USA > New York > Orange County > Newburgh > Newburgh; her institutions, industries and leading citizens, historical, descriptive and biographical > Part 35
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THE NEWBURGH SAVINGS BANK.
This institution was chartered April 13, 1852. The trustees named in the charter were E. Ward Farrington, John J. Monell, Charles U. Cushman, Robert L. Case, Robert L. Forsyth, Richard A. South- wick, Odell S. Hathaway, Gilbert C. Monell, David H. Barclay, Adam Lilburn, Samuel W. Eager, Cornelius C. Smith, Robert Ster- ling, Robert D. Kemp, Charles Drake, David Moore, John H. Waters, James I. Crawford, James Patton, William K. Mailler, Benjamin Carpenter and Thornton M. Niven. In the Fall of that year officers were elected, and an office opened for receiving deposits in the Quas- saick Bank, but the bank was not formally opened till January 1, 1853.
Subsequently the bank was moved to No. 3 Water Street. In the Summer of 1866 the trustees commenced the erection of the building now occupied by the bank, which was completed and occupied Octo- ber, 1868. Its cost was $115,527.16, which was paid from the earn- ings of the bank. Vaux, Withers & Co. were the architects.
This bank has proved to be one of our most valuable and helpful institutions. Its affairs have always been administered wisely by a board of trustees composed of some of our most substantial and respected citizens, with the result that it compares favorably with the best institutions of the kind in the land. The amount of deposits on July 1, 1859, was $124,000. The official statement made July 1, 1891, showed the amount due depositors to be $5,218,310.43. The par value of its surplus was $380,008.65, and the market value $1,071,931.65. The par value of its assets was $5,598.319.08, and the market value $6,290,242.08.
The presidents of this bank have been the following named: Rob- ert L. Case, 1852-54; E. W. Farrington, 1854-58; Daniel B. St. John, 1858-72; Rev. John Forsyth, D. D .; J. De Witt Walsh, 1872-73; Dan- iel B. St. John, 1873-90. Treasurers-Charles U. Cushman, 1852-54: Charles Halstead, jr., 1854-58; Thomas C. Ring, 1858-89.
The present officers are: President-Charles S. Jenkins; Vice- Presidents-James M. Wentz and John Schoonmaker; Treasurer- Thomas F. Balfe; Secretary-Isaac C. Chapman; Trustees-Charles
I73
NEWBURGH.
S. Jenkins, James M. Wentz, John Schoonmaker, Joseph H. H. Chapman, James Bigler, Isaac C. Chapman, James T. Lawson, Wil- liam O. Mailler, Daniel S. Waring, Samuel C. Mills, Joseph Chad- wick, A. Y. Weller and Clayton E. Sweet.
HON. DANIEL B. ST. JOHN first saw the light near the village of Sharon, on the banks of the Housatonic, Litchfield County, Ct., October 8, 1808. His grandfather was Daniel St. John, for many years a magistrate, and who once represented his district in the Leg-
dealer in real estate till 1848, when he retired from mercantile pur- suits. His public career commenced in 1840, when he was elected to the Legislature from Sullivan County. He was at first a Henry Clay Whig, and remained in the party till its dissolution. In 1843, '44, '45 and '46 he was Supervisor of the Town of Thompson; and in 1846 was elected to Congress, serving from 1847 to 1849. While in Congress he served on the Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads with Abraham Lincoln, and a warm friendship existed between them.
At the close of his Congressional term Mr. St. John was invited to take charge of the Bank Department at Albany, then under the
THE NEWBURGH SAVINGS BANK-Corner of Smith and Second Streets.
islature. He afterwards moved with his son Russell to Hartford, and there was County Surveyor for many years.
Russell St. John, the father of Daniel B., was a farmer; the Hart- ford County Agricultural Society gave him a silver cup as a premium for the best cultivated farm in the county. Daniel B. St. John was educated in the public schools of Hartford, and at the age of sixteen left home and entered the employ of his maternal uncle, Hiram Ben- nett, who had a store at Monticello, Sullivan County, N. Y. After serving seven years he was admitted to partnership, and subsequently became the sole proprietor. He continued in trade as a merchant and
supervision of the Comptroller of the State, at whose solicitation Mr. St. John accepted the position of Chief Register, and occupied that place till 1851, when by act of the Legislature the Bank Department was made a separate branch of the State machinery. Mr. St. John was then immediately appointed Superintendent. He reorganized the department and continued in control thereof till 1855.
Having by industry and economy accumulated an estate sufficient to enable lim to retire from active business life, and having long cherished a desire to engage in rural pursuits and enjoy country life, he purchased in 1856 about twelve acres of land in the northern
174
NEWBURGH.
suburbs of Newburgh, and erected thereon a handsome dwelling and commodious outbuildings, and beautified the grounds with orna- mental trees, winding walks and lawns. That was his home during
Vice-President of the United States. He was nominated Presi- dential Elector on that ticket, and his own district nominated him for Congress the same year. In 1863 he was complimented by
1
HON, DANIEL B. ST. JOHN.
M.N.GO.
CHARLES S. JENKINS.
the nomination for Secretary of State by the Democratic party. In 1875 he was elected to represent the Tenth Senatorial District of New
the remainder of his life. In 1858 he was elected president of the Newburgh Savings Bank, when the total deposits amounted to only twenty - eight thousand dollars, which have since increased to more than six millions. He con- tinued to be the faithful head of the institution (except for the year 1872) till the day of his death. This bank is one of the strongest of its kind in the State, and it is speak- ing within bounds to say its financial success and the great service it has rendered the people of this city and vicinity have been owing in no small measure to the exper- ience, sound judgment and strict integrity that were brought to the man- gement of its affairs by the selection of Mr. St. John as president.
In 1860 he was a dele- gate to the National Un- ion Convention, at Balti- more, which nominated Bell and Everett for the offices of President and
RESIDENCE OF DANIEL B. ST. JOHN-Grand Avenue.
York (consisting of the counties of Orange and Sullivan) by a majority of 996 over Morgan Shuit, and was re-elected in 1877 over John A. Clements by a majority of 1,442. In 1879 he declined a re- nomination for the Sen- ate. He was a delegate to the National Demo- cratic Convention held at St. Louis, which nomi- nated Samuel J. Tilden for the Presidency. In the councils of the Demo- cratic party of the State he held a prominent place.
For many years Mr. St. John was a Vestry- man and for seven years a Warden of St. George's Church. His domestic life was simple and happy. He had the respect and esteem of all classes of citizens, and all those great blessings that are factors in the life of a
175
NEWBURGH.
truly successful man. He was a man of the times, broad-minded, pub- lic-spirited, progressive. His influence was always toward the good. His public and private duties were performed with the greatest care, and throughout a long service in public life his per- sonal honor and official integrity were without blemish. He died February 18, 1890, in the Berkeley Hotel, New York City, where he had gone to spend a few weeks of the Winter season. He was buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery.
CHARLES S. JENKINS, President of the New- burgh Savings Bank, is descended from the Jenkins and Bunker families, of Nantucket. At the begin- ning of the present century there was a large emi- gration of Nantucket families to Hudson, N. Y., which was then at the head of ship navigation on the Hudson River. It had an extensive commerce with Europe and the West Indies, and had many vessels engaged in whale-fishing. At Hudson the father of Charles S. Jenkins was born. His grandfather ran an East Indiaman out of Hudson, and his father was also a seaman.
Charles S. Jenkins was born in the City of New York, March 27, 1822. Both on the paternal and maternal sides his ancestors were Friends, and Cap- tain Jenkins has been a lifelong adherent of that sturdy sect. His education was obtained at a Friends' Institute at Wilmington, Del.
Upon leaving school he joined his brother, William B., in the ship-chandlery business in New York, and upon the death of the latter, Charles became the proprietor. He also became interested in towing lines and coasting vessels, and acquired a competency. Upon his retire- ment from business in 1863 he purchased a country-seat on the Balm-
THOMAS F. BALFE.
ville road, in the suburbs of Newburgh, and has ever since resided there. He was elected a trustee of the Savings Bank May 4,
1874, and a vice-president January 7, 1878. Upon the death of Hon. Daniel 'B. St. John in 1890, he was unanimously elected to the honorable position he now fills with great ability. Captain Jenkins is
RESIDENCE OF CHARLES S. JENKINS-Balmville.
also a Trustee of Washington Headquarters, and chairman of the executive committee. He married Caroline E., daughter of Charles B. Macy, who was a descendant of the Nantucket family of Macys.
THOMAS F. BALFE, Treasurer of the Newburgh Savings Bank, though a young man, has by the judicious and conservative manner in which he has managed the interests of the bank, given sufficient proof of his ability as a banker. He was born in Newburgh, April 14, 1857. He began his business career May 1, 1873, in the bank with which he has ever since been connected, and by his own ability and perseverance rose to the position of Assistant Treasurer, Decem- ber 10, 1887, an office created expressly for him that he might assist the Treasurer, Mr. Ring, who then had reached an advanced age. On the death of Mr. Ring in June, 1889, Mr. Balfe was chosen to fill the vacancy. He married Mary A., only daughter of James M. Wentz, October 21, 1885, and has since resided with his wife's family at " Aldendell," one of the most beautiful homes on Grand Avenue.
NEWBURGH BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION.
This association has had no small share in the extensive building operations in Newburgh in the past few years. Its affairs have been wisely administered, and its financial condition is excellent. It is engaged in the grand work of inculcating ideas of thrift and self- help among the wage-earners of our city.
The Association owes its formation mainly to the efforts of Bar- tholomew B. Moore, George Beggs and John W. Lockwood. On the evening of March 6, 1886, a public meeting was held in the basement of the Opera House, at which the above named gentlemen explained the objects and operations of building and loan associations, with which they had had some previous experience. The subject was fur- ther discussed and explained at subsequent meetings, and on April 17 the association was organized by the adoption of a constitution and by-laws and the election of the following officers: B. B. Moore, Presi- dent; Lewis M. Smith, Vice-President; John W. Lockwood, Treas-
176
NEWBURGH.
urer; John M. Pollock, Secretary; Directors-Joseph A. Sneed, W. H. Weston, Mayor B. B. Odell, George Beggs, B. B. Odell, Jr., Daniel S. Waring, W. H. Brinkman, Arthur V. Wiltsie, C. J. Lawson, W. H. Beggs, George F. Price and James G. Graham.
The present officers are B. B. Moore, President; L. M. Smith, Vice-President ; Charles J. Lawson, Treasurer ; Benj. J. Mac- donald, Secretary; Directors-Joseph A. Sneed, William N. Beggs, George Beggs, John C. Adams. B. B. Odell, Jr., William H. Hilton, William Nixon, Samuel J. Hilton, Benjamin B. Odell, James Todd, William Tweed and William Hamilton. Howard Thornton, attorney.
That the Association has met with no small measure of success during the five years of its existence is shown in its last annual statement on May 1, 1891:
LIABILITIES.
Monthly dues
$83,772 00
Advance dues
88 00
Profits 1-2-3-4 years.
13,099 15
Profits 5th year
3,513 21
$100,472 36
Gain during year
$3,513 21
No. shares outstanding Ist series, 72572
$43,530 00
2d
41375
19,848 00
3d
23612.
8,514 00
4th
31612
7,596 00
5th
357
4,284 00
2,049
$83,772 00
RESOURCES.
Value per share Ist series.
$74 42
Permanent loans
$09,680 00
zd
56 92
Arrearages
676 64
..
40 64
Cash .
55 72
44
4th
26 03
Safe (inventoried).
60 00
$100,472 36
5th
44
12 53
4
ST. PATRICK'S PAROCHIAL SCHOOL AND INSTITUTE-Liberty Street near Broadway. (See Pages 133 and 134)
THE PRESS.
Newspapers and Newspaper Men of the Past and Present.
N EWBURGH has four daily, one weekly and two semi- weekly newspapers. Two of the dailies and one weekly have been established since 1885. Within the same period the two older papers have increased their facilities by the introduction of the telegraph into their offices, and from early morn till evening the busy wires are bringing in the day's doings all the world over. Newburgh is thus kept in touch with the people of the conntry at large and with the general movements of public thonght. The Queen's speech to Parliament will be read and criticised a few hours later in Newburgh, and an appeal from a stricken city in the morn- ing will bring a response from Newburgh in the afternoon. This is also an important " news center;" the press associations and the met- ropolitan papers have correspondents here.
The history of the press of this city begins with the year 1795, when Lucins Carey began to publish The Newburgh Packet. David Denniston purchased it in 1797, and changed its name to The Mirror. In 1799 Jacob Schultz removed The New Windsor Gazette (estab- lished 1797) to Newburgh, and shortly afterward sold it to Mr. Den- niston, who changed its name to The Citizen. Both The Mirror and The Citizen were absorbed by The Rights of Man, which was started by Elias Winfield in 1797, and sold to David Denniston. The Re- corder of the Times was started by Dennis Coles in 1803. It absorbed The Rights of Man in 1805, and in 1806 Ward M. Gazlay purchased it, changed its name to The Political Index, and continned its publi- cation till 1829.
The early newspapers were insignificant affairs measured by modern standards, consisting of four small pages and containing little if any local news. A few editorials, tedious political articles, general news notes, considerable miscellany, and sometimes attacks on Christianity made up the papers of that age. The Mirror, The Cit- izen and The Rights of Man were the organs of a large and influ- ential society called "The Druids." Dr. Johnston said, " the Bible was the avowed object of their hatred, as well as all that pertained to the church of God and her institutions." Elias Winfield, the first editor of The Rights of Man, was a drnggist and physician. His paper was printed by Benoni H. Howell, the first Chief Engineer of the Newburgh Fire Department. David Denniston was a man of ability in some directions, and fearless in expressing his peculiar views of religion. He became widely known through his writings in opposition to Christianity. He at one time had editorial connection with The American Citizen and Watch Tower, of New York. His Newburgh office was at 74 Water Street.
The Political Index was a follower of Jefferson and Madison in politics. Ward M. Gazlay, the proprietor, was for many years Justice of the Peace also. As an editor he had great independence of mind, and as a magistrate his career was marked by strict probity and sound, discriminating judgment, united with fixedness of purpose and impartiality. He died in 1836.
Charles U. Cushman purchased The Political Index from Mr. Gazley in 1829, and changed its name to The Orange Telegraph, and subsequently to The Newburgh Telegraph. Mr. Cushman was a descendant of the Pilgrims, born at Hartford, N. Y., and educated at the Bennington, Vt. academy. Before coming to Newburgh
he was a proof-reader and jobber in the printing house of the Amer- ican Tract Society in New York. He conducted The Telegraph for ten years, and then sold it. Mr. Cushman was subsequently in the Custom-House in New York, and in mercantile business in that city. Then he returned to Newburgh and established the furniture and carpet business now carried on by Peck & Van Dalfsen. In 1852 he retired with a competency, and was afterward elected to the As- sembly. He was an able writer, his style being vigorons and com- pact. As a private citizen he was active in advancing the interests of the city in which he lived. He was one of the founders of the Newburgh Library and the Mechanics' Library; he was one of the original directors of the Quassaick Bank, and one of the incorporators and the first secretary and treasurer of the Savings Bank. He pos- sessed strong natural abilities, industry, independence of mind and integrity. In person he was nearly six feet and well formed, with clear complexion and blue eyes. He dressed with extreme neatness, and walked with erect carriage and firm tread. He died at Rhine- heck in 1859.
In 1839 The Telegraph passed into the hands of Henry H. Van Dyck, who, the following year, was succeeded by Elias Pitts. The latter was a graduate of the Kinderhook academy, and before coming to Newburgh held an editorial position on The Rochester Adver- tiser. In his character as a writer Mr. Pitts exhibited mnch origin- ality and ability, maintaining a manly independence, and at the same time laboring zealously to promote the interests of the Democratic party, to which he was attached. In the social circle he had few eqnals, and his society was much sought after and appreciated. In a word, his every-day life appeared to be the reflex of a heart filled with noble and generous impulses. He married, first, Elizabeth, daughter of John Jamison, of Newburgh, and second, Margaret, daughter of John Whited. After leaving Newburgh he was the editor of The Poughkeepsie American for three years, and then re- ceived an appointment in the State Department at Washington, where he died in 1864, aged 54.
Mr. Pitts retired from the management of The Telegraph in 1850, and was succeeded by Edward M. Ruttenber, who conducted the paper for seven years, and then disposed of it. During the next twenty years The Telegraph passed through many hands. Mr. Rut- tenber became the proprietor again in 1859, and again in 1865, and for the fourth time in 1876.
The first daily newspaper in Newburgh was The News, in 1856, published by E. W. Gray, who had become proprietor of The Weekly Gazette, which had been started by John W. Spalding in 1822, and afterward had changed hands a number of times. In 1857 Mr. Gray combined his establishment with that of The Telegraph. The Tele- graph and Gazette were continued as weeklies under the consolida- tion till 1864, when The Gazette was discontinued, and The Daily News became The Daily Telegraph.
In 1824 the Rev. James R. Willson, D. D., of the Reformed Pres- byterian Church, began the publication of The Evangelical Witness, a monthly magazine, which was continned four years and then snc- ceeded by The Christian Statesman, which lived but one year.
In 1834 Wallace & Sweet published The National Advertiser, which was subsequently merged into The Gazette. [177]
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NEWBURGH.
In 1836 the Rev. Moses Roney, of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, began the publication of The Reformed Presbyterian, a monthly magazine. In 1849 it was moved to Pittsburgh by Mr. Roney, where it is still published.
In 1845 the Rev. David L. Proudfit published the first number of The Christian Instructor, a monthly magazine. It was sold to the Rev. J. B. Dales, who removed it to Philadelphia.
In 1849 Thomas George started The Newburgh Excelsior, and sold it in 1851 to E. M. Ruttenber, who merged it into The Telegraph.
For a few weeks in 1855 R. P. L. Shafer published The Newburgh American.
In 1855 R. B. Denton commenced The Literary Scrapbook, a monthly magazine of forty-eight pages, but it failed in a short time.
In 1856 The Times was issued by an association of temperance people. It was continued under various owners till 1867.
In 1859 the Rev. D. L. Proudfit started The Family Visitor, a monthly quarto, which lived a year.
In 1867 S. S. Wood commenced the publication of The Household Advocate, a monthly. At first it had but eight pages, but was en- larged from time to time, and obtained a large circulation. As The Household Magazine it took high rank among the literary publica- tions of the country, its circulation being 60,000. Samuel E. Shutes, who became the principal owner, was for two years Mayor of the city. The establishment was in a large building in Front Street, be- tween Third and Fourth Streets, and was well equipped. The busi- ness failed in 1874.
In 1869 A. A. Bensel issued The Home, Farm and Orchard, an eight page weekly, which he continued till 1876.
In October, 1875, The Daily Penny Post was published by an as- sociation of printers.
The Daily Mail was first issued on Saturday, March 25, 1876, with George F. Nelson, C. L. Williams and R. Kissam as proprietors. Its size was fifteen by twenty inches, and it was sold almost exclusively by newsboys on the street, its price being one cent. On the 24th of April, John A. Mason, who had been employed as its editor, succeed- ed George F. Nelson, and John B. Russell became an additional part- ner. On the 26th of June The Penny Post, the pioneer of penny pa- pers in this locality, was absorbed by The Mail, its name being added to The Mail, and the paper became known as The Daily Mail and Post, the firm of editors and publishers being known as Russell & Co.
In 1877 William H. Brown issued from Charles Jannicky's printing office in the Ferry Building The Independent, a morning daily. Its publication ceased after a few months.
In the Fall of 1888 William J. Cushing commenced the publication of The Morning Star from the printing office of H. D. Morris. It lived for two months.
THE DAILY AND SEMI-WEEKLY REGISTER (Dem.),
Was established in 1876, by E. M. Ruttenber, when he consolidated The Daily Mail and Post with The Telegraph. Mr. Ruttenber then leased the newspaper plant to John B. Russell, John A. Mason and C. L. Williams, retaining the job printing department for himself. In 1877 he sold the newspaper to the firm of H. P. Kimber & Co. (Herbert P. Kimber, John A. Mason and J. W. F. Ruttenber). Sub- sequently J. W. F. Ruttenber retired, Mr. Kimber died May 26, 1883, and John A. Mason became the sole proprietor.
Mr. Kimber will be remembered as a most estimable gentleman, of quiet, dignified manner and sturdy character. Born in Wawayan- da, in this county, he attended the Goshen Academy, and learned the printing trade in the office of The Middletown Press. He was one of the first to volunteer for the war, and joined Duryea's Zouaves. In 1869, in partnership with E. M. Ruttenber, he purchased The Goshen Republican, and subsequently bought Mr. Ruttenber's inter- est. In 1874 he sold the establishment on account of illness. As editor of The Register, local interests always found in him a stanch supporter, and his enduring work on the press of this county tells its own story of earnest endeavor directed by intelligent purpose. Called
to stand upon one of the watch-towers of his party, he was its vigi- laut defender, always at his post, and winning and deserving the support and esteem due to the zealous advocate of the political organ- ization of his choice.
In the meantime the establishment had been moved from the Centennial Building to the corner of Second and Smith Streets, where it has ever since remained. In 1885 Mr. Mason was appointed by President Cleveland Deputy Collector of the Port of New York. When the next change of administration came he resigned the posi- tion and purchased The Harlem Local Reporter. In May, 1891, he sold The Register to Francis A. Willard. In 1887 E. M. Ruttenber sold the job printing department to Almet S. Moffat and John F. Tucker, who were conducting The Register in the absence of Mr. Mason. In July, 1891, Mr. Willard purchased Mr. Moffat's interest in the job printing branch.
The Daily Register is a nine-column folio, 28x441/2, and is issued every evening except Sunday. The special wire of the United Press enters the office, and the telegraphic report is received by an expert operator, so that each evening The Register places before its readers not only the day's doings in the city, but a resumé of the latest news throughout the world. The Semi-Weekly Register is a nine-column folio, 28x4412 in size. The office is well equipped and employs usually about twenty-five hands.
FRANCIS A. WILLARD, editor and proprietor of The Register, was born at Midway, Ky., August 23, 1856. His education was ob- tained at Boonville Union School and Academy, and Whitestown Seminary. In 1878- 79 he was clerk of the Village of Boonville. In 1880 he was telegraph editor of The Wat- ertown Morning Dispatch, and in 1881 its managing editor. In Septem- ber, 1882, he be- came one of the firm of Willard & Sons, proprietors of The Boonville Herald, and during the first year of the existence of The Utica Daily Press in the campaign of 1882, he had charge of the editorial columns of that paper.
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