of the old village whose business qualifications secured for him a large patronage. His grocery, Boynton & Batcheldor's old stand, Broadway and Fourteenth street, always well stocked, was the busy corner for years. Prominent in business circles, his demise in 1878 was sincerely mourned by those that knew him.
Isaac Le Roy (son), like his father, was well known; a Dem- ocratic poltician of influence; held the office of Watervliet town clerk four years. Charter member of Gleason Hook and Ladder Company, and at present proprietor of a first-class laundry. A citizen of the times.
James McKeever established the grocery business in 1880 on the opposite corner of his present place, No. 600 Sixth avenue and Fourteenth street, near the place where the first temperance meeting was held in 1835, thus giving the name of Temperance Hill to the locality. Thirty dwellings comprised the settlement at that date west of the canal, south of Ferry (Fourteenth) street. An enterprising and progressive merchant. Mr. Mckeever is well known throughout the city, and can be numbered as one of the head lights connected with the mercantile interests of the city.
E. A. La Page, located in 1874; contractor, carpenter and builder, and, in addition, under the firm name of E. A. La Page & Son, established the grocery and provision business, corner Fifth avenue and Fourteenth street. As business increased, for con- venience of patrons, they added delivery wagons. A progressive firm, carrying a stock of merchandise equal to the demand.
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The W. B. Tafft Pharmacy, corner of Fifth avenue and Four- teenth street, supplied a long-felt necessity in that locality. Mr. Tafft came to West Troy in 1898 with a well-assorted stock of drugs, medicines and other lines of goods pertaining to the busi- ness. He has succeeded in holding a fair amount of trade. A fine soda fountain is a feature of the establishment.
Cornelius Fogarty, resided in West Troy since 1870. Promi- nent in business circles. Believes in business and economical methods in the transactions of municipal affairs.
1881.
William F. Parker, of the firm of Parker Bros., undertakers. Born in 1860. Established the business in 1881. Through energy and perseverance, coupled with a quiet, courteous manner and pleasing address, has won for the firm the good will of the community, and established a business in his line second to none in this section. He is a politician of influence, using the prestige he has with his party (Democratic) to better the political standing of the same, and the business interests of his home city. A citizen of energy, character and probity, whose friendship once gained is never lost.
Joseph F. Parker (brother), member of the firm, has charge of the firm's indoor business, the careful supervision of same enables the firm to attend all calls for services promptly. The firm stands in the front rank of the business world.
Levi M. Leitzell, resident of the Ninth ward. Engaged in the grocery business for years, always carrying a stock of goods that enabled him to fill any and all orders promptly. Identified with the interests of the city, and in accord with every movement that tends to advance the same. His new store.on Twenty-third street, opposite his old stand, adds to the appearance of the surroundings. The fiting of the inside are of that character that enables him to display goods to the best possible advantage, with an eye to the quick serving of patrons, one of the main points to consider in conducting a large business.
Charles Kafka, at one time proprietor of the Collins House, but through illness he was forced to sell and retire from a business life that had been long and varied. He died in 1904.
Watervliet High School Mothers' Club.
MOTHER.
With anxious eyes and tender hands She guides us on, From youth to manhood's hour. Mother's duty, never done 'Till the grave it closes o'er her.
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May the problems that this and other clubs have in view for the improvement of outdoor conditions of the children of the city materialize through the generous support of our citizens, and may the children be taught to understand the meaning of this endeavor on the part of the associations, and appreciation of the same will follow.
1882.
Thomas McIntyre Hose Company No. 3, organized 1873.
Charter Members: Andrew Connors, M. McQuade, Patrick Manning, Isaac Fadden, Nicholas Kirker, Jas. Trimble, Thos. McIntyre, T. Anderson.
Foremen: 1873, Andrew Connors; 1876, J. Burk; 1877, M. McQuade; 1879, Patrick Manning; 1881, Isaac N. Fadden, Thos. J. McIntyre.
Some of the Members: Thos. J. McIntyre, W. Hatch, Thos. Whitmarsh, Lawrence Horan, Mathew Horan.
In 1883 this company was reorganized. Meetings held in the Excelsior Club room, and continued the name of the Thos. McIntyre Hose Company No. 3.
Wm. Angus, president ; F. A. Groner, vice-president; J. C. Wil- son, secretary ; 1883, T. J. McIntyre, captain ; 1886, Ed Bightley ; 1886, J. Brierton, Chas. B. Groner, F. A. Groner, C. M. Angus, Fred Stephens, A. Van Leuven, John Ross. Captain T. J. McIn- tyre's death occurred in 1884. Funeral attended by the fire department. Soon after F. A. Groner's death occurred.
Other Members: H. A. Laughlin, E. G. Gardner, Wm. Bing- ham, Jas. Brierton, Sam'l Noller, John Reiley, Henry Egan, Jos. Eagan, Vivian Grey, Jas. Connors, Ed Larkins, Wm. Dailey, John Downey, R. T. Trimble.
Captains: 1890, Chas. Lawler; 1894, C. M. Angus; 1898, J. Fadden ; 1900, S. D. Kennedy ; 1902, J. Egan; 1909, Albert Jones ; 1910, Nicholas Angus.
The company has always been active in fire duty. Its social features many and varied. November 25, 1883, the first enter- tainment was held in St. Bridget's Hall. Moonlight excursion in 1884. At a fair held in Union Place Hall in 1885 they won the prize of a trumpet. Picnics, balls and parades followed each year. The members of the company have been represented in the munici- pal affairs of the village and city from the First ward. T. J. McIntyre, Chas. Angus, John Thompson, Thos. McIntyre, D. Feary, L. Horan, Jas. Horan, are some of the noted members. Isaac N. Fadden is the present alderman.
In 1887 receiving new uniforms they appeared in line of parade of Troy Fire Department, August 17, 1887.
Martin Tierney Engine Company No. 3, organized in 1873.
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Charter Members: G. H. Taylor, J. Anderson, Wm. Trimble, W. Bingham, John Sherwood, J. Ellis.
Captains : 1873, G. H. Taylor; 1876, Wm. Trimble; 1879 and 1880, William Bingham; 1878, Wm. Quirk.
The members of this company in 1873 proceeded to Troy for the purpose of bringing the new engine home. They were entertained by the Washington Volunteers, and returned and housed the apparatus ready to respond to duty. The company is out of commission, the engine is yet owned by the city, and used when necessity calls.
Third Ward Schoolhouse, Owasco street and Craig's lumber yard, burned November 21, 1873.
Fire at Ohio and Ontario streets September 5, 1873: Wood yard, David Dyer, J. Connors, Terrence Cummings, Merrit Potter, Hiram Nash, Jas. Flannagan, Thos. Robbins (residences and shops). Only the assistance of the Troy Fire Department pre- vented a more disastrous conflagration. The village hose being in a deplorable condition.
1883.
Edward J. Sprung, former resident of West Troy. At one time connected with the constabulary of Troy previous to the organization of the police in 1865, and somewhat noted as a detective. Proprietor of a hotel in Saratoga, and in 1884 formed a co-partnership with R. A. Duckrow. The firm name being Sprung & Duckrow, machinery brokers and dealers, with office in Troy, in N. M. Boardman building; storehouses at West Troy. Mr. Sprung died in 1895, at his death the junior member, Rich- ard A. Duckrow, assumed the business and still continues the same, with office at former location.
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