USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > The annals of Albany, Vol. X > Part 20
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Oct .. 17. Mary Welden died, aged 45.
Chester Judd died, aged 45.
Oct. 19. William McDougall, formerly of Albany, died in New York, aged 44.
Oct. 21. The steam boat, Champlain, Capt. Gorham, arrived from New York at 4 h. 21 m. p. m. having made the passage in 8 h. 452 m., running time. On the 23d the Champlain made the trip in 9 h. 31 m. including 16 landings.
1
248
Notes from the Newspapers. 1835.
Oct. 23. James Walsh died. William M. Soulden died, aged 20.
Oct. 26. Judge Sutherland resigned his office as judge of the Supreme court, for that of clerk of the same court, which was better paid.
Oct. 27. Arrived at the Museum the famous Joice Heth, said to have been the nurse of Gen. Washington, and at this time 161 years of age.
The county clerk reported the population of the city, according to the returns of the canvassers, as follows:
Males, 13,712 Females, 14,373
28,085
Number of voters, 4,489. Population in 1830, 24,209. Gain in five years, 3,386. Population of the county, 59,762.
Oct. 29. A house owned by Charles Chapman, at the rail road junction, nearly two miles west of the Capitol, was burnt, together with a barn, in which 500 bushels of onions were roasted.
The copartnership of Lewis C. Beck and Mathew Henry Webster, in the business of enameling hollow ware, was dissolved.
Nov. 2. James Martin died, aged 75.
Nov. 4. The election for members of assembly was as follows :
DEMOCRATIC.
WHIG.
First Ward, Wm. Seymour, 379 Friend Humphrey, 465
Second Ward,
do
318
do
287
Third Ward, do
227
do
352
Fourth Ward, do
444
do
371
Fifth Ward,
do
241
do
252
1609 1727
The majorities from the county elected Mr. Seymour, whose vote was 3,888 against 3,620 for Mr. Humphrey. Mr. Seymour, who had been twelve years in the board of common council, was now transferred to the legislature.
249
1835. Notes from the Newspapers.
Nov. 9. At a meeting of the common council a com- mittee was appointed to inquire into the expediency of ordering a new census. There was universal dissatisfac- tion with the returns of the canvassers.
The superintendent of the Almshouse reported the expenses of the last quarter, $2,595.25; receipts for labor, &c., $425; number of inmates, 250.
Nov. 11. The Chinese girl, Afong Moy, attracted the attention of the curious at the Museum, by the exhibition of her foot, and the mode of bandaging and crushing by which small feet are produced in China.
Nov. 12. Maria, wife of Dr. Charles D. Townsend, died, aged 48.
Nov. 13. The hat factory of Edward S. Willett, corner of Green and Bassett streets, was burnt. He was the first to commence the manufacture of silk hats in this city. To show that Mr. Willett was not alone a man of fur merely, but also a poet, his advertisement is introduced. As a man of law he can speak for himself. If e'er a man in earnest sought To make a hat as workmen ought, Substantial, and with beauty fraught, 'Tis Willett.
And well may he take pains to please, When hosts of Fashion's devotees Are daily swarming in like bees, At Willett's.
Hundreds and hundreds who've surveyed The hats in other stores displayed, Have left them all and come to trade At Willett's.
Ask the genteel where'er you go, Who made that elegant chapeau? And ten to one he'll say, I trow, 'Twas Willett.
Who showed those hats, so rich and rare, That took the prize twice at the fair, Causing the craft to wince and stare? 'Twas Willett. The Eagle with the hat that won The prize that dimm'd a certain Sun, Displays a taste that's touch'd by none But Willett.
[ Annals, x.] 22
250
Notes from the Newspapers. 1835.
Nov. 15. First fall of snow.
Nov. 19. Asahel Clark, of the firm of Rawdon, Clark & Co., engravers, died suddenly near Columbus, Ohio, while apparently in good health, and riding on a stage coach.
Nov. 23. The finance committee proposed to raise $38,000 by tax for the city expenses for the ensuing year, which were estimated as follows:
For the lamps, $6,000
watch,
7,000
city debt, . 5,000
contingent fund, 20,000
On motion of Alderman Seymour the salaries of the night watch were increased to $1 a night.
Nov. 29. The river closed, leaving a great number of vessels laden with produce for New York, winter bound. An unusual number of boats were frozen in along the whole extent of the canal.
Nov. 30. Margaretta, widow of John Hooghkirk, died, aged 82.
The whole number of boats that arrived at and depart- ed from Albany by canal, was 10,960; amount of tolls collected, $357,565.26.
Dec. 6. John De Witt died, aged 31.
Dec. 7. Captain Stephen Stilwell, of the ship Rosalie, died off Cape Horn, aged 35; son of the late William Stilwell of this city.
Dec. 11. Cornelia, wife of Samuel H. Stewart, died, aged 24.
Dec. 13. Lucy, wife of Sylvester Wilcox, died, aged 55. Dec. 14. Lucy Jacobs died, aged 67.
Sleighs loaded with merchandise left this city for Buf- falo; a thing of rare occurrence since the completion of the canal.
Dec. 16 Cold day; thermometer 12 deg. below zero.
Dec. 17. John Van Zandt died, aged 32.
Dec. 18. A fire broke out in the hat store of Winne & Nelson, and destroyed the building corner of South Market and Hamilton streets, known as the Connecticut
251
1835. Notes from the Newspapers.
Coffee House, owned by Smith Weed. The stores of A. G. Hindman, Levi Phillips and E. S. Willett, were also burnt.
At the same time a sloop was burnt in the basin.
Dec. 21. At a meeting of the common council Erastus Corning was reelected mayor by 10 votes; Francis Blood- good received 8.
Dec. 22. A meeting of citizens was held at the Capi- tol to take into consideration the recent calamitous fire in New York. Erastus Corning was appointed chairman. Among other things it was resolved to send an expression of sympathy to the sufferers, and to assure them of the cordiality with which Albany would contribute her ef- forts toward the accomplishment of measures of relief, and the adoption of such other steps as the occasion might demand.
The mean temperature in 1834 was 49 deg.
1835 " 46 deg.
1836.
Jan. 1. The common council assembled at the City Hall and the oath of office was administered to Hon. Erastus Corning by the recorder, James McKown. Mr. Corning made an address on the occasion, alluding to the transactions of the board during the past year; the con- solidation of the elections by which the members of the board were now chosen with the town officers annually in the spring; the equalization of the wards ; the reduc- tion of the rates of ferriage at the Greenbush ferry from 33 to 50 per cent; the improvements in the basin; the improvements being made by the government in the river; the improvement in the city finances, by which the city debt had been reduced $65,000 in two years, and of nearly $269,000 due in 1817, but $95,000 remained to be liquidated. He called attention to the importance of supplying the city with pure water; of establishing grades between Eagle and Lark streets; to the near com- pletion of the Utica and Schenectady rail road as a
252
Notes from the Newspapers. 1836.
source of increased business to the city, and the prospect of an uninterrupted rail road track to Buffalo; and to the great importance of a rail road to connect with the Boston road at Stockbridge.
Jan. 8. A fire destroyed Parson's carpenter shop in Montgomery street.
Jan. 9. Lucy, wife of Aaron Brown, died, aged 59.
Jan. 15. Ann, wife of Adam Kittle, died, aged 20.
Jan. 18. Daniel Wilcox died, aged 41.
Jan. 20. Nancy Eliza, wife of Stephen Wilson, died, aged 41.
Jan. 21. Barney E. Evertsen died, aged 37.
Jan. 25. Francis G. Roberts died, aged 36.
Jan. 26. ยท John A. Van Allen died, aged 43.
Peter Hilton died in Guilderland, aged 92. He was born in Albany in 1744, and resided here 84 years.
Jan. 27. George Artcher died, aged 43.
Margaret Ann, wife of Jotham Hancock, died, aged 40.
Jan. 28. A tallow chandlery was burnt in Orange street; loss about $1,400. It was owned by Patrick Murphy.
Jan. 31. Philip Hooker died, aged 69.
An organ was procured for St. Peter's church about this time, and the interior of the church much beautified and improved.
Hon. Myndert Van Schaick, at this time state senator from New York, made a donation of $500 to the Third Dutch church of this city. Mr. Van Schaick was a son of Col. Gosen Van Schaick, and born in this city.
A large number of sleighs were employed by the cor- poration in taking the snow out of the narrow streets, in which it lay from 4 to 6 feet in depth.
Feb. 1. The clerk of the common council, R. W. Peckham, resigned the office, and Peter Carmichael was elected.
The number of paupers in the Almshouse was 340, being 100 less than the year before.
253
Notes from the Newspapers.
1836.
Estimates and surveys were being made with a view to the construction of a bridge over the Hudson. Also for a canal from Schenectady direct to Albany.
Feb. 2. Mrs. Lyntie Douw died, aged 66.
Feb. 3 .. A convention met to nominate Gen. Harrison for the presidency.
Feb. 4. Isaac D. Verplanck died at Coeymans, aged 77. He was formerly one of the judges of the common pleas of Albany county. Although a youth at the com- mencement of the revolutionary war, he was on duty, and entitled to a pension, but declined applying for it, saying that the services he had rendered had been amply rewarded by the enjoyment of a free government for more than fifty years. Major Verplanck and six of his townsmen, built the Reformed Dutch church at Coey- mans at their own expense, of which he was a member, and elder until age induced him to resign his place. He was the last survivor of the original proprietors of Coey- man's patent.
Feb. 8. Prudence, wife of Seth Crapo, died, aged 40. James Puddy died.
- Feb. 9. A fire broke out in the rear of Stark's New England Tavern, opposite the steam boat landing; which was extinguished with little damage.
William Thomas died, aged 38; late of Philadelphia.
Feb. 10. William Duffy, manager of the Albany The- atre, was fatally stabbed by one of his actors, John Hamilton, who was arrested and held to bail in $2,000.
Feb. 11. A fire broke out in the dwelling of James Maher, which was consumed, with most of the furniture and a trunk containing $350.
A meeting of citizens was held at the City Hall, Eras- tus Corning in the chair, to consider the project of a bridge at Albany. They resolved that the ferries were inadequate to the wants of the public, and that the com- mon council be requested to memorialize the legislature in favor of this great city measure.
Feb. 16. The firm of Benedict & Roby was changed so as to admit Spencer S. Benedict.
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254
Notes from the Newspapers. 1836.
Feb. 18. The leather store of Jared Holt took fire, and communicating with the adjoining buildings, caused a great deal of damage. The thermometer was 18 deg. below zero, and it was with the utmost difficulty that the hose could be prevented from freezing. The loss was about $15,000.
Feb. 19. Rev. William Linn Keese, formerly rector of St. Paul's church in this city, died at Cuba, whither he had gone for his health, aged 33.
Feb. 22. Mrs. Catharine Darling died, aged 46, and was buried from the house of William Gould in State street.
Feb. 23. Ezra Ames died, aged 68.
Feb. 26. John Van Schoonhoven died, aged 42.
Feb. 28. Sarah, daughter of Wm. Risk, died, aged 22.
March 1. Caroline E., daughter of Amiel Barnard, died, aged 25.
Hon. Alfred Conkling published an educational work, called The Young Citizen's Manual.
March 2. Mrs. Maria Gaffers died, aged 79.
March 3. John Brower, formerly of Albany, died in New York, aged 48.
March 5. The firm of Wilder, Hastings & Co. was dissolved, consisting of Ephraim Wilder, Seth Hastings, Jason Paige and John P. Cassidy. 1
John N. Wilder and William E. Bleecker formed a partnership in business as wholesale dry goods mer- chants at the old stand of Wilder & Hastings, corner of State and Green streets.
March 6. Maria, widow of the late William Morgan, died.
March 8. Joseph R. Van Zandt died, aged 64.
March 11. The assembly committee reported against a bridge across the Hudson at this city. A writer in the Journal attributed the result principally to the joint efforts of the recorder, James McKown, and John N. Quackenbush, and stated further, that Mr. Quackenbush was the vehement opposer of the Erie canal, its termina- tion at Albany, the building of the pier, and other similar innovations.
255
1836.
Notes from the Newspapers.
March 11. Willard H. Walker died, aged 29.
March 12. William Duffy, manager of the Albany Theatre, who had been stabbed by John Hamilton, died of the wound, aged 33. Mr. Duffy was a native of Al- bany, and had been an early companion of Edwin Forrest, whose friendship he always retained and reciprocated. In the capacity of manager he displayed an activity and enterprise which gave a high character to the Albany Theatre. His perseverance under discouragements, suf- ficient to have overcome most men, and a judicious hus- bandry of the means which favorable seasons gave him, enabled him to manage successfully, and with profit to himself and the public, an establishment in which we believe every one of his predecessors had failed. As an actor he was entitled to a high rank, though his business engagements necessarily prevented the closet preparation which has been pronounced necessary to histrionic excel- lence. Many of his efforts, notwithstanding, evinced a vigorous and a polished genius, and in some characters in the highest walks of the drama, he was acknowledged to be unsurpassed. As a citizen he was public spirited and upright; as a man, high minded, social and benevo- lent. Although young, his professional reputation stood high in other cities, and he was for a number of years a manager jointly with William Forest, of a theatre in Philadelphia .- Argus.
The Albany Bethel Union society was formed, with the view of furnishing the means of moral and religious improvement to boatmen and sailors, in providing for them a house of worship, and the stated ministration of the gospel. The first officers were the following:
Stephen Van Rensselaer, president.
Erastus Corning, vice president. Nathaniel Davis, do
W. S. Rossiter, secretary. William Adams, treasurer.
Thaddeus Joy, Levi Chapman, Horace Meech, Thomas McElroy, C. A. Keeler, F. J. Barnard, Isaac P. Hand, E. S. Herrick, and William Stead, directors.
-
256
Notes from the Newspapers. 1836.
March 13. The Green street Baptist church, which had been injured by the recent heavy snows, was re- paired, and open on this day for service.
March 17. Hannah, wife of Col. Wm. Leavenworth, died, aged 79.
The infant schools, which had been closed in May last for want of funds, were opened again in August, and at this time had nearly 400 inmates. The expenses were a little short of $1,000, towards which there was a per- manent fund of $200. A call was made upon the benevo- lent in their behalf.
March 19. There were four fires on this day; Thomas's American Hotel in State street, damage slight; Many's furnace in Beaver street ; Stephen Rider's carpenter shop in Dean street; and the house, corner of Lodge street and Maiden lane.
March 24. Abraham Ehle died in New York, of the late firm of Young & Ehle, at 58 State street.
March 27. The stages still ran to Poughkeepsie on the ice.
March 28. The common council closed the doors of the old Lancaster School. Since the introduction of the common school system, the number of scholars had greatly decreased, and it was found that they might be accommodated in cheaper quarters. In the course of debate it was stated that education at the Lancaster school was cheaper than at the district schools, and that upwards of 10,000 boys, many of whom had grown up to great respectability, had there been initiated in the rudiments of learning. The establishment of a medical college and of a normal school, was contemplated at this time, and the Lancaster school building was looked upon as a suitable edifice for one or the other of them.
At the same meeting it was determined to open a space in the pier between the Columbia and State street bridges. Also to allow the Mohawk and Hudson rail road to con- tinue their track from Gansevoort street north to Ferry street. There was a strong opposition by the property holders in the south part of the city to have the rail road brought through their streets.
257
Notes from the Newspapers.
1836.
The Rev. Isaac Ferris, having resigned his pastoral relation over the Middle Dutch church, also resigned the trusteeship of the Female Academy.
Mr. Bloodgood reported to the common council in favor of translating the Dutch records.
April 1. Mrs. Anne Lewis died, aged 73.
Homer Preston, formerly one of the firm of A. & H. Preston, of the Albany City Coffee House, died at Brook- lyn, N. Y., aged 43.
April 6. Joel B. Nott, James Vanderpoel, Stephen Van Rensselaer, Jr., James Stephenson and John Town- send, president and directors of the Albany Tunnel com- pany, gave notice that books would be opened on the 10th May for subscriptions to the stock of the company.
Susan, daughter of the late Robert Cameron, died in New York, aged 26.
April 9. Zipporah, widow of Ezra Ames, died, aged 61.
April 10. The Emerald steam boat arrived from New York, the first boat of the season.
Hannah, wife of George Hepinstall, died.
An application was made before the legislature for the incorporation of a medical college.
April 13. Daniel Wood died, aged 71.
April 17. Mrs. Ann Christie died, aged 67.
Martha, widow of George Gill, died, aged 59.
April 25. William Mascraft resigned the office of city superintendent.
April 26. Malcom Jamieson died, aged 21.
Hannah D., wife of Lyman T. Doty, died, aged 28.
April 27. John Waddell died, aged 37.
April 30. A fire broke out in the old City Hall, corner of South Market and Hudson streets, which so completely damaged it that it was soon after pulled down.
May 3. James Harris died.
May 5. Schuyler Van Rensselaer died at Marietta, Ohio.
May 10. Amos F. Van Buskirk died, aged 28.
The subscription books were opened for the tunnel.
258
Notes from the Newspapers. 1836.
It was proposed to make an experiment of 100 feet, which would cost by estimate $30,000. Half the capital stock was taken in small sums, and the remainder by capitalists.
The Albany Mutual Insurance company was formed, Dr. Barent B. Staats president.
May 11. Benjamin V. Clench died, aged 74.
May 17. Mrs. Mary Carter died, aged 56.
Ammon Rasey, keeper of the Rising Sun tavern, in South Pearl street, died.
May 19. A fire in North Market street destroyed three buildings adjoining the Mechanics and Farmers Bank, namely : the fur stores of Packer, Prentice & Co. and George C. Treadwell, and the looking glass store of Mr. Belknap.
In digging to make improvements in the north area of the Second Dutch church on Beaver street, a number of grave stones were thrown out, among which were the two following, the first being that of the second mayor of the city. (See Annals, vol. 1, p. 152.)
Here lies the body of John Abeel who departed this life ye 28 day of Jan'y, 1711, and in the 44 year of his age.
Dient begin van wel te leven
Uyt den Hemel was gegeven
Gingh der weer den Hemel waert Storf maer verliet de aert.
Here lies the body of Jeremiah Field, deceased Oct. 16, 1762, aged 32 years.
May 20. James Lloyd died, aged 31.
May 21. John Williamson died, aged 86.
May 23. James McLaughlin died, aged 31.
Bethiah, wife of Joshua Welden, died, aged 79.
May 26. The legislature adjourned, having been in session 143 days.
Subscriptions were open for building the Albany Ex- change.
May 29. Hugh McGrath died.
Timothy Hays died, aged 50.
June 2. Elizabeth, widow of Benjamin Gilbert,died.
259
1836.
Notes from the Newspapers.
June 11. Eliza Ann, wife of J. F. Shaw, died, aged 36.
June 13. A fire broke out in the old Pye tavern on the Watervliet turnpike, which nearly destroyed that famous edifice.
June 14. ' Caroline M. Phelps died, aged 21. Sarah, wife of J. Mortimer, died, aged 26.
Michael Cagger died in Liverpool, England, aged 27.
June 17. The Rev. Charles Smith having taken leave of St. Mary's church, a meeting of the congregation was called, over which Peter C. Doyle presided, at which complimentary resolutions were passed.
Christiana, wife of J. Bogart, died, aged 62.
June 18. A fire destroyed two houses in Swan street.
June 20. Petitions were presented to the common council for widening Exchange street; for a temporary bridge at the foot of Hamilton street; for increased pay of the bell ringer of the Presbyterian church; of E. H. Pease and D. Campbell, teachers of the African school, complaining of being turned out of their room by the military companies occupying the Lancasterian school house.
Resolutions were passed to remove buildings for the widening of Church street; appropriating $250 for the celebration of the 4th of July; offered by James Maher authorizing the police justice to employ four constables at $1.50 a day, to keep the peace on Sundays-he attrib- uted all the disorders on the Sabbath to the retailing of liquors in the groceries; about the city's authorizing the enclosure of the Pottersfield; inquiring into the expediency of widening Maiden lane on the north side from Market street to the City Hall, and Middle alley on the west side from State street to Maiden Jane; by the recorder, a law permitting S. Van Rensselaer, Jr. to make an experiment in paving North Market street north of his house.
The financial condition of the city presented the follow- ing aspect :
Bonds due the commissioners of the canal fund at 5 per cent,. $75,000
Bonds to St. Peter's church 5,000
260
Notes from the Newspapers. 1836.
Temporary loans, 42,500
Award Maiden lane, balance due Mary Ganse- voort and Thomas McElroy, 16,383
$138,883
Amount due to the city, $117,242.37
Stocks held, 43,120.59
160,362.96
Balance in favor of the city, $21,479.96
June 21. Two two story buildings were burned in Malcom street.
June 25. Elizabeth, wife of John W. Netterville, died, aged 39.
June 27. Capt. Samuel Wiswall died in New York, aged 63, and was buried in Hudson. His name is asso- ciated with the memory of Fulton and Livingston in the navigation of the Hudson river by steam.
The Rev. Dr. Ferris of the Second Dutch church, ac- cepted a call to New York, and Prof. John A. Yates occupied the pulpit temporarily.
July 3. Deborah B., wife of John A. Wilson, died.
July 5. Maria Vandenbergh died, aged 101.
July 10. Stephen W. Johnson died at Detroit, Mich.
July 14. Samuel Payn died, aged 65.
July 18. Mary Ann, wife of Lawson Annesley, died, aged 29.
The common council ordered Middle lane to be opened on the west side 14 feet. An effort was made to have Maiden lane widened by taking ground on the north side, from North Market, to North Pearl street, but it was rejected.
July 20. Benjamin Allen, formerly principal of the Albany Academy, died at Hyde Park, aged 65.
Jacob S. Pruyn, formerly of Albany, died at Lafayette, Onondaga county, aged 72.
July 21. William A. Becker died, aged 56.
July 27. Douw B. Slingerland died, aged 55.
Aug. 5. Capt. Stuart Dean, a famous Albany navi gator, died in New York, aged 90.
261
Notes from the Newspapers.
1836.
Aug. 18. Catharine, widow of John Randel, died, aged 75.
Aug. 19. Hannah, wife of Rev. Elias Vanderlip, died, aged 66.
Aug. 20. . Mrs. Gertrude Tremper, daughter of the late Moses Cantine, died.
The common council was petitioned to subscribe to the stock of the Albany and West Stockbridge rail road. Aldermen Gibbons and Maher thought that the board should deliberate with great circumspection upon this subject before they established a precedent.
Harmanus H. Wendell died.
Aug. 22. Thomas Hall died, aged 83.
Royette, wife of Patrick McQuade, died, aged 52.
Aug. 23. Lawrence Connor died, aged 40.
Aug. 25. The milkmen held a convention and re- solved to hold milk at 6 cents a quart after the Ist of September.
Sept. 1. A banner was presented by the firemen and citizens of Albany, to the firemen of Greenbush for the alacrity with which they rallied to the fire in State street last winter.
Cecilia, wife of William Mitchell, died, aged 47.
Sept. 2. Asaph Sykes died, aged 35.
James Wands died, aged 65.
Mary, wife of Thomas Carroll, died, aged 32.
Sept. 11. A fire destroyed several wooden buildings on the corner of South Pearl and Hudson streets, occu- pied as a grocery, carpenter's and blacksmith's shop.
An attempt was made to run an omnibus through North and South Market streets, by Joseph Webster, but it did not meet with patronage; the people preferred to walk rather than ride for 6 cents.
Sept. 15. Books were opened for subscriptions to the Hudson River rail road.
Sept. 25. Edward H. Dunn died at Little Rock, Ar- kansas.
[ Annals, x.] 23
262
Notes from the Newspapers. 1836.
Sept. 26. At a meeting of the common council P. V. Shankland was reelected chamberlain. Petitions from a large number of citizens, were presented asking the board to subscribe to the stock of the Albany and West Stockbridge rail road. The committee having the subject in consideration, reported that they had obtained the opinions of Harmanus Bleecker and James McKown, who concurred with them that the board had power to subscribe for and hold stock. But the subject was again laid upon the table, with a view of obtaining a more full expression of the public upon it.
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