The civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the county of Kings and the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., from 1683 to 1884 Volume I, Part 38

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909, ed. cn; Brockett, L. P. (Linus Pierpont), 1820-1893; Proctor, L. B. (Lucien Brock), 1830-1900. 1n
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : W. W. Munsell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1114

USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > The civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the county of Kings and the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., from 1683 to 1884 Volume I > Part 38

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The corner-stone of the United States Dry Dock was laid on the 4th of July in this year. The Cemetery of the Evergreens was also organized and incorporated.

The idea of connecting Brooklyn with New York by means of a bridge was not only broached, but seriously discussed, in public, and in the New York papers. The Tribune thus expressed itself, "The bridge is the great event of the day. New York and Brooklyn must be united, and there is no other means of doing it. The thing will certainly be achieved one of these days, and the sooner the better." Among other plans was one of a floating-bridge, with draw, etc.

The principal event of this year was the visitation of that dreadful scourge of the human race, the epidemic

cholera. It appeared in Brooklyn on the 26th of May, 1849, from which time it prevailed here until the 22d of September. During this period there were 642 deaths, being in a ratio to the population (100,000) of one in every 155 persons. In New York, during the same period, with a population of 425,000, there were 4,957 deaths, being a ratio of 1 to every 86 persons.

This epidemic commenced in Court street, and was not confined to any particular part of the city, although nearly four-fifths were in different, well-defined locali- ties, in the neighborhood of Hoyt, Bond, Butler, Doug- lass streets ; Blake's buildings, State street ; Furman and Columbia ; Squire's buildings in Hicks, near Paci- fic street ; Hall's alley, Furman street ; Clark's build- ings, Kelsey's alley, Hamilton avenue and, Columbia street. These localities were in the neighborhood of low ground and stagnant water, or where the filth was abundant, and were too crowded, being occupied by a population at least one-half or one-third larger than was consistent with either comfort or health.

Of the victims of this epidemic, a large portion were intemperate; and, among those who were temperate, the attack could, in almost every instance, be traced to some error or excess in diet.

1850. In July another disastrous fire occurred, sec- ond in destructiveness only to the great fire of 1848. It consumed several large storehouses on Furman street, and destroyed property valued at not less than $400,000. The most prominent feature of the fire was the terrific explosion of a large quantity of saltpetre, which was stored in one of the warehouses, and which occasioned the utmost consternation, blowing one fire- engine, and those who were working it, entirely off the dock, into the water. Luckily, however, no lives were lost.

In April Mr. Samuel Smith was chosen mayor, to serve from May Ist until the close of the year, in ac- cordance with an amendment to the city charter, which made the term of this and the other municipal officers commence with the civil year.

SAMUEL SMITH was born at Huntington, L. I., in 1788. His boyhood was spent upon his father's farm ; and his edu- cation was obtained at the Huntington Academy. In 1803 he began to learn the cooper's trade, and in 1806 removed to the village of Brooklyn. In 1809 he abandoned his trade ; and, with Mr. Richard Bouton, hired the John Jackson place, and went to farming. A year later they left this location and hired "the Post farm" (which took in a portion of the pres- ent Fort Greene). In 1811 Mr. Smith married Eliza, daugh- ter of Judge Tunis Joralemon, and the next year purchased the easterly portion of the Tunis G. Johnson farm, on the southerly side of the Old Road (now Fulton avenue). For this property, comprising nearly fourteen acres, he paid $6,000 ; in 1815 added to it, by purchase, the southerly por- tion of the original Johnson farm, about six acres, at $500 per acre ; and, in 1818, bought the remainder (bounded by Red Hook lane, Schermerhorn street and a line one hundred feet east of Smith street), eight acres, for the sum of $10,000. Here he pursued the farming and milk business until about 1825, when he turned his attention exclusively to the im-

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THE FIRST CITY OF BROOKLYN, 1834-1854.

provement and sale of his real-estate, the value of which was then fast increasing-with the rapid development of the vil- lage. He managed his property with an ability and success which made him very wealthy. He was commissioner of highways and fence-viewer of the old town of Brooklyn from 1821 to '25, and also in 1827, '33, '34 ; assessor from 1827 to 1830 inclusive ; justice of the peace in 1831, and for several years thereafter ; supervisor for several years, and for two years chairman of the board ; and was appointed (by the old council of appointments) a county judge, going out of ser- vice on the adoption of the new State constitution. He was also one of the three County Superintendents of the Poor ; and, in connection with his associates, David Johnson, of Flatbush, and Michael Schoonmaker, he selected and pur- chased the present county-farm at Flatbush, and erected thereon buildings suitable, at that day, for the accommoda- tion of the poor. Descended, as he was, from an old-fashioned democratic family, Mr. Smith has always been found in the ranks of that party. When the city of Brooklyn was char- tered, in 1834, his farm was brought within the limits of the Sixth ward (now cut up into the Sixth, Tenth and Twelfth wards), which he represented in the board of aldermen from 1834 to 1838, from 1842 to 1844, and 1845 to 1846, a portion of the time as president of the board. In 1850 he was unanimously elected mayor by a democratic majority of three to four hundred votes, over Mr. J. T. S. Stranahan ; also overcom- ing the two thousand majority by which his predecessor, Mr. Copeland, had distanced his competitor in the previous char- tered election. As mayor, Mr. Smith always possessed the confidence of the public as one who would deal with public affairs justly and faithfully as with his own. He was selected as a vigorous economist, endeavored to do his duty to the best of his ability, and always commanded the respect and confidence of the better classes. At the time of the war of 1812, Mr. Smith was a member of the militia-company known as the Washington Fusileers, and served a while in camp on Fort Greene. After the war he was commissioned ensign in the 44th (Col. Joseph Dean's) Regiment, and subse- quently was promoted to a captaincy in the same. He wor- shipped with the congregation occupying the old Dutch church, and, in 1830, he became a member of that com- munion. Mr. Smith was, for a considerable portion of his life, identified with the inception and interests of the princi- pal moneyed institutions of Brooklyn, having been a director of the Brooklyn Bank ; a director, and, for two years, presi- dent of the Atlantic Bank ; an original incorporator of the Nassau Insurance Company, and a director in the Mechanics Insurance and Home Life Insurance Companies. Mr. Smith died May 19, 1872.

1851. With this year began the mayoralty of Conklin Brush, who served during two years.

CONKLIN BRUSH commenced business in the city of New York, at the close of the war of 1812, and, with no resources but a good character, and remarkable business tact and energy, he very rapidly acquired the reputation of a safe and successful merchant. From 1816 to 1840, embracing all the periods of great commercial disaster, he was at the head of nine successful mercantile firms, no one of which ever failed, and all of which were highly pros- perous. Mr. Brush came to Brooklyn in 1827. His services were eagerly sought by the Brooklyn people of that day, and he served in the board of trustees in 1830; and in the com- mon council from 1834 to 1835, serving as president of the board. When he retired from the presidency, he received a unanimous vote of thanks for the manner in which he had filled the office. Mr. Brush took an active part in every lead-

ing public measure which has advanced the growth and pros- perity of Brooklyn. When he moved to Brooklyn there was not a public lamp in the village. In 1832 he took meas- ures to place them in Hicks and Willow streets, and since then they have been gradually extended so as to light all the populous quarters of the city. In 1834 he was chairman of a · citizens' committee, which secured for Brooklyn, against the opposition of New York, the establishment of the South (or Atlantic) ferry. He also led the movement to widen Fulton street, below its junction with Main street, against a most violent opposition. Mr. Brush was appointed, by a public meeting of citizens, on a committee to select and secure a site for a City Hall. They obtained the site on which the City Hall now stands, and proposed the erection of a hall substantially like the present building, to cost about $100,- 000. Unfortunately, other counsels prevailed, and a building to cost from a half to three-quarters of a million was planned and commenced under a democratic majority in the common council-an egregious blunder which finally resulted in a ten years' delay in the erection of this much-needed public edifice ; and, what was worse, in the formation of nearly one-half of the debt which subsequently burdened the city of Brooklyn. To Mr. Brush, also, in connection withi Mr. Daniel Richards, Brooklyn is indebted for the projection and inception of the great Atlantic docks, which was incorpor- ated in 1840, and of which company he was a director, dur- ing some six years. In 1848 he erected a grain-elevator and several stores connected therewith. In the fall of 1850 Mr. Brush was elected by the whig party as mayor over John Rice (democratic), and George Hall (independent). He served as mayor during 1851 and 1852. The city never had a mayor better versed in all the details of thorough practical service. His perfect familiarity with financial affairs secured for him the confidence and support of the large property in- terest, which sensitively requires all due knowledge and cau- tion on the part of public servants. After the expiration of his term of office he accepted the presidency of the Mechanics' Bank of Brooklyn. By no means least, among the many im- portant services which he rendered to the city, was his con- nection, from the first, with the great movement for procur- ing a supply of water ; his valuable efforts having been pro- perly recognized in his selection, by the mayor, as one of the board of construction, of the water commissioners. He died July 4, 1870.

That part of the city known as South Brooklyn began to make rapid strides in the development of commercial resources, industries, and density of population, which have since distinguished it. Sand-hills were levelled, marshes were filled, streets were laid out, graded and paved. Dwellings were erected, docks, piers and ware- houses were established, and a great impetus was given to the prosperity and growth of the region.

There were in Brooklyn, at this time, many distiller- ies, rectifying establishments, etc., the annual products of which added very considerably to the material wealth and commercial prosperity of the city.

The combined statistics of this branch of Brooklyn industry showed that 6 distilleries, 3 rectifying estab- lishments, and a brewery, employing altogether 179 persons, and consuming grain and fuel to the value of $993,300 annually, produced during the same period 5,459,300 gallons of whisky, valued at $1,364,825, be- sides $40,000 worth of slops and swill. 2,964,000 gal-

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HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

lons of whisky were rectified and manufactured into domestic liquors, pure spirits, etc.

At the same time there was also more white-lead manufactured in Brooklyn than in any other city or town in America (and probably as much as was made in all parts of the United States), consuming nearly one -. third the product of all the then-existing lead-mines of the country. The Brooklyn White Lead Works, loca- ted in Front street, between Washington and Adams, was the oldest in the city and State, and one of the old- est in the country, having been established in 1822, and incorporated in 1825, with a capital of $53,000, by J. B. & Augustus Graham, and other enterprising capital- ists. It occupied an entire block of 230 by 200 feet, employing 90 men ; and producing annually 2,500 tons of white-lead, red-lead, litharge, etc., valued at $425,000.

The whole united product of the white-lead works of Brooklyn, at this time, was from 6,000 to 12,000 tons annually, and their united capital was over one million of dollars.

The above statistics illustrate the rapidly-increasing value and importance of the city at that period of its existence.

July 1st. Not to be forgotton, also, in the annals of Brooklyn, was the laying of the corner-stone of the Old Ladies' Home, a charity which owed its inception, and its subsequent perfect development, to the Christian philanthropy and liberality of the late John B. Gra- ham, Esq.

During this and the following year many churches, benevolent associations, and business corporations, were established. In January, 1852, the Brooklyn Athena- um and Reading-room was incorporated ; and, during the same year, an elegant and commodious edifice was erected on the corner of Atlantic and Clinton streets, for its occupancy.

1853. Edward C. Lambert was chosen mayor for this and the succeeding year. In his communication to the common council, on the 3d of January, he pre- sented a summary of the progress of the city during the year 1852. "Well may we rejoice," he says, "in the increase of population, numbering at the present time some 120,000, and ranking us as the seventh city in our union: in the increase of taxable property, amounting to nearly twelve millions of dollars during the past year; and in the many improvements which have taken place in various parts of the city, evidenc- ing a solid and permanent growth." Fifteen schools were mentioned as under the control of the board of education, giving instruction to 18,307 scholars, while two evening-schools had been opened, which were at- tended by 809 scholars. Twenty-two miles of street mains had been laid down by the Brooklyn Gas Com- pany, being nearly half of the whole number put down since the formation of the company ; and 1,202 gas- lamps had been erected. The number of buildings

erected during the year 1852 was 2,500. The move- ment, first agitated in 1835, for the securing of a full and permanent water-supply for Brooklyn, was this year advanced by the investigations of Mr. Wm. J. McAlpine, an engineer appointed, in 1851, to make the necessary examinations; and his report and plans were recommended by the mayor in his annual report.

EDWARD AUGUSTUS LAMBERT was born in the city of New York, June 10th, 1813. His father, master of a merchant- ship in the service of one of the old South street shipping- houses, was lost at sea with his vessel ; and his son, from the age of twelve years, was obliged to depend upon his own efforts. As clerk, he served in an importing-house until 1832, entering then into the stationery-business. In 1849 he was chosen on the democratic (free-soil) ticket, as alderman from the Sixth ward of Brooklyn ; and, on the division of that ward, in 1850, was elected alderman of the (new.) Tenth ward, (formed from the Sixth), and was honored by the presidency of the board. In November, 1852, he was elected, on the democratic ticket, mayor of the city of Brooklyn, for the years 1853 and '54. During the term of his mayoralty the affairs of the city were administered with strict economy, and the laws enforced with an impartiality and strictness which secured the universal approbation of his fellow-citi- zens ; while his personal devotion to all the duties of his sta- tion, whether at or outside of the office, was conspicuous.

During his term of office, charters were granted to, and contracts made with, the horse-railroads which now form so important an element of Brooklyn interests ; the introduc- tion of a permanent supply of water was assured to the city, by the purchase of ponds, etc .; the Truant Children's Home was established and the Sunday-law rigorously enforced to the great satisfaction of all good citizens. In the spring of 1854 Mayor Lambert's health failed, under the pressure of his official labors, and the common council granted his request for a leave of absence. He accordingly spent about six weeks in Europe, and returning home, June the 1st, found the city of Brooklyn in a state of excitement. Riots had broken out between the Irish and parties affiliated with the Know- Nothing party, and prompt and energetic measures were required to suppress them. These measures were at once adopted by Mayor Lambert, whose characteristic firmness, decision and impartiality rendered him exactly the man for the emergency ; and he was admirably seconded by the civil, police and military force which he immediately summoned to his aid. The power of the law, the rights of free speech and the proprieties of the Sabbath were promptly and fully vindicated.

During the war of the rebellion Mr. Lambert was among the first to promote volunteering, etc., and called the first great war-meeting, on Fort Greene, in April, 1861. He was also the recording-secretary and an active member of the committee appointed by the citizens of Brooklyn, in June, 1862, to provide for the reception, care and relief of wounded and sick soldiers forwarded from the field by government ; and, when the great Sanitary Fair was organized in 1864, was chairman of the committee on benefits, entertainments and exhibitions, in which capacity, as well as by his labors as a member of the War Fund committee, he rendered most excel- lent service.

Mr. Lambert has been, for many years, prominently identi- fied with the Presbyterian denomination, as delegate to its synods and treasurer of the Presbyterian committee of Home Missions ; and was one of the most active and influential orig- inal members of the Lafayette avenue Presbyterian church

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THE FIRST CITY OF BROOKLYN, 1834-1854.

(Rev. Dr. Cuyler's). He was at one time the president of the Craftsman's Life Insurance Company, of New York city; and is now engaged in the wholesale stationery business.

December 17th, 1853. The Brooklyn City Railroad Company was incorporated under the general law of the State of New York, and set immediately to work to lay the rails on the several routes designated by their contract with the city authorities.

On the 20th of the same month, the Colonnade-row, on the Heights, was destroyed by fire. It consisted of eight four-story brick buildings, having on their fronts large wooden columns and balustrades; and, being con- spicuous from the river, were much noticed and ad- mired, especially by strangers.

During the year, the common council, acting under authority of the act passed June 19th, 1851, purchased several streams and ponds of water on the island, at an expense of some $44,000; and which sources, it was es- timated, would furnish a sufficient quantity of water to meet the wants of the city for a period of years, while the quality of the water, for purity, was unsurpassed. In June an act was passed, by the legislature, entitled "An Act for the supply of the city of Brooklyn with water;" which act required, that, before the adoption of any plan, the same should be submitted to the elec- tors for their approval. A special election was, there- fore, held in the month of July, which resulted in the rejection, by a majority of 3,700, of the plan proposed by the common council. A strong opposition was found to be arrayed against the plan, while many citizens, too confident of the success of the undertaking, did not in- terest themselves in its favor. As, however, the act empowered the common council to submit other plans and estimates, until an approval was obtained, this de- feat was but a temporary delay to the progress of the important and beneficent work of procuring a supply of wholesome water for Brooklyn.

1854. In May, persons connected with the Bridge Street Primitive Methodist church inaugurated public religious exercises in the open air. These meetings were disturbed by New York roughs, who came over for that purpose; and, on Sunday, the 4th of June, a se- rious riot occurred at the Main street ferry, as a party of these roughs were about to embark on their return.

Sticks, stones and other missiles were hurled by the crowd collected near the ferry, at the New Yorkers, who, in return, fired on the crowd, wounding several and killing one. Some damage was done to the ferry- house and boat, but the mob was finally dispersed by the police and military, and order was restored. No subsequent disturbance occurred. The right of free speech was vindicated, and street-preaching and ill-feel- ing gradually subsided.

June. On the 13th the cholcra made its appearance in Plymouth and Pacific streets. It numbered 656 per- sons among its victims, before the close of the season.

July. On the 3d of this month the cars of the Brooklyn City Railroad Company made their first trips over the Myrtle avenue, Flushing avenue and Fulton street, and Fulton avenue routes; their first paying trips being made on the following day, the 4th. On the 7th of August cars began to run over the Green- wood route.

September 11th. Memorable in the educational his- tory of Brooklyn, as marking the commencement of the Packer Collegiate Institute for Girls, which super- seded the former Brooklyn Female Academy.

As a counterpart to the Packer Institute, another educational establishment, for boys, called the Brook- lyn Collegiate and Polytechnic Institute, was incorpo- rated during this same year.

In November was incorporated the Union Ferry Company of Brooklyn, with a capital of $800,000. This new corporation superseded the former Union Ferry Company, which had existed since 1851. There were previously two associated companies: the New York and Union Ferry Company, from 1839 to 1844, and the Brooklyn Union Ferry Company, from 1844 to 1851.

On the 17th of April, of this year, the Legislature of the State, threc-fifths being present, had passed an "Act to consolidate the cities of Brooklyn and Wil- liamsburgh, and the town of Bushwick, into a munici- pal government, and to incorporate the same," the said act to take effect on the 1st of January, 1855. With the last day of 1854, therefore, ended the history of the FIRST CITY OF BROOKLYN.

HISTORY

OF THE

TOWN OF GRAVESEND.

BY REV.

at Hochwell, A. M.

G EOGRAPHY, Topography, Soil, etc .- The town of Gravesend, by age and position, is worthy a prominent place in the History of Kings County.

Containing within its boundaries, probably the most popular seaside resort in the country-viz .: Coney Island-it has assumed of late an importance entirely unknown to the first two hundred and thirty years of its existence.

It is triangular in form, its base resting upon the Atlantic Ocean on the south, its apex adjoining Flatbush on the north, and is bounded east by the town of Flatlands, and west by New Utrecht.

Its nearness to two of the largest commercial cen- tres in America promises, in the near future, a growth vastly more rapid than during any period of its past history ; while its healthful climate, and present rapid- transit accommodations, will doubtless render it an attractive place of residence for the business men of New York and Brooklyn.

It occupies the most southerly portion of Kings county, and is some seven miles from Fulton ferry ; while its northern boundary is only about two miles from the southern city limits of Brooklyn,

Its surface is mostly level, yet with a sufficient slope towards the sea to make possible a complete system of drainage.

The soil, though somewhat light and sandy, is yet very productive ; and, with careful tillage and gener- ous fertilizing, will, under favorable circumstances, produce two fair crops.

The climate is remarkably healthful and agreeable. The inhabitants are rarely, if ever, exposed to any dangerous epidemic, and notable longevity is the rule rather than the exception.

The atmosphere is so modified by the influence of the sea that the temperature is usually cooler in summer and warmer in winter, by several degrees, than we find it further inland. The weather must be extremely cold for the mercury to fall below zero ; while, in

summer, the cooling, delightful sea-breeze, which invariably springs up in the afternoon, generally makes the hottest days tolerable, and even comfortable,

Settlement .- It was, probably, upon the soil of Gravesend that the foot of white men first trod in this State. (See chapter on Coney Island). The first per- manent settlement of the town dates back to the year 1643; although there may have been individuals who occupied land within the town-boundaries a few years earlier, as we shall have occasion to notice hereafter.

While all the other towns in Kings county were settled by the Dutch, who came over from Holland under the auspices of the Dutch West India Company, Gravesend was first settled by a colony of English, under the leadership of Lady Deborah Moody, a woman of considerable wealth and education, who afterwards took a prominent part in the administration of public affairs.

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The civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the county of Kings and the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., from 1683 to 1884 Volume I, Part 38

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909, ed. cn; Brockett, L. P. (Linus Pierpont), 1820-1893; Proctor, L. B. (Lucien Brock), 1830-1900. 1n Publication date: 1884 Publisher: New York : W. W. Munsell & Co. Number of Pages: 1114

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909, ed. cn; Brockett, L. P. (Linus Pierpont), 1820-1893; Proctor, L. B. (Lucien Brock), 1830-1900. 1n
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : W. W. Munsell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1114