USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > The annals of Albany, Vol. VII > Part 14
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The St. Peter's church Sunday school was established on the 1st of January, 1818. It is the best organized . of any in the city. The pastor has condescended to be- come its principal. Deriving considerable funds from its parent congregation, and instructed by teachers who feel the responsibility of their stations, it stands first in size and usefulness among our Sunday schools. Number of boys, 65; average attendants, 40. Number of girls, 70; average attendants, 55. Total average attendants, 95. Number of verses recited the past year, 29,180. It is an interesting fact, that fifteen girls have been dismissed from it, as having acquired all that is usually taught in Sunday schools, and that their conduct has been regular since they left it. Thirty-two children have been put out to service, and are permitted by their employers to at- tend a part of the sabbath. The managers of the school have distributed since its commencement 20 Bibles, 70 Testaments, and 84 Common Prayer Books.
Some time in the year 1818, Mr. W. A. Tweed Dale commenced a Sunday school on the Lancasterian plan, at the Lancasterian school house in Eagle street, which was received into this society Nov. 13, 1819. It was composed principally of those who attended his day school, and was orderly and well conducted. From this specimen it may be inferred, that that means of instruc-
189
Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany.
tion might be carried into Sunday schools with great economy and success. The average attendance of' this school was 50. It was discontinued after it had been in operation about two years.
Mrs. Pugsley, commisserating the neglected situation of the Africans, opened a Sunday evening school, princi- pally to give religious instructions to the females of that people. The number of its attendants are not known. It was continued through the successive winters of 1817, 1818, and 1819, and was held at such places as she or the scholars could procure. She sustained all its inci- dental expenses, and finding that they could be accom- modated in the First African school, she discontinued it. Such individual exertions are worthy of notice and of imitation.
On the 13th of November, 1819, a Sunday school was connected with this society which had been insti- tuted some time in the same fall, in Mr. M'Donald's church, by the Rev. Mr. Rattery, a Baptist. He had taught in the Sunday schools of Scotland, and introduced into this the methods of instruction to which he had there been accustomed. It consisted of about thirty scholars, and was afterwards removed to, and placed under the patronage of the Baptist church. Here it has since remained. Its average number of attendants con- tinued about 30, until the present year, when by the zealous and faithful efforts of its present principal, for we know not to what else it can be attributed, the school has unexpectedly increased to 100 attending scholars, and now holds the first rank among Sunday schools in this place, 29,535 verses having been recited the past year. It is hoped that its principal and teachers, instead of relaxing their labors, from past success, will be stimu- lated by it to redouble their exertions.
Miss . E. Pohlman, on the 30th of April, 1820, chiefly by her own exertion, established a Sunday school for both sexes in the Lutheran church .. 133 scholars have been admitted -67 girls and 46 boys. The average number of attendants is 40; 10 boys and 30 girls.
[ Annals, vii.] 17
190
Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany.
The school has ever since remained under the charge of that young lady, with the exception of three months, when it was committed to the care of Mr. Badger. There are 5 teachers engaged with her, 4 of whom are professors; and the school is regularly and efficiently conducted. The number of verses recited the past year are 35,749; two of its scholars having committed the whole of the New Testament.
By previous notice, a considerable number assembled in the North Dutch Church, on the 17th of December, 1820, and resolved on the establishment of a Sunday school; 48 of that congregation set down their names to become its patrons and teachers. On the next sabbath, a respectable school was established in the consistory room belonging to the church, where it still continues. The number of scholars on its books are 434, of whom 230 are boys and 204 girls. - The usual number of attend- ance was about 110, but it gradually diminished to 77, which is now the average number. 34,434 verses have- been recited the last year.
This school joined the society on the 12th day of May, 1821, and with no more resources than several other schools, magnanimously resolved to depend on its own means for support, and has never since demanded or received any assistance from their funds.
It is hoped that zeal, which marked its establishment, may not diminish with its continuance.
The Rev. Mr. Bruen, with the aid of several young ladies, commenced a Sunday school, during the last sum- mer, in South Market street. They were induced to it, by the number of children they saw, every sabbath, playing in the street, notwithstanding the schools opened on that day to receive them. The first day, they col- lected near 30 children, which number they retained until it was discontinued. Its teachers being instructors in other schools, began it with a view of discontinuing it when the days became too short to keep it after the second church. A few sabbaths since, they dissolved it, taking their scholars to the Sunday schools in the vicinity.
191
Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany.
These facts show, that though we have 10 Sunday schools, most of which are in successful operation, that the field of their usefulness is not yet occupied, and that still vigorous efforts are loudly called for, to establish them in the suburbs. They indeed require more money and labor to sustain them; and, cramped as the society is in its funds, and disinclined as professors are to incur the trouble of them, we can scarcely hope that they will be instituted.
The teachers now engaged in these schools have quite as much, and more, than they can attend to; owing to the scarcity of teachers, many are obliged to instruct in two, and some in three schools, in order to sustain those which have been commenced.
Such is the history, simple and correct as can be given, of the several Sunday schools that have been established in this city. Long have they had to struggle against the apathy or actual prejudice of our fellow citizens. Long have they had to contend with poverty and embar- rassments. Seldom with more than one hundred dollars in their treasury; and frequently with that sum pledged and anticipated, by the expenses of the past year, the society has been driven to the closest economy, and, in acting too rigidly upon it, evidently have curtailed the usefulness of these institutions. They acknowledge, with gratitude, the aid furnished them at their anniver- sarics; the donations of some few subscribers; and the supply of wood which they have heretofore received for the several schools, from the corporation. Indeed, with- out this assistance, inadequate as it may seem, the society would be compelled to suspend their labors, and children would again be turned loose to violate the sabbath. The burden of instructing is quite sufficient for teachers, without the additional one of defraying the expenses of their schools. As yet, it is the conscientious, principally, who have engaged in them, and few, if any of these, have any thing but their labor to bestow. They look to an enlightened community for support, and trust that the pious and benevolent part of it, who duly appreciate the
+
192
Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany.
value of these schools, will cheerfully assume their expenses, and never permit them to go down for the want of necessary funds.
Among the various Christian institutions devised for doing good to mankind, few appear so well calculated as the humble one of Sunday schools. The others are adapted to the present generation, and with them they can do little or nothing. Confirmed in their habits, as well may the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spot, as they be induced to alter their depraved and settled propensities. If some few, however, are brought into God's marvelous light, it appears to be the interpo- sition of miraculous power ; and they stand as monuments of his mercy.
But Sunday schools work according to the order of nature. Taking children before they are confirmed in vice, they get the start of it ; and by impressing upon their memories texts of scripture, hymns and prayers, and giving them moral and religious instruction, they implant a fear to do wrong, and an inclination to virtue. Should they afterwards depart from it, and plunge into vice, that misery which always attends such a course will bring these to their memories, disgust them with them- selves and amend their lives ; and thus because they have remembered their Creator in the days of their youth, they will find the promise fulfilled to them, that in their old days He has not departed from them.
These institutions are peculiarly intended to gather children from scenes of vice, where they would ripen for crimes. Here they are taught the rudiments of cleanli- ness, piety, virtue and industry. Even their young minds contrast these with the former, and perceiving their advantage, and being countenanced and encouraged by their teachers, they insensibly become blessings, as well to society as themselves.
Wherever Sunday schools have been some time in operation, the state of community has sensibly improved ; public taxes and expenses have lessened; and crimes, misery, mendicants, and poverty have diminished.
193
Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany.
Statesmen have viewed them as the most likely cure for these evils, and every enlightened community have established and sustained them.
Convinced as this society is of their general utility, they can not withhold their surprise, that the public has been so sparing in its patronage. Nor is it less surpris- ing, that, while Sunday schools are so evidently required in our suburbs, and those which are instituted are so destitute of pious and regular teachers, professors, with- out the excuse of duties, should view them with apathy, and withhold assistance.
Not so is the spirit of Christianity in other places. There, an eye of compassion is turned back upon those left in their sins, by such as have felt the singular mercies of the Almighty. The high are not above joining the humble professor in his ranks, to work for their common Master.
Charities like these they esteem more valuable than those given to relieve immediate wants. The latter afford a mere temporary supply, and they recur again with increased inveteracy. But the former administered to the moral infirmities of the heart, and by healing these they dry up those issues of vice, misery and want, that flow so destructively from them.
Albany, Nov. 1822.
ABSALOM TOWNSEND, JOHN BLAIR LINN.
194
Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany.
Recapitulatiou of the Condition of the Sabbath Schools in Albany.
Schools, 1
No. of principals
of school.
No. of teachers
that have been engaged .*
No. now engaged.
No. teachers who
No. scholars that
have been admit-
No. at present in
Average number of attendants.
No. of boys.
No. of girls.
No. of verses recited
No. that have died.
No. in alphabet.
No. in spelling.
No. in reading. .
No in testament.
Ages of scholars.
joined the church
since commencem't.
1st Presbyterian 2d Presbyterian
5
11
6
45
36 707
: 3|20
: 21
· : 32|
3 to 16
2
1st Episcopalian
8
25
19
4
500 130
95|65 70 28,894
.
. .
.
2d Episcopalian
3
22
7
2|
167
41
35 21 20
29,180
4 17 . . 20 8 6 8 18
4 to15 4 to14
1 4
Lutheran . . . . .. South Dutch, .. North Dutch, .. Baptist, . .
2
12
12
8
260|
86
60 41 45
25,749
29 . . 25 32
4 to 18!
2
3
·
15
7 280 157 100 81 75 29,535
1 15
22 25|87
4 to15
1
40
13
6 800 95 82 29 50
9,428
1 10 30 9 46
4 to38
. ... 2
1st African,t ... 2d do adult.}
3
23
22
16 133 111
75 ..
6,460
1 30 26 12 43 26 to90
. .
..
....
42
207|112
39 3483 834 678
263541
12
* Of these 3 have died.
¿ This school has 16 adults.
#105 adults in this school.
Where the school is situated.
Session room. Chapel street. Ladies' school. Washington st. Lutheran church. S. D. church. Consistory room. Baptist church. Lancaster school. Uranian hall.
Baptist African
. .
. ..
80
...
30
. .
35,749
....
5
4
133
60
40
. . ·
4
·
21
. .
4
434 82 77 45 47 34.434
2
54
8
32
776
72
39 43 30
26.886
.
Teachers who have
are professors.
ted.
the school.
the past year.
.
6
since commencem't.
. . . .
1
. .
·
( 195 )
FROM
AN ENGLISHMAN'S SKETCH BOOK.
From the Albany Daily Advertiser of 1822.
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Curiosity has again induced me to visit Albany. With my note book in my hand, I wandered about in its interesting vicinity, and have, I believe, put down everything which is worthy of being related. Albany, or as it was first called, Oranienburgh, is in north latitude 42 degrees 45 minutes, and 73 degrees 30 minutes west longitude from the royal observatory at Greenwich, and is distant from New York about 145 miles. At Albany all the great western turnpike roads center, and terminate; the grand canal unites with the Hudson, and an unparalleled river affords the greatest facilities to trade. From the opposite side of the river, in some respects, it resembles Richmond, in Virginia; but although the two capitols or government houses are both built on eminences, and overlook the water, yet Richmond is smaller, and there are rapids opposite the town which prevent any further resemblance.
Albany is very unlike what it was. It is described by Kalm and Mrs. Grant of Laggan as being quite small, situated under a steep hill, having two principal streets, which cross each other, and that in the middle of the largest all the public buildings were placed-the English church, guard house, town hall and market. The town had a rural appearance. Every door was shaded with trees, and every house had a garden. Those who were so fortunate as to have lots on the river side, had there the most delightful gardens, from whence the water
-
196
An Englishman's Sketch Book.
prospect was admirable. A fort, rather slight, but yet a regular stockade, crowned the hill and presented a few pieces of cannon from its peaceful embrasures. The first commander was a Capt. Massey, the father of Mrs. Lenox, Dr, Johnson's favorite friend. It was afterwards commanded by Capt. Winepress, and garrisoned by regu- lar troops of the 55th regiment. The English church, - which was in the diocese of the bishop of London - was immediately under its walls, and the canons of the spiritual, were protected by those of the temporal kingdom.
At present, Albany is quite changed. It is extended over a much larger surface, and has a population of nearly 13,000 inhabitants. The steep hill already men- tioned has been cut away, and State street has no longer a line of public buildings in its center. A large, massy building of freestone, called the Capitol, is the place of the legislative sessions. It has three fronts of a very common design, and a portico at the east front over the grand entrance, whose wooden roof is supported by marble pillars. These are Corinthian, but although very large rest upon bases of only six inches thickness. The steps up to the entrance are made of thin strips of stone, and are much too small to harmonize with the general air of the building. A large area, or rather court, next the entrance, and paved with marble which came out as ballast many years since from Italy, is sur- rounded by rooms for public bodies. The senate and assembly meet in two large and handsome rooms below, and the county courts, and the sessions of the judges in banco, are held in a splendid room in the upper story, surrounded by a dome. Over the legislative halls are committee rooms, and a hall appropriated to a state society for the promotion of the useful arts. A few hundred feet to the north of this, stands a fine building in freestone, called the Academy, and devoted to literary pursuits. The cupola of this is in admirable taste. I was very much pleased with a marble banking house, in Market street, the interior of which is lighted from
197
An Englishman's Sketch Book.
above by a glass dome. It is very chaste and correct in its proportions, and has niches in the wall, which should properly be ornamented with statues. The churches are well constructed, but have so great a resemblance to each other, particularly in their steeples, that I should not be surprised to hear that one architect had designed them all.
The Indian trade was formerly the principal object with the Albanians, and a driving business was carried on. Blankets, beads and spirits were paid for by the natives in the most valuable furs, and even the French came from Canada to purchase goods for their own trade with them. To guard, however, against the fero- city of the savages, there were pickets about the town, and gates at the north and south ends of the city, which are not yet forgotten. Among the peculiarities of the times were some feudal and manorial customs, which belonged to the manor of Rensselaerwick, and even now have not ceased to exist. A princely territory was obtained by one family, and in its descendants it con- tinues still to be preserved. An immense influence followed its possession, and the entailment of the estate would have of course continued it down to the latest posterity. But a statute of allodial import has cut it off, and the present owner is the last who enjoys the hereditary honors. This person is an exact model of our wealthy English landholders, but adds to the pos- session of his wealth a liberal mind, and the most generous munificence. His name is at the head of every public charity ; it is first in every spirited enterprise; it is synonymous with virtue and philanthropy. In public life he is a distinguished member of the canal board, and in private life, he is the most amiable of men.
The river navigation was formerly attended with more difficulty than at present. The spirit of the age was a cautious one. The captains of sloops made as many preparations for a voyage down the river, as if they were about to cross the ocean. Little dependence was placed on the tides, and prayers for wind were
.
198
An Englishman's Sketch Book.
perpetually put up by them. At the overslaugh, or bar, a few miles below the city of Albany, they experienced great detention, and this too, although, according to Kalm, their barks were only of about 40 tons burthen. The present number of sloops owned at Albany of 30 tons and upwards is very large, and a very great trade with New York is kept up with them.
The manners of the inhabitants were very peculiar. They were colored by and partook in a great degree of the uniformity of the times. Now and then the arrival of a new governor, or a meeting of the Five Nations, called forth a new train of incidents, and a red coat had then, as now, its bewildering effect upon the simplicity of female hearts. Gen. Ambercrombie had his head- quarters in the city of Albany for some time, and a very large body of troops lay encamped in what is called the pasture. Sir Jeffrey (afterwards Lord) Amherst also established his head quarters there in 1759, pre- vious to his brilliant campaign in Canada, and the capitulation of Mons. De Vandreuil. This was the greatest event in its history. A large force lay in its suburbs; in every part of the town was heard " the note of preparation." During the few hours of leisure which the necessary delay afforded, a theatre was fitted up by the officers, and the Beau's Stratagem performed before a delighted audience. Parties of pleasure were ever on foot, and every adjacent island in the river was explored. Fishing tackle became part of the contents of every lady's basket, and old Izaak Walton would have been in ecstacies at their conquests over the finny tribe. The military bands vied with each other for distinction, and the music from the boats which calmly floated with the current down to the encampment, was heard by groups of listeners on the shore. To these so slightly acquaint- ed with the effect of instruments, every sound was full of beauty, every note occasioned new delight. When the different boats had passed the town, and the moon- light serenade was over, they would turn slowly back to their dwellings, and only in dreams of to-morrow's pleasure, would they forget the remembrance of to-day.
An Englishman's Sketch Book. 199
Among the distinguishad persons who have been at Albany, Lady Harriet Ackland and the Baroness Reide- sel are well known. Under the hospitable roof of the celebrated Gen. Schuyler, every attention was paid them which wealth could afford or delicacy suggest to him. The horrors of an eventful campaign, and the pangs which rend the bosom of a wife, had only excited in these two accomplished females the anticipation of new misfortunes. Judge of their surprise on becoming the inmates of a mansion where the virtues of benevolence and humanity flourished in all their loveliness; where repose, quiet and ease were superadded to the charms of hospitality ; where the disgrace of defeat was soothed by the gentle voice of friendship; and where, in the storms which an ill-attempted 'invasion had raised, they found and enjoyed all the kindness of brothers, lovers and- kinsmen.
-
€ 200 )
POPULATION OF ALBANY, 1855.
-
The following table of the population and number of native and naturalized votes in the city and county. is made from the returns of the canvass of June, 1855.
City. Total pop.
Native vote.
Nat. vote.
Ist Ward
.8,038
226
780
2d do
4,518
417
412
3d do
4,667
524
381
4th do
4,492
666
282
5th do
3,016
328
152
6th do
3,460
377
173
7th do
6,006
476
607
8th do
7,467
562
733
9th do
. 7,343
660
502
10th do
. 8,326
824
540
Total city, 57,333
5,060
4,562
Bern,
3,206
687
42
Bethlehem,
- 5,151
683
161
Coeymans, -
.2,963
631
31
Guilderland,
3,188
656
51
Knox,
1,888
461
7
New Scotland,
3,327
735
20
Rensselaerville, . 3,088
752
21
Watervliet,
20,889
2,134
1,283
Westerlo,
. 2,648
635
4
Total county, 103,681
12,434
6,182
.
[ Annals, vii.]
ALBANY COUNTY.
WHITES.
Colored Persons.
CIVIL CONDITION.
VOTERS.
Wards and Towns.
Total Po- pulation.
Males. Females
Males.
Fe- males
No. not taxed
Single.
Married
\Vi- dows.
Wi- dowers.
Native.
Natura- lized.
No. of Fami- lies.
Owners of Land.
Over 21 who can not read or write.
Over 21 who can read but not write.
First Ward, ....
8,038
4,002
3,947
35
83
4.622
3,087
200
69
236
780
2,796
1,721
321
436
125
Second Ward,
4.667
2,454
2,167
20
26
20
2,952
1.526
154
35
524
381
883
408
170
81
31
Third Ward ...
4,492
2,139
2.320
10
23
27
3,001
1,402
206
63
666
282
941
504
257
104
29
Fourth Ward, ..
3.016
1,414
1.576 14
12
17
1,970
714
121
31
328
152
804
444
107
65
47
Sixth Ward ....
6,006
2,994
3.001
4
10
3,600
2,142|
198
66
476
607
1,310
539
235
406
333
Seventh Ward,.
7.467
3.580
3,793
39
55
52
4,573
2,557
265
72
562
793
1.257
1,514
402
279
63
Ninth Ward, ...
7,343
3,564
3.670
51
58
57
4.409
2.616
265
53
660
502
2,044
942
302
30
10
Tenth Ward, ..
8,326
4,213
3,940
89
84
123
5,460
2,443
347
76
S24
540
1,611
1,542
637
144
148
Total Albany,.
57,333
28,230 28,492 274
337
409
35,606
19,139
2,084
504
5,060
4,562
13,344
8,536 2,767
1,732
974
Bern
3.206
1.605
1.600
1
1,901
1,182
91
32
687
42
60
574
475
45
62
Bethlehem,.
5,151
2,534
2.510 52
55
82
3.193
1,799
107
51
683
161
1,160
981
476
3+
16
Coeymans,.
2.963
1,451
1.453
27
57
1.768
1.077
88
20
631
31
227
554
313
57
3
Guilderland,.
3.188
1.554
1.606
15
13 .
15
1.952
1.109
SS
39
656
229
564
411
69
65
Knox,
1,888
939
949
... ...
..
..
2.438
7861
69
34
735
20
116
613
263
4%
29
New Scotland.
3.327
1.658
1.656
6
7
1
1.756!
1,197
94
41
752
21
57
582
466
28
38
Rensselaerville,
3.088
1.506
1.580
1
9
12,758
7.241
693
197
2,135
1,283
4,990 14
499
440
9
19
Westerlo,
2,648
1,314
1.329
2
4
1.531
1,001
27
635
4
Total,
103.681
51,032 51,810 383
456
586
64,026, 35,223 3,455
976
12,434
6,182
20,284 15,983
7,478
3,231
1,965
...
....
2.289
1.066
87
18
377
173
761
441
123
17
. 36
3.460
1,526
1,933
1
21
20
2.730
1,58€
181
21
417
412
937
481
213
170
152
4,518
2,344
2.145
8
18
(201)
......
......
1.123
692
52
21
461
7
25
344
312
17
15
Watervliet
20.889
10,241| 10.635
S
9
1
1,198
74
2,736| 1,525
Fifth Ward,
Eighth Ward, ..
.
Aliens.
(202)
PROVINCIAL CONVENTION.
On the 20th April, 1775, the Provincial Convention met in the city of New York, when Col. Philip Schuyler, Col. Abraham Ten Broeck, and Abraham Yates, Jr., produced a certificate subscribed by John N, Bleecker, clerk of the committee of correspondence for the city and county of Albany, certifying that they, together with Col. Peter R. Livingston and Walter Livingston, Esq., were elected by the said committee (which committee was expressly em- powered for that purpose), as deputies for the city and county of Albany, to attend the Provincial convention to be held in the city of New York on this day, for the pur- pose of choosing delegates to represent this colony at the next Continental Congress, to meet at Philadelphia on the 10th day of May ensuing, which certificate bore date at Albany on the 21st day of March last past, and being read and accepted, was filed with the secretary.
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