USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > The annals of Albany, Vol. III > Part 25
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
321
Stephen Van Rensselaer.
gentle and mild, but radiant and steady, in whatever orbit they may chance to move.
It is impossible to compute, or perhaps to give any ra- tional conjecture, about the amount of good which had already been effected through this munificent and skillfully- devised charity - much more impossible is it to com- pass, in thought, the benefits which coming generations must reap from that system and plan of education, of which the example was first set, and the eminent utility satisfactorily tested, in the Rensselaer Institute. Schools have been set up on the Rensselaer method, in various and distant parts of our country ; and it has been stated to me as a fact, from calculations actually made, that the In- stitute has itselffurnished to the community, more experi- mental teachers and professors, state geologists, principal and assistant engineers on public works, and practical chemists and naturalists, than have been furnished, in the same time, by all the colleges in the union. If the half of this statement be true, the result, in this single particu- lar, is a proud one for the memory of the patron, through whose almost unknown munificence it has been effected.
But I pass to one or two other particulars, which must be noticed, before I close the history of the personal career of the subject of this memoir. He was connected with the in- stitution of masonry, having been initiated as a mason in 1786, when he was twenty-two. In this association, as else- where, he was very early placed in official station. He first held the post of junior warden, as I find it called; then of senior warden; and then of master. In 1793, he declined any further election in the master's lodge. In 1825, an imposing masonic ceremony was performed in this city, when he was installed in the office of grand master, the highest office in masonry. The ceremony of installation was performed by Gov. Clinton, who was his predecessor in the same high office. Both the past and and the elect grand master delivered addresses ; that of the former of great length, and full of power, beauty and brilliancy; that of the latter, in reply, was shorter, full of simplicity, mingled with sterling good sense, and char- acterized by his usual kindness, benevolence and fraternal
322
Life and Services of
affection. In 1826, he was reelected to the same office; but he declined any further official connection with mason- ry the next year. It is supposed that whatever there was, or is, in masonry, worth knowing, he knew; and that he had been initiated into some mysteries connected with it, which, since the death of Baron Steuben, by whom they were communicated, were known to a very few others only, in this country. It is well known, that no abuses committed in the name of this fraternity, ever received the least sanction from him; and certainly no man in our community thought, or spoke, with more un- affected abhorrence of the outrage, which, in 1826, was offered by masons to an American citizen in the western part of this state, than he did. He regarded this institu- tion as formed for practical and benevolent uses, and whatever connection he had with it, down to the last, was continued principally, as a convenient means of prac- ticing those secret acts of charity and kindness in which he so much delighted.
In December, 1823, Gen. Van Rensselaer took his seat, for the first time, in Congress, as a representative from the city and county of Albany. He was continued in his place by reelection for three successive terms, and re- tired on the 4th of March, 1829. During his whole con- gressional service of six years, he held the station of chairman of the committee on agriculture. In March, 1824, he made a valuable report to the house, in answer to a resolution of enquiry touching the effect of the tariff laws on the interests of agriculture. In February, 1825, the imposing ceremony of an election to the presidency took place in the house of representatives. His vote de- termined that of the delegation from this state in favor of Mr. Adams, and, as it resulted, produced the election of that gentlemen on the first ballot. Gen. Van Rensselaer never mingled in the conflict of debate; but he was not, for that reason, the less valuable or influential member. His faithfulness, his integrity, his eminent honesty, his kindness of manner, his ready perception of the true and the right in all questions presented for the action of the house, and his freedom from the prejudices and trammels
323
Stephen Van Rensselaer.
of party, gave him a standing and influence in the house, far beyond what ever belongs, in such a body, to the mere ability, however distinguished, to conduct a skillful argu- ment, or pronounce an eloquent harangue. The great moral sway which character alone, commanding general admiration and respect, bears in a deliberative assembly, was never more conspicuous, than in the case of Stephen Van Rensselaer, in the American house of representatives.
Our review of this eminent man's life is drawing to a conlusion; and it will occur no doubt to many, probably as strange, that as yet, no distinct notice has been taken of certain particulars, by which he was more known and distinguished in the popular estimation, than by any thing else-namely -- first, his connection with various societies, foreign and domestic, particularly with those whose ob- jects were benevolent; and finally, his private charities. These have not been forgotten, but they can not be enume- rated in this discourse. I may mention in general terms, that he was an honorary member of many and various learned associations, at home and abroad; some pursuing particular branches of science, of arts or learning, and others more comprehensive and general in their objects. He was the president of several local societies designed for charitable or religious uses; while of the great insti- tutions of the day, so general as to be designated Ameri- can, and employed to aggregate immense numbers, and combine their united strength for the prosecution of great Christian enterprises, there was scarcely one, perhaps not one, with which he was not, or had not been, con- nected by membership, and frequently by the highest, al- ways by high official station.
In regard to his private charities, there are two difficul- ties in the way of any attempt to particularize them; one is, that they were private, and they are, therefore, to a great extent unknown; and the other is, that, so far as known, they are numberless. It would be tedious and difficult to enumerate the cases alone, in which he gave by hundreds and by thousands. Two of our American colleges received from him, in one subscription, five thou- sand dollars each. It is computed, that he expended,
324
Life and Services of
through a single agent, in prosecuting scientific researches, and for the advancement of his educational methods and plans, and for gratuitous instruction, not less than thirty thousand dollars. And, taking the cause of learning in its various branches, the support and spread of Christi- anity, and the plans of benevolence and mercy, as found. each of them, in the hands of voluntary associations, and dependent on individual munificence -- taking these objects together, I suppose it can hardly be doubted that he was the largest contributor to them, of pecuniary means, du- ring his life time, in the union. In respect to his minor benevolencies, nobody can number or compute them. They flowed from him in streams which were perpetual -- never dry, and never scanty. It was impossible they should fail, so long as objects could be found to call them forth-and these never fail. There is not, probably, a profession, and hardly a department of active life amongst us, in which some could not be found-few or many-who owe the advantages of their position to him; while it is nearly certain that he fed more that were hungry, warmed more that were cold, clothed more that were naked, covered more shelterless heads, dried up more bitter tears, and comforted more despairing hearts, than any other man living among us in his time.
But I pass from these particulars, to the conclusion of this imperfect notice and tribute. The last year or two of the life of this eminent citizen was marked by disease and severe suffering. For several years, indeed, he had been subject to attacks which indicated that a cruel mala- dy was fastening itself upon him, and that his sun was destined to set in a troubled sky. His disorder finally showed itself fully about eighteen months ago, and created, at the time, considerable alarm, lest its termination should be speedily fatal. During the whole of the winter before the last, he was regarded as scarcely ever free from dan- ger. Considerable abatement took place in the spring, and he was able to leave home, for a short time. When winter returned, he was again wholly confined to his house, and much to his own apartment, enduring more than can be told, with only brief intervals of relief, till the day
325
Stephen Van Rensselaer.
of his departure camc-when his candle went out, sudden- ly indeed, but not without circumstances of mitigation and mercy. As his faithful and honored friend and biographer, I must not omit to record, that he died, as he had lived, a Christian; exhibiting a patience and resoluteness in his sufferings, and a calmness and fearlessness with the angel of death in his presence, which-however much others might have supposed there was of reliable stuff for such scenes in his natural courage and firmness-he himself referred and attributed wholly to the efficacy and suffi- ciency of his Christian faith and his Christian principles.
His own desire had been frequently expressed, that when the time camc, his body should be borne to the com- mon tomb of his fathers, with simple ceremonies only, and with an entire absence of ostentatious parade. This in- junction was obeyed by his family, as far as the public, and public bodies, would consent it should be. It was ar- ranged that the religious solemnities of his funeral should be celebrated at the North Dutch Church in this city-his. own place of public worship-and in the presence of that fellowship of Christians belonging there, with which he had been connected, as a member in communion, for more than half a century. From thencc to the family vault near his late residence, a procession was formed. The body, in its simple and unadorned coffin, was borne on men's shoulders-the bearers frequently relieving each other-the pall supported by those who knew him long- and loved him well. No hearse was permitted to receive the burthen. The mourners followed; after them, the municipal authorities of the city ; several public socictics ; the chief magistrate and other executive officers of the state; and the legislature in order ; and then came citizens and strangers, falling in by two and two, until the procession was extended to a most unusual and imposing length. All. were on foot. No carriages were used. The military were in citizens' dress. All badges of office had been laid aside .. No plumes nodded; no helmets glistened; no music mur- mured; solemn, slow, and silent, the procession moved on, through thick and thronging, but orderly and respectful ranks, crowding the streets, and lining the casements of.
28
326
Life of Stephen Van Rensselaer.
every dwelling on either side. And thus were the remains of the good man carried, and deposited iu their resting place; and thus were they attended. None ever had a more simple funeral ; none were ever followed by a larger train of sincere and sorrowing mourners.
Here, then, we part with him. The man dies, but his memory and virtues live. I shall not attempt to give a separate and extended sketch of his character. It is found in the sentiments, the acts, and the practices of his life, as already detailed. His mind was of that order which combines quickly, and reaches conclusions so readily, and with such intuitive accuracy, that laborious investigation, as the need of it is not soon felt, finally becomes irksome, and is seldom or never used. It reposes on itself with a confidence which experience only confirms, while the processes by which it comes to results, are seldom stated to itself, and never to others. His heart was not unlike his mind, in its impulsive and intuitive habits; it made him a man of mercy and of charity, without the necessity of any elaborate discipline, or any long training. It was his nature to be kind and humane. He was tenderly at- tached to his family, where his affections, without ma- king an uncommon case of it, might have rested and ter- minated; yet he saw a friend or a brother in every worthy man he met. His benevolence was of that large kind which loves an expansive range, and is offended at limit- ations and restraints. And his humanity was not satis- fied with stopping short of cruelty, or with relieving misery, but was itself distresscd, if, by the most uncon- scious act, pain were inflicted on another, or his sensibility wounded. He had the tenderness of a very woman, laid side by side in his temperament with a manly courage, and an unconcernedness which made him, if occasion de- manded, laugh and mock at fear or danger. There was that in him, too, which made his spirit always self-poised and conservative. He was temperate in all things; in his personal indulgences, in his personal predilections or pre- judices; in his party attachments or aversions; in his new opinions or feelings, whenever he acquired them ; in his love of the world; and in his religious faith and
-
327 ·
License to Teach English.
practice. And, to sum up all, there was in him, with a reasonable facility for changing with the times, a stead- fastness of character and purpose-but no unimpressibility -derived, perhaps, by inheritance from his nation, but so mingled in him with other elements, as to belong essen- tially and individually to himself. But I forbear.
The best part of a good man's life is his example. Him we may meet no more; but this we may meet at every urnt. This is immortal, and can not die. It lives in memory ; lives in tradition ; lives in history. It is present with us, and will be present with those who come after us -- to teach, to influence, and to guide. It is a light which never goes out, and never grows dim. And, for my part, I know not what we, or the world, ought to thank God for devoutly, if not, that a good man has lived, and, dying, has left us the legacy of his example and his vir- tues.
LICENSE TO TEACH ENGLISH.
From Records in Secretary's office.
The Governor's License granted unto John Shutte, for teaching of the English Tongue at Albany.
Whereas the teaching of the English Tongue is neces- sary in this Government; I have, therefore, thought fitt to give License to JOHN SHUTTE to bee the English School- master at Albany : And upon condition that the said JOHN SHUTTE shall not demand any more wages from each Schollar than is given by the Dutch to their Dutch School- masters. I have further granted to the said JOHN SHUTTE that hee shall bee the onely English Schoolmaster at Albany.
Given under my hand, at Fort James in New York, the 12th day of October, 1665.
RICH'D NICHOLS.
( 328 )
SUDDEN BREAKING UP OF THE ICE IN THE HUDSON RIVER.
February 18th, 1851.
In consequence of the mild weather, accompanied with a south wind and some rain, which prevailed during the latter part of last week, the water in the river on Satur- day forenoon had risen nearly over the docks, and the ice the day before had broken up opposite Troy and come down and piled up in high masses a short distance above this city, where it stopped. Athough somewhat more difficult to get on and off, yet the ice opposite here was considered so strong, that the crossing of footmen and loaded carts, wagons and carriages, continued without abatement during the day, until about 4 o'clock P. M., or a few minutes after, when it was observed that the masses of ice above had commenced moving down, and imme- diately all persons who happened to be on it below, hastily fled to the shore. The water began suddenly to rise, and in a short time came up over the docks and flooded the stores on Quay street. The ponderous masses of ice continued steadily and irresistibly to force their way down grinding the solid barrier before it into atoms and cutting a channel obliquely down the east side of the river until below the Boston Depot, when the great body of ice began to crumble and go down also. At this time the scene was one of terrific grandeur. To those who have often read of, but never witnessed, the "breaking up" of the Hudson, this spectacle would have surpassed all their conceptions. Just before the starting of the ice an alarm of fire, caused by the upsetting of a kettle of pitch on board the steam ferry boat Olcott, occasioned by the ex- citement in aiding to rescue a team with a wagon load of grain which had broken through the ice in the basin, had brought an unusual number of persons to the docks, and thousands of persons lined the shores to witness the break- ing of the frosty shackles from the Hudson.
329
Breaking up of Ice.
The ice continued moving until the river here was en- tirely clear. The water continued rising until 4 o'clock yesterday morning when it was some five feet above the dock, but by 9 o'clock it had receded about two feet. at which point it has remained with slight variations until this morning, indicating it has not gone out below ; and as the wind got round in the northwest yesterday forenoon, and it has continued to freeze since, there is little proba- bility of its moving out at present. It is stated that the ice is perfectly solid at Cœymans, not having moved at that point. The ice that passed by the city on Saturday is piled up in rugged masses, between Castleton and the "nine mile tree.":
It is also stated that at Newburgh the river is free from ice. The ice is firm at Kingston point and at Catskill; the ice left the creek on Saturday, sweeping everything before it, and destroyed considerable property.
A Melancholy Occurrence.
Just as the ice started at the point above the city. three men, workmen of Low & Co., of the Franklin Foundery, who were engaged at work on the new Paper Mill of C. Van Benthuysen, in process of construction at Bath. named Peter Truax, William H. Tisdell and Robert Elder. being anxious to reach this side of the river, ventured upon the ice.
They at once started upon a run down the river, feeling certain that they could keep in advance of the crumbling matter. But the water being high. and the dam which had thrown the water back from Bath, having broken away, the current was running at a rapid rate, and the rumbling. crashing sound of the heavy ice. as it was for- cing its way under the main body. causing it to tremble beneath their feet, rendered their situation extremely dangerous. They continued in a southerly direction. in the hope of reaching the lower ferry dock before it was too late. When about opposite Hamilton street, the main body commenced piling up around them. apparently cut- ting off all hopes of their safety. The first of the three men, named Peter Truax, teamster, kept making for the
330
Breaking up of Ice.
dock, but was prevented from reaching it by the agitating masses, as they crumbled to atoms when coming in con- tact with the timbers. He persevered, however, in his efforts, and when opposite the South Ferry, he made one bold effort and landed on the shore, completely exhausted from the fatigue he had undergone.
Meanwhile, the situation of his two companions, Wm. H. Tisdell and Robert Elder, became imminently perilous. While the ice was breaking beneath their feet, Tisdell ran directly into an air hole. He called to Elder for assistance, who immediately responded by changing his course and hastening back to Tisdell. He attempted to rescue him from the awful death that seemed to await him. Extend- ing his hand towards him, it was grasped by Tisdell, and almost instantly the ice broke up in that locality, and El- der was dragged headlong into the water with his com- panion. Nothing more was seen of Tisdell after this effort, but Elder rose to the surface, and as his head pro- truded from the water, the ice closed in around him, and he was seen no more.
The thousands of persons on either side of the river, witnessed the whole scene, but no human aid could reach the unfortunate men.
Tisdell was a man about twenty-three years of age, and leaves a wife to mourn his untimely end. Elder was twenty-eight years of age, and leaves a wife and two children. Both of these men were respectable and indus- trious mechanics, and were noted for their attention to business and upright conduct. Their sad fate has cast a gloom over their circle of friends and acquaintances, many of whom were eye-witnesses to their deaths .- Albany Atlas.
( 331 )
ANNALS OF THE YEAR 1850-51.
-
1850.
DECEMBER.
1. The first of December came in as mildly and balmily as a first of May. The season seldom continues so open and moderate to so late a period; the grass being still fresh and green, and the shrubs retaining their leaves un- withered, and roses blossoming in the open air in sunny exposures.
3. Thomas Fitzpatrick died. Jesse Peters died, aged 52.
4. The sour and rainy weather experienced for the last two days was followed by a clear sky and a congenial atmosphere. The commerce of the river and canal had almost closed ...... The banking house of the New York State Bank, sold by auction for $19,000. It was pur- chased by a new association which had organized to suc- ceed the old one, whose charter would expire in January.
5. James A. Willis died, aged 39. Mary Ridder died, aged 20. Mary Elizabeth, wife of B. W. Wooster, died, aged 27.
6. Festival of St. Nicholas observed ...... About 4 inches of snow lay on the ground at 7 in the morning.
... . . Helen, wife of Thomas McCreadie, and youngest daughter of Robert Dunlop, died. James Leddy died, aged 26.
7. The snow of the previous day received the impres- sion of a hard frost, rendering a little sleighing possible.
9. George Campbell died, aged 52. Ann, wife of John W. Johnston, died, aged 52.
10. Reuben Dunbar, after a trial of two weeks duration, was convicted of the murder of two boys in Westerlo, on the 28th September last ...... Installation of Rev. Ray Palmer as pastor of the first Congregational Church in Albany, corner of South Pearl and Beaver streets. . The
332
Annals of 1850.
sermon by Rev. E. N. Kirk, was one of his most eloquent efforts ...... A large sized mastiff, a fine looking animal, was seen walking moderately but directly down Lumber street, towards the river. On close examination it was discovered that he had in some manner become seriously wounded, there being a large gash laying open the flesh to the bone, and several other wounds in different parts of his body. On being called or spoken to, he paid no attention, but continued his course towards the river, and upon reaching the dock plunged off, swam a few feet out into the stream, dove under and was seen no more. This was witnessed by a number of persons .- Atlas.
11. The Boardman & Gray Guards, piano forte makers, went out to Buena Vista on a target excursion. The prizes were a gold watch valued at $75; a gold goblet, $12; a gold pencil case, $7.50; a pen and case, $4.50.
12. Thanksgiving, fair and frosty.
13. The Manhattan worked her way through the ice, and landed her passengers at our dock about 9 o'clock in the morning. The Isaac Newton landed her passengers at Hudson, and they reached here via the Hudson and Berkshire and the Albany and Boston rail roads at 11 in the morning ...... The demand for flour limited, and the sales making only in a retail way, at $4.62a$4.75 for com- mon to good state; 4.75a4.87 for Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin; 4.87a5 for common to pure Genesee, and 5.12 a6.25 for fancy to extra Genesee. Buckwheat saleable at 1.69a1.87 ...... Meeting of gas consumers at the Mansion House to devise ways and means for the reduction of the company's prices ...... Thermometer at 12 deg. . . The day line boats made last trip; the canal was effect- ually closed, and ice making rapidly in the river; every sail vessel had left the pier and basin ...... Mrs. Conliff died. Catharine Strong died. Alexander Sampson died, aged 45. Mr. Sampson commenced a successful business a few years ago in the small Dutch building, corner of South Pearl and Division streets, which many persons now living, remember as being for a long time the last building on Pearl street going south. It was far out of the business limits when he went into it, and called it the
333
Annals of 1850.
Dundee Warehouse. He drew a good business, and the street immediately began to swarm with similar establish- ments conducted by Jews, who were before almost unknown in the city. Mr Sampson was a Scotchman.
14. Timothy G. Gladding died, aged 40. Michael Mc Ginity died, aged 30. William S. Packer, for many years one of the firm of Packer, Prentice & Co., of this city, died in Brooklyn, aged 50. He was a liberal and public spirited citizen, as well as an enterprising and successful merchant.
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.