USA > New York > Kings County > Flatbush > The history of the town of Flatbush in Kings County, Long Island > Part 9
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John Sloss Hobart, 5.
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benefactors of the Institution then turned their attention to another source. There was at that time a considerable tract of land lying east of the village, belonging to the in- habitants of Flatbush, and held by them in common. This is what was called Twillers and Corlear Flats. The pro- prietors of the town held rights in these Flats, which were specified in their deeds, but no one could locate his par- ticular part. It was held in common, and hence consent was obtained for the sale and disposition of the same. The founders of the Academy held proportionate rights in these commons, and agreed that their respective propor- tions should be applied towards paying the debt they had contracted. These Flats, as we have heretofore stated, were sold at the rate of $16, an acre. The proceeds of the sale of Corlears Flats chiefly were devoted to the benefit of the Academy. The whole amount by which the Acad- emy was benefited by this sale was about $1500. The residue of the amount of sales was divided among those inhabitants of the town who would not relinquish their right in favor of the Academy.
As things were now in a considerable state of for- wardness, and the building ready for its intended pur- poses, the founders above named, the more fully to carry their designs into effect, did, on the 18th day of May, 1787, make application to the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New-York, that the Academy erected by them, might be incorporated by that Honor- able Body, and become subject to their visitation. On the 20th, of November, 1787, a charter of incorporation was granted to John Vanderbilt, Walter Minto, Peter Lefferts, Johannes E. Lott, Aquila Giles, Cornelius Van- derveer, George Martense, Jacob Lefferts, William B. Gifford, Hendrick Suydam, John J. Vanderbilt, Martinus
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Schoonmaker, Philip Nagel, Peter Cornell, John H. Liv- ingston, James Wilson, Samuel Provost, John Mason and Comfort Sands, as Trustees of the said Academy, by the name and style of "The Trustees of Erasmus Hall, in King's County." The name given to the Academy was in honor of Desiderius Erasmus, of Holland, the distin- guished patron of literature, in the 16th, Century. Only two academies had been incorporated by the Regents previously to this, so that it is the third oldest Academy in the State.
It may be proper to state, that James Wilson, Samuel Provost, John Mason and Comfort Sands, four of the Trustees named in the Charter of Incorporation, in conse- quence of not living in the town, never attended any of the meetings of the Board, and their places becoming va- cant, the Rev. Peter Lowe, Garrit Martense, Peter Stryker and Cornelius Bergen were elected members of the Board.
The seminary was, from its commencement, opposed by many of the inhabitants of Flatbush, who entertained a strong and decided attachment to the village school, and consequently their influence and means had a great tend- ency to retard the rise and progress of Erasmus Hall. Several amusing anecdotes might be told touching this. Some were disposed to ascribe all their misfortunes to the erection of the Academy. One worthy old gentleman, when unloading some bags, unfortunately slipped, and fell from his waggon. He rose greatly incensed, and cried out, "that Academy will never do."
The Trustees of the Institution however, though labor- ing under a heavy debt, and incumbered by various diffi- culties, were assiduous in their duty. They devised a system of instruction, rules and regulations by which the Hall should be governed, and employed the ablest and best teachers in the different departments of instruction.
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This last measure however, while it lessened the spirit of opposition, consumed the whole income of the institution, as all was annually expended in paying the salaries of these teachers and other expenses incidental to all literary establishments. The debt of the Hall, notwithstanding the most persevering exertions on the part of the Trustees, amounted still to $1,250. The Trustees by farther volun- tary contributions, reduced somewhat this amount, so that on the 12th of September, 1789, it was $1,064.94. On the 17th day of June, 1794, application was made to the Trustees, for the purchase of the remaining part of the commons which had not been disposed of at the first sale. The proposals were accepted, and the conveyances accordingly executed. With the money arising from this sale, the debt of the Hall was reduced to $900. In this situation it remained till the year 1808, when a donation of $100, was granted by the Regents of the University to the Trustees of Erasmus Hall, and the same was ap- plied, in conjunction with other exertions of the Trustees, towards discharging the debt, and on the 13th of May, 1809, it was reduced to $668. It remained nearly at this amount, till the year 1825, when the debt was entirely liquidated.
At a session of the General Synod of the Reformed Dutch Church, held at Albany, in June 1794, they re- solved to locate their Divinity Hall in Flatbush. Their professor of divinity, the Rev. Dr. Livingston, had pre- viously resided here, and had given instruction to such students in theology as put themselves under his charge. It is to be regretted that the General Synod of the church ever removed their Theological School from this place, and located it in New-Jersey. Had it been continued in Flat- bush, Erasmus Hall would long ere this, have grown into
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a flourishing college, under the auspices of the State of New-York, and the literary as well as theological inter- ests of the Reformed Dutch Church, have been prospered in a far higher degree than they have yet been.
The Rev. John H. Livingston, D. D., who then resided during the summer seasons, in the house now owned by Dr. Vanderveer, was appointed the First Principal of the Hall. The office at that time, was chiefly honorary, as he performed no part of the instruction in the Academy, and so it continued to be as late as the year 1814. Mr. James Todd, was chosen the First Classical, and Joseph Turner, the First English teacher. Very shortly after- wards, John Gibson, Edward Shepherd, John Terhune, Albert Oblenis and Michael Schoonmaker, were employed in succession, as assistant teachers. In the year 1792, Mr. Todd resigned, and the Trustees appointed Peter Wilson, afterwards known as Dr. Wilson, then Professor of Languages in Columbia College, the first or chief teacher in the Hall. During the period of the adminis- tration of this distinguished linguist, the Academy flour- ished rapidly. A large number of young men from the city of New-York, not only, but from Georgia, North and South Carolina, Virginia and the West-Indies were sent here to be educated, most of whom, boarded in the respective families of the town. Among these, some have been quite distinguished in the several professions, both in church and state. We may mention the following :
William A. Duer, now President of Columbia College.
John Duer, one of the revisers of the Revised Statutes of this state.
John Berrian, late Attorney General of the United States, and now a member of the Senate.
Henry Jackson, Secretary of Legation to France, un- der the Hon. Mr. Crawford.
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George M. Troup, for several terms Governor of Georgia.
John Hunter, now a member of the Senate of New- York.
Rev. Jno. Blair Linn, the eloquent minister of the Re- formed Dutch Church, of New-York, and a distinguished American poet.
Rev. Jno. H. Meyers, pastor of the church of Schenec- tady.
Rev. Jacob Schoonmaker, D. D., pastor of the church of Jamaica.
Rev. Peter Labagh, pastor of the church of Harlingen, New-Jersey.
Rev. Peter Van Pelt, D. D., pastor of the church of Westchester.
Rev. Philip Duryee, D. D., pastor of the church of English Neighborhood, N. J.
Morris Miller, formerly member of Congress and First Judge of Oneida County.
We might enlarge this list to a considerable extent, but we forbear.
On the 28th of November, 1792, the Rev. Dr. Living- ston resigned the office of Principal of the Hall. His let- ter was received by the board, on the 5th of December in that year, and at a subsequent meeting held on the 8th of the same month, an answer was agreed upon, which re- flects the highest credit upon the heads and hearts of the Trustees. In it a most flattering, but entirely just tribute, is paid to the general character of Dr. Livingston, and especially to his zealous efforts in behalf of the Academy.
Teachers of suitable qualifications were from time to time employed, to assist in the instruction of the pupils in the English and French languages. These we need not enumerate. On the 29th of June 1797, Dr. Wilson hav-
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ing been again called to the professorship of languages in Columbia College, resigned his post as chief teacher in the Academy. He appears, however, to have retained nominally, the office of Principal, until December 14th, 1804, and during this interval, attended the semi-annual examinations, exercised a watchfulness over the institu- tion, and lent his aid in the procuring of suitable teach- ers. At his resignation, in 1797, he presented to the Trustees, the sum of £25, to be appropriated towards de- fraying the debts of the Hall. Mr. Albert Oblenis, was appointed First teacher, in the place of Dr. Wilson. He continued his connection with the institution, until the year 1806. In the year 1797, an attempt was made on behalf of the Trustees to obtain from the Legislature of the State the privilege of raising the sum of £1,200 by Lottery, with the view of liquidating their debt. A sim- ilar effort was made in the year 1809, but no law was passed by the Legislature for the purpose, and the project was abandoned.
An arrangement having been effected by exchange of property, by which the Trustees of the Reformed Dutch Church of Flatbush came in possession of the lot of land on which the academy is erected, they, on the 29th day of December, in the year 1797, executed a lease of the same in perpetuity to the Trustees of Erasmus Hall, for a cer- tain consideration, which is named in the instrument.
Dr. Wilson finding it inconvenient to hold the office of Principal of the Hall, resigned the same in the year 1804. His letter of resignation was received at a meeting of the board, held February 9th, 1805, when his resignation was accepted, and the Rev. Peter Lowe appointed Principal. A most respectful letter was addressed to Dr. Wilson on the part of the Trustees, and their acknowledgments ten- dered to him for his faithful services in the institution.
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A little previous to this, viz., in the year 1803, the vil- lage school was removed into the academy, and Mr. Patrick Noon the last schoolmaster who was employed in the old school house was discharged. From that time to the present, being a period of about thirty-nine years, the children of the village have been regularly taught in Erasmus Hall.
The instruction in the Academy after the resignation of Dr. Wilson, continued to be conducted by Messrs. Oblenis and Schoonmaker. The latter gentleman resigned in 1805, and was succeeded by Mr. Richard Fish. Adrian Hegeman, Cornelius Van Cleef and John Wyckoff, were assistant teachers about the same period. In the month of September, 1806, Mr. Oblenis resigned the office of First teacher. He was succeeded by Mr. Joab Cooper, who has since become extensively known as the editor of an edition of Virgil. He continued his connection with the Hall, for about two years; when upon his resigna- tion, Mr. Valentine Derry was appointed First teacher. In August 1809, Mr. Derry resigned, and was succeeded by Mr. Richard Whyte Thompson, who had charge of the institution for the next five years. Mr. Thompson was a man eminently qualified for this station. He was a thorough classical scholar, and possessed of eminent gifts for instruction. Under him the Academy rose again to considerable eminence, and many were taught by him who are now ornaments in the several professions. Dur- ing his connection with the Academy, a number of assist- ant teachers were in succession employed. They were John Brannon, Edward Cassidy, Ava Neal, Nicholas Morris, Adrian Hegeman, and some others. Mr. Thomp- son resigned his situation as First teacher, in December, 1814. From this time forward, for a number of years,
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there were numerous changes in this department. Will- iam Thayre was appointed in December 1814. He was succeeded in 1815, by William Ironside. In 1816, Mr. Joab Cooper was again temporally employed; and in 1817, Mr. Andrew Craig took charge of the institution. Mr. Craig resigned his situation in June 1819, in conse- quence of the feeble state of his health. On accepting his resignation, the board adopted the following minute:
" In consequence of the high opinion entertained by the board in the talents and usefulness of Mr. Craig, as the able instructor of youth, and the valuable member of so- ciety, his resignation was accepted by the board with sen- timents of extreme regret."
In August 1819, the Rev. Joseph Penney was chosen Principal of the Hall. He was associated with the Rev. John Mulligan. These gentlemen continued their con- nection with the Academy until the year 1821, when upon their resignation they were succeeded by the Rev. Timothy Clowes, D. D. He remained but about two years.
In May 1823, the institution passed into the hands of Mr. Jonathan W. Kellogg, who continued to have charge of it till May 1834. During this period the Academy flourished. A large number of pupils from abroad were boarded in the Hall, and the Board of Trustees in 1825, were enabled to liquidate entirely the remains of the debt, under which the Academy had labored from its founda- tion. Upon his taking charge of the institution, Mr. Kel- logg divided the English, or common school department, into male and female, and employed separate instructors for each. Previously to this, the boys and girls were asso- ciated in one room, and taught by one teacher. The sep- aration introduced by Mr. Kellogg, and which was a very great improvement, has continued to this day. Not only
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separate and distinct apartments, but separate entrances have been provided for the males and females. The first Instructress under this new arrangement, was Miss Maria Jones. She was succeeded in 1829, by Miss Julia De Forest. She remained but about one year. Mrs. W. W. Maltby then taught for about six months, and was suc- ceeded in 1831, by Miss Almira Meach, who taught for two years. A short time previous to Mr. Kellogg's leav- ing the institution, Miss Rudd had charge of the female department, assisted by Miss Ely. The male assistants under Mr. Kellogg, were Jonathan B. Kidder, John Frey, Theodore Morrell, William Allgeo, William H. Campbell, Isaac Grier, J. W. Thompson, J. J. Prentice and some others. We need not specify the precise times, during which these gentlemen taught. Miss Geib, Miss Philo- mela Rolla, Miss Emma Gillingham, and some others, were employed in giving instruction in music.
During the period in which Mr. Kellogg had charge of the Academy, many improvements were made to the build- ing and grounds. In the former, in addition to a front piazza, a full suit of dormitories was finished in the attic, besides other important changes. The campus, which was bare of trees and shrubbery, excepting two rows of decay- ing poplars extending in a diagonal direction, from the corners of the building to the road, was greatly improved. The heart, which lies in front of the entrance, was laid out and planted with flowers and shrubs. Besides the Balm of Gilead, in the centre of the heart, many ornamental forest trees, consisting of the tulip, the button ball and the sugar maple, together with a line of flowering shrubs, all around the front and sides, were set out. In addition to these, a row of button-ball trees was planted on the front walk.
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All these are now in a flourishing condition, and have added very greatly to the appearance of the Hall.
In the winter of 1826-7, an additional wing, of fifty feet in depth and twenty-five in width, was added to the main building, for the accommodation of the schools. The cost of this was $1500, but in the course of about four or five years, this new debt was also paid. In May, 1834, the Rev. William H. Campbell, who had opened a select school in the village the previous year, took charge of the Insti- tution. Though his superior qualifications as a teacher are well known, it is due to him, to say that while he gave the highest satisfaction to his employers, he infused a de- sire in the bosoms of parents in the village, to give their children a liberal education, to a degree that had never before existed. During his connection with the Academy, the standard of education in the town was much raised. In consequence of feeling that it was his duty to return to the ministry, which he had been forced to leave, in consequence of impaired health, he resigned his office as Principal of the Hall, and left it in the spring of 1839.
He had employed, as his assistants, John W. Thompson, James Campbell, C. B. Raymond, John Mc Alpin, John Skellie, Mark Hopkins Beecher, Jacob Gillet, Ambrose Leet; and as instructresses in the female department Anna F. Vose and Laura Mc Elwaine.
On the 20th, of January, 1835, the Regents of the Uni- versity determined to establish a department for the in- struction of common school teachers in Erasmus Hall, in conformity with the provisions of an act of the Legis- lature, which had passed the previous session, which au- thorised the Regents to endow a department of this char- acter, in some one academy in each of the eight senatorial
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districts of the State. Erasmus Hall was chosen for the Southern District. The Trustees on the 10th, of Feb- ruary, 1835, agreed to accept the trust, and made all the necessary arrangements to carry out the views of the Leg- islature and of the Regents. It was soon found however, that in consequence of the high price of boarding in and about the city of New-York, the department would not be furnished with pupils. Only one or two applications were made, and the Trustees perceiving that it would be im- practicable to maintain such a department, with any de- gree of success, in the Southern District, did, on the 31st, of December, 1836, resign the trust; upon which, the Regents transferred the department for this district to the Salem Academy in Washington County. Mr. Campbell was succeeded as Principal, in May, 1839, by the Rev. Dr. Penney, late President of Hamilton College. He however continued in the Institution, as classical teacher for nine months longer. In addition to him, Dr. Penney employed Mr. Beecher, Mr. Rowle, Mr. Davenport, Mr. Willis and Mr. Stoothoff. The females were taught chiefly by Miss Mc Ilwaine and Miss Palmer. Dr. Penney continued in charge of the Hall until November, 1841, when James Ferguson, A. M. the present worthy incumbent, entered upon his duties, whose character and assistants are well known.
Attached to Erasmus Hall, is a library, philosophical and chemical apparatus, and a mineralogical cabinet. The latter is not large, but yet contains a goodly variety of specimens. The apparatus, both philosophical and chemical, is not in a very good state of repair. Some of the articles are comparatively new, and in good order. But the greater part are quite old and need to be replaced by others. The library has gradually increased until it
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has attained a very respectable size. It was commenced together with the philosophical apparatus, by a liberal donation from the board of Regents of the University of the State, in the year 1791. By the prudent and efficient management of the Trustees, the library has been fostered and gradually enlarged, until at present it numbers fif- teen hundred and thirty-four volumes, and is the second academical library in size in the State. It is in general also well selected. It contains most of the standard au- thors in English Literature, and for history, will compare with any library of its size in the country. It affords not only the means of recreation to the pupils, but of sound and useful knowledge. The whole arrangements of the Hall, indeed, are now such, and have in fact almost al- ways been as to furnish to all who are connected with it, the opportunity of obtaining a good, substantial educa- tion, sufficient indeed, to give the promise of high stand- ing to those who may engage in any of the learned pro- fessions, and of usefulness and respectability, to such as may pursue the ordinary avocations of life. It is unques- tionably an institution of pre-eminent value to the village, and in fact, to all the surrounding country. We trust it will ever continue to flourish as one of the brightest orna- ments of the town, and be a healthful fountain from which shall flow forth many streams to fertilize and bless both the church and the State.
Since the establishment of the Academy, several pri- vate schools have from time to time been set up in the village. Some of these were of a high classical character, and were for a season flourishing. But we need not now enumerate them.
Connected with the literary history of the town, it is proper to state that about the year 1807, a very large printing-office was established in the village, by Mr. Isaac
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Riley. This was located in the present elegant lawn of Matthew Clarkson, Esq. The edifice was planned by Pope, the celebrated architect, and was put up at great cost. The establishment of Mr. Riley was very extensive. In connection with his printing-office he had a large bind- ery, at the head of which was Mr. James Olmstead. The printing department was superintended by Mr. Charles Wiley. In conducting the whole establishment, a large number of hands, male and female, were employed. It continued in operation for about seven years. The house was subsequently taken down, removed to Brooklyn, and rebuilt on the Heights opposite the city of New-York, where it is still standing.
Some men of high literary attainment have been edu- cated in this place, and the remains of Richard Alsop one of the poets of America, lie entombed in the public ceme- tery. None of the inhabitants of the town, however, have devoted themselves exclusively to literary pursuits, and of course we cannot boast of any distinguished author. It is due to the memory of Mr. Alsop that we state the cir- cumstances of his death in this place. He came to Flat- bush in August 1815, to visit his sister, the wife of Mr. Riley. He had retired on a certain day to his room in the house now occupied by Mrs. Schoonmaker, and was subsequently found dead sitting in a chair by the window. It is presumed he had been struck with apoplexy. The tomb-stone which marks the place where his remains lie interred, bears the following inscription :- " In memory of Richard Alsop, Esq., of Middletown, Conn. Distin- guished by genius and poetical talents, respected for in- tegrity, and beloved for his amiable simplicity of charac- ter. He died suddenly, when on a visit to this place, on the 20th of August, 1815, aged fifty-four years."
1
EVENTS DURING
THE
REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
We would now turn back your attention to the era of the great struggle for American Independence. As the battle of Long-Island, which was the first contest in which the two great armies met, occurred in and about Flatbush, and as from that period it was the scene of more or less interest during the revolutionary war, it is · proper that we should devote a separate space to this part of the history of the town.
After the commencement of hostilities in the year 1776, the city of New-York in consideration of the advantages which from its location it would afford, was selected by the British as the first grand point to be obtained. The city was then in the possession of the Americans, under the command of General Washington, in person. In the latter part of June, 1776, the first division of the British army landed on Staten-Island, and was followed about the middle of July, by the grand armament under Lord Howe, consisting of six ships of the line, thirty frigates with smaller vessels, and a great number of transports, victuallers and ships with stores of ordnance. Lord Howe at that time, first attempted by what he conceived to be conciliatory measures, to bring back the American Colo-
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nies to their allegiance to King George. We need not detail these, as they are not immediately connected with our subject. We cannot, however, omit to notice, that on the 14th of July, he sent a flag to New-York, with a let- ter under the superscription of "George Washington, Esq.," Indignant that Lord Howe had not recognised his rank and title and his connection with the American Congress, Washington, very properly, refused to receive the letter, for which he was applauded by Congress as an act of becoming dignity. On the 20th of July, Lord Howe attempted a second time to open a correspondence with General Washington. He sent another letter by the hands of Adjutant General Patterson, addressed to " George Washington, &c. &c. &c." The General treated the Adjutant with all politeness, but notwithstanding all he could say, Washington refused to receive the letter, telling him, "it is true the et ceteras imply every thing, but it is no less true, they imply any thing." A noble answer to this repeated insult to himself and his coun- try, and a clear presage of the practical wisdom, courage and firmness of him to whom America, under God, had committed her cause.
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