USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > The annals of Albany, Vol. II. Second Edition > Part 30
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35
13. Abraham Baum, a German, accidentally fell into the river and was drowned ...... Lord Elgin, governor-general of Canada, left this city for New York in the Hendrik Hudson.
14. Henry E. Hills died, aged 20 ...... John Norton, for- merly teller in the State bank, died at Buffalo.
16. Catharine Barton died, aged 40.
16. Sarah Ann, wife of Andrew Passenger, died.
17. The water commissioners opened the various pro- . posals which had been submitted for the construction of . the projected water works. Nearly one hundred proposals were sent in from various sections of the state. The work was awarded to the following persons: Brick, to Dennis McCall, of Albany; retaining reservoir, Andrew Brigham, of West Troy; receiving reservoir, Aspinwall & Jackson of Albany; section No. 1, William J. Martlett, Syracuse ; conduit sections Nos. 2 and 3 to A. G. Sage, Chittenango. The proposals were twenty-five per cent lower than the esti- mates of the engineer, bringing the entire cost to about $600,000.
18. Andrew Brand, the Kentucky giant boy, died, aged 16. The deceased came to this city about four weeks pre- vious to this time, for the purpose of attending the state fair, accompanied by his brother and two friends, and not being in good health was immediately after his arrival prostrated by an attack of intermittent fever, from which he never re- covered. In size he was probably the most extraordinary person in the world; his advertised weight previous to his
348
Chronicle of Events in Albany. [1850.
demise, being 537 pounds. He measured over 6 feet around the body, and 4 feet 8 inches round the thigh. His age was less than 16 years.
19. Sanders Lansing, formerly of Albany, died at Man- heim, aged 85. He was born and educated in the city of Albany, and passed the greater portion of his life in the place of his nativity. For the last thirty years he had been a resident of Herkimer county. A member of one of the most ancient families in the state, he was intimately con- nected with many of the distinguished men who acted a prominent part in the scenes of the revolutionary war, and who participated largely in the formation and establish- ment of our state government. He was one of the last links in the chain which connected the present generation with the immediate actors in those memorable scenes. While the Hon. John Lansing, a brother of the deceased, held the office of chancellor, the subject of this notice was the register of the court of chancery. He held the office of county judge, and other places of trust and responsibility. At a good old age he descended to the tomb, sustained by the confidence and hopes that Christianity inspires, and sur- rounded by numerous friends and relatives who cherish his memory with respect and affection. His widow survived him but four days.
20. Torch light procession at night, in honor of a com- pany of firemen from Utica on a visit ...... Mrs. Elizabeth Cluett died, aged 85. Mrs. Sarah Lay died, aged 52.
21. The St. Charles Hotel in Hudson street burnt.
23. Eliza Cushing, wife of Granville Slack, died, aged 42.
24. Torch light procession in the evening by the fire de- partment, in honor of the Howard engine company which arrived from New York on a visit.
28. James Kidd appointed postmaster in place of Lewis Benedict.
30. James A. Pratt died at Binghamton, aged 29.
OCTOBER 1. Hannah Briggs died, aged 71.
2. The contract for the construction of the Albany and Rutland Rail Road from Rutland to the New York state line was closed, conditioned that the road should be ready
349
Ocr. ] Chronicle of Events in Albany.
for the rail on the first September next. ... Samuel Waddell died, aged 59.
3. Meeting of colored and uncolored citizens at the City Hall on the fugitive slave law.
5. Jobn Regan died, aged 51.
6. Arthur Bulgin, book keeper and accountant, was found dead at the door of his room in Blunt's Building ; age 35. Richard Cooper died.
7. Mrs. Esther, wife of Michael Artcher, died, aged 50.
8. Ground was broken for the erection of a row of splen- did stores on the old Eagle Tavern lot, by Mr. Delavan ...... Annual election of the Burgesses Corps when the following were elected for the ensuing year : Military, B. R. Spel- man, captain ; J. W. Blanchard, 1st. lieut. ; S. W. Whit- ney, 2d lieut .; Hale Kingsley; 3d lieut .; E. J. Lansing, 1st sergt .; E. A. Benedict, 2d. sergt. ; Wm. O. Muir, 3d sergt. ; John Hastings, 4th sergt. ; Staff, Lewis Bene- dict, jr., quarter-master; W. J. Thomas, pay-master ; J. McMichael, surgeon ; William Davis, chaplain ; Civil, John R. Taylor, president ; Joseph Clinton, vice president ; Wm. O. Muir, treasurer ; J. C. Cuyler, secretary ; S. W. Whitney, asst. secretary ...... Sarah, wife of Erastus Hills, died, aged 53. Mrs Hannah L. Warren. died, aged: 68.
14. Cornelia. Knower; wife of Peter D. Stevens, died, aged 27.
12. Some idea of the magnitude of the freight business at the depot of the Western rail road at East Albany, may be gained from the fact that two hundred and fifty cars per day were loaded and sent off. The freight business of last month, at that place was larger than in any other previous September. In October, 1849, eight freight trains. were sent off one morning. The freight bills of that day amounted to over $5000.
14. Canal receipts in Albany for the 2d week in October : flour, 50,294 brls. ; ashes, 276 do; whiskey, &c., 326 do ; corn, 33,090 bu .; barley, 100,010 do; oats, 45,600 do ; rye, 4,270 do; wheat, 60,782 do; peas and beans, 1,220 do; potatoes, 4,580 do ; seed, 19,400 lbs .; butter, 92,140 do; cheese, 291,400 do ; lard, 72,700 do; wool, 10;250 do.
16. Helen, wife of James Gourlay, died, aged. 76. Annals, i. 30
350
Chronicle of Events in Albany. [1850.
17. Matthew Trotter died at sea, on his return from France, whither he had been for the recovery of his health.
19. John A. Zuliman died, aged 21. Isabella Clark, wife of Charles O. Hagan, died, aged 46.
21. John Kerin died, aged 27. Henry Kelley died, aged. 30.
23. Ashley Scovil died, aged 52. Martha, wife of Chaun- cey V. Crapo, died, aged 23.
25. The common council, by a vote of 15 to 1 adopted the report of the water commissioners recommending the purchase of the Patroon's creek for supplying the city with water. A loan of three hundred thousand dollars was nego- ciated with Rufus H. King and Watts Sherman for the purpose of prosecuting the work. .Lucy Jane Osterhout died, aged 35.
26. John Harris died, aged 53. A man, name unknown, walked off the Steam boat dock and was drowned.
27. Catherine, wife of Augustus Waterman, died, aged 20. Hezekiah W. Whitney, late of Albany, died at Mil- waukie, aged 66.
28. High water caused by the drenching rains of the previous thirty-six hours. The island at the lower end of the city inundated for the eighth time this season, causing great damage to · crops. .The Van Namee Guards, a corps composed entirely of hatters, went out for a target exercise. The prizes, consisting of a'silver cup and gold pencil case, were won by B. Lockwood and Teunis Visscher.
20. The horse boat attached to the Greenbush ferry sunk at five o'clock in the morning with 8 horses and milk wagons on board, four of which were lost overboard.
30. A fly wheel cast at Low's furnace weighing six tons, said to be the largest one ever cast ..
31. House's Telegraph line having been completed, went into operation this day, forming the third telegraph line.
NOVEMBER 2. Margaret Paddock died, aged 23.
5. Election day. John L. Schoolcraft reelected to Con- gress ; A. J: Colvin, district attorney ; Hamilton Harris and Eli Perry, assemblymen. Greatest number of votes polled in the county for any two candidates, 13,906.
351
Nov.] Chronicle of Events in Albany.
6. Walter B. Thayer, of Albany, died, at Cannelton, Indiana, aged 42.
8. Mrs. Francis. Dougherty died, aged 64.
9. Celebration of the completion of the Albany and Mo- hawk Plank Road, took place at the aqueduct.
11. Martin Lawlor died, aged 52.
12 Bartholomew Van Valkenburgh died, aged 49. Lucia M. Gregory died, aged 41. Nathaniel Ring died, aged 84. Joseph Sherwood died, aged 22.
14. Annual meeting of Albany County Medical Society. Address by Dr. James McNaughton, president. Officers chosen for the ensuing year ; James H. Armsby, president ; William F. Carter, vice president ; B. A. Sheldon, secretary; J. B. Rossman, treasurer ; John Swinburne, librarian ; P. McNaughton, Howard Townsend, P. P. Boyd, Uriah G. Bigelow, and Leonard G. Warren, censors. .Annual meet- ing of St. Andrew's Society, when the following officers were chosen for the ensuing year : Dr. James McNaughton, president ; D. D. Ramsey, 1st vice president ; Lithan Algie, 2d, do .; Rev. Peter Bullions, chaplain ; Dr. Peter McNaugh- ton, physician ; William Gray, treasurer; Peter Smith, jr., secretary ; Robert Cameron, assistant do .; Peter Smith, Alexander Gray, James Dickson, James Duncan, George Young, managers ...... Sarah Welch died, aged 16.
15. Annual meeting of Phoenix engine company, the fol- lowing were elected officers for the ensuing year ; J. B. Stonehouse, president ; J. Kearney, 1st assistant ; D. Winne, 2d assistant; G. Campbell, clerk ; P. Hewson, steward.
17. The sloop Index, Capt. Morris Bumpus, arrived on her return trip from New Bedford, having made two trips of 400 miles each, equal to 800 miles in 8 days. She left this port on the 9th inst., fully laden, and arrived at New Bedford on the 11th. She discharged her cargo, reloaded in part, sailed again on the 14th, and arrived here on Sunday evening, the 17th. During the run she encountered con- siderable head winds, and when within twenty miles of New York on her return, nearly a whole day was passed in a calm. This favorite vessel is the property of Capt. Gibb.
18. Canal receipts, Albany, Nov. 18 : flour, 25,310 brls. ; ashes, 298 do .; beef, 1520 do .; whiskey, &c., 6380 galls .;
352.
Chronicle of Events in Albany. [1850.
barley, 18,250 bu .; oats, 6000 do .; wheat, 14,600 do .; potatoes, 1000 do .; seed, 5100 lbs .; butter, 79,700 do .; cheese, 95,900 do .; wool, 14,900 do .; hams and bacon, 21,800 do ...... The first snow storm of the season occurred before daylight, and was perceptible on the surrounding hills after sunrise ...... Sarah Johnston died, aged 92.
19. At a meeting of the stockholders of the Utica and Schenectady Rail Road Company, the president of the road, Erastus Corning, of this city, was voted a service of plate, for his long and valuable services, for which he has always declined to receive any compensation ...... In the early part of the week, three brigs arrived at Hudson from Maine for the purpose of loading. The high water enabled them to reach Albany, they being of such a large draft of water that in an ordinary state of the river they would have been una- ble to reach our port. They were towed up and loaded with staves from the stave yard of Mr. William H. Dewitt, and immediately left for the southern market. Their presence . in our harbor was the subject of great curiosity among our commercial men ...... Maria, wife of Aaron S. Ward, died. Mrs. Mary Percy died.
20. A lad named David Barscall drowned at the Rail Road ferry. Sarah, wife of Wm. M. Graves, died, aged 22.
21. Introductory lecture before the Young Men's Associa- tion by Charles King of New York, and poem by Wm. L. Learned, in Pearl Street Baptist Church.
25. A new company, the Schoolcraft Light Horse, num- bering 120, under Capt. James B. Harris, went out for a target excursion to Sloan's tavern in Guilderland. The first prize, a silver goblet, was won by David Osterhout; the . second a silver cup, by Mr. Schoonmaker, the third a gold pencil case, by Mr. Henderson ...... The Corning corps, num- bering 120, under Capt. John Osborn, went to Crane's tavern on the Troy road, for target firing. The first prize a $100 dollar watch, was taken by John Clark ; the $30 silver goblet, by Alexander Thompson ; the $15 gold pencil case, by John Ingmire, and the $10 gold pencil case, by William Dwyer ...... Mrs. Hannah Hilton died, aged 51.
26. The streets were whitened with snow in the morning, which disappeared in a few hours; the day dark and rainy.
353
Chronicle of Events in Albany.
Nov.]
27. Harvey Kilbourn, of St. Louis, died at the Franklin House, aged 45. Abigail, wife of Samuel Carter, died, aged 53.
28. The machinists of Jagger, Treadwell & Perry's establishment organized as a military company, under the name of the Eagle Guards, turned out for a target excur- sion ...... Thomas J. McCall died.
29. The Emigrant's Friend Society, organized for the protection and assistance of emigrants, elected the following officers : Hon. Franklin Townsend, mayor, president; John Tracey, vice president ; R. M. Van Sickler, rec. sec .; C. P. Williams, treasurer; James Maher, John O. Cole, James Dexter, I. N. Wyckoff, H. B. Haswell, M. McMa- hon, directors ... The quantity of flour, wheat, corn, and barley left at tide water during the 4th week in Nov., in the years 1849 and 1850, was as follows:
1849,
Flour, bris. 270,426
212,183
84,644
Barley, bu. 88,448
1850,
301,500
490,215
35,419
93,066
Inc. 31,074 Inc. 298,032 Dec. 49,225 Inc. 4,618
The aggregate quantity of the same articles left at tide water from the commencement of navigation to the 30th Nov., inclusive, during the years 1849 and 1850, was as follows :
Flour, brls. 3,191,864
Wheat, bu.
Corn, bu.
Barley, bu.
1849,
2,667.802
5,053,559
1,390,737
1850,
3,170,272
3,566,551
3,219,476
1,723,914
Dec. 21,592 Inc. 888,749 Dec. 1,834,083 Inc. 333,177
The aggregate quantity of the same articles left at tide water from the commencement of navigation to the 30th · of Nov., inclusive, during the years 1848 and 1850, was as follows :
Wheat, bu.
Corn, bu.
1848,
Flour, brls. 3,074,292
. 3,038,168
2,886,575
Barley, bu. 1,544.603
1850,
3,170,272
3,556,551
3,219,476
1,723,914
Inc. 95,980
518,383
332,901
179,311
By reducing the wheat to flour, the quantity of the latter left at tide water this year, compared with the correspond-
Wheat, bu.
Corn, bu.
354
Chronicle of Events in Albany. [1850.
ing period of last year, shows an increase of 156,157 barrels of flour.
The following table shows the quantity of some of the principal articles of produce left at tide water from the commencement of navigation to the 30th of Nov., inclusive during the years 1848, 114 days; 1849, 114 days; 1850, 122 days :
1848.
1849.
1850.
Flour, brls.,
3,074,292
3,191,864
3,170,272
Wheat, bu.,
3,083,148
2,667,802
3,556,551
Corn, bu .,.
2,886,575
5,053,559
3,219,476
Barley, bu.,
1,544,603
1,390,737
1,723,914
Rye, bu.,.
284,472
313,272
608,834
Other grains, bu.,.
1,425,739
1,376,558
2,404,326
Beef, brls.,
61,075
99,861
88,065
Pork, brls.,.
89,760
73,312
46,621
Ashes, brls.,
63,676
56,180
36,421
Butter, lbs., Lard, lbs.,
23,516,783
20,510,411
16,607,981
9,775,277
9,051,821
8,276,934
Cheese, lbs.,
22,985,803
41,622,669
32,125,874
Wool, lbs.,
8,736,660
12,633,096
11,860,756
Bacon, lbs.,
8,201,865
8,422,242
9,514,421
Stephen Harris died, aged 61.
355
Statistics.
STATISTICS.
CITY FINANCES, 1849-50.
The annual report of the chamberlain for the year ending May 1, 1850, was referred by the common council to the finance com- mittee consisting of Visscher Ten Eyck, C. P. Williams, and John D. Hewson, who, on the 12th August, made the following report on the condition of the finances of the city.
The financial affairs of our city, from their magnitude and varied character, require from the officers connected with their manage- ment a strict devotion to duty, as well as zeal, promptness, fidelity, system and good order to control and govern all their operations. The essentials are now the prominent features of the chamberlain's office ; and the officers connected therewith, are justly entitled to the commendation of the board for the faithful manner in which they have discharged their laborious and highly responsible duties.
Receipts and Expenditures-The aggregate amount received by the chamberlain from all sources, during the past year, including $41,668.78, the balance on hand
May 1, 1849, was. $695,366.67 Expenditures during the same period. 627,635.42
Leaving a balance on hand, May 1, 1850, of. $67,731.34
In the year 1844, when the annual report of the chamberlain was made, the city had available means, applicable to the support of the city government of. $19,464.67
In the year 1845 10,677.81
do 1846 6,797.98
do 1847 793.70
do 1848. 662.35
do 1849 41,668.78
do
1850.
67,631.34
The large balance of 1849, and the still larger balance of 1850, are the results of the operations of the law of 1848. In former years the amount raised by tax for support of the city government was nearly if not entirely exhausted on the 1st of May, by its ap- plication to the payment of temporary loans. These loans were made in anticipation of the annual taxes, and the means realized therefrom were required for the ordinary expenditures of the city. By a strict adherence to the requirements of the law above referred to, and a due regard to economy in the administration of the affairs of the city, these temporary expedients may be in a great degree, if not entirely, avoided.
·
.
356
Statistics.
Loans and Interest .- The amount of temporary and other loans made during the past year is. $190,000.00 During the same period the amount paid and cancelled by the city was. $192,008.75 Cash paid to trustees of sinking fund for
the same purpose. 178,700.00
370,708.75
Making a diminution in the debt of the city in one year of. $180,708.75
Of this amount, $153,415.36 was received from the state under the provisions of the law of 1859 relative to the Albany basin. The further sum of $20,000 was received from the state under the pro- visions of the same law, but the applications thereof by the city was changed by a law passed at the last session of the legislature. This $20,000 formed a part of the moneys paid by the city to the Pier proprietors, to procure their assent and release required in the law of 1849 relating to the Albany basin.
The amount raised by tax during the past year on account of interest on the city debt, was. $45,500.00 Amount received of the Albany and Schenectady Rail Road Co., and from other sources 9,830.74
Making a total of. $55,330.74 The expenditures during the same period were .61,991,11
Leaving a deficiency of $6,660.37 This deficiency was caused by the accumulation of interest on the bonds held by the state, and which were paid and cancelled by carrying into effect.the law of 1849, above referred to.
City Lamps .- The amount raised by tax during the past year for the maintenance of the city lamps was. $10,000.00 The expenditures during the same period were. 10,489.17
Leaving a deficiency of. $489.17
This deficiency was occasioned in part, if not entirely, by the high rates of oil during the past year.
The expenditures for the city lamps were,
In the year 1844,
$7,135.90
1845, 7,121.58
1846, 10,899.49
1847,
9,076.85
1848, 9,207.30
.€
1849, 9,342.60
66
1850, 10,489.17
357
Statistics.
A part of the city lamps are now maintained under the provi- sions of a contract made with the Albany Gas Light Company. The expense attending the execution of the contract can always be estimated, and it can be increased or diminished by the com- mittee of the board having this subject in charge. The expense attending the oil lamps is variant and must continue so, under the present system ; and your committee would suggest that measures be adopted by the appropriate committee to ascertain if the contract system can not be carried into effect for these lamps, and a large saving to the city be realized by its adoption.
Markets .- The aggregate amount received from butchers for licenses and for rents of the several markets and out stalls, during the past year is. . $1,819.08
Expenditures during the same period. 1,369.58
Leaving a balance in favor of the city of. $449.50
Of this balance the sum of $225 was realized from the lease of the North market, which being deducted from $449.50 would leave' $224.50 as the net sum received by the city for the use of the large amount of property connected with the Centre and Vegetable markets.
From the year 1835 to 1845, the average annual net income de- rived from the several markets was $342.13, and from that period up to the present year, the average annual revenue was $915.69; a revenue entirely below a fair compensation for the use of so arge an amount of real estate.
Common Schools .- The amount raised by tax during the past year for the support of common schools and the erection of a school house, was. $9,503.36 Amount received from the School fund. 4,501.68 For tuition 301.00
Making a total of. $14,306.04
Expended during the year 15,340.46
Leaving a deficiency of. $1,034.42
The Ferry .- There has been received during the past year from the lessee of the ferry the sum of .. $1,525.00 Expenditures during the same period for repairs. 273.34
Leaving a net revenue of. $1,251.66
The ferry is now under the operation of a lease or contract, and the city is realizing annually therefrom a fair equivalent for its use, whilst, under the old system, its management and maintenance was attended with expenditures far above the revenues received.
Night Police .- The amount authorized to be raised annually by tax for the support of the night police under the provisions of the 2d section of the act of March, 1848, is $17,000.
358
Statistics.
The amount raised during the past year under the authority conferred by the 3d section of said act, was ... . . $18,000.00 The amount expended during the same period was .... 16,979.46
Leaving a surplus of. $1,020.54
Day Police .- The amount expended during the past year for the support of this department, including the salaries of the police justices, was. $4,249.29 Making an aggregate for the support of the night and day police of $21,228.75
This sum ought, in the opinon of your committee to be sufficient to secure a united and always reliable night and day police for our city, which would be prompt and efficient in its operation, and are preferable to the system now existing.
City and County Poor .- There was expended during the past for the maintenance of the Alms House $15.405.87
For temporary relief in the city, salaries, cholera ex- penses, &c. 12,885.83
Making a total of. $28,291.70
During the year 1849, the expenditures for the same objects were. $26,127.49
During the year 1848. 33,966.34
1847 20,455.73
« 1846. 18,797.51
Justice's Court .- The amount received during the past year from this court for fees was. $2,667.84
Expenditures during the same period to the justices for salaries 2,630.00
Leaving a balance in favor of the court of. $37.84
Fire Department .- The amount expended during the past year for the support of this department was $20,476.47 .
Of this sum $2,598.57 was expended for the Hose depot, $1,303.58 for new hose, and $890 for fire policemen.
Contingencies .- The amount received during the past year on this account from taxes was. $40,000.00
From the state under the law of 1849, relating to the . Albany basin .. 20,000.00
From fines imposed by the Albany special sessions, ($1,240.50) rents, surveys, and sundry other items, $14,699.86
$74,699.86
Expenditures during the same period
59,998.55
Leaving a balance in favor of the city of. 14,701.31
..
359
Statistics.
City Debt .- On the first day of May, 1848, the debt of the city was. . . . $877,896.93 On the first day of May, 1849. 858,396.93
Making a diminution during the year of. $19,500.00
On the first of May, 1850, the debt of the city was $677,688.18 Showing a reduction during the past year of. $180,708.74
The debt here stated does not include the contingent liabilities of the city, viz : $100,000 of the bonds of the Albany and Schenec- tady Rail Road Company, guarantied by the city, and falling due in the year 1852 ; and 1,000,000 of city bonds issued to the Western Rail Road Corporation. These liabilities of the city are amply secured, and they can not therefore be classed as a debt, for the payment of which means should be provided.
Your committee have stated that the debt of the city on the 1st day of May, 1850, was. : $677,688.18
From this there should be deducted the sum of $125,- 000 loaned to the Albany and Schenectady Rail Road Company, and upon which they pay an interest of 5 per cent ; and also further the sum of $123,468.80, being the am't expended by the city for the same company, for the purchase of the depot and track in the city, which sum, according to the terms of the agreement, is to be refunded to the city or interest paid thereon, at the ex- piration of the 20 years, at the rate of 5 per cent per annum, making an aggregate of. 248,468.80
Leaving the actual debt of the city $429,219.38
Under the restraining operations of the law of 1848, this debt can be steadily and successfully reduced each year, if the common council on their part carry into practical operation all the require- ments therein contained. To reduce taxation and lessen the bur- dens of our citizens should be the constant aim of all, and in order to do so effectually, great care must be exercised in the prosecution of new improvements. If improvements are directed by the board and the owners of the property benefited by the improvement are negligent or remiss in their payments, the deficiency must be raised by taxation. If the common council are profuse in their expenditures for the public lamps, or the night police, or in the ordi- nary contingent expenses of the city, all deficiencies beyond the amount received during the previous year must be raised by taxa- tion.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.