USA > New York > Ulster County > Kingston > The history of Kingston, New York : from its early settlement to the year 1820 > Part 36
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The school appears to have met with very great success from the commencement. It undoubtedly was very much needed in the country, and reaped the reward of its early establishment. Mr. Addison, the principal, was a man of nerve, of learning, and of first-class educational talent. The school under him took a very high rank and earned it by its works, and not by boasting. It continued uninterruptedly through the war until the vandal's torch reached the school-room. Then there was necessarily a sus- pension, but it was only temporary. They had men of determina- tion as well as lovers of learning at the helm in those days.
As a matter of historic interest, a copy of .the rate-bill of the English department, with the names of parents and scholars up to the very day of the conflagration, from the 15th of May, 1777, to the 16th of October, 1777, will be found in the Appendix. It can be relied on as an official paper. The copy is complete, the mem- oranda of studies pursued and arrearages of tuition only omitted. It is regretted that the one for the classical department could not also have been found.
The repair of the school-house and putting it in condition for the use of the school, was proceeded with as soon as practicable
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after the destruction of the woodwork therein by the Englishmen's torches. The suspension of the school was of such short duration that at a meeting of the trustees held on the first Tuesday of March, 1778, less than four months from the date of the conflagra- tion. the board being advised of Mr. Addison's need of an assistant, at once appointed a committee to procure one.
The minute-book has the following entry in the proceedings of a meeting of the trustees held on the 2d day of October, 1778, a few days less than one year after the conflagration :
"Mr Addison having informed the Trustees that he would have his pupils ready for examination, by the second Wednesday of this month, it was ordered that the Clerk draw an advertise- ment and cause it to be published in Mr Holt's paper, setting forth that a public examination, of Mr Addison's students, will be on the 2nd Wednesday of this month at the house of Capt Evert Bogardus, in this town, at 10 O'clock in the morning."
At a meeting held on the 12th of October, it was " Ordered that Messrs Osterhoudt, Jansen and Elmendorf prepare benches etc at Captain Bogardus for the spectators, at the examination, and that they request Capt Bogardus to have a dinner prepared on Wednesday next for twenty men."
The examination was held at the appointed time before the trustees and as large an audience of spectators as could be accom- modated in the room, and everything passed off with great éclat and satisfaction, and was followed by a month's vacation.
On the 18th day of November, 1778, the school was opened with a large attendance of pupils, and on the 8th of December following the trustees entered into an agreement with Mr. Addison to pay him a salary of £214 for the then current year, commencing with the said 18th day of November. They then established the rate of tuition at £8 per annum, and added £14 as a bonus to Mr. Addi- son's previous year's salary.
On the 12th of February, 1779, the trustees " Ordered that Mr Houghteling be empowered to agree with Mr Peter Van Steenbergh, or some other person, to serve as Tutor in the English School, for a sum not exceeding £180 and also to hire Mr Jacob Turck's house for the accommodation of the said Tutor's family." And on the 15th day of April, 1779, they " Resolved that the lot belonging to the school house, now in Mr. Addison's possession, be put in good fence, and that the rubbish and dirt about the door be carted away and levelled." And appointed Mr. Hoffman to superintend the work.
At the same meeting they passed the following preamble and resolution :
" Whereas by the present indeterminate value of the paper cur-
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HISTORY OF KINGSTON.
rency, the salaries of the Tutors of the Academy of this place are by no means adequate for their support, Resolved that from and after the ensuing vacation the price of tuition for each student shall be as formerly £5 per annum, to be paid either in specie or produce or in continental money equal to the exchange, as the same shall be when the payment shall become due." And at the request of Mr. Addison, they fixed his salary for the then ensuing year, to commence on that date, at £100 per annum in specie.
On the 3d day of August, 1779, at a meeting of the trustees, Abraham Van Vechten, who in subsequent years for a long time stood highest in the front rank among the leading members of the bar of this State, attended before the trustees and informed them that he had for some time, at Mr. Addison's request, assisted him as an usher, and desired a reasonable compensation for his ser- vices. The trustees agreed to allow him a salary of £135 currency per annum, but required him to give three months' notice of his intention to quit the service. This Mr. Van Vechten was the first man who received a license to practice in the Supreme Court under the State Constitution, and for that reason, and for his eminent standing in the profession, was designated as the father of the New York Bar.
The inhabitants of Kingston, it appears, were not content with a successful academy, but desired also to be honored with the loca- tion of a university or college within their territory. The follow- ing entries appear in the trustees' minutes under the respective dates, as specified :
August 3d, 1779 .- " Whereas several deliberations and conver- sations have heretofore been had, respecting the obtaining a charter to erect and establish a University or College in this town, Resolved that the Trustees will do every thing in their power to encourage and promote so laudable an undertaking." They thereupon also appointed Judge Wynkoop, Mr. Tappen, Mr. Gasherie, and Mr. Addison a committee to consult with his excellency the governor, and the Hon. Robert R. Livingston, respecting the said college or university, and to prepare a petition to the Legislature of this State, at the next session, praying for leave to bring in a bill for that purpose.
January 11th, 1780 .- " The Trustees, having at the last session of the Legislature of this State, proffered a petition to that body, for leave to bring in a bill to erect or establish a College or Univer- sity in this town, and the Assembly of this State having given leave to bring in a bill for that purpose, by their resolve dated October 20. 1779 " Ordered that Derick Wynkoop and Christopher Tappen repair to Albany, in order to consult the Hon Robert Yates and Mr Egbert Benson and such other gentlemen as they shall
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think proper, to draft and complete a bill for that purpose, and that the Trustees will reimburse them the expense etc for the con- pletion thereof."
Under these proceedings nothing was accomplished. Subse- quent proceedings were taken by and in behalf of the trustees of the academy for the same purpose in the year 1804, which will be set forth in a subsequent part of this chapter.
Mr. Addison continued in charge of the academy until 1784. He was succeeded by John McMillan on the 23d day of November, 1784, under an engagement for one year.
On the 6th day of February, 1785, the trustees determined that
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ACADEMY.
it was desirable that the academy should be furnished with a bell, and appointed a committee for that purpose. The committee sub- sequently, on the 16th of February, reported that they had been to Mr. Nathan Smedes to purchase a bell, that he had declined to take any compensation therefor, and had made a present of the same to the academy. And they further reported that Mr. Smedes had in addition offered to give the trustees as many cedar posts as might be necessary to build a steeple on the academy building to accommodate the bell.
The trustees accepted the gift and made a suitable expression
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of thanks to Mr. Smedes for his liberal offer. They at once desig- nated one of their number, Mr. Schoonmaker, to fetch the posts.
In June, 1788, Mr. McMillan resigned as principal, to take effect at the close of the then current term. The trustees at once wrote to Dr. Witherspoon, requesting him to recommend to them for the place " a gentleman whose ability and moral character will add a reputation to the school, and whose assiduity and attention to the progress of his pupils will render it (the academy), as it formerly has been, a general blessing to this part of the Country."
In the course of their communication they expressed their pref- erence for a married man, as he " when happily situated is not so apt to change his situation, as young gentlemen who are generally fond of making experiments." They closed their communication, after setting forth the conveniences, etc., of the academy, by say- ing that " they think it unnecessary, on the present occasion, to enumerate the qualifications which the gentleman ought to possess as a teacher. You are the proper judge, for the Corporation of Kingston ; it will be sufficient for the Rector of their academy to be a gentleman of Dr Witherspoon's recommendation. A man, whose long and unwearied services in promoting the felicity of mankind, will ever be remembered by the virtuous and the wise with gratitude and applause."
On the 24th of October, 1788, the trustees entered into a con- tract with George Barnes Ewart to take charge of the academy and teach the Greek and Latin languages and the higher English branches for the term of six months.
Mr. Ewart did not appear to give entire satisfaction, as may be judged from the fact that on the 18th of December, 1789, the trustees appointed a committee to consult with Dominie Doll and Mr. Addison to procure an able instructor in the place of Mr. Ewart as soon as possible.
That did not result in any change, and on the 28th day of January, 1791, the trustees resolved " that the corporation become a member of the University of New York."
In the month of March, 1791, the dissatisfaction of the patrons of the academy arose to fever heat, so that on the 4th of March Messrs. Oke Sudam and Samuel Freer presented a petition to the trustees, signed by thirty-six of the patrons of the academy, which alleged that the fathers paid their money, but the children did not learn ; that the academy was in a declining state, and urging such measures to be taken as would restore it in the future to a high and flourishing condition. The trustees at once summoned Mr. Ewart before them, and gave him the requisite three months' notice to leave the academy.
Messrs. Gerrit Van Keuren, Tobias Van Buren, and Peter
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Marius Groen were appointed a committee to ascertain the sense of the people in regard to what measures the trustees should take to procure a teacher.
The academy was vacated by Mr. Ewart at the close of the term, and it remained closed for nearly a year, owing to the diffi- culty of securing a satisfactory principal. They were well con- pensated for the delay, however, as they then secured the services of a most competent and faithful instructor in the person of Tim- othy Tredwell Smith.
The trustees gave the following notice in the public papers :
" KINGSTON ACADEMY.
" The Trustees of Kingston, in Ulster county, take this method of giving public information that they have again established the Academy in this place under their particular direction and inspec- tion. A gentleman of competent education and abilities has been procured who at present presides over it. The Greek and Latin languages, and in general the various branches of education usual in academies are taught here. The healthy situation of the town, the convenient and cheap boarding that can be procured, it is expected, will encourage parents and guardians to patronize this institution by sending their children and those under their care to it. The Trustees assure the public that from specimens of the proficiency of the scholars already afforded, they have the fullest confidence of giving general satisfaction to all those who may honor them with their attendance.
"KINGSTON, December 1, 1792."
After the reopening of the academy it again resumed its course of prosperity and celebrity, and on the 21st day of February, 1794, the trustees of Kingston applied to the regents of the University of the State of New York for the incorporation of the institution which had been thus established and nurtured by them. A few days after making such application, and anticipating the favorable action of the regents, the then trustees of Kingston, Peter Marius Groen, Moses Yeomans, Jeremiah Du Bois, Gerrit Van Keuren, Philip Swart, Tobias Meyer, Tjerck C. De Witt, Evert Bogardus, and Samuel Swart, by deed of conveyance, bearing date March 1st, 1794, conveyed to John Addison, George J. L. Doll, and others trustees of the academy in Kingston all that certain messuage, etc. (describ- ing the academy lot at the corner of Crown and John streets in this village), " To have and to hold the said lot of ground with the hereditaments and appurtenances unto the Trustees of the Academy in Kingston and to their lawful successors forever to and for the sole and only use, benefit and purpose of promoting literature in
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the said Academy in Kingston, and to and for no other use, benefit and purpose under any pretence whatever."
It appears that the regents of the university made no response to the first application, and therefore the trustees of Kingston renewed their application on the 5th of January, 1795. This time their petition received the favorable action of the regents, and Kingston Academy was duly incorporated by a deed of incorpora- tion, a copy of which is here inserted as a matter of historic interest.
"The Regents of the University of the State of New York to all to whom these presents shall come or may concern, greeting : Whereas the Trustees of the Freeholders and Commonalty of the town of Kingston, in the County of Ulster and State of New York, by two several instruments in writing under their hands and Cor- poration Seal, bearing date respectively, the 21st day of February, 1794, and the 5th day of January, in the year 1795, after stating among other things that they have had for several years an estab- lished academy in the said town for the instruction of youth in the learned languages, and other branches of useful knowledge, and have purchased and appropriated to that use and purpose a lot of ground with a large and commodious building thereon, in the said town, did respectfully make application to us, the said Regents, that the said Academy might be incorporated, and become subject to the visitation of us and our successors ; and that John Addison, George J. L. Doll, Petrus Van Vlierden, Moses Yeomans, Peter Marius Groen, Cornelius Jansen, Jeremiah Du Bois, Abraham Van Gaasbeek, Jr., Peter Van Gaasbeek, Coenradt Edmundus Elmen- dorf, Evert Bogardus, Petrus Myndertse, Peter Roggen, Henry Eltinge, James S. Bruyn, Peter Vanderlyn, Petrus Elmendorf, Jr., Samuel Freer, Moses Cantine, James. Oliver, Abraham Van Horne, Gerrit De Witt, Joseph Hasbrouck, and Johannis Bruyn, might be the Trustees of said Academy, by the name of The Trustees of Kingston Academy : Now know ye that we, the said Regents, having inquired into the allegations contained in the said instruments in writing, and found the same to be true, and it appearing to us by due proof that the said applicants have contrib- uted more than one half in value of the real and personal property and estate collected or appropriated for the use and benefit of the said Academy, and we conceiving the same calculated for the pro- motion of Literature, do by these presents, pursuant to the statute in such case made and provided, signify our approbation of the Incorporation of the said John Addison, George J. L. Doll, Petrus Van Vlierden, Moses Yeomans, Peter Marius Groen; Cornelius Jansen, Jeremiah Du Bois, Abraham Van Gaasbeek, Jr., Peter Van Gaasbeek, Coenradt Edmundus Elmendorf, Evert Bogardus,
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HISTORY OF KINGSTON.
Petrus Myndertse, Peter Roggen, Henry Eltinge, James S. Bruyn, Peter Vanderlyn, Petrus Elmendorf, Jr., Samuel Freer, Moses Cantine, James Oliver, Abraham Van Horne, Gerrit De Witt, Joseph Hasbrouck. and Johannis Bruyn, the Trustees of the said Acad- emy, so as aforesaid named by the founders thereof, by the name of The Trustees of Kingston Academy, being the name mentioned in and by the said request in writing. In witness whereof we have caused our common seal to be hereunto affixed this third day of February, in the nineteenth year of the independence of the United States, Annoque Domini, one thousand seven hundred and ninety- five. Witness : George Clinton, Esquire, Chancellor of the Uni- versity.
" By the command of the Chancellor.
DEWITT CLINTON, Secretary.
LS
GEO. CLINTON, Chancellor."
On the 10th day of June, 1795, the deed of incorporation having been received, the trustees named attended in the Academy Hall and took upon themselves the charge thus committed to them. After hearing an address suitable to the occasion from Mr. John Addison, the senior trustee, who acted as president, they pro- ceeded to the choice of the necessary officers, and Peter Van Gaas- beek was chosen Secretary, and Peter Vanderlyn, Treasurer ; the duties of President devolving upon the senior trustee, by the title of " Mr. Senior."
After which it was " Resolved unanimously that the following plan of education be adopted, and the following Rules and Regu- lations observed for the government of the Principal Tutor, Usher and Students of this Academy, viz. :
"1st. There shall be taught in this Academy the Greek and Latin languages, Elementary and Practical Geometry, Mathematics, Logic, Moral and Natural Philosophy, Ancient History, Geog- raphy, and the History and Government of the United States.
"2nd. The terms of tuition for any one of the above branches of Education shall be at and after the rate of five pounds per annum ; one-third of which sum to be paid by the Student to the Treasurer of the Trustees of this Academy on the day of his en- trance, and the remaining two-thirds at the expiration of the year,. and so in like manner for every year he shall continue therein. Each Student shall in addition to the above annual sum, furnish two loads of fire-wood for the use of the Academy, or pay the cur- rent price thereof to the Principal Tutor.
"3d. The hours for teaching shall be, during the Summer Session, from half-past eight in the morning until twelve at noon,
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HISTORY OF KINGSTON.
and from two until five o'clock in the afternoon on each day (Sat- urdays excepted), which portion of the week is deemed necessary for recreation, both of the Teachers and Students ; and during the Winter Session, from nine in the morning until twelve at noon, and from half-past one until five o'clock in the afternoon on each day (Saturdays excepted.)
" 4th. There shall be two vacations in every year, of three weeks each, to commence on the first Monday of May and October. And on the Friday immediately preceding each vacation a general and public examination of the Students in the presence of the Trustees and such other persons as may choose to attend.
"5th. That every morning the Principal Tutor, Usher, or a Master shall open the exercises of the Academy with prayer.
"6th. That there shall be quarterly visitations of the Academy by the Trustees, or a committee of them, in order to examine into the improvement and progress of the Students, and to propose such alterations and arrangements as may be found necessary and con- venient for the good government of the Academy."
It was also at that meeting, after reciting that they had agreed with Mr. Timothy Tredwell Smith, the former preceptor, to con- tinue his charge of the academy. "Resolved that Timothy Tred- well Smith be and he is hereby appointed to take charge of the Academy as Principal Tutor thereof for two years, to commence on the 14th day of May, 1796, and that he be allowed for his ser- vices for the first year, to terminate the 14th day of May, 1797, the sum of 170 pounds ($425), and for the year next thereafter the sum of 185 pounds ($462,50)."
From the plan thus shadowed forth in the preceding resolutions, it is evident that the trustees started with a determination to main- tain the established character of the institution, and conduct therein a school of a high and severe grade. The establishment of semi-annual examinations in the presence of the trustees evinced the watchful care with which they intended to foster and watch the progress of the institution.
These semi-annual examinations were kept up for many years, and were punctually attended by the full board, all the trustees making it a matter of pride and duty to attend, unless prevented by sickness or some other unavoidable cause. The distinguished character of that institution for many succeeding years, and the names of the eminent men enrolled among its alumni, testify to the wisdom of the policy. The semi-annual recurrence of that event was looked forward to with great expectations of delight and pleasure by the citizens of Kingston and surrounding country, both old and young, and weeks preceding the event preparations. were made for its fitting celebration. Every house was thrown
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HISTORY OF KINGSTON.
open for the reception and entertainment of strangers and visitors, who flocked to the village on these occasions, and freely and happily partook of the cordial hospitality of our Dutch ancestry. Upon the morning of the day fixed for the examination, the Board of Trustees convened at a public house which was then situated at the corner of Fair Street and Maiden Lane. They were escorted in procession from that place by the students, preceded by music, and amid the merry ringing of the village bells, proceeded to the Academy Hall, when the examination, rigid and thorough in its character, took place. The examination was followed by a public dinner, of which both students and trustees, as well as distin- guished strangers, partook. After dinner, in the spring examina- tions, the literary exercises of the day were closed by declamation in the Dutch Church, then the only church in the village. In the fall the literary exercises of the examination day were closed by an exhibition in the court-room, at which dialogues, disputations on questions proposed, and speeches were delivered by the students. Originally the exercises of the evening were enlivened and inter- spersed by the performance of scenes from tragedies, farces, and comedies. This was prohibited by a resolution of the board adopted on the 10th day of December, 1805, when it was " Resolved that hereafter there shall be no public exhibition of any tragedy, comedy, or farce by the scholars after the semi-annual examina- tions ; but their exercises may consist of dialogues, dissertations on questions proposed, and other fit and proper speeches and orations as may tend to qualify them for public speaking." After the literary exercises were closed the younger portion of the visitors and citizens united with the students in the merry dance, and thus joyously spent the rest of the night until the small hours of the morning. The writer found among the papers of his mother several invitations to the Commencement balls, and fac-similes are here inserted as matters of historic interest. Among the managers will be found the names of several who be- came distinguished as judges, and in the learned professions and political life.
The public dinner was abolished by special order of the Board of Trustees, on the 23d day of April, 1813, when it was " Resolved, that hereafter no dinner be paid for by the Treasurer, and that the Trustees have no public dinner hereafter."
Such pleasing observances of the semi-annual examinations con- tinued for many years. They waned, however, with the declining prosperity of the academy. By the time the academy had degen- erated from a high-toned institution, devoted entirely to the classics and higher English branches, to a mixed school for all classes and ages and progress of advancement, the semi-annual examinations
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HISTORY OF KINGSTON.
THE HONOR OF Mifs G. Marius Ground
COMPANY IS REQUESTED AT
A Ball,
At Mr. DE WAAL's, on Friday next, 7 o'clock, P. M.
JOHN SUDAM, HERMAN RUGGLES, . JULIUS WHITE, J. I. VANDERPOEL, October 22, 1805.
Managers.
PUERILE BALL.
THE Honor of Mifs Company is reguefted at a Ball, on the Night of the Commencement of the Students, at
Mr. Bogardus's Hotel.
Cornelius D. Wefibrook, Jacob E. Bogardus, Severyn Bruyo, Thomas Bruyo,
MANA- GERS.
Pacetion Ball.
Mifs Cornelia Marcus Grons.
Company is requested at a BALL, on Friday Even- ing, at 7 o'clock, at DE WAAL's Assembly Room SEVERYN BRUYN, I. I. VAN DERPOOL, Managers BEVERLY KAIN, ANDREW BRUYN,
April 27.
INVITATIONS.
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