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 45
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184
HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.
The quiet waters of the inlet offered a secure anchor- age for the small fishing-craft so common along the shore of Long Island; and, consequently, the fishermen gradu- ally congregated here in the generation past, built their humble homes and enjoyed a peaceful life, as they fol- lowed their profitable but dangerous occupation. The population increased but slowly at first, and for many years the village consisted of only a small cluster of houses.
Some fifty years ago, however, some of the old resi- dents of Brooklyn and New York discovered that here was just the place to spend a hot summer-day, both for pleasure or for health ; or to satisfy a craving appetite with a clam-chowder, or a regular fish-dinner. But, for all this, it continued for years its undisturbed slumber.
About 40 or 45 years ago a hotel was built, known as Tappan's hotel, justly celebrated ever since for its ex- cellent accommodations and courteous treatment of guests. It has always been a favorite resort of those who sought the " abundance of the sea," every variety of which they could find here upon shortest notice. A few years later Linderman's Hotel was built, and soon found also a host of enthusiastic friends and visitors. The Washington House, formerly owned and kept by Mr. Hendrickson, is also among the oldest and best known. Another hotel, whose claim of celebrity should not be overlooked, stood formerly in the middle of what is now Ocean avenue; and was kept by the genial and hospitable host, well-known of late years in city and country by the familiar name of "Pop Fagan." This house was burned; and, in 1875, another, known as Dela- no's hotel, took its place. In 1862 Mrs. McMahon built a fine hotel, which was greatly enlarged and beautified in 1882. In 1868 Osborn's hotel was erected; and, in 1882, the Hotel Jerome, perhaps the finest hotel at the Bay. These hotels are now filled with summer-board- ers, who find a most excellent tonic in the cooling sea- breeze, combined with the finest sea-bathing, boating and fishing, anywhere to be found.
Like other parts of the town, the Bay has grown wonderfully in popular favor within the last ten years. To those who visit the Bay but seldom, the changes noticeable, even in a short time, are perfectly surprising. Houses are building, new streets are opening, and the march of general improvements constantly advancing. The first marked advance of Sheepshead Bay in popu- ularity, and increase of valuation, dates from the year 1877, when a farmer by the name of Emmer, owning a farm of some 50 acres near the Bay, died ; and his widow had the farm surveycd, divided into building- lots, and sold by public auction. The following year a neighboring farm, owned by Daniel D. Stillwell, was also sold in the same manner. Building immediately began upon these lots, and now the whole hundred acres or more are nearly covered with dwelling-houses; and, since then, the few lots left unimproved have quadrupled in value.
Perhaps the finest and most fashionable part of Shecpshead Bay is what is called "Lincoln Beach;" formerly low marshy ground, which, a few years ago, could not find a purchaser at $100 an acre. It lies a little to the east of the village, and along the shore of the bay; having before it the beautiful Manhattan Beach, and, on the left, an uninterrupted ocean-view. The pioneer in building up and beautifying Lincoln Beach was Alanson Treadwell, Esq., the head of the celebrated clothing-house of Treadwell, Jarman & Slote, corner of Broadway and Chambers street, N. Y. His fondness for fishing and boating had frequently led him, during former summer-seasons, to visit Shceps- head Bay, where he could indulge, without limit, his favorite sport. With prophetic instinct he saw the future value of this unimproved low-ground as a place for summer-residences, provided a suitable outlay of money and labor should first be made. Consequently, in 1877, Mr. Treadwell purchased two building-lots for $350 apiece, and began the work of filling in with soil to make a solid foundation for a summer-cottage. Never before had man dared to dispute with the ocean- tides the question of title to this property. Hence, there was many a shrug of the shoulders and shake of the head among the neighbors when they saw this rash and expensive work undertaken. It was, however, ac- complished in due time, in spite of every obstacle, and a neat and very pleasant cottage erected upon one of the lots in the spring of 1878. This was the starting- point of an enterprise which has grown beyond all cx- pectations. Other lots were soon bought by wealthy men, and handsome buildings erected, until now there are, lining the shore-front, ten or twelve beautiful cot- tages, costing from five to seven thousand dollars; and it has become the finest part of Sheepshead Bay.
To show the almost fabulous increase in value of this once nearly worthless marsh, we may cite the fact that one of the lots originally bought by Mr. Treadwell, he sold to his partner, for the purchase-price, $350. This gentleman, after keeping the property four years, not wishing himself to build upon it, sold it, unimproved as he found it, for over $6,000.
In 1880-1, the brothers, J. B. and Robert Voorhees, owners of two beautiful farms adjoining the village, began to sell lots for building-purposes, and also to erect fine houses themselves, which have found ready lease. This, also, has greatly added to the improve- ment of the place. There are now, probably, 200 or 250 houses where, a little more than a generation ago, there was but one. Mrs. Elizabeth Clute, a wealthy lady from New York, coming to the Bay for summer recreation, found it so delightful and healthful a place to live, that she has made it her permanent residence since 1877. She has done much for the place in build- ing handsome houses, and otherwise creating much en- thusiasm in village improvements. Her own residence, Manhattan Villa, is one of the finest in town.
185
UNIONVILLE-SUPERVISORS-TOWN-CLERKS.
John Y. MeKane, our efficient and hard-working supervisor, is one of our most enterprising business- men, and resides here. Aside from his official duties, he has in his employ, as a builder, some 100 to 150 men, and is in constant demand, both in and out of town.
We would also mention the Lundy Bros., Corson Bros., John Miller, Mr. Teets, and many others, as cn- terprising business-men.
The village is connected, by foot-bridge, with Man- hattan Beach; and contains a church, post-offiee, four stores, a meat-market, and also many hotels and ex- eellent boarding-houses, where the finest fresh fish, clams, oysters, and every desirable kind of sea-food can be had in abundance. Two steam-railroads afford excellent communication with Coney Island, and also with New York and Brooklyn.
And thus our growth continues; and, we venture to say, that no village in Kings eounty can show a better record of material prosperity for the past few years, or brighter prospects of the future. With the great bridge uniting the two largest cities of America, now thrown open to the public; and the problem of rapid transit about to be solved, it is not rash to prophesy, for this part of Long Island, at no distant day, a future which will far cclipse the wildest dreams of its most enthusi- astic inhabitant.
Unionville .- This village is built, partly, as we have before seen, on the site of the old bowery of the first . patentee, Antony Jansen. There are some fifty houses along the shore of Gravesend Bay, overlooking Coney Island Point, and the beginning of "The Narrows."
There are several hotels, among the finest of which, for situation and royal hospitality, is the hotel of Capt. James Stillwell. Near by is also the ruin of the first tide grist-mill ever built in town, some 230 years ago. There is also a churel, several stores, and a thriving lumber-yard, owned and run by A. & T. M. Hageman.
The fishing and boating here are most excellent, and it is a favorite resort for summer-boarders, who desirc the full benefit of the sea-shore, combined with the quiet and rest of country-life.
Gunther's Steam Railroad furnishes quick and eom- fortable communication with the city. We prediet for Unionville a future enlargement and importance, of which she need not be ashamed.
General History .- Until within the past ten years there has been very little variation in the history of the town. The population has slowly increased, and property has advanced in value little by little. The people have pursued the even tenor of their ways, and lived to a good old age.
The record of deeds and transfers of property has been made in the Register's office in Brooklyn since about 1707; and, hence, the town-records have been taken up generally with the reports of town-offieers elected, and resolutions passed, which, for the most part, relate to Coney Island.
Supervisors .- The first recorded election of Super- visor took place in 1754, Samuel Gerritsen being the successful candidate. Sinee then the following gentle- men, among others, have filled the office with honor and ability, some of them for nearly or quite 20 years. John Terhune; Nicholas Stillwell; Samucl G. Stryker; B. I. Ryder; William Bennett; Jaques J. Stillwell; and John Y. McKane, at the present time President pro tem. of the Board of Kings county, an honor worthily bestowed. Others also have faithfully served, whose names are not now at hand.
Town-Clerks .- In the early history of the colony this offiee was the most important in the town. John Tilton was the first "clark;" serving the town in this capacity for about twenty years. The names of Ed- ward Brouse and Symon Lane also appear as filling, for a short time, this offiee. Will Goulding was also town- clerk for some twenty-two years; and John Emans for thirteen. Among many others we note the names of Samuel Hubbard; Samuel- Gerritsen; and, more re- eently, Judge Nicholas Stillwell; Jacobus Lake, and the present clerk, John L. Voorhees. Mr. Stillwell held the office, without doubt, longer than any other man. For thirty-five years he earefully kept the town- reeords, in a clear, legible hand, and to-day is probably better versed in town-affairs than any man living. He served from 1835-70. Hc was also, for three years, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, until this court was abolished; and, for six or seven years, Associate- Justice of the Kings county Court of Sessions.
Within the past ten years the town has advanced more in material prosperity than in the whole eentury preceding the last deeade.
The popularity of Concy Island, and the millions ex- pended there in fine hotels and other improvements, have brought the town at once into notoriety. Why this vast minc of wealth remained so long undeveloped is a mystery. The town received some benefit from Coney Island at least seventy-five years ago.
The first reeord we find of the appointment of com- missioners of common lands is dated 1811, when, at a public town-meeting, it was resolved, that it would promote the interests of the town to lease Coney Island. According to this resolution, Nicholas Stillwell, Van Brunt Magaw and John Terhune were chosen commis- sioners for granting leases " upon such conditions and terms of years, as to them should seem fit, and the most to promote the interest of said town."
This speaks well for the honesty and good judgment of the first commissioners, and the confidence the town reposcd in them.
Magistrates' Pew in Church .- In the early part of this century the town-justices, being the chief dig- nitaries, were honored, and, at the same time, encour- aged, to attend divine-service on the Sabbath, by having a pew set apart for their special use. But in 1813, at a publie town-meeting, it was " Resolved, to sell the
186
HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.
pew in church in said town, commonly called the jus- tiees' bench, by public auction." Stephen Stryker was declared the successful bidder.
Town-Hall .-- Among public buildings we would not forget to mention the town-hall, built in 1873. In the sec- ond story is a large public hall, with stage, ante-rooms, &c. The first floor contains a court-room and room for public town business, and several smaller side-rooms for the use of town-officers; and in the basement are four cells for the confinement of criminals, which (in sum- mer time) are generally well patronized.
Water Supply .- In January, 1880, an application was filed before the Town Water Board to form a "Water Works Co.," for the purpose of supplying the town with pure, fresh water. The board granted the franchise in May of the same year. The following persons form the company: C. W. Schofield; S. Rich- ardson; Benj. Richardson; Benj. S. Stephens; J. A. Brainard; William Bennett and Harmanus B. Hub- bard. The company have erected a large brick engine- house; a large iron water-tank, 75 feet high by 15 or 20 feet in diameter, and have sunk several fine wells on their property, near the Brighton Beach rail- road. They have run a main to Sheepshead Bay and one to Coney Island; and it is hoped will soon, accord- ing to their promise, run another to the village of Gravesend.
The town, for the last few years, has had a hard, ex- pensive and constant struggle to save any of her valu- able common-lands from the hands of grasping corpor- ations, which have already seized much of it for rail- road purposes. What the future will develop in this direction yet remains to be seen.
One thing, however, is evident,-that the quiet slum- ber which this good old town has enjoyed for more than two hundred years, has at length been forcibly dis- turbed and broken up ; and, with all her natural advan- tages, and the impetus she has already gained in the way of progress, we cannot help predieting for Graves- end a magnifiecnt future.
Race-Courses .- Horse-racing on Long Island is said to have been first introduced by Gov. Nicoll, in 1665. The first course was at Hempstead Plains, and a piece of plate was the stake. The object, as set forth by the Governor, was to improve the stock, and encourage the breeding of superior animals. The sport was countenanced and continued by Gov. Love- lace, who, in 1669, authorized the inspectors of Hemp- stead to receive subscriptions for a sweepstakes. Gravesend seems to be specially favored (?) in this re- spect, there being no less than four race-courses in the town. The first one was the Prospect Park Fair Grounds Association, incorporated 1868, containing about 60 acres. A mile-track was made, and a large club house built near Gravesend avenue, which was afterwards moved to Ocean Parkway, when this magnificent avenue was opened through their ground,
The property has now come into the hands of the fol- lowing gentlemen: George Powers; Samuel Payson; E. O. Read and Henry Dodge.
The club-house is in charge of the celebrated ca- terer, Hiram W. Howe.
About 1874, a half-mile track was built near Park- ville, containing some 40 acres. The hotel was first erected on Coney Island avenue, at that time the principal thoroughfare to Coney Island. When the Ocean Parkway was opened it was removed to the latter avenue; and, after being to some extent re- modelled, it now makes a fine appearance. After a few years of prosperity it ceased to be profitable as a race-course, and was consequently used for other sport- ing purposes. The property belongs to Ex-Mayor W. R. Grace of New York. The management of the con- cern has this year (1883) passed into the hands of the New York and Brooklyn Driving Club. William Mc- Mahon has charge of the hotel.
Coney Island Jockey Club .- In 1880, the Coney Island Jockey Club bought 100 acres of land, in what was commonly known as the "Neck Woods," at a cost of $110,000. Subsequently they added about twenty aeres more, at an expense of $25,000, making the total cost of purchase about $135,000. At great expense, all the trees not needed for shade or ornament were taken ont by the roots, and the grounds were graded, seeded, and otherwise greatly beautified. A grand-stand was built, with solid, brick foundation, upon which rests a well-proportioned and highly ornate edifice. It has been handsomely painted; and, with the sloping, grassy lawn in front, presents altogether an attractive appearance. Its cost was nearly $50,000. Everything about their vast grounds is kept in perfect order.
Spring and fall meetings, of ten days each, are held, and the most celebrated race-horses in the country are then put upon exhibition. This is the most fashionable resort of the kind in the vicinity of New York. Thous- ands of people are brought by railroads and carriages every day of the races, and it is said that as much as $30,000 have been taken, as gate-money alone, during a single meeting. Their beautiful and extensive grounds are freely thrown open to the public, except during the racing-season, and a drive through them well repays the trouble.
It is a stock-company, and the present officers are : Leonard W. Jerome, President ; Gen. Butterfield, Treasurer ; J. G. K. Lawrence, Secretary.
The fourth course, that of the Brighton Beach Fair Ground, will be mentioned more particularly, in con- nection with Coney Island.
ADDENDA.
On pages 162 and 189, reference is made to a confirma- tory deed given, in 1654, to the people of Gravesend, by the former Indian proprietors of Coney Island,
The following is the deed in question:
187
ADDENDA-ANCIENT HOMESTEADS.
GRAVESEND, May the seventh, 1654. Certain Indians, viz., Mattenoh, Sachemacko [Sachem] of Niocko [Nyack] being demanded against a certain parcel of land, viz., a neck of land from Antonie Johnson's house southward and on Island called Conye Island, to whom it did belong unto, they did all declare that it was to their knowledge the right and true proper land of one Guttaquoh, and called by them Narrioch, that is to say, the Island; and the neck of land is called by them Manahanning, and in testimony of the premises have hereunto set their hands.
Signer: VitafraQues
The above sd quantitie of land being within the bounds and limits of the land granted by pattent to certain patent- ees and inhabitants of Gravesend, by the late Gov. Kieft, the above said Guttaquoh doth, hereby, acknowledge and de- clare to have sold all his right, interest and claims to the above said quantities of land, called Narriockh and Mana- hanning, unto the honourable the lords Bewint Hebbers of the West India Company of the Chamber of Amsterdam, for the use, right and propertie of the above said patentees and inhabitants of Gravesend, as having received fifteen fathoms of sewan, two gunns, three pounds of powder, for, and in, consideration of the said land, of the said patentees and inhabitants and doe hereby by virtue hereof assigne, sell and make over all my right, title and interest unto the said land unto them, their heirs, executors, administrators and assigns to enjoy as their own proper land, together with all the meadow land and marsh land thereunto appertaining. In confirmation whereof I have hereunto set my hand the seventh of May 1654.
gatta
24.2
Subscribed and acknowledged in the presence of us
GEO. L. RIGHT. A. RANDELL.
JNO. WILLSON. JUET, Interpreter.
The following deeds recorded in the office of the Secretary of State, at Albany, N. Y., also possess interest as touching materially on early Gravesend history.
Papomora, Chief of ye Indians, To
James Hubbard, John Bowne, John Til- ton, Jr., Richard Stout, William Goulding and Samuel Spicer.
Taplawappammund, Mattamahieka- nick, and Yawpochammund, Kack- enham, also Mattanoh, Norchon and Qurrmeck, To John Tilton, Samuel Spicer, William Goulding, Richard Gibbons, James Grover and Richard Stout.
Manavendo, Emmerdesolsee, Pap- ) pomera, Checawsemm, Shan- hemun, Cramanscun, Wineger- meca, Macca, To
James Grover, John. Bowne, Richard Stout, Tohn Tilton, Richard Gibbons, William Goulding, Samuel Spicer, and the rest of the company.
Jan. 25, 1664. Lib. 3, page 1.
April 7, 1665. Lib. 3, page 3.
Dated June 5, 1665. Liber 3, page 5.
Correction of Error .- It may be well here to eor- reet a ridiculous misprint made in THOMPSON's History of Long Island, ii., 76, which reflects somewhat upon the fair fame of Gravesend. It occurs in this quotation; on the 14th of April, 1649, John Furman agreed with the town to keep their calves for three weeks for sixty guilders, "to be paid in money, tobacco, or corn, and some bitters, if desired." In the original manuscript tlie word " bitters " is found to be butter !
Ancient Homesteads .- But few of these remain, the most notable being the following :
THE STILLWELL HOUSE .- This house was formerly in possession of the Van Sieklen family. Ferdinandes Van Sieklen was the first owner of the property, to whom we ean distinctly traee it; although it may have been in the family for several generations before.
After the death of Ferdinandes, who was a man of considerable note in the town, and died some time in the latter part of the last century, the property, includ- ing the house (then new), was inherited by his son Cor- nelius, the grandfather of Henry and Abram Van Siek- len, now large property owners on Coney Island. Cornelius sold it to one Richard Stillwell, from which time the Stillwell interest in the property begins. It is said of Cornelius Van Sieklen that, after he sold the property, he went to Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county
THE STILLWELL HOUSE.
and bought a farm. Soon his wife died, and he re- turned to Gravesend. Happening one day to meet a worthy maiden, Katrina Stillwell, while she was in the aet of milking the eow, being struck with her modest beauty, and perhaps also with her worth as a frugal helpmeet for a farmer, he at onee proposed marriage to her on the spot; and after one night for careful de- liberation, he was accepted. From this marriage sprang the present Van Sieklen family, which is the third generation.
- Riehard Stillwell, whom we left in possession of the property, occupied the old house till his death, when it was conveyed to his son Daniel, whose heirs still hold it. Mr. Stillwell lived in the old house for some years, when he built a fine residence in striking contrast to the low-roofed, side-shingled house of his fathers.
188
HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.
After this the old house was occupied by his farmer, and continues so to be used to this day. It is a vener- able structure, probably over a century old, and is still in a fair state of preservation.
THE STRYKER HOUSE .- This is another of the old land-marks of Gravesend. We can only trace it back three generations, to Cornelius Stryker, who, at his death, left it to his son Derick.
After his death, it continued to be the family resi- denee for over 30 years. In 1861, when the youngest child, Cornelius D. Stryker, became of age, the farm was divided, and the widow bought the interest of the other heirs in the old house.
Some ten or fifteen years later, she sold the house to her son-in-law, Mr. David Jones, the present owner. It begins to show plainly the marks of age. Its history
THE STRYKER HOUSE.
must reach back nearly, if not fully, a hundred years. Like the Stillwell House, it is built after the Dutch fashion of the early times; it is one story, with extend- ing eaves on either side which form a kind of piazza, and with the living, sleeping and working rooms mostly on the ground floor.
What is remarkable about this house is that the roof has never been renewed, and the shingles, though very much dilapidated and open to the weather, are still the same that were laid when the house was first built ; probably long before the oldest person in town was born. An outlay of a few hundred dollars would make it good for many years to come.
THE JOHNSON HOUSE .- This house was built by Barrent Johnson, from whom it descended, through his son, to the late Barrent Johnson, for many years Asso- ciate-Justice of the Court of Sessions, whose heirs now hold it. This house, though not so old as the others mentioned, is far older in appearance and more dilapi- dated, and shows the sad neglect of years. It is fast passing into an uninhabitable condition.
To look at these old houses, one would think they were built to last, not for years, but centuries.
The large, heavy timbers then used, which were cut
a year before needed, and well seasoned, would now be considered almost too cumbersome for a five-story fac- tory.
THE JOHNSON HOUSE.
This old house is especially noteworthy, because it stands, on what will be seen by the old map, to have been originally the " Bowery of ye Lady Moody," and is no doubt very near the site of her early residence. It is situated, like the other two mentioned, near the center of the village.
It cannot fail to awaken in the mind of one who knows anything of its history, grateful thoughts of the noble woman who took so grand and memorable a part in the early settlement, defence and prosperity of the town.
COTTAGE OF REV. A. P. STOCKWELL .- This cottage is situated a little distance from the village, and near the Ocean parkway, which connects Prospect Park with the ocean. It was built by Rev. A. P. Stockwell, pas- tor. of the Reformed Church at Gravesend, in 1882, for his private residence. Mr. Dixon of Brooklyn was the
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