USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > The annals of Albany, Vol. VII > Part 11
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July 18 .- Swan & Thorpe advertised the Post Chaise Line of stages, running to Utica for $2 only, through in one day. They notified passengers destined to any place west or north of Utica, that this was the only line run- ning farther than that place.
The price of bread was 59 oz. for 123 cts. The price of wheat was from 8s. to 9s.
Early in August a geological survey of the county was commenced by Amos Eaton and T. R. Beck, under the direction of Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer. Every town was visited, and samples of all the soils, rocks, minerals, springs, &c. were taken.
Aug. 24 .- Peter Relyea and Thomas Wright entered into copartnership at 371 North Market street. They were successful in business, as merchant tailors, and had the lead of the profession several years.
An apprentices' library was founded by a number of citizens feeling an interest in the condition of young mechanics.
William Mayell, who came from England in 1795 (see Annals iii, 172), and after a tour on horseback through the wilderness which then overshadowed the whole of the western part of this state, settled in Albany, where he established himself in business. At this time his
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Notes from the Newspapers.
store was described in his advertisements as opposite the Eagle Tavern. It stood on the east side of Broadway below Hamilton street. He was the most extensive manufacturer of hats in the city; and besides being a good mechanic, made some pretensions to science. He was an active member of the Mechanics' Society, and afterwards of the Albany Institute. His sdvertisement is rather above the ordinary grade of those productions as a literary performance.
"The progressive improvement of American manu- facturers is admirably displayed in the article of Hats, Not many years have elapsed since gentlemen of taste in dress almost invariably sought for English hats : now the case is reversed, and American Beavers command a decided preference. But a still greater improvement has lately been made, which far exceeds all that England or France have yet done in this branch of manufacture. Imitation Beavers are now made, which for elegance of form. richness of lustre, and intensity of blackness, are equal to the real beaver, and may be purchased at less than half their price. Hats of the above description, together with a general assortment of ladies', gentlemen's and children's hats, of the newest fashion and best fabric, are for sale at Mayell's hat store opposite the Eagle Tavern, South Market street.
Sept .- The Albany Library was removed from Chapel street to the large and spacious room over the store of Mr. John Pruyn fronting State street, one door north of the Albany Bank, now the site of the Exchange building.
Sept. 1 .- D. K. Van Vechten. who since the dissolu- tion of the firm of Van Vechten & Seymour, had done bus- iness at 41 Dock street, gave notice of his intention to remove from the city, and recommended to the public for patronage, his late partner William Seymour, as "a young man every way qualified to give general satisfaction in his line of business, and as well worthy of encourage- ment."
A survey of the road from Albany to New York was made some years previous to this by John Randel, Jr.,
150
Notes from the Newspapers.
under the direction of the board of common council, by which it appeared that the distance was more than one hundred and fifty miles by the post road. Mr. Randel proposed certain alterations in the road which would reduce the distance by the traveled rout. Various al- terations and improvements in accordance with his re- commendation had now been made, and by a new survey it was ascertained that the distance had been reduced to one hundred and forty four miles. This inured to the advantage of the business portion of community, as the postmaster general had his attention called to the circum- stance, and the postage was reduced from 182 cts. to 123 cts. on letters between the two cities. The postmaster- general rated the distance 145 miles; but the editor of the Daily Advertiser averred that it was not more than 135 by land, over the post route.
The price of bread was Is. for a loaf of 3 lbs. 11 oz. superfine inspected flour, and 6d. for 1 lb. 12 oz; of com- mon or mixed bread, 4 lbs. 6 oz. for Is. or 2 lbs. 3oz. for 6d. The same as in April, although wheat was 6s.
The partnership between Christian Miller and Jacob J. Fort was dissolved, and Mr. Miller took his son William C. into partnership, at the store No. 56 State street.
Sept. 4 .- The firm of Caldwell & Solomons, consisting of James Caldwell and Levy Solomons, carrying on the tobacco business, was dissolved, the latter continuing the business, at 346 North Market street, above the modern Bleecker Hall.
Sept. 10 .- Mrs. Catharine, wife of Abraham Van Vech- ten, died, aged 54.
Sept. 12 .- Complaints having been made of the assize of bread, it was altered so as to give 63 oz. for Is. This was still 2 oz. less than the New York standard.
Sept. 13 .- Obadiah Penniman, formerly a bookseller in Albany, died at Troy, aged 44. He came to Albany under the auspices of Isaiah Thomas, of Worcester, Massachusetts.
Sept. 19 .- William Powell, one of the proprietors of
151
Notes from the Newspapers.
the western line of stages, died on the road to Schenec- tady of an apoplectic fit.
Capt. David Van Der Heyden, an officer in the war of 1812, died.
Sept. 20 .- Mr. and Mrs. Saunders opened a school for young ladies at 678 South Market street where a great many accomplishments were added to the usual branches of learning taught in schools at this time.
Sept. 24 .- Jacob Vander Heyden was buried from his residence .No. 85 North Pearl street.
Oct .- Charles Parks, usually called the common show man, died, aged nearly 40. His weight was over 300 lbs.
A good deal of interest was felt by some of the citizens in having the parks at the head of State street improved in their appearance, which does not seem to have been highly ornamental at this time. The subject was agi- tated through the medium of the newspapers, and it was finally announced, on the 21st October, that " a party of spirited gentlemen are to turn out in the morning to work on the public square."
Timothy Clowes, who had been some time before rector of St. Peter's Church in this city, now advertised The Hempstead Academy and School for Foreigners, of which he was the principal.
The census of the city as computed by Calvin Pepper, was 5653 white males; 6144 white females; 110 slaves ; 634 free blacks: total 12,541. Increase in ten years, 1779.
Oct. 26 .- The steam boat Paragon, on her upward trip, was supposed to have sunk in shallow water about three miles below the city. The horse boat went down and took off the passengers. It was found that the boat had only grounded, and received but slight damage.
Nov. 3 .- The firm of William H. Seymour & Co. con- sisting of William H Seymour & Russell Forsyth, was dissolved. Mr. Forsyth retiring, and Robert M. Seymour taking his place, at No. 2 State street.
John Champlin, formerly a lawyer in this city, died at Kingston, Ulster county.
152
Notes from the Newspapers.
Nov. 7 .- At the annual meeting of the legislature De Witt Clinton sent in his message, which occupied three and a half columns of the Daily Advertiser. John C. Spencer received 52 votes for the office of speaker of the house, which was a minority of 17. Derrick L. Vander Heyden of Albany was elected clerk by 63 votes; Aaron Clark, the former clerk, receiving 62. The members of the house of Assembly for Albany, were Gerrit Hogan, James McKown, Moses Smith, Stephen Willes.
The Mechanics' Academy, Mr. Mills having resigned, was placed under the management of Elias Warner. Thomas Russell, Elisha Dorr and John Meads received applications for admission.
Nov. 13 .- The majority of the common council being democratic, the old federal officers were removed. John Bogart, chamberlain, was succeeded by Henry W. Snyder. Dr. Eights, city physician, gave place to Christopher C. Yates. Philip S. Van Rensselaer resigned the office of mayor, which he had held a greater number of years than any of his predecessors.
Nov. 20 .- Mrs. Margaret Chinn was buried from her residence No. 26 Maiden lane. She presented to the General Synod of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, a case of books valued at $860, but a short time before her death, which occurred on the 17th of November in the 79th year of her age. She was the widow of Edward Chinn, and was endowed with many enobling qualities.
A chamber of commerce was formed this year of which Nicholas Bleecker. Jr., was secretary.
Nov. 30 .- A number of citizens having formed the project of an apprentices library, advertised for donations of books, John Cook, who had a reading room at No. 353 North Market street, was appointed libarian. The committee consisted of Charles R. Webster, Ebenezer Baldwin, Gideon Hawley,* Solomon Southwick, Ben- jamin Knower, Asa H. Centre, John Meads,* N. H. Carter, I. Q. Leake. * Spencer Stafford, William Mayell, Daniel Carmichael, Philip Hooker, Joseph Fry,* On the
* Surviving, 1855.
153
Notes from the Newspapers.
Ist December Mr. Cook acknowledged the receipt of 30 volumes from De Witt Clinton, 29 from Philip S. Van Rensselaer, and 19 from Chancellor Kent.
Dec. 4 .- The firm of Pemberton & Mitchell was dis- solved, and John I. Mitchell admitted his brother, William, into copartnership, under the firm name of W. & J. I. Mitchell, dealing in groceries and provisions.
Dec. 5 .- At the annual meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, the following were elected officers for the ensuing year : Isaiah Townsend, president; Joseph Alex- ander, William James, and Charles E. Dudley, vice presidents ; S. P. Jermain, treasurer; N. Bleecker, Jr., secretary. The Board of Commerce and Improvements consisted of William McHarg,* Israel Smith, Peter Boyd, William Durant, John Brinckerhoff, Thomas Russell, Jacob H. Ten Eyck,* James B. Douglas, Allen Brown, George W. Stanton, Asa H. Center, John Spencer, James Keeler, John Townsend, William Walker, Douw B. Slingerland, Volkert P. Douw, * Robert Shepherd, William W. Staats, Charles R. Webster, Joshua Tuffs, Ephraim Wilder, Jr., John Stillwell, James Mabbett, James Thorne.
Dec. 18 .- The common council decided that it was inexpedient any longer to continue the regulation con- cerning the assize of bread, and appointed a committee to prepare and report an ordinance for the future regu- lation of the bakers.
Dec. 21 .- The New York mail stage broke through the ice in crossing the river, and sunk in fifteen feet water. A reward of twenty dollars was offered for the rescue of the mail, which was fished up, and dried, and remailed. None of the passengers ventured to cross in the stage; the driver was rescued with difficulty; three horses were drowned; the stage and baggage were finally recovered, and proprietors suffered a loss of about five hundred dollars.
Dec. 22 .- The second centennial anniversary of the
* Survivors, 1855.
[ Annals, vii.] 14
1
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Notes from the Newspapers.
landing of the pilgrims at Plymouth, was celebrated in this city by New Englanders. A sermon was preached by Dr. Chester, in the Second Presbyterian Church, and a supper given at the Mansion House of N. S. Skinner.
Dec. 30 .- The house of Mrs. W. Groesbeek, in North Market street took fire and was burned, together with that of Israel Smith, adjoining. The fire took place at 5 o'clock in the morning, the weather being unusually dreary and inclement, and the streets glare with ice.
Mrs. Sidney Lewis, relict of the late Robert Lewis, died, aged 77.
1821.
Jan. 11 .- William Barclay died, at the island of Ber- muda, whither he had gone for the recovery of health.
Jan. 18 .- The Daily Advertiser began to publish a regular journal of the proceedings of the house of assem- bly, and gave occasional sketches of the debates. These had been attempted by the same paper before, but were attended with discouragements, which led to their discon- tinuance.
Jan. 25 .- The Board of Agriculture imported a library from England, which was placed in the hands of the editor of the Plough Boy, Solomon Southwick, as secretary of the board.
The common council removed from the office of city superintendent Capt. David Olmsted, who had enjoyed it for many years, and appointed Philip Hooker in his place. They at the same time dismissed Tunis Slingerland, one of the police magistrates, on the score of economy, under the presumption that the duties of the office could be performed by one magistrate, Mr. Philip Phelps. John E. Lovett was at this time attorney to the board.
From the comptroller's report for 1821, it appears that the aggregate valuations of real and personal estates in the county, were, for 1818, $13,986,143; for 1819, $7,633,881; for 1821, $7,631,583.
Jan. 29-Henry C. Southwick, brother of Solomon Southwick, died at New York.
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Notes from the Newspapers.
The Albany Female Society in aid of Missions was formed.
Feb. 2 .- An ice-boat with sails, having five passen- gers on board, arrived from Athens, a distance of thirty miles, in 1 hour, 32 minutes. It is represented as beingof a triangular shape, with two parallel run- ners, a rudder, bowsprit, mainsail, and jib. It would go cither before or against the wind with great velocity.
Feb. 3 .- Websters & Skinners advertised a vindication of the Claim of Elkanah Watson to the Merit of project- ing the Lake Canal Policy, as created by the canal act of 1792. And also a Vindication of the claim of the late Gen. Schuyler, to the merit of drawing the act and pro- curing its passage through the legislature: by Robert Troup.
Feb. 13 .- The council of appointment removed Archi- bald McIntyre from the office of comptroller, and An- thony Lamb from that of commissary-general. William L. Marcy was appointed adjutant-general in the place of Solomon Van Rensselaer. Some of the most prominent citizens gave Mr. McIntyre a public dinner. George Merchant was appointed clerk in the place of Henry Truax; Benjamin F. Butler district attorney in the place of Samuel A. Foot; and Abraham E. Ten Eyck surrogate in the place of Ebenezer Baldwin.
'A swine was exhibited at Winants' stable in Beaver street, " for the moderate price of one shilling," which measured ten feet in length, and seven feet around the body ; its weight 1100 pounds.
Feb. 19 .- Robert Lincoln died, aged 30. He was a native of Boston, and came to this city in 1811, where he was greatly esteemed for many virtues of character. He was connected with the military establishments of the city, and a battalion of the rifle corps performed his funeral obsequies.
Feb. 20 .- Ann, wife of Pierre Van Cortland, died, and was buried from the house corner of Steuben and North Market street.
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Notes from the Newspapers.
Feb. 22 .- John O. Cole was appointed one of the justices of the Justices' Court and a justice of the peace, in the place of Leonard H. Gansevoort, declined. Welcome Esleeck was appointed superintendent of com- mon schools, in place of Gideon Hawley, removed.
The anniversary of Washington's birthday was cele- brated, and an address delivered in the Baptist church by Hooper Cumming.
March 5 .- William Caldwell advertised his intention to retire from business; advertised his stock of goods for sale, and his store, No. 64 (now 58) State street, to let.
March. 8 .- Mr. Hotchkiss of Niagara, reported a bill to the house of assembly, authorizing a fund to be raised for the support of female literature, which was ordered to be printed. It proposed a tax on bachelors over 28. A notice was immediately inserted in the Daily Advertiser, calling a meeting of bachelors at Skinner's Long Room, in Market street, for the purpose of remonstrating against the passage of the bill, and a punctual attendance re- quested.
March 27 .- John C. Fredenrich died, aged 69. His funeral was attended by the members of the Mechanic's society.
Captain Bartholomew, who had commanded the steam boat Richmond, was superseded by Capt. Center. Capt. Wiswall sailed the Chancellor Livingston.
April 12 .- Hooper Cumming gave notice that he would commence a course of lectures on Elocution at he Albany Academy on Tuesdays and Fridays, at $5 the course.
The legislature reduced the pay of its members in the future to three dollars a day. The per diem had been four dollars. The reduction of salaries effected by this session amounted to $22,220 a year.
Solomon Van Rensselaer was elected congressman at the April election.
April 29 .- William Patterson died, aged 81.
May 1 .- Israel W. Clark proposed to revive the
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Notes from the Newspapers.
Albany Register, " the recollection of which was so dear to the old republicans of this state." 1
May 11 .- Martin Van Buren and B. F. Butler, coun- selors at law, removed their office to 353 North Market street, next door to Rockwell's Mansion House.
An election was held on the 26th of April for members of congress and the state legislature. At this date the returns were not all received in this city.
In the fall of 1820, money was raised by subscription for improving the square in front of the Capitol. This year it was proposed to raise a thousand dollars for im. proving the Academy square, to correspond with it. It was thought that this square could be improved in such a way as to render the lots on the north side of it which were now perfectly useless, desirable for buildings, that would " command a most beautiful prospect, be retired from the ordinary bustle of a town, and combine the healthfulness of a country situation."
May 23 .- The state canvassers met in this city and examined the votes of the state. Archibald McIntyre received, in Albany county, 1533 votes for senator; Abraham Hasbrouck, 1519; Lake Wells, 1106; Far- rand Stranahan, 1109.
A vote was taken at the same time on the question of a convention to revise the constitution of the state. The vote of the county was 3012 for the convention; opposed 1414. -
May 24 .- "A good and substantial horse boat" was in operation at the North ferry. Foot passengers paid 3 cts. ; carriages 9 cts.
May 27 .- John Nicholson, aged 47, died in this city ; formerly a representative in congress from Herkimer county,
There was a great deal of complaint about these days against the extravagance of salaries. Some one thought the police justice received too much money. His salary was $300. As poor master he received $100 more. Not satisfied with salaries attached to these offices, it was proposed that he should receive a dollar for every bond
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Notes from the Newspapers.
he should execute, which would give him about $250 more. These salaries look ridiculously diminutive now, after a lapse of thirty five years. When the office was first created, the salary was made $80 a year for two days' service in each week. Afterwards, when these ser- vices were required daily, they were $200, $300, $400, and even $500; at one time it was thought to have reached $600; then two justices were employed at $500 each. But recent retrenchment had reduced the office to one incumbent at $300, the duties at this time being per- formed by Mr. Philip Phelps, now deputy comptroller.
May 28 .- Russell Forsyth gave notice that he had withdrawn from the firm of W. H. Seymour & Co. and connected himself with Friend Humphrey, under the firm name of Forsyth & Humphrey, dealing in hides and leather.
May 29 .- The candidate Henry N. Pohlman, of Albany, was ordained a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran church, at New York, the Rev. F. A. Mayer, of Albany, preaching the ordination sermon. He proposed to take charge of the Lutheran Congregation at Ramapo and Sadillerine.
June 4 .- The trustees of the Albany Academy adver- tised for proposals for removing about 10,000 loads of dirt from the Academy square to the corporation lots on Elk street, and Spencer street.
June 7 .- John Dey Ermand, merchant, died, aged 41. He was a native of Belfast, Ireland, and he resided here eleven years.
June 18 .- Giles Bogart died, aged 40.
June 21. - A negro concealed himself in the State Bank building with a view to robbing the bank, but was dis- covered by Mr. Yates as he was going to bed, and secured after a desperate struggle and sent to jail.
June 26 .- The corner stone of the Female Academy was laid in Montgomery street at 11 o'clock in the fore- noon by the Rev. John Chester, in presence of the trustees and a numerous assemblage.
June 29 .- The steam boat United States was put on
1
Notes from the Newspapers. 159
the river, running between Albany and Perth Amboy, touching at New York. She was advertised to leave Albany every Monday and Thursday, at 5 o'clock in the morning. Fare. $4; freight, 25 cts. per 100 1bs. An injunction was granted against this boat July 2, 1821.
June 28 .- Henry J. Bogart died, aged 92.
The vote for delegates to the convention for the revision of the constitution stood as follows :
FEDERAL TICKET.
S. Van Rensselaer.
James Kent.
Ambrose .Abraham Spencer. V. Vechten.
City of Albany, 1025
980
978
996
Watervliet,
223
214
214
217
Bethlehem,
463
444
442
438
Westerlo,
325
315
315
319
Bern, .
505
491
491
505
Guilderland,
233
228
234
230
Rensselaerville,
180
179
179
180
Coeymans,
76
76
72
73
3031
2927
2925
2957
REPUBLICAN TICKET.
John V. N. Wm. A.
Archibald Stephens.
Jesse Wood. 1119
City of Albany, 1170
Watervliet,
92
86
89
89
Bethlehem,
236
202
207
207
Westerlo,
214
211
223
219
Bern, .
247
227
227
233
Guilderland,
163
157
149
148
Rensselaerville,
318
318
318
318
Coeymans, .
321
321
323
323
2765
2657
2644
2656
Yates.
Duer. 1135
1118
There is a slight discrepancy in the footings.
July 4 .- Robert James, son of William James of this city, died at Geneva, where he was on a visit, aged 24.
This anniversary was celebrated by the citizens, the
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Notes from the Newspapers.
customary oration being delivered by Dirck L. Vander Heyden.
July 16 .- The justice's court was removed from the Capitol to the newly erected court room in South Pearl street.
The expense of transporting a ton weight from Albany to Buffalo, now that a part of the canal was completed, was $50.
Aug. 15-Terence O'Donnell, merchant, formerly of Albany, died at Stillwater, aged 73.
Aug. 17 .- John Reid, an Albany merchant, died at Saratoga Springs, aged 43.
Aug. 19-The Rev. John Summerfield preached in the Methodist Episcopal church, and a collection was taken up for the benefit of the church, which amounted to $95.12. On the evening of the 21st he preached in St. Peter's and a collection was taken up for the same object amounting to $88.
Aug. 27-Dr. Gannon informed his friends and the citizens of Albany in general, that in consequence of his health being injured by the fatigue of many years' country practice, he had removed into town, and resided at No. 6 South Pearl street, opposite Fly Market.
Aug. 28 .- The convention for the revision of the con- stitution of the state met at the Capitol. Daniel D. Tompkins was chosen president; John F. Bacon and Samuel S. Gardner, secretaries; Henry Fryer sergeant- at-arms.
Aug. 30 .- The Chancellor Livingston steam boat brought up a band of music, for the entertainment of her passengers. This was the introduction of that pecu- liar attraction on the North River boats.
Aug. 31 .- Henry Trowbridge gave notice that he had added the New Haven museum to his own collection, and that it was superior in natural and artificial curiosi- ties to every other in the country except Peal's in Phila- delphia.
Sept. 1 .- Dirk Van Schelluyne offered a large quantity of real estate in various parts of the city for sale.
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Notes from the Newspapers. 161
Among other parcels is " one large lot, containing about two acres bounded on Lydius and Hamilton streets, occu- pied by the North River steam boat company as a wood yard."
The Rev. John McDonald died at his residence No. 41 North Pearl street, and was buried on the 3d.
Sept. 2 .- Daniel Hale died. Also William H. Seymour. Sept. 18 -Gerrit Heyer died, aged 83.
David Schuyler, formerly of Albany, died at Amsterdam; John Van Vechten, merchant, died at New York; formerly of Albany. Joseph Bingham, formerly of this city, died at Delaware, Upper Canada, on the 10th Sep- tember.
Oct. 10 .- The Albany County Agricultural Society held its third anniversary. The members assembled at Skinner's Mansion House, and after having elected their officers for the ensuing year, marched in procession to the Lancaster schoolhouse, preceded by a cart drawn by six oxen, decorated with the flags of the society, and literally loaded with specimens of household manu- factures, and the choicest productions of the earth; bearing also a stand, which displayed to great advantage the plate intended for premiums. Having with great difficulty on account of the press of the people, obtained an entrance into the school room, and order being restored, the Rev. Dr. Chester addressed the throne of grace in an appropriate prayer, after which the annual address was delivered by Jesse Buel. The reports of the committees were read by the Hon. Stephen Van Rensselaer, presi- dent of the society. Among the awards was one of $10 to Jesse Buel, for the best two acres of wheat in the city of Albany. Among the products of the city, were the following: 39 bushels 12 quarts of wheat from an acre; another, of 37 b. 16 q .; spring wheat, 26 b. 8 q. ; corn, 133 b. 16 q. ; another, 90 b .; oats, 74 b. 22 q .; potatoes, 430 b. For the second best two acres of wheat, to Isaac Gibson $5. Jesse Buel for the best two acres of Indian corn, $10; Eli Perry $5 for the second best.
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