USA > New York > Orange County > Wallkill in Orange County > The Historic Wallkill and Hudson River Valleys > Part 6
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and Conti- mental Dorset Club Sheep.
He is a director of the Wallkill Val- ley Farmers' Association, secretary of Montgomery Grange, No. 916, P. of H., and a member of the M. E. Church of Walden; Freemen's Lodge, No. 170, I. O. O. F .; Wallkill Lodge, No. 627, F. and A. M., and of Highland Chapter, No. 52. R. A. M., of Newburgh.
Pliny E. Hawkins was one of a family of six children born to Lewis and Mary E. Blake Hawkins. The homestead is located on Maple avenue, one mile southeast of Coldenham, and WILLIAM T. SNIDER CHARLES S. WELLS is occupied by P. E. and Jonas Haw- kins, who are recognized as progressive farmers. Whether the subject of this sketch ever had thoughts of any other calling than that of a farmer is only known to himself. The advantages of education to him were only those of the district school, except what he gained in a brief term at the old rural academy near Walden. However, by study and self-application, he set to work to con- quer some of his early disadvantages and equip himself as best he could for the avocations of life. While his calling has been that of a farmer, he has also given his attention to religious work. In May, 1868, he united with the Goodwill Presbyterian Church, and on the 3Ist of the same month was elected superintendent of the Union Sabbath School at Coldenham, and later he became superintend- ent of the Goodwill Presbyterian Sabbath School. So exemplary had his life been since uniting with the church that he was elected to the eldership August 15, 1876. and the following Sabbath,
PLINY E. HAWKINS AND HIS NIECES, MISS EDNA TWAMLEY AND MISS AGNES B. HAWKINS.
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August 20, was ordained to that sacred office. Eight of the nine members who composed the session at that date "rest from their labors and their works do follow them."
During these years Mr. Hawkins has been closely associated with three pastors, and has repre- sented his church many times in presbytery and at synod. One of his former pastors, Rev. J. M. Dickson, D.D., once remarked that he had never met a person in whom religion and mirth were as equally blended as in the subject of this sketch. He was first vice-president, then president of the Montgomery Sabbath School Association for two years.
He is a great admirer of the Wallkill Valley; he loves its beautiful scenery of hills and moun- tains, its beautiful lakes, its lovely trees and flowers. He has been director of the Wallkill Valley Farmers' Association for several terms of three years each. With the exception of six years spent in North Dakota, Mr. Hawkins has always been a resident of the locality in which he was born. He went to Dakota in the spring of 1885 and engaged in farming which proved very successful. He united with the First Congregational Church of Inkster, and was soon elected to the eldership and to the superintendency of the Sabbath School. He was also elected secretary of the Grand Forks County Sabbath School Association. When the Association held its annual meeting in the Congrega- tional Church at Inkster Mr. Hawkins had the honor of being elected president of the day. The first day, June 16, the exercises were held in the Congregational Church, and the following day vast crowds wended their way to one of the pretty groves on the banks of the Forest River. The procession was nearly a mile and a half in length, led by the Inkster band. It was an ideal day; the air was vocal with the songs of the birds and fragrant with the sweet scent of the wild roses that grow so luxuri- ously in the groves that line the river banks of Dakota. Here a most delightful day was spent in company with so many earnest Sabbath School workers and friends. The following, which we clip from the Daily Herald of Grand Forks, Dak., will no doubt be of interest to our readers: "When Mr. Pliny E. Hawkins left Inkster a little incident occurred which shows the innate goodness of heart and modesty of the man. He had long served faithfully as superintendent of the Congregational Sun- day School of that place, and on his departure a quiet canvass was made and a purse of fifty dollars made up with which to present him with a handsome gold watch. The matter coming to Mr. Hawkins' ears, he positively refused to accept the gift and made those instrumental in the movement promise to return all the money collected to the donors, on the ground that many of those contribut- ing needed the money worse than he needed a watch. Such an act is characteristic of Mr. Hawkins' generous and kindly nature."
Horace D. Thompson was born December 3, 1844, and is the youngest of three children born to Virgil and Mary Ann ( Decker) Thompson, natives of Montgomery. He resides on the old homestead midway between Goshen and Middletown. He married in 1875 Miss Sarah M. Millspaugh, the daughter of Dr. G. M. and Sarah (Cam- eron) Millspaugh. To this union four children have been born, Dr. Edward Cameron, a practicing physician and surgeon of Newburgh, N. Y .; Charles Hudson, a dentist, of Goshen; Anna May, at home, and Harold. a farmer, at home. His education was obtained at the schools in Goshen, and Ellenville High School. In early manhood he taught school for four years. This not agreeing with his health, he devoted his whole attention to farming. Mr. Thompson was for a number of years Justice of the Peace of his native town, and for eight years its Supervisor. He is one of the ruling elders of the Presbyterian Church of Goshen, and a trustee for six years, and for many years has been a member of the Board of Directors of Orange County Agricultural Society.
Among the prominent and successful agriculturists of the Valley of the Wallkill, who have the interests of farming at heart, is Isaiah W. Decker.
HORACE D. THOMPSON
Mr. Decker is a native of the town of Montgomery, who formerly rented farms, upon which he fully demonstrated that success could be won in this as well as other pursuits in life. Mr. Decker later purchased a desirable farm, and provided the best of modern machinery to cultivate its broad acres, and upon which may be found one of the finest herds of cattle in this section, which are the pride of their owner.
Various positions of trust and responsibility in the community has been honorably held by Mr. Decker. He was a charter member of the Wallkill Valley Farmers' Association, holding the position of General Superintendent since its organization until elected its President, December, 1899; active in the Walden Horse Thief Detective Society, and for two years its President; for a number of years trustee of his school district, and acting trustee of the M. E. Church. He has always taken an inter- est in public affairs, and active in church and public school work. Politically, he is a Republican; socially, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and is a public spirited citizen generally. He has dis- continued farming, having removed to Walden, May, 1907, where he expects to pass his declining years amid the scenes of a long, active, and successful life.
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INDIAN MOUNDS AT SHAWANGUNK, "NEW FORT" Courtesy of Benjamin M. Brink.
Reprinted from 'Old Ulster."
(See page 38)
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JOHN K. BROWN Vice-President
WILLIAM C. HART Secretary
ISAIAH W. DECKER President
ANSON J. FOWLER Treasurer
ADAM WILEY General Superintendent
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John K. Brown, the subject of this sketch, was born at Coldenham, N. Y., in 1854, on the farm he now occupies. He is the oldest son of four children of the late John J. Brown and Sarah Laird. Mr. Brown received his early education at Newburgh, N. Y., and the district school at Coldenham. His occupation is a farmer. From his early youth he has had a great love for country life and any- thing pertaining to agriculture, taking a lively interest in all matters for the advancement of his fellow farmers. He is a great advocate of the producer's rights in the milk question, and believes it will yet be settled to their satisfaction. On several occasions he has been the means of securing better prices for the producers.
For many years he was school trustee of his district, and under his supervision a new school house was erected, which the district is justly proud of.
Mr. Brown has one of the finest and best improved farms in the Wallkill Valley-its fertile fields and broad meadows with large orchards of various kinds of fruit, denotes a thrift that can only be obtained by diligent perseverance to the utmost end.
Mr. Brown married Miss Virginia Reade of Brooklyn, N. Y., April 3, 1878. Eight children were born unto them, seven of whom are living. Edith R., Florence Ida died in her eleventh year, John Taylor, Susie L., Annie C., Thornton Knox, Laura V., and Leonard Wilson, respectively.
Anson J. Fowler, the subject of this sketch, is one of the prominent young attorneys of the pres- ent day. Mr. Fowler from early youth enjoyed the advantages of a practical business education while in the office of his father, Nicholas J. Fowler. Later he took up law and graduated with honor. In his practice he has a large following, with offices at Newburgh and Walden. He is a director and the treasurer of the Wallkill Valley Farmers' Association, also interested in several prominent orders and societies. Socially, he ranks among the favored few who is sought after to grace by his pres- ence every festive occasion among a large circle of acquaintances.
The subject of this sketch, Mr. Adam Wiley, was born at Croton Falls, Westchester County, N. Y., on the 9th day of May, 1849, his father being James Wiley and his mother Rebecca Ritchie.
Several years of Mr. Wiley's early life were spent at school at Croton Falls, N. Y., and Mill Plains, Conn., but his father dying when he was fourteen years of age, without leaving any means of support for a large family, young Adam found it necessary to discontinue his school career and seek remunerative employment.
The first few years of his new venture were spent at farming, but learning of a position open in one of the livery stables in Brewster, and as his mind possessed a natural bent for horses, he made application and procured the situation. His employment here lasted five years, and during that time he had an opportunity to study veterinary under Dr. Amos Smith, a then well-known veterinarian. The instruction thus received has proved of such value to Mr. Wiley that he has won a meritorious record as a highly competent doctor of horses and cattle, and for which proficiency he was recently awarded a diploma by the New York State Board of Regents.
For the past thirty years Mr. Wiley has worked for the Borden interests, and for the last twenty- two years he has been employed directly by the Borden family, the latter five years of which as super- intendent at "Home Farm."
On November 8, 1873, he was joined in marriage with Rebecca Sweetman of Brewster, Putnam County, N. Y., and as a result of such union, there were four sons and two daughters, three sons and one daughter still living. Mr. Wiley always takes an active part in the Wallkill Valley Farmers' Association, and has served as director, vice-president and superintendent.
It has long been the opinion of our best informed citizens that the two hundred-acre farm of John D. Mould was unsurpassed by any farm property within the limits of the town. Its barns are large and commodious. It has a large residence and good tenement dwelling. Its products are diversified. The dairy produces large revenues. The location of this farm is of great historic interest. Upon its domain the last Indian village of the departing race was located. Mr. Mould has served in many positions of trust and honor in church and state.
He has always held the position of director and for many years was vice-president of the Wallkill Valley Farmers' Association.
JOHN D. MOULD
Joseph B. Hadden was well and favorably known as a man of sterling worth and character, whose life in the community has been like an open book. His homestead farm of seventy-five acres is located a mile west of the old Berea church. A large herd of cattle are the producers of the income of the place. Mr. Hadden ac- cumulated a competency and enjoyed his declining years surrounded with many of the modern improvements and comforts of this pro- gressive age. He died February 15, 1906. The interment occurred in the family lot at Goodwill cemetery, in the shadow of the church where the deceased worshiped so many years.
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SOUVENIRTENT.
SOUVENIR CARDS 3 FOR S CENTS.
HEADQUARTERS W.V. F. A.
THE SOUVENIR TENT-OUTING DAYS AND OLD HOME WEEK, AUGUST 15-16-17, 1906. WALLKILL VALLEY FARMERS' ASSOCIATION, WALDEN, N. Y.
Unequaled and highly artistic booklets have been issued since 1894. The first two years under the personal supervision of Nicholas J. Fowler and William C. Hart, for. the ensuing six years by Mr. Hart in behalf of the Association. In 1902 the society decided to discontinue the publication, since which time it has been issued by the Secretary, who first conceived of the feasibility of its introduction, and has continuously dictated its field and contents issued under the title of the Wall- kill Valley Publishing Association. The fourteen volumes are classified as follows :
1894-Borden's Home Farm.
1895-Historical.
1896-Tributary Streams of the Wallkill.
1897-Indian Localities and Hostilities. 1905-The Hudson and Wallkill Rivers. City of 1898-Battle of Minisink. Middletown. In Art and Story. 1899-Churches of the Wallkill Valley. 1906-Lake Mohonk, profusely illustrated. Or- 1900-Beautiful Landscape Views. ange Blossoms and guests at Gettysburgh. 1901-The Wallkill Valley at Gettysburgh, Walden in Profile. The Catskills and Queenly Hudson.
Orange County Agricultural Society, Mountain Drives of Mohonk.
1902-Through the Valley of the Wallkill, pro- fusely illustrated.
1903-Companion Volume of 1902. 1904-Gems from the Hudson. Famous Horses of Orange County.
1907-Wallkill Valley Farmers' Association. Lake Mohonk Snowbound.
THE SOUVENIR BOOKLETS
The scope of the souvenir in originality and perfection of detail will interest and entertain all who claim this favored region by birthright or adoption, while those beyond its bounds will find a beautiful reminder of historic scenes and associations through which the Wallkill and Hudson Rivers flow. Silently it enters the precincts of the home and finds an abiding place therein.
"MY HOME LAND"
Pastor's Study, First Reformed Church, Paterson, N. J. I am in receipt of copies of "Historic Wallkill Valley." They are of great interest to me, and may say, their arrangement and finish speak the praises of committee having matter in charge. A perusal of these works is almost like taking a trip through my early "home land."
REV. THOMAS POWELL VERNOLL.
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"ITS DIVERSIFIED SCENERY"
Thompsonville, Conn.
It deals with a region noted for its diversified scenery, rich in historic incident and association, a valley dotted with prosperous villages and well-tilled farms, the abode of happiness and thrift. It serves to bring to public notice this fair valley, and former residents whose hearts still beat true to the old home rejoice in the spirit of progress manifested. The region famous before will become more famous, the character of its people, the comfort and beauty of its homesteads, the public spirit of its citizens, the reverence and faith of all will be worthy of the best traditions of the Fathers. May God's blessing abound in it all. REV. A. V. S. WALLACE,
Pastor First Presbyterian Church, Thompsonville, Conn., formerly of Little Britain, N. Y. "I AM ALWAYS GLAD"
Lake Mohonk Mountain House, Mohonk Lake, N. Y.
Please accept my thanks for the copies of "Historic Wallkill Valley." It is, as usual, most attractively gotten up, and eminently fulfills the purpose for which it is intended. I am always glad to see the new editions as they appear. Very truly yours, ALBERT K. SMILEY.
"SHOW AN ARTIST'S TOUCH"
The Kraemer Art Co., Cincinnati, O.
It is really charming. The photographs and engravings are excellent. The selection of sub- jects, artistically speaking, show an artist's touch. The composition shows careful preparation and executed in the best possible manner known to printer's art.
A. O. KRAEMER. Newburgh, N. Y.
It is elegantly printed, the binding is perfection, the illustrations of the halftone, and the de- scriptive letterpress thoroughly historical and interesting. For a book of reference in years to come it's a treasure. J. F. TUCKER.
New York. My few years of residence in your section so endeared the associations to me that I yield to no one in my love for the beautiful scenes of nature existing therein, as well as the noble men who inhabit it. You will, therefore, by reason of these sentiments acquit me of undue flattery when I say that the beautiful book, "Historic Wallkill Valley." is in my judgment truly "a work of art" and could not have been produced by anyone less inspired by the same sentiments as alluded to above. AUGUSTUS S. SMITH.
San Francisco, Cal.
And now another issue fully as interesting and more charming than any of its sisters, is on iny table, reminding me of the home and surroundings so distant and dear, which makes it doubly wel- come. The views of Mohonk and Minnewaski are beautiful, and so true that they revive pleasant memories of years passed. I shall put it away among my treasures.
S. E. RITCHIE.
Newburgh, N. Y.
Its high standard of excellence has been fully sustained. The qualities to make up an attractive and interesting and valuable book of local scenery and history are to be readily found in this book. With great pleasure and profit I have read its pages and admired its views.
REV. WILLIAM K. HALL.
"SCENES MOST FASCINATING"
First Presbyterian Church, Austin Station, Chicago.
You know without any words of mine how glad I am to have it in my hands, with its reminders of scenes inost fascinating and abounding in delightful associations. The faces of old friends look out from its pages and remind me that it is well worth while to gather together and perpetuate facts whose local interest soon becomes broad and deep. I dare say you are proud of the pages de- voted to the "Silent City." with which you have had so much to do in enhancing its beauty. Walden should be proud of the book and give the issue a prominent place on its library table. REV. ROBERT H. BEATTIE.
"IT'S A TREASURE HOUSE TO ALL"
"Send this publication to those you cherish and love, and watch with the intense satisfaction which is certain to be yours, the happiness and joy which is sure to be expressed as each new page stands revealed." On Christmas morning Mr. William E. Gowdy of Hammonton, N. J., a former resident and manufacturer of Walden, N. Y., received two volumes, and in acknowledgment writes : "I value these copies of 'Historic Wallkill Valley' above all my Christmas gifts received. The bio- graphical sketches, and memorial pages of those who have passed the confines of this earth, strongly appeal to me."
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Courtesy Park'and Cemetery, Chicago A SHADY PATHWAY
"Does your heart cry for rest In a place that is blest, With no shadow or sorrow Nor care for the morrow? Then come if you can
To this glen in the wood, To a spot in the shade That nature hath made, Rich with ferns and wild flowers- One of nature's fair bowers !"
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Courtesy Park and Cemetery, Chicago
THE LAKE SCENE, WEST PARK
My heart is on the hills. The shades Of night are on my brow ; Ye pleasant haunts and quiet glades, .1
A MIDSUMMER VISIT TO MOUNT BEACON Beauty of the Perspective An Ideal Summer Resort The Refreshing Air
The writer was born amid the hills, and ever the "lure" of the mountains has held him in thrall. He has had many delightful experiences in the exhilaration that comes to him who stands where only the heavens are above and the earth is unrolled at his feet. Well he knows that pain, despondency, exhaustion give place to exaltation in him who has ascended the mountain peak. It was only yester- day that Mount Beacon, arrayed in the "living green" of royal summer, enticed him again to leave the heated lowlands and pass a few hours within its magnificent environment.
By car up the incline-a thrilling experience-he reached the west spur of the mountain, where he had a brief interview with Mr. H. W. George, the general manager and proprietor of the capa- cious Casino. He looked admiringly on the mighty panorama of river, lake and mountainside from the spacious balconies of the Casino. He visited its halls, floors and rooms and drank of the wonder- ful water from the secret spring in the mountain. He entered the pavilions and shady nooks which are for the accommodation and delectation of guests, picnickers and sojourners, and saw that it is an ideal summer home. Some thirteen cottages have been erected hereabouts and the occupants breathe a most healthful atmosphere and enjoy a perpetual feast of beauty with the everlasting hills about them. Here, near at home, is a summer resort, unsurpassed by many whose fame is world wide.
The writer now set out for the summit of the mountain which he gained as follows: A path or promenade called "Howard's Path" has been made-nearly level from the neighborhood of the Casino along the northwest side of the mountain to the artificial lake in the rear solitude. This path winds and turns, following the irregular contour of the mountainside-comes out into open space, then is beneath overhanging boughs, very romantic and inviting.
Along this promenade is a new cottage, occupied by an English lady, a lover and student of nature and an admirer of the Father of His Country. The cottage is known as Washington Cot- tage. She was giving finishing touches to this her new summer home and uttered a word of welcome to this youthful traveler. She said her summer home was indeed elysian-that much time was neces- sary for a full acquaintance with nature in its ever changing moods.
The glorious scenery beneath and beyond seemed near or far according to the atmosphere; the face of the mountain changed from the majestic, the weird, the threatening, to the smiling and benignant as the clouds shape and deport themselves in infinite space above.
A half hour was passed at the lake at the cottage of the watchman, an old comrade, Levi Had- field of Company D, 97th Pennsylvania Volunteers Infantry.
The tramp was resumed by the old road, occasionally steep and difficult. The writer came suddenly into boundless vision on North Beacon's top and stood beside the monument. Here he passed a de- lightful half hour. The reaction from arduous climbing into rest was delicious. The air was lustrously clear ; the cloud shadows came and passed with unexpected richness. The mosses at his feet, which cushion many mountain tops and intercept and gather into themselves the moisture of the "weeping clouds" and enveloping mists for the watering of the earth beneath, were noted as a strik- ing example of nature's wonderful adjustment and of the wisdom of God.
Newburgh, July 5. (See pages 182 and 183) J. F. S.
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WALLKILL VALLEY CEMETERY LOOKING NORTHEAST
Wallkill Valley Cemetery Walden, Orange County, New York
Incorporated September 15th, 1865
TRUSTEES
JOHN C. SEYMOUR, President HIRAM B. WOOSTER, Treasurer THERON L. MILLSPAUGH THOMAS W. BRADLEY
JOSEPH W. ROWLAND WILLIAM DUNN
IRVING H. LOUGHRAN, Secretary WILLIAM C. HART
SAMUEL ANDREWS
Forty aeres of the grounds are laid out in Plots, Drives and Walks; twenty-six additional acres are now in process of plotting, under the eminent Landscape Architect Downing Vaux of New York, and will be completed this fall. In the city of the dead, every grave is under the direct care of the superin- tendent, who is personally responsible to the Association for the care of the Cemetery.
A Receiving Vault thoroughly erected, accessible at all times. The electric ears from Walden to Newburgh, pass the gates; the picturesque landscape, beauty of grounds, winding drives and graceful walks, laid out in sweeping curves, at onee impress the visitor with the natural and artificial beauty of the enclosure.
Under the Statutes of the State of New York, Cemetery Trustees are authorized to take and hold property, real or personal, bequeathed or given upon trust, the income thereof to be applied for the im- provement of the Cemetery, or the erection or preservation of any buildings, structures, fences or walks therein, or upon the lots of any of the proprietors; or for the erection, repair, preservation or renewal of any tomb, monument or other structure in or around any cemetery lot.
No pains or expense at the outset, no solidity of material, no thoroughness of workmanship, are proof against the elements of nature. Headstones and monuments cannot be so firmly placed as to defy forever the natural forces which are continually at work to deface and destroy them. It is be- lieved that those who provide in Wallkill Cemetery a last resting place for themselves and kindred will gladly protect their grounds and improv ments against such destroying effects.
The income from property thus donated will be exclusively applied to the special objects designated by the proprietor. In most cases a very moderate investment will insure the perfect preservation of a lot and of its structure.
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